Sometimes It's The Littlest Things That Make Me Happy

[SiouzQ.]

My sister and her husband gave me a $25 Target gift card and I thought about all the little things I have talked myself out of purchasing for years because I can and have been *making do* with what I already have.

So my big splurge was on cooking utensil replacement ~ a new vegetable peeler (OMG, I had no idea how nice it is to have a good one, simalar to the ones I use at work), a decent paring knife (my old one got caught in the garbage disposal a couple of times and the handle at the end had broken off), a new glass measuring cup, some spatulas (I had, at some point tossed out the ones I had because the handles were getting all moldy), and two new cereal bowls - I hardly have any dishes because it's just me here, but I am kind of sick of the one deep black ceramic bowl that I got at the thrift store, not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that. I just need to see some color and I like that type of bowl, and they were on deep discount...so it was pretty easy to use up a $25 gift card.

I tend to be so frugal that it is hard to spend money on replacing things that I already have but aren't quite broken yet, and even then, if something breaks, I tend to do without it for a long time. Case in point, my snow shovel sucks but it is not something I particularly want to spend money on, so I continue to use it, cursing the curling up metal edges and the clumsiness of handling it. But I figure, for the amount it snows around here lately, and the fact that all the neighbors have nice shovels in case my finally breaks, I will wait out that purchase for as long as I can...maybe global warming will come first and I won't have to worry about shoveling snow anymore anyway...

Anyway, what are some of the small yet delightful things that make you happy?

[Kestra]

Yesterday I had lots of little things that made me happy.
- I was happy to have a library fine, because it allowed me to get a loonie (dollar coin) that I needed for my shopping cart, without having to talk to a second person. I'm such an introvert that I'd rather go back home to find a loonie, rather than have to ask for change at the gas station or customer service at the grocery store. But because I went to the library before the store, I reminded the lady I had a fine and got change from her when I paid it.
- Then at the grocery store I directed someone to the aisle they needed. Helping people makes me happy.
- I got some new library books about my topic of the week
- My supervisor emailed me about some problems I'd been dealing with - I don't really know why this made me happy, but we are fairly good work friends and in between the holidays and me working from home most of the time, I guess I was missing co-worker interaction, even the email kind
- I drove my husband to work as I needed the car, which meant I had to get up super early, but also meant that I bought a coffee (for free - thank you work, for the gift card) so I didn't have to bother with the coffee maker at home, and had time to work more hours than I usually do
- There's a particular Youtube video DH and I discovered and we've been quoting the crazy lyrics to each other recently - so fun.
- I actually had something to say on a thread here - about Catherine's business, and I got a positive response back from her. I like it when I feel I post something useful and/or read.

Probably a few other things as well. Just fun to be in a good mood, even though it's winter. I shouldn't be happy because I have it better than others but I can't help feeling that Winnipeg is a better place to be right now than other parts of Canada, which is not usually the case, with our normal amount of snow and acceptable December temperatures.

[KayLR]

It was really a nice feeling to experience seeing a varied thrush, a Northern Flicker and a flock of goldfinch at my backyard feeders all in one day. I don't know why seeing these little colorful creatures brings me such joy, but it does.

[Tussiemussies]

Was happy today that we are making some headway in cleaning and putting things away in our new home. Feels like we are making it our own... :)

[citrine]

Hubby and I talking about the budget made me happy :)
Having both the boys home with us makes me very happy.

[Wildflower]

I enjoyed the day staying snug and warm in my little house, drinking some good coffee, my 3 little dogs cuddled up in various places on my lap and couch, just totally enjoying the peace and quiet after the Christmas busyness...

[Selah]

It was so nice cycling to work today! Even though we now have a car, cycling is often faster and more pleasurable than driving. No parking worries, lots of fresh air and sunshine, and a great way to fully wake up before getting to school.

I also love being able to take the train once a week down to my day-long course in another town. The ride is short but very pleasant, and it always feels just a little luxurious.

I love meditating in our living room, sitting in front of the window. When I open my eyes, I see the sea and the sky, and it's just beautiful.

Also, I just found out, by direct experimentation, that I can indeed dye my hair with henna and get virtually the same result for the equivalent of USD $3 that I was paying a salon guy USD $60 to do, every month! Plus, it doesn't destroy my hair follicles, which was causing my hair to thin. I can't undo the damage I've already done, but at least I can stop it from now on. It was a lot easier and faster, too, than shlepping down the salon, waiting, waiting, waiting some more, and then needing to tip everyone and shlep back home again. What used to take three hours now takes about 45 minutes. Whoo hoo!

[Amaranth]

Outside near sunset the sky was full of fluffy storm clouds--the color of varying shades of rich gray wool. The winter trees were silhouetted an intense black against the sky. The setting sun behind the clouds increased the richness of the gray and the contrast with the tree trunks and branches briefly before it set.

[awakenedsoul]

I made a tuna and noodles last night with ingredients from my stockpile. At first I stopped because I was out of milk, but then I remembered that I had a box of powdered milk in the cupboard. It worked just fine, and I made my casserole. I enjoyed riding my bike with my dogs to the local elementary school. They have a beautiful track there, and the dogs love to run off leash. It makes me feel good to use the school on the weekends when the kids aren't there. I feel like I'm getting my money's worth for my property taxes. I picked some blood oranges and lemons off of my trees. Gave a bag to my neighbors who are struggling, financially. I did some yoga and mediation before bed. I felt snug and warm in my tiny cottage all night. My featherbed mattress and down comforter are very comfortable. I had just mended my flannel pajamas and sewed a button back on...I've had these for 10 years but they still are in good shape.

[Lainey]

Took a chance and bought a chair back massager, with heat, new and still in the box at Savers for $8. Put it on my desk chair and plugged it in and am using it as I type - heavenly, best $8 I've spent in forever.

Also tickled me to get the new Jack in the Box antenna ball as an Xmas gift - they are so silly, but help me to find my little hatchback in among the sea of giant cars in a parking lot!

[KayLR]

The last two mornings I've been enjoying the "full" moon in the darkness before dawn. I've been out to photograph it a couple times as it moves into the silhouette of bare branches in our yard.

BTW, I really enjoy this thread!