White Elephant

Happiness is...

White Elephant. Do you have something completely ridiculous sitting around your room? Only at this time of year, only at this type of party---regift it.

Everyone retrieves a present, gets a good laugh, and brings home a new piece of ridiculous. It's a perfect excuse to get together with old friends.

So wrap up your VHSs, beanie babies, or that Buddy Jesus, and come along!

Hugs

Happiness is...

Hugs. Human contact that reaches straight through you to lift your spirit and feed your soul. Hugs are the most basic form of interpersonal warmth, and they remain my favorite. They are unlike any other physical contact... They communicate affection, friendship, and support.

It's the best way to start the day, and it keeps me going til the end.

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.

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.

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.

Whodunnit

Happiness is...

Murder mystery parties, where you can dress up, be somebody else for a night, and practice sleuthing. Happy halloween! And no, I was not the killer. I was, however secretly related to Lila lavender and trying to get the diamonds with my gang. Mwahaha!

Old Friends

Happiness is...

When you're out with an old friend and run into an even older friend. You may be excited to see someone that you haven't seen in a while, but the chances may be pretty good that you'll see another. Suddenly, it's all nostalgia, catching up, and loving being reunited!

Friends lose touch. Then they look back and smile. Then they meet up and share. And life goes on. I'm just enjoying the ride.

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.

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.

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!

Aug. 31st

Happiness is...

Getting a phone call from a deployed boyfriend. It almost felt like he wasn't overseas!

Yes, there IS an August 31st. Oops. Here's my update: I went to the mall, registered for baby stuff with a friend (which was VERY happy), ate a burrito, and hung out with people half the night. Did I get the homework done that I needed to? Not exactly. But it was every bit as therapeutic as I needed my evening to be. C'est la vie.

Sorry,,,

Sorry I suck lately.

Happiness has been hard to come by this month.

Good news: Thursday marks the beginning of September!

At that point, things better start looking up.

I'm serious.

Bleh.

For today happiness is long distance phone calls with long-time friends. There is nothing that makes you feel like the world is settling down like hearing from the other side of it.

Blessed with friends

Happiness is...

The fact that even though things seem to be difficult, there will always be some friend who can help take the load off. Tonight I had a friend cook me dinner knowing that I couldn't do it for myself (this damn apartment!). And that's all it takes to know that God is watching over me, even when the going gets tough.

It's not a great time in my life. But He keeps reminding me there are great things to hold on to! Thank you Sir.

Girls Weekend

Happiness is...

Time with sisters... time to make everything seem a little less crazy. They're good for that!

In short...

Sorry I'm behind, but I can tell you one thing: Happiness would not exist if I didn't have the amazing family and friends that I do. Simple enough. You must get it.

Polished and ready for my night...

Happiness is...

Red Hot Red nail polish. It's a real color, and it makes me automatically real sassy. Watch out Minneapolis! I am polished and ready for my night. Wherever it takes me, I've got my red fingernails. See you soon.

Tonight is a ladies night downtown. I am excited and a little nervous but mostly excited. My friends make my world go round.

Happy Hours

Happiness is...

Happy Hours. Having a rough day at work? Don't worry, there are beer specials created to make you "happy". And trust me, they do. Go chill out with some coworkers or some good friends and unwind. You deserve it.

Til your feet hurt...

Happiness is...

When you're having so much fun you barely even notice your feet start to hurt. Muscle pain is caused by working your body, and if I dance so much I ache that can't possibly be a bad thing, correct? I love Wednesday nights, and going out with my girls, and moving. Let it rock.

Friends who write

Happiness is...

Friends who write. Blogging is an art that I am certainly no expert at (in case yohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifu didn't already know), but I have several friends whose blogs I respect completely. They provide a little subtle inspiration, a few choice words, and a heck of a good read.

For example, today, this one.

I like to look at blogs who lay it all out in a simple manner, and allow the internet to be what it was made for: easy. There are few things in modern society that are. Shame.

Due to her, and others in my life, I am Happy.

Last Day of School!

Happiness is...

The last day of school! Get excited, hug all of your friends, and reflect on one great year. I know I will... after the field trip, that is.