List of things that you think will make you happy...

Ah... now this is an interesting list! It's focuses on thinking about the future, and really aren't we supposed to live in the present? What control do we have over the future anyhow? We have hope, and wishes and dreams but our happiness really needs to be now. 

But I do dream of things that might add to my happiness, but I don't really look at them as THE answer, because really, I am happy now...But for what it's worth, there are a few things I'd like to see come to be....

• My girls finishing college and finding satisfying careers.
• The girls marrying men that will treat them well, take care of them, support and be there for them like Walt has been for me. 
• Losing all this unhealthy weight would definitely add to my happiness... 
• Being more active and feeling better would make me smile more! 
• Paying off debt won't make me "happy" but certainly will feel wonderful! 
• Moving to a new home (although I will really miss this one). I long for the "perfect" home and right now, I can't really even say where that might be... but I am ready for change. 
• Continued growth in my career, again, happy now, but always wanting to grow. 
• Here's one that I look forward to... being a grandparent (yes, I can wait)!

This list is a short one, because like I said, I am pretty content right now! What a nice place to be...

List of things that make you happiest in your work...

Surprisingly, this is an easy one for the work I do now, because I love my job... But years ago, I don't think this list would have been as easy to create. I've come a long way in my career, I never dreamed I'd be teaching computers, teaching was never on my radar. Funny how life is!

• I love the work I do.
• I love helping people, teaching new skills.
• Flexibility - being able to work from home when I need to.
• The people I work for/with.
• Laughter at work.
• Meeting new people all the time.
• Sharing my knowledge.
• Able to express my creativity and new ideas.
• Never gets dull.
• Watching students' reactions when they finally get it.
• Finding ways to save time.
• Creating documents, newsletters, handouts, a great way to be creative.
• Supportive atmosphere.
• Casual, laid back, I do my work and no one is micro-managing me.

I have been very fortunate with my work of late. I'd have to say for the past 10 years, being a software trainer has suited me just fine! What a nice feeling! I hope to always feel this way about my work, after all, I certainly spend a lot of time on it!

List of Things You Are Happy About in Your Home Environment

What makes me happy in my home environment? 

• Looking at my house on the outside, green siding, dark green shutters and red brick. 
• The big front porch, especially when all the furniture is out, the candles are lit and I am surrounded by friends on a warm summer's night. 
• The oak woodwork and trim.
• The beveled glass door in the foyer, beautiful!
• The diamond paned windows in the foyer. 
• The windows we "discovered" that were covered up in the walls. 
• My budget decor window treatments that match my furniture. 
• Throw pillows and blankets for naps on the couch. 
• My nice big desk (albeit cluttered and messy).
• Pictures of my family.
• The nice big kitchen (the room that when I walked into it the first time, I knew this was "the house").
• Grandma's vintage opalescent lustreware porcelain cannisters. I have loved these since I was a child and I am extremely happy to have them on display. 
• The cool brass corner pieces on hardwood oak steps. 
• The huge mirror at the bottom of the steps.
• The neat arch at the bottom of the steps. 
• The color of our bathroom and the space we have now that it's remodeled.
• The whirlpool bath.
• Our big bedroom.
• The corner eaves in each room upstairs that give so much character. 
• The skinny closet in the hallway.
• The laundry chute!

Field Guide to Happiness.... Day 1

Just bought a fun new book that give you ideas for making lists... this is the first one... You should try it! What a great way to reflect! :)

List of things you were happy about yesterday...

Here's my list!

• Easy drive to Cleveland, no traffic
• SUNSHINE!
• Taught a great class
• Turned around a "nay sayer"
• Made people laugh
• Shared my enthusiasm
• Home videos viewed for the millionth time
• The girls' video skit classics
• Family time, Arianne & Brian's visit home, Sheridyn and her friend Sarah
• Laughing
• Kindle for my Blackberry!