Since I’ve decided to focus on “Happiness Is” and being “happy” this year it struck me that the word “happy” has probably been said more in the last 24-48 hours around the world than at any other time of the year.

I can’t count the times I’ve said it to co-workers, friends and family in the past week and I bet you can’t either. Plus for everyone who was in a crowd on New Year’s Eve or at a party…well you get what I’m saying.

The word HAPPY has been spoken around the world too numerous times to mention as we transition from 2011 to 2012. I personally think it’s an absolutely awesome way to start a new year with the word HAPPY resounding around the world!

Today, Happiness Is for me, saying “Happy New Year” and knowing that I’m speaking more than the word “happy” into the world by saying that!

What is your Happiness Is…moment for today?

Sabrina Weston

But then I thought about the word “happy” and got to thinking about how many times it has been said in the past 24-48 hours.

Think

Balboa Island CA Ring of Lights 2011 Annual Winner

It’s Christmas Eve 2011 and I drove from Las Vegas, NV down to Orange County, CA this afternoon. After having a turkey dinner with my Mom at Polly’s Pies I headed down to Balboa Island. I used to live in Orange County and walking Balboa Island was one of my favorite forms of exercise and ways to clear my head.

It has a sidewalk around the perimeter and it’s safe to walk practically any time of the day or night. Pluses include fresh ocean air, beautiful scenery (homes, boats, flowers, birds, etc).

When I lived in CA my Christmas Eve tradition was to walk Balboa Island and enjoy the

Snowman on Balboa Island in front of the Ring of Lights 2011 Annual Winner

beautifully decorated homes and give thanks for all I have.

So today, my HAPPINESS IS walking Balboa Island on Christmas Eve a long standing tradition (and I do it when I get the chance).

What is your HAPPINESS IS… moment for today?

Sabrina Weston

P.S. The snowman to the right is made of real snow!

The women at the window I was called to – to take care of my business didn’t appear to be having a satisfactory work experience. So I went out of my way to be friendly, warm, smile and engage her in conversation.  By the end of our  transaction she was chatting and SMILING!

I hope that I was able to share a little moment of happiness with her!

What was your “happiness IS…” moment today?

Sabrina Weston

P.S. As I was walking out the door of the DMV I was able to hold the door open for a man pushing his wife in a wheelchair and to wish them a Happy Holiday! Sometimes it’s just the little things that I can do for someone that bring me happiness

As I was about to leave the house for work, I watched as a little bird hopped around the entire edge pecking at the ice in hopes of getting a drink or taking an early morning bath with no success. Soon another bird landed and was watching the progress or rather lack of getting to the water.

Before I got in my car to head to work I took a few extra minutes walked over to the birdbath and broke the ice (have to say it was pretty thick and deep) so the birds didn’t have to wait for the ice to thaw. My good deed for the day

What was your “happiness IS” moment today?

Sabrina Weston

Today I received an email from a guy who wanted to buy it for a Christmas gift for his grandmother.  He got the gift he wanted (for someone who can use it) and I have one less unused item in my home and some extra cash.

What was your “happiness IS …” moment today?

Sabrina Weston

I’m sure you have heard of keeping a gratitude journal or just plain journaling about your life, travels, experiences etc.  Well I’m going to jump into the online world of “journaling” by creating my “‘happiness IS…” project.

I want to really be present throughout each day and notice at least one thing that for me I can post here and say “happiness IS…”

Feel free to share what “happiness” you experienced today!

Sabrina Weston

Here is a great video that is a combination of Thriller meets YMCA combined with Glee.  It’s a great feel good video.

On The Rocks is the University of Oregon’s premiere  all male a cappella ensemble.

The first time I watched this video I laughed so hard and clapped at the end.  I hope it puts a smile on your face too.

Great singing and even better dance moves!

Make it a great day!

Sabrina

The first one is “Where The Hell Is Matt?”

You can read more about Matt and his travels/dancing around the world at Where The Hell is Matt?

The music, dancing, smiles and people just create a feeling of happiness.

Love it,

Sabrina Weston

It is a well written book that flows seamlessly through her life and rock  and roll career. I was surprised to learn about her personal life, her priority being a mother first and a singer second.  As she says in her book you won’t find a scandal about her and she hasn’t had to do the rehab thing either. Not too many entertainers (from the 80′s or today) can say that!

Reading about her relationship and collaboration with her husband Neil “Spyder” Giraldo was refreshing and enlightening to learn how much he has contributed to her (their) success and how they really have put their marriage and family first.

I hear entertainers say all the time that “it’s a business” and Pat Benatar explains what that meant in her world, with contracts, record companies and agents. Oh yea and scummy Radio Station Managers. She definitely fought a few battles regarding being treated with respect and overcoming the mysogony and sexist that was put on her by those in the record industry.

It was fun to read about what the behind the scenes story was of each album, tour and music video.  Most of us can name the first video played on MTV when it went on the air on August 1, 1981:  ”Video Killed The Radio Star” by The Buggles MTV Video. Did you know that “You Better Run” by Pat Benatar - MTV Video was the second video played on MTV?

She talks about how MTV changed the music world and the notoriety of singers and bands because their videos were being played constantly.  Does MTV even play music videos anymore?

I have seen her perform live twice and one of those times was on a New Year’s Eve in Southern California at a small venue and I remember that her daughters came out on stage to say hello to the crowd and goodnight to their parents.

My other favorite memory of Pat Benatar and her music is that when I was in college, every morning as I would head out the door of my apartment and head up to campus I would put on my Walkman earphones (definitely pre iPod and MP3 player days) and crank up the volume and play the song “Shadows Of the Night” . I lived fairly close to campus and my goal was to walk fast and up the hill to arrive before the song ended. Still love that song today, in fact I just played it again while writing this post.

Definitely good times and memories.

Thank you Pat Benatar for the great music and memories of the 80′s!

Blessings to all of us,

Sabrina Weston

P.S. Have a favorite song or memory of Pat Benatar? Please leave a comment I’d love to read about it.

Happy to report that I’ve gone 7 days now without chocolate!  Woohoo! A major success for me and with every day that goes by my resolve to continue without it gets stronger (although my niece did make homemade ice cream with Oreo’s in it tonight – I left as they were serving it and I wasn’t even tempted).

Thumbs Up for/from ME!

My eating is better too, although I find that I really have to remind myself to eat (especially lunch) because I’m so used to not eating.

My pants are perhaps a skoosh looser than a week ago.

I am feeling better physically, mentally and emotionally too.

I finally shaved my legs (have been lazy and let the blonde hair grow) and have started putting lotion on my body.  Yes I seriously need to reconnect with my body and love it!

I’ve tackled the pile of dirty dishes that have been sitting in my sink and on my cupboard for weeks, (yea they were pretty awful) was going to take a before and after picture to show you but it was just way too disgusting (trust me). I scrubbed down my kitchen sink and counter and feel lighter already with it being clean.

Blessings to all of us,

Sabrina