DAY ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 122.  Happy New Year's Eve.  I went to a neighbors party tonight. I took my list to burn and I chucked it in the fire.

Out with the old.

I made my resolutions.

In with the new.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 121.  Getting ready for New Year's Eve. I am not sure if you have heard of the tradition of writing down the things you want to forget or get rid of or be done with from the current year. Then you can either say them or not and then throw the piece of paper in the fire. In other words be done with it.

I had a long list of things to get rid of from 2015.

I also made a resolutions list for 2016.

• Finish the Happiness Project and find my Joy
• Travel
• Be fearless, be spontaneous, take chances

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED TWENTY OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 120.  I can't believe it is day 120.  It seems like only yesterday that I started the Happiness Project.  Now that December is ending, the month of being a Social Butterfly is almost over, I feel that I have really done this task justice. 

On day 120, I think I need a check in to assess my level of happiness.  So far I have moved my office to a room that has more light and more space.  I have made a guest room that guests can stay in and last night I had my inaugural guest.  She said it was quite comfortable.  I hung pictures to make it my home.  Now I have become more social and spontaneous.  All of these things have made me much more happy.  More joyful.  People say I look happier.

This leads me into next month where the subject is all about Friends.  Keeping friends, making friends and spending time with friends.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 119.  My sister-in-law gave me a wonderful journal for Christmas.  The cover says: Change your thoughts and you'll change the world.  I started to write sayings that I like in it.

The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

My friend C came over to watch Inside Out.  We got take out and watched the movie.  It was just as good the second time around.  C stayed over as my first guest in the guest room.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 118.  Today was a lazy day.  It was overcast and looked like it was going to rain all day.  I have been having stomach issues for weeks and my stomach was acting up.  I took a long bath and finished watching a Netflix series River.

Just a lazy day.  Trying to feel better.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 117.  I survived Christmas!  Everyone was afraid I would not survive the holidays alone and look, I survived!  I had friends come over for Thanksgiving and went to someone's home for Christmas.  Did I tell you the person's home I went to introduced me as "an amazing person".  I looked around to see who he was talking about and he was talking about me!  That was very nice.  I keep telling people, all I need is great friends and I will be fine.  Now I have New Year's Eve to look forward to and my friends party.  They asked me to assist with door duties: tell folks where to put their coats, point out where to get a drink, pick up empty glasses, answer the door, etc.

I went to see Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 2 today and loved it.  I then came home and watched Hunger Games and Hunger Games: Catching Fire.  It was fun to watch the series all at once.  Tomorrow I will watch Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1.

I stopped by a friends home to drop off something and stayed for about 1/2 hour. It was nice to hangout for a bit.  I like being a person that stops by.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 116.  Christmas Day.  Merry Christmas!!  Opening presents.  Happi LOVES to open presents.  I can't put the presents under the tree because she will open them by herself.  Each time I picked up a present Happi ran over and wanted to rip it open.  She is so cute!  Poor Lucky ran and hid.  She is afraid of presents and all that wrapping paper.

I got some great presents.  A canvass bag with my girl Joy on it.   A DVD that I wanted about photography from National Geography.  A journal with a great saying on it.

Then I had to make the butternut squash and beet dish I was bringing to my Christmas party.  It turned out okay.

I was hesitant to attend the Christmas party.  A week ago I wanted to back out.  I was having anxiety about attending.  I forced myself to attend the party and it was fun.  There were a bunch of people there and a ton of food.  I brought my own since there was nothing I could eat (ham, turkey, cheesy potatoes, etc.)  What is up with green bean casserole?  Anyway, not a real green vegetable on the table.  One of my old neighbors was there so it was good to see him.

I came home and watched Arthur Christmas.  I talked to my family throughout the day.  It was a good day.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 115. Christmas Eve. Busy day.

I went to see Star Wars VII again. It was just as good the second time.

Then I went to see a Christmas Eve concert with D. It was very nice but super crowded. Tell me what you think. There were young children there. Not a lot but some. Under the age of 3. In front of us was a little guy about 18 mo. His parents were quite courteous. When he fidgeted they took him out of the theatre. I am only telling you as an example. There was another couple who had a boy a little older. He was not happy about being there. Instead of taking him all the way out of the theater (meaning into the lobby) when he fidgeted or made noise, they took him to the hallway that led from the lobby to the theater. That was where he ran up and down and yelled and made noise. During the fast numbers I didn't care but during Ava Maria and Silent Night I was annoyed. I felt like I paid for tickets to hear the concert not hear a boy yell and run around. Afterword we were talking about it with other women and they said it was us getting older and having less patience.  Honestly I don't think it is getting older. I think it is having manners. There were other families there and when their kids made noise or got rambunctious, they took them out. There was a cute girl who said loudly during a silent ASL signing of Silent Night, is this Jingle Bells. That was sweet and her parents promptly hushed her.  I had a good time but I could have had a better time.

After the concert D and I went to a lovely dinner. It was very nice of her to wrangle a table for us at a local restaurant. On Christmas Eve.

When I got home I prepped my butternut squash and beets for my dish tomorrow. Now I just have to cook everything.

I have to get some sleep.

Until Christmas tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 114.  Today I bottled the Apricot Infused Brandy took that and some of the chocolate covered brandy soaked apricots that I made over to a few neighbors homes as Christmas presents. Some Christmas cheer.

I am not sure my Food Saver is working right. I only used it once and now it is not vacuuming and sealing. I am disappointed.

I think it is time to name the two fish left from the pond. They are inside in an aquarium and I bought them a present for Christmas but don't have a name to put on the tag. I was trying to think of a kitschy name like Kung and fu. Or pea and Nut. Or PB and J.  Or Lucy and Ethel. Or Ricky. I don't know if they are female or male. How about Clam and Chowder?  Clam Shell.   Right now Clam and Chowder are my front runners. Please any ideas are welcome.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 113.  My friend R's sweet dog passed away today. Little Jippy had been ill.  He will be missed by me, Happi and Lucky.  It is a sad day.

I bought tickets to see Mockingjay part 2 on Saturday. I really want to see it on the big screen.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED TWELVE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 112.  You are going to think I am crazy but my friend H and I are going to see Star Wars VII again on Christmas Eve.  It is the kind of Movie I need to see twice.

It is raining so hard I don't want to leave the house. After years with no rain, I feel like we are going to float away.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 111.  Shhh. Today I went to buy Christmas presents for my babies. My pets Happi, Lucky, Sunny and the fish.  Yup, I'm a little nutty for my kids. Anyway, I bought a new dog bed at Ross. It was a Beautyrest dog bed. Yeah, like the mattress. I guess the mattress company has broken into the dog bed market. Isn't that funny?!  Since Happi has a bad back, she is going to love it.  Well, the dogs are probably going to fight over it, like they fight over everything.

Since you are wondering, I got a plastic plant for the fish tank. The old one keeps floating to the top.  I bought some popcorn snacks for the Sunny the bird. Pee spray and dental chews for the dogs.  Christmas will be so exciting for the pets!!   Now I done with my shopping.

I am watching a new series on Amazon Prime The Man In The High Castle.  I am fascinated. What if the USA lost WWII?  Germany occupies the East part of the country and Japan occupies the West.  I have been told this series is from a book.

I just love sitting and looking at a sparkling Christmas tree.   Today was a dreary, rainy day and I had the tree on while I watched TV.

A guy came up to me today and say hi, I met you last night. I had a good time at the party, did you?  Honestly I sort of remember him but I can't remember which party I met him at.  Is that bad?! I am really trying to follow my Happiness Project and be social.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 110.  Today was a total social butterfly day.  First my friend R came to visit. We hung out and then went out to a great restaurant.  She has exciting news I can't share yet. Then I went to a neighbors party and met some nice folks. One guy said I was a very helpful person. He was complaining that he was over weight and he had no activities that he liked. Turns out he has an iPhone 6 and it has the activity tracker like a fit bit.  He can use that to help lose weight. I have been thinking of attending a toastmasters meeting and he is interested too. We might go together.  He also two-steps.

Then I went to another party at a friends home. I met some neighbors I never met before. Everyone was so nice.

Overall I had a good day. Met some nice people. I got out and mad myself available.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND NINE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 109.  I saw Star Wars!!! It was great. That is all I am going to say.  I won't ruin it for you. Go see it!   Thanks H. If you want to see it again, let me know.

Then we went to buy concert tickets to see the Indigo Girls in a few months.  I have seen them 4-5 times in concert. I am excited to see them again.

This was a good social day. Movies with a large group and then concert tickets for the future.  Oh, yeah, I hung out after the concert for a while.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 108.  Started watching Star Wars Episode VI. I have two days to finish it before the new Star Wars movie comes out.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 107.  Today I picked up my art from the framers.  I am so happy to get my art back and be able to hang it.  It is really good to have items on the walls.

This is a picture for the guest room.

This picture goes in the living room.

My favorite coat from 30 years ago.  It is a Peter Max coat.

Tonight I went to a preview of the movie Sisters.  It was very funny.  A bit stupid but not as stupid as parts of Bridesmaids.   The bloopers were great. I would say if you want to see a funny, not too intelligent movie, this is a movie for you.  Sort of a Bridesmaid type movie.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SIX OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 106.  Got the Christmas packages in the mail today.  That was a huge relief.  I also picked up my Christmas cards.  I used a photo I took when I was in Vegas.  It is really colorful and I really like it. 

As usual I used the online USPS.com.  It is so convenient.  No standing on lines.  I print the mailing labels and postage at home and just take it to the post office and drop it off.  Easy peasy. 

If you watched the debate tonight: You better download the internet before those smart guys in Silicone Valley turn it off!  Ha ha.

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 105.  I found my ring!  I woke up and began obsessively going through all the places I went when I came home from dancing.  I pulled down the sheets I put away and nothing. Then I pulled down another set of sheets that were already put away and ding.  The ring fell on the floor.  I guess it slipped off and flew over onto the other pile of sheets.  I am not wearing it again until I can get it sized.  I don't want to lose it again.  The thought of losing the college ring that I have worn for 28 years was just devastating.  It is irreplaceable. 

The plumber came to snake my garage drain.  I want to make sure the drain drains when the big rains come.  I don't want my garage to flood.  He said the 3 years of drought put a lot of junk down the drain and now the rain is not going down very well.  He cleared it out and the water is moving well now.

I am almost done with my Christmas shopping.  I am done with my wrapping.  I have one gift left to buy and wrap.  Then off to the Post Office.  I did some last minute internet shopping for those tough to buy for folks. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 104. Today was one of those days I kind of wish I had stayed in bed.  First I could not find my credit card. I finally found it but it took a long time. When I cleaned up for the party it got put in a spot that was not its usual spot.

Then I decided to go two-stepping.  I took a beginner course. I think I did well. I also did a line dance class.   I am pretty good. It is hard to dance backward.

While I was there or when I got home I lost my ring. It was my college graduation ring. I really depressed about it. It may still be in my home.  I have retraced my steps but no luck. The dance hall said they will look for it.

Then I was preoccupied with my ring and I leaned down to plug something in and wacked my forehead on the windowsill.  It is time to go to bed!

Tomorrow will be a better day!

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THREE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 103.  Today was the big party.  Well, it didn't turn out to be a big party.  It was a medium sized party.  There is a flu/cold going around so I had a few people drop out because they were sick.  I had a few drop out because they double booked and just realized it.  One had to work.  Then I had a bunch of no shows. 

I think it is rude to just "no show".  How hard is it to send someone an email or text?  My email is on the invite; so is my phone number.  That is enough of that rant.

I didn't take any photos I realized at the end.  The house looked great.  Everyone commented on it.  LOTS of decorations. 

The food was almost all eaten.  I made olive artichoke tapenade.  The recipe made way more than I needed.  The polenta fries with sauce was a huge hit.  I could have made the second tube and they would have gone too.  The chipolte rosemary almonds were also popular.  There were only a few left and I gave them to the dog walker.  The apricot infused with brandy and dipped in chocolate were loved.  The popcorn didn't come out right.  I think it needed to be cooked with oil.  I did it in my glass cooker without oil.  Then the spices would stick.

Overall the vegan food was a success.  I just didn't tell anyone it was vegan food!  They all raved about the food and how good it was. 


People came and brought me bottles of wine.  I don't drink so now I have great gifts and good wine to serve at the next party!

I have checked one thing off December's happiness project.  

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWO OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 102.  The whole day was party prep. I had to clean. Begin prepping the food. Finish the decorations.  Organize myself for tomorrow's last minute items.  I still have to clean the bird cage.  I am really relaxed.

Now let's hope someone shows up. People keep canceling because they are ill.

Wish me luck!!

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND ONE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 101.  Today was a day of doctor's appointment, food shopping and making a desert.

I went to see my gut doctor.  I was given a clean bill and don't need to return for 6 months unless something happens.  My stomach has been good lately.  I stopped by my foot doctor and chatted for a bit with her.  We maybe going out with them later this month to the ballet. 

I went to the food store and bought all the food and drink for the party.  Lots of drink.

Today was the day to remove the apricots from the brandy.  They looked great.  I melted the chocolate and dipped the apricots.  To bring you up to speed.  I put apricots in a brandy mixture and soaked them for three weeks.  Today I drained the brandy infused apricot and saved it to put in little bottles for Christmas presents.  I dried off the apricots and melted some vegan chocolate and dipped the apricots in it.  Then I put them in the refrigerator.  They looked excellent.  I can't taste them because I don't drink alcohol but they look great.

I still have to roast the almonds, bake the polenta, mix the dip, make the punch, and pop the popcorn.  I will have to make the seasoning mix.  I can do that tomorrow.  I am close to being ready.  Now I have to clean and put things away. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY ONE HUNDRED OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 100. I have been working the Happiness Project for 100 days. Almost a third of the way through with the project.  I had a very nice lunch with a friend today. It was nice to get to know her better.

I got more lights to decorate my naked Christmas tree.  Then I decorated the tree.

,

I think it looks fantastic. Good blinksy lights.

Until tomorrow.happi

DAY NINETY-NINE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 99.  Today I decorated my home.  I had someone help me and it doesn't quite look like Christmas threw up in my home but it is close.  I want it to be Christmas, Christmas, Christmas.  I brought all my decorations up and went crazy.  Lights everywhere.  Shiny stuff everywhere.  Garland all over.  I got a little tree.  Since I am having a party I didn't want a huge tree.  I got a 5' tree (or at least that is what they said) and it is cute.  This is just a start and the tree is not lit or decorated yet. 

I found this cute light up thing that says JOY.  It is in my window all lit up.  I love the lights.

More decorations to come.

Here is a photo of my neighborhood garden all lit up.

The holidays are here.  Oh, I am on Star Wars III.  Revenge of the Sith. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY NINETY-EIGHT OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 98.  I am working on being a social butterfly.  Now that I am done being ill, I have a whole lot lined up to do.  Last night I went to a concert with friends and to see a friend perform. 

Something really funny happened.  I don't drink alcohol.  I haven't in almost 20 years.  I don't really know how much drinks cost in a bar.  I know how much drinks cost in Las Vegas because I asked when I was there.  I know my water cost $7, cough.  My water and a mixed drink cost more than $20.  Last night I wanted to buy a round of drinks.  We had ordered our drinks (two sparkling waters and two fancy beers) and two people ordered some food.  When the waitress came with the drinks, I said I wanted to pay.  Everyone objected but I wanted to buy a round.  Little did I know I bought the drinks AND the food.  No one told me until after the concert when they thanked me for buying them dinner. 

Today I had lunch with a friend that I had not seen in a year.  It was great to catch up.  We were both consultants at the same client for about 1.5 years.  She is a hoot.  I really like working with her.  It was a really nice lunch.

I was also invited to another party.  I feel like I have something to do almost every day.  It is great! 

Tomorrow is decoration day.  I am getting up early and getting a tree and wreath.  Then the decorating begins.  It will be Christmas all over the house.  Yay!!!

Until tomorrow...

DAY NINETY-SEVEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 97.  Today I was all set to go food shopping but I could not find a parking spot.  They have the tree place in the same parking lot as the supermarket and it was chaos.  I will food shop tomorrow.

Yesterday I started watching Star Wars.  I started from Episode 1 and I am making my way through all chapters.  Today I started Episode II.  It has been so long since I watched an of them.

Tonight I went to a concert.  I had a neighbor who is an international star.  He and his significant other moved away last year but they keep coming around to play a few concerts a year.  It was great to see them.  And especially their dog.  He was so happy to see me.  Puppy kisses all over my glasses.

Until tomorrow...

DAY NINETY-SIX OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 96.  I am feeling much better and I am done with the antibiotics.  I am still coughing when I talk.

Today I have my first holiday party to attend.  It is a neighborhood potluck.  I bought a vegan pecan pie.  I was too sick this week to make anything.  I don't think anyone wanted me to touch their food with this cough.

After the party I went shopping for dog food first so the dogs would not starve.  Then I went shopping for Christmas stuff.  I think Christmas threw up in my dining room.  I went crazy considering I have three bins of Christmas stuff downstairs.  I just want to really decorate this year.  Like Christmas threw up in my house.

Tuesday is decorating day.  I will deck out the house and hopefully have a tree to decorate by then also.

Until tomorrow...

DAY NINETY-FIVE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 95.  My parents came back and we went out to dinner.  They gave me a gift that I have been pining for: a popcorn bowl.  I eat a popcorn frequently and I am excited to have a designated popcorn bowl.

I can't wait to use it.

We went out to dinner at a Cheese Cake Factory because I heard they had a new vegan entree.  I thought I would try it out.  It was delicious.  I should have taken a photo of it because it was also beautiful to look at.  I did take a photo of my mother's eggplant Parmesan because she wanted a photo.

It was a good day.

Until tomorrow...

DAY NINETY-FOUR OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 94.  Still sick.  But better.  Still have not left the house and basically my bed.  One more day of antibiotics.


Look at Lucky.  She learned to shake paws.  She is so smart.

Until tomorrow...

DAY NINETY-THREE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 93.  I am still sick.  I am better but still sick.  When I am sick I just want to be left alone.  Not in a bad, angry way but in a "I just want to lay around and watch TV" kind of way.  In the last 24 hours I watched the whole first season of Transparent on Amazon Prime.  It is awesome!  If you have not heard of it it won some Emmys and Gold Globes.  It stars Jeffrey Tambor. It is a show about an LA family with serious boundary issues who have their past and future unravel when a dramatic admission causes everyone's secrets to spill out. 

I was mesmerized.  I can't wait for season 2 on November 11th.  I got the free 30 trial of Amazon Prime for the holidays and so far I am loving it.  I have been watching shows and shipping things for free.  I have wanted to watch Transparent since it won the Golden Globe. 

Beyond that I have done nothing.  Just trying really hard to get better.  I did almost get caught up on my work invoicing.  That is one monkey off my back.  As I tried to explain it to one person, it is like a closet.  You put things in the closet, more things, more things.  Then the closet gets full.  You don't want to open the closet and clean it out.  That was my invoicing situation.  I had gotten so far behind that it was like that closet.  I didn't want to open that door.  Now the closet is almost cleaned out.  That makes me so happy.  Now if my closet was actually cleaned out. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY NINETY-TWO OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 92.  I am sitting here listening to "Silver and Gold" while watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  It is on SO early this year!  Pretty soon they are going to show it on Thanksgiving night!  I heard my first Christmas carol on the radio on Thanksgiving. Ugh.  I hate that.  Let me get over one holiday before we start on another.

I think I mentioned I am sick.  I feel better in one way but not better in another.  My runny nose has slowed down so that makes me happy.  The coughing is deeper and mostly only happens when I talk or laugh.  So if I sit quietly I am fine.  It is becoming a dry cough.  I am not sure if that is good or bad; it is different.  I am no longer coughing up icky stuff and my chest doesn't burn as much.  Hopefully we caught it in time.  Last thing I need is bronchitis or pneumonia.  This is the time of year I get one of those two. 

Oh, it is the Island of Misfit Toys!  A Charlie in the Box.  A polk-a-dotted elephant.  A choo choo with square wheels.  A water pistol that shoots jelly.  A cowboy that rides an ostrich. 

Today is the first day of December's Resolution: Social Butterfly


“There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life; some familiar to us and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures.”

 The categories are:

• Have Parties!
• Get Out and Do Things
• Take Risks
• Meet People
• Don't be Afraid to Go Alone
• Join Something - Get Active
• Volunteer
• Have Fun!

It is the first day and I am in bed for the second day.

I do have a lot of social things planned this month.  I have been invited to three parties, two concerts, one movie (Star Wars!), and three outings with friends.  Plus I am thinking of having a party.  I will also finally go two-stepping as I promised a friend.

I can check off have party, get out and do things, and have fun!  When I go two-stepping that will cover take risks, meet people and don't be afraid to go alone. 

Now I have to get better so I can attend all these social events and be a Social Butterfly.

Rudolph, with your nose so bright won't you guide my sleigh tonight? 

Until tomorrow...

DAY NINETY-ONE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 91.  Today is the last day of month three "Make it a Home."  Here is the round up:

I was very good at:

• Getting rid of things that don't work - I got rid of a bookshelf, TV stand, hanging things, printer, and much more.
• Use up what I have - I took my printer table and used it for a TV table.
• Buy needful things - I bought magazine holders to hold my client work.  I got a Food Saver. 
• Get rid of awful things - I got rid of the awful TV stand that was monstrous. 
• Hang pictures that make me smile - I have been framing art like crazy.  I want pictures on the walls.  No more empty walls!
• Make it my home - I am little by little making it my home.  People are commenting on it.
• Let it go!  I am letting things go.  Get stuff out.

 I was not as successful at making my sanctuary.  I am still working on this.  It takes time.

But today I did very little.  I am sick.  It came on very fast.  Yesterday I was coughing a little bit and my nose has been running since August.  Then last night I didn't feel that great.  Over the weekend I would get hot and chilled but it is cold here.  Then today I woke up and felt awful.  Coughing and runny nose and chills.  I called the doc and got a Z-pack.  Don't want it to be bronchitis by Wednesday. 

Going to sleep.

Until tomorrow...

DAY NINETY OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 90.  Today is my parents last day.  We went to another museum to see a watch display.  It was interesting.  Once again my parents were really interested in it.  After the museum, we went to find food.

We came back to the house and my step-father looked at my outside light and decided it could not be fixed.

We hung out a bit and then I took them back to the hotel.  They are coming back on Friday.  It was a good visit.

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY-NINE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 89.  Today my parents and I went to a very interesting museum.  My step-father really enjoyed it.  It was a very mechanical museum.  Then we got food and came back to my place for lunch.  After lunch my step-father fixed a few things around the house:

• my ceiling fan had stopped being both a light and a fan
• my lock was sticking
• the light in the kitchen was not turning all the way on
• the window in the kitchen needed to be closed.

It was great to get these things fixed.   He is pretty handy.  Then we got take out food.  It was a good day.

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY-EIGHT OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 88.  My parents arrived!  We decided we were going to meet at their hotel.  It just happened to be right in the middle of the shopping area.  And the tree lighting area.  We tried to find a restaurant and that turned out to be a disaster.  One place we went had a 1.5 hour wait at least. We bailed on that place and went to another place.  They were busy but we got there right before the rush.  It was a very old restaurant with some interesting items on the walls.

We went to see a sugar castle.  It was amazing.  The work that went into it. It is all made out of sugar! There are things I do not have the patience for.  I read that they have been working on this castle for four months.  Wow!

The Christmas season has begun!

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY-SEVEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 87.  Happy Thanksgiving!

My friends arrived around 2pm.  I had already spoken to 1/2 of my family.  They were gathered at my brother's house.

I was still cooking.  I was running behind.  We all gathered in the kitchen while I prepped and put stuff in the oven.  Dinner was nice.  Everyone got their fill of food.  After dinner we went for a walk.  We found a hula hoop.  We had a blast trying to hula.  Or is it hoop?  Anyway, it was the funniest thing to hula in the freezing cold.  After getting hot beverages, we walked back.

It turned out to be a great day with great friends.

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY-SIX OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 86.  The day before Thanksgiving.  Today is the day of preparation.  Yesterday I had no plans for Thanksgiving.  I was going to relax before my parents came to visit.  Maybe get some work done.  Maybe clean the house.

Then my friend J texted me to see what I was doing.  I said maybe going to a restaurant, maybe volunteering.  He said fine sign me up.  I spent about an hour trying to find a vegan restaurant that was open and had space.  No luck.  I was just about to give up and my friend C called and I asked her what she was doing.  She said nothing.  I said why don't you both come over.  One thing, you have to bring your own food.  I can't cook because my parents are coming.  They both said fine.  C started trying to find one of those "whole turkey dinner in a box" type things from the supermarket.  Unfortunately they were all sold out.  They finally settled on a platter of turkey and mashed potatoes.  I said I would make stuffing, broccoli and roasted root veggies.  I bought a vegan pecan pie.  Dinner was made.  Some call it Orphan Thanksgiving.  Others call it Friendsgiving. 

Then I got a phone call from another friend T asking me if I had plans for Thanksgiving.  I was so grateful that he would think of me and invite me for the day.  It was so sweet of him.

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY-FIVE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 85.  I am very behind in my posts.  Time to catch up.  I am spending a lot of time getting my home in order.  My parents are coming to visit and I want the house to look nice.

I don't think I posted a picture of the pond when it was emptied.  There is a bit of water in it now because it rained a bit since I emptied it.  As you can see it is a big hole in the ground.

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY-FOUR OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 84.  It is cold.  Okay, not like Wyoming cold but cold for the West Coast.  So cold I got out my hat and gloves.  I have come to realize that I don't have a middle of the road coat.  I have a ski jacket and winter wool coat.  I have a fancy leather coat.  I have a 60 degree weather jacket and a rain jacket but I don't have a coat for the middle of the road.  That mid-range 40-60 degree weather when a wool coat or ski jacket is too heavy.  I think I need to go shopping to buy a coat.  The weight of my leather coat but something I can wear every day to work or run errands or walk the dogs.

I don't think this cold, wet weather is going away any time soon.

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY-THREE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 83.  Today was an interesting day.  I got a frame for the art I am framing.  I moved some pictures around.  I am getting ready for my relatives visiting in a few days.  I did some food shopping, laundry, etc.  Weekend work.

Then I ate some lunch and promptly fell asleep.  I was watching the Lego movie.  Every time I watch the Lego movie I fall asleep.  It is like Ambien for me.  Last time I was on the plane to Vegas and I was 8 minutes in and I dozed off.

I finally got some invoicing done.  I had promised myself I would do some invoicing this weekend.  My clients are starting to be concerned.  I have to get up to date.  This task sucks but I have to do it.

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY-TWO OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 82.  I have a friend!  R came over for the whole afternoon.  We hung out and had lunch/dinner.  We talked and then we watched a movie.  We had a technical glitch when I could not get the Roku working but we finally settled on watching an HBO movie from the 70's.  Pink Panther Strikes Again with Peter Sellers.  I forgot how funny those movies were.  It was fun to watch an old movie.

I spent the morning moving my TVs around.  I had my bigger TV (of course compared to the TVs other people have it is small) in my back room which is now my office.  I thought I would enjoy watching TV back there.  I realized that I didn't enjoy watching TV in that room and in the chair I have in that room.  So I wanted to move the big TV into the living room and put the smaller TV in the back office.

TV in the Living Room

TV in the back office on a new stand

I managed to lift the big TV on to that shelf by myself.  It was not easy!  I am really happy with the switch.  My friend enjoyed watching the movie on the larger TV.  Now we can sit on the couch and get comfortable.  Now I need a coffee table!!

Here is the photo of the empty pond.  It rained a bit so there is a little bit of water in the bottom.

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY-ONE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 81.  It is day eighty-one of the Happiness Project.  I am thinking of more changes in the house.  I am going to move my big TV into the living room.  I want to spend more time in the living room.  Make some fires in the fireplace before it gets outlawed.  Play some Wii.

Make my office more of an office.  I will put the littler TV in there.

I also decided to put the picture I got for my birthday in my bedroom instead of my office.  I think it will look better there.

Today I bought a Food Saver.  I have wanted to get a food saver for a long time.  Today Amazon had it on super sale.  I could not resist.  I am excited. 

I cleaned out my freezer and got rid of old and bad things.  It was a whole shelf of stuff.  It was freeing to get rid of that stuff.

Until tomorrow...

DAY EIGHTY OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 80.  Tonight a GIANT raccoon made a hole in our lattice fence.  I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what happened.  Raccoons don't usually make holes in fences unless they are trying to get to something.  This lattice fence covers a wire fence that is covered by ivy.  The only thing on the other side of the fence is a giant tree.  I have a theory.  Lucky, the little dog, was upstairs barking like someone was trying to break in.  So I think the raccoon was upstairs on the deck and it was trying to get down and it fell.  When it fell it landed on the fence.  The lattice broke it's fall.  It is old lattice and it would have cracked if a 20 pound animal landed on it from the second floor.  I looked out the window just as the raccoon was running away.  It was massive.  Probably the same size as Happi, the big dog, but with short legs.  Happi weighs 27 pounds.  Once I put the light on it scurried away.

But maybe not.  Maybe it just wanted to tear my fence apart.  Although I can't figure out why.  Maybe the fence was so old it crumbled when that obese raccoon try to climb it.  I don't know.  All I know is that I could not let the dogs out back all night.

I can't wait until it rains and the animals get some water and food and go back to where they came from.  This wilderness thing in my backyard is getting annoying.

Until tomorrow...

DAY SEVENTY-NINE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 79. Today I started making my holiday treats.  I am making Chocolate covered Bourbon infused Apricots.  Plus I am making Apricot infused Bourbon.  It takes 3 weeks to make this.

I put bourbon and Reisling and sugar in Mason jars.  I mixed it up.  Then I put the apricots in the jars.  Every day I shake the jars.  In three weeks I am going to strain the liquid.  I put the liquid into jars.  That is the apricot infused bourbon.  I will dry the apricots.  Then I will melt some chocolate and dip the apricots in the chocolate.  A perfect treat!  Chocolate bourbon infused apricots.  Don't they sound awesome!

Until tomorrow...

DAY SEVENTY-EIGHT OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 78.  I took out my little camera and plugged it in to download pictures I took.  The pictures were gone.  this is the second time this happened.  Last time I dropped the camera and all the pictures disappeared.  But here is the strange part.  My Vegas pictures were gone but the pictures from when I dropped the camera were there.  Isn't that weird?  All 92 photos were there.  My Vegas photos are no where to be found.  I wonder if they will show up later on? 

Either there is something wrong with the camera or the SD card.  I think I will put in a new SD card and see what happens.

Luckily I took 50% of my photos between my phone and really good camera.  So I still have photos.

Until tomorrow...

DAY SEVENTY-SEVEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 77.  Today is the day I go home.  Can't say I am upset.  This was a fun trip but I was happy to go home.

I had my last morning of vegan french toast.  I just love that french toast.  Yum!  Then I walked back from the Encore to Paris (another 1.5 miles) and met up with my family.  We did a family photo so we could save this moment for posterity.

Then I went shopping with one of my brothers and his wife.  I needed to buy my niece a birthday present.  I got her a very trendy present.  I would never have know to get her this if I had been shopping on my own.

Then it was time to go.  My flight was a little bumpy with all the wind.

My pups were so happy to see me.  Puppy kisses all around.

Until tomorrow...

DAY SEVENTY-SIX OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 76. Today was the day of the Rock-n-Roll Marathon.  No I am not running.  Turns out I didn't even watch.  But more about that later.

We went to the Wynn for breakfast and I had a vegan Huevos Rancheros.  Instead of eggs they use tofu.  It was really good.  I was starving after dancing for three hours the night before.  By the time we were done, they had started to close off the Strip.  They only close the Strip two times a year: New Year's Eve and for this Marathon.  We ended up having to walk from the Wynn to Paris.  About 1.5 miles.  We stopped to window shop and check out the Venician.  I bought a t-shirt. 

We got back and had a sorbet and it was the best sorbet I had in a long time.  Freshly made.  Then we rested.  We had been given two tickets to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower but the wind kicked up and they closed it. 

Do you see a trend here?  Closed attractions, missed opportunities, missed getting reservations, we were convinced that was the theme for the weekend!  Almost everything we wanted to do we could not do. We became giddy about it.  It made the weekend funny.

Then we started to get a funky odor in our room.  We had an odor over the weekend but now it was horrible!  It smelled like raw sewage.  I called and they said they would move our room.  Ugh!  We had 15 min to pack up all our stuff.  They sent someone to move us.  We were supposed to be watching my sister-in-law finish the marathon but now we had to throw our stuff in a suitcase and move up seven floors. 

We got a great room with an incredible view.  Our first room had a view of the neighboring hotels and the air conditioning unit.  Now we had a view of the pool, Paris bubble, Eiffel Tower, Bellagio fountains, the Strip.  Gorgeous!   We even slept with the curtains open to see the lights.

We went to dinner where I had one of the best dinners of the trip.  A vegetable tagine.  I wanted to pick up the tagine pot and lick the bowl.  I didn't. 

Then we went to our room to relax while we waited to go out again. The weather turned ugly; windy and sandy and cold.   We were going clubbing again.  My friend fell asleep.  I didn't want to go out alone.  I watched a movie for a while and then went to sleep.  So much for an exciting night! 

Until tomorrow...

DAY SEVENTY-FIVE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 75.  I ate vegan French Toast!  It tasted fantastic!

Yesterday was the French terrorist attack.  It was quite devastating.  The Vegas Eiffel Tower went dark in solidarity.  It happened while we were at dinner staring at the Eiffel tower.

We took a cab out to the Vegas Sign Graveyard but found out there were tickets and times you need to reserve.  It was an hour long tour.  We had somewhere to be so we could not stay.

Then we went to the Mandalay Bay Casino to see the Shark Tank and the line was crazy long.  Another $20 to see the sharks.  We decided to skip that too.  We had to meet the family for pizza (vegan for me) and family time.

Late on Saturday night we went to a club.  It was really cool.  The dance floor was on the roof under the Eiffel Tower.  We had a ton of fun.  I danced until the wee hours.

Until tomorrow...

DAY SEVENTY-FOUR OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 74. Today I flew to Las Vegas!  My siblings and I met up in Vegas to watch my sister-in-law run the Rock-n-Roll Marathon.  So far it has been a bit of a challenge to find vegan food.  I thought it would be much easier but I made a bit of an error by staying at the Paris Casino.  French food is nothing but cream and butter.  I found one vegan meal in all the restaurants in the casino.  I will have to get food elsewhere.

Tonight we went to see Zakara, a Cirque du Soleil.  It was good.  It is funny to see the performance on a little stage and not the touring production under the big top.  It is very different and smaller.

It was a long day since mine started at 4 am.  Night!

Until tomorrow...

DAY SEVENTY-THREE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 73.  Just one more day until my trip!  I am nervous and excited all in one.  

I picked up my last picture from the frame shop.  Then I dropped off four more.  I finally found my deceased friend’s art and am having it framed.  I also decided to frame a favorite coat.  It is a Peter Max coat.  It is mass produced but I really like it.  Over the years I refused to get rid of it but I don’t wear it anymore.  I took it in and they said they could frame it in a box frame.  I am super excited.  It sounds like a great way to show a keepsake.  I will soon have more art donning my walls.

Until tomorrow…