HP: Running is Fun

Aside from the most recent post on The Happiness Project about this month's theme, I've been thinking about my blog and what I should be spending my time writing about.  I noticed that one of the things that brings me the most peace of mind is running.  I love running and feel SO much better when I get a morning run in, physically and mentally.  It's going to be 18 degrees tomorrow morning, with 25 mile per hour winds.  I already decided NOT to run in this weather, but I'm actually SAD about it.  So, if I love running so much, why don't I write about it more?  It's a topic I could seriously talk about every day.  I've read books and magazines about running, races, equipment, injuries, and more. 

The thing is, I'm a little superstitious about running.  I have a fear of injuries that will force me to "REST" for weeks or months.  Every time I run in less than day light, I think about electric cars that I won't hear behind me until I'm layed out across the hood (Yes, I am more afraid of a Prius than a murderer).  What if I blog about how awesome running is, then suddenly find myself unable to do it?  Then I'll just have to bitch blog about how much I miss running, boo hoo, and no one wants to read THAT. 

Assignment for the week is : What did you do for fun when you were 10 years old? 

I'll have to think about this one.  Hard to remember 20 ish years ago.  I definitely remember spending a lot of time trying to ditch my sister, playing hide-and-go-seek in the dark, shopping with my Aunt Pat, collecting New Kids on the Block cards, and playing with my sister (after failing to ditch her).

Month 1 Progress - Money

Unsubscribed and un-followed all daily deal sites and coupons.  I plan to avoid all the deal sites for the next month at least.  This will keep me from being tempted by a "great deal". 

Month 1 Money - HP Progress

Pathetic.  What did I shamefully spend money on this week?

a dust ruffle for Jack's bed. $20
candy bars at the checkout (for me, not the kids so I don't feel too guilty). $1.00
Christmas wrapping paper.  75% off, but now what I am going to do with it!? $5.00

What did I spend money on that was worth while?
A new crock pot. My crock pot of 7 years died while making chili this weekend.  I replaced it the next day, but for $19.99 I think it was money well spent.  I did comparison shop online before buying from Target. 
Buzz Lightyear sheets for Jack.  I like to have 2 sets of sheets per bed, so I don't have to wait for laundry to change them.  Jack's room has a "space" theme, so I think this was reasonable for $20.  And, he is now sleeping in his big-boy bed, so I think it is a win. 

What did I NOT spend money on?
Coffee - I really wanted Starbucks a few afternoons this week but stopped myself, instead I ate 5 mini candy bars from the jar on my desk
Saved on lunch - 30% off at Pluckers Wednesday, free chips at Firehouse Thursday.  Yes - I could have saved even more by not going out. 

To do next week: expense review.  BLAH.  Wish list.  Yeah!  Write down all expenses.  Blah.

Focus for January

I plan to follow the Happiness Project for 2011.  Gretchen chooses a focus of the month and has an activity or thought for the week each Monday.  BUT, my personal January focus is money, or more specifically spending.  I'm not in debt or living beyond my means by any account, but I am unhappy with my spending habits.  I definitely enjoy spending money, but later feel guilty about it. I also don't think that I appreciate the wonderful things that I do have.  My other concern is the effect this has on my children.  They are not awful brats - yet.  I can tell them no at the store and they know they don't always get treats, but I frequently buy things just for the hell of it, like toys/coloring books/more of what they already have. 

My first step is defining what I do NOT want to spend money on.  This is the start of my list -
more toys!
more craft supplies (I have to use what I have, same for the kids)
shoes for me (how many flats can one girl own? don't answer that)
handbags (rotate what I have more often)
pointless things for the kids
eat the fresh produce I buy!

I need to remove myself from emails or blogs with "HOT DEALS" and take away the temptations. 
Make a list of "wish list" items to look forward to, if I truly still want them a month later, look for the best deal.
Consider if each purchase is a want or a need

What is a Happiness Project?

Your "happiness project" is your own project to take specific steps to boost your happiness. Start now!


To help you identify changes in your life that might make you happier, answer the following questions:


What makes you feel good? What activities do you find fun, satisfying, or energizing?


What makes you feel bad? What are sources of anger, irritation, boredom, frustration, or anxiety in your life?


Is there any way in which you don't feel right about your life? Do you wish you could change jobs, cities, family situation, or other circumstances? Are you living up to your expectations for yourself? Does your life reflect your values?


Do you have sources of an atmosphere of growth? In what areas of your life do you find progress, learning, challenge, improvement, and increased mastery?


Answering these questions provides a good roadmap to the areas that you could tackle and the Tools will help you stay engaged with your happiness project.

- from Gretchen Rubin's Project Toolbox (link below)

The Happiness Project Toolbox
The Happiness Project Blog


In her book, Gretchen Rubin chooses a focus each month to work on, adding goals to those from previous months.  I am working on my list of ideas to focus on.  Here are some things I'm considering (in no particular order):
Money
Parenting
Fitness/health
Wife-ing (Marriage)
Organization
Spirit
Fun
Simplicity
Challenges
Work
Extended Family & Friendship
Appearance
Volunteering
Values
Cooking

I'm not sure what any of these would entail, but they are areas I would like to improve on or at least consider re-evaluating my current way of dealing with them.