Sunday, December 7, 2008

"Don't Worry. Be Happy." Week Two




Last week, I shared my belief that, despite the economy, it’s important to remain in a happy state of mind. We affect the lives of everyone around us, so spread joy and cheer!
Like they say, “Smile and the world smiles with you.”

So how, when you are feeling the crunch in your wallet, do you keep yourself in a grateful, cheerful state of mind?

In “Don’t Worry. Be Happy.” Week One, I listed what I had been doing to remain in a happy state. Here is what I did this past week.

* I listened to CDs. If this week had a theme, it would be Elvis. I had never been a fan, but I when I spotted The Very Best of Love I suddenly missed his voice. It must be middle age attacking my brain cells because I finally caught on to why those women were so in to him. Aside from the dreamy voice, he had very kissable lips and piercing eyes. I wanted to sing “It’s Now or Never” right there in the store. Luckily, I didn’t or I would have been arrested for disturbing the peace. This girl cannot carry a tune. At least my daughter’s cat didn’t run away when I sang to him, while I enjoyed another fantastic AZ winter night on the back porch. Although, I think the guy in the apartment across the street closed his door. He’s no fun. LOL I did discover it’s hard to get annoyed paying bills when you’re dancing and singing to “Burning Love.”

* I put up my Christmas tree. Continuing with the Elvis theme, I turned off all of the lights in my home except for those on the tree, then curled up on the couch and listened to the Elvis Christmas CD. They have it at every discount store right now. After long days at work, it’s nice to relax and get into the holiday spirit.

* I admired the evening sky. I do this every day, but this week was a real treat. Venus and Jupiter aligned with the moon. It won’t happen again anytime soon, so it felt like I was experiencing something magical. Not too long ago, I saw the International Space Station pass overhead. It was my first time witnessing that event. I am so glad, in both cases, other people pointed these out to me. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss either. It was like receiving a special gift. (Okay, I am sentimental and corny these days. I admit it.) Speaking of receiving gifts, last week, I posted that I love sunsets and jets. A day or two later, I walked out onto the porch in time to see the jets flying to Luke AFB with a spectacular AZ sunset in the background. It was unforgettable!

*I spent “quality time” with my daughter. I told her I love her and I’m proud of her. I don’t think we can say that enough to our children. This weekend, we set aside a day to go Christmas shopping together. When she was young, I was so busy trying to take care of all of my responsibilities, I didn't take enough time to just sit back and enjoy the moment. Now, I treasure every second I have with her. Make sure you take time out of your busy schedule to treasure the time you have with your children. They really do grow up fast.


Okay, that was my week. What did you do to stay in a happy state of mind?

Tina LaVon

2 comments:

Pamela Tracy said...

Tina,
You always have such interesting posts! I am not an Elvis fan. Of course, I am wondering if Elvis sang "It's Now or Never". For some reason, I'm hearing Frank Sinatra. Luckily, both are before my time. Hmm, is the guy in the apartment across the street single? And, I have an Elvis ornament, I'm going to go look for it, and if I can find it, it's yours!

Anonymous said...

Never met the guy across the street. He goes outside on his porch without a shirt on often and I'm wondering what he's doing and if he's wearing anything else. I sure hope he is.
Scary thought.