Day 29 - Snow Angels

I have a wonderful aunt who taught me about spontaneity and living in the moment. I'll never forget one winter evening when she said, "Want to take a walk?" with a little glimmer in her eye. It was late. Almost my bedtime - so, of course, I said yes! There was a fresh layer of snow on the ground and suddenly, without warning, she plopped down on someone's lawn and made a snow angel. She got up, began to walk away and said, "Won't THEY be surprised in the morning!" So that's what we did for the rest of our walk - made snow angels on lawns in my neighborhood. It's one of my favorite memories of my aunt. And now, I find joy in snow angels.

Day 28 - Yoga

I discovered yoga about 10 years ago. I don't practice it as often as I'd like. But when I do - especially on a regular basis it definitely brings me joy. While my sister was visiting we did yoga together every day. I sleep better when I do yoga. I feel better when I do yoga. And I honestly think I metabolize my food better when I practice yoga every day. It calms me. I feel an inch taller after a good workout. And the day seems to go by seamlessly. Things don't irritate me as much when I've practiced yoga. Yoga definitely brings me joy. No doubt about it.

Day 27 - Cell Phones

The convenience of cell phones is amazing to me. When they first arrived on the scene, all clunky and awkward I thought: ehhh, they're helpful but if people REALLY need to get a hold of me they can catch me at home. I never considered the safety factor or the convenience of being out all day - not having anything at home to make for dinner and the ability to call my favorite take-out to be ready for me to pick up on my way home. Or being able to contact my teenage daughter any time, any where. Traveling and not having to give anyone an extensive itinerary - just my cell phone number. Sure, we've all had to re-think telephone etiquette. Sure, there are "inconsiderates" out there who will never learn. But if it isn't with their cell phone it would be with their car or handheld game or just their annoying personality. But MY cellphone? Joy! Pure joy!

Day 26 - Coca Cola

I love Coke. The soda. (Not the other stuff!) It's awesome. I've been drinking it since I was a young kid when we knew nothing of the dangers of early soda abuse. When they changed the formula back in the 80's with "New Coke" I wrote a letter of protest. They switched back to "Coke Classic." I'd like to think my letter tipped the scale. To me, Coca Cola is elixir of the gods. Not diet, not cherry, not Coke Zero -- just regular good 'ole Coke. Yum. Cold, frosty and refreshing. The best is in fountain drink form over crushed ice but in a bottle or can will do. Coca-Cola. It is my weakness but it brings me joy.

Day 25 - Old Friends

It is so nice to touch base with an old friend. Someone you haven't seen in 20 years and it's as if nothing has changed. I just had that experience yesterday. She was an old friend from high school and we just discovered that even though we live about 1000 miles away from our home towns we're just 45 minutes away from each other now! Amazing! And we had the best time catching up over coffee this weekend. Here's to the joy of re-discovering old friends!

Day 24 - Getting My House Back

We live far from family. As a result, around the holidays, our home is a busy one. There was one year when we had guests staying in our home 36 out of 40 days between Thanksgiving until January 2nd. I love having family visit. I enjoy entertaining. But after the first of the year, when our home quiets down and the space becomes ours again? Heaven. No more planning elaborate menus. No more stepping over extra shoes at the front door. No more extra laundry. I can find a quiet room with no one in it. The kids can get to bed at their regular bedtime without too much fuss. I can play on the computer or watch TV without feeling guilty. Ahhh, the joy in getting my house back!

Day 23 - Beginnings

I've never been much for new year's resolutions. But I do like the promise of a new year. I love the fresh start it suggests. I look forward to the events we have coming up. Our daughter will be a senior in high school this coming fall. Our youngest will beginning grade school. We have much to look forward to. And I'm going to try to savor every moment so as not to rush things. I have a bad habit of looking so far forward I miss the "now." If I have any new year's resolution this year it will be to slow down, savor and enjoy the moment. Because this year is a promising, joyful new year. And I don't want to miss a thing!