1. Roller Coasters-b/c who doesnt' love a good thrill right?! I still remember my first roller coaster, the Matterhorn at Disneyland. I was about 7 and road it with my mom. And what better way to start my love of thrill rides than doing it with a fun loving red head and an abominable snowman. Now don't get me wrong. There is a lot of fear that goes into this whole thrill process. Someone usually convinces me to just "wait in line" with them. I hesitantly agree because they assure me that I don't really have to go on it. When we get to the front I can always just "not get on". Yeah right! Somehow, I always manage to wind up strapped in with the shoulder harness firmly clicked into place before I realize I never wanted to do this. And then it is too late because we are slowing making our way up the first hill. When we finally reach the summit, I actually begin to lose consciousness-whether these momentary black outs are from altitude poisoning or the fact that I've been hyperventilating since I sat down remains a mystery-But before I know it we are plunging straight down into what feels like the center of the earth. It is about this time when I realize I am not dying, I am actually having fun. And then it is over, I feel great and anxiously await to start the entire process over on the next one.
2. Road Trips-over the years I have had the opportunity to go on hundreds of fabulous road trip adventures. I've piled in with parents, siblings, my dog, roommates, kids, my husband, best friends and have been to some really cool places. Sometimes it's been to somewhere new. And sometimes it's on to an old faithful like Morgantown. Sometimes it's in a car, sometimes it's on a coach and once even on a "chicken bus". Each trip I take is special in it's own way and I am so grateful for all of the amazing things I've seen and the amazing people I've shared them with.
3. The Red Bellied Woodpecker-These are truly a lovely bird. And you might be surprised how common they are. If you live in a neighborhood with trees chances are you've got red bellied woodpeckers living right under your nose. Just take a few minutes when you're outside doing yard work or on a walk. I often see them up high on the trunks. Really they are there and they are fantastic!
4. Reading-One of my favorite things to do in the world is put the kids to bed, grab a 
great book, get all cozied up in my favorite chair and read. It is especially nice when it is chilly and raining outside and I can snuggle up under Me Maw's afghan.
great book, get all cozied up in my favorite chair and read. It is especially nice when it is chilly and raining outside and I can snuggle up under Me Maw's afghan.5. The Ritchey's-My best friend Mandy and her entire family really made my Jr high and high school experience not only bearable but enjoyable for me. Mandy's house was the place where we'd all hang out. I have such happy memories spending many o Friday nights there playing games, eating yummy food and having fun. Plus they took me to the beach with them for 8 summers in a row!!!
6. Reese's Peanut butter Cups-I feel no further explanation is needed.
7. Rain-There is nothing better than waking up to a heavy downpour on a Saturday morning when you have no place to be. I love hearing the pitter patter on my roof and windows even before I open my eyes. And then it is positively fabulous when I realize I can stay in my cozy bed, listen to the rain and let it lull me back to sleep.
8. Rachel-my niece- What is not to love about this adorable 3 year? She's cute, she likes to cuddle and she always says something that makes me laugh. Plus as Anne of Green Gables would say she is my daughter's "kindred spirit". They were born just 13 days apart and are great friends. Such a blessing.
9. Running-now I am using the term "running" rather loosely b/c it's more like j
ogging. And I actually don't really "love" it. But it is something that has brought me a lot of satisfaction. And I've also run further than I ever thought I could. And even though I often want to cry while I'm in the middle of it(sometimes I actually have), I also always feel great when I'm done.
ogging. And I actually don't really "love" it. But it is something that has brought me a lot of satisfaction. And I've also run further than I ever thought I could. And even though I often want to cry while I'm in the middle of it(sometimes I actually have), I also always feel great when I'm done.10.Ryan D, Ryan H and Robert.
Husband, son, and dad.
Again no further explanation needed...
