Funerals and Smiles

My friend Tracy tagged me in her blog to write about 6 things that make me happy, thus the "smile" part of my title. However, before I do, Chris and I are going to attend a funeral on Friday for the Patriarch of two families who have taken us in here in Mount Airy. We have spent some Thanksgivings and Christmases with them when we didn't travel to TX or MI. We have to go out to Asheville, so it will be a long day, but I'd do it in a heartbeat to be near them while they mourn and celebrate the life of their father. I guess I feel bittersweet about it...the good part is I feel I'm having a better outlook overall on death and grief right now so going to a funeral doesn't feel as heavy as it would have a few weeks ago.

So, on that note, things that make me happy:
1. My family - specifically, my amazing husband Chris who is my best friend, cheerleader, coach, confidant, lover, encourager, and co-parent and more! and my cutie-patutie son who is so squeezable and lovable and happy and whom I just can't stop kissing and hugging! and my parents and sister and brother-in-law and Chris' family.
2. The Mountains - we live in an amazing part of the country and I try never to take it for granted. Every day I see the mountain range in the distance, look at amazing tree foliage, see nature and crisp blue skies. I just love it. It could only be better if we had more dustings of snow.
3. Being able to be creative - in whatever form that takes - my job is an outlet for creativity as a communications manager, sometimes I paint (though it's been awhile), sometimes I write (though that's been lacking lately), and sometimes I teach.
4. Church - even though it's really been frustrating me lately, I still love the Church - wherever we may be attending. I love the mission, I love the people, I love the feeling, I love the comfort, I love the routine and predictability, I love the excitement and change, I love to try, I even love when we fail as we grow. I just love the Church and it makes me happy.
5. Driving/Traveling - though we haven't been able to do it in awhile, I am happy when we are traveling, especially by car. I'm sure if we were to count it all up, we have spent a good 1/4 of our marriage in a car. We can go somewhere by plan or just drive aimlessly. We go nearby on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or we go for days on end. I love the freedom and I love the conversation. I love to see new places. Traveling makes me happy.
6. TV - I know, it's terrible! But TV really does make me happy! I look forward to certain shows - i.e. the office - that make me laugh out loud, but then even the ones that aren't funny still cheer me up. I love to curl up on the couch and have no responsibilities for a bit while I am entertained. Thank goodness Cam is going to bed early now!

Thanks for this challenge, Tracy! It was good for me to think through.
I'm not going to tag anyone as I'm not sure anyone is reading this anyway ;)
But I guess if you are reading, I challenge you to think about 6 things that make you happy. Did it take you as long as it took me (a good 20 minutes)?