I've always been one of those people who truly enjoys my alone time. When Rick and I were buying a condo, having two levels was as important to me as central air. Sometimes I just need to close the door and be by myself. It's my way of recharging.
Today, I was in desperate need of some quality time by myself. My batteries are running low. My favorite sweatpants are on, and the Volcano Candle is burning. The wine is poured and Oprah is buzzing in the background. Maizey and I are snuggled in my favorite blanket and it smells like home.
Today, I bring myself happiness. Simple as that.
A Dose of Happiness
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Day 36: Friends Don't Let Friends Be Unhappy
Monday was a hell of a day, and I am so lucky to have such strong a support system around me to carry me through days like those. I truly feel blessed, and yestereday I was reminded how fortunate I am to have some of the most caring, thoughtful and loving friends a girl could ask for.
As I was picking up my students from outside recess, I heard my name called and as I turned around, Adrienne was standing there with a mocha from Panera in hand. A simple, "hope you're having a better day today," and a smile on her face made me blush and want to cry all at the same time. She didn't have to go and buy me a cup of coffee, nor did she have to take time from her busy day to stop in and check on me. But she did. And that's why I love her.
It's moments like these that make me wonder about all the people out there who don't get to wake up every day and go to work with their best friends. I can't imagine what it would be like, and I'm glad I don't have to.
Thanks, Ade, for making my day a lot sweeter (and a lot more caffeinated)!
As I was picking up my students from outside recess, I heard my name called and as I turned around, Adrienne was standing there with a mocha from Panera in hand. A simple, "hope you're having a better day today," and a smile on her face made me blush and want to cry all at the same time. She didn't have to go and buy me a cup of coffee, nor did she have to take time from her busy day to stop in and check on me. But she did. And that's why I love her.
It's moments like these that make me wonder about all the people out there who don't get to wake up every day and go to work with their best friends. I can't imagine what it would be like, and I'm glad I don't have to.
Thanks, Ade, for making my day a lot sweeter (and a lot more caffeinated)!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Day 35: Mummy Time
It may seem from the past few posts that I have a weird obsession with my mom. Forgive me, but I do. She's more than a mom, she's a pillar of strength and my best friend. Years ago, when I was in grade school, I had a problem with remembering to bring home my homework. We spent many evenings driving back to school to get my books and folders and binders that I needed. In her frustration, my mom created the term "Mummy Time" to describe the time at the end of the school day I should take to think carefully about the materials I needed to bring home. Since then, Mummy Time has evolved into the phone calls made on my way home from work or the emails exchanged throughout the day. It's that time when you just need a dose of Mom to make everything better.
Today, Mummy Time was much needed and extra special. It was a tough day at school today, so when I came home and my mom was waiting at my house for me, it was instant happiness. Even more, the hum of the laundry machine was running, my fridge had been stocked with food, and my favorite candle was burning. We poured the wine and opened a box of crackers, and I let the tears flow.
For me, when I'm feeling like the world is not on my side, it's my mom who usually lifts me right up. Today was no exception, and Mummy Time couldn't have come at a more perfect time.
Today, Mummy Time was much needed and extra special. It was a tough day at school today, so when I came home and my mom was waiting at my house for me, it was instant happiness. Even more, the hum of the laundry machine was running, my fridge had been stocked with food, and my favorite candle was burning. We poured the wine and opened a box of crackers, and I let the tears flow.
For me, when I'm feeling like the world is not on my side, it's my mom who usually lifts me right up. Today was no exception, and Mummy Time couldn't have come at a more perfect time.
Day 34: Ugly Cookies and Pretty Christmas Trees
On Sunday, Rick and I were invited to Elliott's house to decorate the Mathews Christmas tree. I decided to bake homemade sugar cookies for the first time to bring over. I've always bought the Pillsbury dough from the refrigerated section, and thought this year I'd take a stab at true holiday cookies.
Well, let me just say that's probably the last time I'll be doing that. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I consider myself to be a pretty talented baker. Until yesterday. Seriously, these Hanukkah cookies that I attempted to make were the ugliest cookies that have come out of my oven. So you may ask, why did these horrendous cookies make the happiness blog? Well, although the cookies were disastrous, I got to bake with my mom for the first time in years. I truly can't remember the last time the two of us rolled up our sleeves and got messy in the kitchen. I felt like a kid again, and it felt good.
I brought the ugly cookies to Kate and Andy's and we decorated their tree together. I love that we get to do that with them each year. It's a tradition I never experienced as a child, but since living in Chicago, it has become one of my favorite family events. The Christmas music fills the house, the tree glows with lights, and the ornaments are carefully placed in their perfect positions. Rick was particularly meticulous this year about the placement of ornaments and Elliott was finally old enough to enjoy putting up his own.
On our way home, Rick dropped the Tupperware of extra ugly cookies and most of them broke. It's really a blessing actually, as now we can forget the Baking Disaster of 2010. :)
Well, let me just say that's probably the last time I'll be doing that. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I consider myself to be a pretty talented baker. Until yesterday. Seriously, these Hanukkah cookies that I attempted to make were the ugliest cookies that have come out of my oven. So you may ask, why did these horrendous cookies make the happiness blog? Well, although the cookies were disastrous, I got to bake with my mom for the first time in years. I truly can't remember the last time the two of us rolled up our sleeves and got messy in the kitchen. I felt like a kid again, and it felt good.
I brought the ugly cookies to Kate and Andy's and we decorated their tree together. I love that we get to do that with them each year. It's a tradition I never experienced as a child, but since living in Chicago, it has become one of my favorite family events. The Christmas music fills the house, the tree glows with lights, and the ornaments are carefully placed in their perfect positions. Rick was particularly meticulous this year about the placement of ornaments and Elliott was finally old enough to enjoy putting up his own.
On our way home, Rick dropped the Tupperware of extra ugly cookies and most of them broke. It's really a blessing actually, as now we can forget the Baking Disaster of 2010. :)
Days 32 & 33: Buble Weekend!
I've been looking forward to this weekend for months. After much anticipation and preparation, I could hardly believe it was here. On Friday, my mom flew into Chicago for the weekend to spend some quality time with me (and Izzy of course!). We spent Friday evening at home drinking wine and eating Italian take out. It's rare that we get to spend time just the two (well, three) of us lately. So, it was the perfect way to spend a Friday evening. Talking and laughing and soaking up each other.
Saturday was the main event. We went to dinner with Adrienne and her mom and then the four of us headed to the Michael Buble concert. Dinner was filled with laughter and smiles. We took our time eating and drinking and sharing our stories. It was easy and fun to be all together.
I can't remember the last concert I went to. Nevermind a concert with my mom. But when I heard Michael Buble was coming to town, I knew instantly who would appreciate the event as much as I would. So instead of forcing Rick to come with me, Adrienne and I recruited our favorite women and tickets were bought. It was really interesting to see the fans at this venue. Everyone from couples in love, to adolescents with their moms, to screaming twenty-somethings braved the brutally cold winter to get a glimpse of Buble. We sang along to his ballads and laughed at his jokes. He's incredibly charming, and I don't think anyone left that concert without Googling his fiance to see if she is really good enough for such an endearing young man.
It was really the perfect weekend. It was so special to drink coffee with my mom in the morning. It was wonderful to get to know the woman who raised such a beautiful young lady who has become one of my best friends. I am so glad we got to spend an evening with Mr. Buble all together. I won't forget it for a long time.
Saturday was the main event. We went to dinner with Adrienne and her mom and then the four of us headed to the Michael Buble concert. Dinner was filled with laughter and smiles. We took our time eating and drinking and sharing our stories. It was easy and fun to be all together.
I can't remember the last concert I went to. Nevermind a concert with my mom. But when I heard Michael Buble was coming to town, I knew instantly who would appreciate the event as much as I would. So instead of forcing Rick to come with me, Adrienne and I recruited our favorite women and tickets were bought. It was really interesting to see the fans at this venue. Everyone from couples in love, to adolescents with their moms, to screaming twenty-somethings braved the brutally cold winter to get a glimpse of Buble. We sang along to his ballads and laughed at his jokes. He's incredibly charming, and I don't think anyone left that concert without Googling his fiance to see if she is really good enough for such an endearing young man.
It was really the perfect weekend. It was so special to drink coffee with my mom in the morning. It was wonderful to get to know the woman who raised such a beautiful young lady who has become one of my best friends. I am so glad we got to spend an evening with Mr. Buble all together. I won't forget it for a long time.
Day 31: The Festival of Lights Continues...
On Thursday, Maizey's boyfriend (Owen) and his fabulous mom came over to experience their first Hanukkah. Maizey gave her boyfriend a Hanukkah present, and I introduced them to latkes. We drank wine, ate dinner (the most awful burgers) and opened presents. It was a delightful ending to a busy work day, and by the end of the night, all of us were pooped.
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| Owen liked his new non-kosher Hanukkah gift (half cow, half pig crinkle toy) |
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| Mmm... latkes! |
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Day 30: Happy Hanukkah!
Well, it's here. The first night of Hanukkah. I remember the excitement I felt as a child on the first day of Hanukkah. I could barely wait to get home from school to open those presents. I thought about the latkes all day and hoped I'd be the one that got to light the menorah that night. It was just pure fun.
While Hanukkah is not my most favorite holiday, what I do love is the holiday spirit that fills the house when Hanukkah arrives. I love the candles and the smell of latkes (even if they are from the freezer section). I truly love giving gifts to the people I love and making them feel special.
Our first night of Hanukkah this year was pretty low key. We opened presents from Mom and Dad... we made latkes... lit the menorah... and celebrated the season of happiness together.
While Hanukkah is not my most favorite holiday, what I do love is the holiday spirit that fills the house when Hanukkah arrives. I love the candles and the smell of latkes (even if they are from the freezer section). I truly love giving gifts to the people I love and making them feel special.
Our first night of Hanukkah this year was pretty low key. We opened presents from Mom and Dad... we made latkes... lit the menorah... and celebrated the season of happiness together.
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