Sweet, Simple Things

"I'm beginning to realize it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all" - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Last night, I had the idea of a blog post that I've been thinking about off and on today.  And now that I've been catching up on reading the misc. blogs that I follow, and am successfully, and due to hormonals in a blue place, I have even more reason to crank this one out.

I caught up on my blog readings by checking out the blog of two of my college teammates/roommates/friends.  One being Katy and Joey Werner, the other Palmer/Depies.  I love being able to check up and catch up in a way with friends I haven't seen in way too long. The Werners are currently in Austria, and recently had beautiful baby Myla.  Seeing the pictures of their oh so proud and loving parent smiles, and watching some of their videos, hearing their voices, brought back so many warm fuzzy feelings, and made me feel so proud of those two and their beautiful family.  But at the same time gave me a lump in my throat, thinking about how much I miss having them in my life.

Same with the Depies family.  Located near Milwaukee, Palmer and Freddy recently brought Ms. Cameron into the world, and hearing about the birth story, the traditions, the newborn photo shoot, etc. makes me so proud to know these amazing individuals, but so bummed that we are all so far away from one another.  Ubber sad face.  Although I'm incredibly blessed with the life I lead, I feel there is a puzzle piece that is missing - my friendships with these people.  For that reason, growing up sucks.  But like I said, I'm so stinking proud of them all, and love their little ones so much - even from afar, not having met them in person (yet!).

Okay, long introduction short.  I wanted to blog about things that make you feel good. Which as I said, after the nostalgic trip down memory lane, and now missing many of my favorite people I need to get my mind focusing on the good.  So forgive me for the lack of structure, but I'm just going to go at it.

showering and putting cozy clothes on, shaving (arms especially), brushing your teeth, getting 7-8+ hours of sleep, waking up with no alarm clock, breakfast, the movie ELF, laughing until you can't breathe, a movie that makes you cry (both because you are laughing or its moving), snugly puppies/dogs, fat snowflakes, the feeling of thawing out (after you are outside during winter for a long time - coming inside and slowly warming up), hugs from Dain, kisses from Ella, smirks from Nolan, the smell of a Christmas Tree, listening to KDWB Christmas wish, listening to my uncles B.S. with each other, hearing my dad do his Asian accent, listening to my dad sing, laughing with my aunts, helping people feel great with massage, the smell of eucalyptus spearamint Bath & Body Works products, dancing with my dad, listening to Louis Armstrong/Judy Garland/Frank Sinatra, pretty baked goods, baking with my mom, Christmas lights & music, eating for function, a cup of coffee, the smell of coffee shops, working out in the morning, lifting heavy weights, cleaning your ears, sneezing, having goals, watching a great movie, hammocks, getting in the car right when you're favorite song comes on, candles, pedicures, the feeling/self-esteem boost right after a hair cut, finding the perfect Christmas/Birthday present, being prepared, coming home to the smell of a crock-pot cooking, playing board games (especially at Holiday gatherings), the anticipation of a new year, thinking about life and all its changes throughout the years, where I've come from, when your favorite team(s) win, connecting with a stranger (grocery store, coffee shop, etc), making Peter breakfast, snuggling into our sleeping position, Peter's eyes when he smiles his guilty smile, hearing Dain say "Like you, Love you Abby", sports montages, cooking for others, looking at wedding/engagement pictures (people are always so happy), randomly doing things for people, cleaning...anything, the smell of winter, being optimistic, a good protein shake, jazz, and blogging.

I'm sure the list could go on and on, but as I mentioned, I love getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and my bed time is quickly approaching.  So time to wind down.  Great day on tap for tomorrow.  Started my new program today, and my workouts are very different from what I've been doing.  So I'm sure my body could use as much recovery time as possible to prep for tomorrow.  I'll post soon to update on the new scheme.  Till then, enjoy the little things in life.

"A mountain is composed of tiny grains of Earth.  The Ocean is made up of tiny drops of water.  Even so, life is but and endless series of little details, actions, speeches, and thoughts."