What Makes You Happy?

As I enjoyed a little procrastination the other day (i.e. reading other people's blogs and marveling at how witty and entertaining they are) I read this blog post by a blogger that I totally creep on (Chris' words, not mine) and it inspired me.

Have you seen/heard about this Happy documentary?

I watched it at least 4 times and I can't wait to watch the whole thing.

Happiness is a fickle thing ya know. Everyone finds happiness in different things. Everyone feels happiness differently. Some people may take it for granted. Some people may feel it more than others.  So I got to thinking about all of the things that make me happy. There are the obvious answers like my husband, my family, my friends, dogs, church, etc. But then I started recognizing all of the seemingly small and specific things that make me happy. Like, being awake for a sunrise. Driving with my windows down. Riding in the car with the perfect music to fit my mood. Good conversations at the dinner table. Going home and getting big, hearty hugs from my parents. Morning kisses from my mister. Feeling productive. Skylines. Exploring our city with Chris and friends. Text messages from friends. Being on the beach, any beach. Being on an airplane right when the sun begins to set while listening to a little Nick Drake (specific, I know, but that has always been one of my favorite things).

And, honestly the list could go on. I challenge you, in the next few days, to really stop and take the time to notice what kinds of things make you happy and to make a mental note of them and write them down so that when you aren't feeling as happy, you can refer back to them and get happy.

So this begs the question....

What makes YOU happy?

9/11

Usually on 9/11 I write a blog post about how incredibly grateful I am for the opportunity to live in this country and how grateful I am for our military for protecting us. This year, I just can't find the words. I just can't. I just keep tearing up and can't type a coherent thought that accurately describes my feelings. However, these quotes really do put it in perspective though and I hope that we all remember and honor this day in history.

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” - Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl

  "The head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten. Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts. One woman was late because her alarm clock didn’t go off in time. One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident. One of them missed his bus. One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change. One’s car wouldn’t start. One couldn’t get a taxi. The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.. Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone… All the little things that annoy me, I think to myself.. this is exactly where I’m meant to be at this very moment."

Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve -George W. Bush

aaaaand back to high school I go....

Some of you may know. Some of you may not. I'm in the process of getting my teaching certification because, well, what else does one do with a Biology degree besides going on to be a big-shot at a professional school (um, thanks but the seemingly 20 years of college was more than enough for me).

So, here I am, starting my student teaching/observing at Lamar High School (let's get a heck yes for all you LHS alumni?) in 11th grade Physics. Ha! Physics! Certainly not my first choice of subject but I'll take what I can get. To say that I'm nervous and anxious is a big, fat understatement. I'm terrified! But also so excited! Oh the conflicting emotions! I can only imagine that this feeling will compound times a thousand when the time arises to actually have my own classroom.

But, until then, I'll just try my very best to not be mistaken for a student (oh wait, that already happened). And I'll try my very best to not come across as a nervous, schmook. I don't actually even know what a schmook is, but whatever it is I don't want to seem like one.

Oh, and advice and encouragement is more than welcomed here :)