Happiness is...
TV on DVD. I live for the quiet afternoons when I can cuddle up and watch episode after episode of FRIENDS, House, Glee, or whatever will be the proper fix. Whoever thought to put all of the most amazing TV shows onto discs was positively brilliant. Movies are great, but a quick easy sitcom can really make my day.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sleep (more)
Happiness is...
Drifting off to sleep and not realizing it until you wake in the morning fully rested. Who cares, anyway, if you have no agenda? Let the groggy within take you over and fall deep into your sleep, remote in your hand, pillows propped up. There's not a whole lot you can compare to the kind of sleep that just hits you in the middle of whatever you're doing... LET IT.
It's up there with the feeling of finishing your workout without even exerting too much effort, turning off the light without even realizing it, and finding your lunch without a thought. When it's that natural, things are just meant to be. Easy. Simple. Happy.
Drifting off to sleep and not realizing it until you wake in the morning fully rested. Who cares, anyway, if you have no agenda? Let the groggy within take you over and fall deep into your sleep, remote in your hand, pillows propped up. There's not a whole lot you can compare to the kind of sleep that just hits you in the middle of whatever you're doing... LET IT.
It's up there with the feeling of finishing your workout without even exerting too much effort, turning off the light without even realizing it, and finding your lunch without a thought. When it's that natural, things are just meant to be. Easy. Simple. Happy.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Babies
Happiness is...
Every little gift from God... 9 months in growth and then presentation to the lucky mother.
You may begin by seeing the issues that this can present, but then you catch a glimpse of the bundle of life growing within us. It's a feat of nature, and they become your unique creation, to mold into the artwork of individuality. Through all of the challenges, I must believe there is a serious joy in parenting, seeing first words, steps, friends, successes... And today every ounce of my love and blessing goes to my dear friend as she celebrates: may your child provide for you a lifetime of health, love, and happiness.
Children are the only thing that will love you unconditionally. They will bring some spice to your life, and never take any single one for granted. Children bring light to your life.
DISCLAIMER: I speak from my care and adoration for children, but not from any personal desire for a child in the near-future... :)
Every little gift from God... 9 months in growth and then presentation to the lucky mother.
You may begin by seeing the issues that this can present, but then you catch a glimpse of the bundle of life growing within us. It's a feat of nature, and they become your unique creation, to mold into the artwork of individuality. Through all of the challenges, I must believe there is a serious joy in parenting, seeing first words, steps, friends, successes... And today every ounce of my love and blessing goes to my dear friend as she celebrates: may your child provide for you a lifetime of health, love, and happiness.
Children are the only thing that will love you unconditionally. They will bring some spice to your life, and never take any single one for granted. Children bring light to your life.
DISCLAIMER: I speak from my care and adoration for children, but not from any personal desire for a child in the near-future... :)
Friday, January 28, 2011
Bucket Lists.
Have you ever thought about the accomplishments you want to have before you die? I made a list years ago... already I've made progress!
Happiness is everything you want to do with your life. See below for some examples...
• Skydive
• Learn Sign Language
• Speak Spanish fluently
• Write a Book
• Go on a Blind Date
• Swim with Dolphins
• Patent Something or Anything...
• Visit Ireland
• Have Sex on an Elevator
• Learn how to Play Cello
• Appear on Television
• Have Dinner with Royalty
• See a Broadway Show
• See the Wall of China
• See the Pyramids
• Scuba Dive
• Get a (second) tattoo
• Serve on a Jury
• See the Grand Canyon
• Paint something magnificent
• Make a difference
• Learn how to drive stick-shift
• Give my mom a dozen roses
• Send a message in a bottle
• Make a layer cake
• Experience Weightlessness
• Drive the Autobahn
• Go on a road trip
• Make love underwater
• Learn a new instrument
• Figure out how to create my family tree
• Donate enough to put my name on something
• Go up in a real hot air balloon!
• Shoot a gun
• Ride a camel
• Learn to surf
• Fly a plane
• Visit Mexico
• Pay for a meal with coins only
• Laugh until some beverage comes out of my nose
• Create a stained glass window
• Send a message in a bottle
• Sleep under the stars
• Solve the Rubik’s Cube!
• Learn to crochet
• Get an honorary degree from Yale
• Write a memoir
• Go on a cruise
• Backpack through Europe
• Drive a corvette
• Try fencing
• Sponsor a World Vision child
• Create a photography bucket list
• Run a marathon
• Learn to say “Hello” and “Thank You” in 50 languages
• Ride a mechanical bull
• Get certified as a yoga instructor
• Go on a cross-country trip
• Step foot in all 7 continents
• Get a graduate degree
Happiness is everything you want to do with your life. See below for some examples...
• Skydive
• Learn Sign Language
• Speak Spanish fluently
• Write a Book
• Go on a Blind Date
• Swim with Dolphins
• Patent Something or Anything...
• Visit Ireland
• Have Sex on an Elevator
• Learn how to Play Cello
• Appear on Television
• Have Dinner with Royalty
• See a Broadway Show
• See the Wall of China
• See the Pyramids
• Scuba Dive
• Get a (second) tattoo
• Serve on a Jury
• See the Grand Canyon
• Paint something magnificent
• Make a difference
• Learn how to drive stick-shift
• Give my mom a dozen roses
• Send a message in a bottle
• Make a layer cake
• Experience Weightlessness
• Drive the Autobahn
• Go on a road trip
• Make love underwater
• Learn a new instrument
• Figure out how to create my family tree
• Donate enough to put my name on something
• Go up in a real hot air balloon!
• Shoot a gun
• Ride a camel
• Learn to surf
• Fly a plane
• Visit Mexico
• Pay for a meal with coins only
• Laugh until some beverage comes out of my nose
• Create a stained glass window
• Send a message in a bottle
• Sleep under the stars
• Solve the Rubik’s Cube!
• Learn to crochet
• Get an honorary degree from Yale
• Write a memoir
• Go on a cruise
• Backpack through Europe
• Drive a corvette
• Try fencing
• Sponsor a World Vision child
• Create a photography bucket list
• Run a marathon
• Learn to say “Hello” and “Thank You” in 50 languages
• Ride a mechanical bull
• Get certified as a yoga instructor
• Go on a cross-country trip
• Step foot in all 7 continents
• Get a graduate degree
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Day 27, already?
Happiness is...
High fives. Seriously, tell me something that makes you feel more accomplished! Look to a colleague, tell them about your successes for the day, and share a high five. That is happiness in its best form.
I work in a middle school. When the kids get excited about their good grades or incentives, a high five is such a simple concept that goes so far. It connects the two of you in celebrating that moment. And it restores all of their self-confidence. Nothing can bring them down for the remainder of the day.
Little did I know how applicable it is throughout the remainder of your life, though. When I'm 85 and I get my dentures glued in just perfectly, I want a high five.
High fives. Seriously, tell me something that makes you feel more accomplished! Look to a colleague, tell them about your successes for the day, and share a high five. That is happiness in its best form.
I work in a middle school. When the kids get excited about their good grades or incentives, a high five is such a simple concept that goes so far. It connects the two of you in celebrating that moment. And it restores all of their self-confidence. Nothing can bring them down for the remainder of the day.
Little did I know how applicable it is throughout the remainder of your life, though. When I'm 85 and I get my dentures glued in just perfectly, I want a high five.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Blogs
Happiness is...
Postsecret... and all other amazing blogs. How do I waste time? I browse all of the various sites that I adore and remind myself of all the happy in the world.
Someday I want to be one of those blogs. We'll see if it ever happens.
Postsecret... and all other amazing blogs. How do I waste time? I browse all of the various sites that I adore and remind myself of all the happy in the world.
Someday I want to be one of those blogs. We'll see if it ever happens.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Cheese!
Happiness is...
Cheese that comes in mini, pre-packaged wedges. Whether you want to feel a little larger this afternoon or just are in dire need of a tiny serving of dairy, you can count on these delightful snacks. Never again do you have to get out a knife again... because, as usual, America has made it easy for you.
No wonder the expression is "say cheese!", it is when that is on my mind that I am most inclined to smile.
I had a long day and I think I deserve this indulgence. Anyone out there could be grabbing something easy on the go. However, today is a day I want to pretend I can eat the moon. Yes, cheese wedges are just that amazing.
Cheese that comes in mini, pre-packaged wedges. Whether you want to feel a little larger this afternoon or just are in dire need of a tiny serving of dairy, you can count on these delightful snacks. Never again do you have to get out a knife again... because, as usual, America has made it easy for you.
No wonder the expression is "say cheese!", it is when that is on my mind that I am most inclined to smile.
I had a long day and I think I deserve this indulgence. Anyone out there could be grabbing something easy on the go. However, today is a day I want to pretend I can eat the moon. Yes, cheese wedges are just that amazing.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Que bueno!
Happiness is...
Libros en español. Me encanta leer, y si puedo mejorar mis idiomas... pues, es perfecto. Hazlo!
Libros en español. Me encanta leer, y si puedo mejorar mis idiomas... pues, es perfecto. Hazlo!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Coffeeeeeeee
Happiness is...
The perfect cup of coffee. Whether it's early morning or in the wee hours of the night, a good cup of joe can turn your day from barely tolerable to perfectly mediocre. The way I take it---1 creamer, 1 sugar, and a dash of hot cocoa. How do you prefer it?
The coffee bean is Picked. Processed. Dried. Roasted. Ground. Brewed. The end result is an indulgent pleasure. Speaking of coffee, I think my pot is finished. Have a good Saturday!
The perfect cup of coffee. Whether it's early morning or in the wee hours of the night, a good cup of joe can turn your day from barely tolerable to perfectly mediocre. The way I take it---1 creamer, 1 sugar, and a dash of hot cocoa. How do you prefer it?
The coffee bean is Picked. Processed. Dried. Roasted. Ground. Brewed. The end result is an indulgent pleasure. Speaking of coffee, I think my pot is finished. Have a good Saturday!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Snooze
Happiness is...
The snooze nap. Let's all try it out.
Step 1: Curse the ugly sound of your alarm this morning.
Step 2: Hit the snooze button on top with the force an angry bellowing rhinoceros.
Step 3: Roll over and pull your covers up to your chin.
Step 4: Drift off into the best sleep of the morning.
Step 5: After several minutes, curse alarm and repeat.
The snooze nap. Let's all try it out.
Step 1: Curse the ugly sound of your alarm this morning.
Step 2: Hit the snooze button on top with the force an angry bellowing rhinoceros.
Step 3: Roll over and pull your covers up to your chin.
Step 4: Drift off into the best sleep of the morning.
Step 5: After several minutes, curse alarm and repeat.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Office Supplies
Happiness is...
A big sale on office supplies. I don't care how nerdy it sounds, it's a thrill to get a good deal on a great padfolio, or highlighter pack, or whatever need be. It's a great little pick me up when you head to your next meeting. It's a step back into the days when you got to go school supply shopping with your family. And it's something that I know at least one of you can relate to. Mmm...
A big sale on office supplies. I don't care how nerdy it sounds, it's a thrill to get a good deal on a great padfolio, or highlighter pack, or whatever need be. It's a great little pick me up when you head to your next meeting. It's a step back into the days when you got to go school supply shopping with your family. And it's something that I know at least one of you can relate to. Mmm...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
By request...
Happiness is...
Sporks. Several people would agree, and one in particular told me to write about the blessing of sporks. Great suggestion---happiness is sporks! Why make the choice if you can have the best of both worlds? Choose the greatest hybrid out there.
I would pay to add these utensils to my mother's silver collection; when we break out the fine ware for company we could choose to serve anything from pudding to steak. Or all three combined (imagine that)... Although you could use a spoon to reach your pudding or a fork to stab the steak, why should you have to? God bless the spork.
So, your turn. Tell me: What makes you happy?
Sporks. Several people would agree, and one in particular told me to write about the blessing of sporks. Great suggestion---happiness is sporks! Why make the choice if you can have the best of both worlds? Choose the greatest hybrid out there.
I would pay to add these utensils to my mother's silver collection; when we break out the fine ware for company we could choose to serve anything from pudding to steak. Or all three combined (imagine that)... Although you could use a spoon to reach your pudding or a fork to stab the steak, why should you have to? God bless the spork.
So, your turn. Tell me: What makes you happy?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Ms. Fix-It
Happiness is...
Listening to your family talk about car problems and realizing you actually know what's going on... better yet, you know the solution.
Go ahead, explain it to them, and see if they can't get it fixed. If not, hop in the driver's seat, push the correct buttons, and marvel at your work. You are not so woman as you thought you were. You CAN handle life... sometimes. Next step: powertools.
Listening to your family talk about car problems and realizing you actually know what's going on... better yet, you know the solution.
Go ahead, explain it to them, and see if they can't get it fixed. If not, hop in the driver's seat, push the correct buttons, and marvel at your work. You are not so woman as you thought you were. You CAN handle life... sometimes. Next step: powertools.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Heat!
Happiness is...
Heated seats on a brisk winter day. I wouldn't give them up... Since when is January this cold?
My feet may get cold walking to the car and I may tuck my hands deep into my pockets, but I feel better knowing I can turn the car up and feel the warmth radiating up my back. Until Minnesota gets a little more tolerable, I know I have this :)
Heated seats on a brisk winter day. I wouldn't give them up... Since when is January this cold?
My feet may get cold walking to the car and I may tuck my hands deep into my pockets, but I feel better knowing I can turn the car up and feel the warmth radiating up my back. Until Minnesota gets a little more tolerable, I know I have this :)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Cats!
Happiness is...
Waking up in a cocoon, one cat nestling in by your hips, the other cuddling around your knees. Nothing will ever love me the way my cats, my faithful companions, love me. Today, I'm thankful for Reeces and Peaches. Yes, those are their names. Don't judge.
Waking up in a cocoon, one cat nestling in by your hips, the other cuddling around your knees. Nothing will ever love me the way my cats, my faithful companions, love me. Today, I'm thankful for Reeces and Peaches. Yes, those are their names. Don't judge.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
I'm 23...
Happiness is...
Your Birthday. When else is it okay for the world to revolve around you?
I like my Birthday because it's an excuse to make old friends come out to see me. It doesn't happen enough, and it is what makes my world go round. Going out to dinner, grabbing a drink, heading out to the dance floor, I know I will do it with a smile on my face. Today is the day I am surrounded by the people I love, and they are here for me. Gifts, cake, balloons, banners, yes please.
Just because I'm growing old does not mean I have to grow up. It's my Birthday. Let's play.
Your Birthday. When else is it okay for the world to revolve around you?
I like my Birthday because it's an excuse to make old friends come out to see me. It doesn't happen enough, and it is what makes my world go round. Going out to dinner, grabbing a drink, heading out to the dance floor, I know I will do it with a smile on my face. Today is the day I am surrounded by the people I love, and they are here for me. Gifts, cake, balloons, banners, yes please.
Just because I'm growing old does not mean I have to grow up. It's my Birthday. Let's play.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Fresh Snow
Happiness is...
The way fresh fallen snow sparkles. Like a diamond. Like glitter. Like Edward Cullen's chest. Ha, but mostly I prefer it to sparkle like snowflakes. Each one is unique, perfect in its own way, and each one catches the light in its own particular way. The end result is something truly spectacular.
It's simple miracles in nature that remind you why you're living. So, even though this winter is a phenomenon beyond my level of patience, there are some days where the beauty is more pervasive than my frustration. Imagine that.
Let it snow.
The way fresh fallen snow sparkles. Like a diamond. Like glitter. Like Edward Cullen's chest. Ha, but mostly I prefer it to sparkle like snowflakes. Each one is unique, perfect in its own way, and each one catches the light in its own particular way. The end result is something truly spectacular.
It's simple miracles in nature that remind you why you're living. So, even though this winter is a phenomenon beyond my level of patience, there are some days where the beauty is more pervasive than my frustration. Imagine that.
Let it snow.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Chocolate anyone?
Happiness is...
Eating a little piece of chocolate mid-morning. Yum.
But better yet, happiness is taking a few minutes to flatten the tinfoil wrapper. I don't mean just opening it up and laying it on my cluttered desk. I like working on it so diligently that the tinfoil shines like a mirror; no wrinkles, no folds, just perfection. It's like I wasn't even there in the first place. Things are brought back to the beginning, before the fresh sweet tinfoil was crumpled around anything. I'll tell you one thing for sure, I nearly forget about the chocolate I just ingested. I just hold the precious wrapper in my fingers and hear it crinkle with every move. I look at it, beautiful and untouched, and a smile creeps across my face.
And suddenly, I'm craving another little piece of chocolate.
Eating a little piece of chocolate mid-morning. Yum.
But better yet, happiness is taking a few minutes to flatten the tinfoil wrapper. I don't mean just opening it up and laying it on my cluttered desk. I like working on it so diligently that the tinfoil shines like a mirror; no wrinkles, no folds, just perfection. It's like I wasn't even there in the first place. Things are brought back to the beginning, before the fresh sweet tinfoil was crumpled around anything. I'll tell you one thing for sure, I nearly forget about the chocolate I just ingested. I just hold the precious wrapper in my fingers and hear it crinkle with every move. I look at it, beautiful and untouched, and a smile creeps across my face.
And suddenly, I'm craving another little piece of chocolate.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Success!
Happiness is...
this: http://theeastsidepride.org/?p=2789
and this: http://district1council.blogspot.com/2011/01/changing-lives-on-eastside.html
and so much more to come!
In case you didn't know, I kinda like my job a lot. And now there's word spreading to boot. Recruitment efforts may pick up slowly but you can't say we're not going places. People are reading it, people are getting on board, and we really are changing lives over here. There's no greater feeling.
A tutor brought his student a dictionary today. That is why I get up for work in the morning!
this: http://theeastsidepride.org/?p=2789
and this: http://district1council.blogspot.com/2011/01/changing-lives-on-eastside.html
and so much more to come!
In case you didn't know, I kinda like my job a lot. And now there's word spreading to boot. Recruitment efforts may pick up slowly but you can't say we're not going places. People are reading it, people are getting on board, and we really are changing lives over here. There's no greater feeling.
A tutor brought his student a dictionary today. That is why I get up for work in the morning!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Noon.
Happiness is...
NOON.
Looking at the clock, seeing that it's lunch time, and acknowledging that the day is half over already. You may be feeling a little listless, but at least you don't have to worry about it THAT much longer. Realistically speaking, at least. Thank the lord... it's just another manic monday.
NOON.
Looking at the clock, seeing that it's lunch time, and acknowledging that the day is half over already. You may be feeling a little listless, but at least you don't have to worry about it THAT much longer. Realistically speaking, at least. Thank the lord... it's just another manic monday.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Mmmm...
Happiness is...
Cuddling. Warm, cozy, and with piles of blankets. Nothing beats the feeling of utmost comfort and security. This winter, try cuddling just a little bit more.
Cuddling. Warm, cozy, and with piles of blankets. Nothing beats the feeling of utmost comfort and security. This winter, try cuddling just a little bit more.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 8. So far, so good.
Happiness is...
Sticking to new years resolutions. The challenge was 365 days, enough happy to tide me over. It's going well so far, and I am still stoked about the whole thing. Who knows if there are people aside from myself benefiting from the whole thing, but it's worth a shot.
I just wish we could say the same for all the new gym-goers. Give up on losing weight, we all know things will settle down in a month or so.
Hold me to it! Happiness is contagious.
Sticking to new years resolutions. The challenge was 365 days, enough happy to tide me over. It's going well so far, and I am still stoked about the whole thing. Who knows if there are people aside from myself benefiting from the whole thing, but it's worth a shot.
I just wish we could say the same for all the new gym-goers. Give up on losing weight, we all know things will settle down in a month or so.
Hold me to it! Happiness is contagious.
Friday, January 7, 2011
It's the weekend!
Happiness is...
1.) Being a part of something I believe in. And finding success with others getting the news of such amazing things. I really love my job and it gives me life, especially on days like today!
2.) Spending an early Friday afternoon in the movies. I am really a lucky girl.
Sorry, folks. I am having a good day... and couldn't pick just one. Things will be more witty later.
Have a spectacular weekend!
1.) Being a part of something I believe in. And finding success with others getting the news of such amazing things. I really love my job and it gives me life, especially on days like today!
2.) Spending an early Friday afternoon in the movies. I am really a lucky girl.
Sorry, folks. I am having a good day... and couldn't pick just one. Things will be more witty later.
Have a spectacular weekend!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
New DVDs
Happiness is...
Receiving a new shipment of DVD goodness. Going shopping is fun and all, but there is something special about a delivery on your doorstep. Take out that knife, run it along the tape, pry open the box, and pull out the box set of Harry Potter years 1-6! Try and tell me that is not the epitome of happiness. :)
Receiving a new shipment of DVD goodness. Going shopping is fun and all, but there is something special about a delivery on your doorstep. Take out that knife, run it along the tape, pry open the box, and pull out the box set of Harry Potter years 1-6! Try and tell me that is not the epitome of happiness. :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Nostalgia
Happiness is...
Remembering the good old college days. Looking back on late nights, long trips, and everything spectacular. Recalling the greatest things you did with yourself, and the connections that came of it.
It happens at the most opportune times. The week may start off rough, but you'll always find solace in a good friend. You go to dinner with old sorority sisters, and suddenly you're thrust into a time before, long before you worried about the bills or dreaded the alarm going off at 6am for work. It's a time before life. And it is life in its entirety. You're eating with your sisters, reminiscing, and you can ride that high for the rest of the week if you so choose.
I know I am.
So, don't grow up too fast. Tell them every day how much they mean to you. Make memories instead of making money. In the long run, it's just easier that way. Your friends are really what get you through it all.
Remembering the good old college days. Looking back on late nights, long trips, and everything spectacular. Recalling the greatest things you did with yourself, and the connections that came of it.
It happens at the most opportune times. The week may start off rough, but you'll always find solace in a good friend. You go to dinner with old sorority sisters, and suddenly you're thrust into a time before, long before you worried about the bills or dreaded the alarm going off at 6am for work. It's a time before life. And it is life in its entirety. You're eating with your sisters, reminiscing, and you can ride that high for the rest of the week if you so choose.
I know I am.
So, don't grow up too fast. Tell them every day how much they mean to you. Make memories instead of making money. In the long run, it's just easier that way. Your friends are really what get you through it all.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Fries!
Happiness is...
Sweet potato fries.
Seriously, folks, is there anything better? So delightfully crispy, and the best of all sensations. Turn the oven on 400. Bake. The smell wafts through the kitchen, and you stare into the face of a beautiful creation.
Mouth, meet fry.
Thank you lord.
Sweet potato fries.
Seriously, folks, is there anything better? So delightfully crispy, and the best of all sensations. Turn the oven on 400. Bake. The smell wafts through the kitchen, and you stare into the face of a beautiful creation.
Mouth, meet fry.
Thank you lord.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Friends are my medicine
Happiness is...
Seeing old friends for the first time in a decade, and knowing the hugs will still feel the same.
Seeing old friends for the first time in a decade, and knowing the hugs will still feel the same.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Resolution---Status: Alive and Well.
Happiness is...
Walking out the door with new dinosaur silly bands :)
Walking out the door with new dinosaur silly bands :)
Happy 2011 :)
Happiness is...
Counting down to New Years and realizing you are surrounded by loved ones.
Should old acquaintance be forgot---I once thought about spending New Years Eve at Times Square, but there is nothing better than a warm night on the dance floor, drink in your hand, noisemaker in your lips.
Happy New Years :)
Counting down to New Years and realizing you are surrounded by loved ones.
Should old acquaintance be forgot---I once thought about spending New Years Eve at Times Square, but there is nothing better than a warm night on the dance floor, drink in your hand, noisemaker in your lips.
Happy New Years :)
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