Day 39 - Not what you think

Day - 39 Welcome Home 

I decided to write today's blog not on my excellent vacation, but about a story that is all over the news. Don't get me wrong, I have a million reasons why I am happy from my Punta Cana vacation with Jim, and yes, I will post those reasons. But for today, one story I read online made me extremely happy for our country and the people who serve for our freedom. 

I want to take this opportunity to welcome home Army Sgt Bowe Bergdahl. He has been in captivity for 5 years now in Afghanistan and has been finally released from the Taliban. 

Not only are you a hero, your family is just as strong. Thank you for your service and welcome home. 

Day - 33-38 Bliss and Memorials!

Week long blog-

Hi everyone!  I will be off the market for my blog for one week. However, I would just like to take this time to remember those who have fought for our freedom by their own sacrifices. Thank you for giving me the main reason to be the happiest I can be. Happy Memorial Day to all. Thank you to those we have lost, and those who have served or are currently serving. 

And keep a look out for my week long summary of happiness based off of pure bliss from Punta Cana. Pictures will be on Saturday. 

PS... My hair is already at Monica status from that friends episode. Curly with a fro that keeps growing. 

Day - 32 First time for everything

Day - 32 This little piggy....

So today I tried something new. I always love an adventure, but sometimes I just sit back and allow others to do it and live vicariously through them. Today I decided to take a chance and try something common......I got a pedicure. 

I know what some of you are thinking..., "So what?"  Or "This is your first pedicure ever?"  And to answer those questions... Yes, I have never gotten a pedicure before. I am almost 35 and never wanted to get one since I am deeply ticklish on my feet. 

Anyone who knows me, knows that my feet are off limits. I am extremely ticklish and hate people touching my feet. Absolutely hate it. However, since my Caribbean trip is coming up and I am taking a new path in life, I said to myself, "What the hell?  Just try it once!"  So I did. Majority of the time I was deeply afraid that I was going to kick my technician in the face. You know, like the scene from 40 Year Old Virgin!  However, the people and staff were very nice. They tried to keep my mind off of things and occasionally another technician would come by to hold my feet down because I flinched so much!  But, all in all I would say my first pedicure was a success. Not too sure I will get another one, but at least I can say I tried something new. 

Day - 31 ZZZZZZZZ

Day 31 - No alarm clock....

Seriously...no alarm clock, NO PROBLEM!  Slept in till 9 am today.  
TGIF everyone! 

Day - 30 One month in!

Day - 30 VACATION!!!

I have to admit, 30 days of reminding myself that life is short and happiness comes in all forms is difficult sometimes. You always have a woe as me day. A WTF day. A "I miss him a lot" day and I am absolutely lazy kind of day. However, each day I am reminded to find happiness in this gift we all have!  

Today... Without a doubt in my mind, my pure happiness is based off of the fact that my vacation started!  10 days of non-work!  Ahh..pure bliss!  

Day - 29 Traffic = Happiness?

Day - 29 Weird traffic patterns! 

How can one say traffic brings happiness?  Well, oddly enough today I can. For some weird reason, there was a large amount of traffic not only on the usual 287 split from RT 80, but also on 10 and areas that aren't Paterson that only have stretches of nothing. I would have assumed most people would be planning their BBQ's or working from home for an extended holiday weekend. Or maybe everyone is headed for fleet week? I don't know. All I know was that there was a shit ton of people  who realized they needed to be at work at the same exact time and forgot how to drive. 

Let me ask you this person who bought a BMW and is in the left lane.... If you are going to drive like an old woman then why not purchase a mini van or station wagon? Why waste your money on a car that can go faster then 60. Oh and if you even went 60 I would be happy. FYI "I'm SEXY" (yes, that was the license plate) the speed limit is 65. 

So where is the happiness in all of this?  I will tell you, the things that saved me and made my commute today fantastic were the following: 

#1 XM satellite radio. No commercials and awesome channels of throwback music. A little R Kelly Ignition, En Vogue, Europe, Cheap Trick, the Billy Joel channel and so much more. 

#2. Window watching. In traffic I was able to watch people in their cars without them knowing. I saw makeup applied, contacts being put in, someone throwing something out the window only to realize the window was up, picked noses, Burger King, DD, McDonalds, Starbucks, and no lie, a bucket of KFC!  Not to mention all the people either laughing from the radio or thinking they were auditioning for American Idol. 

Lol... Good way to pass the time. Drive safe everyone. 

Day - 28 Everything Is Awesome!

Day - 28 The Lego Movie!  

Jim made me watch The Lego Movie tonight. Not only was it super creative with a great cast, it was freaken hysterical. Growing up I rarely played with Legos. I was more of a Lincoln Log kind of girl, so I just assumed I would get this movie. It was awesome!  I can't believe it took me this long to watch it. If you haven't seen it yet, please do so. It is well worth it. Maybe in my top 10 of favorite movies. Hell, I laughed more with this movie then some of the recent comedies that came out. 

Some special scenes: 

Batman singing his song "Darkness... No parents...coffee.... I'm rich. That helps!"

Kragl 

Fist pumping music "Everything is awesome!"

Double decker couch 

All the master builders...special appearance by Shaq! 

And so much more... You simply need to watch! 

Day - 27 Everyday should be a work from home day

Day - 27 Good day for working in bed

Today I worked from home. I actually got a significant amount of work done. All while wearing pajamas. 

Now only if I can move my lab and plant to my house. Then I can wear my lab coat over my pajamas!  

Day - 26 Love is in the air!

Day - 26 True Happiness 

Today I went to a wedding. A wedding for my good friend and coworker Sara. She married her best friend. The one who makes her smile. The person she can't live without. Her absolute companion. 

I ate good food, drank the bar out of gin and whiskey and watched her smile from here to eternity. Congratulations to Rob and Sara. May your lifetime bring you happiness, love and joy. 

And thank you Jim Tsao for being my best friend, my rock and probably the only person who truly knows me. 

Today's happiness is simply because I was able to hang out with some of my great friends and watch a good friend start a new journey!  

Day - 25 Friends, Food, Film

Day - 25 Hope my dress fits tomorrow! 

I have to say, a lot of my blogs are based off of food. Lol. It makes me happy. What can I say?  However, the other majority of them are based off of friends!  Today was just that combination. A lot of great food and good times with friends!  Xoxo Jim Tsao and Arnel Fabian. Too bad I have to fit into a dress tomorrow and a bathing suit next week.  Oh well...worth it. 

Oh by the way.. Neighbors was pretty funny!  

Day 24 - It's the little things that count

Day -24 A small gesture can go a long way!  

You know some of the richest things in life do not necessarily involve money. It could be a friendly phone call to say hi, a baked good to honor a celebration, or something built by hand that has personal meaning. I feel those moments are what make life so special and fantastic. And not only getting those little circumstances is gratifying, giving them to me are just as satisfying. 

Today not only did I wish my sister and brother in law a happy anniversary, I realized that I didn't need Facebook or my iPhone to tell me that today was a special day in a family members life. Not to say that I rember everything or that I don't write important dates down, because believe me, I barely remember my own anniversary. It just goes to show the person receiving the Hallmark that someone remembered a special day in their life. With that little joy from them (no matter how long or short it is) is gratifying. 

Another celebration happened today for a coworker. Today was his birthday. This man is someone who looks out for me, always has an ear out for me when I am bitching, teaches me process engineering and makes my working/ travel experience more enjoyable. He is my work Papa!  His main concern is that I am always safe and learning. Kind of like my dad. He has 3 product developers who always work with him and travel with him. Today, us three got him a cake, an over the hill card and cookies. We placed it on his desk and left it for him. He was in the pilot plant all day. Nothing worked for him and he had a hell of a day. 2:00pm comes around and finally he is done. No lunch for Gerry, but instead he was gifted with the deliciousness of chocolate cake, and OBNOXIOUS card and Italian cookies. He came by to thank us and refused to eat anything until we celebrated with him. So all 4 of us sat in his cube, ate a ton of desserts, made fun of each other and were loud as can be. You know... A typical family. He called us his 3 angels and that this made his day. 

To see his reaction and his pure happiness made my day complete and a nice way to end a Friday work day. 

To all of those who I haven't seen or talked to in a while, just know I am thinking about you!  And happy birthday, happy anniversary, congratulations, good luck, my sincerest apologies and any other sentimental voices I can express to you all!  

Day - 23 Cheat Day!

Day - 23 $0.50 Wings?  Hell yeah! 

Jim and I realized that we both could be in better shape. Winter blew this last season. So, losing the extra "padding" we put on is necessary. Especially since we are going on vacation to the DR soon. However, sometimes one needs to give into temptation. And yes, today's temptation was not only well worth it, it was absolutely freaken delicious! 

How can one pass up 50 cent wings drenched in teriyaki and spicy garlic sauce, roasted breaded garlic mushrooms and a nice frosty PBR?  Not me...that is for sure!  Pure happiness and fulfillment with honorable mention of sports games on in every corner of my sight!  D-wow is very happy and full!  

Day - 22 It's a good day to work at Mondelēz

Day - 22 Cookie break anyone? 

Have you ever seen that show "How is it Made?"  Where you either use a product or eat a product in your everyday life and think to yourself, "How do they get the cream so perfectly in the middle of the cookie?"  Well, today I was able to get an opportunity to tour a facility of Mondelez that I am not too familiar with. 

My global innovation group for gum and candy was able to get a personal tour of the Nabisco plant in Fair Lawn.  I have been with Cadbury/Kraft/Mondelez for almost 8 years.  I have seen some amazing countries and developed some awesome products, but one thing I don't know too much about was our biscuit division.  Yes, I know the products, and yes, I know a little scientific background regarding the innovation of the division, but what I never saw was how an Oreo was made.  Today, I was able to not only see how an Oreo (Golden and Regular) are made, but also Wheat Thins, Triscuits, Ritz, Animal Crackers and Belvita.  I also was able to see new product development and engineering for other cracker type products.

It was a scientist/nerd/geek/innovators golden key to knowledge... to say the least.  I am not a huge fan of Oreos to be honest, but nothing beats a warm cookie straight off the production line!

You may proceed to be jealous now....

Day - 20 and 21 Spread the Joy!

Day 20 and Day 21- HAPPY - Pharrell Williams

Despite what some people might think of me, I am not a bitch, nor do I think I am harsh or even standoffish.  I do consider myself a strong, independent, confident person who is completely opposite of a needy, selfish or dependent person.  One thing that true friends know about me is that I am very generous and have a huge heart.  That heart is very sensitive though and has been used a lot in the last couple of years.  Despite that, my first intuition if I am best friends with you, or just acquaintances is to make sure you are comfortable (if I am throwing a get together) and to make sure that person is happy.  You see, for me, my happiness ALWAYS gets trumped by someone else's happiness and it isn't because of spite or being on purpose.  I truly am happy when I see others happy.  I do not necessarily have to make that person happy, but knowing that they are happy, even for that moment makes me happy as well.  In my mind, my needs and happiness comes second to others.  I have always lived my life like that, and probably always will.  

So why the ramble and defensive blog you say?  Well, yesterday Day 20 and today Day 21 exactly fits this subject.  Today, I found out that two of my good friends are having a great year.  Between getting married, graduating their master's program, standing up for themselves and finding a true partner and labeling the relationship, not only put gigantic smiles on both their faces, it truly made me extremely happy.  I sincerely was happy today knowing that they were happy.  It made me forget life's little annoyances, debts or work.  But more importantly, it made me focus on this blog and the root definition of pure happiness.  It isn't something that directly effected me, it was something that made my friends happy.  And for that I am grateful to have been a part of their excitement and joy. 
I feel part of this blog not only helps me express things that make me happy, I am hoping that it might give some small insight of me to others.  It is hard having a strong personality, but hopefully others can possibly see the true me and not be so judgmental.  Everyone though is entitled to their own opinion and life for me is too short making sure people around like me, because in all honesty, I like myself and that is all that matters. (FYI, this blog isn't for me to rant on so no need to ask what events lead up to me defending my personality...too boring) 

Also...as a side note....I will be SO HAPPY when they stop playing John Legend "All of Me"  They even turned it into a dance mix.  Come on!  Enough already!

Day - 19 Sunday "Momday"

Day - 19 Happiness to all moms out there. 

To everyone I know who are mothers, I hope you all had a very special day today. 

All my love to those alive or those who have passed. I hope today was a day that was full of honor, love, respect and thankfulness. However, lets keep in mind that we should always show appreciation, happiness and love no matter what day it is!  

Such a great day today. Sun, BBQ, family, laughs and memories!  

Reasons why I am happy:

Catherine Schwartz

Dawn Berta 

Dorene Zacher 

Day -18 New York

This is really short but absolutely the truth. The east cost is the best. New York City is the epi-center of all awesomeness.     Along with being honest with your friends and yourself!  

Reasons for being happy:

Honesty and the truth. 

New York!  

Day - 17 Happiness in many forms

Day- 17 The 9th of every month will always be difficult. 

Today marks 5 months since the passing  of my father.  And despite my tough exterior, not a day goes by where I don't think or talk to the best man I have ever known. 

Today was a somber day, but believe me, if I didn't find some happiness I know my dad would send me some type of sign to "Suck it up, rub some dirt in the wounds and make each moment today count!"  So to make the day a little easier I simply thought of moments in my life with my dad. There are so many, but a few today stood out that made me so very happy to have known him and call him my father. 

Reasons why Papa Schwartz made me happy today: 

His absolute love for his family. 

His absolute hatred for the beach. 

His gigantic heart. 

His achievements in life. 

His love for aviation. 

How proud he was of his family. 

The constant mark he left this world and   how others besides his family realize life isn't the same without him. 

Day 16 - Thank You!

Day 16 - It started off as something simple....

When I decided to do this blog, I challenged myself to overcome pessimistic thoughts and question everyday basic things like, why don't I have this or why can't it be more like that?  Instead I wanted to take everyday opportunities that I sometimes miss and revert those positive details to my energy and way of thinking.  So far, I would have to say that it really has been working.  I take a lot of things for granted and wish a lot of my life away because I am not all the time in an ideal situation.  Ideal for me would be to have a ton of money, sitting on an island, and drinking a gin and tonic.  But alas, reality for me is work, some money and living a pretty good life with some luxuries.  Not too shabby.  And this blog 100% reminds me of that every single day.  

I must say though, the reason why I am happy today isn't just because my challenge is working, but because it is working for others as well.  I never anticipated writing this blog and having any followers.  I never thought to myself that I would have people writing or telling me everyday that they enjoy my blog.  That they too are trying to live life through a different angle and not through a muddy telescope.  Many people have expressed their support to me for this blog and continue to challenge me to write it because they too are living vicariously through it.  

So thank you, gracias, danke, obrigado, xiexie, merci, grazie, dankie, arigato!!
And yes, I chose each one of those languages because there is at least one person from that region who takes the time to show their appreciation for my happiness challenge and theirs. 

What will day 17 bring???  Stay tuned! 

Day 15 - Surprise Visit

Day 15 - Sometimes the unexpected makes the best moments.

Today I went to see my mom.  She hasn't returned my phone calls and she seems to never be home.  She apparently has a life!  However, I made sure she understood on the answering machine that I expect a phone call back or I would have the army looking for her.  That is something she would do if she didn't hear from me each day!  I am happy knowing my mom is keeping busy, but what made me the happiest today was seeing her face when she opened the door.  That expression was something you can't fake.  It was pure happiness to see me when she didn't expect me!  I am not a huge fan of surprises, but when it gets a reaction like that, I am all for it.  


Not to mention a surprise visit to papa Schwartz as well.  I am pretty sure he would have been jealous if I didn't stop by to say hi! 

Day 14 - Meow!

Day 14 - Comfort in friends with paws! 

This post might be a little sentimental, but I absolutely have to write it.   Today a coworker of mine who I look up to, told me that her poor little cat is having kidney failure.  The cat has lived a long and happy life for 15 1/2 years.  Pretty good for a cat, but none the less you are just never ready to say goodbye.  It is such a hard situation to deal with.  Especially if you are faced with the decision to prolong life or to not be selfish and decide to not let the pet suffer.  15 1/2 years is a great experience with a pet.  When you get the pet, you never think of the moment when the pet would be gone.  Why would you?   However, the only guarantee in life is death, so make the most of every moment with your pet!  

I remember getting our first cat.  Jim and I were coming home from a New Years trip.  During our time away, there was a very well behaved dog staying with us.  That was the moment Jim and I decided to get a pet.  I never thought I would be a cat person, however, during that time where we were staying, the only pets allowed were cats.  So Jim, Nel and I went to the Liberty Humane Society where we played with so many cats.  Including a gigantic 7 year old cat the was queen of the adoption agency.  Her name was Hot Momma.  We saw so many kittens that were rambunctious, adorable and so little, but I had my eye on a little 6 month old, skinny, skittish cat named Sindel.  She was hiding under the Christmas tree and was very timid, but for some reason I felt she was my cat.  7 years later she is my Bally Cat. - The one who has had numerous surgeries for her "Premature Periodontal Disease" and queen of any castle she lives in.  She is big sister to Rio who has allergies worse than any human I have ever met, and her brother Taj (aka Big Paws) who is a polydactyl cat that is gigantic not only in size but heart! 

I know most people are more incline to get a dog, but let me tell you, my 3 cats are just like dogs.  They fetch, they come when you call their names, they are smart, hunters, and tell you when something is wrong.  I couldn't picture my life without them.  They are a part of my family.  

Reasons why I am happy: 
- Bally 
- Rio 
- Taj 
A special shout out to my nieces and nephew for also being happy: 
- Aria
- Mirage 
- Revel

Day - 13 Sportsmanship

Day - 13 No umpire, no problem. 

Today I watched Jim's softball team play my company's team. I don't play on this team since we are a separate building and usually get overlooked. My first reaction to Jim and all his teammates was to kick Mondelēz's ass simply because of the animosity between the East Hanover building and the Whippany building. However, after sitting outside watching them play, I realized, they were just a group of older colleagues making fun of each other and the sport. 

The umpire didn't show up to ref the game, so both teams were on an honor system.  Usually when dealing with these type of situations, you typically have a douche bag team that wants to get away with everything or complains at every out they face.  But not these teams.  There was encouragement for the opponents and teammates.  There was laughter and some pretty sick plays on both sides.  It made the game enjoyable even if the field was an utter disaster.  Left field went uphill, right field went down hill and let us not mention the fact that it was a swamp.  But all in all, the sportsmanship and dedication everyone had was eminent and made for a good time.  

Funny thing to mention was that I was the only spectator.  I kinda kept saying that I would have played if they didn't forget about the red headed step children in Whippany.  At the end of the game, Jim's team won and though I did secretly always cheer for Jim's team, I was proud to be a Mondelez employee because of their absolute humility and sportsmanship.  Moments like this makes me want to get back out there and compete, but for one Mondelez team, there are usually 2 or 3 real D-BAG teams out there.  So I am good on the sidelines, handing out Oreos and Sour Patch Kids to both Jim's team and Mondelez. 

Reasons for being happy: 
- Competitiveness that is controlled 
- Awesome plays that look "somewhat professional"
- Glenn pitching better than CC
- Everyone getting along, playing a sport and simply having a good time 
- Ending the game early because the teams wanted to celebrate Cinco De Mayo! 

Day - 12 Lazy Sunday

Day - 12 That moment when you realize you have to pee but are too comfortable....

Today was a day where I ate great food, watched a comedy, hung out in the house and did absolutely NOTHING!  I am fully aware that the upcoming week is going to suck, so I took it upon myself to simply enjoy the day.  Not do laundry, not clean, not even go for a run.  I barely made it out of my pajamas and the only reason why that happened was because I wanted food that doesn't deliver.  Speaking of delivery...they should have a good ice cream place that delivers.  Or start up that Mr. Softee truck (you know that one that always plays the annoying music on repeat, but you allow it since it is a delivery truck with soft serve vanilla ice cream).  Not to mention the icon looks like Mr. Hanky from South Park but white.  Either way, there should be more specialty foods that deliver in the Bergen County area.  

Top reasons why this Sunday I am happy:
#1. Finally watched "We are the Millers" and almost peed my pants when Jennifer Aniston's character said Big Black Dick.  Oh Cards Against Humanity...you are an awesome game!  

#2.  Watched reruns of Jimmy Fallon lip sync contests.  If you haven't seen any of these, might I suggest for you to You Tube or Google (John Krasinski, Joesph Gordon Lovitt, Paul Rudd, and Emma Stone).  All are hilarious and simply genius! 

#3.  #Hash tags from Jimmy Fallon.  Awesome.  Plus, it makes me remember the time when Eireann, Kerry and I hash tagged the crap out of Sal from Impractical Jokers.  #goodtimes!

Day 11 - Yankee game

Day 11 - laughter, cheers and beers!

It was just a good day. Out in the sun, playing pong, using my awesome car as a cooler, and watching the Yankees win!  

I don't think I need to say much more than that. 

Day 10 - The answer is simple

Day 10 - Family Ties

I know I said in my original blog that my determination to find something mundane and ordinary everyday to make me happy is the challenge.  I wanted to try to prevent mentioning something practical like family, but today I am breaking that statement.  

Today I am happy because my mom is happy.  Plain and simple.  It was date night with the mom!  She made delicious food.  We chatted over dinner and dessert (which I ate WAY TOO MUCH OF!)  She showed me her new cards she made and the ones she is making for my friends!  She was just happy to see me and I was happy to be with her.  

I give her credit living in the house by herself.  But she is a remarkable, strong woman and I hope I am half the woman she is when I get to be her age. 

To all the loving families out there...have a happy evening together!  :-)

Day 9 - Funny thing happened on my way....

Day 9 - Rain boots and winter coats to tank tops and running shoes

Mother Nature is so fickle. Definitely a woman. I am happy that the weather was warm and beautiful today, but I could have dealt without the 40 degrees and rain yesterday and this morning. Along with the flooding and the 2 and half hours it took me to get home and get to work today.  Though, I am truly happy that the destruction from this storm was not terrible. My prayers and thoughts go to those in the southern parts of the United States!  

Mother Nature - we know we pissed you off with space shuttle launches, CFC's, city pollution and plant powered by fossil fuels, but please spare the deaths and destruction. We can't reverse what we have done, but we are educating and preventing others from doing more destruction. 

Since Mother Nature was kind to give us an 80 degree sunny afternoon, I ran outside. When running I noticed a few things that made my day: 

#1. Kids were actually playing outside. No TV's. No video games. But actually real Huffy bikes and basketball games! 

#2. A little boy was coming out of his Tae Kwon Do class and "High ya'ed" me!  I then stopped running and bowed down pretending that I surrendered to him with respect. He then ran to his mom and said "It worked mom!  An adult is respecting me!"  Too cute. 

#3. I truly hate when I am running and a person stops their car in the crosswalk and not the line behind the crosswalk. Well, this lady realized it when she saw me running. She then proceeded to back up and apologize!  

The last happiness has nothing to do with running...

#4. My moms house had no leaks or water damage!  One less thing to worry about.