The Happiness Project

I read the Happiness Project, a self help journal/ memoir skeptically. The author, Gretchen Rubin, is already a published writer and is married with two daughters. I wondered why she would seek anymore happiness. It was obvious when Elizabeth Gilbert traveled to Bali to eat, pray, love because she was getting a divorce. Dare I say that this Rubin, seemed a bit indulgent and spoiled? But then again,  don't I sometimes I wish that I were happier?
A lot of my idea of happiness now, seems hinged on the day that I become a published writer. When I was in my 20's, I believed that true bliss happened when my prince charming asked, "will you marry me?"  but soon found out, surprisingly, that you can still want to be happier and there's more laundry to do. (I feel like I have to state the obvious here: I love my husband and my kids) So is Rubin saying  that even if you "have it all", that you could still be unhappy/want to be happier?  I decided to examine what makes me unhappy and happy. And maybe by making this list, I can guarantee a happy me, like all the time.

See, I know what makes unhappy, like when:

Craig and I fight
The kids are sick
the dog won't stop barking and there's no one to take her for a walk
Max misses nap time
Max has a so-so day at school 
I'm afraid to look at the checking account
my house is a mess
i have a fight with my parents
i am anxious- (this can be triggered by a massively long list)


I am happy when: - (in no particular order)
Craig and I are getting along.
I have a hearty -from the gut -belly laugh with an old friend
my bills are paid on time
I have a plan.
I get a lot of sleep
there's a good movie on pay per view and I have time to watch it
my kids are healthy and happy
Max has a nap and goes to bed at exactly 7:30pm
Max eats lunch and dinner 
i write
I hear these songs: Ava Maria, C.R.E.A.M, Born To Run.


Breakdown of happy/unhappy chart.
(excludes Fevers-Headaches-Craig studying for finals)
6:30 am UNHAPPY - Charlotte wakes up, I went to bed too late. I am tired
6:43am HAPPY - i'm awake and its not that painful
7:00 am HAPPY - I pour out 1 cup of Go Lean Cereal w almond milk, flaxeeds and golden raisins
7:03 am UNHAPPY - 3 golden raisins left in box.
7:05am HAPPY - Coffee is ready
 unhappy-happy suspended as I get Max ready for school.
8:15am HAPPY - Max is off to school. Charlotte is in a nap. Reading Page Six. Life is good

I'll stop here, but you get my drift. My happy meter is fickle.   However, I can guarantee that my happy meter goes off the chart, on Monday night at 9pm. This is when I sit back on my couch, turn on the TV and I hear Kyle Richard's husky voice, "I may not be the richest girl in Beverly Hills, but I am the luckiest."