36 Things That Make Me Happy

Today is my birthday, and I am spending it in Thailand. Last year’s was in Albania, the year before that in China, and next year it’ll be in Indonesia (where I’ll spend the next few birthdays, I hope!). Tonight’s celebration will be low key, something I haven’t done in a while. I usually throw big birthday parties, typically with a theme that involves me and my guests dressing up in ridiculous outfits. Last year’s bash was a prom-themed pub crawl ending in a 90’s prom. It was pretty epic! But tonight, I’m going to dinner at one of my favorite local joints with a few close friends I’ve made in Thailand. It’s going to be perfect! This weekend, to celebrate my birthday and Lauren’s (on Sunday), we’ll stay in a posh hotel in downtown Bangkok for a staycation. The plan is to shop at Chatuchak Market on Saturday, grab drinks Saturday night, and get dressed up for a badass brunch on Sunday. Again…perfection! 🙂

I had so much fun making my list of 35 things last year that I thought I’d do it again! So, in honor of my 36th birthday, here’s my list of 36 things that make me happy (in no particular order).

1. Quality time with friends and family
2. Giving the *perfect* gift…the one that the recipient totally loves, but never knew they wanted
3. Planning…currently I’m planning my month in the states this summer and my impending move to Indonesia
4. Decorating my place…I’m so stoked about my new house in Indonesia that I keep scouring Pinterest for ideas, shopping online, dreaming about my new place, and wishing time would go faster so I can be there already! It’s gonna be amazing!
5. Teaching…being back in the classroom during this season of my life has allowed me to reconnect with this passion
6. Laughing
7. Popcorn and M&M’s
8. Sweet tea…I can’t wait to get some Chick-fil-A sweet tea this summer!
9. Researching and trying out new restaurants…I’m such a foodie!
10. Donuts, especially from Shipley’s in Texas
11. Holding babies
12. Mango sticky rice…Thailand has spoiled me!
13. Reading! I have been able to reconnect with that part of me during this season, and I am so glad…I’ve really missed it.
14. Cooking…not being able to (no kitchen here, sadly) has really shown me how much I love it and how much I miss it
15. Smoothie bowls…tried it for the first time in Bali and man, I’m hooked!
16. My writer’s notebook…I’m loving the one Michelle gave me for Christmas
17. Apple products…I’m a Macbook Air, iPhone, and iPad user (I know, it’s a cult. I’m okay with that.)
18. My family…I get to see them in 22 days!!! Ahhhhh!
19. Music
20. Starbucks tumblers and mugs…I own way too many, but they’re just so darn cute!
21. Snocones…from JJ’s or Bahama Buck’s only
22. Traveling! Filling up my passport is my biggest hobby. I love planning trips…the anticipation of an upcoming trip is what gets me through the tough parts of life. Other than my trip home and my move, my next big trip is Paris in October! Sooooo excited to get reacquainted with this lovely city that captured my heart (and stomach) last time around.
23. Greek yogurt with blueberries and granola
24. Fresh fruit, especially mango, pineapple, dragonfruit, berries (all kinds), and green grapes
25. Finding the perfect travel accessories and bags that make traveling that much easier and fun
26. Making lists 😉
27. Sharing stories
28. A good smelling candle
29. Bath & Body Works hand soaps
30. Going to the movies…so many good ones coming out this summer!!
31. Biking…can’t wait to get back into it!
32. Surprises
33. Coming home to a clean house that I didn’t have to clean
34. All my Thai faves…Pad Thai, Panaeng and yellow curries, Kao soi, Tom Yum, Som Tum (not too spicy!)
35. Throwing parties
36. Photographing things that inspire me, foods that taste (and look) delicious, people I love, places I love, and things that make me smile or laugh

Last year’s 35th Birthday Bash…I miss these faces soooo much right now!