A lot can happen

Procrastination

Be Happy

Reverting

“Your going to talk my ear off at this rate Tracie!” said Kelly sarcastically with a smirk on her face as we both finish the projects we were working on in the deli.

I had been working at the deli for a good month or so, but anyone who knows me knows that I’m a pretty shy and quite person until you get to know me.  All growing up people always told me I was such a kind and quite girl.

I have now been at the deli on-and-off for about 5-6 years now. And most everyone else I work with has been too. So naturally we are all pretty comfortable with each other by now. Conversations from the basic, getting to know you, too conversations about peoples promiscuous relationships and family matters that are better kept at home.

But an on going pattern that I have been noticing going on is gossip. When a person is off that day, or even if their back is literally turned there is whispers of disdain for one another or discussions of how unreasonable our boss is.

After having worked at the deli for a while, Kelly (a lady who I get along with very well, and who is a friend to my boss) once told me that one of the things my boss liked about me was that I don’t “talk” like everyone else.

But over these last few months thinking back I found myself venting my frustrations and opinions to my coworkers in a way I now realize was less than satisfactory.

So what changed? Was it my boss? Maybe. Was it me? Most likely.  How have I gone from that sweet quiet girl to one who gossips with the rest of the group without a second thought to what was coming out of my mouth? I don’t like. Not one bit.

It was today that I realized I need to revert back to who I was when I first started at work.
There were two girls talking quite openly about how upset they were at our boss for various reasons.  Their discussion went from mild irritations to malicious slander.

If I were a new employee working there what would I think hearing these girls talking about my boss like that?

I don’t want to go there. I don’t want to be like those girls. But I found I was slowly becoming so.

So I revert. “To return to a former condition, practice subject or belief.” I’m going to try and go back to that girl who was quite and who minded her own business. I will still joke with the girls at work, and talk about what projects I have been up to or recipes I have tried that weekend, but I will NOT be one to gossip or spread rumors. That’s not me! I have undoubtedly changed over the years, but for the better I believe. And I have many friends to thanks for that. They have burst my little bubble over the years and have helped me to become who I I’m today.

Now, if only I can get back my SWEET Bill Cosby sweater there! :)

"Have a happy life, despite everything!"

Today at work after helping a man get some lunch, he said to me,
“Have a happy life, despite everything!”

I have been replaying that phrase over and over in my head all day.
He didn’t say, “Have a good day”, or “take care”, he said, “Have a happy life.”
I like the idea that one should be happy not only that day, or tomorrow, but for LIFE!

And “Despite everything.” To learn to be happy DESPITE what trials I may have, despite what sadness is in the world, despite how I may be feeling to just BE HAPPY!

A simple phrase that’s merit deserves attention.
(At least in my life.)

It is that time of year once again. And this weekend is 182 annual General Conference!
This morning on General Conference the first speaker was President Uchtdorf. He spoke of judgment and forgiveness. To sum up some of his key topics;
Sometimes the hardest to forgive and the one in most need of forgiveness is our self. When we find ourselves judging, gossiping, hating, ignoring, and holding grudges we need to simply stop it. Two very simple words S.T.O.P new word I.T. Stop judging others and start loving your enemies, bless them that cures you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matt 5:44)
And a bumper stick that would be good to remember. “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”

When watching this I could not help but think of this old SNL skit.

And remember; judge not that ye be not judged. (Matt 7:1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0lr63y4Mw&feature=related

I was just thinking about what sort of things make me happy. You know, not just those, “hey, that’s nice!” But a real, “I wish this moment will last forever!” kind of thing. So here are my top 10 things that make me happy.

#10.) Chocolate. Admit it; some times a piece of chocolate is all you need to make you feel better. And in moderation (or so I hear) can even be good for you! So remember to take a moment and eat a piece.

#9.) Cooking/Baking. I’m always up for trying new things when it comes to baking and cooking. I find when I get board that is what I do, I cook and bake. It’s fun for me! If any of you ever have fun, new, or interesting recipes shoot them my way!

#8.) Cleaning. This one is right up there with cooking and baking. When I’m board it is just what I do! And just like walking, it gives me time to think. So if you ever see me cleaning know that this is just one of those things that make me happy.

#7.) Sleeping/Naps. Some days I like to think I could sleep all day if no one or anything kept me from my bed. But if I can’t sleep all day, I’m more than happy to take a little cat nap to keep me going!

#6.) Good Smells. This one might seem kind of weird, but think about it. There are just some smells in life that bring back great memories. Cinnamon & apples = Christmas. Freshly baked cookies = Cookie Sundays. Flowers = spring time. Rain in the summer time = A much needed cool down from the hot summer days.
Just as the old proverb says, “Stop and smell the roses.” Try and remember to do that every opportunity you have.

#5.) Walks. I think I have come to enjoy this one just over the past few years a bit more. It’s a great time to walk off any stress you may have, to think about the big questions in life, or just to visit with friends. AND it’s good for your physical health! All around, walks are great!

#4.) Ceramics. My favorite sect in the Art department. I could (and have) spent hours working on ceramic pieces. I can’t wait to one day have my own studio so I can do it whenever I want to!

#3.) Music. Not a day goes by that I have a song (or a number of songs) stuck in my mind. If I’m not singing it, I have it on while I drive to work, while I’m at work, while I clean, or even while I sleep. Music will ALWAYS be a part of my life, and it is one of those things that just make my days a little brighter.
Here are just a few songs about being happy that make me happy!
You Make Me Happy – Lindsey Ray
Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bob Marley
Happy – NeverSayNever
Merry Happy – Kate Nash
A Beautiful Day – India.Ari
Better Together – Jack Johnson
(Look these up on YouTube and enjoy!)

#2.) You do! If you’re reading my Blog post right now, it’s because you are one of the privileged few who even know I have a blog! It’s you guys who really make my life worth living. I always think that the two things in my life that make it worth living are my family and my friends. So thank you for making me happy!

#1.) The Gospel. Really, need I say more? It has been a part of my life my WHOLE life. I can’t image what my life would be like without it. What choices would I have made differently? Where would I be today without it? That is one question I rather not think about.

So there you have it! I hope you all take a moment and think about those things that make you most happy, and to remember where you’re blessings come from.

“I’m so tired of people needing
a reason for doing
everything in their lives.
Do it because you want to.
Because it’s fun.
Because it makes you happy.”
- Unknown