The Saturday Seven: Things That Make Me Smile

I wouldn't exactly classify this past week as the worst week, or even the toughest ever, but for some reason is was a draining week at work. I was in meetings non-stop all day, even lunch meetings, so I barely had anytime to breathe or think. Everyone has their own coping mechanisms. I tend to think happy thoughts and splurge on the things that I enjoy. It usually helps get me through the day if, even for a brief fleeting moment, I allow my mind to wander. Photo above left: this is one of my nieces, Isabella. She makes me smile whenever I think about her. This brings me to another scintillating edition of The Saturday Seven: Things That Make Me Smile.
#1 Chocolate Chip Cookies- they almost have a mystical property to them. Not only are they are my weakness, but people tease me and say I could be drawn into a lion's den by a plate of them!

#2 Warm, Sunny Palm Springs. Living in a resort community can have the effect of feeling like you are always on vacation. The combination of sunshine, palm trees and beautiful mountain scape is a combination that makes me happy just to be here.

#3 A Nice Filet of Beef Tenderloin. My doctor would kill me for this, but a nice piece of beef does hit the spot once in awhile. It satisfies me on many levels, especially with a nice glass of Cabernet. Even just thinking about it makes me smile.

#4 Delicious Chocolate Truffles- Regular readers know how obsessed I am with chocolate, especially Fannie May candy. I'll probably order myself a Valentine's heart shaped box just because!

#5 Fresh Flowers- It's rough being a guy. Let's face it, most guys don't have fresh cut flowers on their desk at work. But in my case people at work know I'm a bit of a character, so I wouldn't have a problem if anyone wanted to send me some flowers to work. (hint hint, gentle readers.) They will definitely make me smile!

#6 Exotic Scented Candles- On one of my trips to Hawaii I ran across a shop called Island Soap and Candles. They had the most wonderful candles with exotic, tropical scents. I have a few that I burn when I get home from work to relax me. I close my eyes and the scent takes me back to Kuai

#7 A Good Book- I love to read. I usually have a book going in both homes, so whether I am at home in Palm Springs or at the beach house in San Diego I have something to read before I go to sleep. I mostly like fiction, mystery and travel writers.

Bonus Entry: My dog and cat- Koshimi and Owen are my good buds. As much of a pain in the butt they can be at times, they are part of the family and make me smile. There is nothing like coming home and having them run up to me to say hello, tails wagging and smiling back at me.

What things make YOU smile? Go ahead, leave a comment, I decided to waive all comment fees today.
-Rick Rockhill