These are a Few of My Favourite Things

Well. Hello 2012. Sorry I haven't greeted you earlier than now. I've been the tinsiest bit busy. But welcome all the same, come in (but take your shoes off because the carpet is brand new), get comfy and let's get to know each other a little. I feel like I have been waiting for you for ages. New year. New start. Anything is possible. Let's go!

I wanted to start my 2012 blog posts on a smiley happy theme. So, with this in mind I thought how better than to share with you some of the things in life that I genuinely love, that make me smile, touch my heart and make my days just that little bit more perfect. These, dear reader, are a few of my favourite things (and I promise not to sing).

1. The embarrased look a cat has when it knows it has been caught doing something stupid and uncool. My late cat [RIP Spider], when caught in a compromising position, used to pretend her leg suddenly, immediately, unexpected, was horribly dirty and that it required her undivided cleaning attention - attention that meant she could not afford to notice the silly humans laughing at her misfortunes. We loved you Spidey x
2. Getting caught in the rain and being completely soaked through to the point where, even if I jumped into the deepest ocean, I could not get any wetter. It is not the being soaked that I love. It is the realisation that there is no point in rushing to get out of the rain. I cannot get wetter. It is then that I can simply enjoy walking in the rain. Feeling the droplets hit my face, my hair, my arms... and not caring.
3. Sharing a knowing smile with a stranger. I think it is the silent communication and shared understanding that I like. Words are not always necessary.
4. Waking up in the middle of the night, feeling rested, like I have already had my advised 8 hours, and being unsure of the time, but certain that morning must be fast approaching, bringing with it the harsh reality of my alarm and then work. Only to find out the lush, beautiful, truth that it is only 2am and I can luxuriously fall back into slumber without consequence. Mmmm. I love nights like that.
5. Being the one that someone calls when they need someone.
6. Laughing so much my cheeks hurt.
7. Bubble baths. It's not just the bubbles. It's not just the bath. Nor the book I will inevitably be nursing. I love the smell, the relaxation, the solitude, the hot water and being completely submerged. I love listening to how everyday sounds alter, are muffled, dulled, softer when heard from underwater. I love the fact that if the phone goes or someone knocks at the door that I do not have to answer it. I am in that sacred place known as The Bath. It is a truth universally acknowledged that "I'm sorry, I was in the bath" is a valid excuse for absolutely anything.
8. Hearing songs from my childhood and being instantly transported back to happy memories. Radio Gaga takes me back to my mum's car driving down the long straight Roman roads near the farm I grew up on. Billy Joel's 'Tell Her About It' does similar. Put Elton's 'Sad Songs' on and I am suddenly switched into Dad's car.
9. Cake.
10. Speeding down a hill on my bike, feeling the wind on my face, kicking my legs out to the side and having the courage to close my eyes for a few brief seconds. It makes me feel invincible.
11. Going home to Essex. Knowing everyone in the pub and every bend and pot hole on the winding country roads. It is pathetic, I know, but if they (the powers that be in Essex County Council) change the road lay out, or add a new mini roundabout, it upsets me. I don't want home to change whilst I am gone.
12. Heated seats. I am generally not a material girl. I never thought I would put a symbol of material wealth on a list of things I love. But, when I'm cold, shivering and needing some creature comforts, you may as well call me Madonna because I will be hitting that button quicker than you can say 'toastie'.
13. A book that, despite my enquiring mind and uncanny knack for guessing plot lines and weeding out 'who did it' on page 24, surprises me. As much as I love to be right, I much prefer for the author to trick me.
14. The stars. They are outstandingly beautiful. I feel jealous of astronauts. They get nearer than I ever will. I love feeling humbled. They put everything in perspective (no pun intended). I really am a tiny dot in the universe, and therefore, my hopes, dreams and fears, whilst crucially important to myself, will never stop the world spinning, nor stars shining, nor galaxies forming. Professor Brian Cox is more attractive to me than any pop star. I want his knowledge of this universe we all share.
15. When the goalie gets sent off in football. I know it's a silly thing to like, but I find it hilarious. Even more than I like the goalie scoring from the other side of the pitch!
16. And lastly (in terms of this blog post - not my last favourite thing... I could go on and on), I must admit that one of my most favouritest thing in the culinery world, is the underestimated Jacket Potato with Bean and Cheese. I want to kiss the man who invented this glorious concoction. If a girl invented it I would kiss her too! I know it is probably not cool to admit this. I should say 'sushi' or a fad en vogue diet. But if I were to only allowed to eat one thing until the day I die, it would be the honourable Jacket Spud. Yummy! Yummy!

Anything that has the power to make us smile is special and should be cherished. Too many people live life noticing only the things that make them unhappy, things that don't work properly, things that annoy them. I don't have rose-tinted glasses, I really don't. I just want, and need, to see the beautiful side of life, of things, of people.

They are all little things, but they are a few of my favourite little things.