10 + 1 happy thoughts

ok… so i haven’t been in the proper frame of mind for happy thoughts in the past few days, but i figured that if ever i need to do this, it’s today.

1. Songs with words like these:The words I find impossible to mention/ Are written on a star
   They say that I can find You in a flower/ But I need You in the car (The Emptiest Day by Caedmon’s)
2. my family– quirky, loud, generous, sometimes annoying, always loving– thank God for them.
3. Tagaytay– how it’s less than an hour and just a straight drive from my town away, and i haven’t grown tired of it yet.
4. my cat– Merlin– who follows me around the house and sleeps on the back rest of the sofa behind my head when i’m working and who always knows when i’m sad and just being there when i need a warm body to hug. (and nimmy– for being so cute)
5. sunday driving– no traffic in the city!
6. my friends– they are all different, found all over the world, and the best ones are always close no matter how long we have been apart.
7. the few good men in my life– i’ve been spending the past few days thanking them and they are always surprised that i would show my appreciation. their responses are classic– “are you high?” “are you drunk?” “ang drama mo naman” and the best: “are you dying?!”– only a few things beat being there to see a man honoring God the best way he can. and i’m glad i got to see that a few times already. it assures me that there is still hope in this world.
8. sunsets– never fail to make me smile, no matter how sad, pissed, or distracted i am.
9. i’m going on my sabbatical in two weeks! i really can’t wait to get away. i love the Philippines, i love you guys and all, but this is just something that i know i need.
10. the Word of God– always teaching me something new, chastising with love, giving me assurance during dark times in my life, for telling me that I am beautiful in my Creator’s eyes.
11. long and strong hugs– good stuff.

postscript: i love writing and mailing out postcards whenever i travel. so if you want me to send you one while i’m gone (no matter who you are), just send me a personal message with your mailing address. i will gladly send you one.