Knochers' Ingredients for Happiness

This was the first weekend in awhile when I really started to feel like myself again. I had someone ask me what I like to do on Friday night and I explained that I was recently rediscovering the answer to that question. I started to think "what makes me happy?" and I came up with this list which includes the big and little things in life that tend to make my day in one way or another (in no particular order).

1. Friends. Saturday night we had game night over at Lauren's house and I get more excited for those activities these days than going out raging at the bar. The atmosphere of just a few friends, some good ol' beer bong, dogs running around and lots and lots of laughs.

2. Family. I don't know if you know this about me but I talk to my mom on the phone at least three times a day. My cousin is coming out this weekend and I am overwhelmed with excitement. My dad and step mom are coming out in December and I cannot wait to show them my humble abode. I'll add Gordon and Sienna here. Sienna, if you know her...you understand when I say she is in charge. Gordon has just become the best companion and has truly filled a void that I don't know what I would've done without over the past month.

3. Movies. I friggin' LOVE going to the movies. I see everything (I saw The Women, OK?) I love almost everything I see, if you can entertain me for two hours or so...I have no problem handing over my $8.

4. Letters. It's funny, over the past two weeks...I have picked up three pen pals. It started with my baby intern that moved away and then my Bookie in Florida and then my dearest Lisa G. wrote me and just like in high school (like she said) I wrote her back right away. There is something about getting a letter, card or package that really makes things so much more sincere and personal.

5. Music. I know this is a big one for everyone. Music + Dancing can both go here. I am your typical pop-loving princess with a strong stripe of hip-hop in her blood. Jay-Z, Kanye, Biggie...give it to me...JT, Britney, Rihanna, Elton...anything I can move to. Recently, I've been in a throw-back kind of mood listening to my own personal classics like The Get Up Kids, Saves the Day and Coheed and Cambria. Those albums conjure up such nostalgic feelings.

6. Big Buck Hunter.

7. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with multiple cheeses.

8. Baking. Cooking. (for sure Pep is going to comment on this one.) Over the past year or so, I've taken up a little cooking and baking. My list is still short and simple but I really do enjoy actually following a recipe and enjoying it. The past two Sunday mornings I have made blueberry muffins. I love blueberry muffins.

9. Stargazer Lillies.

10. The beach. Anytime of the year. I mean of course I prefer to spend 8 hours basking in the sun and the sand but even a short walk in December barefoot in a hoodie does the trick. I breathe so easily by the ocean, it gives me a sense of calm I only feel in those moments.

11. Domino Magazine. Rolling Stone. US Weekly. Entertainment Weekly.

12. My job. And I realize that I am really lucky to say that. I work in a fun environment surrounded by creative people who are all very driven. My team is small and personal. I feel very accomplished for such a young age.

13. Joe's Stone Crab. If I'm ever mad at you (which I'm sure I won't be), this is the place to take me to to make up for it.

14. The MAC Counter.

15. Traveling, trips. I haven't been fortunate enough to travel anywhere outside of the United States other than to Ensenada, Mexico on a cruise or two but I love taking trips. Lauren and I are going to see The Giz and my cousin at the end of the month and I've got a countdown on my Google page for it. I love experiencing different places and this passport is burning a hole in my pocket.

16. Decorating. The condo I am in now is really the first time I've had a blank canvas to work with and I've really enjoyed pulling this place together. Especially over the past few weeks when I have really gotten creative with the crafts (inspired by Nie).

17. Golden Spoon.

18. Reading. I do more of it in the summer but I am trying to make it a year-round thing. I love getting wrapped up in a book. My favorite one I read this year has to be The Time Traveler's Wife. Seriously, pick it up if you haven't already.

19. Gossip Girl. At least until LOST comes back in January 2009.

20. Pictures. Taking, looking, creating, hanging, posting...

21. New outfits.

22. Wine.

23. Road trips with mix c.d's themed for the car ride.

24. Clip-art based work emails with Lobo.

And of course....heart shaped cut-outs of cheese.