I like lists. And here’s a list of reasons why. kidding.

Things that make me smile

- Instead of a picture of a paradise as my computer desktop background, I really do overlook a paradise while typing

- Little kiddos that say Hola Debala because they can’t say r’s yet

- Not having to wait for a bus. And actually getting a seat on the bus. And a front seat, which reduces bouncing around by a factor of 12. And if Spanish Rap or music with an accordion isn’t blaring from the speakers

- Having a secret language with the Indians

- Music from wooden flutes

- When the secretary jokes that the Tour Group’s savings are for a company car (a stovetop is hard enough to get here on the canoe)

- Children excited about reading

- That our accounting group can now complete our new computerized payroll without my help

- That employees are paid accurately

- When my English students ask the meaning of phrases like summer love and lean back

- Waiting only 10 minutes in the waiting room for a doctor’s appointment that I am an hour early for

- Receiving text messages and phone calls