Simple pleasures

I want to be more aware of the simple pleasures in life so that I do not forget to live a little each day. It is too easy to focus on the day to day grind and forget what life offers. I find that if I make lists, I am able to focus my thoughts and I accomplish more. I am still unorganized, but I have a sense of accomplishment because I tackled even a few items on my list. This list is different: I do not have to do anything, just stop and enjoy a moment. My simple pleasures list (not in order of importance):

1. The snuggling hug of a sleeping baby.
2. The sloppy wet kisses of a four year old after she has had a drink.
3. Playing tickle monster with the children.
4. Having a mother and father alive and willing to be a part of my life.
5. Sisters who drive me crazy but have my back.
6. A husband who is secretly a teddy bear, but tries to hide behind a grouchy bear fascade
7. My morning cup of coffee
8. My friends who following my ramblings on facebook and this blog!
9. My students, present and past, even when they are trying to get on my last nerve (OK, there are a few who were not a pleasure, but only a few)
10. Flowers in my garden
11. Friends
12. The discovery of Udi's gluten free bagels (they rock!)
13. Finding an item on sale and having a coupon too!
14. Having the time to read a book
15. Having the time to take a shower and shave my legs!
16. Hugs
17. Massages (this is more wishful thinking since it has been over a year, I still have A Therapeutic Effect's phone number in my cell phone for when I have chance to have one)
18. My faith in God
19. Classical music, especially cello concertos
20. Singing silly children's songs at the top of my lungs, sometimes without the children in the car! ;P
21. The memories of my travels and the adventures I have had
22. Doing the boogie woogie (complete with shoulder rolls and shaking my tush) while shopping with my son in the grocery store. My husband thinks people will believe I am drunk.
23. Listening to my son "sing" Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
24. Listening to my daughter actually sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
25. Having my daughter tell me that she loves her family

Now, if each of us made a list like this, when we were having a bad day, we could just look at it and smile. Smiles are free and internationally understood. Full bodied smiles are the best.