Hello, Goodbye...

When you start a new job, you never know who you will meet, what types of people will cross your path. When I started my current job, I was nervous, not knowing if there were people in my department that I would get along with. A simple thing, but much like a kid at a new school, I wondered, who will I eat lunch with? Yes, a very simple thing, your lunch break, but in the working world, it seems to mean as much as it does when you are a kid in the cafeteria. I quickly found people in my office who were nice, genuinely sweet people. I found out who was the most helpful, who had all the office gossip, who you could vent with when having a rough day. Slowly, some of these people also started to become my friends and being “the new girl” didn’t seem so bad. No matter how long you are at a job, we all know that you are “the new person” until someone else starts.

Lucky for me, I was only “the new girl” in my office for a month, then Lisa started. I knew she was cool when I first met her, and although her first week was a crazy busy one (not to mention that she had the worst cold/sinus icky thing ever), I knew she would not only be a wonderful asset to our team, but that we would get along great. Lisa is one of those people who always seems to be able to make you laugh and always has a smile on her face, even when she is stressed out. As the two new members on our team, we stuck together quite often, helping one another balance as we learned the ropes of the membership world. She helped me run a Daisy troop of 15 very energetic Kindergartners last year and I in turn helped her run a Brownie troop of 18 very chatty and opinionated 2nd and 3rd graders. We had fun, stressed a little, and learned a lot.

Lisa had a big year, not only did she have her new job at GS, but she also got engaged, planned a wedding and got married. Several of us went to the wedding and had a great time celebrating the happiness of our co-worker and friend. Along with a few other ladies, Lisa has become a friend as well as someone I work with. She is pretty much just awesome. Well, today is what we (as an inside joke) would call a sad face with tear. It’s Lisa’s last day. I am super excited for her, as her new job is something in the field she studied and is an amazing opportunity for her. As a co-worker, I am sad, but as a friend, I am happy. I will definitely miss her around the office.

So, I am definitely in a down and somewhat mopey mood today. I will be handling one additional service area for a while, until someone new starts and takes over those areas, but the additional work doesn’t bother me. I see it as an opportunity to show what I can do, to make the transition as between Membership Specialists as easy as possible for our volunteers. Also, I like a challenge! Today is a sad face with tear kind of a day. At least there is a 3 day weekend to look forward to! A change in the office is never easy for me, as I tend to get attached to the people I spend so many hours with every day. Change is good, right? Yeah, sure. Fine. Really, fine. Here's to a change that is hopefully positive for everyone in some way. Lisa, my friend, I'll miss you!

The Newness of Today

This morning I awoke to a pleasant song, "Auld Lang Syne". Yes, I am aware that New Years has come and gone and that we are truly into 2011 now, but the song made me smile. It is the version that was featured in the Sex and the City Movie, by Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis. While I love this version, the words, the symbolism of the song are what made me start to think, which is not an easy task in the morning. It seemed rather appropriate that a song so closely tied to the beginning of a new year and the possibilities it brings was the one that started my day, a new day, again, so full of possibility.

It is easy to wake up each morning and fret about what lies ahead, all the appointments and meetings cluttering the calendar, all the stops that need to be made, the errands that need to be made, the chores that need to be done. We can worry about how to accomplish so much in one day, what to make for dinner, what to wear that day, how to come up with the money to pay that one last bill this month. I often fall into this trap and stress myself out even more my feet hit the floor. It is a bad habit to get into, and while I try not to let my mind wander to my to-do list so early in the day, sometimes it just happens.


Waking to "Auld Lang Syne" brought a different feel to my day, a feeling of hope and possibility, the same as the feeling so many people experience when a new year begins. Why is it that we are so excited to ring in a new year, but don’t often greet a new day with the same sense of enthusiasm? A new day, in a way, might be an even bigger gift than a new year, a chance to undo the things that were not done right the day before, a chance to make different choices, to start a new to-do list, a chance to begin with a new attitude. Sometimes we don’t appreciate a new day the way we should, seeing it as just another step towards the weekend or another block of time filled with responsibilities and things we must accomplish, tasks to be done, people to please, et cetera.


My Opa is a very happy morning person, an individual who is perky and very much awake the moment hi feet hit the floor. I am not. The more I think about it, perhaps he is just embracing the beauty and promise of each day, seeing the opportunities it brings for new adventures, new quiet moments, to learn something new, to enjoy a new and yet another day with the ones he loves the most. He always jokes with me and says, “I checked the paper and my name wasn’t in the obituaries, so I got up.” It always makes me laugh and, given some thought, he has a point. Each day we are given a new chance to live, to our lives, even for just 24 what we want, what we will. We are free with each sunrise to make new decisions, to refocus, to reevaluate, to re-prioritize, to begin on new things, or revisit things or people left behind in haste yesterday. Seeing the possibility in a new day is like a little bit of new years excitement, given as a gift to each of us every morning. We should embrace it, whatever it may bring. The decisions belong to us each morning, the important decisions, like who to spend our time with, what deadlines are the most pressing, or what fabulous pair of shoes to wear today.


"Auld Lang Syne" was a random iTunes pick as my alarm this morning, but I think I may stick with it, just as a simple reminder to see each day as a new beginning, much like the new year.




Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
And days of auld lang syne, my dear,
And days of auld lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?


We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine.
We've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin' auld lang syne.
Sin' auld lang syne, my dear,
Sin' auld lang syne,
We've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin' auld ang syne.


We twa hae sported i' the burn,
From morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.
Sin' auld lang syne, my dear,
Sin' auld lang syne.

But seas between us braid hae roared

Sin' auld lang syne.

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

There is Room for Good Etiquette Everywhere

As my mother so often says, “Good manners never go out of style.” She is oh so right. Good etiquette is something that so many people seem to know nothing about these days, matters of social politeness and what is proper often eludes many individuals, including some that I have contact with on a daily basis. This makes me sad, very sad. Granted, you must keep in mind that I am the girl whose mother gave her Emily Post’s Etiquette Book as a second grader, and I read it from cover to cover. I pride myself on knowing the right way to behave in social situations, how to pen invitations and letters with class and even who should wear what and sit where at a wedding. Some of things I know in regards to standard etiquette are peculiar and not often used and others are things that I believe are a matter of simply having and using good manners.

Manners, whether you know it or not, apply to our electronic, technological world the world wide web as well, or at least, they should. It seems to me that there is often a lack of etiquette on social networking sites. I am not saying that these fun websites should be structured, but common courtesy for others should be considered when you “talk” online as well as when you speak in person or via pen. Here are what I believe should be viable etiquette points for Facebook, if you please:

1. It is rather impolite to use your Facebook status only as means to complain about your life. We all have bad days, bad weeks, situations in our lives that lead us to whine a little, to want to share the frustrations of our existence with others. Facebook statuses are often used for that, to convey the fact that one had a lousy day at work or just experienced a less than desired social interaction. It is okay to say to state that you have a headache, feel sick, don’t want to go to work, et cetera, but…. not all the time! People, please, give me a break! There is more to life than complaining and be warned, if you post nothing but whines and bitches as your status, I am likely to soon de-friend you. Note that, while sharing your life and feelings, both the good and the bad, is the point of those statuses, please don’t bring everyone down by being a Debbie Downer. Sad face with tear….

2. If someone declines an invitation, it is polite to accept and not bother them over and over and over again with the same invitation. No one likes a Pushy Patty ladies and gentlemen. Some people use Facebook to simply stay in touch with friends and family, others use it to meet new people or to find out what is going on in their area, and others yet enjoy the many games and apps that it offers. While it is wonderful for you to choose a game and get joy from playing it, please do not assume that everyone on your friends list will feel the same way. If you think someone might want to play said game, invite them or suggest it to them – once. If they decline, please don’t make yourself a nuisance by inviting me to play over and over again. If I want to, I will. If I don’t, I wish you fun times without me. The same thing goes for apps. While I know you love me, want to share a drink with me, want to hug me or whatever the case may be, if I do not accept the virtual heart, drink, hug, tree, flower, whatever, don’t take it personally. Thank you for your kind thoughts, but just because a friend has an application does not mean I am going to add all of them. This would require far too much effort to keep up and on top of things. At the same time, I respect your right to have the apps and play the games you choose and will not be a Pushy Patty with you either. Please and thank you kindly.

3. Facebook is fun and sometimes correct grammar is put aside – that’s okay. I am sure that my English major friends are cringing right now, but hear me out, please. We have all used “text talk” or slang on Facebook, and because it is a fun social network, I feel this is appropriate. This does not mean that we should disregard all grammar, as I for one am often annoyed when sentences don’t make any sense or are one long run-on when they should be 4 or 5 individual sentences. I should not get a headache while trying to decipher the jumble and mush that is your status, with a mix of capital letters in the middle of words and symbols that need a code to crack. As long as it makes sense and any normal, educated, literate person, it is okay in my book. Occasionally we all make mistakes on spelling or grammar, misusing a pronoun or not writing in the correct tense or case, but what we should all recognize is that sometimes the meaning of what is written is more important. I find it extremely rude for someone to correct another person’s grammar publicly on Facebook. As the reader, you don’t know if it was an honest mistake or was written that way for a reason, as part of an inside joke, et cetera. While I appreciate correct grammar and spelling in most writing, I feel that sometimes people should kindly step down from their high horses and realize that no one is perfect. Yes, I may misuse I/me or lay/lie occasionally, but really, who does it hurt? Please be kind.

4. When I look at your profile, I should know it is you. Seems like stating the obvious, I know, but many people do not agree. I know that you are proud of your kids, your pets, your garden, et cetera, but they are not you! If I am looking for a friend from high school, for example, and she has a picture of a newborn, what are the chances that I know that that is the Suzie Smith I am looking for? I don’t and it is frustrating. Put up a family picture or you with said offspring, pet, whatever you like, but please be courteous and put yourself. If I know you, I know you are not that puppy or that smiley-faced three year old or that cartoon character, but still. The page is yours, with your information, about you and I believe you should show us who you are, which is not someone or something else. Also along the same lines, if you and your significant other want to have Facebook accounts, do not have one that you share. Again, while this relationship might be a very important part of who you are, it is not you, the whole you, or at least it shouldn’t be. Celebrate the awesomeness that is you by having a profile of your own. Honestly, it looks utterly ridiculous to have your name be JohnandJane Doe instead of John Doe having his and Jane having hers. If you are going to commit to being part of a social network, do it, yourself, not as some odd morphed significant other “Bennifer”-like monster. Thank you kindly.

5. Your statuses need not be a live feed of your every movement. I love the fact that when something pops into my head, I can take a quick moment and post a status about it on Facebook. I also love to see the randomness that floats in and out of the minds of those I know throughout the day. Many of you that are my Facebook friends are indeed very amusing and I thank you for bringing a smile to my face throughout the week. Some people post things that make me want to say, “What the…?” That’s okay, too, as that is just their way. There is something to be said for the peculiar or something with a little shock value now and then. What drives me bonkers is a status such as “Good night FB.” Something cute or even simple about the fact that it is bedtime for you is okay, but bidding adieu to the whole site for the night? Really? Also, is there a need to tell the whole world, “Time to eat, then taking a shower, then going to bed.”? I do not need a play by play of your actions all day, the mundane and boring things we all do every day. If someone feels the need to know every little thing you do all day long and when you do it, I think you should start feeling a little scared and consider changing your locks. Stating the obvious is just not necessary. Do you need to know “I am driving to work.” “It’s raining.” “Eating lunch.” Some things just don’t need to be shared. Thank you for thinking I am that interested in your life, but no thank you.
 I know it might seem that I am very impatient and rather bossy after reading these rules, but I think that if people tried them out, they would see that they simply make the social networking experience more pleasant for all who choose to take part. Please do not be offended by these rules as I am not singling anyone out, pointing a finger at you personally, nothing like that. I am simply sharing what I would like to see, expressing the things that frustrate me about the wonderful world of Facebook. I am sure that you all have your own frustrations with whatever social network sites you are part of and people’s behavior and habits thereon, so share them with me. Sorry, I meant, please feel free to share with me at your convenience.

Dear Santa...

Dearest Santa,

Christmas is oh so near and it just occurred to me that, in the midst of all the hustle, bustle and holiday cheer, I have forgotten to send you my Christmas list. Yes, I am 28 years old and yes, I have a Christmas list. I believe that I have probably, in all honesty, jumped from the Nice List to the Naughty List and back again, several times in fact, this year. If I had to guess, I would say I am currently hovering on the "Eh, I Am Not Sure What List To Put You On" List. Frankly, I am sure most adults are, most adults that have to deal with other adults on a daily basis anyway. I do feel, despite this inconsistent listing, that I completely, 100% deserve to get everything on my list this year. I submit for your most careful consideration:

1. A renewed, refurbished pair of big shoulders for my Mom (Hers are looking a little worn these days...perhaps those 1980s shoulder pads could come in handy)

2. Continued strength and honed good decision-making skills for my brother, T. (He is such a great dad to his kids, but I know it is tough on him at times. Help him to know how proud I am of him, if it's not too much to ask.)

3. A continued sense of pride and self-congratulations for my Dad (He has made positive changes recently in regards to his health and I am very proud of him.)

4. Knowledge, focus and good self-esteem for my brother, A. (He is smart, but sometimes needs a bit of help focusing. Also, high school is never easy, so help him to see every day how awesome he is, even if others don't.)

5. Good health and good sense for my grandparents (I love them and though they have had a challenging year in terms of health, I know they can watch out for each other and make good decisions in regards to their physical and mental health. As a side note, can you make sure Opa is on the Nice List this year; he really hates getting coal in his stocking.)

6. Patience for my cousin Michael (I know college is turning out to be a different journey and tougher than he expected, but he is an amazing young man. Perhaps patience with oneself is that toughest kind to come by....)

7. Time to relax and warm memories for all my dearest friends (we all work so hard and are so busy, so a chance to slow down and relax, enjoy the holidays and reflect on the best parts of 2010 might do everyone some good.)

8. A renewed sense of enthusiasm and energy for my co-workers (Cookies are coming ladies and gentlemen and we call better have our game faces on, complete with  Brownie Smiles, when we return from a well-deserved holiday break.)

9. Wisdom and humility for those in government (Whether I agree with their politics or not, and I probably do not, I hope that those making decisions remember that it is not just about them, not just about people with money, not just about adults, but about making decisions with the honest-to-goodness best interest of all people in mind)

10. A new pair of fabulous shoes

Santa, you have always been so generous and perhaps your efforts and amazing ability to remember what I ask for each year goes unrecognized. Thank you. Thank you from the little girl who was beyond excited to find a Barbie Dream House, a pink bike, a baby doll, new skates, an electronic keyboard, and games galore under the tree. Thank you for always eating the cookies I so lovingly backed for you and for making sure the reindeer always got their apples and carrots. Thank you for bringing me the sweaters and mittens Mrs. Claus crafted with love each year. Thank you for keeping Christmas alive in the hearts of so many, whether they admit they believe or not, you know the truth.

Merry Christmas Santa. I'll be listening for the reindeer on the roof on Christmas Eve and I promise that Opa won't get you this year.

I still believe,
Christina

PS - About those shoes....

You Can Do It!

We all face little challenges, each day. Sometimes getting up in the morning is a challenge, for one reason or another. Sometimes not snipping at a co-worker is a challenge and sometimes it is making yourself head to the gym instead of to Starbucks. Whatever the challenges of every day life are, they are usually just put there in front of us, nothing we asked for. It is not like most people get up in the morning and think, "Gee, i really wish I big challenge would be tossed at me today." Personally, I don't mind the occasional challenge, something that makes me think, use my creative juices, step into territory that is for me, perhaps uncharted. Other days, I wish only for the norm, for an easy day, with no surprises, busy work that doesn't require too much thinking, too much physical exertion, et cetera.

A few weekends ago, a group of 10 ladies, myself included, took on a challenge, we willingly signed up and took on the challenge, the challenge of being trained to facilitate a low ropes challenge course at camp. Yes, you read that right, me and a challenge course at camp. Honestly, at first I wasn't sure I wanted to volunteer, not sure of what I would be getting myself into, but then as I thought about it, I thought to myself, how often do I get to try something completely new, something outside my comfort zone and skill set. Well, this was an opportunity to do just that and so, I went for it.

A low ropes challenge course is used for team building. It is a series of elements set in the woods, each requiring not only physical strength to master, but mental strength, group strength and a sense of being a team, the ability to work together towards a common goal. Some of the ladies in the group I was with I already knew, other staff members, and others were summer camp staff, others were volunteers. It was an interesting mix, but as we went, we learned about about each other, about ourselves, about what each one of us had to offer the group in terms of our strengths, both physical and non-physical. Some people had experience with this type of course, some did not. I was just excited, and though while I was on the non-experienced end of the spectrum, I had a sneaking suspicion that my enthusiasm and willingness to try anything once would serve me well.

I was right. We started off with team building exercises, games, etc. We talked about safety and demonstrated our new-found understanding of safety measures, as well as how to teach them to girls. Then, we were introduced to the elements, one by one. Some were easier to take on physically, but required a lot of thought and planning in regards to how to complete the task at hand successfully as a group. As a group, the real point of all of the activities, working together and utilizing each others strengths, overcoming weaknesses, and finding options that work for everyone. I don't see how anyone could take on these elements as a group without a sense of trust in and respect for each other. I could see those things building, our respect for one another growing as we went, the level of trust increasing, as every individual proves what they are capable of, not only to the rest of the group, but most importantly to themselves. The sense of pride and accomplishment is shared, but also, you take a little piece of that for yourself, tucking it quietly into your pocket with a grin, for a rainy day.

I never expected to shimmy past others, climbing over a friend as I moved from one end of a large log to the other. Climbing a cargo net, around from front to back, swinging on a rope swing and not dragging my feet, worming my way under a net, blindfolded, my whole team looking on and guiding me with their words. Oh, and who can forget being pushed up and on top of a large spinning bobbin, then trying to get down the other side, not falling face first. Or perhaps it was helping a team member across the swings, then trying to swing and squeeze myself across as well, all without touching the ground. Yes, it was an interesting experience. Yes, I did it!

I learned a lot about teamwork, about how what you think effects the outcome as much, if not more so, than what you actually do. A challenge course is not something most people who know me would call " a very Nina thing to do," but it was something I wanted to try, and thanks to my own hard work and that of the ladies I was with, it was a positive and successful experience, a challenge willingly taken. My body was worn, cold, bruised, scraped, sore in places and I never knew I had. That aside, I am happy that I can enjoy sharing those feelings and experiences with groups of girls. Some will the scared, some will be nervous, some will think they can do it all, but what matters most is not what skills and mindsets they come in with, but what they leave with.
 You would think with the great experience I had that I would be happy to leave with those feelings and sense of success, coming back to just share it with others. Wrong my friends. I will be taking on the high ropes course, 40 feet in the air, harnesses and ropes, climbing wall, zip line, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Crazy? Probably. Out of my comfort zone? Definitely. A challenge? For sure. Excited? Of course!

Here's to taking on new challenges, big or small, and never forgetting that what matters most is that you took the challenge to begin with, no matter the outcome. (PS, remind me of that when I am scared and sore and and and in a few weeks....)

They Call it Daybreak for a Reason....

“Morning has broken, like the first morning

Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for the springing fresh from the word.”


GAG ME!
Morning and I co-exist because we have to, not at all because I want to. I am not a morning person, I never have been and I probably never will be. That’s okay with me. Some people are morning people, they wake with smiles on their faces, ready to greet the day. They happily jump out of bed, bright and refreshed. They greet everyone with cheeriness, with or without a cup of coffee. It makes me sick. I will never be one of these people. It is okay that they are that way, but if you are this type of chipper morning person, stay away from me!


I wake in the morning because that is what is expected of a person. Yes, I like my sleep, I covet it, I long for it when the sun goes down. Even, on the rare occasions, that I do get enough sleep, enough to feel truly rested, I am still not a morning person. I will always hit the snooze button, I will always mentally try and figure out how to squeeze in a few more restful moments in my comfy nest of pillows and blankets.


I move slowly once I get out of bed and usually, my eyes are not fully open for the first 20 minutes or so that I am in a vertical state of being. My morning state of being is very zombie-like, groggy, slow, I grunt and mumble more than I form actual words and have actual conversations. Sometimes the shower awakens me, but sometimes not. Consider yourselves warned, if you cross my path in the morning, you should step aside and not speak until spoken to. Seriously.


I try not to be a bitch in the morning, but people who do not understand that there cheeriness makes me want to vomit, well, they get the wrath of Christina. It happens. Sorry for that. And don't even get me started on the "have to have breakfast right out of bed" people. Ewwwww. Sick. No thank you! If I am not awake yet, I am not going to eat, and it would benefit you greatly if you did not offer me breakfast before I have indicated I might be interested in something. Eating first thing in the morning is something I have never understood, even as a kid. Back in the grade school days, my mom would have to beg me, force me to eat breakfast before school, and oftentimes, I would not actually consume anything until we were in the car, pulling into the school parking lot. It just doesn't work for me. If it works for you, fine, but don't force me to join you, at least until I am fully functional. Oh and if you are thinking of something fried, please kindly go away.


“Good Morning” is a common greeting from one person to another in the AM hours, but when you greet me, you will get this response from me: “Morning.” It is simply a statement of the time of day and has nothing to do with my mental state, my enthusiasm at seeing you, the weather report for the day, or the fact that sun may be shining. Morning is just that, a time of day. We all function differently, being ruled so often by not only our (often) hectic schedules, but our internal clocks. My internal clock, well it is stuck on a perpetual snooze button. I am unlikely to take joy in seeing the sun rise, but would be more than happy to enjoy a beautiful painted sunset with you!

So, people, are you happy in the morning? Are you grumpy? Are you an eager waker? Are you slow to shake off the sleepiness? Tell me... but not too early in the morning, okay?

Sniff, Sniff, Happy!

After what seemed like a summer that would never end, Fall finally arrived here in Illinois, and I for one, was ecstatic! It is my favorite season, for so many reasons and the thought of Fall simply brings me a warm and fuzzy feeling and a smile. For several weeks the weather had been playing tricks on me, dipping down to cool temperatures at night, then soaring up to hot once more, taunting me. Once cooler days finally arrived and decided to stay, the nights got even cooler, cold actually, and I was happy. I knew it was really truly Fall when the smell of the air changed. No, not the changing colors of the leaves or the date on the calendar, but the smell.



The smell of Fall is so distinct, one that makes me happy because it alerts me that the season is here to stay, at least for a while. I have to admit that scent is a sense that is often overlooked, but one that holds the key to so many wonderful memories for me, not just memories of Fall, but of people, places, events throughout my life. I believe that scents hold the key to taking you back to these moments. Just for the fun of it, here are some of the scents that I enjoy most:

1. Baking apple pie: My mom makes the BEST apple pie and so the smell of that baking not bring only brings back memories of many happy Thanksgivings, but makes me crave mom’s homemade awesomeness! Yumm!

2. Nivea cream: Of all the awesome things I could tell you about my Oma, one seemingly odd thing, is that she always smells the same. She has always used Nivea cream and lotion and it is such a familiar smell, so comforting, reminding me of hugs and weekends at Oma and Opa’s as a kid.

3. Grilling: Now, I despise the smell of meat cooking in the house, but there is something about the smell of something on the grill. My dad is a rock awesome grill master, so the smell of someone grilling takes me back to Summer (Fall, Winter, Spring) dinners as a kid.

4. Cinnamon sugar roasted nuts: Who doesn’t love this smell? Come on, be honest, it is amazing! When I was kid, we were always part of the Ethnic Festival in Springfield over Labor Day weekend and a family friend had a nut business, which was, I guess, my first taste of working (and what a tasty one it was). Also, the smell is one that wafts through the squares of many Bavarian towns and I have such fond memories of spending time there, eager to soak in every bit I could.

5. Animal crackers and juice: It is a simple smell, one so connected to childhood that it could probably define it. It reminds me of babysitting, which I loved doing as a tween/teen. It’s a happy smell, which makes me think about my niece and nephew, my two favorite kids!

6. Cold: Cold you may ask? Yes, winter has a smell, one that you know if you have experienced it. You walk outside late in the evening, and if winter is really on its way, you can smell it. I don’t know exactly what makes up that smell, but to me it smells like cold, a little notice that the time for hot chocolate and fires in the fireplace is coming, tow things I enjoy about the coldest months of the year.

7. Paper: As many of you know, I love to read, love love love it! It is one of my favorite hobbies and something that I do to relax, to learn, to lose myself, to find myself, to just enjoy. There is nothing like the smell of a new book, the paper, the glue, the ink, the combination thereof. In this age of technology, so many people are turning to electronic books (and yes, I can see the draw and convenience of these gadgets), but I am not sure I can. My whole life, the library has been a magical place, full of stories and characters and the wonderful smell of books. It is a smell that, combined with some of my other favorites, might be the best thing in the world!

8. Crayons: Not wax, but crayons. I loved to color as a kid and would do it for hours and hours, and frankly, I still find it relaxing. A new box of crayons always held such possibilities. I had to pick the first color I used out of that box with care, believing it was a special, magical moment. Kind of lame I guess, but true joy at that moment. Even now, when someone opens a box of crayons, I can’t help but smile.

9. Spearmint chapstick: Yes, it is a taste, too, but the smell alone is enough. It must be spearmint, not peppermint, the green Chapstick brand. It reminds me of certain someone who was, is and probably always will be, special to me in one way or another. I am sure I had used spearmint chapstick before, but now it reminds me of good times and good company and is most definitely the kind I prefer.

10. Tea with lemon: There are few things I enjoy more than curling up on the couch with the perfect cup of tea (this means it has a bit of sugar and some real lemon squeezed in). Something about it instantly relaxes me. I always have to lift the cup up, right between my mouth and nose and inhale the part sweet, part tart and steamy smell before taking my first small sip. It is a little piece of heaven, right there in my mug!

We often remember events and people visually, perhaps even the taste of certain foods can take us back to a certain happy time. For me, the sense of smell is so important, scents being so intertwined with my memories, and also being things that make me smile, make me relax, just make me happy. What smells are your favorites and why?