stand by me

Can I be perfectly honest? I feel really cruddy today. REALLY cruddy. I feel queasy (not sure why), my muscles hurt (thanks to Zumba's triumphant return to my weekly schedule), I'm tired (Jack's new wake-up time is 6 or 7 instead of 8 or 9), and I'm just altogether sluggish. (No, I'm not pregnant. If you comment asking if I am, I might punch you in the neck. Just kidding. But really, don't.)

So today I need to think about things that are positive and uplifting in my life, because there are many; more than I could/should list here

10 Things Making Me Happy

1. The prospect of moving to GA. Adam applied for a theatre teaching position in Suwanee, GA, and just the idea of moving out there is so exciting to me. We haven't heard back yet from the school's principal, but we're keeping our fingers crossed (aka, we pray EVERY DAY that this will work out for us. You're welcome to do the same!).

2. Jack. Oh, Jack! The little guy and I are together just about every minute, yet I continue to be surprised at how much his little mind soaks in every day. His ever-expanding vocabulary now includes the following: car, truck, cake, cupcake, cookie, cracker, banana ("na-na"), grandma, papa, grandpa, tickle, Elmo, teddy, cow, moo, quack-quack, meow, woof, McKay ("Kay!"), Katie, Mickey and Minnie (both pronounced "Ninnie"), bird, ball, book, apple... and more.

Jack's current obsessions are basketballs, cars, eating bananas and reading his Cookie Monster book; a book I got for a quarter or less at the thrift store. I didn't even think he'd like it, and it's his favorite.

3. Zumba. Yes, Zumba. I gave it another couple of tries, and now I'm hooked. When I went the first time, I felt a little out of place; I didn't know the routines yet, and I felt a little silly shaking-what-my-momma-gave-me with a room full of women. But after giving it another try this past Monday, I decided that it's just what I need. It's fun, it's dance-y, and I come home sweaty. Mission accomplished.

4. The Bachelor -- my guilty pleasure. Yes, I watch it. Yes, I know it's a cheesy, producer-tainted reality TV show. However, real or not, it's fun. And in case you're wondering (because I know many of you watch it, too), I like Emily better, but I think he'll pick Chantal.

5. My Sunday School class. I teach the 16-18 year olds in Sunday School every week at church, and it has really been a blessing in my life. They are such smart, talented kids, and have some really great things to contribute to our classes. We are currently studying the New Testament, which, if you are not familiar, follows the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. More specifically, we are just finishing the Sermon on the Mount, which has so many fantastic teachings packed in a few, short chapters.

6. Costco. I am a recent Costco member, and have been buying the bulk of our groceries there. (Ha... bulk... punny... right?). I have been so excited about the awesome healthy options I can find there, and for such great prices compared to the regular grocery store and health food store. My favorites: Almond Butter, Quinoa (I'm looking for a great recipe for quinoa, if anyone wants to share), Peach-Mango Salsa, and the huge bucket of Sabra hummus (the next best thing to Trader Joe's Mediterranean hummus, which is THE. BEST. EVER.)


7. The sun is out today. I know, it's a simple, no-brainer one, but I really get down in the dumps when it stays cold, dark and grey for days upon end. I've wondered if I suffer from S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder), but that's another post altogether. I plan to leave the house later today with Jack, in hopes of soaking up some of that Vitamin D we so desperately need. Also, it's supposed to get up to 49 degrees here next week. Heat wave!

8. THIS video. It's "Stand By Me", but a version you have never before heard or seen. Incredible.

9. I PAID OFF ALL MY CREDIT CARD DEBT! Some of this I've been lugging around for 6+ years. I feel so free! This also makes our plans/dreams of buying a car and house in the next couple of years feel SO much more doable. Now, to tackle our student loans! (I apologize for the overuse of exclamation points in the above paragraph. I'm really that excited.)

10. American Idol. This season is incredible. Honestly. I can't wait to see more stellar performances by these young singers, whose talent is above and beyond what Idol has seen in past seasons.

So... what's making you happy today? What's keeping you going?

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Also, FYI, I have a new feature on my blog (see button above) which is my Bucket List. New developments in my life have got me thinking about all the things I want to do before my time on this earth is over; so I decided to write them all down, and keep track. Feel free to take a look!

Picture: icanread.tumblr.com