As we head into the school-homestretch, I’m very much into my car. Bringing kids home from track practice. Transporting ballerinas to dance. Running errands. Taking road trips. Hanging out, just me and my book, as I wait for rehearsals to end. Good thing I happen to love my car, one of the best anniversary surprises I ever received. (Way to go, babe. xo!)

On Squawk Mountain, kids & Remy

With the nice weather here to stay (more or less) , I’m also into family hikes. Nothing too serious, mind–not for me. But trekking up a local trail is such a great way to enjoy family time while clearing out the cobwebs and drinking in the Pacific Northwest scenery. We’re not called the Evergreen State for nothing.

I’m also into happiness. Been doing a lot of reflecting on this subject lately, partly because I’m in such a different place emotionally than I was a year ago. For which I’m so very thankful. My journey this last year has revealed how deeply negative our world is. And how if we want to live differently, we have to consciously combat it. Starting with filling our minds and souls with the goodness that does, in fact, abound. (Think Philippians 4:8.)

Along those lines, I’m reading The Happy Christian.

About this book: (from the publisher) Hopelessness has invaded much of our culture, even reaching deep into the church. But while the world is awash in negativity, Christians have resources to live differently. In The Happy Christian, professor and pastor David Murray blends the best of modern science and psychology with the timeless truths of Scripture to create a solid, credible guide to positivity. Murray exposes modern negativity’s insidious roots and presents ten perspective-changing ways to remain optimistic in a world that keeps trying to drag us down.

Totally into that! Plus these short (5 minute) podcasts that my husband sent my way: Why Be Happy? and The Happiness Equation. Illuminating.

Happy on our way to see Tim

Oh, and I can’t leave the subject of happy without mentioning our favorite comedian, Tim Hawkins, whom we road-tripped last weekend to see perform. As we’ve done for about the last five years in a row. Yep, we’re pretty much stalkers. But that’s okay. We’re into Tim because Tim makes us  laugh. A lot. And that’s a very good thing, indeed.

[Tweet “This month it’s all about hikes, happiness, & Tim Hawkins”]

So that’s it for me. What are you into these days?