1. Snow. Actually, I’m totally over winter, so ready for spring. But, I knew there would be more snow coming, at least a few more times before we are done with it, and seven inches on a Friday during Spring Break is better than feet of snow on a day when we are trying to get somewhere.

2. Signs of spring, like the tulips and daffodils I got the other day at Trader Joe’s. There might be snow outside, but I’ve got some sunshine inside.

3. In related news, the camera on my new phone takes amazing pictures. I’m still being so careful with it, not using it much because the case I ordered isn’t here yet, but I’ve taken a few pictures with it and the clarity and quality is so much better than I expected.

4. My tiny family. Eric, Sam, and Ringo.

5. Being financially stable. We probably need a new furnace soon, and Eric dropped his phone so needs a new one of those too. We were able to buy a new car and redo our bathroom this year, as well as spend two months this summer in Oregon. I can go to the doctor when I need to and buy better quality food. We have enough money and good credit and not a whole lot of debt. I am very aware that this is NOT everyone’s reality, and I’m so grateful.

Bonus joy: clean water, a warm shower, clean laundry, clean sheets, snow tires on our cars, Wild Writing class, being able to say no to things, wool socks, down blankets and pillows, a good meal with good friends, being able to help, knowing I’m strong enough, pictures of the dogs when they were still babies, my favorite running shoes with Gortex, new bras.

1. More signs of spring. These mini irises on our walk the other morning, how warm Ringo’s fur was when he came in from lounging in the yard this morning, Sam covered in bits of grass that looked like hay after he’d been rolling in the yard, bird song in the early morning, and today it’s supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees. Keep it coming!

2. Wild Writing. It’s an amazing practice, and Laurie is such a fiercely present teacher, and there are so many good women I get to practice with — their writing raises the bar for my own, in the best possible way.

3. Kitchen counter love notes. Eric told me yesterday that he’s a little embarrassed when I post pictures of these sometimes because he isn’t an artist and they can be kind of wonky. I told him that’s one of the things I love so much about them.

4. Good friends. I have so many good friends, both “in real life” and online. I count in this number those of you who keep showing up here, kind and gentle reader. I love the way we support each other, keep going, keep trying our best, don’t give up.

5. Samson and Ringo Blue. They aren’t as easy a match as our first two dogs (who loved each other SO much, and I had no idea that wasn’t totally normal), but they are good together, and bring me joy in those moments when almost nothing else does.

Bonus joy: lunch with a good friend, my new car, my new bathroom (yes, STILL — this can’t be normal), the new cellphone I’m going to have soon, my current cellphone which has done such a good job sticking around for so long, teaching yoga, physical therapy, a surprisingly good romantic comedy, stand up comedy documentaries, a soft wool shirt, blue skies, sharing a piece of chocolate cake with Eric, a glass of cold clean water, a warm shower, clean towels, clean sheets, a massage, falling asleep easily, staying asleep, sleeping in, naps, good books, my Kindle, my interns, good things happening to good people, a moment of clarity and contentment, laughing.