I was on the phone last week with a lady I've known for years. I learned a couple things I couldn't believe. First, the third week of January is nationally recognized as the most depressing week of the year, and second, she knew of five people here in Boise who had committed suicide.
So, after pondering the state of the world for a while, I decided to do something. I'm giving you the chance to find some happiness.
And, to get more people to join in, we're going to throw a prize in there. A $20 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble.
All you have to do is tell me what makes you happy. Leave a comment. It could be anything.
And, I need your e-mail address just in case you win.
The contest ends February 5, 2010 at 12:00 PM MST. Like always, I will use random.org to draw the winner.
So, what's on my list? Here are some things in no particular order...
*cuddling with my two year old girl and reading stories
*my husband's warm hugs and kisses
*watching my kids play together
*seeing my kids develop their talents
*friends who aren't afraid to take a minute to talk
*strangers who smile
*dark chocolate
*anytime I get to sit with a kid on my lap, even if they're someone else's kid
*Sundays at church when my kids are being angels
*taking walks
*dancing, especially when it's with my two little girls and no one else is watching
*writing
*someone else making dinner and doing the dishes, aahhh
*reading a really good book
I can't wait to hear some of yours. May the rest of your January be filled with gratitude for the precious life you get to live. Thanks for helping me spread some joy.
12th Annual First Book Of The Year
5 days ago
93 comments:
Something that makes me happy is to snuggle with my kitten and have her purr next to me. That is the most relaxing thing ever.
I miss the sun (winter sucks) it makes me happy to see the flowers growing green grass and vegetables in the garden also having all my family together makes me happy I do not get them all together often enough. and my husband waking me up with a kiss and a cup of coffee before he leaves for work makes me happy
Things that make me happy -
* my family
* my friends
* my animals (4 cats, 2 dogs)
* Hershey's chocolate (I grew up 1/2 hour away from there!)
* Hot coffee on a cold day!
* Painting
* Reading
* Writing
* Crochet
* walks in the nice weather
* rain in the spring (makes my garden better)
* digging in the dirt
* soft blankets, and pillows, and clothing
* baklava
Oh I could go on, but I don't want to take up your blog!
tami.winbush @gmail.com
many things make me happy...
being with my family, my boyfriend's smile, going on a trip, being helpful, working hard at something and enjoying it...
thanks for the contest! :D
brigneti(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you - this is so nice of you!
Things that make me happy:
A nice long chat with a good friend, my mother or one of my brothers;
An evening relaxing with friends;
A good game of mah jong (no money involved);
A good book;
Beautiful weather;
Music;
The Good Wife on CBS;
My uncle's dog;
coffee;
Fresh laundry;
Slimming down (but not the exercise and diet part);
Making friends.
gaby317nyc at gmail.com
I am so lucky to have many things in my life that make me happy! Our two sons and watching them grow into wonderful human beings, my husband who loves me unconditionally, still having my dad in my life at age 92,
my sister who is my best friend and our rescue Beagle named Daisy, who is pure joy in our lives.
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppesa[at]hotmail[dot]com
Well things that make me happy are:
-calls from my mom
-talking to my sis and bro on skype
-talking to my friends on skype because they always seem to crack me up
-going out to the movies or just to eat with my friends and family ^_^
-passing my exams/classes
-achieving a goal
-getting love from my dog Max
-going to the beaches back home
-going to any bookstore
-reading books that make me laugh, manga has a great job of doing this I'll be dieing at times at the things going on.
- watching a fav tv show
- getting packages in the mail
-sleeping
-cake, chocolate, sweets in general make me super happy
sterr004@gmail.com
Some things that make me happy:
My boyfriend
My pets (3 cats and a rabbit)
Music
Books
Warm weather
squiggles87(at)Aol(dot)com
Humm...what makes me happy:
*meeting up with friends you haven't seen in awhile
*my kitten when she puts her paw on my face demanding more attention
*a glass of wine and a fire to read by
*having great conversation with my husband
*my puppies when they are CLEAN
*clean/nice smelling house
*new books!
There is more than that..but those are the things I am thankful for that I can think of right now!
booknerdd(at)gmail(dot)com
Things that make me happy:
Hanging out with my noisy family
Driving and car-karaoke
Reading
Writing
Baking cookies
Chocolate milk
Snuggling with my giant dog
Rainy days
Jumping in puddles
Helping people out
Surprise mail/email/comments
Hearing kids say funny thing
Hearing good news about people
whatinabox at gmail dot com
Here are some things that make me happy:
When my 5 year old gives me hugs, gives me drawings, but especially when he brings me something I know he really loves (like his favorite toys or stuffed animals) and says that they are there "to keep me company." Or when he picks me flowers from the back yard in the spring. He knows I love daisies and will spend much time hunting through the grass at the back of our yard for them.
My family in general.
My Monday morning and Thursday night coffee from Dutch Bros that I treat myself to each week.
Laughing at comedies with my husband after the kids go to bed. Laughter shared is so much better.
Thanks for making me think of all these good things! :)
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com
Some things that make me happy..hmm.
Weekends
writing
reading
reading
reading..lol
booklady2007[at]gmail[dot]com
Things that make me happy...
my boys
my husband to be
prayer
winning prizes
reading
not cooking
having a cup of tea
dorcontest at gmail dot com
Canada
Things that make me happy:
-When I come home and mail has brought me letters/packets
-My boyfriends voice on the phone line (He lives basicly on the other side of the world)
-A text message/facebook message from a friend I haven't seen for a long time
-Reading a good book
-When I feel that I have completed something big (school work etc.)
-Laughter
-Random moments with my friends
-Inside jokes between me and my friends
-noticing that the temperature is only couple of degrees below zero celcius (that is a treat here in Finland during the winter months)
-watching old pictures/videos
milkareads[at]yahoo[dot]com
Hmm things that make me happy, let's see.
*Spending time with my loved ones
*Reading
*Sleeping
*My puppy dog
*Nice weather
*Family Get Togethers
*Marathons of my favorite tv shows
Those are just some of my happy things. This was such a wonderful idea.
And of course thank you for the contest!
Sherry
ssalach88(at)gmail(dot)com
Kids laughter and their smiles makes me happy. Their silly fits of giggles over coloring or their sillyness in general makes me laugh. Thats why I want to be a teacher.
Also, books with sexy hunky dory covers makes me really really happy.
And last but not least, family and friends who are their for you when no one else is makes me really really happy.
Those are probably the top three things that makes me happy.
Oohh and eating. Not baking, but eating makes me sooo happy. I'm a foodie at heart.
cindy725 at gmail dot com
It makes me happy when I get to talk to my grandson on the telephone as I do not want him to forget me because health problems keep me from being able to go and visit him. He is three years old, and I have only seen him once in a little over two years. It makes me happy when my daughter is speaking to me and not mad for some unknown reason. It makes me happy that I have the best friends in the world who check on me daily and offer to help whenever I will accept it.
naps, homemade chicken noodle soup, comments on my blog, sun streaming through the window, raindrops against the window as I fall asleep, dancing in the kitchen, hearing my kids laughing together,the way my husband looks at me, feeling the spirit. Singing loudly, Brian Reagan, communications (phone, email, message boards) with my family, warm hugs from my kids. getting lost in a book, empty hampers, a full fridge and a clean kitchen
YOU!
that makes me so sad about so many deaths. :( Learning how to cope with the gray days is so important--- but people who live in a constant state of gray, what a challenge! I feel blessed to have never faced such depression and desperation. :(
What a great idea - thanks!
rae_sunshine4(At)yahoo.com
*I love it when my little boy (2) comes up to me and spontaneously gives me a kiss.
*I love homebaked goods on a cold winter day.
*I love when my floor is freshly mopped - OH how good that feels!
*I love getting a full and refreshing night sleep.
*I love my husband who does dishes, bathes children, and provides the best hugs ever.
*I love that I can still see - it's a long story but I almost lost my eyesight completely. I just ordered glasses and I'm just so grateful I can still read!
Wow, that's so depressing about the third week in January being so depressing. Let's see, things that make me happy so that I stop thinking about things that make me sad:
-stuffed animals
-books/reading
-my boyfriend, friends, and family
-the sun
-snow
-Christmas
-good movies
-old Mary-Kate and Ashley things
-vegan ice cream
-Zedster (my kitty cat)
-Starbucks classic hot chocolate with soy milk, peppermint syrup, and no whipped cream
-big fluffy towels (especially when they're pink)
-pinkish maroon and creamy mint green together
-vegan Ethiopian food
Ahhh, I feel better now! It makes me smile to know that that list really could go on forever. :-)
zedster.tbb(at)gmail(DOT)com
There are so many things that make me happy. Hearing my daughters giggle at a funny joke, laughing at my daughters boyfriend (he really is something else), playing with my dogs, reading something funny from my friends online. The smell of snuggle in the air while I am drying clothes. The feel of an A on a paper that I have worked on forever. My mom, my daughters, my brother and his girlfriend. The one thing that can get me in a happy mood almost instantly is MUSIC!
Val Pearson
lastnerve2000@gmail.com
Thanks so much for having this contest. I love to think about the happy things in life.
My kids and books are what make me happy!
Mollydawn1981 at aol dot com
It's been a very depressing January here also and I now a lot of people, including myself, who are having a hard time being cheerful. So this is a great topic!
One thing that makes me happy is spending time with my kids -- and another is snuggling with our cats under the blankets and reading a book :-)
marielay@gmail.com
Being with my family.
Petting my dogs.
Eating chocolate.
Taking a long soak in the tub.
A good book.
Taking a long soak in the tub with chocolate and a good book:-)
Winning contests.
Hearing my husband, children, and grandchildren laugh.
So many many things.
Thanks for the giveaway.
libneas[at]aol[dot]com
My dogs make me smile every day. I love it when all 3 of them jump in my lap and snuggle while I'm reading in the evening. :)
js1997 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Great contest!! :)
What Makes Me Happy:
my grandchildren
my children
live music
good books
family get togethers
beaches
traymona[at]aol.com
What makes me happy is when my cat cosmo jumps on my lap and purrs. He is so soft and warm
melissa(at)gingerhig(dot)com
Snuggling under a nice warm throw with my dog and a good book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
This is my least favorite month of the year so first I would just like to thank you for putting a positive spin on it! Something that makes me happy is cuddling with my baby in the middle of the night (even though that means I'm not sleeping).
such a spledid idea, truly
one thing that makes me happy is the perfect cup of coffee,when it happens, its magic
wheresmyrain at yahoo dot com
A good book on a quiet afternoon.
A sunny day in the early spring.
My kids' hugs.
Dinner out with the hubby.
A tall hot chocolate from Starbucks. LOL
srfbluemama at gmail dot com
Hardly anything makes me happier then reading a great book, or being inside a place in which I'm surrounded by books, but I can mention a lot of other things that make me happy.
Like closing my eyes and feeling a cool, strong wind on my face. Or laughing after watching a funny movie or hearing an awesome joke. I'm very happy outdoors.
No other food makes me happier than spaghetti. ^_^
bettinaKlevy@gmail.com
what a lovely giveaway.
What makes me happy?
-reading a really good book
-milk chocolate
-seeing a really awesome musical (just saw spring awakening. so good)
-being with friends and family when we are all happy and having fun...no matter what that is
-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
Things that make me happy...
*My family and friends
*Singing in an empty stairwell where the accoustics are fantastic
*Laughing so hard I can't breathe
*Getting caught up in a fantastic book
*Listening to my boyfriend play his guitar
*snuggling under my electric blanket.
Thanks for the contest!
Leigherin@comcast.net
Things that make me happy :DD...
*seeing hard work pay off
*watching snow fall and knowing that I don't have to drive in it
*the sound of my children laughing together
*the moment my husband finishes work for the day/weekend
*fitting into jeans that I haven't worn in long time
*anything coated or based in chocolate
*getting and giving massages (I'm an LMT)
*finishing a good book
*watching my kids sleep
sugerhslk@hotmail.com
There is a long list of things that can bring a smile to my face. :) Here are just some:
-Finishing a wonderful book.
-Having a stranger smile at me.
-Sunsets.
-Getting unexpected text messages.
-Days off from school!
booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com
Your blog makes me happy--but not as happy as your emails.
Other things:
*The sound of my son whistling down the halls. He just learned and it thrills him to no end.
*When my cat curls up right next to me. His warm weight feels so reassuring.
*Breakfasts with a good friend
*Laughing. The kind that you can't hold back.
*Singing in the car and not being worried about what I sound like.
*Naps.
*When my dad takes the time to talk to me. I love talks with my dad.
*Fresh laundry from the dryer
*A bunch of new books to read
*Going on a date with my hubby
Today, my four-year-old and I ate ice cream sundaes with homemade hot fudge sauce for breakfast. Why not? It was Monday. I was tired of saying, "After dinner we can eat our sundae." Who says you have to eat dessert last! That made me very happy!
Writing
Reading a good book
Getting my parents to buy me a new book!!! :D
Smelling rain and watching rainbows form
Drawing/Painting
Singing (When no one's there to listen)
Watching sunrises and sunsets
Whenever someone has a wonderful smile and is not afraid to show it.
lonniemcculloch@gmail.com
When the sun shines while it's raining
coffee
driving down the highway listening to a good CD
being out in the country at night
~Natalie
n_monzyk_27@yahoo.com
Things makes me happy is getting the chance to go hang out with friends, watching free movies, and getting the chance to eat delicious different snacks. Of course, I can't forget to mention the fabulous books that are coming out soon and will definitely make me happy.
chichai_hana at hotmail dot com
Watching a movie with my fiance makes me happy.
simplystacieblog at gmail dot com
Snail mail makes me happy!
infinitemusic19 at gmail do tcom
Just spending the day with my friends doing absolutely nothing but enjoying each others company makes me happy.
bratdownstairs@yahoo.com
reading a great book makes me just giddy!
allthingsurbanfantasy[at]gmail[dot]com
My dog makes me very happy, especially this time of year! She's a snuggler, and will sit by me when I read. Plus, she likes to be outdoors (well, to some extent when it's cold), and has a ball in fresh snow.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
A few things that make me happy:
~my Autistic son saying "Mommy" for the first time
~my daughters' telling me they love me
~back rubs from my hubby
~Godiva :)
mdlangmead at gmail dot com
My three children live overseas and when they come back for vacations I am so very happy to have them all at home. Right now nothing tops that!
mystica123athotmaildotcom
love to spend time with my husband, when he is in a calm happy mood also. We just laugh and cuddle. He has a very calming effect on me. I love reading a good book, I have a book with me almost every where I go. I knew if I have one, there is also time to grab a few minutes of reading in the most unusual places, line at the postal counter, etc.
dancealert at aol dot com
My children make me happy. They are 16 and 21 and they are such nice young men. I am so proud of them and their accomplishments.
jedoggett@embarqmail.com
I didn't know about those statics. That itself is depressing.
Chocolate makes me happy. An instant pick-me-up :D
thebookvixen at gmail dot com
Things that make me happy feeling the sunshine on my skin and getting a book I've been eyeing for ages!
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm happy when:
* Spending time cuddling with my son or my boyfriend.
* Days off work.
* Spending time with family.
* On vacation.
* Reading a book.
* Going to the cinema.
abailey_crace at yahoo dot com
Having a loving, caring family makes me happy! :)
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Holy Jump Up & Down! This was posted just 16 hours ago and you already have 55 comments! just knowing that you have that many positive thinking friends who can immediately think of what makes happiness is enough to make me happy. You make me happy, Laura!Way to go!
There's one main thing that always makes me happy: goodness. Whether its from when I do something kind or good for someone else or when I see/am the recipient of others who do good and kind things, it doesn't matter. I rejoice in both.
What makes me happy is spending time with my (older)daughter who's away at college right now.
Watching movies with my daughters.
Family get togethers
My cats.
Writing and reading.
Margay
Margay1122(at)aol(dot)com
I love to sit and watch my kids sleep. Hugs and kisses from them make me happy too.When they do or say cute things. When they share without me compelling them to (it's so sweet). My husband's smile/kisses/hugs. Watching my dog roll around with another dog at the dog park. A clean house. Writing my book. Talking to my BFF. Thanks Laura! You've got my email.
What makes me happy is some "me" time with a good book :)
Cherry
mischivusfairy-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/01/something-that-makes-you-happy-contest.html
Some things that make me happy:
taking naps with my cats
my cats
my cats
my cats
chocolate soymilk
sunny days
my cats
sharonluvscats(at)gmail(dot)com
This is a bad month for me. My Mother died on the 29th. It's been 23 years and I still remember the day she died like it was yesterday. Things that make me happy are definitely reading a good book, my best friend who always listens to me and makes me laugh. Playing games on Facebook and seeing my cousins pictures on Facebook games. I love to watch children together, they are all so beautiful. Even seeing a picture of a child makes me smile. Watching a good comedy on TV. I can watch the movie The Odd Couple over and over and it still makes me laugh. Listening to music, seeing flowers start to grow. My morning cup of coffee is also wonderful. Thank you.
makeupgirl21@comcast.net
That is so sad, but with only 9 hrs of daylight right now (at least where I live) I can show how that happens.
Some of the things that make me happy:
Reading a good romance book, playing with my 3 yr old niece, chocolate chip cookies, and really good hot chocolate....let's be honest any chocolate makes me happy :)
Thanks for the chance to brighten my day!
cldivineATyahooDOTcom
The winter always makes me drag and definitely depresses me. I like:
* warm sunshine
* warm breeze
* smell of fresh cut grass
* blooming flowers
* playing and cuddling with my cat
* dancing with my husband
bitsy(at)exlibrisbitsy(dot)com
Reading a good book.
Listening to my cat purr.
Spending time with my family.
Long sunny days.
Great bargains at the store.
Are some of the things that make me happy.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
-Reading Bed Time Stories To My Daughters
-Hot Chocolate
-TV On DVD
-Romantic Movies
-Snuggling up With My Nightmare Before Christmas Snuggie and Reading A Book
Thanks For This Contest
KailaEscobales(at)aol(dot)com
xoxo
Kaila
Things that make me happy:
- going to the bookstore and finding a fantasy/romance book I love.
- sitting in my dad's car and listening to my favourite CDs.
- just lying on my bed and letting my thoughts wander, having no worry at all.
- hanging out with my bffs.
- watching my mom do the housework and chatting with her.
- reaching a new milestone in my academic studies.
Thanks for opening this super great contest. My email is dongthaophuong(at)gmail(dot)com
I want to thank all of you for adding to the list. I've read every single one, and I have to say, it's been wonderful. Everytime I read something that makes you happy I think of even more things that make me happy.
And, I think most of you would agree, we're ready for some warmer months!!!
Two things that make me happy:
1. Strawberry ice cream
2. Watching The Thin Man
cathydalek at gmail dot com
There are a lots of things that make me happy, but here's one I used yesterday when I was at my wits end. I took the middle brownie from the baking pan! Hehe You know, that perfect one, the softest one, with no hard edges. ;-)
makepeace.arts[at]gmail[dot]com
what makes me happy:
o1) arts & crafts (basically anything to keep my hands busy)
o2) reading
o3) sleeping
o4) cloudy days (don't like sun and don't like rain)
o5) tree-watching
o6) talking to family/friends
I hope this is international (digital gift card)?
ninefly(at)gmail(dot)com
Some things that make me happy:
watching movies with my kids
family dinners
the quiet at night when everyone is asleep
sour jelly bellies
walking my dog
snuggling with my hubby
mocha frappacinos
curling up with a good book
the UPS delivering a new book order
flowers in my garden
sleeping in
caity_mack(at)yahoo(dot)com
Things that make me happy:
-Reading a good book
-Drinking hot chocolate on a cold night
-Eating a good meal
-Being with my family
-Listening to music
-Watching my favortie tv show
-Meeting new people
-Sleeping in
-Having a good laugh with someone
-Daydreaming
being around my boyfriend, family and friends....getting an unexpected wish list book in the mail, finding a new flavor of popcorn, when one of my kindergarten students comes up and gives me a hug
belle2211(at)yahoo(dot)com
That little bit of winter reprieve that makes me remember spring is still coming. Good-night kisses and hugs from my children. A working bathroom! Snuggling with my Bear. Visiting with my Dad and hearing his stories. Passionate preaching from the heart.
What makes me happy is:
Summer/warm weather/visiting my Grandparents in Florida
Talking with my sisters
Exercising/Being outdoors
Reading a good book
Listening to music
The whole family gathered around the table eating good food and laughing
Lots of things make me happy!
Sitting in the sunshine on a 75-degree day with a good book and a beer makes me happy.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
Watching Gone With the Wind makes me happy.
xollinzolox@aim.com
What makes me happy is when I come home from work and the floor is vacuumed and the dishes done and a footrub is waiting for me (yes, that happened today!!!).
A cup of hot cocoa
My Strawberry Shortcake slippers
Being able to turn off the alarm clock for just 10 more minutes.
Weekends
Having a student tell me they love a book they just read.
Lots of things to be happy for
dragonzgoil at gmail dot com
So many great things:
-kisses from my puppies
-a beautiful sunny day
-chocolate
-sleeping in late
-hugs and kisses from my honey
-my family & friends
heatwave96(at)hotmail.com
Holy 81 comments...you are gettin' famous sis!! Well, I just thought that one of the best things in life is feeling an unborn child move and live inside of me...something that can never be explained...only felt...that, that is happiness...
Something that makes me happy: cozying up with a warm blanket and watching old movies.
Especially when it's so bone-chilling cold out!
:o)
pippirose59 at gmail dot com
What makes me happy?
A mug of steaming Godiva dark cocoa. Time to dance from blog to blog, visiting old friends and making new ones. Words as they stream out of me onto the page. And my family.
-Snuggling with my puppy
-Fall
-nights at the beach
-chocolate truffles...yum!
-my mom's cooking
-books
-Dunkin Donuts Caramel Iced Coffee
...and lots more.
Raelena
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
I am really happy when I can spend time outside in the woods on a nice summer day. I work at a state park and, yet, ironically, spend most of time sitting inside a windowless office working on the computer. I love the opportunity to spend an afternoon in the forest working on my plant ID!
jillcarleen at yahoo.com
Lots of things makes me happy!
When I lay down in my bed with my cat laying beside me while reading a good book. Reading in general makes me happy!
:)
natashajennex(at)gmail(dot)com
Holy COW! What an awesome contest!
My family makes me so HAPPY!
Jenni
I feel happy when...
My kids are doing well at school...
when my oldest dau is a dean list scholar....
when my 3 daughter are teasing each other and laugh...
when i have money in my pocket...LOL
when all are having good health..
silverlilacc at hotmail dot com
hmmm... Things that make me happy. There are a lot but here are some:
God
My fiancé
My Chihuahua Hope!
Writing and Reading
Babies laughing (I can't help but laugh along and it leaves me smiling for ages.)
My bright pink laptop!
Chinese food and Sushi
Sweets!
The hope of one day having my dream work space!
and so much more!
What a wonderful contest! I hope that all these lists of wonderful things to be happy about for feel thankful for can help some individuals feel better about their lives and know that no matter what it will be okay. even when you think that ti never can be again... All you have to do is keep breathing and trying and you can make the small things you have now into so much more!
Sincerely,
Emma Michaels
SincerelyEmmaM@yahoo.com
Somethings that make me happy:
my husband & kids
sunshine
a good book
a good night's sleep
spring
ajolly1456 at gmail dot com
My husband
My children
My sisters
My parents
My days off
A good book
Hope I'm not too late! Curling up with a good book and a big mug of hot chocolate makes me happy.
matt_potter6(at)hotmail(dot)com
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