Simple Pleasures of Life - According to Me

clothes fresh out of the dryer - the feeling that I get when I put on clothes still warm from the dryer makes me want to melt, even if it only lasts for a few seconds.

a hug - Never underestimate the power of a hug. It can cure my anger, sadness, loneliness or any other bad feelings I may have.

lightning bugs - Just seeing them outside at night makes me so happy because it signifies summertime and it always takes me back to a younger time when I was a child trying to catch them.

a smile when you least expect it - when I'm in line at the bank, it's very rare to see the teller smiling back at you, and when it does happen, it makes me so happy. I think to myself, "If they still have enough energy to smile at me, then so should I." I always think of smiling at the next person I see and passing on the good vibes.

seeing the physical effects of the changing seasons - I enjoy seeing the leaves change color in autumn, the first snowflakes fall in the winter, the flower buds poking through the ground in spring and the sun setting later every night in the summer.

outdoor chats - sitting outside talking with friends and/or family is so relaxing. Loosing track of time, several conversations at once, maybe a few beers, and just the overall ambiance of being together always makes me feel warm inside.

bonfires - I love everything about bonfires. Ghost stories, 'smores, getting lost in my mind while staring at the glowing embers, and the heat that warms my body when I get close. I even love the smell of it on me the next day.

saying "Goodnight" and hearing someone say it back to you - Makes me feel safe and secure as I drift off to sleep.

love letters - Any kind. Once I read them, I get that tingly feeling all over and I'm floating on clouds for the rest of the day.

sand between my toes - Something about the granules of sand passing through the spaces between my toes just feels so incredibly right.

finding unexpected cash - Putting on that jacket I haven't worn since last winter and finding a $5 bill makes my day. Can't really buy much with $5 bucks, but just feeling richer makes me smile.

discounts at the register - I was wavering on purchasing a dress due to the price; I didn't think I could afford it. After a long mental debate, I decided to get it because it looked amazing on me, and I told myself that I wouldn't spend another dime till I got my next paycheck. At the check out counter, I cringed as the saleslady scannded the barcode and quickly looked at the screen to see what the damage was. Relief washed over me when I saw that it was discounted to a managable price. One of the best feelings in the world.

making loved ones laugh - I feel like I have achieved something amazing if I can make my boyfriend crack a smile, and I get such great satisfaction out of telling a joke that really makes him laugh.

having nowhere to go on a rainy day - I love being stuck inside on rainy days. I can feel guilt-free about staying in pajamas, posting up on the couch, eating junk food, and watching movies all day long. Sometimes I'll sit on the balcony and just listen to the rain.

a long, hot shower - Can raise my spirits no matter how down I am. There must be something theraputic about the steam from the hot water that washes away all my problems.

comfortable silence - Knowing that I don't have to say something to fill the void makes being around you so much easier. Sometimes theres really nothing to say; the silence says it all.

getting a letter in the mail - Before texting, before inbox, even before instant messaging, there was mail. It just feels good to see a hand-written letter amongst all the bills, magazines, and junk mail that clutter up that little box nowadays.

Bucket List

- take a ride in a hot air balloon
- skydive
- catch a cloud
- drive to the edge of the horizon
- learn to ballroom dance
- climb a mountain
- learn Japanese
- travel to Italy, Japan, and Dominican Republic
- practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- go to California
- get a college degree
- see a shooting star
- own a home
- grow old together <3
- become a member of a charitable cause
- go on a cruise
- read my favorite childrens stories to my kids
- run a marathon
- become a Redskins Cheerleader
- ice skate for a synchro team again
- scuba dive
- bear it all on a nude beach
- go fishing
- learn to ski and snowboard
- spend New Year's Eve in Times Square
- become published in some shape or form
- learn to surf
- attend the Super Bowl
- learn to fly a plane
- visit a Vegas strip club
- shoot a gun

October

The dark of night approaches suddenly
as the black cat crosses her path
The chill in the air is crisp tonight
she begins to nervously laugh

She wanders along the crowded street
looking for a familiar face
When all she sees are ghosts and goblins
and creatures from outer space

Shes looking for someone
Some one
Some one
Someone she used to know

But the huge bursts of air,
the wind through the trees,
The cold autumn night,
and the crunchy brown leaves

Managed to send her astray;
The wind knocked her down
The cold made her chill
and the leaves caught in her gown

She arose and stood tall
her head high to the sky
Continued to walk
but didn't know why

Every face she passed by
she examined them all
Looking for any small detail
she could have recalled

What she failed to realize
till the stroke of midnight
The face she searched for
was her own in the light

She looked at her reflection
and gave a loud gasp
The face that looked back
was wearing a mask