Happy Days

OK, here's 13-30

Happy, happy, happy etc.

he he he

So...I'm bored with this subject.  Not that I'm not happy, but...it's seems that I'm a pretty boring person.  The same things make me happy, over and over and over!  Maybe that makes me simple.  ugh...let's not think about that. :)

My Mom and Dad are opposites, complete...nothing alike kind of people.  Well...they gave me that!  I'm a sort of yin yang.  I'm artsy and fun...like my Mom and responsible and structured like my Dad!  This, for the most part has me arguing with myself on a regular basis.  You can have when your chores are done...kind of thing.

The creative side got bored with the happy posts, because she felt like she was being told what to do.  She wanted the freedom to write whatever came to her mind.  Now the "I must follow the orders" side of me said "no way, you can't stop.  You said you were going to do 30 days."  The fun side then argued that she wasn't the one that said that in the first place.  The arguing went on for a while. ;)

The Artsy Fartsy side won!  So...the happy posts are over and now "we" can move on.  Woo Hoo!

So, here's a random happening:  I laid down to take a nap. (I know, awesome cushy life that I have)  My dog jumped on the bed and I thought...no big deal.  I was almost asleep when she crept up and licked me on the lips!  ewwwww!  Now this was no little thing!  How was I ever supposed to sleep knowing that at any moment...my dog might be licking my lips!  And...what if I'm sleeping with my mouth open!?!?!?!?

My naps will never be the same. All this time, I thought Richie was a very affectionate husband!

Happy Day #12

Was thinking today about how we generally never appreciate things until we lose them. Oh we remember to say I love you to the ones that we adore, we remember to appreciate life and love, but...it's the little things we sometimes ignore.  Our health, our jobs, the sunshine, flowers, quiet time, etc.

When you have a flu or cold...remember how full of life you feel when you get well!  It's amazing.  But, right before you got sick...you were complaining of not having enough energy.  Ha!  See what I mean?  Sometimes, it takes worse things to happen, before you appreciate the life you have at the moment.

So...do we walk around not seeing the good things, only destined to be hit with tougher times?

Yeah, maybe. he he he

Of course not.  We try to see beyond our circumstances everyday.  We strive to remember the past when we weren't as well, when we were stuck in a snow storm or hurricane. Remembering the this too shall pass. Leaning on truth that is bigger than us.

Living outside of right now. Looking at the good, learning from the sad, bad or horrible.

Happy Day #11

Today was a busy day, full of work and errands, but I did smile.

I smiled about the sunshine.
Air-conditioning in my truck
No horrible surprises
Time alone with Ashlee
Taking with Jeanie and knowing she is feeling better!
The sound of crickets outside and
The thought of the trees turning colors soon.

Now, going to sleep will make me happy.
Goodnight everyone!

--
Sheryl
sherylbriggs@gmail.com

Happy Day #10

My attention span is very short and I'm already getting a little tire of this subject.  Let me know if you are as bored as I am.

Today was a very average day.  Get kids off to school, go to work, come home, dinner, dishes, laundry etc.

What make me happy about an average day?

Having kids
Having a job
Having my husband cook dinner! Yay!
Kids that help with dishes and trash
And, well...I guess having clothes to wear.

But, most of all...having a day that is maybe normal, somewhat boring, but...has no drama!  I'm happy I have a home that is peaceful and where people love me and think I'm funny.  I love not walking on egg shells...sort of speak.  I have a good home and hope I never take that for granted. :)

Happy Day #9

OK...Thought I would try posting from email.  If it works, then I will be able to blog from my phone.  

Today was Monday!  I'm assuming most people dislike Mondays, but I love them.  It's a clean slate with the possibility of wonderful moments and lot of things accomplished.  It's the possibility of being a more perfect person, of laughing and loving more.  Of course at the end of the week, there might be memories of crying or tragedy, but on Monday...you have a new chance for amazing things to happen!

My Monday was not necessarily amazing, but...I had some smile moments.  Here's my list of Happy:

1. sleeping as late as I wanted to, 8am

2. waking up to two dogs who crack me up, because they are so mentally challenged

3. having no unexpected problems at work

4. laughing with/at a friend of mine, who we'll call Charlie Brown.  He was all mumbly and grumbly and well...that makes me laugh. 

5. getting some yard work done before total exhaustion. :)

6. now, quiet evening to start a new book

PS. Hope you like your paint, Ash! ;)

Sheryl

Happy Day # 6,7 & 8

Ha...got a little behind. :(  One of my daughters text me last night and asked if I have nothing to be happy about anymore.  lol  Truth is...I was having such a wonderful weekend that I didn't take the time to get on the computer. What a shame, right?! he he he

So, quickly before I'm off to work...here's the run down:

Friday: Happiness is...
Having the day off.
Spending hours with Avery...making him laugh so hard!  He's such a cutie!
Looking at paint chips.  (I know, it sounds lame, but...I like colors and paint and creating something new)

Saturday:
Sleeping in!
Going to the most fabulous restaurant I've ever been to.  The food was amazing! We tried the chefs tasting menu which was small portions of 5 different dishes.  Here's what we had:

My husband:

bacon wrapped quail with forbidden rice caramelized oyster mushrooms and cherries
heirloom tomato salad with basil pesto, olive puree' and feta *(tie: My favorite of the night)
sauteed sea scallops with cauliflower couscous Chanterelle escabeche
pan roasted eye of rib-eye with sweet corn souffle and corn succotash and huitlacoche mole'
chocolate torte with blue berry sauce and chocolate lemon ice cream *(tie My favorite of the night)

Me:
house made potato gnocchi with Shitake mushrooms, leek and shaved parmesan
king crab salad with hearts of palm, watercress in palm sugar lime vinaigrette
grilled mahi-mahi with jasmine rice, shrimp, squash blossoms and black garlic *(Sheryl's favorite of the night)
8 hour pork roast with green onion risotto, jaliscan pico de gallo and natural pan sauce
berries and fruit tart with lemon curd and blackberry sorbet


I love surprises and every time they brought out a dish, it was like getting a present!


I can't wait to go again, but...have to save our money. :)


We went for our 9th Anniversary and that is something big to smile about!  I can't believe how fast it has went.  


Sunday:  Sunday's are always wonderful, but...add in that I got to play some poker and well...that's a big smile. :)


I'm also a big fan of quality time and this weekend was so fulfilling.  I desperately needed some alone time with my hubby and that gave me the emotional strength to start this week off with a bang!


Got to go!

Happy Day Snag

When I started this, I wanted to just post those random things that make me smile.  I didn't want to list the all the things that have brought me joy in my life.  I mean, we can always think of things to be thankful for, but I wanted to concentrate on the little things that we often over look.

Today was a tough.  I had a difficult time seeing the little things because I had so much on my mind.  I started praying that God would help me see things to be happy about and then God, well...lets just say that God would not let me by with that.  He wanted to re-teach something He has taught me a million times.

Don't let the cares of this world consume you, take you away from the important.  Cast all your cares on me!

I guess I have a thick head, because I can't tell you how many times I have had to come back to this truth, but not until I get stress out.

No matter what goes on in my life...God is in control.  He can work it out.  I just have to lay it down at His feet. He wants me to see the little things and enjoy life. He is bigger than any problem I will have.

Lets see how long I remember this time. Ha!

Happy Day #5

Missed posting yesterday, things got crazy, but I did write some things down during the day.

1. Happiness is...kids getting themselves up for school, on their own.
2. Love sitting on the porch with Lady (dog), watching the kids while they wait on their buses.

3. Smiled and laughed a lot with Ashley.
4. Jim Lee gave us cookies! Yum

Funny thing about a stressful day...there are still moments that make you smile. :)

Happy Day #4

You know you're happy when you wake yourself up in the middle of the night, singing the chorus to Bubbly!

It's  my 9th Wedding Anniversary today and that's something to be happy about.  I also have never lived in one place for nine years in my whole adult life and THAT is awesome!

Had a great talk with Susan and we solved the worlds problems.

Had some time alone to do some Yoga.

And...my husband said some really nice things on Google +, which brings me backing to singing, Bubbly!

Happy Day #3

Happy today came in the way of structure.  Loved that the kids went back to school.  Now we can have bed times and wake up the same time each morning. Yay!

Saw Ashley today!

Visited with Diana, while cuddling Avery.

Happy that I still have all my sisters and my parents.

Thank you Lord!

Happy Day #2

Things that make me smile:

Smell of Roast in oven when I awake
Coffee
Dog snoring like a hibernating  bear
Hiring my house painted (looks so pretty)
Praising God with music
Getting a great big hug from Avery
Seeing Sarah
Making husband smile
Watching Sunday afternoon movies
Taking Sunday afternoon nap
School starts tomorrow

:)

Happy Day 1

OK... I was listening to the song Happy, by one of my favorite poetic bands.  It's a song about contentment.  Well at least that is my interpretation.  So, I got this idea. I go through my day and think of many things that make me happy, but rarely share my thoughts.   So I came up with an awesome idea.  For the next 30 days, I'm going to share my happy moments.  Hopefully this will cause any readers that I have to also think of their life more positive and have more contentment.  With every bad or difficult thing in life, there is always something to be grateful for.

Today, day #1:
I was happy to accomplish some house cleaning and organizing.
Happy to see my kids when they first woke up.
Happy to take a nap.
Happy that the day is almost over and I can relax and have a fun evening with my family.
Sunshine!

Few of my Favorite Things...

I love products!  Cleaning products, health and beauty...all of it.  When I find a good product, it takes a lot to persuade me that there is something better.  Like Cascade, for instance.  There have been times that I have tried something cheaper, only to be very disappointed.  I also hate spending money on something that disappoints me.  That is why I thought that Id share some of my favorite products from time to time, so...I might be able to save someone some money.  And...was hoping that you would share also.

I'm going to start with the non gender stuff, so I don't bore my male readers to death.  When I get to the girly stuff, they can leave the page, or at least say they did. ;)

Cleaning Products:

I clean houses for my job, so...I've tried a lot of cleaning products.  Here's my take on them.

Yes, you can clean most anything with water, vinegar and baking soda.  But...It takes more time and more elbow grease.  So, if your time is worth more than your money, here's the stuff you'll enjoy.

    Kitchens: If you have a white sink, nothing works better than Commit cleanser to get the scratches out, de-grease and disinfect.  You can use anything on your stainless, but I like to finish with a swipe of

 It makes the sink shine and look brand new.  You can also use the spray and paper towel, but don't buy a cheaper brand!  I also use this on stainless steel appliances and buff with an old diaper or T-shirt.

If your stove is really dirty, spray with Windex and let it sit for a while.  The ammonia will loosen the yuck.  I also use Windex on windows and mirrors, of course. I've heard that you can make your own Windex, but...if the ratios are not just right...it will streak and frustrate you to death!  There are some cheaper brands that work also, but a lot that don't.

Counter tops.  Basically you want to clean and disinfect.  So, really depends on the type of counter that you have.  Best to use what the manufacturer recommends. Here are some things I like:  Granite, I clean with water and then spray with Windex to make it shine.  After a few cleanings, I will use furniture polish.  The polish doesn't stay on very long with all the use in the kitchen, but...it's pretty.  Laminate, I would use something like 409, Mr. Clean (diluted) or Clorox Clean up (for stains).  There is also a fabulous counter top cleaner from Mrs. Meyers.  I love the Basil scent.  It makes the whole kitchen smell wonderful and looks good on granite or any solid surface.  Just a little luxury item to brighten your day. :)

Bathrooms:
I use Mr. Clean at home because it's a good all around cleaning.  Cuts through soap scum and doesn't cost too much. On the other hand, you have to dilute it and put it in a spray bottle and is a little more work.  There are plenty good bathroom cleaners, but...look for the ones that cut soap scum and DON'T include bleach!  Don't get me wrong, bleach has its purpose.  It just doesn't need to be sprayed all over the bathroom while you're breathing in all the air in a small little space. I keep Clorox Clean up on hand for that occasional mildew issue.  I don't mind that bleach in toilet bowl cleaners, but toilet bowel cleaners are pretty much
uni-taskers and I prefer using multi-taskers.  Mr. Clean or any other cleaner does a fine job on your toilets.  If you want a product that smells awesome, try this one.



Dusting:  I use an ostrich feather duster on nick knacks, pictures, furniture and objects.  You can find a great one at Target.  They have natural oils in them and they get into nooks and crannies.  I will then use furniture polish on wood furniture, but...only when it looks dry.

OK...if I missed something, just ask.  Now on to health and Beauty.  Don't leave yet Dad...I got some foot stuff for you!

1. Heeltastic
I have very dry skin and this stuff is fantastic!  Makes my feet feel like a baby's bottom.  It doesn't have the greatest smell, but I suppose that is so men will use it too. It runs around $10 and well worth the price.

2. I get corns occasionally from wearing shoes that rub my pinky toe into the toe next to it, that has no name. Very sad for him.  If he were a finger, he would be a "ring" finger!  But, no...he's a toe, without a name, unless you want to say the toe that had no roast beef.  I'm getting sidetracked.  Back to the subject.  This product is awesome for any hurting toes. They make these in several different brands and prices.  This price is not bad since you can cut the tubes and make several.  Also, you can wear them several times, depending on how stinky your feet get.  So...they are much more economical than buying those stick on pads. I would not suggest wearing them with open toed shoes, tough.  Kind of tacky.

3. For those times you want powder, but don't want to smell like a baby...
This stuff does the job and doesn't smell too strong.  I think Walmart also has a generic that compares to this and is just as great.

4. Lotions. I usually switch around a bunch, but...the name brand ones also work so much better.  Usually I find plenty on the clearance isles at Target or CVS.  I scoop them all up, so..I always have plenty.

5. A while back my hair started falling out and I started using Pantene's Beautiful Lengths.  I noticed less hair falling out, after just two weeks.

I also started taking GNC's

Love this stuff also!  I noticed a big difference in my skin also.  I've heard it helps acne, but...don't know about that.  I just notice that my hair, skin and nails look healthier.

OK...attention span is spent. Got to let this end.  I'm sure I will think of more things in the future.  Let me know your favorite products.  I would love to try them!

Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow

 




Yesterday, I took my daughter, to Kindergarten.  I took my video camera to of course record this special moment and hopefully never forget.  My eyes swelled up with tears, because my baby was growing up.

Today...she moved out.  And I was right, my baby grew up overnight!  My eyes swell up all over again.  How can time go so fast?  Where does it go?

Of course it wasn't actually yesterday, but years.  But, that doesn't make it feel any longer.  What is 20 years, compared to eternity? Is there ever enough time?

Do I make time count?  What is my life worth?

I wonder if my Mom asked these questions...or her Mom.

Was it just yesterday that I went to went to Kindergarten?

Time is such an enigma.  Our days sometimes seem like eternity, but our years fly by.

The little things of life seem to rob of us the important things.

When tomorrow comes, will I be content with my life?  Will I have used my time wisely?

Am I happy today, about yesterday?

Are you?

A visit from Grandma

The following is an reenactment of what goes through Avery's head, the day that Grandma comes to visit.

Ah, morning

Hungry

Don't change me!

Eat

That's funny!

Eat more

That's funny!

Mommy's funny!

Don't clean me!

Play

Play

That's funny!

That's really funny!

Play

laugh, laugh, laugh

Don't make me nap!

Second morning

Grandma!

Don't change me!

She's funny

Hug, hug, hug

Food!

She's funny

Bananas!

She's really funny!

She loves me!

More food, please

Let me down!

No, don't clean me!

Grandma

Dancing

Cruising

Don't get me!

Get me!

That's funny

She's funny

Grandma loves me!

I love her!

Bye Bye