10 things that make me happy:)

I had read about this in some magazine somewhere: that 'every now and then it is a good idea to make a list of 10 things that make you happy'. So here is my list. I can safely say that this list has been the same for quite some time now, and however stressed I am, one of these work for sure...the first two work almost always.

1. If my toddler eats well, finishes his plate or asks for more.
2. If my husband decides to take a day off, stay with us a little while longer, come home even 15 mins earlier than expected. Basically whenever he is around, my son and I are all smiles (I know I am sounding really needy here, but hey! it works, and we can never seem to have enough of him).
3. When I cleanup/de-clutter/organize.
4. When I realize my 'to-do' list is over and I can't think of anything to add to it at the moment ( My life last year was at the climax of being unsettled. It always had been that way, still is, but I didn't seem to able to cope with it after having a baby with absolutely no help what so ever. Even today, my heart fills with admiration for single moms. Anyways, my devised solution to having no-control over the circumstances was taking control over little things like cooking a perfect meal, or cleaning the bathroom to a shine...but after having a baby even those small things seemed out of control. It led to a feeling of being completely overwhelmed and living in a constantly changing environment. So I resorted to 'to-do' lists instead of actually being able to do it; my way of pretending 'I have it under control'. I however was never able to finish any of my lists. Hence the joy when I actually see it done.)
5. When I finish a task before time - anything, read an article, make notes, finish a presentation...and have some 'free time'.
6. When I get a good review or some really constructive criticism.
   
7. When I chance upon a really well researched, well written paper or book. Actually even a movie or documentary.
8. Going on a well deserved vacation.
   
9. A long walk with my husband/my mom. In the same category would be a fun evening out with friends or a long phone conversation with my sisters/friends.
   
10. When I am cooking a very simple meal from scratch and it turns out perfectly.
    

I will amend the list if/when it changes. But for now this is it.