joy.

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Top 5 Things I'm really, really happy to have in my life right now:

1) My best friend (who also happens to be my husband), Philipp. Every day I am reminded in some obvious or subtle way how incredibly fortunate I am to know & be loved by him. We have been able to spend every single day together for 2 years traveling and working. During this time we have not been apart for longer than 3 hours. Although this is bound to change along with the changes we are about to make, I have nothing but profound gratitude for this time.
2) My health. Being able to move freely without pain, walk and run as much as I wish, breathe in & out with ease--these things are incredibly valuable to me. I think along with relationships, its what one must fiercely protect the most.
3) The coming of Autumn. I have such a love affair with this season. After being in Summer-like weather year round for two years by default of wherever we've been living, I am craving cool days, chilly nights and warm clothing.
4) Our In-laws. Really, I don't stop to think about how cool both sets of our parents are until I read or hear about the troubles people have with theirs. Aside from both sets being genuinely good people, we enjoy being around them. This makes for such positivity and joy around life events, holidays, etc. Just knowing that I don't have to guard one my future children from either side is a relief! ; )
5) Time to prepare. In the last year, as Philipp & I have become more interested in this whole idea of "Yay! Babies!", we have had time to reflect, talk, get excited, read (okay, thats only been me--but I read enough for the both of us to have, oh, I don't know, quintuplets!), etc. I feel really good about where we're at (and will be) when the time comes.

**I only slightly feel weird about having an "inspiration quite with picture" on my blog. This in no way was accompanied by candles, incense, and/or an Enya soundtrack.