Happiness is...

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Joel at Tri Madness tagged me to write 10 things that make me happy! 




1. Terron - I'm so lucky to have him in my life. He makes me want to be a better person.


2. A simple smile or an unsolicited thank you. Seems too rare these days.


3. Connectivity - Being able to connect with friends and loved ones, near and far. Whether in person, by phone, email, video... distance is somewhat irrelevant.


4. Cycling - When I first bought myself a bike, it was a hybrid. I liked going fast, but wanted to go faster. I sold that one, and bought a road bike.  Did a few small triathlons, and now upgraded to a triathlon bike. I like the speed while riding, the sound of the wind in my ears, the feeling of the wind on my face, the cute cycling kits.


5. My Freedom and Independence - while this could mean different things to everyone, I'm talking about the freedom to walk across the street when I want to without fearing for my life; going to a movie without kicking a poor woman in front of me in her head while I started to have a seizure (true story!!), and being able to use the stove. The Independence to have my drivers' license back after years of being dependant on others, and being able to take a bath without someone there to watch over me for fear of drowning.


6. Brain Surgery - While this was a difficult time of my life, and didn't necessarily make me happy at the time... I'm grateful for an amazing neurosurgeon, and happy NOW to have this second chance at my life.  I was, however, extremely happy when part of the bandage came off and I realized I still had hair, and I hadn't been shaved! :D


7. A job I enjoy!


8. Running, Biking, Swimming, P90X, whatever gets me moving! - They all give me the freedom and independence that were once taken away without a moment's notice, and for which I will always fight so desperately to maintain. I was thinking last night while on the bike trainer that I often think about the things I couldn't do. Laugh at the things that used to intimidate me. I'm proud of the things I CAN do and AM doing!! 


9. Blogging/Bloggers - If it wasn't for the encouragement that each of you provide, your stories, your wisdom, and insight, I may have given up on things a long time ago... so thank you all! You make me happy! Meeting bloggers like Marlene who lives within the distance of a marathon to me, to Damian all the way in Australia! 



10. My gadgets of course. My running started because of Nike+, evolved to my Garmin which I love, my iPhone :) 


I'm a little late in the game on this one, so if you're suffering from writer's block, or want to play along, consider yourself tagged!


Catch ya later! 3 more sleeps until vacation! That's #11 on my list :)

31 comments:

Mike Russell said...

You have been through so much...here's hoping you continue to be strong enough to get through much, much more!

Frozentriette said...

That's so awesome Mel, I love your energy and positivity!! And the bike. . . yes. Oh the bike. I'm with you there. :) Great pics.

aron said...

such a great list :) i love these posts!!! i love #2 - nothing like a smile to make you feel happy.

Jo Lynn said...

Meeting bloggers IS awesome! Especially when you don't even have to worry about anything when you finally do get to meet them. ;)

Carly said...

Great list Mel!!!

Diana said...

Very nice list. You should, however, add the most important thing up near the top of the list. That is "you".
You must be happy with you! Although, I think you are and maybe just forgot to mention it!

Michelle said...

Have a great time on vacation! Love the pics!

TNTcoach Ken said...

Sounds like you could have gone way pass ten things. Great job.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I love your list

lindsay said...

i'll take an order of #7 please! :)

great list mel. i love your attitude and outlook in general, it just shines even more with your 'things' in this post.

onelittletrigirl said...

I count things down by sleeps too!!!

Carolina Girl said...

Oh wow, what great photos! I know I've said it before, but you are so inspiring! Hope your vacation is amazing!

Marlene said...

Great list, Mel. Definitely made me smile today! You know and appreciate what really matters, and I admire you for it!

"within a marathon distance of each other" - haha, you're right! Speaking of which, we are overdue for lunch! Let's try to set something up when you get back from Disney. We can swap stories. :) And I still have your Midsummer Night's Run shirt!!

Laura said...

Great list and I love the pic of you and Terron.
Happy almost vacation.

Heather said...

Great list!

Aimee (I Tri To Be Me) said...

Awesome post! I'm so glad I found your blog! You truly are an inspiration!! :)

Denise said...

I think having a job you like and enjoy is rare for a lot of people. But for those of us who have it, it makes all the difference in life.

ShirleyPerly said...

I enjoyed reading your list. It's no wonder why you have such a positive attitude with all you've been through. Thanks for sharing. I may have to do the same sometime soon!

Amanda - RunToTheFinish said...

gadgets..never thought I'd say that, but it's soo true now!

candlerun (htabby) said...

Great list Mel! Really takes ya back a bit to see where you were and how far you have come. Keep at it girl!!!

Missy said...

Great list and with pictures - I may have to steal that great idea. Yay for vacation. You guys are going to have a total blast, I have no doubt. So glad you found that bike and got the bug:)

OkieStatePoke said...

Really enjoyed reading your list. Hope things continue to go well. Train hard and play harder! Have fun on vacation!

Iron H said...

Once again: Inspirational!

Adam said...

Such a great list. I have to admit that number11 sounds really good right now!!

Rookie on the Run said...

Awesome list! You have been through so much but rather than let it get you down, you've used it all to make yourself a better person, an amazing mom, and an inspirational for us all.

Have a FUN vacation!

jamie @ sweatyhugs said...

I love this post! Very inspiring. Something I sincerely needed to read today. Your son is adorable!

Anne said...

You're an inspiration! Great attitude :)

Maureen said...

You are so inspiring!! You are doing awesome...keep going!!!

The Happy Runner said...

Nice list! Have a great weekend.

Irene said...

I loved this post. Sometimes I think we all need to remember the things that make us happy. I need to do the same. You've inspired me.

Jill said...

Love your list, very heartfelt! Have a great weekend, Mel!