I have completely taken this idea from Gretchen Ruben's article in October 2008 Real Simple . I will try to remember to keep updating the link but let me know if you see that it breaks.

In a nutshell, on a bus one morning she realized she didn't feel like she had a happy life and yet all the components were there. She embarked on a one year study of all the happiness studies to see what was balderdash and what was real.

In her own words...Step One...

1. Don’t start with profundities. When I began my Happiness Project, I realized pretty quickly that, rather than jumping in with lengthy daily meditation or answering deep questions of self-identity, I should start with the basics, like going to sleep at a decent hour and not letting myself get too hungry. Science backs this up; these two factors have a big impact on happiness.

...hmmmm...

Fits well with my own thinking.  I was excited this AM because I got to sleep until 3:30.  This is progress so I will pursue more progress...and thus happiness...tomorrow.

Not that I am not happy but there are times I can focus on the not-so-positive as you have witnessed and this is my chance to focus..and have a recurring theme in the blog once a month.

Want to hear what a UNBELIEVABLE DAY I had yesterday?

In the morning Fikki took me for a pedicure.

Then to Great Harvest for the Jalepeno Cornbread I was craving...and there is plenty left to share.

I made the decision that yarn I had purchased a year ago did not quite suit me anymore so I called about choosing something new...AND Jane P. volunteered her services to help me not make the same mistake.

THEN I got a message from TurtleGirl asking if I would like to join the Charlotte Purls for a spin session....AND the only bad part of the day...I had to turn it down because Fikki arranged for a Detox Massage for me with Jenna N at Yoga Oasis.


Fikki went flying...




so it was just me and my yarn. 

My niece Jon came to visit me.  She's getting married next week and yet it was a visit...no drama about getting this that or the other done.  She is maturing into a wonderful young woman and makes me prouder all the time.  (Warning sign....more of that coming)

I was working on the Christine Bourquin Baby Booties (aka moonbooties) ....contemplating who I could knit a BSJ for..my bell rang.

My niece Amy, with husband Chris, and baby RJ had arrived.  My Fairy Godchild Taylor was otherwise occupied with girly-girl birthday parties last night so I didn't get to see her this time.

Not only were Amy's arms filled with RJ but gifts too.  Sister One makes jewelry and Amy brought a beautiful turquoise necklace and earrings ...




And a new chain for this necklace that was a bit too short for my chubby neck.  The picture does NOT do this justice.  The green stone is a peridot...my birthstone...and it is a much more pretty and clear color than I can photograph in current lighting.



OK...sopping aunt here now...this little guy is too cute!  He is smiling from ear to ear all the time!  Check out the pictures in the order they were given to me...

Witness RJ Happy Baby...




RJ Looking Serious...



And Last...RJ Scandalized...




He's a little older and taller now at 15 months and was just smiling the whole time.  His little frame is just meant for a colorful BSJ!


I used o think that all babies that were born into the Murray Family were without exception the most beautiful babies in the world.   Now I know that just potentially moving into the Murray Family Circle immediately catapults you into the Murray World of Beautiful Babies.

These are Ruben and Natali...Fikki's nephew and Niece.


            

On the Fiber Front:

Here is yarn I got this summer when I slacked on blog.  This is Zitron Loft from Suzoo's Wool Works in Costa Mesa, CA.  It's a single-ply roving yarn.  I plan to knit it with alternating skeins into a hat and skinny scarf.


Let's just say it has someone's sub-brand name all over it for Christmas.



Accountability Stuff: I did my walk on Friday..in the rain..a mile.  Saturday was otherwise occupied but Sunday at 2 PM will be YIN YOGA