Like other women, I love my bags, shoes and other pretty and nice things that the female species just instinctly love. I haven't quite gotten to the "diamonds are a girl's best friend" yet (and it'll probably take some time before I do) but I have realized there's more joy to be found in simpler things and activities.
Here's my personal list of life's simple and quiet (and not so quiet) pleasures:
1. My all-time chocolate favorites - Nestle Kitkat and Chuckie.
2. Discovering new and secret food places with a delicious yet inexpensive menu, especially in cozy and quiet neighborhoods.
3. The smell of a new book, especially a riveting page turner.
4. Cleaning the bathroom and stepping back afterwards to see the tiles and floor spotless and gleaming brightly.
5. Sharing laughter-filled conversations with family and friends. Bonus points for belly-aching and tears-inducing laughs.
6. Getting lost while traveling and discovering quaint shops, charming cafes and other off-the-beaten paths.
7. Singing along to nostalgic songs while driving with friends.
8. Receiving greeting cards, handwritten notes and letters, especially on special occasions. Sadly, this is a rarity nowadays. :(
9. Hugs! And more hugs! And throw in little butterfly kisses too. :)
10. An unobscured view of the glorious sunrise and breathtaking sunset. Double the bliss when it's from some heady tropical haven or the top of a mountain (ok, I'll settle for Baguio or Tagaytay :D )
11. Going home and just staying in the house to be with family.
12. Introducing different sets of friends to one another and seeing them hit it off instantly.
13. Spontaneous plans to explore your area like a tourist and doing "touristy" stuff like visiting natural and cultural attractions such as the museum.
14. Sleeping in especially during rainy days.
15. Receiving a bouquet of flowers. Or buying colorful blooms to put on my desk at work - it makes working a lot easier and happier. :)
16. Spending time with my best girl friends. You know who you are. :)
17. Learning something new, whether an interesting trivia or a juicy piece of entertainment tidbit. :D
18. Surprise gifts and random, unexpected acts of kindness and thoughtfulness.
19. Catching my favorite show or movie on TV.
20. And last but definitely not the least, spending mommy time with Yoah - reading, playing, watching his favorite movies, doing arts and crafts, making sandcastles, walking under the rain (with an umbrella, of course), and simply holding him close. I love being a mom, it's the most beautiful blessing in this lifetime. :)
I could go on and on with the little things that make me smile and even make my heart skip several beats. There's so much to be thankful for every single day.
Life is beautiful. It gets crazy at times but I won't have it any other way.
