Friday Reflections: The Happiness Project

Last Saturday I met up with one of my best friends from my childhood (and adulthood, for that matter) that recently got married, graduated law school and began living and working in Pittsburgh. Wahoo! Since she's moved back, we haven't seen each other nearly as much as we should, especially considering that we live less than five minutes from each other. A month ago we got together when our other BFF, Karia, was in town from New York City. The three of us were all married within the last year and half, we are all working steady job(s),  and we are all 'type A' women with similar goals and perspectives. Oh yeah, and we talk a lot when we get together. 

Needless to say, a number of various topics come up during our always too short catch-up times. On this particular afternoon, I inquired about a book that would help me with some goals that I have set for myself at my new job, and in life in general. Each of us tossed around a few ideas; books we've heard of, books we've read, books that we want to read. I jotted down a few suggestions in my planner, but never got around to making a purchase. What I did get around to, however, was resolving to spend more time with one of my best buds, and not take for granted that someone that I have been close to forever finally lives nearby. 

Fast forward to following up with that resolution: we're sitting in a new local bakery catching up on work stories and life stories when Liz pulls a brand new book out of her purse. "I got you this!" I gasped. How thoughtful. One of her older sisters had recommended The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin a few weeks ago, so Liz bought each of us a copy. I began reading it this week during my lunch breaks at work, and although it took me a few pages to adjust to the format, I realized later that night that I was already remembering things that I had read in the book, and applying them to life.

Here's a brief synopsis from Amazon considering that I probably shouldn't summarize anything when I have only read the first second chapter:

Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. "The days are long, but the years are short," she realized. "Time is passing, and I'm not focusing enough on the things that really matter." In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project... Rubin didn't have the option to uproot herself, nor did she really want to; instead she focused on improving her life as it was. Each month she tackled a new set of resolutions: give proofs of love, ask for help, find more fun, keep a gratitude notebook, forget about results. Her conclusions are sometimes surprising—she finds that money can buy happiness, when spent wisely; that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that "treating" yourself can make you feel worse; that venting bad feelings doesn't relieve them; that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference—and they range from the practical to the profound.

I decided that not only would I benefit from reading this book, I would also benefit from taking my favorite quote/idea from each of the 12 chapters (and 12 topics) and sharing why I think it's important and how I could apply it to my own habits and routines. If it means something to me, maybe it will mean something to you, too. In the first chapter, Rubin discusses improving your day-to-day energy by sleeping better, exercising better, and organizing your home and life in a more effective manner. The Type-A personality in me says, "yes! yes! and more yes!"

Look forward to posts in the upcoming weeks regarding what I take from The Happiness Project as I reflect on each topic. I am excited to have the opportunity to take a little time to myself to read and reflect on these ideas. It means even more that this process was inspired by a small, meaningful gift from one of my best friends.

Have you read anything similar lately? What was the biggest lesson that you took from it?

"Happiness comes not from whaving more, not from having less, but from wanting what you have." {G.Rubin}


Happy Friday,

"Roughing It"

Over the past weekend, J and I went on a camping trip. Friday morning when we left, I was 100% mentally prepared to 'rough' it out in the wilderness for the weekend. Tennis Shoes, check. Extra-strength bug spray, check. T shirts and sweatpants for campfires, check. Battery-powered outdoor fan/light, check. Marshmallows as big as your fist, check. Margarita maker, check? (Ok, maybe I was 99% mentally prepared to rough it.)

As things turned out, the weather was not on our side this weekend. A heat wave swept across the eastern part of the country this week, so we were left with mid-90 degree temperatures, unbearable humidity, and moderately severe storms in the evenings. Luckily, this camping weekend did not include tents and 3 minute walks to the closest bathroom. We were able to stay safe-and-sound in our 100 square-foot log cabin. Windows shut, air conditioning blasting.

I may not be the most handy or adventurous person when it comes to the outdoors, but if the weather is warm, I like to be outside enjoying it. Sunshine or no sunshine. I spent a lot of time while we were camping on the porch swing of our cabin, trying to enjoy the fresh air and trees, even though I couldn't really be out and about enjoying it, per se. (If you know me well, you know that I am a big fan of porches. Love sitting on them, swinging on them, eating dinner outdoors at restaurants, and will always choose a porch over being indoors.) I will admit, I did not hate the fact that I could bring a fresh-blended margarita with me while I was on this swing, and I did not hate that there was a nice bathroom on the other side of the door.

Here are some photos of some of our indoor camping adventures, including enjoying hours of country music since we were out in the 'country,' playing card games, and the guys attempting to put a hurting on the bottles of spiced rum and gin that we packed for the weekend.

outside of our cabin

futon/seating area + air conditioner ;)

eat in kitchen area/ card table

turtle that I painted during ceramics- lines are shaky because I had WAY too much coffee that morning. 

card game using flat marshmallows as our poker chips

my husband playing NKOTB to his brother-in-law's stomach for the baby... that his sister is having

flat marshmallow being saved as a snack

ET phone home- candle wax dipping late in the night

my faaaaaaaavorite part of the weekend *sigh*

What is your favorite part about camping?  What's your definition of 'roughing it' in the wilderness?

Marshmallows and margaritas,

Another Erie Visit

This past weekend, J and I took another one hour and forty-five minute trip north on Interstate 79 to good ol' Erie, PA. His best friend and wife were celebrating their one year anniversary this weekend, and hosted an open house in their gorgeous new home just outside of 'downtown' Erie (read: Suburbia).

The more times that I visit Erie, the more I learn to appreciate the beauty of all of the natural features that Pittsburgh lacks. Its direct proximity to the lake means that this small town boasts a shoreline filled with gorgeous harbors and numerous sailboats. I love sailboats! The community surrounding Presque Isle State Park is not only very picturesque, but also possesses an innocent charm that seems to have remained unchanged for the past 50 years. If you know what's good for you, you'll stop at Sara's Diner every.single.time and pick up one of their to-die-for orange and vanilla twist ice cream cones. This is best enjoyed sitting on the diner's patio, watching the droves of families, locals and transplanted college students cruise Peninsula Drive with their windows down on yet another hot, sunny day. Additionally, having lived in Erie for two years during college, I heard from a number of locals that the view of the sunset from Presque Isle was given the award of second best sunset in the world (first place went to Japan).  How about that for a tiny, north eastern PA city?

source

Incomplete Wednesdays.

image via

ABC has done some amazing things for my Wednesday nights. Last summer, I thought that nothing could replace LOST.  I was wrong.  Rather than having one awesome show, they filled the gap with two full hours of hilarious new sitcoms:  The Middle, Better With You, Modern Family, and last but certainly not least, Cougartown. If you do not watch or DVR any of these shows, click on those links above immediately (!) and get caught up on episodes for free on abc.com.  You will absolutely be doing yourself a favor.  Trust me!

I must admit, however, that I am more than disappointed with the fact that my beloved Cougartown is on hiatus until *GASP* April 18th.  Mr. Sunshine, which is completely sub-par to the rest of the Wednesday night shows, its temporarily taking its place.  Yes, you would think that Chandler Bing in a new sitcom would be just as successful as Monica Geller- but you are wrong.  Very, very wrong.

Cougartown is an amazing show because it is extremely relate-able.  I know you are thinking: how do I relate to cougars?  However, do not be thrown off by the name, it is misleading- and they admit that.  (If you watch the show, do you catch the subtitle in the opening credits every time?  Clever!)  The characters are not only hilarious, but I feel like I could be best friends with any of them.  I definitely see qualities of various friendships that I have in each person on the show.  Additionally, some of the things that they do are absolutely ridiculous.  Naming your dog after your son?  Sure.  Throwing pennies into a can and making it a drinking game?  (penny caaaaan)  Check.  Drinking red wine at any time of the day out of a ridiculously large wine glass?  Hello, Big Joe.

Cougartown, come back sooner!  My Wednesdays are incomplete.

Friday Finds

the view of the slopes from one of the second floor bedrooms

This week was spent recovering from the awesome ski trip that I went on last weekend with 10 of my close friends. Having the opportunity to get away for the weekend was so refreshing.  As it turned out, it also was not anything that I had expected! The eleven of us rented a 'cabin' at a small-ish ski resort, Peek'n Peak, in western New York state.  Imagine my surprise when we got there to find it fully decked out with 5 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 fireplaces and a beautiful finished basement. I felt a little silly when I arrived considering that I had advised the group to pack their own toilet paper.  We definitely were not 'roughing it' by any means like I had anticipated.  Some members of our group even spent the day Saturday at the resort spa getting massages and lounging in the indoor/outdoor hot tub.  Not bad!

I, however, spent 6 hours of my Saturday with skis attached to my feet, sliding around the mountain like it was my first day with new legs. Needless to say, on my first break from skiing, I was more than jealous of my friends that were safely stationed at the bottom of the mountain lounging in that hot tub.  It was only my second time skiing, and I felt rather foolish the whole day because the majority of my friends were not beginner-level skiers like I was.  Memories of being stuck in the 'guppy' group during swim lessons at camp when I was young immediately flooded back into my head. Luckily, with more practice, I began to feel more comfortable with the unfamiliar motions, and I was (slowly) able to move around a little better. At the end of the day, it felt good that I at least attempted an activity that I only had done once before. For me, overcoming the fear of not being good at something in front of a group of friends is an accomplishment in itself.  Have you learned how to do something new this winter?  How did it go?

Now, for your entertainment, a collection of my favorite things found on the web this week:

1.  I absolutely love the idea of these "Wedding by the Numbers" wedding invitations from the Minted website. I wish that I would have thought of a way to incorporate that into our wedding!  Minted is my favorite site for invitations, personal stationery and thank you cards.  If you aren't familiar, definitely check it out!
2. I'm sure many of you know about The Pioneer Woman by now, but I just love visiting her site because it makes me feel like I can cook anything!  I found these Pineapple Chicken Quesadillas to be especially appealing.
3. These cropped jeans from The Limited make me so excited for peeptoes and springtime!  On a related note, these peeptoes from JS by Jessica Simpson make me excited for those cropped jeans.  Weird how that works?
4. Love this pink Kate Spade window display, it makes me sooo (x10) excited to travel to NYC this summer. {via}
5. The whimsy of this new font from Fenotype: Pepita Script really appeals to me. I hope to be able to use it on a project in the future. For me, its a little too informal for a wedding invite, but would work great on a bridal/baby shower or party invitation.  Oh, the possibilities!
6. Urban Scartlet's shop makes me want to craft all.day.long.
7. These tiny initial necklaces on ETSY would be a great personalized birthday gift for anyone. Perfectly understated and so stylish.
8. This amazing find for only $50.00 from Ikea is soon going to become my craft table!

2010 Pictured: April to June

4.10-6.10... proudly celebrated sister's achievement : spent valuable time in shadyside : tried on 'the' dress for the first time : ventured to cleveland for J's best friend's wedding : watched my sister graduate from my alma mater : fireworks with my family at a local park : made a sign that should have been for a birthday : went on a hunt for the perfect shoes : found my favorite place at a landmark that I had never been to, but is so close to home : spent a difficult morning in one of my favorite places in town : celebrated the 25th anniversary of my parents, with my whole family, a surprise : went to a wedding surrounded by birds : learned to really enjoy a glass of wine : celebrated a warm spring day with friends downtown : planted my very first flower garden : took sister out for a night on the town : lost someone that I will never stop missing. 

2010 Pictured: January to March

1.10-3.10... rang in the new year with new friends : looked for "the" dress : attended an event at the wyep studios : partied with friends and homemade card boxes for valentines day : took photos downtown for the big day : celebrated february birthdays for the last time with the strongest man i will ever know : had fun with some wise wizards : saw ben folds at heinz hall : visited rolands more than once : saw more snow in one day than i have in my entire life : disco birthday-partied : toured our beautiful city in a limousine.

Birthday Timeeee

Happy Bday to Me

Its my 25th Birthday tomorrow. Or, should I say… it’s the 4th anniversary of my 21st Birthday tomorrow. Either way, birthdays are always a happy time. Really the only day of the year when I feel sort of okay with having the attention be on me. I LOVE making people feel special on their birthdays, but it took me a while before I was okay with having people do the same for me.