Anticipation….

I love adventures and surprises! Especially when I am the one organizing the moments of delight.  There is something about knowing that I am part of creating an experience that will make someone happy, that raises my Joy Factor.  I have hosted many surprise parties, taken Matt on surprise trips and left unexpected goodies for people to find. I love to give gifts for no reason, as well as for special occasions. The surprises can be large or small – it does not matter. What is important is that I enjoy the process of doing it and that the recipient(s) enjoy the process of receiving.

This past weekend, I had an opportunity to do just that. When making plans with Art and Robin to get together on Saturday, I asked them if they wanted to go on an adventure. They were up for it and the fun began for all of us. Over the next few days, emails went back and forth with a few questions from Robin to asssure she was prepared, so she could enjoy the adventure to the utmost. Questions like, what should I wear (very important question regarding the cute factor), should she bring bug spray, another good one for a July evening and cash or credit? Once those were answered, they were open and ready for what the evening entailed.  Anticipation was present for all of us.

Saturday came, and off we went to Smyrna-yes, outside the perimeter people, to have dinner and see a show. Not just any show- we spent the evening watching Van Heinekien, a Van Halen cover band. It was a blast! We laughed and reminisced about the past and our Van Halen experiences.

As “David Lee Roth” sang about Beautiful Girls and Dancing in the Streets, I sat back and relished the joy that was happening not only at our table, but in the room. The show was fun, and the journey that got us there added to the experience.

How can a little anticipation bring more joy into your life?