Filed under: All about me
Most of the time I try and keep a fairly positive attitude about life; for me, it gives me a better perspective. I like to keep an optimistic view, or at least, I try to keep an optimistic view. I tend to think that looking on the bright side keeps me more sane. Perhaps I’m avoiding reality or something, but I still think that keeping a positive spin on life is beneficial. Granted, sometimes I run out of positiveness and get cranky, but most of the time I like to think that I’m fairly optimistic.
Enter cranky stage. My positiveness is running out. Or rather, is gone completely. I am still sore and achey from my car accident; I have been trying not to complain about it, but can I just take a moment to vent? I am sore every morning when I wake up, and it only gets worse from then. I have had multiple ribs popped back into place–which, for the record, hurts like hell. The vertebrae in my neck keep moving in places they aren’t supposed to move. For the last almost-two months, my right leg has been shorter than my left because my pelvis has been twisted to one side and still hasn’t been un-twisted. I can’t run; which has made me even more cranky.
I haven’t been working; the idea of sitting through an hour of church is unbearable, eight hours in a not-ergonomically designed chair staring at a computer screen is absolute torture. I have been filling my days with doctor’s appointments, not running 3 or 4 miles (and, coincidentally, gaining back all the weight I lost while I was training for my half-marathon), not blogging, not doing anything of consequence really…it’s been a hell of a few weeks. And to top that off, my internet has been awfully fritzy lately, a couple of minutes online and Poof! it get kicked off. Rude. F’rude. I did attempt cooking–real cooking–a few times, and I’ve been working on sewing my first project, a fantastic stripey dress, but really? It’s not much to look forward to (and yes, I will post pictures as soon as it’s done…however skeewampus it turns out).
Ok, self-pitying rant is over. I have a brand new, super shiny, red bug…that already has 2,000 miles on it. What can I say, the heated seats (best! invention! ever!) do wonders to help the muscles in my back relax. As soon as it stops raining, I will get to break out all my almost-forgotten summer shoes. I have a very handsome, completely supportive boyfriend who has been incredibly patient with me (you are the best, babe). I got a cute, new haircut; minus about 4 inches and a lot of split ends. I’ve finished half-a-dozen books, one of which has taken the place as Most Favorite Book Ever. That dress that I’ve been attempting to sew…really, it looks pretty good. And my foray into epicurian domesticity? The results–lemon madelines, roasted rosemary potatoes, and a few experiments with cumin (smells like taco seasoning) and cayenne pepper…obviously, not in combination with the french lemon pastries–have been palatable, enjoyable, and have been eaten before they turned moldy or got freezer burn. Operation Domesticity: Success.
I am not writing this looking for sympathy; I have an honest-to-goodness question for the Internet. What do you do to make you happy? I’m looking for something productive, something that does not require gobs of money, or even another person. I can easily be happy with someone who a) I like and b) is also happy…it’s more difficult to get the smiling bug when you are debating between Ben & Jerry’s and Haggen Dazs. So, what do you do? What makes you happy? Bonus points if it doesn’t cost a grundle. And no one gets any points for saying “Go watch Sex & the City”…because that is already a given. (Hello, almost done with Season Six…and will then be watching SATC: The Movie.) Seriously though, what makes you happy? Reading? Writing? Long walks on the beach (umm…no real beach here…blast!)? I could really use a shot in the arm of Happy Sauce; so, dear Internet, shoot me. Come on, let me have it.
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What do I do to make me happy? Alot of the things you are doing. Routine makes me happy, especially domestic routines like cooking and baking. Strangely, also doing laundry. Going out with girlfriends for margaritas (or dessert in your case). Taking a long walk by myself. Playing with puppies. Buying flowers. Getting in touch with old friends. Talking to my parents. Being hugged. Or buying new shoes or a new dress (or three).
Comment by Margarita 2008 May 30 @ 1:38 pmI’m with you on the optimism wearing thin – and I don’t even have your excuse!
As for what I do to make myself happy (and yes, I will be indulging in this tomorrow!) : sleep – either sleeping in or taking a nap; long, indulgent time with a good cup of coffee (or latte, or chai, or some form of warm drink) and a good book; nice long bath (which, since our apt doesnt have a tub, I can only dream of at this point); spend an afternoon in the bookstore – perhaps with an indulgent way-too-big chocolate-y cookie – browsing and reading and being by myself; chick flicks with wine and Indian food; long walks outdoors with my camera … Yup. All of those things make me happy. And I will be trying to do many of them tomorrow! (And also going to see Duran Duran in Central Park! YAY!)
Comment by Z 2008 May 30 @ 1:49 pmaw heidi you go right ahead and rant and whine, i know i would. i can’t even imagine what you’ve been going through after that accident, sheesh. but at least you’ve got a spiffy new car and lots of things to keep you occupied for now
Comment by katelin 2008 May 30 @ 1:58 pmIs it sad that I seriously have to think about what makes me happy in order to answer this? Maybe I need to practice a little more optimism and positive thinking…
But anyway, my passions are music and language. Playing the guitar makes me happy (especially when I’m not rusty… like I am now), seeing a great live musical performance in a small venue makes me happy, buying awesome new cds makes me happy. Seeing plays makes me happy (Shakespeare in Cedar City has some great plays lined up this year), reading makes me happy, writing makes me happy, having friendly debates or discussions makes me happy.
And drinking lattes makes me happy.
And making progress on my physical fitness regime makes me happy… which hasn’t happened much lately unfortunately.
Anyway, I’m sorry you are still in pain. Too bad you can’t really sue the guy who hit you.
Comment by Sra 2008 May 30 @ 2:05 pmReading, photography, writing, making jewellery, knitting, music, discovering new fantastic places in and around my own city, “clever” and endearing behaviour of cats and dog, enjoying the weather, being in the passenger seat of Toy Car, travelling, making silly bargains when shopping and every wonderful details all around us – this is what keeps me (reasonably) sane when other thing(s) in life go(es) very less than my way.
Hope you’re feeling better soon! I have a friend who was in a car accident much like yours, it took time, but one step, one day at a time…
Comment by Pia 2008 May 30 @ 2:36 pmReading books and blogs, watching movies with friends, going out to dinner, and window shopping all do wonders for my mood.
And you know I’m dying to hear what book is now the MOST FAVORITE bOOk EVER!
Comment by janssen 2008 May 30 @ 2:45 pmYo. Laughing makes me happy. Traveling makes me happy. So do good friends. Usually the three go together extremely well, so that works for me if I do at least 2 of the three. Also, fro yo makes me extremely happy. And spooning. And Starbucks Peppermit Hot Cocoa. I’m sure that you could do a few of those things. Maybe go for a drive in the HV’s nice car through the alpine loop – so beautiful and how can that not make you happy?
Keep your chin up. Love ya girl. xoxoxoxoxo sizzle
Comment by Steph 2008 May 30 @ 2:54 pmOh Heidi… that sucks.
Comment by Allie 2008 May 30 @ 3:39 pmWhat makes me happy? Hmm. Listening to some fabulously over the top classical music, which is usually Italian or Russian (they do OTT very very well). Making Russian fudge. Buying fair trade chocolate (yumminess + feelgood factor = HAPPY!). Taking small risks which pay off. Forgetting about big life decisions.
I’m naturally a sarcastic person, not a happy/optimistic person, but I’ve been trying to switch over the past few years.
I try to see how long I can fake laugh without it turning into a real laugh, usually it’s less than twenty seconds. This tends to cheer up whoever is in the room & only makes me seem slightly more insane than I actually am.
Watch daft punk videos on youtube
Wear orange
Look at vintage posters
Buy a cd of a band I’ve never heard of solely because the cover art is pretty
Get a henna tattoo
Comment by Sarakastic 2008 May 30 @ 4:49 pmWe all need a little whine-time.
Speaking of whine, wine makes me happy. Red wine, while sitting in a hot bubble bath. Then a self-done manicure. Presto…I’m happy after that!
Comment by Larissa 2008 May 30 @ 5:22 pmI am all about creating a relaxing atmosphere….some New Age music (I looove the song Gravity of Love by Enigma), scented candles, dimmed lights, and if its not too warm out..I like drinking tea. In college my roommates called my bedroom “the sanctuary”.
Also, playing boardgames, cards, looking at pictures, snuggling with my puppy, making crafts (like scrapbooking, beading, etc…but those can get pricey) always make me happy.
And girl, you have been through a lot so don’t get down on yourself for not feeling like Marsha Brady…time heals all wounds!
Comment by Jackie 2008 May 30 @ 6:04 pmI hope your back and ribs and neck get better soon. That does sound really painful, and it is awful that you’re still feeling it.
Comment by Viviane 2008 May 30 @ 8:45 pmI can’t blame you for not always being positive, I mean, who is, sometimes there are just too many things getting you down, and things are just not always rosy. As long as you can still see the silver lining, though, I think you’ll be fine in the end, things will start looking up again.
By the way, as a fellow bookworm I have to ask [I hope I didn't just miss it in a previous post], what book took over the Most Favorite Book of all time spot?
I personally like going for walks or going to some place I haven’t been yet and take pictures. Or talk to friends, watch fun movies, cook together, go out for drinks, things like that.
That’s a really good question. Seems people have hit on just about everything already, but I’ll bite and share a couple of my own.
Oh, and we kinda have a beach. It’s very crusty and smelly and gross, but it is technically a beach. I suppose you could take a long walk if you wanted.
Inspirational music. Music speaks where words cannot, and it pipes directly into your soul.
Creating and sharing something unique. Be it a picture or some words or an idea, if you create something and share it with someone, you can inspire them. NOTHING makes me happier than making someone else happy.
Comment by Sov 2008 May 30 @ 9:40 pmBless your heart. I’m so sorry you’ve had a hard time of it lately. It can’t last forever–the universe isn’t that unkind (is it?).
At the moment springtime makes me happy. Smelling the dirt and fresh-cut grass. I feel content and peaceful when I’ve put in a good day’s work (working on whatever), my world is organized, and I can then take the time to read or cross-stitch or have a good conversation/laugh with my hubby. Hearing my family’s voices, especially my sisters that I miss so much.
Lately I’ve noticed that I find happiness in the most unexpected places when I focus on someone else–their life, problems, successes, worries, and joys. Finding that human connection makes me see beyond myself, and my heart feels lighter.
Comment by Megs 2008 May 31 @ 9:57 amAwwwww sweetie. I’m so sorry. I really hope it gets better….that is just suckage.
Hmmm what makes me happy? Getting lots of sleep, taking walks outside in the sunshine, and cuddling. Can you do any of those?
Comment by janet 2008 May 31 @ 11:22 amMakes me happy? Being outside in the sunshine. Sitting outside drinking some sweet tea. Watching little kids laugh. Having a pet snuggle me.
I got the crabbies right now, so I am not that good with suggestions.
Comment by Stephanie 2008 June 1 @ 9:41 amBeing productive helps me be centered, and doing projects. Making a list of things to do and checking them off. Cleaning, organizing. Making things and giving them to other people. Relaxing near a body of water. Reading. Writing, but only if I don’t feel like I have to do it. Cuddling. Board games, distracting things that occupy my mind. Making scrapbooks, putting together photo albums. Taking long baths. Emailing and sending letters to friends I haven’t been in touch with for awhile, and hearing back from them.
I’m sorry that you’re still in pain from that accident. I hope things get better soon. And thanks for your email. I’ll write back soon. xoxo
Comment by Jess 2008 June 1 @ 1:56 pmI drive around listening to great music. I read books like Patricia Wood’s THE LOTTERY. I clean the bathroom (I’m not happy when I’m doing it, but WOW am I happy when I’m finished…) I shop for a new lip gloss.
Comment by Trish Ryan 2008 June 1 @ 7:13 pmI hope you feel better soon!!!
xo
I have a new secret trick for bad days…I get dressed up, go to the pet store, and tell the employees that I’m thinking about buying a puppy. I get to spend a half-hour or so cuddling with the cutest one in the store. Try it and see if it doesn’t make you feel a whole lot better! Or, if your landlord is nicer than mine, maybe you can actually buy one. Anyway, I hope you are feeling better. We’ve missed you in the 40th. Let me know if there’s anything I can help you out with!
Comment by Lynze 2008 June 1 @ 10:08 pmheated seats make me happy too. splendid invention. also, smelling rain on hot asphalt, waking up w/ the sun in my face, a good cry, smiling, reflection of the success i’ve had in my life, thinking of how to make someone else happy, trail mix, and crossing things off my to-do list. there are a couple things that make me happy. thanks for reminding me of the simple things. you make me happy!
Comment by Erica 2008 June 2 @ 5:04 amheated seats = <3
but here? since i don’t drive: happy music on the ipod, sunny days that aren’t too hot, sitting in the hot tub at the gym reading for a while enjoying the quiet, a good hug from boyfriend, and sappy movies all make me happy
oh yeah and your blog makes me happy
If only because you love my two loves – shoes and books 
Comment by legallyheidi 2008 June 2 @ 8:32 amHeidi, I’m dying to know what you read! Also, I find that I’m happiest when I find a balance between pampering myself and serving others. That way, you get the feel-good glow of service and fabulous toenails to boot.
Comment by Gretchen 2008 June 2 @ 10:04 amI like scheduling a day to do something–by myself–that I never make time for, like take a leisurely stroll through a neighborhood that I don’t go to very often. Especially with the gorgeous spring / summer weather, a good people-watching, iPod-listening walk cures what ails ya!
(I’m not sure if walking works for your back, though…)
Comment by Laurel 2008 June 2 @ 12:25 pmI watch ABC Family made for TV movies, or other such ridiculous shows. I highly recommend High School Musical 1 & 2.
Have you seen a chiropracter/physical therapist? My pelvis was twisted for years, I feel your pain. No pun intended.
Comment by Operation Pink Herring 2008 June 3 @ 9:36 amI like having a luxury day. Maybe there’s a pedicure involved, there’s usually chocolate and shopping. Sometimes a phonecall with a good friend helps too. And when I feel that NOTHING will help, sometimes a nap is the best medicine in the world.
Comment by Nic 2008 June 3 @ 7:26 pm