But a short list of the little things that make life wonderful can help cheer us all up Hav... It's rainy, my taxes are due

And it's not just me. It seems like everyone around me is walking around a bit shell-shocked. I think we're all ready for warmer weather and good news.

Maybe this list will help you discover a new simple pleasure in life, or perhaps, the next time you're feeling down, you too can make a list of things that help to brighten your day. If you want to send me your list, please feel free to shoot an e-mail my way. After all, it's pretty obvious I can use all the help I can get.

1. Sunshine. Even if it only peeks out for two minutes on a Friday morning, it's still a sign of hope. Warmer weather is coming; all we have to do is wait.

2. Gelato. My husband and I can't seem to get enough of Caffe Gelato on State Street. It seems like a small cup of the cool treat helps melt away any stresses.

3. Garlic Cheese Balls. I recently went out to the new downtown pizza joint and non-smoking bar The Big Kahuna and discovered this sinful cheesy goodness. It's cheese, it's melted and it has a thick, crusty coating. Add some warm marinara sauce, and I'm in heaven.

4. Coffee. If you're an addict like me, your local barista is kind of like a kinder, gentler dealer. When I am having a rough morning, I step into Governor's Cup, and I know they will fix me right up with a soy latte. And at least for a few minutes, all is right with the world.

5. Laughing at other people. Now, I know this seems mean, but I'm not talking about people I know. I'm talking about celebrities. For instance, I was having a particularly bad day when I read that Star Jones Reynolds had to be hospitalized after her breast lift and implant procedure (surgery info from MSN.com) went wrong. I don't wish Jones harm, but it is a tiny bit gratifying to see a cosmetic procedure on someone so vain and grating get bad publicity.

6. Listening to a really great album. Sometimes, putting on truly great music can just set you in the right mood. For me, when I want to vent visceral anger, I listen to just about anything by PJ Harvey. If I want an album that fits my melancholy spirit, then I put on "The Best of Leonard Cohen."

7. Taking walks on my tree-lined street. I love doing this. The cherry trees are blooming, and everything smells so fresh and clean. Even if I only can enjoy it for five minutes before it starts pouring rain, I still love my 'hood.

8. Readers who respond to requests for e-mails. OK, this is a shameless plug, but nothing brightens my day more than hearing from cheerful people. So send me your lists of the little things in life that make your day brighter.

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