Happiness is...
Fireplaces. You can choose to heat your house however you wish, but fireplaces have a special magical property. They provide heat but they also provide a cozy atmosphere, dimly lit, crackling with spirit. Plus, who isn't mesmerized by a good fire?
This evening, it made the room. I relaxed into the seat, calmly worked with my knitting, and sipped a glass of wine. It was the perfect winter night, with snow finally predicted to finish the whole thing off. Ahhh, cozy happiness.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Dollar items.
Happiness is...
Dollar items. I head to the dollar tree every few months just to poke around for fun. But every now and then, I find a real steal. For example, a book from my favorite author that I purchased last night.
Or, a quick box of Christmas cards to give out.
Likewise, the entire dollar section at Target. I'll admit that it's usually a bunch of junk, but every now and then there is something I want, and it's only the price of a soda. That's a good trip. I understand how silly this sounds, but just try it sometime.
Tis the season... for exciting little buys.
Dollar items. I head to the dollar tree every few months just to poke around for fun. But every now and then, I find a real steal. For example, a book from my favorite author that I purchased last night.
Or, a quick box of Christmas cards to give out.
Likewise, the entire dollar section at Target. I'll admit that it's usually a bunch of junk, but every now and then there is something I want, and it's only the price of a soda. That's a good trip. I understand how silly this sounds, but just try it sometime.
Tis the season... for exciting little buys.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Free at Work
Happiness is...
That moment when you get to work and realize you have spare time to get things done. Maybe, just maybe, that means productivity for the day. It's rare in my job, but it's welcome!
That moment when you get to work and realize you have spare time to get things done. Maybe, just maybe, that means productivity for the day. It's rare in my job, but it's welcome!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Bilingual children
Happiness is...
Bilingual children. Besides the fact that they are ten times cuter, they are set up for success. The benefits of being bilingual are vast, from increased creativity and flexibility to learning advantages... cultural compentencies to higher rates of self-esteem. Not to mention they're simply more sought after for college entry and employment.
I like Spanish. Often, I prefer it to my native language. And it's proven to help children. Ask me again why I want to raise kids who speak a second language.
Mostly, especially this morning, I think kids who speak Spanish are utterly adorable.
Bilingual children. Besides the fact that they are ten times cuter, they are set up for success. The benefits of being bilingual are vast, from increased creativity and flexibility to learning advantages... cultural compentencies to higher rates of self-esteem. Not to mention they're simply more sought after for college entry and employment.
I like Spanish. Often, I prefer it to my native language. And it's proven to help children. Ask me again why I want to raise kids who speak a second language.
Mostly, especially this morning, I think kids who speak Spanish are utterly adorable.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Movies
Happiness is...
Going to the movies.
It's been so long since I've done it. Between moving away from family and friends and Dave's deployment, going to grad school and getting totally swamped, theaters have fallen to the wayside. But no longer. It's time to rekindle my love for a big red seat, a tub of popcorn, and a moving picture. :)
It's one of my favorite outings. It makes me so happy. And I won't be neglecting it this season.
Going to the movies.
It's been so long since I've done it. Between moving away from family and friends and Dave's deployment, going to grad school and getting totally swamped, theaters have fallen to the wayside. But no longer. It's time to rekindle my love for a big red seat, a tub of popcorn, and a moving picture. :)
It's one of my favorite outings. It makes me so happy. And I won't be neglecting it this season.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thanks Giving
Happiness is...
Reflecting on all the things I have to be thankful for.
A great graduate assistantship. Free schooling. Savings. Awesome coursework. Good grades. A cozy home. A nice car. Some stellar friends. My loving family. A patient and caring man. An upcoming trip, all-inclusive, to a tropical island. A year with VISTA that changed me for the better. Two adorable cats. Two sizeable closets. A passion for yoga. Knitting. Christmas music. Ellen Degeneres. Jesus Christ. Peanut Butter and Jelly. Losing weight. Silver nail polish. Office supplies. Coffee. Pinterest. Chocolate. Glee. Dinosaurs. Skype.
Everything that I have already posted and have yet to post on my 2011 blog of happiness. I shan't take it for granted.
Reflecting on all the things I have to be thankful for.
A great graduate assistantship. Free schooling. Savings. Awesome coursework. Good grades. A cozy home. A nice car. Some stellar friends. My loving family. A patient and caring man. An upcoming trip, all-inclusive, to a tropical island. A year with VISTA that changed me for the better. Two adorable cats. Two sizeable closets. A passion for yoga. Knitting. Christmas music. Ellen Degeneres. Jesus Christ. Peanut Butter and Jelly. Losing weight. Silver nail polish. Office supplies. Coffee. Pinterest. Chocolate. Glee. Dinosaurs. Skype.
Everything that I have already posted and have yet to post on my 2011 blog of happiness. I shan't take it for granted.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving dinner
Happiness is...
Thanksgiving!
Turkey.
Mashed Potatoes.
Cranberries.
Creamed Spinach.
Stuffing.
Break...
Nap.
Round Two.
Bring it on.
Thanksgiving!
Turkey.
Mashed Potatoes.
Cranberries.
Creamed Spinach.
Stuffing.
Break...
Nap.
Round Two.
Bring it on.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
No alarm
Happiness is...
Setting no alarms. Yes, my biological clock still gets me up well before 8 a.m., but it's a big change from being rudely awakened by a blaring alarm at 7 or 7:30. There's just something special about a natural morning. I remember more of my dreams, wake up in a calm, and just generally start the day out right.
This will be the trend for the next four days. It's a welcome change from the usual in grad school, and it's the perfect way to celebrate the holiday.
Setting no alarms. Yes, my biological clock still gets me up well before 8 a.m., but it's a big change from being rudely awakened by a blaring alarm at 7 or 7:30. There's just something special about a natural morning. I remember more of my dreams, wake up in a calm, and just generally start the day out right.
This will be the trend for the next four days. It's a welcome change from the usual in grad school, and it's the perfect way to celebrate the holiday.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Six weeks left
Happiness is...
Persistence.
Every year, we make lofty goals for January 1st. Exercise regularly. Journal. Travel. Identify one thing every day that makes me happy. This year, I was determined. I did not neglect my dreams, nor did I forget my little resolutions. Since the beginning of 2011 I have headed off on my own, started graduate school, lost ten pounds, visited old friends, and kept this blog going the whole time. Sure, I've had to make up lost days here and there. It hasn't always been creative or poignant. Some days, I spend more time trying to think of something happy than writing my post.
But I have kept at it. And six weeks from today, I will no longer be writing this. I will have moved on. It's not likely that next year's resolution will be bigger or better (365 days of happy was beyond grueling), but I will enter the new year knowing that, if I wanted it to be, it could. I have learned more about myself, have documented the simple ups and downs of my year, and have found the little things. With six weeks to go, I couldn't be happier.
Persistence.
Every year, we make lofty goals for January 1st. Exercise regularly. Journal. Travel. Identify one thing every day that makes me happy. This year, I was determined. I did not neglect my dreams, nor did I forget my little resolutions. Since the beginning of 2011 I have headed off on my own, started graduate school, lost ten pounds, visited old friends, and kept this blog going the whole time. Sure, I've had to make up lost days here and there. It hasn't always been creative or poignant. Some days, I spend more time trying to think of something happy than writing my post.
But I have kept at it. And six weeks from today, I will no longer be writing this. I will have moved on. It's not likely that next year's resolution will be bigger or better (365 days of happy was beyond grueling), but I will enter the new year knowing that, if I wanted it to be, it could. I have learned more about myself, have documented the simple ups and downs of my year, and have found the little things. With six weeks to go, I couldn't be happier.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
First snowfall
Happiness is...
Having nowhere in particular to go during the first snowfall of the year.
Every year around this time, Minnesotans forget what it's like to be here. They have to become accustomed to snow all over again. In the meantime, they whine, under-dress, and drive like crap. Unfortunately, grad school calls me in to Saturday classes. Today was the last one of the semester. People were by no means chipper... but I got to avoid the rest of the world as we sat in that classroom all afternoon. Now, all that's left is bundling up and sipping cocoa, perhaps with one friend. The others? You can have them.
I'm looking forward to a relaxing evening, cozy and comfortable. It's all I need today.
Having nowhere in particular to go during the first snowfall of the year.
Every year around this time, Minnesotans forget what it's like to be here. They have to become accustomed to snow all over again. In the meantime, they whine, under-dress, and drive like crap. Unfortunately, grad school calls me in to Saturday classes. Today was the last one of the semester. People were by no means chipper... but I got to avoid the rest of the world as we sat in that classroom all afternoon. Now, all that's left is bundling up and sipping cocoa, perhaps with one friend. The others? You can have them.
I'm looking forward to a relaxing evening, cozy and comfortable. It's all I need today.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Celebrations
Happiness is...
Thanksgiving dinners on days besides Thanksgiving.
Tonight I celebrated with the office. We all brought a dish to share, enjoyed each others' company, and engaged in rowdy games and conversation. It felt like family. In grad school, when you see family every 6 weeks or so (if you're lucky), this can be invaluable.
There isn't much I love more than holidays... except, perhaps, the chance to celebrate them multiple times. Food on!
Thanksgiving dinners on days besides Thanksgiving.
Tonight I celebrated with the office. We all brought a dish to share, enjoyed each others' company, and engaged in rowdy games and conversation. It felt like family. In grad school, when you see family every 6 weeks or so (if you're lucky), this can be invaluable.
There isn't much I love more than holidays... except, perhaps, the chance to celebrate them multiple times. Food on!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Big mug
Happiness is...
The big mugs. I love drinking cocoa, coffee, cider, what have you. The way it warms my throat as I gulp it down is irreplaceable. And after a long frigid walk home, the first thing my frozen fingers crave is a steaming drink to wrap themselves around. But it feels so much more rewarding when I'm holding a giant, neat mug in my hands. You can have your crisp, white, perfectly flat mug. I like mine whimsical. Whatever the shape, no matter the colors, things are just better if it's fun.
I don't truly believe that size matters... with a couple exceptions.
The big mugs. I love drinking cocoa, coffee, cider, what have you. The way it warms my throat as I gulp it down is irreplaceable. And after a long frigid walk home, the first thing my frozen fingers crave is a steaming drink to wrap themselves around. But it feels so much more rewarding when I'm holding a giant, neat mug in my hands. You can have your crisp, white, perfectly flat mug. I like mine whimsical. Whatever the shape, no matter the colors, things are just better if it's fun.
I don't truly believe that size matters... with a couple exceptions.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Finishing early
Happiness is...
Finishing projects early. I don't care if the deadline was extended, I'm happier turning it in tonight and moving on. It makes me feel more competent and it keeps my anxiety in check. I love getting things out of the way, because otherwise you can bet that my perfectionist tendencies will take over before I'm able to do it right. Even when I finish a project, I will continue to proof it until I turn it in at last. Might as well check it off the list! Luckily, I was able to do just that.
Getting projects out of the way also opens my afternoon to work on the next thing. That's the glory of grad school... there's no such thing as being ahead of schedule.
This probably sounds compulsive and overwhelming, but I promise it's a good thing. I'm able to breathe, and I'm prepared to look ahead. In three weeks, I will have relief. For now, this is my nature. Bring it on, finals!
Finishing projects early. I don't care if the deadline was extended, I'm happier turning it in tonight and moving on. It makes me feel more competent and it keeps my anxiety in check. I love getting things out of the way, because otherwise you can bet that my perfectionist tendencies will take over before I'm able to do it right. Even when I finish a project, I will continue to proof it until I turn it in at last. Might as well check it off the list! Luckily, I was able to do just that.
Getting projects out of the way also opens my afternoon to work on the next thing. That's the glory of grad school... there's no such thing as being ahead of schedule.
This probably sounds compulsive and overwhelming, but I promise it's a good thing. I'm able to breathe, and I'm prepared to look ahead. In three weeks, I will have relief. For now, this is my nature. Bring it on, finals!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Themed parties
Happiness is...
Themed parties.
Collecting food that coordinates, decorations, games... it makes the night seem like one fluid event. It connects us to their world, and really it takes us into a different place entirely. It's cute, fun, and just happy.
Themed parties.
Collecting food that coordinates, decorations, games... it makes the night seem like one fluid event. It connects us to their world, and really it takes us into a different place entirely. It's cute, fun, and just happy.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Elements
Happiness is...
Getting to see loved ones in their elements. It puts them in a new light. I feel honored to share that part of them, and I feel like I understand them more as a person. Usually, I love them that much more as well.
When I went to MSSA offices or Navy Deployment conferences, I felt more connected. I felt like I had a better grasp of the individual. I felt proud. Seeing the way he enjoyed it gave me a glimpse and made me excited for him.
Last night, it was a ride-along with a good friend. It was sweeeet. Seeing them in action, listening to their special lingo, watching their protocol, and seeing the pride they feel... it makes me reciprocate. You ARE special. Right now, you are the coolest one in the room. There's just no other way.
Getting to see loved ones in their elements. It puts them in a new light. I feel honored to share that part of them, and I feel like I understand them more as a person. Usually, I love them that much more as well.
When I went to MSSA offices or Navy Deployment conferences, I felt more connected. I felt like I had a better grasp of the individual. I felt proud. Seeing the way he enjoyed it gave me a glimpse and made me excited for him.
Last night, it was a ride-along with a good friend. It was sweeeet. Seeing them in action, listening to their special lingo, watching their protocol, and seeing the pride they feel... it makes me reciprocate. You ARE special. Right now, you are the coolest one in the room. There's just no other way.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Knitting Project
Happiness is...
A new knitting project. It's my first knitting project since I started grad school. I simply have not had time; there have been chapters to read, papers to write! However, I seem to have neglected my hobbies in the meantime. Hobbies aren't just there to alleviate boredom (although they often do). They're a human connection to pure joy. Leisure activities. Don't forget yours.
Today, I started mittens (my first pair). Though it can be frustrating at times, I am rejuvenated. I am not nose deep in any theory nor am I revising, for the 5th time, my literature review. I am just pulling these stitches around. That's the life.
A new knitting project. It's my first knitting project since I started grad school. I simply have not had time; there have been chapters to read, papers to write! However, I seem to have neglected my hobbies in the meantime. Hobbies aren't just there to alleviate boredom (although they often do). They're a human connection to pure joy. Leisure activities. Don't forget yours.
Today, I started mittens (my first pair). Though it can be frustrating at times, I am rejuvenated. I am not nose deep in any theory nor am I revising, for the 5th time, my literature review. I am just pulling these stitches around. That's the life.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Blankets
Happiness is...
Putting another blanket on. Yes, winter is here at last. It's cold. It may snow at any point. In my room, the only thing I look forward to is crawling into bed to escape the frigid air.
Luckily, I have not one... not two... but three blankets stacked on the top of my little mattress. It's a cozy little den under them, warm and toasty as well as weighed down and tucked in by piles of covers. This is a very common source of happiness for people, and I never quite grasped it until now (I lived in the second floor of my house growing up). It's like childhood, safe and secure.
I know I sleep like a baby, at least.
Putting another blanket on. Yes, winter is here at last. It's cold. It may snow at any point. In my room, the only thing I look forward to is crawling into bed to escape the frigid air.
Luckily, I have not one... not two... but three blankets stacked on the top of my little mattress. It's a cozy little den under them, warm and toasty as well as weighed down and tucked in by piles of covers. This is a very common source of happiness for people, and I never quite grasped it until now (I lived in the second floor of my house growing up). It's like childhood, safe and secure.
I know I sleep like a baby, at least.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Argyle Patterns!
Happiness is...
Argyle. Fashionable, Fun, Retro and Rad. It reminds me, quite frankly, of Scotland or Ireland. Of beautiful green landscapes and distant places. I am not loving it because of golf, but more so the class.
Just neat.
Argyle. Fashionable, Fun, Retro and Rad. It reminds me, quite frankly, of Scotland or Ireland. Of beautiful green landscapes and distant places. I am not loving it because of golf, but more so the class.
Just neat.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Countdown
Happiness is...
Countdowns. 5 weeks.
Yes, it's likely that I've already told you this is happiness. Does it look like I care?
Countdowns. 5 weeks.
Yes, it's likely that I've already told you this is happiness. Does it look like I care?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Yoga lessons
Happiness is...
Plank. It's a stability pose. It builds strength and endurance. It's as simple as getting on the floor and holding a stance.
It's much like my life at the moment, holding steady and hovering. I get through it one day at a time, and it makes me stronger. Just breathe... you can maintain the difficult position too.
Plank. It's a stability pose. It builds strength and endurance. It's as simple as getting on the floor and holding a stance.
It's much like my life at the moment, holding steady and hovering. I get through it one day at a time, and it makes me stronger. Just breathe... you can maintain the difficult position too.
Monday, November 7, 2011
New and Improved
Happiness is...
A new and improved flavor of cheerios.
We all know breakfast is the best part of my day, and there isn't much that beats a good handful of cheerios. Apple Cinnamon. Banana Nut. Chocolate. Fruity. And now Cinnamon Burst. Oh joy.
I like trying new things. I have since studying abroad. It's the little things that make me smile. That's something I have to continue realizing as I complete this blog. This morning, it was a new flavor of cereal. I'll stop there for today.
A new and improved flavor of cheerios.
We all know breakfast is the best part of my day, and there isn't much that beats a good handful of cheerios. Apple Cinnamon. Banana Nut. Chocolate. Fruity. And now Cinnamon Burst. Oh joy.
I like trying new things. I have since studying abroad. It's the little things that make me smile. That's something I have to continue realizing as I complete this blog. This morning, it was a new flavor of cereal. I'll stop there for today.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Fall back.
Happiness is...
Daylight savings time. No, I did not gain an hour of sleep. You know me, it's like clockwork. I did, however have an extra morning hour to make some more progress on this Alternate Plan Paper (thesis). It's not colossal, but it's a feat for me, given my circumstances.
That is the extent of this weekend, though. Homework and more homework. I figure if I crunch enough in the following few days maybe I can avoid the stress around Thanksgiving and such, and I can anticipate December rather than dreading it. I figure if I do my stuff up front I can kick back and enjoy the last bit of my first semester of graduate school. Heck, maybe I'll even have the time to reflect on these weeks. I doubt it though. Maybe that's what I should have done with my extra hour this morning... then again, maybe not. Back to work, see you tomorrow!
Daylight savings time. No, I did not gain an hour of sleep. You know me, it's like clockwork. I did, however have an extra morning hour to make some more progress on this Alternate Plan Paper (thesis). It's not colossal, but it's a feat for me, given my circumstances.
That is the extent of this weekend, though. Homework and more homework. I figure if I crunch enough in the following few days maybe I can avoid the stress around Thanksgiving and such, and I can anticipate December rather than dreading it. I figure if I do my stuff up front I can kick back and enjoy the last bit of my first semester of graduate school. Heck, maybe I'll even have the time to reflect on these weeks. I doubt it though. Maybe that's what I should have done with my extra hour this morning... then again, maybe not. Back to work, see you tomorrow!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Study Buddy
Happiness is...
Study Buddies. Schoolwork is a little easier if I do it sitting next to a friend, perhaps drinking some wine... My productivity is greatly increased by knowing that not EVERYONE is out having fun without me. I have one captive here writing papers by my side :)
Okay, so perhaps a friend and some wine are not the greatest combination for a super productive night. However, I wouldn't trade it for anything---nothing makes my work more tolerable.
Study Buddies. Schoolwork is a little easier if I do it sitting next to a friend, perhaps drinking some wine... My productivity is greatly increased by knowing that not EVERYONE is out having fun without me. I have one captive here writing papers by my side :)
Okay, so perhaps a friend and some wine are not the greatest combination for a super productive night. However, I wouldn't trade it for anything---nothing makes my work more tolerable.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Progress
Happiness is...
Progress! With only four weeks left, it's become time to buckle down for the projects and papers and exams that remain. Luckily, I am sooooo on top of this. I am finishing paper number two tonight, BOOYA. As a grad student, I have a demeanor much like many other grad students: total perfectionism. I have extremely high expectations of myself and have always been an achiever. Thus, I am still trying to stay ahead of my schoolwork. It's not easy, but it is completely worth it.
With the end of the semester approaching, the world is in chaos. I am competent enough for this. I am here for a reason.
Progress! With only four weeks left, it's become time to buckle down for the projects and papers and exams that remain. Luckily, I am sooooo on top of this. I am finishing paper number two tonight, BOOYA. As a grad student, I have a demeanor much like many other grad students: total perfectionism. I have extremely high expectations of myself and have always been an achiever. Thus, I am still trying to stay ahead of my schoolwork. It's not easy, but it is completely worth it.
With the end of the semester approaching, the world is in chaos. I am competent enough for this. I am here for a reason.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Quotes Cont.
"Happiness is not a matter of events; it depends upon the tides of the mind."
"Hap
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Last five min
Happiness is...
The moment when you realize the day is almost over. It's so easy to get caught up in work, and then BAM... 5 minutes left. I love the feeling of knowing the day has escaped me (at least as long as I got the projects done that I needed to). It's nice to know that sweet release is so close and we've made it to the end.
On days like today, it was just about the only thing I needed.
The moment when you realize the day is almost over. It's so easy to get caught up in work, and then BAM... 5 minutes left. I love the feeling of knowing the day has escaped me (at least as long as I got the projects done that I needed to). It's nice to know that sweet release is so close and we've made it to the end.
On days like today, it was just about the only thing I needed.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Perfect score
Happiness is...
Receiving not one, but two 100%s in a day.
That's right, graduate school---take that.
Receiving not one, but two 100%s in a day.
That's right, graduate school---take that.
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