Happiness Project

Phew, the last two months have been FLYING! 

When I stopped working I told myself I was only going to volunteer at the boys' school and at our church.  I know how easy it is for volunteer work to take over your life.

 

This past year, though, I decided to step out and try some new things.

And, wouldn't you know it, a BUNCH of stuff is all happening right now.

 

But after March and Spring Break, my life will be a little less full :)

 

New things in my life:

 

Philharmonic - I started on the local Philharmonic Orchestra board of directors and I'm enjoying it.  It's a big board, full of very active people, and I'm helping with the annual Gala fundraiser - in early March.  So we're in serious planning mode right now.  Can't wait!

 

Service League - I was invited to join our local Service League (Junior League for smaller towns), and I'm really enjoying meeting so many new ladies!  My committee is the Taste of Chocolate fundraiser, which took place on my birthday last Friday!  So we were in serious planning mode the last two months.  That's behind me now, phew.  But it was a ton of fun and Thomas worked the event with me two nights.

 

Farrell's - We have a relatively new gym in town called Farrell's Extreme Bodyshaping and I kept hearing great things about their program - from VP's at work to the lady who cuts my hair.  Several people I know from work were all in it, and friends gave me a partial membership for Christmas (lucky me - such sweet friends!)  So I signed up for the 10 week program - all happening right now, of course!  And I'm loving it!  They're killer workouts, but I'm getting really strong and I love it and never miss.  It's 6 days/week for about an hour.  The 10 week program ends with a big celebration party (spouses included) the night before Spring Break.  Just started Week 6!

 

Elder - I am in my 3rd year as an Elder at church and I just started leading the Youth Nurture committee.  It's a great committee, but the youth in our church stay active!  So I'm active with them.  It's been a fun transition, but I'm in learning mode.

 

PTO - I agreed after much arm twisting to serve as VP this year at Brennan's school.  It's the most active PTO I've ever seen.  I mean, serious stuff going on, which is great.  But being VP this year means I service as President next year, so I'm recruiting like crazy to fill all of next year's openings.

 

Visitor's Center Architectural Tour Guide - I've been studying on my own (with the Visitor's Center's help) to be a tour guide.  Been then they decided to offer a class, so I jumped on it.  Of course, it's happening right now as well.  I'm learning so much and am thrilled to be a part of it.  Come visit and I'll take you on a tour (starting in April - I still have a LOT of learning!)

 

Women's Giving Circle - I joined our city foundation's organization last year and friends asked me to join the Grants Committee with them - which is a 6 week/year assignment.  Of course, it's also happening now!  In fact, on my birthday when A Taste of Chocolate ended, the Grants Committee kicked off their work.  I'm learning a lot and am happy to contribute.  We'll decide which worthy organizations to give our annual grants to in mid-March.

 

Happiness Project - And finally, another new project that I took on in January, is leading a Happiness Project.  Have you read Gretchen Rubin's 2 books?

 

 

I read the first book while we were on vacation in Hawaii and knew I wanted to do my OWN Happiness Project this year.  I wanted to reach out to friends in town to see if anyone wanted to join me. 

 

It took me a month to write the email, not wanting to be laughed at :)

 

Finally I did and I had a TON of positive responses.  I'm now leading a group of 21 ladies through this year's Happiness Project.  It's been so great.

 

In January our focus was "Vitality - Boosting Energy".  We all had different resolutions, and a different number of resolutions to focus on during the month.  Mine were around getting the house/myself organized, exercising every day, and going to bed by 10 p.m.  I did really well, and the daily tracking helped a lot.  I was so motivated by everyone's goals.  And our meetings at the end of the month.  It's such a great group of ladies.

 

In February we are focusing on "Love - Strengthening Relationships" and my resolutions are to underreact, show interest in the boys' and David's interests, and to surprise those I love.  It's been a ton of fun.

 

We just determined the next 10 months monthly topics, and everyone is really focused on this project.  It's so much fun sharing it with fun people!

 

And that's what I've been up to!

 

I had a great birthday last weekend.  Wonderful facebook messages from friends, calls, gifts, time with friends, and my annual movie night/pajama party at my house.  I'm taking the pajamas we collected to our local domestic violence shelter tomorrow afternoon.  That always feels great.

 

I hope you're enjoying the winter and aren't too buried in snow!