Things that make me HAPPY !!!

Today, we'll look at some little things that make me happy. (in no particular order) It's a nice, optimistic way to start the week, I think. :)

1) FUN HAIR. One of my sisters-in-law, Anne, is really good at doing braids. (the one from France, not the one from California ... actually, I don't know about the one from California ... I've never asked) Yesterday, we went to a surprise birthday party for one of my brothers-in-law, Sebastien, and I asked Anne if she would do my hair for me. This is one side of the back of my head. You can't really see, but there are two braids like headbands in the front, then two down the back (with the zigzag in the middle) and a little bun at the back. It should be fun to see what my hair looks like when I take them out. Philipp says I will look like a sheep.



2) HOT POCKETS. Need I say more??? I discovered these in one of the local grocery stores the other day. (AND they were buy one get one free!!) Reminds me of the good old days of Hot Pockets and baby carrots in the CHS teachers' lounge. Good times.

3) NEW RUNNING SHOES!

I've been devoted to Saucony running shoes for years (ever since I started running), but they're pretty much impossible to find in France. So I hit the sales at "Decathlon" (a sports super store) and tried on several pair, hoping to find something to get me through my marathon training and beyond. I fell in love with these ASICS as soon as I tried them on! PLUS they were on sale! I would have preferred a cooler color, but running shoes are one kind of shoe you can't choose based on color. At any rate, as you can see, my first run was muddy enough that soon you won't even be able to see the color!

3 1/2) NPR PODCASTS. OK, I don't have a photo for this one. But did you know that you can download NPR podcasts from the Internet? I found this out a few weeks ago, and now once a week, I download the latest episode of CAR TALK, and listen to it during one of my runs. Philipp can't understand at all why I'm listening to car advice ... some things (like Click and Clack) just don't translate!

4) WHAT'S THAT ... A MOP ?!?!?!? Yes, folks ... I have a real mop! Philipp and I went to a real el cheapo store the other day ... called King Kong! There I spotted what I thought would remain but a dream for the duration of my stay in France ... A mop of my very own. And for just 3 euros (about $4.50) I got not just a mop, but also the bucket and a cool drainer thing ... no more dishpan hands! It's amazing!! (OK, so I haven't actually use it yet, but I will soon ... I swear.) And thanks so much, Beth, for the offer to send me one. You're off the hook! ;)

5) ONE WORD ... FLEXIPAN. I finally feel like a real Cosneau woman, because I am now the proud owner of two Flexipan molds. All the female members of the family have these silicone molds (sold at Tupperware-type parties), and create mouth-watering treats in them. For Christmas, I got to pick out whatever I wanted ... Philipp dropped me off at Anne's (the hair-braiding sister-in-law), who was hosting the party, with his checkbook and free reign to pick out a Christmas present or two. I came away with this lovely flower mold, which I use primarily to make zucchini bread ... and then make the French people guess what the flecks of green are in their cake!

I also got these little molds for making hors-d'oeuvres or sweets. I can now make little appetizers along with the best of 'em. And it's so easy!! So far, I've made these varieties: marinara and cheese, mushroom and thyme, smoked salmon, crab and dill, and pesto and cheese. Yum!

So ... I realize that I am truly becoming an old married woman, because several things that make me happy have to do with cooking, cleaning, etc. But that's fine with me. Mostly, these are things that make my life easier, and who doesn't want that?

And now I must get ready for bed, because I told myself I would get to bed early all this week. I need my energy for a big running week ahead. Still in training for the Barcelona Marathon on March 2nd. I'll try to keep you posted on how things are going. Til then ... Have a great week!