It's the Simple Things

I'm lucky to be one of those people who it doesn't take a lot to make happy. Like the popular saying goes, "It's the simple things in life..." (I actually don't know if there is a last part to that, or if there is, what it is). Today I'm not in a bad mood or anything, but I still thought it would be fun to compile a list of some of the simple things that make me happy - ironically, making lists is one of them.

• Getting a personal email from a friend - I get so many emails everyday that are work-related or junk-mail, that when the occassional email from a friend pops up in my inbox I can hardly stand waiting to read the content. So thanks everyone who frequently emails me, it makes my day - if I could tag you like you can on facebook, I totally would (Ashley, Miranda, Whitney)
• A close parking spot - For all of you who work at LU, I'm sure you can relate, although you can never count on it, a close parking spot can save you about 10 minutes on your walk up to the office, and if you're always running late, that can be your saving grace!
• Watching the newest you tube video sensation for the first time, and the sense of urgency I feel to pass it along to friends-this is my newest favorite
• Being greeted by my dog when I get home - I don't think this will ever get old. I usually come in the door kind of in a huff, the 5:00 traffic held me up, my hands are full, and I'm starving (inevitable), but when I open the door, Wrigley comes bolting to the door to greet me, and my bad mood vanishes  

• Getting a compliment on something that I cooked/baked - I have told Nathan before that these are my favorite compliments to receive - moreso than anything about me personally - the way to my heart is to compliment my food. I think it makes me feel like I'm good at something...hence a sense of validity...ok enough with the psychoanalysis
• Having time to stop by Starbucks on my way to work - this happens maybe once a week, but when it does - one Grande Sugar-Free Vanilla Nonfat Misto please!
• Going to sleep on Friday night without setting my alarm - no explanation needed
• Finding loose change around the house - oddly I never feel guilty about spending cash, and if I have it, I spend it, which is why I usually don't keep any

Well, although there are many more options, that's all for now. I'm not going to get all "count your blessings" on you, but this is a pretty good thing to do if you're in a bad mood - just saying.

Heating Up

So, I just deleted everything that I had initially written in a post discussing the benefits of summer, because as soon as I mentioned the "heat" - my mind went to the NBA finals, and I found that more interesting. Please realize that I really don't know that much about the NBA, so don't get all uppity if I say something inaccurate, this is just the opinion of a girl who watches sports sometimes. Ok, so now that the disclaimer has been accounted for, I am pulling for the Heat. I realize that in sports they are Public Enemy #1, but I really don't understand why everyone hates them so much. So maybe Lebron James is looked at as a traitor for leaving Cleveland, but can you really blame him for leaving Cleveland for the opportunity that presented itself in Miami? I mean he took a pay cut ($15 million is reported) to play with two other exceptional players in order to win a championship, isn't that really the end goal...(along with making millions)? I might not be ready to say that James is the new Michael Jordan quite yet, but he sure is talented. For some reason (even though he looks like an alien) I really like Chris Bosh. Now here is how the female mind works - I like him because he was really nice and funny on Regis and Kelly. I realize that's not substantive, but it's the truth. A lot of times my opinions of celebrities and athletes is either made or broken by their appearances on the late night talk show circuit. I think that the "Big Three" are fun to watch, it's like when one of them has an off-night, the other one steps up to the plate. I just wish they weren't going up against the Mavs, I've always been a Dirk Nowitski fan. I guess I just want to see the Heat give a big "told you so" to everyone who doubted them, and prove that yes, they really are that good. While it's not really a Cinderella story by any means, it would still be satisfying to see.