Some Things

Some things make me stop and think.

Some things make my head hurt.

Some things make my gut wrench.

Some things make me roll my eyes.

Some things make me laugh.

Some things make me smile. Simply smile.

Some things make me stop and think, roll my eyes, laugh, and smile all at the same time.

This evening I feel like listing a plethora of things that make me smile. The word "plethora" makes me smile. A much more fun way to say "a bunch of things" or "many". Smile smile smile. 

Some are accompanied with my personal photographs. In no particular order...

Country roads make me smile. Especially country roads on a beautiful crisp afternoon as the sun is going down in Nebraska.

Fresh vegetables. Colorful food. Refreshing nutrition after a workout, amid a long day, or just for a snack.

Grocery shopping with my mama even though I am 23 years old.

Thrift store shopping with my dad.

Talking to my dad about the Broncos game on the phone. Peyton Manning and the Broncos are going to the Superbowl.

Haircut adventures with a best friend. Telling the stylist to give me some crazy layers, go however short, close my eyes while she's cutting it, and adding a fun change.

Hearing my brother say "awesome hair cut, Jess" first thing when I saw him after having it done.

Opening up a text message from my godmother saying how much she LOVES your new hairdo and chatting with her a bit while she's in Hawaii.

Telling my mom about my short hair over the phone.

Phone dates.

Sitting in Monday afternoon spinal cord class with Uncle Chuck. Reminded me how much I enjoy school and learning.

Receiving a handmade card in the mail from my little pen pal back in Omaha who I met while waitressing.

Receiving a message from a friend you made while hitchiking in the back of a truck one of your first weeks in Samoa, who sang Happy Birthday to you that night, and you hung out with a few times throughout the year. A random "I miss you".

Seeing that another friend from my island home receiving my Christmas card in the mail and sending me a long email with a life update.

Having a student wish me a Happy New Year.

Having a student comment on your new island-themed hand-painted shoes.

Receiving the aforementioned shoes from one of your volunteer buddies back at M'side.

Breakfast! Not to mention beautiful breakfast that you slowly enjoy at the table.

Being surprised with a trip to the park after lunch on a Sunday afternoon. A Sunday afternoon in the middle of January that felt more like spring. A park in Omaha with the guy you drove up to see for the afternoon. Sitting on the swing, chatting about all sorts of things, enjoying the sun on your face, and just smiling.

Jogging along a country road watching my shadow along the ditch on one side and the sun beginning to set on my other side.

The way a small town community comes together so quickly to help the volunteer fire departments in any way they can the night one of the churches in town is on fire. Can't beat some of the community togetherness a small town offers and moving forward.

The constant changing colors of sunset. Just one minute makes a difference.

A mini watermelon. One I cannot wait to cut open and see what pink deliciousness I may find inside.

Not catching a good bout of the cold or the flu once yet this season. Yes, I know... You think now I will since I've said it. Well, I've said it at least five times already at different occasions and I'm still healthy as an ox. haha

Finishing your run for the night just as the stars begin to become visible above my home.

Feeling pretty good about the 3.75 mile run I went on a few days ago, only to run 4.55 miles on the most beautiful day of the week.

Reading about runner's high in my psychology textbook and finding myself smiling as I felt those endorphins kicking in, the beautiful day pushing me further. I didn't want it to end.

Doing homework for a few classes I am taking through Southeast Community College this term. Two classes I need before I can begin nursing school next year.

Having the residents at work comment on how it seems like I didn't leave this week, working 1st shift one day with 3rd shift to follow, 2nd shift the next with another 1st shift right after and then some.

My new job in general makes me smile. Staying busy, learning valuable stuff, chatting with some of the residents, and making them smile.

Finishing a book trilogy.

Taking a little nap from time to time.

Rolling out of bed 10 minutes before I need to leave for work.

Staying in my bed until 9:30am even though I probably could have made my butt get up around 7:30 or 8.

Sitting on the couch with a cup of green tea in my hand.

Singing and dancing in the shower.

Every day adventures from great to small.

People.

Landscapes.

Time.

Space.

Life.