Playing the Fool

I love April Fool's Day. I just wish I remembered it was coming before what's usually the morning of, or this year, the night before. I can never come up with a really good prank at the last minute. I usually end up just calling my mom and trying to convince her I'm stranded on the side of the road or have just been fired. Neither of those seem quite so funny this year, since my car is actually dying at intersections for no reason that any mechanic can seem to figure out (but gladly took my $$$)...and jobs are disappearing even faster than my retirement fund. And my mom now lives with me, which severely limits my ability to pull off a prank, since I can't ever manage to keep a straight face in person.

Since I won't have any good pranking stories to tell...share yours with me! Even if you just hear of a great prank a friend pulled, or something on the net. I'll share a few favorites on tomorrow's blog post.


There are a few bloggers that have thought about a unique way to celebrate April Fool's...and actually got prepared for it! They're starting a new tradition--April Food Day--a lighter way to remember to give back, just a little, when so many of us are hurting right now.

Here's the information, in case you want to check it out:

http://aprilfoodday.blogspot.com/

Finding Your Passionality

Today a friend reminded me of a site that I found long ago...one that's beautifully inspiring. This website will make you want to take your next vacation in Virginia, I warn you! This is no average travel site. The part I like best about this site is the "passionality" quiz. Here's a link to that part of the site:

http://www.virginia.org/LP/sitelet/index1.asp

I came out as a "Small Town Hound". That's me completely...and I love that they had me pegged so quickly. And the places they said I'd love? I so do! There's even a description of "a day in the life" of the Small Town Hound. The descriptions are above and beyond typical travel descriptions...they make you feel like you're there.

There's really nothing like a small town--especially the ones that have worked hard to keep their old town buildings thriving. My husband and I have spent many happy hours wandering little antique stores, art galleries, one-of-a-kind gift shops, and used book stores on small town historic squares. Stillwater, Minnesota is one of my favorites...thought Red Wing, Minnesota runs a close second. A close town that's charming is Arrow Rock, MO. (And one fun tidbit--my husband has an ancestor mentioned in the little museum in Arrow Rock. :)

Passionality...I really love that word. So evocative. We should all find our "passionality" and just live it. Too much time are spent on things that are definitely not driven by our passion. Of course, I don't want to have just one. I may be a Small Town Hound...but I'm also Nature Girl, Fairy Tale Reader, and a Weekend Birdwatcher. And who knows what else? There are old favorites and newly acquired passions. We all have a passionality as complex as our personality. Okay, enough fun with that concept--you can see I'm fascinated with it.

If you check out virginia.org, post a comment and let me know what "passionality" you have.

P.S. I've never actually taken a vacation to Virginia. But now, I can hardly wait. That's one clever travel site!

Yellow Treehouse

Look at me, several posts within twelve hours, on a weekend, no less! Chalk it up to the snowstorm. This place really keeps magic alive. Seeing this place brought me back to the treehouse my Papa built for me years ago. (It wasn't quite this elaborate, but it did have a tower, which I thought was pretty cool.)

This is a restaurant in New Zealand's redwood forest. The restaurant is shortly to close and reopen as a spot for special functions. Could you imaging getting married here?

http://myendlessinspiration.blogspot.com/2009/03/up-in-trees.html

The blog that shared this lovely story is another one of my faves, called Endless Inspiration. I also love her post about the house from the movie Practical Magic. Old houses are another happy of mine. The opportunity to explore a big, historic house is one of my very favorite things. (Okay, I have a lot of favorite things.)

By the way, wanna know what I'm doing right now? (I'll assume an emphatic "yes, please!".) I'm laying on the floor of my living room while I type this, watching for the birds to return to my patio. I'm taking pictures of a bluebird eating a worm, and the juncos battling over birdseed we scattered over the yard. I had to get on the floor, the silly birds are smart enough to fly away every time I walk near to the window. It's snowy and icy, but it's awfully nice to be snugly settled in for the day, enjoying the outdoors from a comfortable distance. There's a reason the bluebird is the bird of happiness--you can't help but smile looking at something so cheerful, even if the poor bird looks a little worse for wear from the rain.

Three Cheers for Compliments

There's nothing like getting a compliment to put a little boost in your step. When someone notices my jewelry or shirt or new haircut, it just makes my day. Today I was complimented on my wicked guitar hero skills, when I had my first solo gig at a family dinner tonight. Of course, once they told me I was great, I messed up all over the place, but it was nice to hear anyway.

Today a friend shared a great story about The Compliment Guys. There are a group of students at Purdue that are turning compliments into a social revolution...check it out!

http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2009a/090313ComplimentGuys2.html

If I love compliments so much, I should probably do it more. Today I loved a friend's new hoodie, and I said so. (Actually, twice.) I think I'm going to try to give a compliment a day from now on. The friend who gave me this link is actually trying to compliment a stranger every day...that's even better.

My other happy for the day...seeing that people are starting to share happy moments like this with me. Keep it up, guys...if you hear of a great "happy" and share it with me I"ll pass it along!

Life in The Office

Some days the workplace has its challenges. Today was one of those stressful days. I actually got out of the building with a friend at lunchtime to get a little sanity back. (I usually just eat at my desk.)

But tonight was nice, despite the rainy drive home. Tonight's episode of The Office totally put all that in perspective. Tonight, Jim, Pam, Michael, and Dwight were my heroes. (And if you watched tonight, no I wasn't inspired by Michael quitting his job--I do still love mine, and feel lucky to have it, stressful days or no.) But you can't watch the Office and not walk away with a smile.

If you love the Office, you've got to check this out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=excBsIv_3xI&feature=PlayList&p=A77D9E23F6010482&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1

Words to Imagine By

I'm loving more and more of goodreads.com. First, I found out that I won one of the free book giveaways. If you commit to reviewing the book after you read it, you can enter to win free books. I'm going to receive one called "Lexical Funk." (Obviously, it's for word lovers.)

And today, I've also discovered the quotes section. There are, of course, great classic quotes, but there are also a some interesting ones I've not heard before. There are a few I want to share today:

"For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." Steve Martin

I hope you have all found your sunshine today. :)

Fresh Perspective From an Old Tale

This is one of those email forward stories. I don't usually pass these on, but today this one struck me for some reason. Typical, maybe, I may even have read this one before...but I like the reminder that our perspective is everything. Two people can look at the same thing, and see two completely different views of the world. Trying to force myself to find another way to approach my thinking, or even just one particular problem, is usually the best way to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've found that I think doing this blog is helping my own outlook considerably--it forces me to find the good, even when it's a trial.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, the would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade pass ing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it i n his mind s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

Building Hope

This is a story that reminds me there are still kind people in this world--no matter how many horrible things we do to each other. Most days the news is full of how we're tearing each other down--but this one gives hope--for this generation and the next.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/gallery/022309dana_farber_beams/

The back story on this article--this started originally with one child, and one construction worker. The child wrote (I believe it was a little boy) wrote his name and posted it in his hospital window, for the construction workers to see. The next day, he saw his name written on a beam outside his window. Now it's become a tradition that each child looks forward to. Each day, those construction workers now take the time to add that day's new names.

What I love about this is the creativity. We really can find happiness anywhere...if we're willing to put ourselves out there--open to finding it. Those children put their names on the window, inviting hope in. And those construction workers find a way to deliver.

Gotta love this one.

A Wii Bit of Fun

Things are still pretty stressful at home--my husband has a ruptured disc in his neck, and possibly one in his back. He's pretty much in agony. But we had a bit of fun today with a new Wii game...SimAnimals. I only had time to play a few for a little while, and the cat kept eating all my squirrels, but I think it has potential.

I was addicted to Zoo Tycoon, once upon a time, and this one's sure to become my next addiction.

Have I mentioned that I'm a game magnet? I have two, yes two, closets stacked with games (oh, I leave room for the occasional coat or pair of shoes, but they're mostly full of games). Some of my faves: Scene It, Outburst, Balderdash or State Fair Bingo for big groups...Scrabble, Blokus, Othello, Clue, or Risk for smaller groups. And of course virtually any card game (my dad was a poker dealer, after all).

So it was only a matter of time before the Wii found it's way into my life. But I don't think it can ever completely replace a good board game. I'm not emptying out the closet just yet!

Curling Up with a Good Website

Several friends have forwarded me info over the last few months the link to goodreads.com. Tonight I finally had time to explore...and I'm hooked already!

You get to see what your friends have read or are planning to read, and what they thought of each book. Plus you get to add "shelves" to your collection, to organize the books you've tagged. Of course, it would take me a month to shelf our entire library...now that we've combined three libraries, it's really quite ridiculous. So I'll just shelve a few favorites for now. :)

Go check it out...if you're a reader, you'll be hooked before you know it!

And They Call It...Puppy Love

I had such a happy surprise today...my copy of Twilight arrived (pre-ordered, of course), before the release!! We weren't expecting it today. So of course, my happy for the evening was relishing that movie start to finish.

As you'd expect, I read the books, and so I'm an instant fan. But beyond that, I love the cinematography and the simple scenes between Edward and Bella. I think it's a beautifully captured budding romance.

Maybe my real happy is remembering New Love. There's just something about the tension and temperamental moods...and those time-stopping moments where you're seeing through each other eyes, straight into heart and soul. I think it's one of the most powerful moments in our lives--we don't fully appreciate the heights our emotions have reached until later, when time has softened and shaped love into something more durable and lasting (but still lovely). Later we grin about the sappiness and silliness we displayed way back then--but do we really appreciate those fleeting moments of pure, passionate emotion, when, just for a time, honest, uncomplicated feeling had the power to overtake and envelop every aspect of our lives.

It doesn't always last. I'm lucky, my husband and I enjoy reminiscing over our first year of meeting, dating, falling in love. And even though we've been together ten years now, and have moved beyond the intensity of new love, we came through that with deeper feelings that will last all our lives. But I know some new loves fade into friendship, some turn into darker feelings, some just fall away entirely. I've been through those, too. But experiencing those moments of connection are a gift, however long it lasts.
Twilight might be the hot new fantasy movie, full of vampires and werewolves, but it's the love story that keeps me coming back for more.

It strikes me that this is a very girly blog. I didn't really intend to start that way...sorry for the sappy...it just comes out on its own, sometimes. :)

You Gotta Have Friends

When I've had a crazy day, one of my favorite little stress relievers is putting on an episode of Friends. It's a guaranteed laugh for me. I love their quirky personalities, and how they play off each other. Tonight was definitely a Friends night...I needed my funny fix.

Sure, it's just another sitcom, but I like what Friends always represented--basically, it doesn't really matter what happens day to day, as long as you have each other to laugh with. My family's philosophy was always laughter first, reality second. I think I can live with that philosophy.

My other favorite lesson from Friends: The Christmas Armadillo is WAY cooler than Santa.

So I thought today I'd share one of my favorites--it's the one where they had a contest to see who knew each other better--the girls or the guys...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3ShNgZmLd0

It's Not Easy Being Green

It's St. Patty's Day. I forgot to wear green, I forgot about the parade...heck, I forgot it was St. Patty's day, until I saw all the green shirts around the office. But I did drink a diet coke with lime for lunch, in remembrance of my Irish ancestors. (Limes are green...I know, I'm stretching.) But at least it's not sixth grade anymore, and I didn't get pinched really hard by mean little boys.

So, because it's St. Patrick's Day, I want to share a special tribute. Click here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbuRA_D3KU

Okay, maybe not quite a tribute. Just had to share...I'm a sucker for these guys. :)

Here's another, unrelated to the holiday...somehow I doubt this is a muppet original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbItoJlfSyI&feature=related

Silly, Quirky, Happy

Sometimes life is just silly. Today I just had to laugh at myself. First, I hobbled around on shoes I hadn't broken in yet...why women are willing to suffer for their shoes, I still don't understand.
Second, I had five different projects to work on today, and plenty of desk time to do them. So did I knock one out neatly, one at a time? No, apparently my brain can't function if I'm not multi-tasking, so I had to have all five open at once, and flip back and forth randomly between them. I actually accomplished quite a lot, and felt good about the work, but why I found it necessary to work that way was beyond me. (And HOW I accomplished that much, working that way, just doesn't seem quire right.) For some reason, I work better under rapid fire, with quick changes and stops and starts.
And third, you know that book I told you about before I read it? The Rose Labyrinth? Well, apparently I'm not smart enough for this book. Lovely language, and some interesting ideas, but it keeps going over my head, jumping deeply into obscure subjects that I've never researched and can't quickly follow. It's so convoluted it keeps losing me, but yet here I am, compelled to finish it. Plus in some ways I disagree with the beliefs expressed. But I can't NOT finish it. And on some level, I'm even enjoying plowing through it, it's like a treasure hunt of a book, and I'm trying desperately to have enough endurance to finish it and find the ending.
These silly nothings are my happy for today...there's no sense in trying to figure out why we do the things we do...we just have to enjoy them for the quirky, real-life moments they are.

For the Love of Sparkly Things

I can't resist things that sparkle. It's a hangover from childhood, I guess, but my eye just can't help but gravitate toward sparkly things...from rocks on a lakeshore to bits of cut glass.

Tonight one of our honorary little neices came by. She's four, and tonight I showed her a few of my favorite "sparkles" from the china cabinet. I have a few sentimental pieces of Swarovski crystal that my Grandma gave me, and a bowl of sparkling beads--the kind you fill can use to fill a flower vase with. The look in her eyes when she saw these "diamonds" reminded me of how I felt at that age--the simple wonder of seeing something shimmer. I was confident that they had to be filled with hidden magic. When I held a sparkly bead to my eye, and saw the fractured mirror images, edged in rainbows, I was sure I was seeing into a magical world...if I could only reach it.

We lose too much magic when we grow up. Maybe I keep some sparkly bits around me just in case I'll need to snag a bit of magic someday. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the glitter and glow.

Heroes

I've gotten hooked recently on the show Heroes (through Netflix, about four years late!). We received the next DVD in the mail today, which was my unexpected little happy after a hectic day. My husband recently ruptured a disc in his neck, so he's home miserable right now, and I've had a pretty busy period at work, so both of us really enjoyed our little Heroes break tonight. :)

This series does quite a few clever things, but one subtle thing that I love is how in almost every episode (at least during the first season), someone repeated a version of the line, "I just want to be a hero." And that desire to do something good for the world is, of course, a major theme running throughout the show.

I remember being fascinated with Wonder Woman growing up. Of course, I wanted the neat invisibility super powers and the ability to deflect bullets with my sparkly wrist bands. But I also loved the idea of being the one to save the day. As I grew up, of course, I suppose I lowered my expectations for myself, and I certainly wouldn't consider myself a hero today.

Yet when I think about it, I'm surrounded by heroes every day. My husband is certainly my hero. One of my favorite of his superpower is his ability to notice the little things, the daily details that are really meaningful, yet usually overlooked (at least by me). For example, he usually takes time to pack my lunch for work, and adds creative little surprises on stressful days. My friend Laurie, she's my hero, too. She has the power of problem-solving. She's an amazing listener, and she gives the perfect, practical advice to almost any problem. There are more...and I don't know what I wouldn't do without them. This is my shout out to all my heroes...thanks for always saving the day. :)

The Rose Labyrinth

Isn't that a beautiful title? It's not mine. It's the title of the new book I'm reading. I've been saving this book since Christmas. I've looked at it on the shelf, and have been just savoring the anticipation. It's not that I know it's going to be my new favorite. I've not read anything by the author before, and I haven't read any reviews. But I can only say...it's a truly beautiful book.
The cover is perfect (yes, I frequently judge a book by its cover)...with textured paper, archival patterns and colors, and an intriguing maze set among leaves and roses. It looks old, like something I might uncover in a used bookstore, but is conversely a crisp hardcover that smells deliciously new. Even the author's name is enchanting...Titania Hardie. On the back, there are just a few simple lines: A single sheet of parchment and a silver key. A secret passed down through generations. A mystery waiting to be unlocked. The Rose Labyrinth.
I'm going to love this book. I know this...even if it ends up being predictable or less-than-literary in language. It has so many elements I love...I already know it's going to be an enjoyable read. You know, I'm the girl that read every Nancy Drew book published by the time I was nine...I can't wait to unlock this lovely mystery.
Just knowing I was starting this book today was my little happy for the day. But the bonus was reading the first chapter. The language already tells me it's not just going to be an interesting story, but has interesting language that makes you want to go back and read lines again.
My favorite passage (I know it's bittersweet, but I just love the imagery)...
Outside, everything was disarmingly peaceful. There was a late flush of wisteria scrambling over the front of the cottage. Apart from superficial signs of neglect betrayed by an uncut lawn and unswept path, the house didn't reveal the family pain that had shaped its solitude for many months. ....... Will was proudly his mother's son, emotional in his response to life and passionate in his relationships. And here, in her enchanted space, he missed her.
I hope everyone can curl up with something just as wonderful tonight. I'm off to read more...

Irish Becky

This one will be short and sweet...have you heard of Irish Becky? I hadn't, until driving into work this morning. My radio station played a clip. Apparently a radio station in Ireland has had this cute little girl named Becky (she's eight) making silly prank calls. They played several...and I found them on youtube. This certainly made me smile on the way in to work today!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6p71pvofXU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhsLzjmOnJI&feature=related

The Sound of Silence

I'm not a solitary person by nature...at least I don't think I am. But I must admit sometimes I crave alone time. When the happy accident of time to myself appears, it's like I've been given a gift. A guilty pleasure.

I'm basically a chatty introvert. When I'm with people I know, I love to visit...nothing holds me back. But I recharge my batteries by being alone. Ten minutes spent with a book, or just stepping outside alone for a few minutes alone...can clear my head and refresh me like nothing else can.

Tonight I get the living room to myself...and I'm fully relishing in the enjoyment of it. I've gotten the errands run and chores finished, so now I'm in that rare and wonderful moment where I get to choose between a juicy book or a favorite movie. I might just choose both. :)

That's my happy for today...and I'm going to keep this short so I can fully enjoy it. :)

Birds of a Feather

Today's happy moment can only be appreciated by a nature-lover. We decided to put out our birdhouses this afternoon at the new place. Since we have a little bit of land now, we have been hoping to attract some wildlife. Anyway, within literally 15 minutes of the houses going up, there were a pair of bluebirds checking them out. They stayed all afternoon...I think we may have some new neighbors!

Life is so complex, constantly evolving, and it seems like our focus is all about getting over that next hurdle, or getting that next big new thing. I used to love the non-stop pace. My Saturdays were a whirlwind of errands, movies, shopping...and I loved it. I'm the planner--I could always fit it all in. And I still can. But as I've gotten older and life just seems to keep throwing more things in to juggle, my hobbies have started to change. I appreciate the kind of vacation now that involves sitting by a lake or taking a country drive...more relaxation than stimulation. And I've finally done the unthinkable, and become a full-fledged (no pun intended) birdwatcher like my Mom. I'm actually quite addicted. There's something so refreshing about watching something so simple as a pair of bluebirds keeping house. It's such a nice reminder that there are some things that stay the same, and that's actually a good thing. And it's good to stop once in a while, and see the beautiful details that make everything all worthwhile in the first place.

Okay, now I'm philosophizing a bit too much for a Saturday night. Gotta fly!

One Good Tapioca Deserves Another

Well, I still sound like a frog. And when I laugh, I sound like a frog in pain. But what the heck...it's Friday night. We ordered pizza (my personal favorite Friday night splurge). And it's warm enough to have the window open. I can even hear the killdeer and frogs singing outside. Spring might actually be just around the corner. It almost makes springing forward tomorrow worth it. No, I take that back. I'm not enough of a morning person to make my peace with losing an hour. Sigh.

By the way...all the city folk out there are thinking "what the heck is a killdeer?". Well, I'm going to keep the mystery alive and not tell you. But no worries...no deer were harmed in the making of a killdeer.

Okay, let's move on to today's official happy. It's probably cheating, but today I'm going to share someone else's happy thought. (No, I'm not already out of ideas. And if I was, I wouldn't admit it anyway.)

This one's for all my work buddies out there. There is apparently a growing fan club at my work...in celebration of our cafeteria's tapioca pudding. In one day, I've heard about the joys of that pudding from two different people. Ah, the simple joys of comfort food. Some days, they even put a dash of whipped cream and a cherry on top. Really, it has to be experienced to be understood. You'll just have to imagine enjoying your own little guilty pleasure...I'm sure you have one. Maybe it's even tapioca pudding. Mine is actually my mom's homemade tapioca...served warm and fluffy. Mmmm. But the cafeteria pudding runs a close second.

I have a prediction. As long as there is no unexpected pudding shortage, I believe the weight loss industry will continue to boom during the economic crisis. It's time to break out the comfort foods, people.

I actually have one more happy thought to share today. I want to share another blog with you. A friend of mine is doing one good deed for each day of Lent, and is recording it on a blog, "40 Days/40 Deeds". It's clever and quirky and funny...you'll love it. My favorite entry is from last Wednesday. It involves tapioca pudding.

Here's the link: http://40days40deeds.tumblr.com

March 4, 2009

Another random Thursday. Nothing special about today. Actually, there’s quite a lot that’s un-special about it. I have laryngitis, for one thing. I overslept this morning. I’m starting to doubt I’ll have a 401K by the time the economy improves. One of my dogs isn’t speaking to me because she couldn’t have prime lap position tonight. And my only way to work has become a construction zone that’s supposed to last for two years. We’re talking 45 per hour max on the interstate, with a $250 minimum fine for speeding, and redneck truck drivers breathing down my ass.

When I think about it, most weeks are filled with un-special days. I think we all feel that way. When isn’t there a list of wish-it-hadn’ts and should-have-nevers in our day?

We could try the “glass is half full” philosophy, but really, that just means that we still have a half glass of problems staring us in the face. Why can’t our glass ever be three quarters full? And I’d like mine topped off once in a while. A nice frothy, overflowing head of wonderful. Why don’t we have more of those days?

So acknowledging the lack of perfection in my life, and the knowledge that this trend will likely continue…I’m going to try something different. I’m going look for one thing every day…the one shining happy moment. Okay, it sounds almost as trite as thinking of my imaginary glass as half full.

But I’m not going to cheat and say “my family” or “my country” or any other obvious thing that of course we’re thankful for. I’m going to find something new every day…something surprising or unexpected. Things that might even be silly or quirky or funny…that celebrate the imperfect nature of life. Perfection would probably get pretty boring, after all.

Okay, today’s shining happy….
Drumroll, please…this is a big one…prepare yourself.

Dakota Fanning is for sure going to be in New Moon (according to very reliable gossip websites). And the Twilight DVD releases in just two and a half weeks.

I said it was my happy for the day…not yours! Okay, so you think it’s lame. And it might be. I admit it, I’m Potter-obsessed, Cullen-crazy, and I even read every Brisingr novel, even after seeing the movie. What’s life without a little fantasy? Fantasy brings two whole hours of perfection, in a world where I just might get to fly or be involved in a wicked wand fight.

It might be silly, it might not save my 401K, but it still makes me smile.

That’s it for today. Hopefully I (and maybe even you) will look back on March 4th as a red-letter day. This is the beginning of a happier, bloggier future for me.

P.S. My husband just told me it’s actually March 5th. Darn it.