Wednesday, February 29, 2012

February 27

Take a break and stop trying to do so much.


Sorry I have not updated this but I really have felt like doing anything lately.  Seriously, it has become a problem.  Anyway, I took the day off today (which is actually the 29th) so I could hang out with my sister.  It was a good choice and we got to have lunch together and watch Seinfeld.  Oh, happy days.
AMANDA

I have barely had any work lately, which has allowed me to spend more time relaxing. One of my favorite things to do is lay in bed and listen to music. That is how I spend most of my breaks. I've made a promise to myself not to take on too much work. There is no reason to overwhelm myself right before the weather gets nice. I don't want to trap myself inside.

xx Brie

Sunday, February 26, 2012

February 26

The next time you feel sad, let yourself feel that way.  Then move on.


I always have hated it when people would say "pity me party".  I don't think that is it at all.  You are simply allowing yourself to be sad.  I don't think there is anything wrong with that.  I do think, though, that you should try to make yourself feel better afterward.  I don't ever think you should be ashamed of being sad.
AMANDA


I've really lived by this advice. I have never been ashamed of feeling sad. If you don't allow yourself to feel the sadness, you are doing yourself a serious disservice. Feeling sad can eventually make you stronger and help you grow as a person. I truly believe that if you let yourself wallow in sadness for a while, you will feel better quicker than you would have if you had tried to prevent yourself from feeling it.

xx Brie

Saturday, February 25, 2012

February 25

Challenge yourself to try to do something new.


My best friend, Mara, is an incredibly talented artist.  She excels at almost every form of the craft and I suspect that her faults in art would derive from lack of practice rather than lack of skill.  She is constantly drawing me things, much to my delight, and my bulletin board is adorned with her art.  She once told me that she wished someone would draw her a picture.  I think that is the least you can do for someone who constantly brings beauty into my life (not to mention a lot of laughs).  So today, I am going to sketch her something.  I am not an artist (my pictures of people are enough to frighten small children) but I am going to try anyway.
AMANDA


I love that idea, Amanda! And I love your art. I don't care what small children think. Last night I introduced my boyfriend to my family (extended family included), so that was a new thing for me. We (me and my boyfriend) are going to my Grandma's house tomorrow to spend so more quality time together. Seeing my boyfriend and family interact is a completely new experience. I will let you know how it goes. Wish me luck!!!

xx Brie

February 24

Increase how often you exercise.


My sister came into today and we have been having a blast (I never thought I would use that phrase sincerely).  We regressed and starting listening to songs from our childhood and have been dancing and just acting silly.  I haven't laughed this hard in a long time and it feels good.  I am giving this post a check because I danced (albeit horribly).  Have a good weekend everyone!
AMANDA


If dorky dancing counts as exercise, then I am a workout champion! I mentioned in a recent post that I do a bit of yoga and some push ups daily. I don't think I will ever be one of those people who go to a gym every day for hours. I will just dance more.

xx Brie

Thursday, February 23, 2012

February 23

Make sure

  • You are getting enough sleep.
  • You limit your alcohol consumption.
  • You take vitamins.
  • You practice deep breathing.
  • You exercise.
Here we go
  • Today I got around seven and a half hours of sleep.
  • I rarely drink.
  • Vitamins=ick.  I do have them occasionally.
  • Today I was driving with all the windows open in my car. The wind was blowing in my air, the road was pretty abandoned, and I had music playing.  I took some really deep breaths to take in the freedom I felt at that moment.
  • Exercise=double ick.
AMANDA

  • I don't think I get as much sleep as I should. There always seems to be something better to do!
  • I rarely drink, as well
  • I take vitamins daily. I also drink a very beneficial protein shake every day.
  • I practice deep breathing whenever I am feeling particularly stressed or when I can't fall asleep.
  • I don't exercise as much as I should. I do a bit of yoga every day, some push ups, etc. But no hardcore workouts.
xx Brie

February 22

Do not agree to everything your children want to do.


Don't have any kids.  Neither does Brie so I don't think we will have a whole lot to say.  I will say, though, that it is incredibly awkward to watch kids walk all over their parents whenever I am at a store or restaurant.  Please don't be that kind of parent.
AMANDA

My parents are a mix of lenient and restrictive. It really depended on the issue. I can't see myself having children for a while, so I haven't really given much thought to what kind of parent I want to be. Sorry I couldn't be more insightful.

xx Brie

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

February 21

Yes, it is good to be informed but constantly watching the news is depressing.  Limit your news intake.


I don't know if this is a good thing or not, but I really don't have a huge problem with this.  I never just turn on the news; if there is a story I want to see, I seek it out.  This is kind of odd, because I thought I was going to be a journalist all through my middle school years and took news classes in high school.  Now, now.  I can't keep informing about fascinating details from my childhood.  As for today's post: CHECK!
AMANDA


I have a huge problem with this. I always have CNN on when I am at home. Always. I like to stay informed, what can I say? I don't get too depressed with watching the news. I usually get kind of fired up while hearing about the latest ridiculous thing a politician said, though.

xx Brie

February 20

To Do Today:

  • Smile 
  • Hold open the door
  • Soften bad news with a kind remark
  • Let someone go ahead of you in line
  • Listen
So today I shunned the human population by working at home (it is President's Day after all) so I didn't emerge from my cave.  But tomorrow, I will do all of these things and report.
AMANDA

I stayed at home all day today, too. With the exception of hanging out at my boyfriend's house for a few hours. I smiled a lot, and I listened quite a bit. I didn't have the chance to hold open the door for him, and I thankfully didn't have to deliver any bad news.

xx Brie

Sunday, February 19, 2012

February 19

Don't be too quick to judge strangers who are rude to you.  You have no idea how their day began or what is going on in their life at that moment.   Be as gentle to them as you would want them to be to you.


Recently, I have felt like people have not been considering my emotions in their actions.  I am not saying that I have to be the center of the universe and everyone's actions must be based on what my reactions would be.  I just wish sometimes that people would realize that I am hurting and not be so...flippant about what I consider offensive.  I will try to be as gentle to people as I wish they would be to me.
AMANDA

I always tell this to other people. Whenever someone is complaining about a person being unfriendly or rude, I tend to stand up for that person. I know that not everybody has an easy life or ideal situations, so I like to give them the benefit of the doubt. This, of course, is no excuse for someone to be mean, but it is more understandable if someone lashes out if they've had a rough day. If I was having a bad day, I would want people to smile at me instead of giving me disgusted looks. I would want cheerful greetings instead of annoyed eye rolls. I have a gentle nature, so being caring to others comes naturally to me.

xx Brie

February 18

Write a list of things that you are constantly saying yes to when you mean no.  Remember by saying no something, you are saying yes to something else.


Okay, so I am changing this a bit.  I am going to write a list of questions that I rarely answer honestly, whether I really mean "yes" or "no".
1. Are you okay/ (I mean no, I say yes)
2. If a friend of mine says something like "Am I being too_____?" even if it is what I am thinking (I say no, I mean yes)
3. Are you fine with me_____? (I say yes, I mean no)
Next time these things happen, I promise I will say "NO!!!!!!" or "YES!!!!!!" when I mean it.
AMANDA

I completely agree with number one, Amanda. I almost always play it off when I'm upset and deny that anything is wrong. I need to be more honest with people and tell them when something is bothering me. I need to find a nice middle ground between being rude and being a doormat.

xx Brie

Saturday, February 18, 2012

February 17

Laugh.


All right, another one of these.  I will do my best.




AMANDA





xx Brie

Thursday, February 16, 2012

February 16

Women often worry about ending up alone.  Build a life of loving yourself and your decisions.  Do wait for anyone.


"But, O, how bitter a thing it is to look at happiness through another man's eyes!"  This is one of the many quotes by Shakespeare that has always rung true for me.  I think that half the battle is to be happy with yourself, like Diana Fletcher said.  But I think the other half is not being jealous of people around you.  This is a very timely message because single people just had to endure couples being so darn cute on Valentine's Day.  It is extremely difficult to not be envious of couples around you, especially when you are constantly surrounded by books, movies, poems, songs, and people all telling you how wonderful love is.  I mean, we get it, it is great, we don't have it, can we move on?  I try to be patient, proud, and elegant if I feel jealousy.  It is much more attractive than this:


I always found it easier to sympathize with them:).
AMANDA
 
I never worried about ending up alone when I was single. I have an amazing group of friends, and my family is very close and supportive. Now that I'm part of a couple, I'm worried about it. I don't know it if is the idea of ending up alone, or if it is the idea of losing my boyfriend. I absolutely love myself, and I accept myself for who I am. I am generally happy with my decisions, and for the most part, the people around me are supportive. Even though I would be devestated to lose my boyfriend, I would never let him hold me back. That hasn't become a problem, though, because we are very supportive of each other and encourage each other to pursue our dreams. I know that relationships sometimes change, but for now that's how things are, and I am very happy.

xx Brie

February 15

Find a way to make a dream possible.  You can do it.


I have about five dreams a day that I desperately wish would happen, so I had to think awhile to narrow it down.  I often dream of backpacking through the world or working on the set of a movie.  Who knows?  As Pete and Frank would say from 30 Rock, it is never too late for now.
AMANDA
Sorry this is a short post; I am a wee bit tense today.


I have a dream that my current relationship will last forever. I'm not going to be boring and list every single thing I should and shouldn't do in order for this to work. All I need to remember for now is to be myself, be honest, and communicate. I don't want to overthink things and mess it all up. Obviously, I don't know what will happen in the future, but for now I am incredibly happy.

xx Brie

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

February 14

Fall in love with yourself. Act accordingly.


Ugh.  Valentine's Day.  I find that the pain of being single outweighs the joy couples feel on this day.  I think that really sucks.  When I have spent Valentine's Day alone, I try to make it a non issue.  I always try to say to myself that this holiday simply does not apply to me (like Chinese New Year or Hanukkah) and then move on.  Of course, this is always exceedingly difficult.  I was upset today but then a really great friend of mine brought me daisies and then we ate ice cream and watched Heroes.  I also plan on eating chocolate later and getting in my pajamas early.  So maybe not too bad of a day.
AMANDA
P.S. As far as loving yourself goes, I am pretty content with who I am.  I think this is really good advice, though, especially today.

Ah! Valentine's Day! (See how I am the opposite of Amanda's post?) I am a part of a couple currently, and things could not be going any better. He surprised me with little things throughout the day. First it was a book of poetry by his favorite Romantic poet, and then it was dark chocolate (my favorite!). When I got home, I was surprised by the delivery of red roses (ah!). I think loving someone else requires loving yourself. If I am right about this, I love myself very much. I've been pretty good with embracing and loving myself lately. I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day.

xx Brie

February 13

Next time you walk into a room full of people you don't know, observe yourself, not them.  Trust your own feelings and instincts.


I often walk into rooms of people I don't know (most of the time I am invited).  I immediately gauge their reactions and facial expressions.  I have only gotten a few of these faces in my life, for which I am thankful:

I like the idea of observing your own reaction rather than those of the people in the room.  I think I will look a lot more confident and at ease that way.
AMANDA

When I walk into rooms and everyone looks at me, I immediately feel insecure. I tell myself, "they're just looking up because someone walked into the room. It's not a big deal". Something doesn't have to be wrong with you if everyone looks up and stares. Maybe they're entranced by your beauty. :) I've discussed this a while ago, but I like to repeat positive affirmations to myself when I am feeling insecure. Next time you walk into a room, say a positive affirmation in your head. You'd be surprised at the huge boost in confidence you will experience. At least, it's worked for me.

xx Brie

Sunday, February 12, 2012

February 12

Stop telling yourself things that aren't true.  Stop hanging onto true stories that make you sad. Start making happy stories in your life.


I have a huge problem with letting go of stories that make me sad.  I like the idea of making happy stories in my life.  I have had a really tough week filled with embarrassing moments and very sad days.  My sister surprised me with a visit Friday night though and stayed until this morning.  She knew I needed her and she came.  It's like a blew the horn of Gondor (ignore the nerdiness, please).  It brightened up my entire week and weekend.  Such a great surprise!:)
AMANDA

I've been having a lot of 'pinch me' moments recently. Sometimes I question if these things are real. I have recently decided that they are indeed real. I have a hard time letting go of sad stories, too. I know I can't change what happened, so I just need to let go and get on with my life. I need to move forward and create happiness, not dwell on the sadness. Tonight was a major happy story for me. Is anyone else getting excited for Valentine's Day?! Two more days!

xx Brie

Saturday, February 11, 2012

February 11

Focus on the little things today that make up your happiness.


Little things that made me happy today:
1. Apple tarts
2.  The tv show Psych
3. Fluffy pajama pants
4.  It's a Saturday!
5. The snow

6. The Elegance of a Hedgehog
AMANDA

Little things that made me happy today:
1. Sleeping in
2. Having a lazy day at home
3. Laying in bed, watching 27 Dresses
4. Alternating between eating peanut butter and Nutella out of jars
5. The snow
6. Hanging out with Mara, Amanda, and Rachel!!!

xx Brie

February 10

Make a list of actions that you could take the next time you make a mistake.


1. Apologize
2. Admit it
3. Tell the story to family and friends in a funny and entertaining way
4. Think of all the times I have been right in my life
5. Ask friends and families about the most embarrassing mistakes that they have made in their lives
AMANDA

1. Stay calm and don't take any drastic actions I may regret later
2. Assess all sides of the situation
3. Ask advice from a few different people
4. Do things to take my mind off of the mistake. Clearing my mind will help me make a better decision
5. Do what I can to fix the mistake. If it can't be fixed, at least address it or do something so I can be satisfied and walk away with a clean conscious

xx Brie

February 9

Fill in the blank: I commit to making changes in my life and achieving ____________.  Repeat it often.


I commit to making changes in my life and achieving a life filled with adventure and happiness.
AMANDA

I commit to making changes in my life and achieving serenity, peace, and happiness.

xx Brie

Thursday, February 9, 2012

February 8

Sleep.


Last night I went to sleep rather late because I had to stay up to watch the Real Housewives of Orange County season premiere.  Brie and I watched the reunion and she was properly disgusted/entranced.  It is a very cathartic experience.

Anyway, I love getting in bed early and watching a movie at the end of a day.  It is a great reward.  Right now I am watched Unforgiven and it is a nice way to relax; I had a very stressful day.  Nothing like a little Morgan Freeman to cheer you up!

AMANDA

Real Housewives was so bizarre. I still don't know what to make of it, haha. I always tell myself that I will go to bed early and get the extra sleep I need, but I always end up finding something better and more exciting to do. Recently I have been talking with my new boyfriend until 11 or 11:30. I know that may not seem very late to some of you, but I wake up pretty early. We just have really interesting conversations, and I never want them to end! But I am fine with losing a bit of sleep if it means spending more quality time with him.

xx Brie

February 7

Post a picture of the place you want to go to most.


Well, this is simple.  Here is where I want to live:

London, UK
This is where I want to visit:

Spain
AMANDA



Provence, France


London, England


Bali, Indonesia


Greece

I obviously have a large to-do list as far as traveling goes :)

xx Brie

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

February 5

If financial issues are stressing you out, come up with a plan so they aren't a constant source of worry.

Diana Fletcher suggests that we keep track of our spending for a week, then evaluate to see if we can eliminate or change anything to make ourselves worry less. I think this is a wonderful idea, because in today's world where almost everyone has credit cards, we can sometimes spend a lot more than we intend to, just because it is easier to hand someone a plastic card rather than actual money. I'd like to think that I am pretty good with money, but I do spend more than I'd like to on non-essentials. Overall, though, I am pretty responsible. I know this is a total cliche, but money really doesn't buy happiness. Don't let it stress you out too much.

xx Brie


I am sorry that I have not updated this in awhile, but I have been in a little bit of a slump so I didn't feel like writing a blog on how to be happy.  But I am back and will now be updating it daily.


I am really good with money, probably because I hate shopping. The only stuff that I spend more than I intend to is books and movies.  My financial situation is pretty good and one that does not stress me out too much.
AMANDA

Monday, February 6, 2012

February 6

Acknowledge someone who inspired you in some way.

The lovely Diana Fletcher suggests that we write a letter to someone who has inspired us. I love writing letters and think this is a wonderful idea. I once wrote a letter to one of my teachers telling her how much she inspired me to pursue the subject further and make it a part of my future. Not only did she love the letter (she cried of happiness), but I loved getting to tell her how I felt. Also, the whole writing process was very satisfying, as I was able to release and share a lot of my emotions.

xx Brie


I have so many people that inspire me that I wouldn't know how to start!  Click here to see who I am most grateful for in my life.
AMANDA

Saturday, February 4, 2012

February 4

Show gratitude today.


I think it is really easy to show gratitude to other people.  However, I think it is often difficult to remember to be grateful to yourself.  Today, I am going to try to be grateful to myself.  Of course, it is also hard to remember what you should be grateful to yourself for.  I will let you know what I thought of by tomorrow.  I am having a sad day, so sorry I am not writing more.
AMANDA


I am so very grateful to my best friends Amanda and Mara. I think I showed them gratitude today, because I spent the evening with them and we always have a wonderful time. I hope Amanda knows how grateful I am to have her, because I know I might not have been there for her lately. I really try my best to make her feel appreciated, it is just hard sometimes to completely and truly express what is in my heart. I know I already told you once today, but I love you so very much, Amanda!

xx Brie

February 3

Fear is a gift.  Enjoy your life and know that you will be alerted if you are danger by your own fear.

Since I feel as though this has been properly addressed in earlier posts, I am just going to write down my favorite quotes on fear.

"Never be afraid to try something new.  Remember, amateurs built the ark, professionals built the Titanic"-Anonymous

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."- Mark Twain

"In time we hate that which we often fear." - William Shakespeare

AMANDA

Oh, I really love that first one, Amanda! I shall follow your lead and share my favorite quotes on fear as well.

"I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today." - William Allen White

"He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood." - Marie Curie

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." - Eleanor Roosevelt

xx Brie

Thursday, February 2, 2012

February 2

You cannot control everything.  Cherish what you can control and make the best of it.


There have been a lot of times in my life that I felt like I couldn't control what was going on.  Today, though, I am watching a pretty good movie and going out to dinner with my cousin at some Italian place in the city.  It is the small things that you can control that can make the difference between a happy and an unhappy life.  Still, I think the small things can only get you so far.  Sooner or later, you have to make sure that the big parts of your life (the people, the environment, the career, etc.) are all things that you are passionate about.
AMANDA

Today is a pretty bad day for me to be doing this post. :) I feel like I can control everything and do anything today! I don't want to turn this post into a tell-all, but I had a really nice time with a great guy tonight. I made a pretty bold move and took a risk, and it paid off. I know the 'take risks' post was a few days ago; I'm just reiterating. I know that most of us don't want to look on the bright side sometimes, especially when everything seems to be going wrong. But you can at least take a lesson away from most things. So, take that lesson and make the best of every opportunity, ladies!

xx Brie

February 1

Be yourself and be different, even if you feel awkward about it.


I grew up in a really conservative, Christian town.  I was always really liberal so I was always a bit different.  When I say always liberal, I mean always liberal.  Back in junior high when kids barely knew what any issues were and parroted their parents' religion, I was trying to remember how to pronounce the word "atheist".  I was alienated a bit, but at the end of day, I pitied those who couldn't/wouldn't think for themselves.
AMANDA

The message of today's post seems so obvious to me. I'm always myself, because I don't want to waste my time being something I'm not. Life's too short! When I'm feeling like everyone is trying to make me fit in, I look to Liz Lemon from 30 Rock. She is never afraid to be herself, and she always seems so comfortable in her own skin. She fully embraces all of her quirks, which make her such a wonderful character. Don't be boring! Your weird little things are what make you who you are.

xx Brie

January 31

Be kind to yourself. 


This is another idea that I think we have sufficiently addressed in earlier posts so I will not dwell for too long on it.   Today I made an extra effort to be kind to myself.  I actually ended up having a better day than usual, even though nothing extraordinary happened to me.  Although I guess if I am really nice to myself, I wouldn't be making myself read Crime and Punishment.
AMANDA

I have been eating a lot of Dove chocolates lately. They have inspirational 'be kind to yourself'-type messages. For example:

Do what feels right
Chocolate is a gift of love
Share a chocolate moment with a friend
Life is good

So, if we can learn one thing from this post, it is that Dove chocolates have two goals: to inspire people and to sell more chocolate.

xx Brie

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

January 30

Stop making excuses.


I make excuses all the time.  Just the other night, it was my job to bring movies over to Brie's where she was entertaining some gentlemen.  Of course, one was horribly made and the other was offensive (the movies; not the guys).  I,of course, always take the mature route so I blamed my friend Mara.  The moral of the story: excuses are fine if you are trying to impress attractive males.
AMANDA
Oh, all right; let's go the cliche route.  Excuses are bad, own up to your errors, etc.:)

Amanda is exaggerating. The evening was a huge success, and even if the films weren't great, it wasn't Amanda's fault. She hadn't seen them before, how was she supposed to know? And I'm not making an excuse for her; she shouldn't blame herself for something that wasn't her fault at all. There is a fine line between making excuses and giving yourself a break. It's perfectly fine to give yourself a break, but don't start making up excuses to not do your work.

xx Brie

P.S. Note to self: take your own advice! Stop making excuses!

January 29

The next time you find yourself not doing something because you are scared of what might happen, stop.   Follow completely through on the horrible scenario and come up with a solution.


I tried really hard to think of an example from my life for this post.  Of course, I came up with quite a few, but none that I felt like sharing on this blog.  Sorry.  I think we already addressed this idea in earlier posts so I also don't want to dwell too long on the message.  I guess we are just going to have to look to Brie for this one.  Brie (no pressure)?
AMANDA

I've stared at this screen for longer than I'd like to admit thinking about this post. All I really have to say about this is the greater the risk, the greater the reward. I know it might be hard at first to put yourself out there, but once you begin to take more risks it gets easier, trust me. My advice would be to start taking little chances here and there, and soon you will have the courage to take bigger and bigger risks until the things you were afraid of before aren't as big of a deal.

xx Brie