Lists Lists and More Lists

I like lists. I am a list maker. If you look in any notebook I own you will find lists somewhere and on random papers I have stashed places. Lists make me happy, they make me feel organized, and help me feel empowered. Lists are just great. Yesterday I was at a Healthy Community conference. The conference was centered on preparing for emergencies and disasters and also on being healthy. A great conference for new lists.

During the presentation "20 Lessons Learned from Katrina" I was inspired to make a list of items that I need to purchase over the next year for my emergency preparedness/72 hours kits (flashlights, batteries, radio, matches, etc). Once I started making that list I remembered my goal from last week to make a plan for food storage, of course I needed to make a list of food for my food storage before I could plan what weeks I would actually purchase the food in...(black beans, rice, canned chicken, flour, etc.). Whoa, I felt great! Better at actually have made lists so I am one step closer to getting things in order for my 1 year supply and 72 hour kits.

Well, the next speaker was a little boring...so what could I do...I made a new list, my Christmas gift list. I wrote down all the names of people I wanted to purchase Christmas gifts for this year and started planning what gift(s) each person would get. Wow! Usually I don't do this until November or sometimes even December! I was on a list making high! What else could I do??? Make another list, a "who is going to get a Christmas card" list. I had already planned to evaluate my current supplies and purchase additional items to start making my Christmas cards, but now I actually know well in advance how many I need to make. Yay!

I am sure you are thinking, "Where does she keep all these lists so she doesn't lose them?" Never fear, I have a small note book I keep in my purse for this exact reason...to make lists. My most common lists are, a shopping list, a "to do" list, and a "cool things I heard about and want to look into more" list.

So why am I telling you about my obsession with lists? At the conference the last speaker talked about being "Hardy" meaning how to be emotionally/mentally healthy to be able to deal effectively with stress and other events in your life. I have heard her speak many times, always good, but this time the concept of each day making a list of things that made you happy stuck with me. What to do? I started my personal list yesterday "3 things that made me happy in the last 24 hours." I am committed to writing 3 things down each day. I, however, also wanted to share a list of items that have made me happy or smile recently, I hope you enjoy!

1. Made plans and purchased tickets to visit Joe in Phoenix. While I am there I am also going to see Jill. I love her!
2. I went to dinner with Ashely CookieMonster. She just makes me happy.
3. Ashley spurred some ideas for a table topper/runner that I want to make...so excited.
4. Had Chili Killies with Tiffany and Michael. Yum, and I got to see their new house, super cute!
5. Hearing the song "Hey there Delilah", who wouldn't be happy after hearing these words "...girl tonight you look so pretty, yes you do, Time Square can't shine as bright as you, I swear it's true." and "...don't you worry about the distance, I'm right there if you get lonely, give this song another listen, close your eyes, listen to my voice it's my disguise, I'm by your side." I love it! It has been my cell phone ringer for awhile now.
6. Looking at the pictures of Inez's office covered in tin foil. That made me laugh out loud every time I look at them...which is everyday.
7. The fact the Teo is still alive (he is a plant I purchased a LONG time ago).
8. Watching "The Office" episodes, especially with Nicole, her laugh makes me laugh.
9. Getting a sno cone with Annalissa
10. Cooking.
11. Being with my parents.
12. Talking with my family.
13. The old metal thingy that has stars in it that came from Grandma Lizzie's house.
14. Reading my friends blogs.
15. Wearing my cute glasses.
16. Making a list.
17. Using cans of Air. Seriously, I am addicted to them...I want to spray everything and everyone!
18. Cleaning under my bed.
19. Reading quotes from the Quote Book at work.
20. Checking my email and finding an email from a friend.
21. Purses, I love my purses. It makes me happy to give them names (New job purse, Florence, Prada, Park Avenue, etc. Okay, so they are not the most creative names but I like them).
22. Getting a pedicure, and then each time I see my cute toes.
23. The sound of my nails clicking on the key board...it means they are getting long!
24. Making friends at fabric/craft stores with complete strangers.
FINALLY the last one on my list today
25. Planning a trip.
Wait...just one more...
26. Feeling the Spirit and getting renewed.

I had planned on only writing 10 things, but as you can tell...my lists sometimes get out of control.

What would be on your "Things that make me happy/smile" list?