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...