Ten things tuesday :: Happiness edition.

If you check out my 101 in 1001 list, you'll see this:

83. Identify 101 things that make me happy

During all the boring standardized  testing I had to administer, I had lots of down time.  One of the things I worked on was compiling that happiness list.  I only got to 80, but I want to document what I have.  I'm going to do a Ten on Tuesday :: Happiness Edition to slowly document what really makes me happy.  I wrote the list in no particular order and will keep it that way.

1.  D

[3.8.10]

I adore the simple things with D.  Sleeping in and having brunch.  Late night movies on a whim.  Beach days.  I also love traveling with him.  For me, traveling is just better with someone than alone.  I want to share all of my traveling experiences with him.  There is nothing that makes me more happy than getting on a plane with D on our way to discover a new place. 

I still remember the feelings of this day.  The frustration of being on standby, the nerves and anxiety of wondering and traveling.  This was the day we finally boarded the plane to spend our month in Europe.   

2.  Travel

[My favorite place on Earth, ever.  Cinque Terre, Italy]

I banter on forever about travel and how much I love it and that it's all I want to do forever.  If only a girl had an unlimited budget for travel, I'd be golden.

3.  Sushi

 

Source: healthful.tumblr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

I seriously can not get enough sushi!  I've been having an obsession over it lately.  Unfortunately, D and I tend to spend quite a bit of money when we go out to sushi.  The excitement of it comes few and far between.

4.  Reading

Source: freshome.com via Kristin on Pinterest

There is something I love about getting lost in a book.  In college and during my first job, I didn't make much time for reading.  Now I try to make at least an hour every night to read.  I should never say never (anyone automatically think of Justin Bieber when I say that?), but I don't see myself getting a Kindle or Nook in the near future.  I love checking out books from the library (even if I do sometimes accrue late fees).  We also have big bookshelves built in in our living room.  I'm dying to completely fill them.

5.  Beach

[One of our first beach trips to the NC Coast]

One thing I have discovered this year after living in Raleigh is that the beach is essential to my well being.  This may or may not be an exaggeration.  We live two hours from the coast, and it is amazing.  There is something about sitting out there, lathered in sun screen, sweating, and listening to the waves.  It makes it better to have a cold beer and sub sandwich by your side, but that's not a necessity.  The beach is my ultimate place to relax and de-stress.

6.  Warm Weather

 [Camping 2010]

 [Terrapin Anniversary party 2011]

[Homemade steak tacos, homemade quac, and local grown corn!]

Camping, beer events, eating dinners on the porch.  These are some of my favorite warm weather activities.

7.  Feeling fit/skinny

Source: prettinessandbuttons.tumblr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

It's not necessarily the number on the scale that makes me feel the best.  It's seeing those muscles develop and being strong.  Sometimes the numbers do consume my mind, like getting down to that "ideal" jean size.  Even though I am not at my goal weight, I love putting on a swim suit and just feeling better about it.  I love that feeling I get after working out.  It makes me feel strong and empowered.   

8.  Breakfast cooked by D

He is the best breakfast cook.  My favorite thing he makes is stuffed french toast.  I love it when he wakes up a little earlier then me and gets the breakfast started.  I don't think I'll ever tire of his homemade breakfasts!

9.  Traveling/exploring with D

All pictures from our month in Europe. I talk about this a lot (and mentioned it above).  I do love exploring Raleigh and other local places with D too.  

10.  Shopping

I really don't get to actually do a lot of shopping much anymore, but I love it. I love having a new item.  I love shopping for others too.  I wish I had more money these days to do both.  There is something so fun about finding an awesome piece, (clothes, shoes, jewelry, furniture, etc) and purchasing it.