A Few Of My Favorite Things

A few of my favorite things:

...waking up to the smell of French toast and fried eggs at Mom & Dad's house.

...cresting the ridge of The Summit before arriving at my grandfather's house, knowing my journey was nearing its end.

...when George & Mary are walking home from the high school dance after falling in the pool, and enjoying watching the romantic tension grow between them.

...the start of a road trip and seeing the sun rise over the horizon.

...coasting down that first drop of the Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens.

...the feel of cold sheets quickly being warmed as I lay down to sleep on a cold winter's night.

...the taste of a hot out of the oven slice of Ledo's pizza topped with pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and black olives.

...the crunching sound of new-fallen snow under a moonlit night during a romantic stroll.

...the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning, even as an adult, with great anticipation.

...reflecting on a powerful message from my pastor after a church service, and making a plan to incorporate it into my daily routine.

...the cool taste of a slice of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.

...holding hands for the first time with a new love.

...the excitement of a Terps hoops victory over Duke.

...giving Faithful Pup Scout a belly rub EVERY morning, then picking her up and getting a thank you lick on the cheek.

...the feeling of the wind in my hair as I pull out onto the road in my 2-seater with the top down on a warm Summer evening.

...the smell of burning wood on an Autumn day driving through the countryside.

...waking up in a hotel room without a care in the world on the first day of a vacation.

...picking up my daughter every day after school ends and asking her, "How was your day?"

...catching your wife or girlfriend's smile across a crowded room when glancing at her.

...walking into an amusement park with my daughter and listening to her come up with our agenda for the day.  She's becoming such a little leader.

...awaking on the couch after an unintended nap on a rainy Sunday afternoon and feeling well rested.

...getting a really good haircut followed by a scalp massage shampoo by the stylist.

...watching an episode of the T.V. show "Ed".

...the powerful sound of big band jazz performed live.

...singing "Pleasant Valley Sunday" with my daughter at the top of our lungs as we cruise down the road in our 2-seater with the top down.

...watching the Steelers live and in person at Heinz Field (and, even better, at Three Rivers Stadium) with 60K friends.

...careening down an icy slope on an inner tube at exhilarating speeds.

...giving, then receiving a full-body massage by your wife.

...big, warm hugs from my daughter.

...driving a sports car through the mountains at just a tad bit over the speed limit.

...the feeling of soreness after playing a competitive tennis match with a good friend.

...making out with your wife or girlfriend like you're a couple of teens.

...driving down old Route 66 in the Mojave Desert of eastern California, knowing you are the only person within several miles, and thanking God for His beauty.

...knowing I could just keep on writing this list for the next few hours because there are SO many favorite things!

...praying for my loved ones.

...thanking the Lord for blessing my life so much.