Lion King Meets the Dark Knight- A Parody

I saw this and thought that it was SO well done.

Keep Smiling!

Good Parenting for Teens

Keep Smiling

A Little Shout Out to my Favorite Four-legged Friends

Today I'm feeling a little let down by mankind. Fortunately, our four-legged friends rarely let us down. Who is up for warm and wet kisses, wagging tails and unbelievable excitement every time you enter the door? The better question is, who isn't? Not only are they sweet, but they can also, be fairly entertaining. Don't believe me? Check Youtube. You'll be there all week. 
Here is my Pooch:

 Isn't she just plain adorable? 


Here are some fun vids as well.

Keep Smiling.

Hug Someone You Love

After last night's tragedy, I feel like life is a little more fragile. This happens every time something horrific happens, and personally, I'm glad that it does. These awful situations should remind us that life is short and unexpected, that this moment that we are in might not last forever. It should reawaken a part of our souls that gets ground down by the day-to-day. We should be a little truer to who we are and love those around us a litte deeper. Today is your chance and my chance. A chance to reach out and change. We can all be kinder  to strangers on the street, softer when we deal with those we love and even maybe a little more patient with those who wrong us. We can glimpse the hate and violence in the world and combat it with love and kindness. We can never change what happened in Colorado last night, but we can change what will happen. It is so easy to become desensitized. It is so easy to be less than who we should be. Today, more than ever, we should fight the apathy. Call your grandma, take time to play with your kids, volunteer, smile. Today, we should live a day worthwhile.    

Dora the Explorer-Live action

Most children's shows are at least slightly irritating. It's part of being a children's show. I'm sure that my parents suffered through hours of "My Little Ponies" with me and "Barney" with my younger siblings. I know that they were even subjected to "Teletubbies" at one point as well. Fortunately they were able to escape "Dora the Explorer," quite possibly the most annoying show that has ever aired. There are more than a few reasons why it brings to mind nails on a chalk board, but lets keep this happy. 


This awesome video was made by College Humor. I love how the live-action starts to showcase some of the show's most aggravating habits.

Did anyone else enjoy looking for Swiper?


Me Neither. Keep Smiling.

Already tired of Political Ads? Two I can get behind

First of all, let me state that there will be NO support of either candidate on this blog. This blog is about happiness and nothing about politics makes me happy. While there are many things that I loathe about politics, the thing that I hate the most is their insistance on disparaging each other in commercials. We didn't spring for a DVR which means my only solution is the mute button. 


These commercials however, are ones that I can get behind. I'll even throw in some former candidates for fun.
The Republican:

 The Democrat:
DISCLAIMER: I forgot that there is content and language that is somewhat objectionable. Watch at you're own risk.

My Favorites:

I know that these have been out for awhile, but they are still hilarious. Which one is your favorite? Michele is mine, hands down.


Keep Smiling!

Star Wars Parody- Call Me Maybe

Alright, alright. I know that I posted a "Call Me Maybe" parody just last week but this one is just too good to pass up. Enjoy:

Funny, huh? And I don't even like Star Wars.

Happy Monday and Keep Smiling. 

Humming Bird Snoring

Almost anyone that knows me, knows that I desperately want a Hummingbird. I personally feel like it would be unnatural NOT to want one. Simply put, they are adorable. And just when I thought that they couldn't get any cuter, I saw this:

Now, I know that this has been floating around the interwebs for awhile now, but I keep watching it, praying that some day it will be legal to have one of my own. Until that glorious day, I'll just keep this video bookmarked.


Keep Smiling.

Cookie Monster Parody-Call Me Maybe

I'm sure that there might be quite a few of those who have seen this-But for all that haven't, enjoy.

Like how he didn't eat the oatmeal raisin one at the end? So did my husband. 


Keep smiling!

Suggestions for Success- H. Jackson Brown

This simple list was compiled by H. Jackson Brown, an author who has written many NYT best-sellers on how to live a fulfilled life. While I might not have time to read his more than 20 works, I do have time to check out his top 21 suggestions. So without further ado:

 

So, what do you think? Do you think he totally missed the mark on some or maybe even left some out? I personally love 1, 5, 13 and 20. What about you?

Sometimes You have to get Creative- Pixar

Sometimes life gives you these problems or issues which can seem insurmountable. Have no fear, do as I have and take a lesson from Pixar. 

I think the message is to fake death and then turn the tables  get creative when it seems like there is no chance for a win. 

Keep Smiling. 

Neil Diamond made Me Proud to be an American

Since tomorrow is a national hoilday, I'll be taking the day off but I wanted to help get everyone in the right spirit. 

Listening to this song on cassate tape as a kid always made me feel so proud to be an American. I mean, he talks about traveling FAR to get here. And not just any ol' time, but TODAY. Anyway, I know that the song is most definitely cheesy, but who doesn't love a little cheese every now and then?

So I hope you have a great day filled with food, fun, fireworks and maybe even a little Neil.

Keep smiling!

Let er' rip!

I'm sure that we've all been there. Stuck in a public situation and feeling a little, shall we say, gassy. Well now we can all thank modern science for this:

Yes, that is a fart pad. Made with charcoal and supposedly activated when "needed," one can feel free to rip one or two at any point. I realize that some of you might be giggling at this while others are secretly wondering where you can find one. Have no fear, I've done the work for you. Here is one already for purchase on ebay. 


While I was on a quest to find a video to go along with this, I typed in "farting" on Youtube and this was the first thing that came up:

Strange, and yet, you can't stop watching or laughing in my husband's case. Either way-Keep Smiling.

Weekend Plans? Free Starbucks?

Our weekend plans include a whole lotta R&R and maybe a few projects. Which brings me to this. 

My husband even thought that it was funny.

Oh and on a completely unrelated note, but one that definitely does have to do with happiness, Starbucks is doing a "Buy one, get one free" on their fraps in their Target locations thru July 2nd. Don't worry if you don't drink coffee, they have strawberry, chocolate and my fav (it's not on the menu) Carmel Cream frap. Pro tip- make sure you say cream or you will get coffee. 

Keep smiling

Remaking the Classics- Beauty and the BEAT

Classics are classics often times because the are timeless. But what if they brought somethings into our time? Hilarity in sues. This is a MUST watch. 

Keep smiling... After you stop laughing.

Need a Blow Dry?

Maybe it's funny, maybe it's not, but it is somehow mesmerizing. 


Keep Smiling! 

For the Nerd in All of Us

For all of you that "loved" math as much as I did.

Keep smiling!

We live in the future

We live in the future. Seriously. They are growing body parts and even replacing stem cells in donor organs as well. I didn't believe it either. You should read about it.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/06/19/155301289/med-student-rescues-body-part-from-airport-security

Have a great one!

21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity

This is worth a few minutes of your time. It will restore your faith in humanity, I promise.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity

I'll admit it. I cried. Something about the cake just made me tear right up.

Have a great day!

What I want to be when I grow up...

I've seen this floating around the Internet for awhile now and I've had it pinned for at least a few months now. I'm not sure if Lennon ever said this but I really do love the message. What would happen if we encouraged children to focus on being healthy and happy throughout life instead of being so career oriented? Do you think that the general population would be better off or is it just a little too touchy-feely? I'm sure that we would not suffer for lack of successful individuals; some people will always be motivated to excel and succeed. And we have to admit that Lennon was successful by almost anyone's standards.


And it brings up another good point- Happiness is a choice. So for today I'm going to make a commitment to be actively happy. 

Think you're unique? Think again...

This has been going around the internet for awhile.

I apologize for the smallness of the pictures- my internet skills are limited. The full sized images are here.


It's got me thinking though- How original are we? How many thoughts or actions are inspired or are even just imitations of others? Its inspired me to be more creative and more spontaneous. Sometimes its easy to get into a rut, to be focussed on the day-to-day. I'm totally guilty of it. But at the end of my life, when all of my adventures and experiences are totaled and summed, I want my life to have been uniquely mine. So I challenge you to do something crazily and authentically "You" today. I promise, it will be worth it.

A Little Laugh for Your Monday

This is why we have Oakley...

Have a great Monday and keep smiling!

TGIF & Father's Day

Thank goodness it's FRIDAY! WE have lots of adventures planned for this weekend down here in Austin. Since it's Father's day on Sunday, I've got our whole day planned out which includes watching Husband's favorite movie:

No lie, we saw it in theaters 3 times and I think he laughs harder than anyone else when we watch it. Oh, and I absolutely love him for it. 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Confessions: Chocolate Chip Cookies

         
        I have a confession to make. I have never-ever-ever made chocolate chip cookies by myself. Or even really helped in making them. Not ever. And it's not like I don't cook, because I do. Husband and I follow a "strange" diet for health reasons, so I cook. A lot. And even though we try to eat fairly healthily, I still make a mean sugar cookie or my famous Almond-cake cookies (thanks Mrs Jenkins for the inspiration), and don't forget my brownies and cakes. And it's not like I don't love chocolate chip cookies, because I firmly believe that there are few things better than a few (or several) right out of the oven. Even though I will readily admit that sugar is basically a slow poison, it's delicious poison. Mmmmmm... Anyway, so today I am going to make a whole HUGE batch of chocolate chip cookies. If any of you are wondering what cookies have to do with happiness, please just stop reading my blog now. For those of you out there that enjoy a cookie or two every once in awhile, got any favs?
         

Taco Bell

Had and "interesting" day. Not bad, not great. But I'm keeping up the grateful spirit. 

Here is a thought to make almost everyone grateful:

Yes. Hope y'all had a good one.

How a Terminally Ill man's life was changed

 Here's a quick story on how the Internet can change lives.

      Reddit featured a man who is 23 in late stage kidney cancer who doesn't plan on seeing his 24th birthday. A woman who was on the site started a fund for him to travel the world and strangers donated over $30,000 and multiple other gifts and experiences around the world. 

I'm having trouble imbedding the link so i'll just post it for you to watch the video. It's definitely worth watching for 3.5 mins. 

http://news.yahoo.com/video/interview-terminally-ill-young-man-065000241.html

This video and others have really got me thinking about how really great my life is. Yesterday's feeling of gratitude has definitely carried over into today and inspired me to do something great for someone. Have you ever helped or been helped by a complete stranger?

Simple things

Getting old is hard. Getting really old is really hard. And so is watching those you love experience it. I'm only 25 so I'd like to think that I haven't even hit my prime yet but witnessing my 84 year old grandma make it day-to-day can be rough. I thought that I'd take a vacation last week and spend some time up north in Dallas with family to let my husband get some serious work done. 
         While it was great to see everyone, this trip was very sobering for me. You see, my grandmother was always a woman who helped others, she was always volunteering to help with food pantries, started a clinic for children with no healthcare, on the Salvation Army regional board, etc. She was always so capable. She has slowly stopped participating in these activities because of a degenerative eye disease that has left her practically blind. Even with the loss of most of her sight, she was still able to do many things on her own. When I would come to stay, she would always to help me with "this" or try to so "that" even though I was perfectly capable by now of doing it on my own. I usually never let her, but she always tried. 
        This trip was different- it marked a new chapter for me. I'm not sure that I could give this chapter a name that wasn't a paragraph long because of all of the complex feelings. And I won't go into specific details out of courtesy, but simple daily functions that each of us do without thinking have become belaboring or impossible for my once super-human grandma. She needs assistance in almost everything she does and in many instances this trip, I felt the shift towards a role reversal. For example, much like she would insist on holding my hand in the store when I was a child, I insist on holding her arm walking through the aisles. It must be more that frustrating to be so capable for so long only to now need so much help. I've asked her about life many times and she says that the years seem to run by faster and faster, almost as if time slips away from us. 
         There are so many things that I have thought about after this trip, but the main thing that has stuck out to me is to be grateful. I know that my body will not always be able to run multiple miles at a time or lift heavy things or even remember special memories. I know that these things don't last forever, but today I'm grateful that I have these simple things as I've witnessed that they might not always be that simple.

"How to be Happy" according to Google pt 2-Follow your Gut

         So, after yesterday's hiatus we are back to our article on being happy. I was actually quite surprised to read that Follow your Gut was the second thing listed. While I probably wouldn't have originally listed that myself, the more I thought about it, the more I felt like it is right on the money. Call it your "gut" or "inspiration," "sixth sense" or "intuition," we all have had times where we just FELT something rather than THOUGHT it. In our heads (or hearts) there was no explanation, no logical reasoning. How many times have we followed that inner prompt and how many times have we pushed it aside? While I firmly believe that you should think about every major and even minor choice, what if your inspiration and your logic are squarely at odds? In those moments, I try to clear my head and listen, even for just a moment to myself. While I can't honestly give you a real statistic on the number of times I chose my head over heart or visa versa, I can tell you that overall, when I go with my heart, I'm happier. 

I saw this the other day and thought this summed up perfectly how I feel about things. Don't be afraid to think and don't be feel. Have you ever followed your gut only to be wrong? Maybe your brain over-thought something? 
      

Sometimes You Have a Bad Day

         Sometimes you have a bad day and sometimes you have a really bad day. I think my day yesterday fell into the second category. Fortunately, I've learned that a bad day or even a bad week doesn't last forever, even if it feels like it might. 

         Tomorrow we will be back to our regularly scheduled programming. Today I'm proverbially licking my wounds and watching Youtube videos of animals. 

These are some of my favs:

Hamster playing dead (amazing)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6N26GxW5Sc 

Cat caught barking (oldie but goodie)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP3gzee1cps

 

Jack Russell climbing a tree

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1EjjQ2NzSM

This dog is better at math than I am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1EjjQ2NzSM

Hope these make you smile.

"How to be Happy" according to Google

         
          So I thought that today I would google "How to be Happy and click on the first unsponsored link. Not surprisingly it was Wiki How- an online forum where regular folks, like you and me, can post and edit articles and videos on how to do various things. They had 9 steps to becoming happier and after I read through it, I thought that I'd highlight one of their recommended steps each post.
          The first step listed was unsurprisingly, "Be Optimistic." They refer to a principle known as the Hedonic Adaptation also known as the Hedonic Treadmill which claims that that no matter what happens in life, good or bad, after a certain amount of time, a person will return back to their relatively stable and personal level of happiness.
          This got me thinking about how often I look forward to certain events and think that I will be SO much happier and fulfilled when "this" or "that" happens. I would never say that I'm not happy now, but I wonder if I look forward too much, placing too much emphasis on what can be and not enough on what is.
          It isn't mentioned but I think that being grateful for what we have can raise our overall level of general happiness. Great things will happen sometimes and so will terrible things, but I think the key is that if we are happy now in the moment, then when those things come, our world isn't completely rocked. Now, I'm not trying to say that we won't experience moments or even periods of extreme elation or seemingly deep and unrelenting sadness. Those times will come. It's part of being human. What I am saying is that when we return to our personal Zen after those moments, we will be more happy and more content.
          The whole glass-half-full/glass-half-empty usually comes to mind when I think about optimism. While it would be wonderful to be able to think of the glass being half full all the time, sometimes, I think that it's alright to just be grateful that it has anything in it at all. I mean, if you're really thirsty, does it matter?

Take What You Need

Today is my Monday, my start of the REAL week since yesterday was a holiday and I basically just did whatever we wanted. Today its been hard to get going. Really hard. I'm already dressed and ready for the gym but doing everything possible to avoid working out, hence me sitting here writing a blog post. I ran across this great tumblr today while perusing the internet and smiled. If only it were that easy...

Strangely, I've been thinking about which strip I would take if I could only choose one and to be honest, I can't really decide. Love is the go-to answer but peace is so overwhelming and fulfilling. Which would you choose?

Happy Memorial Day! 

My grandfather, who has since passed was a WWII vet and although we have Veteran's day in September, I always think about him and his sacrifice along with so many others. It's no secret that many of our service men and women come home and have a hard time adjusting to life back in the states. Here is a sweet article about how dogs help our wounded warriors when they have fitted with prosthetics. It's a great 5 min video and a short article worth reading. 

I hope you have a great Monday off of work and don't forget to remember our fallen heros and maybe even hug a canine friend.

Why

I've thought and thought and thought about what kind of blog I want, what kind of information I want to spread out there in the vast internet expanse. I may have even started a couple of blogs on various topics before but there was always something missing. I want to use this blog as a way of just spreading a little sunshine and little happiness in a world where things aren't always sunny. I'm promising myself and hopefully anyone reading that I will honestly try to put something up daily- I honestly believe its more for me than anything else. 
      So with Memorial Day tomorrow my first quote is one familiar to many:
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
-Thomas Jefferson