Smile...

As to not brag and be Miss Snotty over here, I will refrain from jumping for joy and singing jubilation from the rooftops (but, it'll be hard... only, not really. I'm not that excited. I only get that excited for certain things. Like Daniel Craig a la James Bond --this weekend kids!, or an ice cream cake-- two weeks!-- or fabulous little coin chocolates that I can gum--right now!...you get the idea), but, I will take this opportunity to mention things that make me smile... and, as some of you long time readers may recall, it wasn't too long ago that I wasn't smiling all that often. And, that I may look back on this when times aren't so smiley.

Today, I am happy because....
-I got to go to a lovely luncheon where they served risotto (food I can eat!), and chocolate mousse (why not?!).
-At said luncheon my little heart swelled with scholarly joy as I heard my former Professors yack about politics. And then one remembered me--pink hair and all. (It faded kids. I am not kidding--and yes, I've used the special shampoo and color stuff. I've spent more $$ at Ulta that I care to discuss). And my heart swelled some more.
-It is a lovely day out. And I got to spend 1 full hour outside doing a photoshoot with my BFF (and they call this work??)
-There are yummy candles of every variety in the stores. I have personally bought up SuperTarget's supply of Gingerbread, Autumn Harvest and Pumpkin Spice. I currently have my little sniffer on Cardamon and Pear.
-In troubling economic times, I have a job. it may not be my dream job, and, the pay might suck, but, it's a job. And it allows me to do some pretty neat things (like have yummy luncheons).
-I get to go to a super fancy work party tonight. Astin Martin's are involved.
-My BFF at work is moving to Qatar. Which, is not necessarily a "happy" for me, but, I'm overjoyed for him. And, this means, if I ever get the hankering to go to Qatar, I know someone with a 3 bedroom flat that I will be crashing at.
-I have a wonderful husband and three four leggeds who have been the sweetest little things the last week.
-I realize that I really want to be a mother. Not just have children, but, be a mother. And, more specifically--have a daughter. I had such a wonderful relationship with my mother, and I cannot wait to pass that on. (that said, if you see any unattended babies--specifically girls--please FedEx them my way. I'll send you some cookies. And some jewelry. And maybe some chocolate.)
-I have a wonderful BFF who despite being sick, having a fever, me forcing her to work today, still was excited about ice cream cake event and wants to do something for my b day. Which means so much to me--because usually, it's some sort of Turkey/Birthday combination crap.
-The fact that this year, for the first time, I won't be spending the holidays surrounded by news reports and lawyers. It will be the first time in 5 years. I might actually find The Christmas Spirit I lost 5 years ago. And the anticipation is divine.
-I got to use the word "divine".
-Because I have people who comment and read my blog and make me smile every day.

So, now, please let me remove my Happy Shiny I Love Life face, and just say, what are you happy for? Do you ever have those moments where things are finally "OK"?

Thank you to all of you--I owe a lot of this to you!

**Update** Also, Puppy Cam. Have you seen this thing? It's pretty much free happiness and warm fuzzies for the rest of your life. And, it will waste your entire day. omg, puppies!!!