"Smile" - Avril Lavigne

So like most other days . . . . . .

Today I did this:

Which was supposed to be a recovery run [9 miles] but . . . . it was feeling great again today so I rolled with it.  15 miles at 7:29.  Ummmm, that .77 was all cool-down walkin'.
Then I did some laundry and some actual money making work.  My bank account looks a little happier.

Then I went to Costco.  I know, zero shock-factor there. 

It's always one of three people working the all important "show me your money card" door, every time I go.  So, as the routine goes, I reached in my bag-o-tricks to get my cult pass card out . . . . and look up to see my favorite one of the three working the door.

Him:  why hello again.
Me: hey! How are you? [reaching in bag, still]
Him:  ya, you're good.  We see you often.  C'mon in!
Me:  wooooo hoooo!
Him: you always have the biggest smile on your face.  Why are you so happy?
Me:  Well. it. IS. Costco.
Him: ya, ya but thanks for being so happy

I loved the timing of this interaction.
My sister had to give a talk on "happiness" this past Saturday in front of a large group.  I couldn't make it due to Peanut's volleyball tournament but after visiting with my Mom yesterday, I asked her for an emailed copy.

A quote I loved:

"Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

She used an analogy that was awesome.  She had given each person a small bag of cotton candy.  Cotton candy makes her happy. 

To some cotton candy = weight gain, rotten teeth & sugar high
To her cotton candy = happy [family] times
like at Suns games, the ball park, Disneyland, the State Fair, Chuck E Cheese [ya, she's awesome, I pay Peanut off so I don't have to go there.]

It's all a matter of perspective.

My perspective is not always rosy and shiny.  Ask the Pita.  Ask Peanut.  Ask the girl who never blogs Dawn.  But I am learning [and very quickly] that the trials I have been given in the last 6 weeks or so have all been much easier due to a better, happier, perspective.

. . . . Why not smile?  

What made you smile today?