In Store Credit

Happiness is...

Returning things for in-store credit. It's money you won't waste in restaurants, on gas, just maybe on a disney movie or two... you tell me all I can get is in-store credit? That's okay, it's all I'd ever ask for anyway.

Cash is expendable, just keep looking on the bright side of life.

Halloween Sales

Happiness is...

Halloween candy sales. They mean chocolate overloads and afternoons nibbling on things made of processed sugar and corn starch. That's right, world. I have a weakness for candy corn. I love the thought of spreading the joy when it comes to trick or treating, and I love the idea of being someone besides me, just for a night!

It also means holiday season is approaching! The way retail goes Halloween stuff is on sale late September, Thanksgiving stuff is on the shelves the morning after Halloween, and Christmas is in full swing just hours after Thanksgiving, if not before (for the record, I do not like black Friday). I will be celebrating something until the end of the year now! AND even when January rolls around, it'll be just anticipation for another (semi) eventful Birthday! I'm ashamed to say that I am one of those people who is very forward thinking, but this is the perfect time of the year to embrace that fact. Welcome Halloween :)

Bedtime Talk

Happiness is...

A bedtime phone call. It was just like the old times, and just as satisfying. Spend an hour listening to each others' stories about the day, wish each other well throughout the rest of the week, and end the call ready for an awesome night of sleep... happy and refreshed.

An update from another family member...

Happiness is...

Happy Endings. http://www.ragom.org/avail.cgi/Available/dog?dog_id=4512
It wasn't easy to give Rusty up but I am so happy that he has found a new home!

Burt's Bees

Happiness is..

Burt's Bees. Earth friendly, natural personal care company. Natural ingredients with minimal processing. Especially in this age, I so appreciate companies that have come sort of sense of social responsibility. It's a gently little reminder that I am not the only remaining person who cares about the world.

The other interesting thing? Once you're a Burt's Bees consumer, you don't go back. I don't even use chapstick or blistex. I am far too attached to the good stuff. What is your fixation? Xbox? Ramen? Mine is a company that gives back.

Snail mail.

Happiness is...

Snail mail. I love correspondence. I enjoy receiving emails, seeing cute posts on social networking sites, or a nice long phone call. But nothing quite cheers up my day like opening a letter and reading a note from someone. There's something so personal about the old fashioned way of doing things, signed, sealed, delivered. If I could, I might even consider sending a telegram to tell someone I'm thinking of them.

Some days all I wish for is life to slow down a little, to be able to curl up for a short nap, to enjoy lunch with friends, and to take pleasure in the simpler things like postal stamps and cute stationary.

Besides, with deployment in full swing, it makes it so much more romantic and  picturesque if you're receiving handwritten notes, sending cards with your perfume sprayed on the envelope, and waiting in between. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE skype. But, I also love the era of Pride and Prejudice, or of Little Women, or of Singing in the Rain. Old school, yo. Just like love letters.

Whale Spouts

Happiness is...

Whale spouts. I mean, babies are cute to begin with! Put a little flailing ponytail on the top of their head and it's simply magical.

When I was younger I used to wear a whale spout. For years. It was my recipe for comfort. When my mom was out of town and my dad tried to take care of it I would wail with despair. Now, I'm past that. But my goddaughter sports the perfect little do! I love it.
Simple happiness.

Hello Autumn!

Happiness is...

The first day of fall! Man, does it ever feel like it. I woke up, made myself some toast and cocoa, and then crawled right back under my blankets. It's in the 40s outside, but I get to take shelter in my cozy little bedroom! (For now)... Soon I will venture out, and I better see at least 40 leaves on the ground as I make my way to campus. Crunch, crunch, crunch, and I'll be happily on my way!

It feels good to welcome fall in. Winter can hold off, but I love this season. Beyond words.

Sharing

Happiness is...

Sharing. Tonight my roommate made a large meal, and I was invited to partake! It makes my life that much easier, and it draws the two of us closer together... I love sharing meals, that's one of the only issues living in a two-bedroom with someone so committed to her boyfriend.

Sharing is caring. "In its narrow sense, it refers to joint or alternating use of an inherently finite good", to distributing things as they should be, to dividing blessings for the larger good. The world should consider sharing a little more... for now I'll enjoy sharing with loved ones around me.

Warm toes

Happiness is...

Tucking your feet into your body and feeling the warmth spread.

This morning was not extremely exciting. It was probably no more than 50 degrees outside and the rain was coming through (not down) in torrents. An umbrella didn't even help. My face was wet and my jeans were freezing into a stiff mass. I was sure that I was going to experience instantaneous pneumonia. Yes, in September.

Luckily, after I got to work after the long walk and got my clothes to dry off, I'm still able to slip out of my flats and stick my toes into the fold in my knees. It's the same concept as sticking my cold hands up the back of your shirt, though slightly less discomforting. Instead, it's nothing but pure joy, as my toes radiate with warmth and fit cozily into the crooks in my body. We were made to hold ourselves. Embrace throughout the frigid fall temperatures. Rejuvenate mid-day. And now here I am, warm and relaxed, sitting in a jumbled ball at my desk. It just doesn't get much better than this...

Crisp Dollar!

Happiness is... Crisp dollar bills. Usually this means they haven't been tainted by a million pockets, crumpled in sweaty hands, the like. Crisp dollar bills make me feel elated to be among the first in possession, and I'm usually inclined to treat them just a little bit nicer. I imagine the places they'll go after I'm done with them, but I don't have to ruminate about all of the horrid places they've been.

Have you ever handed over a large bill and received change in the form of disintegrating paper? It's not my favorite. Instead, I prefer it to be new, whole, and nice. It's the same way I prefer a lot of things in life, actually. I prefer them to not be beaten and torn. I'd prefer if I was a little less beaten and torn as well, but that's an entirely different story.

fuzzy blankets

Happiness is...

Fuzzy blankets. It's that time of the year, when I add some backup to the measly covers on my bed. Pull the blankets out of the closet, stretch them out on the bed, and add some weight and some warmth in the chilly apartment. And it's more than just an additional quilt. It is an extra-soft micro-plush cover. Instead of just bundling up and feeling okay about it, I get to scream excitement from every extremity. As I pull it up to my chin I am enveloped in a cave of amazing warmth. It makes my frigid toes more content, and as my fingers run through the wonderful fibers the rest of my body is happy as well. Sure, I don't want to get out of bed. But it's also that time of the year, when the nights are starting to get longer anyway. That must mean that we get more time to sleep, correct? Well, don't ruin my thunder just yet.

coffee (again)

Happiness is...

The second cup of coffee. Bring on my Sunday, I've got jitters to last to the end of the day! The first cup of coffee sure is nice and relaxing, but by the second cup I begin to feel like I can conquer anything.

No third. That's where I stop.

Disclaimer: technological difficulties stopped this from posting yesterday, my apologies!

another quote

"Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Abraham Lincoln

Ahead of schedule

Happiness is...

Getting ahead on reading. You likely do not understand what a colossal feat this is. Let me explain.

Graduate school is demanding and, at times, overwhelming. When I was at my interview the second year students told me that the work load was heavy and that they were always trying to keep up with reading. Because I was a 4.0 student in college and an ambitious young professional, however, this did not apply to me. I have always just been gifted. Man, did I underestimate this program. I have learned my lesson, pulled myself up by my bootstraps, and started working just as hard as the rest of them.

When my professor emailed us the assigned reading (approx. 200 pages) to be done by the first day of class---with only two days' warning mind you---reality slammed into me like a freight train. I have been struggling along the tracks ever since. But this afternoon, I finished a chapter that doesn't just get me to where I need to be next week, it gets me ahead. It's such a good feeling to be on top of my game! I feel like for once I can indulge in a little bit of a social life. Maybe I can even stop to cook a nice dinner. Regardless, I have time to breathe. Now, if only I can keep it that way. Here's to continued success with graduate schoolwork! Wish me luck.

Visitor!

Happiness is...

Visitors! Today I am receiving my first one. I am so excited to host her, and enjoy some good time with her. I just got the call that she's close. I am so giddy and childish. But I don't care. There are many things that make me excited, and this one is totally normal. Friends make the world go round, and the lonely heart full again.

Plans for the night: Cabaret show on campus. Pizza at blue bricks. Beer. Glee :) Cuddle? Yes please. Ahhhh, the warmth of old friends.

Advocacy

Happiness is...

A little bit of advocacy. This week class asked me to start an advocacy project. In the interest of time, viability, and fun, I started a blog for youth with brain injuries. Check it out: My blog

I suffered a brain injury in 2008. But I barely even feel like I suffered. That's why it's so cool to learn more about it and define the parameters of my true feelings. For now, please consider following along (and participating if you have a chance). We'll see if I make an impact. Then again, it goes back to this blog... you never know.

Resolution, still on.

Happiness is...

Keeping up with resolutions. Am I perfect? Definitely not... but I am 9 months in and I haven't forgotten quite yet. At least, I don't forget all the time.

I'm not sure the impact this journey has had on me. At times I feel like the only thing it means for my day is a waste of 5 minutes while I sit down and pound the keyboard. However, it's gotten me thinking. And who knows who I've made smile or what small things I've come to cherish. For more projects see: 1000 Awesome Things, Happiness Project, Postsecret, 365 Things to Do in the Twin Cities... Mine may not be that colossal, but it certainly keeps me on track.

Radio

Happiness is...

Streaming radio. It no longer matters that I am in graduate school 85 miles away from home... with modern technology and a good attitude, I can still listen to my favorite morning show, tune in for the best music, and rock out to what I am loyal to. That's the way I like it!

Besides, there's no good music in this town anyway. Thank you internet!

Prepare to Snooze

Happiness is...

That moment when you wake up and realize that you've already taken care of making a lunch, packing your bag, and planning your day. Turn off that alarm and get some more sleep!

p.s. Where were you 10 years ago?

It was second period and the TVs were on in every classroom. We watched the second plane hit and everything felt surreal. Things continued as normal in my little middle school, but people were subdued and shocked. There was nothing on TV that entire afternoon but the news coverage and Andy Griffith, and I remember thinking that they were being more dramatic than I could handle. Patriotism spiked. Fear swelled. And war started. A war we're still upset about, still trying to end. A war that would continue to kill more Americans and instill more terror.

It was second period when I knew something big had happened. I could never have imagined the impact, but I certainly witnessed the tragedy.

What's your memory like?

Quiet mornings

Happiness is...

This fresh Sunday morning. Sitting around in my peaceful apartment, enjoying my time, and for once in my week not being disrupted by the heffalumps upstairs.

Let me back up for a second. They're not actually the size of heffalumps, so that's not entirely fair. Or maybe that's why it bothers me even more, because I know the stomping and running and giggling that permeates my bedroom can be helped. Do you need to take 14 trips to the bathroom at 10pm? Certainly not. Do you need to stomp up your stairs screaming to the people you left in the parking lot at 1am? Dear God no. But you do it all anyway.

So yes, Ms. Creak-creak-bang-slam, I look forward to my Sunday mornings. Because they're all I've got to hold on to my sanity. They're my only escape from the echo of your bed frame or the pounding of your shower. Ahhh, sweet release.

Free tickets!

Happiness is...

All things free. Tonight, it's Miranda Lambert concert tickets. It makes the event so much better to know that it was gifted to you, purely for your enjoyment! After a long week in class and class all day today (yes, a seven hour Saturday class is a part of my grad school experience) this is just what the doctor ordered! Girls night with country music and a few drinks perhaps? I'll take it.

Tomorrow I can get back to reality. But for tonight I'd just like to pretend that I don't have to be studious and responsible. Bring it on.

Catching up...

Happiness is...

Chiropractic care. Holistic, healthy, amazing medicine. No, you do not need drugs or tests or diagnoses. Not today.

Not after the car accidents I've been through.

It's about time I get this attended to and start feeling better.

Raspberries

Happiness is...

Fresh raspberries. The greatest thing about going home for a weekend is that your parents may take pity on you and supplement your cupboards. Monday afternoon Mom gave me raspberries. That's even better than I had hoped! So all in all I was productive with schoolwork, finished a couple loads of laundry, stocked up on food, and came home with special treats. Happy Labor Day to me!

One downfall: seeds. But that's nothing compared to the juicy, fresh, sweet taste of those little berries. They're so refreshing and so delicious. Lunch is that much more amazing in the middle of my long day.

Productivity

Happiness is...

Early mornings to get things done before work. I thought I'd hate working at 10am, but instead I get to continue waking up at 7 or 7:30 and just having an extra couple hours to get my stuff together before the day begins. It's a little liberating.

Today I finally organized the last of my stuff in my new place, so it feels like home at last. That's an amazing feeling!

Rug beating

Happiness is...

Beating rugs. Hit them hard and get them clean. It's a pretty neat metaphor when you think about it. It takes a swift kick in the ass before we shake the dirt off.

I'm just saying.

the Bump in its glory

Happiness is...

Creative baby ideas! Today is a gender reveal party for a good friend. Here's what she's doing:

At her ultrasound on Thursday she had the doctor write down the baby's gender and seal it in an envelope. She is bringing that envelope to a bakery and asking them to bake the appropriate color into the insides of a frosted cake, that way she'll find out when we do as she cuts her cake! How did I never think of that?

She is the size of a naval orange. That's one more thing about babies that I am really fascinated by. I love comparing them to the sizes of produce, and I can't wait to hear what's next! I wonder if I'm more excited about this baby than she is... In any case, here we go!

Brunch

Happiness is...

Brunch! The best meal comes in two, and brunch is a combination of my favorites. Breakfast + Lunch = Awesome. Omelettes, fruit, and desert, all in and late morning. It is always delicious and often filling.

Today brunch is even better. I get to share it with my family. I missed this.

Drugs

Happiness is...

Antihistamines. Yes, I got a full night's sleep. AND I didn't even have to deal with allergies. Double whammy... It was amazing, you must admit your envy. Riddle me this: what other drug accomplishes so many amazing purposes? What legal drug?

The Help

Happiness is...

The Help. It was an awesome movie!
Possibly more awesome was the applause that arose from the theater during the credits... Vati hypothesized that it was due to white guilt. Funny thing is, I turned around and scanned the room---100% caucasian. Maybe he's not so far off.
What kinds of thoughts do you have about civil rights? Do you honestly think you'd have the courage to take a stand if you were raised in those times?

This semester in grad school is a lot of self-awareness and reflection. It's spilling into other areas of my life now. Still, I find it interesting to think about...

Music is my Medicine

Happiness is...

CD Sharing.

Having a bad day? I can recommend some pick me ups. OR I can hand you a CD that's always worked for me. There's nothing like it. When you have someone who has a bad day, pass it on. That's what one of my good friends did for me... and now I have who-knows-whose CD. But it fulfills its purpose when it puts that smile on my face...

"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music." --Billy Joel
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything." --Plato
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." --Bob Marley