Chapter 2: First Resolution

Chapter 2 of the "Happiness Project" goes into her first resolution: Boost Energy

I still haven't decided what my resolution will be, but I am being swayed towards the same one.  She goes to bed early instead of staying up late (just because she can) AND she decides to de-clutter.

I can totally see how doing those two things would boost my energy.

Last night, for instance, I got my first good night sleep in a while!  I think it had to do with me reading the book before bed instead of checking facebook, watching reality TV or Crime series shows.  I slept like a ROCK - nothing woke me up.  I feel great this morning and feel alot more happy about things around me.

I also look around my house and constantly think "I want to clean up this or that", but I never do.  I would feel so much better just getting rid of half of my clothes (what a good thing to do when pregnant!) and clearing out the basement.  It would also give me a chance to start "nesting" and getting the babies room ready (which I LOVE doing!).  I am thinking "Boost Energy" should also be my first resolution.

..Speaking of the new babies room (and keeping up with my daily log), I picked out the new baby's theme for their room: "Baby Boats" (surprise, surprise).  Yay! I can't wait to get the office moved and start the baby room!

Nothing else was really noteworthy today....but overall it felt like a good day :)

Labor Day Weekend: Mommy/Daughter time & Chapter 1 Reading:12 Commandments

This long weekend I had a lot of Mommy/Daughter time because my husband was gone for most of it weekend two-overnight sailing event.   It was a lot of fun just being able to do things with her - like go to the playground, the beach, and have playtime with some of her friends. I really savor those times with her considering I get to do them too little with me working a lot during the week.  The only downside?  My hips were KILLING me from being on sole duty and lifting her up/walking/playing and generally not resting.

This weekend also let me spend sometime with good friends (one of the things I need to work on)!  A close friend came out from the city to spend some time with us which was sooo nice!  She was my travel buddy in Australia and we reminisced about some of our favorite times.  This type of night always puts me in good spirits!  We went over to another friends house for dinner - Thai take-out - Yummy!

I also managed two playdates with friends (one at a playground, one for breakfast) - which is a nice combo of playtime for Mia and normal talk for Mommy :)

In between all of the above, I actually got to read the first chapter of "The Happiness Project" and I swear it could have been written by me (except I am not leaving on the upper east side, I am not a writer and I do not have two daughters - only 1 :))...  Basically, this woman has everything on paper: A great husband, great kid(s), a great job, nice house, financially stable - a perfect formula for perfect happiness.  She acknowledges how lucky she is (and so do I), but there is still this small space missing, but she just can't put her finger on it.  She starts with setting out 3 things

1) Her 12 commandments (what she needs to live by)
2) Secrets of Adulthood (what she knows about being an adult)
and
3) Resolutions that she will focus on Month by Month (her first will be "Boost Energy")

So, I think to get started on my Twelve Commandments and what Resolution to focus on first..

Here are my initial thoughts on my 12 Commandments- I will definitely need to fine-tune them:

1. Play more/Laugh more
2. Live Healthy
3. Don't let fear make decisions
4. Follow Thru
5. No day but today
6. Be Positive
7. Love more
8. Phone family and friends

I am still thinking about the rest....

The book is here!

Let the reading begin!

Woo hoo!

Morning Hugs, Hectic Work days, Giggly Dinner

While waiting for the "Happiness Project" to arrive (estimated arrival is tomorrow), I had a good day today.

My daughter woke up and first thing she said is "I want to give Mommy a big hug" and then she gave me the biggest hug EVER!  *my heart melts every time*

Work was hectic but still managed to have some laughs with colleagues at work, commute was LONG with lots of traffic, BUT I walked in the door and my daughter and husband had just come back from a walk. My daughter was in the best mood and we laughed a lot because we role played "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus!"   It is a cute book about how you are always supposed to say "No!" to the pigeon as he tries different ways to get you to allow him to drive the bus.  My daughter always says very seriously "No pigeon, you are nawt to drive the bus"!  So cute and funny.

I did take one step towards working on something I know that makes me tick - catching up with old friends.   I caught up a bit with some friends over IM and made plans for this weekend.  I also made time to talk over the phone with my college roommate (this is something I rarely do).  It is so nice to actually talk to people and I need to make an effort to do this more..

First Task: Read "The Happiness Project"

I was chatting with a friend about this blog and my general dilemma.  I think it is actually quite common - one parent is at one end of the spectrum ("I have TOO much that I want to do") and the other parent is the other end of the spectrum ("I need a hobby").

She suggested reading "The Happiness Project"- and I think that is a great first step.  So, now I need to buy the book and start reading.

UPDATE: I have purchased the book - it arrives Friday (thank you Amazon Prime!).  I am really excited about reading this :)