There are so many things in life that can disrupt our days. So many wrenches that can be thrown, cracks to trip over, and negative circumstances to arise.

Today, I decided to list the things that make me happy. As many as I can think of, and as quickly as I can think of them. I want to have this list to look back on every time something tries to sabotage my happiness. Here goes.

• My Chihuahuas, Taquito and Chiquita. They’re always happy to see me, even if I only stepped out of the room for a moment.
• A good glass of Malbec.
• A funny text message from my mother.
• Hearing my grandmother say, “Haaaaallllllloooooo” when I call her.
• Getting sushi after I’ve craved it for weeks.
• Cadbury Creme Eggs, especially the ones I’ve stockpiled for a rainy day.
• Skype and text conversations with my best friend, Delonna.
• Belly laughs with my husband, Carlos. Kisses are nice, too.
• A good book. No, check that – a stack of good books.
• Working out. Yes, I’m serious.
• Having a really good meal and NOT worrying about calories.
• Florida winters.
• Having extra money at the end of the month.
• Finding a great deal on ANYTHING while shopping, especially when it’s something I’ve wanted for a while.
• Knowing that my family is healthy, happy, and well.
• The smell of a fresh book.
• Running out of room on my bookshelves, because it means I will never run out of things to read.
• My comforter, fresh out of the dryer.
• Watching my Chihuahua’s first steps in the ocean.
• Having one of my poems or short stories published. It’s so fulfilling and affirmation I appreciate.
• Taking silly selfies purely to make someone else laugh.
• Mojitos at “Liquid Relief” at Dexter’s in Thorton Park.
• Dancing like an idiot in my husband’s car, just because I love his embarrassment when people look over.
• Watching the news/stories/segments I’ve written air live on The Daily Buzz.
• The smell of brownies coming out of the oven. I like it even more when I’m baking them for a friend.
• A hot bubble bath with a fully charged Nook.
• Going back to my natural hair color: no maintenance!
• Singing along to any Michael Jackson or Bruno Mars song that comes on the radio.
• Sore muscles: it means I pushed myself.
• Pedicures, ideally with friends, but equally pleasing when I splurge and do it for myself.
• A clean house. There’s something so welcoming about a made bed, a clean kitchen, and a couch with freshly fluffed pillows.
• Writing messages (with dry erase markers) on the bathroom mirror to make my husband giggle when he wakes up. I love his laugh.
• Chasing after my niece, Liliana, and watching her grow faster than I could imagine.
• Having a big family through marriage: I gained a brother, two sisters, and a second set of parents. It’s a beautiful thing.
• Knowing that my mother and her girlfriend can get married (soon) with the lifting of the gay marriage ban in Florida.
• Getting cards in the mail. Anything other than a bill, advertisement, or magazine is going to make me smile.
• Being outdoors.
• Setting a personal record during a 5k. My last was 28:04 – my next goal is to break 27:45!
• Having the grilled vegetable panini with goat cheese at Dexter’s in Winter Park. I swear, they make it better than the other two restaurants.
• Unlimited mimosas anywhere.
• Getting fried calamari at a beach-side restaurant in Clearwater.
• Fire pits. Marshmallows to roast, if you have ’em.
• Beers with good friends.
• The first pumpkin spiced latte of the season. So bad for you, but oh so good.
• Frozen York peppermint patties.
• When my husband does something sweet just because he likes to see me smile.
• French-pressed coffee at 2am.
• A pair of heels that makes my legs look smoking.
• When my boy Chihuahua has a bath and he looks SO white: snowy and clean.
• Watching free movies on the lawn on Park Ave. When the Grinch Stole Christmas in December is my favorite annual showing.
• When the dress zips, even after a really big meal.
• After I have an oil change, because I always feel so adult and responsible.
• When I get carded, even if it’s a mercy-carding.
• Watching Spongebob Squarepants reruns when I’m home sick.
• Sister-time with Lindsey: whenever we can squeeze it in!
• Roller-skates. Why don’t I have a pair? I love skating.
• A day-long bike ride.
• Getting a massage, especially when I don’t need/deserve it.
• Bright pink nail polish.
• Going to a theme park. Any theme park.
• Glitter. Just because.
• When I get a compliment on my eyes. It makes me feel like someone is seeing more than the surface of me.
• Going to farmers’ markets. I love the variety!
• Finishing something I’ve started.
• Holding hands.
• Going to the beach, it doesn’t matter which one. Sand between my toes makes me smile.
• My husband after he gets a fresh hair cut.
• Chalkboards.
• Fresh cilantro served with any Mexican dish. Oh, and extra sour cream!
• Getting an A in a class.
• Not knowing the answer to a question at work, and finding it. I love seeing the shock/surprise on a coworker’s face when they see me go out of my way to help them.
• Watching reruns of The Simpsons or Family Guy with my husband. He finds it so hysterical, it’s entertaining just to watch him.
• Having a package waiting for me outside of my door. Even if I know I ordered something, it’s still exciting.
• Finding a random dog hair on my outfit while I’m at work. My babies are always with me.
• Google search. Seriously, you can find the answer to anything!
• Collecting magnets when I travel.
• Having a clear, concise memory of my father.
• Coming home to a perfect crockpot dinner.
• Realizing that I can think of someone from my past without pain anymore.
• Flexing and actually having definition.
• The Lion King.
• Butterbeer at Islands of Adventure.
• Antique shopping.
• Yard sales!
• A really big cheese tray.
• Fresh, sliced mango. Mounds of it.

I realized I could go on and on. So many things in life make me happy. Really, I’m quite easy to please. There are few things in life I ask for – some time alone to read, a glass of wine, and the occasional theme park visit – so I’m a naturally happy person. Really, all I ask is that if I love you, you let me do it, freely and without restrictions. If that happens, everything else works out.

Optimistic for a happy, happy day,

~ Victoria Elizabeth