This isn’t even a snarky post, y’all. These are really things that make me super happy. I try to take notice of when that spark goes off in my brain and these are some of those things that make that happen.
1. Cooking
I’ve talked before about how I love to cook. It’s the thing I use to connect to my family since it’s not always about the end result but about the process. Even if my family doesn’t like what I make, I like to expose them to new flavors and to be creative in the cooking process. To make it even better, I like to chat with somebody while cooking so I often ask Andy to sit near the kitchen so we can talk while I cook which can sometimes be a huge challenge when he gets home and the kids have their own agenda for him as well.
2. Laid back days with the kids
On Monday, the kids had the day off but Andy had to work. I love hanging out with the kids alone on a lazy day. They are usually so laid back when they are just with me. We had a great day.
3. Creating things
As a nerdy girl who had a penchant for math and science and computers, I got labeled as an analytical person and the creative side of me was never something that I knew I had and didn’t know it would make me so happy. I’ve been working steadily on creating blogs for people the past few weeks and it is ridiculously fun. I also try to make our Christmas cards unique every year and get creative with travel plans. Creativity + me = good.
4. Travel
This is kind of a big “duh” but I can’t leave it off of a list of things that make me happy. When I hear that people don’t like to travel, I wish that they had the same spark that I do when planning and traveling. I’m at my happiest when traveling.
5. Meeting people who have a story
I believe everybody has a story but some are more willing to share it than others. I was at a Pampered Chef party at Lisa’s house recently (the only type of home party that I like) and met someone very interesting and we ended up talking for a long time. We will hopefully be able to make plans to do something else. Moments like that are equivalent to an injection of Prozac for me.
6. Warm, sunny days
Speaking of Prozac, warm and sunny days are like that too. I do not do well in cold weather at all but warm weather is happy, happy to me.
7. Passionate people
I don’t care what you’re passionate about but I love when people have passions. It doesn’t have to be anything I understand or like but if you show passion, I want to hear about it. We once got together with some high school classmates and one guy was obsessed with tropical fish. I listened to him talk for 20 or 30 minutes about these fish that he loved and I loved hearing it.
8. Smart people
Oh, how I love a smart person. This is why I devour videos on TED.com, this is what I find a total turn on (along with sense of humor) in other people and what I aspire to be.
9. Other people’s babies
This one might confuse people because I’ve talked a lot about how I like older kids but I do love babies. Love them. I don’t want another of my own as mine were tough and it’s tiring keeping up with a baby 24/7 but oh, I love other people’s babies. I think that because mine were so fussy, I’m actually really good with most babies because I know all the tricks to help them be happy.
10. Naps with Andy
Andy and I are nappers and on weekends when we get to be lazy and nap together, it’s the most relaxing thing ever. Ahhh.
Noticeably absent from this list:
Gadgets – I like technology but getting new gadgets doesn’t make me happy. I like what I can ultimately do with them – connect with people, create something new – but learning a new gadget is a frustrating thing that I don’t love.
Nice home/cars/jewelry/clothes – I don’t care about any of those things.
Exercise – I dread it but love the feeling afterward.
What about you? What creates that spark in you?
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That picture is darling! Little Miss Bad and... 
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
3,5,7,8 I hear you! Smart, clever, passionate people with a story fascinate me. There is always something new to learn from them, even if their interests are 180deg apart from yours. Great post Shannon
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Shannon Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Yes!
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“Naps” with Andy? So that is what you kids are calling it these days????
Great list, I agree with them all. But I love clothes and houses, but I’m weird and like little homes, not big McMansions. Not a car person though.
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Shannon Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Well, that’s what I call it. Boys always seem to have ulterior motives.
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Great list. I think we’re in the minority with our love for PLANNING travel….to the extent that it equals the actual traveling part.
Museums, skiing, snow sports in general, hiking, nature in general, photography, and hippie music would have to be added for me.
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Shannon Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Yeah, I do think being outside and nature are super important and very happy-making too.
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I once heard the quote “To be interesting, be interested.” I think that fits you to a tee, my dear.
I’m still hoping that running becomes a joy for me, but right now the joy comes after it is over. One can hope.
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Shannon Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Ahhh, Betsy. You made my day.
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Wow, that’s a good list! Fits you perfectly. I was surprised by 9 and couldn’t agree more on 6 & 7.
Home/cars/jewelry/clothes wasn’t noticeably absent. I don’t really see you that way anyhow.
Traveling, learning, laughing, teh internetz (I’ve been using that verbally because of you), picnics, scooters, lazy days, old school candy, meeting new folks, white wine, sunglasses, and photos would be part of my list.
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Shannon Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
I would love to see you do a whole list too. Bicycles would be on it I assume?
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baking, photography, old people, people who can dance and sing…nature…all of these ignite an appreciation for life and further fuel my passion for loving people.
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Shannon Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
No vintage decor on your list?
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Mindy Harris Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
oh duh. where’s my brain these days?
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Things that make me happy:
1. Lists
2. Reading your new blog posts
3. being inspired…
Wonderful list. I think this is what life is all about… finding out what makes us feel gooood and then working on repeating those circumstances as much as possible.
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Shannon Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
You’re too nice, Ms. Karen. I’d love to see your list.
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I too, love lists and I enjoyed this one of yours. I think my favorite part was that you listened to a guy talk about fish for 20-30 minutes! I found it amusing. I wonder if you would sit and listen to me talk about my car for that long?! I am passionate about it after all.
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Shannon Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
That is a very good question and….I’m not sure.
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Great list! I love to meet people that have a story and it’s such a great feeling when you connect with someone like that. Um…the naps? Well, my hubby calls them SNAPS. Sex + Nap = SNAP. It’s so annoying.
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Great blog! I might have to steal the idea just because it’d be nice to sit down and mull over actually listing some specific things that give me joy. I’m going to share your blog with Jen, I know it will brighten her day to hear you talk of the PC party and dang! I need to get that stuff to you!
Maybe we can have coffee some time this weekend?
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I love your list. Especially #6-9. With more snow coming, I would welcome a warm sunny day. And other people’s babies are the best. They never cry and they always smell like baby powder. And when they don’t, you can give them back!
#7  are harder to find, but it is wonderful when you can find both in one person.I will have to make a happiness list for myself.
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