Reflections of Month #1

Today is the last day of July, month #1 of the Happiness Project.  I am definitely becoming more self aware of happiness itself and ways to find happiness in little changes in my life.  Preventative measures for my health month will help to continue a long life of happiness.  

This month I learned having your monthly and annual check ups at the doctor aren't so bad, and are a great way to keep in check with your body.

Starting a workout plan will give me more energy.  That along with getting back to a health diet and increasing my intake of certain vitamins give me more natural energy.  This also saves me from immediately running to the nearest soda machine multiple times a day.

Drinking lots of fluids (3 liters a day) will help to prevent future kidney stones.  Having gone through my 5th experience with stones has reminded me that I need to take care of myself in order to stay out of the way of poor health. 

I hope to keep up the work-out routines and continue to put healthy food in my body to maintain a healthier lifestyle.  

You know, Gretchen might have been on the right idea with this whole, Happiness Project.  I inspire you to look into start a personal documentation for the next year as well.  

On to month #2!

BEACH!

Today is the official start of a 1 week vacation. 

Hello waking up without an alarm

Walking out to sunshine and the beach on a daily basis

Hello to not thinking, endless reading, spa days,
game nights and time with family

This is your life.

Because it is Friday 

and because its so true.  

This is my life and I decide what the outcome is.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Take me out to the ball game

I think to be American you must enjoy going to baseball games.

When its a nice day outside its hard not to check out which teams are playing in your area, grab a bunch of friends, purchase the cheapest tickets and head to the ball park.ts almost in our blood!
I'm one of those who loves to sing the baseball songs, munch on a pretzel and slap ketchup on a hot dog. 
I have been trying to attend more games throughout the summer and have been successful at it thus far, however, I am hoping to squeeze one or two more in over the next two months.

How many baseball games have you been to this summer?

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

Look closely....

I wonder what possessed this driver to pick this license plate. 

Either way, it gave me a laugh at the gas station!

Ten on Tuesday

1. What colour are your toenails painted?
Red, they are always red, or a shade of red.  This time around I did an orangie/red.  I mean hey its not exactly red this time. :)

2. What colour are your fingernails painted?
Nothing. I have this weird thing where I can't stand to have my fingernails painted

3. What is your favourite brand of nail polish?

Sally Hansen Quick Dry is actually my favorite


4. As the norm, do you DIY your nails or get mani/pedis?
Depends on how much money is in my bank account, or how stressed out I am.  Usually I DIY, but once in a while I treat myself to a pedi at the salon
5. Have you ever had a gel mani? Do you recommend it?I have not, but really want to get it done to my nails.

6. What is the last movie you watched on television? (TV, Netflix, Redbox, etc.)Since I was home sick for a few days, I had the chance to catch up lots of movies.  The last one I watched was Limitless from my On Demand.

7. What is the last movie you watched in the cinema?The last movie I saw in theaters was Bridesmaids.  It was SOOO good.  I love going to the movies and can't believe I haven't been there in a while.  Bridesmaids is definitely a must see!

8. Is there a movie that everyone talks about as if it is a classic but you haven’t seen?I am not sure if I could call it a Classic, but I have never seen any of the Kill Bills.  Everyone always talks about them but I have yet to see them

9. What is your favourite movie soundtrack?When I was in 7th grade, I loved the new Romeo and Juliet Soundtrack, but I would have to say that the 10 things I hate About You soundtrack is pretty good as well.

10. Have you ever seen a movie and thought it was better than the book it was based on?
I have to admit I am more of a movie girl than a book person.  But there are a few books I have read and still think the book is better than the movie.

Sick of being Sick

Since last Thursday I have been out of work, home and sick.  Unfortunately for the 5th time in my life, I have been bed-ridden for kidney stones.  Let me tell you, if you haven't had them before, they are not fun.  They are the most painful thing I have ever experienced.  I am talking about laying on the hospital waiting room floor, making grunts and groaning like a child.  Kidney stones can bring a grown man to his knees, and for me, its unfortunately something I struggle through every year.  


Sadly, this time around I got an infection with the stone and it had me sicker than a dog (and in pain).  I went to the ER twice this past weekend and was so sick, that my mother drove 5 hours from PA to come take care of me.  After much needed meds and rest, I am sick of being sick and am going to work tomorrow even if I have to dope myself up on pills to get there.  Its too boring at home.  Hopefully next week's vacation to the beach is the right medicine for me.  


Redbox, you can thank me later for the millions of DVDs I have rented.

A walk on the wild side

As you know, I grew up in Pennsyltuckey and spent most of my childhood not knowing what Starbucks, Abercrombie, or rush hour traffic were.  

Now I live in DC and I take the metro to work, push through the tourists on a daily basis, and spend more time surrounded by cars and people than trees.  

However, every once in a while I still crave that outdoor atmosphere.  Its always good to get away and clear your lungs, breath in the fresh air and appreciate the world around us, outside of the hustle and bustle.  

Great Falls, is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Beltway. 

Amy, is the best person to cheer you up when you are having a bad day!

And we couldn't go without her awesome fiance! How cute are they?
I can't wait until they finally tie the knot 

Although we were away from the city...
occasionally we had to check our phones.  

The water was so beautiful.  


I swear I picked the hottest day to take this adventure. 


I was tempted to jump in for a swim, and then remembered although we are outside, this is still the Potomac, and not the cleanest water.

Amy was more adventurous than I...even scaled the rock wall (sort of)

Elliot found the perfect spot in the tree for his iPhone.

Wait, did iPhones come from tree? 

A small part of me wanted to believe this was carved in 1932...but then I realized that might not be true.

Our mini adventure was the perfect medicine for me.  I am so lucky that Amy and Elliot were up for my crazy idea. Despite the heat it was the best day!

Next time we are bringing friends and cooking out.

Lunch Line

As you know, July is working on Health for the Happiness Project.  I have been trying to exchange out my daily sandwiches, chips and carbonated beverages for something a little bit more healthy.  I am really starting to enjoy the chicken salads I keep making myself and have discovered, apples, chicken and lettuce are a bit more enjoyable than my boring sandwiches from the past!

Try switching out your boring lunch for something a little bit more health and heart friendly.

Crabs anyone?

Although my kidney stones have me a bit down, I keep thinking about how summer is half way over.

Of all things you can do in the summer, my favorite thing is enjoying crab season! I love crabs!!

About 10 years ago, if you asked me if I felt that way, the answer would have been no!

I used to hate seafood, and refused to eat anything but chicken or steak when out at a restaurant.  It wasn't until after college when I got into the events industry that I began to realize crabs were one of my new favorite foods.

The best thing about summer and living so close to the Chesapeake Bay is DC and Maryland have a wonderful supply of blue crabs.

Even better is going crabbing!

A few years ago, old family friends of mine asked me to join them out on the water to catch some crabs

When you go crabbing, you have to get up REALLY early.  

Like 5 a.m. 

There are not many people on the road at 4:30 a.m.

But, the benefit is seeing the sunrise on the water.
Its peaceful and calming. 

We divided up the tasks.
Unfortunately I lost the toss up and was in charge of setting the traps and pulling the crabs out of the cage.

By the look on my face, you can tell how excited I am about this job.

Yep, you catch crabs with chicken necks.
I guess even crabs like chicken!

We were pro's! Catching them left and right!

After you are done, you get to eat what you caught! 

Cooking them is a bit tricky since they have to stay alive until you put them in the boiling pot.

Time to ENJOY them!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

This is so true, and so inspiring

Weekend Get-away

Over the weekend I made a quick trip to Lancaster, PA to visit some old friends. 

These ladies have been there for me through thick and thin and although I don't tell them enough, they are the best thing that has happened to me. 

I don't know where I would be without them. 

Although our main goal for the day was bridesmaid dress and wedding dress shopping, we managed to fit in a mini trip to down town Lancaster for coffee, pottery painting and dinner. 

The artwork at this cafe was amazing! I especially loved the lamps with the Hebrew writing. 

My dear Irish girl.  She is there for me on a daily basis.  She knows me inside and out and has never judged me, let me down, or left me astray. 
I would give my life for this girl! 

The Bride, beautiful, loving, and has been there to me since I was five.  I can't believe she is getting married next year, but I can't wait for her wedding!

My soul sister.  We have shared many thing over the last 10 years.  She was the first person I met at college and has never let me down as a friend.  She is compassionate and loving to all friends.  I hope she is blessed with an engagement ring soon.  Her new beau makes her very happy.

One of the highlights for the afternoon was painting pottery. 

I love little shops like this and was so excited to pick out a piece and begin.

The girls were so careful to make sure their pieces came out perfectly. 

The design on this bowl is so pretty! I can't wait to see it, and eat something amazing out of it!

I was so sad for the weekend to end. It was so great to spend time with the girls.  I wish I could share photos of the dresses, but don't want the secret to be revealed!

Looking forward to my August mini-vacation with them in NYC!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away!

I am notorious for avoiding doctors. 


Its funny that I grew up in a family full of those in the medical profession, but something about me avoids going regularly to a doctor.  It had been a while since I had gotten a routine physical, blood work, urine test, or even seen the gyno, but since I am trying to stay on the path for the Happiness Project, I took the initiative of setting up doctors appointments today from the dentist, to the general practitioner,even stopping at the Gyno. 


Before I could even get my foot out the door today, I woke up with a shooting pain in my back.  My ugly annual kidney stone reared its head and decided to remind me that for the next few days I will suffer in pain until this passes.  Although I was having difficulty getting out of bed or even getting comfortable I tried suffering through all of my appointments until I could finally get a prescription at the end of the day.  I am "comfortable" now after popping a few pills and decided it was time to catch up on my blog, something that I have let go for a few months now.  


Seeking out medical help today reminded me that our health is a big part of feeling energized and happy.  I have been trying to eat healthier, drink less alcohol, and stay strict on the supplements that help get my body back in check.  July was a great month to focus on the health portion of my life and now all I need to do is kick my butt back to the gym...however, I might wait until AFTER this stone passes!


Nothing like straining your pee everytime you go :( 

Book Review: ROOM

This past month my book club read the book Room by Emma Donaghue.  I had heard many great reviews that I knew we had to put it down on our list.  I have to say that it may have been the fastest I ever  finished a novel.  I highly recommend women (and men) of all ages to read this.  Its not only eye opening to the tragedy people face in the U.S. but it is almost relevant to many things going on in the world today such as the Jaycee Duggard story and other like hers.  


I have already influenced my mother, college roommates, and sister to pick up this hit fiction novel.  Run, don't walk to your nearest Barnes and Noble or library.  Its a must read for the summer!

Ten on Tuesday

1. What is your favorite zoo to visit?
So far in my life my favorite zoo is the one in Washington, DC.  I have only been to a few in my life but by far this one is the cleanest and most enjoyable.  I hope one day to visit San Diego's.


2. Do you visit a zoo very often?
Its been a year or so since I have been to a zoo.  I think I am overdue for a visit.


3. Do you have a membership to a zoo?
Lucky me! DC's zoo is free!

4. When you visit a zoo, do you stay all day or just an hour or two?
If I am by myself, I usually stay a few hours, if I go with others, it tends to be a bit shorter of a trip.

5. Do you buy food at the zoo or pack a picnic lunch?
Buy food at the zoo, however, I never thought of packing a lunch to eat there! Definitely on my 2012 bucket list

6. What is you favorite animal to see at the zoo?
I think the Elephants.  They are so massive and beautiful.  

7. What is your least favorite animal to see at the zoo?
Bats.  I am deathly afraid of them and dread going near any part of the zoo that holds them.

8. What is your favorite memory of going to the zoo as a kid?
Watching the big cats.  Lions, tigers, panthers and cougars.  They are so exciting to watch. Sadly, I also believe the zoo sold Dipin Dots and I absolutely loved them growing up!

9. Do you visit the gift shop when you go to the zoo?
Of course! I am a sucker for gift shops.  They always seem to have the coolest items. 

10. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best and 1 being the worst) how nice is your city’s zoo?
8 -- Definitely one of the better zoos in this country.