What makes you smile?

Did your mom also used to say, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”? Psychologically it’s not the best idea ever, of course—it’s dangerous to bottle everything up. But for a blog it’s not bad to keep that in mind, I think. I am pretty sure no one wants to hear me bitch and whine all the time about how lonely and homesick and pathetic I am. Plus, there really is a lot to be said for “thinking positive” (even though it is sometimes really exhausting).

Years ago, a wise friend assigned me the task of making a list of 100 things that make me smile. I guess I was grumbling a lot about something and he was trying to make a point, which I haven’t forgotten. I was astounded how quickly that list got written, and expanded, and treasured. It seriously changed the way I looked at things. For a while. Until I forgot about it. But now I have remembered, and intend to let it change me again.
So, friends, an exercise for you and for me: get out a writing utensil of your choice, and get to work. What makes you smile?

Here are a baker's dozen of mine, in no particular order:

1.) When I came home today, a big Christmas box from Mom was waiting for me. I love my mom. Yes, I opened it. I am unreliable that way. :-)

2. ) Instead of showing the very last episode of Sex and the City tonight, they put together a “best of the last three years of Sex and the City” which they are showing tonight instead of the last episode, to keep us in suspense.

3.) The döner guy on the corner knows who I am, and where I come from, and what I order every time I go there.

4.) Yahoo messenger and all variations thereof.

5.) I found a great new craft project that turns out looking super and uses materials I can afford.

6.) I have a potential friend! We are getting together soon. I don't know yet whether we have all that much in common, except being American and lonely here, but that's enough for me. Sharing a common culture and language gives you enough to talk about.

7.) I have a regular source of free, sometimes-even-good books (my bosses, whose MO is to buy them, read them, and pass them on... to me!)

8.) I have somewhere to go for Christmas, and it won’t be awkward or uncomfortable or sad. I also have cool homemade gifts to give my hosts (see number 5).

9.) Butter-almond-smelling potpourri oil.

10.) Reading great fan fiction (and anticipating some more!).

11.) A very unexpected email.

12.) My Japanese course is going to be continued next semester, because enough people are interested in taking Part 2. I like my Japanese course. Therefore, this makes me smile.

13.) I am going home in SEVEN WEEKS!

Cheers.