At home in Long Island, a few Mobil stations scatter the streets of my usual paths around town. (I have a Mobil card, so it’s easiest o go to an Exxon or Mobil station so I dont have to worry about cash.) Whenever I get less than half full, I tend to fill up my tank. … More making it to the gas station on “E”
I always get so many bug bites. It doesn’t matter where I am outside, what time of day it is… a mosquito bite is an inevitability for me. My mom tells me its because you’re just so sweet, Emily. My sister tells me its because I have type O blood (not sure about the truth of this, still.) Whatever the case, … More The blissful scratching of an itchy bug bite
I feel no shame in saying that I love grocery shopping — Making a list and planning exciting dinners to have each night of the week, walking up and down the aisles and looking for the best deals on the items I need, getting free samples of whatever coldcut I’m buying at the deli counter, buying … More a fully stocked kitchen
Getting myself ready to go somewhere, I walk around my kitchen, realize how thirsty I am, drink a full glass of water, and then leave. I always do this. I get in my car, and on my way to my destination, drink water from the bottle I have stored in my car. When I get to said … More finally peeing when you really need to.
When I was flying back from Italy a few days ago, I took a small plane from Florence to Paris, and then a plane from Paris to Boston. While the security line in the Florence airport was long, the flight was on time and fast. When I got to Paris, I walked to my gate, … More finding a power outlet in the airport
There are few things in life that leave me as happy as snuggling with someone. Of folding myself into a ball and wedging my tucked body against someone else’s. Of laying long and lean against someone for a hug, knowing exactly where my body will settle comfortably against theirs. I know not everyone is as touchy-feely as … More cuddles
There is no doubt that my mother’s cooking makes me happy. But what makes me even happier is when I get to cook alongside her. And what makes me the happiest? When it becomes family cooking time, and my dad pitches in as well. Such was the situation last week: the three of us puttered around the … More a mother’s cooking
When I was very young, I was lucky enough to go to Disney world — not once, or twice, but a handful of times. Being on the airplane to get there never bothered me. My mom always helped me pack a carry-on bag with many things to keep me occupied —coloring books, puzzle books, travel-sized connect … More an unexpected upgrade to business class
There is an immense satisfaction the comes from discovering something you forgot you had. $20 in the pocket of an old winter coat One last stick of gum stuck in the corner of the pack That pink short sleeve shirt that got bunched and scrunched in the back of the drawer, hidden behind a pile … More the chocolate bar you forgot you had
The Dalai Lama says “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Ghandi says, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” When I read these two statements, I see some similarities. Both men explain that to be happy, you — you yourself — … More the h-word
happiness is many things 