Peace

Happiness is...

Peace
/pis/ [pees]
noun, interjection, verb, peaced, peac·ing.

–noun
1.the normal, non-warring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.
2.( often initial capital letter ) an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism: the Peace of Ryswick.
3.a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors.
4.the normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community; public order and security: He was arrested for being drunk and disturbing the peace.
5.cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.
6.freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquility; serenity.
7.a state of tranquility or serenity: May he rest in peace.
8.a state or condition conducive to, proceeding from, or characterized by tranquility: the peace of a mountain resort.
9.silence; stillness: The cawing of a crow broke the afternoon's peace.

We could all use a little of this today. I pray peace upon my community.
Please pray peace upon me as well.

Joy

Happiness is...

joy
/dʒɔɪ/ [joi]

–noun

1.the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation: She felt the joy of seeing her son's success.
2.a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated: Her prose style is a pure joy.
3.the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.
4.a state of happiness or felicity.

I encourage you today to start your own happiness project. Take joy in the little things. Make a point to be grateful. And see where it takes you.

Love

Happiness is...

love
/lʌv/ [luhv]
noun, verb, loved, lov·ing.

–noun
1.a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
2.a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
3.sexual passion or desire.
4.a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.
5.(used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the like): Would you like to see a movie, love?
6.a love affair; an intensely amorous incident; amour.
7.sexual intercourse; copulation.
8.( initial capital letter ) a personification of sexual affection, as Eros or Cupid.
9.affectionate concern for the well-being of others: the love of one's neighbor.
10.strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking for anything: her love of books.
11.the object or thing so liked: The theater was her great love.
12.the benevolent affection of god for His creatures, or the reverent affection due from them to God.

Galatians

Happiness is...

The fruits of the spirit.

Love.
Joy.
Peace.
Patience.
Kindness.
Goodness.
Faithfulness.
Gentleness.
Self-control.

This evening when I asked for prayer it was for a healing of my attitude. A friend prayed the fruits of the spirit upon me, and for some reason they just spoke volumes. I am making it a personal goal to practice them.

Starting today.
More to come.

Fruit

Happiness is...

Nectarine season.

Heck, happiness is season of all fruit. I can resume living like a rabbit, thank god for produce.

Today there is a ripe nectarine waiting for me on the counter. I fully know and realize that the first bite tomorrow afternoon will be bliss. Not just because it tastes good, but because it means something to me.

It means that the warmth is on its way and it won't be long until I can sit on my porch and bite into one! It means that the snow is on its way out... one can hope, at least.

Beaming sunlight!

Happiness is...

Wearing sunglasses in March. Yes, it's unfortunate to be back in cold Minnesota, white and dreary, but when I walked out today there was still a bright sun hanging high in the sky. That is one constant... and it means one important thing. The snow reflects sunlight like a clear pond reflects the trees. The day seems even brighter, the drive nicer. And I am forced to put on my sunglasses. That's a good sign, right?

It's got to be close. I can almost smell it... springtime.

home

Happiness is...

Waking up naturally, to a bright morning, with the covers pulled to your chin and your face up against your cozy pillow.

Home sweet home.

Travel

Happiness is...

Packing rules. Roll your clothes and they'll fit better. Vacuum seal things and they'll pop back to original shape. Travel sized hygiene!

I could go on forever just about travel sized hygiene products. Two ounces of shampoo, and Two of conditioner. Mini lotions, mini deodorant, I am beginning to feel more and more like a giant. I've said before and I'll say it again, things are just better in miniature.

Now the trouble is packing it all back up to go home though. Goodbye vacation, goodbye spring break. It's the most unfortunate part of the vacation... At least I have my muffin bites and baby carrots to keep me company while I wait. Back to happy...

Caves

Happiness is...

Caves. They're a secret underground hideaway, dark and magical. Large spaces, small spaces, marvelous crawl spaces...

From whatever geological force, caves are formed and perfectly preserved. Go ahead and put the light out there and explore. You'd be surprised what you can find. For me, I am heading through Mammoth caves, the longest one in the country. Beat that.

The thing I keep wondering is how many caves are out there that have yet to be documented and explored. That's what makes me happiest. Like the species we are still discovering after thousands of years in the same planet, caves are a mystery. Stalactite or Stalagmite? Does it matter?!

Real life hollywood

Happiness is...

Seeing a scene as you have in the movies. They can tell you all they want that it's based on true events, or filmed in timbuktu, but until you're standing there staring at the root of it all, it all means nothing.

Like, for example, passing the horse farm that Dreamer is based on. You know.

It's like making history. Your own personal jolly history, that you will hold dear for years. Try it out, go somewhere monumental today!

Meteorologists

Happiness is...

Meteorologists. In the morning, I wake up, pour a bowl of cereal, and watch the news for traffic conditions and weather expectations. I walk out of the house with mittens on because I have got the secret: just when you thought Spring was coming mother nature hits with another 1-2 inches of snow and a windchill of 3 degrees. Single digits, did you hear me?

Not to worry, I have the forecast. In fact, I can look ahead and acknowledge that a walk around the lake may be plausible once it rises back to 41 degrees.

And for instances just like this, I can peek into the future and pack accordingly for the 70 degree weather that awaits me at the other end of the tarmac. All because these little scientists out there somewhere want to make my life just a bit easier. Today, I thank you. Now, let me get back to my summer.

Technology

Happiness is...

The intelligence of a blogspot. For example, I am currently in Kentucky, enjoying the sun and the countryside and my friends and all of the sites I could possibly see. I will probably be taking in the history and relaxing in some pasture.

Meanwhile, my blog is updating on its own. You see, the internet knows I have a life. Happiness is being able to work ahead and rest assured that you can truly enjoy your vacation. More stories to come.

Planes!

Happiness is...

Leaving on a jet plane. Though I know precisely when I'll be back again, I will try to put it out of my mind. Here we go, Kentucky. Give me your best shot.

St. Patty's

Happiness is...

Wearing green. And chasing friends around to pinch them, may they never forget to wear it too.

Reading through a few Irish blessings to begin your morning.

Seeing the school covered in different shades of emerald, and different attempts at accents and sayings.

Sitting down to a nice, possibly green, frothy refreshment.

Corn beef and cabbage.

Imagining the fun being had.

Happiness is St. Patrick's Day. Man, am I ever proud to be Irish!

for you.

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet."
-James Oppenheim

Jack Frost, my man

Happiness is...

The perfect frost.

One of the most commonly dreaded things in the wee hours of the winter mornings is waking up and pulling the covers down from your ears. Roll your heavy legs off the side of the bed and lift off! You can be as bleary eyed as you like for now, because soon you will step out to the perfect frost.

That's right. It's the kind of frost that leaves a few lingering clouds at ground level, so you can't quite see the other side of the world yet.

It's the kind of frost that has left your car iced over, in a delightful manner. You can take out your windshield scraper and watch it flake away in even strips, as if you were peeling a fresh, juicy apple.

It's the kind of frost that leaves beautiful little crystals on the trees. No, not enough to make you shiver, but enough to leave you in awe of the magic around you when you look around the neighborhood. The frost on the branches lights up your morning, if nothing else.

Yes, it's a wonderful kind of frost. And it's one more beautiful sign of spring. That's right, in case you haven't heard enough, I'll tell you one more time how excited I am that spring is arriving.

Goodbye ice, hello frost.

Skype?!

Happiness is...

Reminiscing on fun childhood memories. Think about your embarrassing yearbook photos growing up. Talk about your grade school boyfriends. Remember the names of all three of your imaginary friends. Look through old drawings and journal entries and let that bright smile creep across your face.

I had the chance to chat on skype with a dear friend last night, and it very quickly turned from catching up talking about work woes to anecdotes from the distant past. I welcomed it, a chance to laugh together until we cry. Pointing out the awkward developing teen years is a great way to find a running joke... though I'd never want to relive the times.

Take a moment today to page through old albums or call up a childhood friends to share stories all over again. You'll be surprised what memories arise from the shadows!

Make yourself happy. Make memories.

it only takes a word

Happiness is...

The perfect words to brighten your morning.

"Good morning beautiful"

"My arms felt empty without you"

"Did you sleep well darling?"

"Thinking of you"

If there is something simple to put a little jump in my step, it's getting up on the right side of the bed. This includes a hearty breakfast, new, a nice outfit, good hair day, and words of encouragement.

How lovely it is to be loved.

Again!

Happiness is...

Springing forward. Well, in all reality, daylight savings time is not exactly what makes me happy. It doesn't bring joy to my life to suddenly lose an hour of sleep. Really, happiness is sunrises, again.

Spring is coming. That's so swell, I can't wait for the snow to melt and the warmth to come. It also means the day gets longer: the sun rises earlier and sets later. But just when I thought I was gonna miss the sunrise the rest of the season, daylight savings time was upon us. Now, the sun is magically rising an hour later all over again and I can experience those ambient colors on my way into work.

The commute seems shorter, the morning brighter. Welcome back, sunrise I missed you.

Get up and Get out

Happiness is...

Being completely self-motivated to exercise. When I joined the gym in November I was reluctant. Every day was a personal struggle to get up, get dressed, and head out. The first 40 minutes of the 50 minute workout was nagging and strenuous. I could not imagine why anyone enjoyed working out, aside from the slight release of adrenaline and lowered cortisol. Yes, it has its perks, but it is seriously a royal pain in my ass.

Now, months later, I feel bogged down and stressed out when I miss more than a day. I get excited to grab my book and bottle of water (yes, I read on the treadmill). After a while of making it a habit it has become a treasured part of my day.

It's worth it too. I feel overall happier, healthier, and completely competent. It's a difficult thing to explain, but I do know... happiness is the thrill of a good run.

More sleep? No thanks.

Happiness is...

Waking up, before your alarm even goes off, completely rested. Biological clocks are a great thing. The greater thing is that it can be right on time(which is rare for me). Often, I get halfway through the week and I am absolutely exhausted. All I can dream for is the weekend, when I can sleep until I feel like it.

Nevertheless, every now and then it's the opposite. I get to Saturday, roll over at 8am, and feel completely and totally ready for the day. It's incredible to know you're not feeling behind on sleep. It's wonderful to feel well at this time in the morning. And it's pretty cool to have so much of the day ahead of me, to fill as I may.

I woke up early today, not because I have to, but because I don't need to sleep in. Who would have expected this energy early in the weekend hours? Yes, happiness is sleep... Happiness is not needing it... Happiness is laying in bed because it's cozy, not because I feel like I've been plowed over by a semi... Happiness is this Saturday morning! Enjoy yours.

but wait...

Happiness is...

Free with purchase. You can spend any number of dollars, but when you get a gift with purchase suddenly none of that matters. It's all worth it, for that incentive.

Funny what an incentive can do for you, eh?

In my career I will be using incentives. Children of all ages can see the value of them, and quite often they can be as small as a new pencil or piece of candy. Tell me a better way to get some buy-in. No pun intended.

Candy

Happiness is...

The residue in the back of your mouth after a really good candy. Disclaimer: 9 out of 10 dentists would not agree... but I can't help reveling in the leftover tangy goodness that hangs out in the crevices of my molars after a good bite.

They made candy so you could savor it anyway. I'm not cheating by holding it in the deeper parts of my teeth. It's no surprise that I want to hold onto it long after the sugar melts.

After a couple drinks of water and another 5 minutes of work, my tongue automatically flicks to the back of my mouth to get the dregs of those sweets. Lollipops, Starburst, Hot Tamales, Chocolate. Yum, chocolate.

p.s. Guess what I gave up for lent.
Waa Waa.

Wowza!

Happiness is...

The way the cd changer in your car will pick up RIGHT WHERE YOU LEFT OUT. It's a brilliant thing, this car audio. Already, I liked it. Then I popped in a cd and I was not only able to get out for my milk and eggs, I was able to hop back in and start in the chorus again.

In fact, the chorus is my favorite part of this song.

One more time!

When else can you pick up like that? I mean, you can't easily stick a bookmark in it. You can't dog-ear a cd. But you can use it in your commute and come back to it at the end of a long work day.

As if cars weren't already the coolest things on Earth.

Pow pow pow

Happiness is...

Playing silly online games. They're fun, and they're mindless. I like to check the stress of my day at the door and indulge for a few minutes on bedazzled, family feud, or solitaire.

Bam. Pow pow pow. Weeeee. Kabam. Boombamchaooooooooo.

What's your game of choice?

Dance

Happiness is...

Dancing to the beat of your own drum.

Whatever medley is going through your head, break it down... in the middle of the crosswalk, at your desk, right there in the produce section.

No one says you have to be mundane and cliche. In fact, don't.

You are loved.

Happiness is...

Dried flowers. Don't throw them away when they start to look a little sad, hang them up and preserve the memories! I still have roses from high school plays, congratulations from my parents, bouquets from special weddings, and the flowers that made me feel a part of my sorority. Flowers are more than a sweet thought, they're more than a special occasion, they're something to cherish... often times for years to come.

Take in the fragrant perfume of your flowers. Admire the vibrant colors. Hold them dear. And then preserve them. Put them in a vase and keep a spot in your heart for each unique flower that stands the test of time.

Cliche or not, flowers are one of the best reminders of just how special you are. Remind yourself, daily, of this fact. You are a brilliant, strong, and beloved person. Remember all of the people in your life who love you and cherish you. You are amazing. Look back on old keepsakes (or flowers) and reflect on just that.

Catching Up... Sorry folks!

Well, needless to say my project hit a road block. I must apologize to whoever out there in cyberspace that actually reads this, but I am back! I will not be straying again.... hopefully. Allow me to make up for lost time.

Happiness is...

Crossing language barriers. On Wednesday night I volunteered at a local food shelf where a majority of the incoming visitors were hispanic---not only was I able to direct them, I did it in their native tongue. I felt so blessed, and I think they did too! Being able to accommodate like that is why I wanted to speak Spanish. America does not have an official language yet, after all.

I get upset when people complain about them not speaking "American", because I was there, teaching an evening ELL class, to people who were coming four nights a week AFTER their full time jobs. People who were working diligently to learn a second language for the good of their children, their community, and their lifestyle. People who went through the motions of a beginning English class for years before advancing to the next step of their learning. People who completely altered my perspectives on immigrants---SO THERE.

I have a heart for these people. And my heart bleeds Spanish :)

Happiness is...

BOGO coupons. Dave's words: "can I bo and you go?" Makes my day. Things like that make me happy. As a matter of fact, all coupons make me happy. Free stuff! It's like I'm back in college.

Happiness is...

Townie bars that give free popcorn. Quick trips to Joanns to get a project for the weekend. Putting in a movie to drown out the noise of the wind whistling past the barren land. Taco stands on at the corner of the bar and the jail. Spending an evening catching up about the absolutely nothing that is happening in life. Visiting good friends in a not-so-good town, but having plenty of laughs about it all, and happy to be together again.

Happiness is Austin for the weekend.

Happiness is...

SPAM Museum! Yes, that't the only thing worth visiting around here. But boy is it fun! ;) Pictures of timelines, of spam cans, of mascots, of trivia and games. Spam tattoos.

And now, happiness is watching them try to cook with Spam. Wish me luck!

Happiness is...

Catching up on things. I hope you're still following. Thank you, and good day.

Pajama-ish

Happiness is...

Boxers. They're not just a relief for men, they're wonderful jammies. Comfortable in flannel, cotton, or silk, with just a few downfalls....

Why do I need a flap? I simply don't. Why do men need a flap? It still confuses me. I get the whole easy access business, but don't you have to pull your jeans down anyway? Aren't you ever afraid of the zipper? For me, the flap is comic relief, and a reason to not wear these boxers to my aerobic dance class.

What is it about men's bodies that is shaped so differently than mine? When I wear boxers I notice them wide at the butt and tight around my thighs. Since when have guys butts been big?

In any case, I can easily forget these little nuances and enjoy boxers for the exact convenience they are. Goodnight world. Hello PJs. :)