10 Things that make me happy

We all have our personal lists - of the zaniest/quirkiest/
funniest/ craziest/smartest ... We devote this page to them.

This week, Linda Nzimbi is a customer relations administrator for a leading courier
company, lists ...

The smell of the soil just before the rain: It reminds me of my childhood and how back then we would jump around singing Fall rain fall rain; Beautiful rain; Don't disturb me ... beautiful rain by Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Listening to raindrops: I like listening to the sound of raindrops falling on the roof while lying on a couch or in bed eating ugali and sukuma wiki (cornmeal mush and vegetables). The sound is so soothing and makes me forget all the trials and tribulations of this world.

A bubble bath: Is a great way to relax and unwind after a hectic day in the office. To make the experience more enjoyable, I put on some nice background music.

Sliding into clean bed sheets: After soaking in the tub for hours and applying some moisturising body cream diving into a bed with soft, fresh-smelling sheets is like paradise.

BBQ in the village during the festive season: It gives me joy to see the whole family gathered together - children running, adults laughing, great music in the background. My mother-in-law's face glows when she sees her family enjoying the braai.

Having friends over for lunch when I go back home: Every year when I go back home for my annual vacation, I invite friends for lunch. Surprisingly what starts off as lunch usually ends up as a sleepover.

Listening to my two-year-old godson sing Baa Baa Black Sheep: I can't make out whether he would be saying "wool", "wood" or "woo" but it really doesn't matter because my heart melts when he sings that part.

Flipping through the family photo album: Going through the album with my husband Michael, reminiscing about the good and hard times. The interesting part is making fun of each other's primary and high school photos.

By the way we went to the same primary school and he was a prefect! Seems like yesterday when the shy, young Michael from class A would pop into our classroom and ask us to stop making a noise.

Walking barefoot on the grass: When I'm on vacation I love to walk in the field barefoot on grass. The cool dew falling on my feet relaxes my mind and gives me a feeling of well-being and peace.

Chatting with my friend Joy: Even though I get to see my best friend Joy only once a year since I moved to Dubai, it always seems like yesterday that we sat and talked.

The conversation never seems to end, yet I cannot even remember what we were yapping about, but I know it was an evening well spent and we both went home with a smile on our faces. I think every woman needs a "Joy" in her life.