UPDATE ON HAPPI (SORT OF)

Happi hurt her front wrist.  The doctor took x-rays.  The x-rays were sent to a specialist for review.  Today I called Happi's doctor and he called me back to say the specialist reviewed the x-rays and wants to discuss his findings.  Unfortunately they played phone tag all day.  I am not sure this is good news or not so good news.  I am trying to stay positive.

Happi did way to much walking (bounding) up and down the stairs yesterday and today I tried to contain her.  She spent more time sleeping today which is good.

Fingers crossed she is going to be okay.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIVE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 365.  The final day of the Happiness Project!!!

I have a reason to be grateful today.  Remember when the raccoon fell and broke my fence?  Today my neighbor took pity on me and helped me by fixing my fence.  He bought all the supplies (my car is too small to cart the stuff home) and then built the fence.  He put a new 2x4 along the top and a new lattice along the front.  It looks great.  I put the lights back on the fence so the dogs can see going down the stairs.

I am incredibly lucky that my neighbor volunteered to do this for me.

Say farewell to the Happiness Project.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 364.  One more day of the Happiness Project.

I have been working very hard to put aside the past, take time for me, be happy, have fun and be grateful.  I am trying to take time for me, get out in the world and be adventurous.  And most of all keep the clutter out of my life.

This project has been something I have been so grateful for.  It has changed me for the better.  Am I a more happy person?  My answer is yes.  Compared to one year ago, I am happier.  I am busier but happier.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-THREE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 363.  Today I had a very interesting experience.  I was at the supermarket shopping when the electricity went out.  It was a full on blackout of the whole neighborhood.  I didn't know it at the time, I just thought it was a momentary loss of electricity.  Then it lasted a long time.  The store was very dark and I (along with everyone else) brought out my phone and turned on my flashlight app.  I continued to get a few more items but didn't over do it.  I realized that the registers were run on electricity and would not be working.

Suddenly the Muzak came on.  I found out later it was on a backup system.  I got my few items and went up the registers.  I had heard that all employees were called up to the front to guard the doors since the security system was not working and they were worried people would walk out with food and alcohol. 

I got to the front and the self-service registers were also running on the back-up system.  There was a long line of people waiting in line.  The store announced that the blackout was the entire area and a technician was on the scene trying to fix it.  The electricity would be back on in 3 hours.  If we wanted we could leave our groceries and come back in three hours.  Th line went fairly fast and I checked out.  I only bought what I needed to make the soup for dinner and some other important things.

I got in my car and that is when I realized the street lights were also out.  Oh, the chaos that ensued.  There was a 6 way intersection with no street light.  Everyone just drove and it was a miracle that no one got in an accident.  I was happy to make it home in one piece.  It was quite an adventure!

Happi Update: She is resting comfortably.  The drugs are helping her stay sedated and restful.  Right now she is watching the MTV Video Music awards and can't wait to see Britney Spears perform.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 362.  I got some unhappy news today about Happi.  It turns out the pain she has been having is not her back or hips.  It is her front wrist.  Happi is a three-legged dog who lost her front left leg when she was a pup when she was hit by a car.  She has to hop when she walks and puts a tremendous amount of weight on her front leg.  Years ago she tore the ligament in her front leg and was on bed rest for two months.

Now the doctor is sending her x-rays to a specialist to get him to look at them and see what to do about it.  Fusing the bones is not a good option because it will limit her walking.

I always knew that she may lose her remaining front leg at some point.  She puts so much weight on that one leg and so many years of that weight is hard.  If I have to I will get her a little wheely cart.  She will have a full life no matter what.  She is a special dog who has been through so much in her few years.  She deserves the best I can give her.

So now I wait and see what the specialist says.  No matter what Happi gets the best life for as long as she can have it.  She brings so many so much joy.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-ONE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 361.  Today I took Happi to the doctor's office.  They looked her over and decided to take x-rays.  She had x-rays about a month ago so they are going to compare them.  Happi seemed fine at the doctor's office.  Of course!  When she came home she slept for hours.  They gave me a new medicine called Gabapentin.  It is supposed to help with pain.

Tomorrow I get the results of the x-ray technician's findings.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 360.  Happi is still not coming upstairs except to eat.  I even made dinner and ice pops last night and she was a no show. Normally she would be lying on the kitchen floor waiting for something to drop. All she wants to do is sleep on my bed.

Poor baby.  So I called the doctor and he said he thinks it is her back but I should bring her in and get it checked out since it has been a week and she is acting so odd.  I have an appointment tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-NINE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 359.  Today is my good friend S birthday.  She is the most calm, loving, sweet, joyous and chill person I know.  I love being around her.  She brings out the best in me.  She is very supportive and positive.

I am grateful that she is in my life.  I am grateful that all my friends are in my life.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGHT OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 358.  Today I went to get my teeth cleaned.  I just love getting my teeth cleaned.  I don't love the scraping but I love how my teeth feel when it is all done.  Of course like most people I need to floss more and I have to be more careful about not falling asleep without putting my night guard in but besides that, my teeth are pretty good.

Happi is spending all her time on my bed.  I am getting concerned because she doesn't come upstairs for any reason except to eat.  This is not like her.  I am contemplating calling the doctor if she doesn't get better soon.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 357.  Today I took Happi for a walk and now she is laying next to me crying.  I think that was a bad idea.  I gave her some pain medicine now we have to wait for it to kick in.  If she isn't feeling better soon, I will call the doctor.

I hate leaving her alone but the dog sitter has been coming around to check on her.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SIX OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 356.  Have you been watching the Olympics?  Since I work for myself and work at home some days, I have seen more of the Olympics than most people.  It has been two weeks since the opening ceremonies and I am pretty much over it.  There are two more days of events.  It has been fun but I have had enough basketball, diving, swimming and dressage.  The only thing I could not get enough of is synchronized swimming.  I am so impressed that they can hold their breath that long and get that high.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 355.  Watched two movies tonight.  I had a lazy night.  I watched an old Lifetime movie that I recorded Beautiful & Twisted.  It starred Rob Lowe.  It was much better than anticipated.  It was about a kinda rich, wacky guy who married a dancer.  That old classic story.  After a few kids he started cheating.  They were a volatile couple to begin with and the cheating didn't help.  So she decides to kill him.  Since he is doing all sorts of drugs he gets real paranoid and I guess you can figure out how it ends.  It was good.

Then I watched The Accidental Husband.  It was a movie about a guy who was engaged to a girl who listens to a radio talk show.  The host talks her into canceling her engagement.  The guy decides to make the host pay (not in a find her and kill her kind of way but in a destroy her life kinda way).  Then the tables turn.  It was WAY better than I thought it was going to be.

I would recommend both movies.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FOUR OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 354.  Did you ever have something that you really didn't notice until someone pointed it out?  I had something that never really bothered me until some (I hope) good natured person, pointed it to me and now I am neurotic about it.

I won't tell you what it is because I don't need more people noticing it and making me self-conscious.  Maybe it is an insecurity in me.

On a sad note, Happi had a hard time going down the stairs last night and I had to carry her.  I gave her some painkillers and today she stayed on my bed all day.  I think her back is bothering her.  Poor baby.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 353.  Today in five cities there were statues mounted of Donald Trump.  There was one placed in San Francisco.  It drew quite a crowd I hear.  The artist wrote on all of them "the emperor has no balls". 

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 352.  Over the years I have been around people who want to get to the end.  Get to the destination.  Get to the event.  In other words, they don't like the adventure.  I have always been a person who likes the adventure.  I like to travel places.  I like road trips.  I like to stop along the way on road trips.  I like to enjoy the adventure. 

I used to have a boyfriend who would go with me late at night in my car and we would first make a right, then a left, then a right, you get the idea.  We would find all sorts of destinations and sites.  I loved the anticipation of what we would see and find.  Sometimes we would find nothing but it was still fun.  Other times we found the top of hill with a great view, a river, all sorts of things.  He loved the adventure.

I love to walk around places I don't know.  When I was in Oregon, I walked around a town and just went in and out of stores and got a "milk" shake.  I walked to and from my hotel.  It was wonderful.

It brings me joy to enjoy the adventure.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-ONE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 351. Yesterday I bought an additional security camera for my home.  I have one for my front door and I decided I want one for inside my home.  I am spending more and more time away from my pups and I want to see them while I am away.  I really missed them when I was on vacation and I was unable to see them.  If I put in a nanny cam then I can see them during the day and I won't miss them as much.

The camera I bought yesterday was the same brand I already have.  I unpacked it and plugged it in.  It didn't turn on.  It was broken.  I had to take it back.  When I took it back, I decided to spend a few more dollars and get a Nest.  Originally I didn't get a Nest because I needed a camera that bent more.  I got that with the brand I bought.  Now it doesn't matter so I got a Nest.  I will see if I like it.  I just want to see my pups during the day.  Seeing them will make me happy.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 350.  The point to the Happiness Project is to see if I can make specific changes to my life and if those changes will increase my happiness. 

I was thinking today about some of the changes that I made and I think over the next 15 days I will spend some time remembering the changes I made and assess my level of happiness.

I moved my office from a small room in the front of the house to a larger room in the back of the house.  The new office has large windows that overlook the backyard and a beautiful white oak.   Being in that sunny room makes me very happy.  I should really use the room more. 

That change brings me joy.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-NINE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 349. Today I finished up my tasks around the house.  There was a lot of stuff to do since I was away for over a week: laundry, picking up dog poop, trimming the hedge, food shopping, etc.

After I was done with the tasks, I decided to use some of my many lemons from my tree and make lemonade.  I found a really easy lemonade combination that I could use: 4-1-1.  4 cups water to 1 cup simple syrup to 1 cup lemon juice.  It tastes AWESOME!  It took 8 lemons because my lemons are kinda small. 

Then I made  a summer soup.  It is Summer Vegetable Minestrone.  It is really simple but I made it harder by dropping all the chopped squash on the floor!  I had to wash it off before I could throw it in the soup.  It tastes really good. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-EIGHT OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 348.  Today was a day of errands I didn't get to before I went on my trip.  I went to the post office and mailed packages to my two friends who recently had babies.  I mailed a few cards.

I made a pact with myself to return my Netflix DVDs faster.  Sometimes I view the DVD but I forget to return it.  I know it is a waste of money to have the DVD sit around and not return it. If I don't get the next movie, I can't see the next movie.  Then I spend time waiting for the next movie to arrive and that is how Netflix makes money.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 347.  When I was on the plane on my way home, I had such beautiful views of the sunset.  I took this picture:

It was such a pretty sunset.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIX OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 346.  When I was on vacation my family gave me a little present when I arrived: some candy from the movie Inside/Out.  It is so cute!

I brought Joy on vacation. She wanted a selfie near the water.

Love that movie Inside/Out and Joy.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIVE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 345.  Today my car hit 75,000 miles. 

My car is a 2002 Volkswagon.  As you can tell I don't drive very much.  I have been putting 450 miles per year on this car.  I hear the average miles put on a car is 12,000 miles per year.  An average car would have 168,000 miles on it in 14 years.  

It is a good car and it has been good to me.  I love my convertible.  It brings me such joy.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 344. I am sitting here watching the Olympics and I hear this music.  It is coming from outside.  This past weekend there was a big outside concert and I could hear the music if the wind blew in the right direction.  I could always hear the bass.

Today I could hear someone's band play during the day.  It was quite annoying.  It wasn't next door but about 1/2 a block away.  I was surprised it went on as long as it did and that someone didn't complain.  It was so loud that I had the TV on in my house and I could still hear the music.  This evening I heard music again.  I muted the TV and I hear the music again.  I am not sure who's music it is but I hope this is not going to be a regular thing.  It was really loud.  It sounded like someone's band was practicing outside 1/2 block away.  I live in close quarters so that kind of noise reverberates.  The sound of a dog barking bounces around and sounds like it is next door when it is houses away.

Is it okay to say I am bored with the Olympics already?  I guess the stuff I like has not come on yet.  Or I missed it.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-THREE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 343. You will notice that my Happiness Project I wrote very little about work.  In October of last year I had a "Get Work House in Order" month.  It was mostly about setting up my office and invoicing clients on time.

I realized that I didn't write much about my work at all.  I find it interesting now that the project is almost over that I didn't include my work in the Happiness Project.

Maybe it is because after so many years of really disliking my jobs (and I worked some really bad jobs) I am doing something I really like.  My work makes me happy.  Most times.  Sometimes it frustrates me.  But most of the time I like what I do.  I like to problem solve for clients.  I like being a fixer.

Today I had an meeting with a new client.  I am not sure I am going to get the gig but it looks good.  Clients always say they are meeting with other consultants but sometimes I think they are just saying that and sometimes I find out later on that I am the only person they met with.

I should find out soon if I get the gig.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-TWO OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 342.  While I was on vacation July ended and August began.  The final month of the Happiness Project.

Recap of July:

July's Resolution: Exercise & Health

"But the real secret to lifelong good health is actually the opposite: Let your body take care of you."

• Take B12 weekly - still have to work on this.  I am trying to give myself the shot twice a month.
• Walk the Dogs Daily - I have been walking the dogs at least once a day.  Yay!!
• Reassess Healthcare Team - I have decided to stay with my RA doc for now.  The last time I went into see her she was helpful.  My dentist retired and I have decided to stick with his replacement.  She is really nice.
• Go For a Hike - I didn't go for a hike but I went for a few walks on vacation.  One walk along the beach.
• Stick to the Meal Plan - I really need to work on this.  I ate like crap on vacation. Not one green vegetable.  I ate a big salad today.  
• Go for a Bike Ride - The bike is still in the garage.
• Practice Meditating - I have been trying to sit and breathe.  Not sure this is actually meditating but it is working for me.
• Be Spontaneous!  I have been more spontaneous.  It feels good.

 Overall it was a successful month.  Considering all that I am working and then the vacation, it was good.


August's Resolution: The Way to Happiness


"The best feeling in the world is realizing that you're perfectly happy without the thing you thought you needed."

• Be out in the World
• Keep the Clutter Out
• Have Fun!
• Take Time for You
• Enjoy the Adventure
• Be Grateful
• Put Aside the Past
• Be Happy!

This is the month to wrap up the project.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-ONE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 341.  Today I go home!  I left my brother's family very early in the morning.  I drove to see a friend in the neighborhood that I grew up in.  She is 92 years old and living on her own.  SinIce my GPS took me on a long way, I had only1.5 hours to spend with her.  I showed her photos and gave her the update.

Then I got back in the car and stopped off at Wholefoods to buy some food for the plane.  

I stopped off to buy gas at a Wawa.  I have never seen a gas station where cars are parked at the pump while people go in the Wawa to shop.  I was sitting behind a car where the person must have been not just shopping but eating their meal too.  I finally got the gas and it only put in a little bit.  

I got in the car and it said it was full.  I drove a block or two and it dropped.  Suddenly it was not full anymore. I was not going back to that nightmare filling station.  When I got to the rental car return, I explain what happened to Bill and showed him my receipt.  I had heard somewhere that if you show your receipt showing that you were just at a filling station, sometimes they will cut you a break.  Sure enough Bill said he would forgive that my tank was down about 7/8 or 9/10 of a tank.  I called it a smidge.  He was very nice.

Then I went to the bag check.  American does not allow you to pay for your bag online.  I went to the curbside check in.  Angelo was a very nice gentleman who checked me in.  He didn't even weigh my bag (whew) and got my bag to SFO (more on that later.)

I went in to TSA.  I went on the regular line and then got pulled out to go Pre-check.  No shoes off, no computer out.  Love that.  I flew through.  Of course this time I didn't need it since I was prepared and was 3 hours early.  Since I was coming a long way, I padded my travel time for traffic, returning the car, getting gasoline and long TSA lines.  I had none of that.  I got to my gate at the 3 hour mark.  Lots of time to watch a movie!

While on the TSA line there were drug sniffing dogs walking up and down.  It was quite intimidating.  The dog comes right up and sniffs you and your bag.  Must really upset people who are afraid of dogs.

Finally I am ready to board the plane.  They board the 4 million American Airlines club, frequent flier, priority, etc. members.  Then it is time for cattle call.  They stop.  We are told there is a broken tray table.  That takes 20 minutes to fix.  They start boarding again.   I get on the plane.  We are backing out and starting to taxi and get in line for take off when a gentleman on the plane passes out 4 times.  There is a call for medical personnel on the plane.  I doctor across the way from me jumps up.  After some time it is assessed that he needs to go to the hospital and should not be on a plane, although he wants to fly.  He is escorted off the plane and put in an ambulance.  

They finally get that sorted and we get back in line to taxi again.  We are now 26th in line.  There is a delay because of weather.  Some time goes by and the pilot announces we are now 6th.  I wonder who he owes a beer or a bottle of wine.  We finally take off.  The rest of the flight is uneventful.  

When we land I wait for my bags with everyone else.  I wait and wait.  All the bags come out.  No bag.  I think wouldn't this be the topper to this flight?  I go over to the Bag Missing area and there is my bag.  Since I checked in so early, my bag came on an earlier flight!  It was waiting for me.  

I got home and two very happy dogs were waiting for me.  Lucky could not stop kissing me and Happy kissed me and got in my bed and went to sleep.  

It is very late for me and I need to go to sleep.  

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 340. Today is my final day with my brother's family.  My other brother and his family left today.  They got some bad news late in the day yesterday. Their dog, Lucy, passed away while they were on vacation.  Lucy had been having heart problems.  She was a very cute long haired chihuahua.  Years ago I started calling her Peanut Butter cup.  I don't know why.  She will be missed.

I went with my nephew to get his haircut.  He is going off to college and needed a haircut before he went.  He looked great when it was done.

We went kayaking and paddle boarding in the bay.  I was surprised how well I did.  I thought paddle boarding was much harder.  I was able to kayak better than I thought I could.  Look at me being Sporty Spice!

Then we watched Dear Eleanor.  Or should I say, they watched all of Dear Eleanor.  I dozed off half way through.  It was a busy day!  Remember I was Sporty Spice!  I will have to rent it and watch it.  The consensus in the room was that it was very good.  It is a movie about a girl who wants to travel to meet Eleanor Roosevelt. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 339.  Today we went to the Storybook Park. It was cute.  There was all sorts of kids rides and cute places for kids to go down slides and look in little buildings.  There are cute places to take photos.  The kids went on a kiddie roller coaster, swing ride, merry-go-round, tilt-a-whirl.  They wanted to go on every ride.  I was impressed.  I wanted to go on the old timey cars and the train.  No one wanted to go on those.

Later that night the family did a fantasy football thing.  I went for a walk.  It really wasn't my thing.  I tried to do it but it didn't work out.  Just as well, I have too much to do already with work, the pending adoption/foster situation.

I got my invitation to attend the training to be a foster/adoption parent in a month.  I am super excited. That is the next step.

The movie tonight is Keanu.  It was cute!  Funny!  Better than I thought. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHT OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 338.  We went out to the beach.  I drove a jet ski.  I was not going to but I decided to try it again.  Last time I drove one, my neck hurt afterward.  This time I was much more careful and my neck does not hurt so far.  I just do not like the sand and the salt water too much but on a jet ski I don't have to touch too much water or sand. 


The movie tonight is Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.  It was very funny.  I thought Tina Fey was great.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVEN OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 337.  Today was another rainy cold day. I went with the little kids and their parents to the beach.  This was the beach we can walk to.  I went to take pictures, not to swim.  The tide was coming in and despite being careful, I got a bit wet.  I think I got some great pictures of the kids. They had a super great time in the water.

The movie tonight was Live on the Edge with Tom Cruise. It was okay.  I saw it before.  It can get confusing if you don't pay attention.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIX OF THE HAPPINESS PROJECT

Day 336.  Today the weather was kinda crappy.  It got cold and rained a bit.  My friend didn't call me back so I didn't go visit him. It was a bit depressing because I was looking forward to seeing him.  I guess something came up.

I took the little ones to the playground.  At first the little boy didn't want to go but once he got to the playground he perked up.  They had a good time playing on the jungle gym and slide.  When we were walking home I asked them if they had a good time and they said NO.  Funny, I had to practically drag them out of the playground.  They were so fun!

I have been talking on the phone with a bunch of my friends and that is good.

I have been doing some work to catch up.  Not as much as I should have but I wanted to get some rest.

Tonight the movie was The Final Girls. I didn't watch it. I had some stuff to do and I watched some on-demand TV.  I hear it was very good.

Until tomorrow...