Traditions

While Times Square celebrated it's 100th ball drop, my small group of friends gathered for the 7th year in a row for a ferocious night of game playing, homemade spaghetti eating and Bailey's shake drinking into the new year. The laughter was as rich as in years past and the story telling as animated. I find myself blessed to have such good friends.

As I embark on another year, I look to carry over many traditions from years past and celebrate some new ones, like keeping a journal and reminding myself of the good things in life on a regular basis. Taking a cue from from my internet blogging friend Karen, here are the 25 good things in my life that I never tire of. As you read through it, think of your own, list. Write it down and keep it handy for those days when nothing seems to be going right, or you just want some time for reflection. It's bound to bring a smile to your face:

1. Emerson's laughter.
2. Fresh cut grass under bare feet.
3. A really well made movie.
4. Good music.
5. Book Club.
6. Making my hubby laugh (which is sometimes easier said than done).
7. Clean sheets and freshly shaved legs.
8. A good joke.
9. The smell of rain.
10. Completing a crossword puzzle without any cheats.
11. My mom's cooking.
12. A game of Sorry! or Scrabble with my competitive Oklahoma family.
13. The Olympic Games.
14. Reading and dozing and reading and dozing and reading and dozing.
15. Sitting in front of the fire.
16. Girly weekend in Mexico.
17. A day at the spa.
18. Story time and songs with Emerson.
19. Hearing I love you.
20. Making others feel happy.
21. Taking photographs.
22. Setting up a new calendar or planner.
23. Starbucks Non-Fat Chai - hot or cold.
24. Looking at slide pics on the old projector.
25. Hugging someone close.