Many of us have things we really like. It might be a certain song or food, for example. What we like is part of who we are. It is part of what makes life great. I have several things I like.

One thing I like is staying active. I enjoy both running and walking, and I will do whatever is appropriate, according to where I am. If I am participating in March of Dimes WalkAmerica, for example, I will walk. If I am at home, however, I run. I am an introvert, and I enjoy doing things alone. However, I live in an area where it is not exactly safe for a young woman to be out by herself. Therefore, when I want to run, I run inside my house. I put a CD in my CD player, which is set up in my kitchen, and I jog in place. Lately, I have been jogging to the CD "Billy Joel Greatest Hits Volume III". This CD has many great songs on it, but there are two songs that I love to run to: "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "The River of Dreams". Running makes me feel good. It helps me to watch my weight, so that I do not outgrow my clothes. I can manage my stress so that I do not snap at people. Finally, it helps me to sleep like a baby when I go to bed at night.

Another thing I like is discovering that I have lost weight. I am petite, so I try very hard to watch my weight. When I lose weight, it feels wonderful. I love the light, free feeling I get. My clothes fit better, and I have more energy. I also like what I see when I look in the mirror.

A third thing I like is blogging. I love the freedom and flexibility I have with blogging. I can participate in this activity any time of day and any day of the week. I do not have anyone cutting back my hours or bringing in new people to replace me. I am the only one who limits me. I finally have some say in what happens regarding my professional life.

A fourth thing I like is finding out that an article has been approved. I check my email every morning, and when I see that news, I smile.

I like my laptop because it is mine. I can take it with me when I travel, and the material on it is mine. I do not have to share my laptop with several thousand other people, the way I would have to share a computer in a school or library computer lab.

I like choosing my own topic for a research paper. I am a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in creative writing. In my many years of schooling, I have had several teachers who assigned topics for research papers. Being able to choose my own is a refreshing change.

I like having my own place, because I know that I do not have to move out when my lease is up. My husband and I do not have a lease. We own our house, and we can stay here as long as we like.

I like falling asleep listening to the rain. It is very relaxing. I fall asleep, sleep like a baby, and wake up ready to get back to work.

I like waking up to music. It is much better than waking up to the annoying beep, beep, beep of an alarm clock. When I wake up to a favorite song, my day gets started right.

Finally, I like being at peace. It is easier for me to focus on my work when I am not worrying about anything.

What about you? What do you like?