Girl Talk

Today it was time to get the 'do did... aka get the hair done.

For guys, on a good day, it's only a 30-40 minute session to get their hair cut,.  For gals... just get comfortable, on any day!

Basically, get lunch, get a snack or a beverage because we're going to be here for awhile.

But one of the things I do enjoy about the salon experience is the girl talk.  It's the place where us girls can discuss the things going on in our lives, give advice, get tips and share laughs, all while getting our coifs done.

Today was no exception.  There were about five or six of us in the salon, we were talking and laughing it up so much, it felt more like a social event than a hair appointment.   The best part, we all left looking a little better than we did when we came in. LOL.

My joy moment today was sharing laughter and conversation with sister friends, many of whom I met for the very first time.

Sisterhood, gotta love it.

Stay tuned :-)

Hangin' Loose!

Instead of letting little things get to me or possibly ruin my day, I've made a conscious effort to try to shake things off and hang loose.

Can't find a particular item I need?  No problem, next time.

Traffic getting crazy... Take it easy.  Better safe than sorry.

Person becomes difficult... take a detour, don't even let them take you down that road. 

A project has endless problems... There's a reason for everything. Take a second look, find another way.

We all have our particular stressors in a 24-hour day.  Sometimes it's several little things, other times, it's one big thing that takes us down.

I'm learning that although I can't change the things that happen or the way people act, I can change the way I react to it all.  I choose the positive route. Getting irritated, annoyed, or to a boiling point, takes up too much energy and time... and it's unhealthy.   Life's too short.  Shake it off and keep it moving.  We have stuff to do and lots of life to live.

Don't let anyone (or anything) steal your joy... "And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 1:47

My joy moment today was keeping a positive attitude and getting surprised, as I noticed it was rubbing off on others. Hangin' loose feels good.

Hang loose, my friends!

Stay tuned :-) 

Good Deed, Good Feeling

Today I put two people that didn't know each other, in contact with one another.

I had a friend that was providing a particular service and wanted to spread the word, and I had another friend that I knew would benefit from the service.  I put the two in touch and... voila!  Both parties were very happy.

It didn't take me more than ten minutes to email them and set it up, yet it made a difference for the both of them.  It's funny how great it makes you feel when you do something nice for another person. The feeling can be better than any material gift.

My joy moment today was performing a good deed that helped two friends. I was happy to do it.

That's what friends are for.

Stay tuned :-)

Joyful Journey

Since the beginning of my joy blog, I've made some interesting discoveries.

For one, it's a fun journey.  I guess it better be, it is called a "joy journey".  LOL.

Yet, it's interesting how much it helps to foster a positive outlook. No matter how crazy, stressful or hectic my day gets...  I look forward to discovering or even creating one moment in a 24-hour day, that gives me joy, peace or contentment. No matter how small, no matter how simple.

It's always a nice surprise for me to learn what particular activity, interaction or occurrence, will help me to appreciate the gift of each day.  At other times, it's just the thrill of the hunt.

One of the best parts, has been receiving emails from readers telling me how much my blog entertains and inspires them.  I heard from another new reader today. It feels great... it's the icing on the cake.

My joy moment today was my appreciation of the beneficial effects my joy journey has on me and the people I have the honor of sharing it with.

It's a joy ride.  :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Dream Big!

I caught a recap of the Oprah show today.  She was interviewing celebrities who started out working in odd jobs, yet had big dreams for their future and eventually made them come true.


The theme of the show was "dream a bigger dream" for yourself and one day it could be your reality.

One of the guests on her show mentioned that she'd made a bucket list of all the things she wanted to do in the future.  She said whenever she checked an item off the list, it was extremely rewarding and gave her a great feeling of accomplishment.

As a matter of fact, she commented she was living out one of her dreams right at that moment, by being on the Oprah Show.

I was inspired.  I decided it was time to make my own bucket list.  I always have a list of things I dream of doing rolling around in my head.  It was time to put them to paper and make them happen.

Not just the basic goals but the big stuff. The once in a lifetime experiences that will enrich me and give me lasting memories. "Wake up and Live" just got a little more interesting... LOL.

My joy moment today was getting inspired and starting to work on my own bucket list.  I hope to share a few of them with you in the future, along with great tales about how I completed them.

For now... Sweet dreams to us all.

Stay tuned :-)

Rockin' Grandma

Sunday is the day of the week that I like to catch up on phone calls with the fam.

Today it was with one of my favorite people.  My grandmother.  She's 83 years old but don't tell her that.

She an avid bowler and has been for over 20 years. She loves to go to the gym for water aerobics classes, keeps busy with her yard sale hobby and is very active in her senior clubs.  She's a dynamo!  I only hope to be that outgoing when I'm her age.

I always enjoy my conversations with my grandmother. We're extremely close and can easily spend an hour on the phone with each other.  She's also one of the funniest people I know and always manages to make me laugh.  Although, I enjoy it most when I say something that gives her a hearty chuckle. She's an amazing lady who continues to inspire me.

My joy moment today was my phone conversation with my fabulous grandmother.  She's my hero, I feel blessed to have her in my life.

My granny rocks!  :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Slacker Saturday

I'm embarrassed to admit this but I've barely been out of bed today.

Except for meals, etc., I spent the majority of the day under the covers.

Yes, I'm being a total slacker, but cut me a little... slack. LOL (I couldn't resist).  It's not always this way but I've been pretty tired lately and sometimes we need to listen to our bodies... especially when it gets loud and uppity.

My body was saying (actually screaming!) "I'm exhausted, give me a break, lady!"...  I finally relented.

I took several cat naps, in between watching (or attempting to watch) a few movies.  Finally, toward the end of the evening, I started to feel better and got out of bed.  Right around the time, I should have been turning in.  Oh, well.  LOL.

My joy moment today was enjoying a day of slumber that helped me feel like my old self again.

Rest does a body good.  It's ZZZZ best!

Stay tuned :-)

Yay for Friday!

Good day today.

It was a very mellow Friday at the office.  In the afternoon, my co-workers and I went out together and enjoyed a great lunch.

A few moments ago, I learned we're getting out of work a little early today... what a nice surprise!

Later, I'm meeting a good friend of mine for dinner at one of my fav restaurants.  It's a great Friday, indeed. :-)

The very best part about Friday... the next day is Saturday!  LOL.

Today I had several, little joy moments.

Hope you had a happy Friday, too!

Stay tuned :-)

Happy Reunion

Today I met up with a friend that I haven't seen in over 7 years.  It was so wonderful to see her again.

So much has happened since then.  She's a newlywed now!  It was great catching up and hearing about her new hubby... and his very romantic proposal. The two of us hardly took a breath as we tried to get up to date on each other's lives.

I can't give you a good reason why we lost touch.  We used to work together years ago, then we gradually lost touch after the job ended. It was just one of those things where life took us in different directions.

I can tell you this...  you never saw two people more happy to reconnect. Lots of hugs. Lots of chatter.  Lots of laughter!  We made a vow to keep in touch and promised to have a dinner date very soon. No more of the 7 year itch for us... LOL.

My joy moment today was getting together with a dear, old friend after 7 years.  

Reunions rock!

Stay tuned :-)

Lunch-Time Rendezvous

Busy day at work today. It was one of those days when I needed to go out for lunch and get some fresh air, instead of staying inside, as usual.  What a difference it made.

I normally bring my lunch to work.  A boring (and pitifully small) Lean Cuisine. Today I needed something different.  Plus, we were out of coffee at the office.  Things could get ugly.

I figured going for a walk might help.  Did it ever!  I walked right over to McDonalds. LOL.

I ordered an iced coffee, chicken mcnuggets and a small fry combo. Guess what?  It did the trick.

I felt better almost immediately! LOL.  It was definitely way off my diet plan but I needed comfort food.  And, boy, did those fries give me comfort... LOL.

My joy moment today was my lunch-time rendezvous at Mickey D's. I was lovin' it!

Back on the diet track tomorrow.

Stay tuned.  :-)

Ready to Roll

I'm ready  to roll.

I spent a lengthy amount of time this evening searching for an airline ticket on various travel sites.  Then I was on the phone with three different airlines, comparing fare rates.  Ms. Girl was on a mission!  For a minute there it looked like I wouldn't find a ticket that wasn't the price of a used car.

Finally, I found a (somewhat) reasonable ticket for my out of town trip in May. That's what I get for waiting to the last minute.  Lesson learned.

My joy moment today occurred during the last few minutes of this day, after a phone conversation with a pleasant airline agent who helped me find a ticket for my multi-leg trip.

I'm finally ready to roll!   Actually, I'm now ready for bed.  LOL.

Sweet dreams.

Stay tuned :-)

Marvelous May!

I'm looking forward to the marvelous month of May.  The marvelous part comes from my excitement over upcoming visits with friends and family, throughout the month.

Early in the month, I will attend a dear friend's wedding. I'm looking forward to the happy occasion and finally meeting his soul mate. While I am there, I'm going to get together with several other close friends of mine that I've been missing.  I'm also organizing a few, mini reunions with wonderful, old friends I've reconnected with recently... and haven't seen in forever.

After that, I will hop a few states over to visit with my mother, grandmother and many other family members. I'm looking forward to spending quality time with each of them... and partaking in lots of delicious home cooking.

Then I will head back to Cali to meet up with another relative who will be visiting from out of state. It should be a fun time welcoming them to my town.

My summer vacation is starting a little early this year. It will be a busy month of May but I am looking forward to all of it.

My joy moment today occurred when I began making arrangements to visit with special family and friends.

Now if I can just find a good airline ticket!

Details, details...  LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

Lovin' Lazy Sundays

Wow, yesterday was my first day missing an entry since the beginning of my joy journey.  I wasn't very happy about that fact when I woke up and realized it this morning.

I was so exhausted from staying up late a few nights this week for dinner celebrations, in honor of my birthday.  It finally caught up with me.  I laid down for a quick nap and that was all she wrote!

Ms. Girl promises not to let that happen again. :-)   My joy journey is a privilege and a priority.  I enjoy it and hope everyone tuning in does, as well.

After making peace with that,  I had a very pleasant Sunday today. I lounged in my P.J.'s and relaxed all day... mixing in binges of good food and leftover cake.

I also enjoyed a fun conference call with my mother and grandmother.  Chatting with those two is always a good time.

I love Sundays. It's the day of the week when I can relax and get recharged for the week ahead.  After morning prayer and usually, morning church service, I unwind and appreciate the remainder of my lazy Sunday.  It's the day I can catch up on phone calls with relatives and friends, indulge in a few good movies, or lounge the afternoon away on the couch or in bed without guilt.

The last day I can be completely lazy before getting back to business.

My joy moment today was enjoying each and every moment of my laid back Sunday.

I should be good and ready for Manic Monday, LOL.

Have a great week!

Stay tuned :-)

Celebration

Party time!

Tonight I'm gathering with friends at a L.A. hot spot for my birthday celebration.  It's a cute place that I found (after scouting many locations) that has good food and great atmosphere.  Perfect for mixing, mingling and celebrating.

I'm leaving work a little early to get a little dolled up for my party.

I'm hoping to see good friends, old and new.   I'm hoping to see people in general... since I sent out invites very late.  Bad birthday girl!

Joy for me today is getting ready for my party and the anticipation of seeing my friends.

The celebration continues...

Stay tuned :-)

Sparkly Things

They say diamonds are a girls' best friend but these days, costume jewerlry is king.  


I stopped at a department store today looking for accessories and happened upon a great, costume jewelry sale.  By the way, a sale is also a girl's best friend and may even trump diamonds if the price is right.  But I digress. 

I was looking for a few cute pieces to compliment an outfit for an upcoming event. I wanted something that would stand out but wouldn’t bust my budget.  And there they were... a wonderful assortment of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more. All sparkly and shiny and glittery... I felt my heart start to flutter. They were all so beautiful... and inexpensive!  I'm sure my heart would patter for diamonds, (love those, too!) but it might be the price tag giving me a heart attack.

The store was offering such a great discount (more than half off), I was able to pick up an assortment of cute items for now and for later without breaking the bank.  Us girls like sparkly things... but I do believe we love sparkly things on sale, even more.

My joy moment today was finding beautiful earrings and bracelets that perfectly accent my outfit and my wallet. Gotta love it!

For all the guys reading this... diamonds still reign.  This was not a green light for cubic zirconia!  LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

A Very Happy Birthday!

Great day today!

It began early this morning with several phone calls, emails and texts and it continued steadily throughout the entire day.  I also received an amazing amount of Facebook birthday wishes with beautiful, heartfelt messages.

I enjoyed birthday cupcakes from co-workers, a birthday treat from the boss and dinner with friends... followed by more surprise phone calls.

My amazing friends and family made me feel very special and very loved, filling me with joy the entire day.

Many thanks to everyone for making it a great birthday... one of the best!

Love you all!

The Birthday girl :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Brimming with Glee

I was brimming with birthday glee all day today.  Forgive me for bringing up my special day again but it's the day before and I've been getting many early birthday wishes.

I've received several Facebook birthday messages, early birthday gifts from family members and birthday shout-outs from friends.  

Some say as you get older birthdays become less important or you don't give them much fanfare.  I'm over 30 and I still get very excited about my big day. I hope the little kid in me continues to get giddy about birthdays until I'm a ripe old age. And even then, I hope I'm still able to make a big deal about it.  

Birthdays are special.  They signify I've made it another year.  That in itself is a reason to celebrate... and I'm thankful. 

I'm also grateful for my dear friends and loved one's who help make it a special day. 

Brimming with birthday glee... my cup runneth over.

It was my joy moment for today. 

Stay tuned :-) 

A Happy Monday

Ah, Monday.  It's always a little hard to get started on this day.   Especially, it you're like me on the weekends. I sleep in way too long, then end up staying up way too late.

Yet, I managed to shake off my tiredness and make it a productive day. 

I accomplished many tasks at work, today.  Later, I went to the gym and took a cardio class and I got in some weight training, too. 

On the drive home, I enjoyed a nice phone conversation with a relative that helped make my long drive pass swiftly.  At dinner, I stuck to my diet and didn't cheat with any sweets, like I normally do... and secretly wanted to do. LOL.

It was a pretty good day, for a Monday.  Hopefully, it's all uphill from here.  

My joy moment today was enjoying a stress-free and productive Monday...  for a change. 

Change is good.  

Stay tuned. :-) 

Party People

Pretty good Sunday. I finally sent out email invites to my party... it's this Friday! Cutting it a tad close, I'd say.

I was pleasantly surprised when I received a few responses, shortly after.  It's funny how giddy I became after reading emails from people confirming they would attend.  All of a sudden I was a little girl again... all excited about her birthday party.

I'm looking forward to getting together with friends I haven't seen in a long time, as well as ones I see often. One of the best things about birthdays is celebrating with those you love and those that love you. 

My joy moment today was hearing from dear friends who will be celebrating my special day with me.

Countdown to party time!

Stay tuned :-) 

Pre-Birthday Treats

Today I did some girly stuff in preparation for my upcoming birthday this week.

I went in for a mani -pedi, got a brow job done and threw in a mini massage for good measure. I figured I would treat myself.

Turns out, I had a special treat waiting for me at home. 

I returned to my place to find a box from the post office left for me. It contained an early birthday present from my mom.

I called her on Skype, so that we could see each other as I opened my presents.  We had so much fun laughing and chatting as she watched me unwrap my gifts.  She warned that my gifts were, "simple" and "nothing special," she couldn't have been further from the truth. Every item in that box was selected with lots of love and care and it showed. 

Only a mother would send her daughter four birthday cards, LOL.   Each one inscribed.  Each one different, ranging from funny to heartfelt. The box was also filled with many of my favorite treats and a few other sentimental surprises she knew I would enjoy.  

My joy moment today was opening my lovely birthday gifts from my mom and our fun, video chat on Skype.  What a special treat!

Love you, mom!  

Stay tuned :-) 

My Friday, Simply Put

Hard week, this week.

Stressful work issues.  Continuous traffic jams.  Not enough sleep... And under the weather.

My joy moment began after the work day. After the commute home. After I was in my PJ's. After I got in bed.

It was the moment that I could finally sit back.  Finally relax my mind.  Finally rest my body.  Finally exhale deeply.

And pick up the TV remote! :-)

So tired.  So happy.  So thankful.  It's Friday.

Have a good one!

Stay tuned. :-)

Super Salesperson

Tonight I was on a quest to find an outfit for my birthday party.  I didn't feel like going shopping after a long day at work, but "last minute Sally" knows she needs to get moving, time is running out.

I stopped at a nearby department store to shop and came across the most helpful salesperson. Her name was Abby. I could tell she was popular because customers making purchases spoke with her as if they were long-time friends.  Later, when she came over to assist me in the dressing room, she was very attentive, all while checking on her other customers.   As I was making my purchase, she even offered to look for an item I needed to complete my outfit... AND would leave an assortment of choices for me to come back and try the following day.  Now that is customer service at it's best!

It was easy to see that Abby loved her job and loved people.  I told her that the company she works for is lucky to have her because she makes each customer feel like a star.

Cheers to Abby for her amazing attitude and her wonderful assistance.   She helped make my evening, shopping hunt pleasant and productive.  It was my joy moment for today.

Stay tuned :-)

Playing hooky!

It's Wednesday already.  Usually by mid-week, I've been to the gym at least three times already.  This week, zippo!

For several weeks now, I've been going to the gym on a steady basis.  That's a feat for me. Prior to that, my gym attendance was once every two years.  LOL.  I'm happy to say, I'm getting better about my health and what I eat.  Plus, having a wedding event to attend didn't hurt either.

I've been pretty strict with myself... watching my calories (like a hawk), drinking water (boring!) and exercising regularly (trying). But this week, I fell off the treadmill wagon. I played hooky yesterday for a birthday scouting mission and enjoyed a savory dinner.  Today, I nixed the gym again, went home and after dinner preceded to eat cake.  A nice slice of fattening carrot cake.  I've obviously gone rogue!

I plan to get back on track for the remainder of the week.  But for now, my joy moment was coming home a little early, straying from my normal routine and enjoying a rare treat.

Playing hooky can be good sometimes... and in my case, delicious.  LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

The Perfect Place

Fun evening tonight.  I went scouting again with a friend of mine in search of a great place to have my birthday party.  Last Friday, we checked out five different restaurant/lounges in Los Angeles.  We had fun taste testing and taking in different scenes but none of the locations had the whole package.

Tonight, after three more tries we found the perfect place.

A restaurant on Melrose avenue that is fun, hip, serves good food and has great tunes.   It was love at first sight.

Instead of the typical sit down dinner, I wanted a nice place with big comfy couches and chairs where my guests would be comfortable, could mingle easily, enjoy good food and have a great time. This popular place on Melrose avenue completely fit the bill.

My joy moment today was finding the perfect place to celebrate my birthday with my dear friends.


Now I can finally relax... just as soon as I find the perfect outfit. LOL.

The scouting continues.

Stay tuned :-) 

A Kind Word

I was complimented by two different people on two different occasions today.  As I was praising them, they each let me know how much they thought of me.

It doesn't seem like much, but it's always nice to hear someone speak kindly of you.  

Today it meant a little more, as I was having one of those days where I wasn't in the best of spirits. 

A kind word can go a long way.  It can turn a day around, make someone feel appreciated or put a smile on someone's face, like it did for me today.... Twice! 

My joy moment today was the exchange of kind and encouraging words with a family member and a new friend.  It uplifted each of them and it made my day, as well.

Thank you, kindly!

Stay tuned :-)

Happy Easter!

Easter Sunday.  I woke up this morning to find about six text messages from friends and family wishing me a Happy Easter.  Then I checked my email to find an Easter greeting with pictures of my mother and grandmother dressed up following Easter service at church.

Later on, I enjoyed conversations with family members on the phone.

I was a little under the weather today, so I stayed home. Although, I didn't attend a big easter dinner this year, I didn't feel like I was missing out  because of all the wonderful greetings from my loved ones.

Home is where the heart is and I'm blessed.  Knowing that and feeling the love from everyone, was my joy moment today.

Hope everyone had a great Easter!

Stay tuned :-)

27+ Dresses!

Today I mustered up the strength to go dress shopping for a wedding I'm attending in May. I've been dreading it.  Although, I'm looking forward to seeing my good friend get married, the dress shopping part... not so much.

The process of finding a nice dress, that fits and looks great, is stressing me out. I probably wouldn't feel that way if I was at my goal weight, but that's another (long) story.  So now, it's all about searching for a dress that is fabulous and nips and tucks, where needed.

Last year, around this same time, I had to find a dress for a relative's wedding.  I'm not kidding when I say I tried on almost 100 dresses.  I'm a girl... don't judge.  (And, no, I wasn't at my goal weight then, either, LOL.)

So given my history, I wasn't looking forward to this shopping excursion.  I hit up one store and tried on four dresses, no luck. Here we go again, I thought. Then I went to another store and made several trips to the fitting room with armloads of party and cocktail dresses. I was so tired by the 28th dress, that I almost didn't try on the last one.  It wasn't even one of my top picks, so I figured, what was the point? But I decided to give the last dress a try... and guess what?!  Success!  It's pretty cute, fits me well, and makes my voluptuous figure look shapely.  I'll take it!

Only 29 dresses this time... I'm getting better.  Next up... shoes!  Kill me. LOL.

My joy moment today was finding a cute dress that fits me well.  

Heaven help me when it's time to find a wedding dress. :0)

Stay tuned :-) 

Scouting Trip!

Happy Good Friday!  I was just let out of work early for the holiday.

Now, I am headed out with a good friend to scout places for my upcoming birthday party.  My joy moment begins now!  LOL.

I hope to find a place that is fun, hip and has good food.   We have four great places on the list.  

Hopefully, one of them works out.

Wish me luck!

Stay tuned. :-)

Mr. Denzel Washington!

I had the most amazing surprise encounter today.  I went for a walk on my lunch hour and a few blocks from my job, there was a film crew shooting a movie. Who was in the movie... Denzel Washington!  "THE" Denzel Washington!  I couldn't believe my eyes. I did a double take.  At first, I figured it had to be an impersonator, but sure enough, it was really him.  I could tell by the growing crowd... and I know my Denzel!

I normally don't get very star struck.  I live in L.A and I work in production. But hello, it's Denzel and I love him!  I couldn't control myself.  I suddenly heard this voice screaming Denzel's name.  It got louder and louder and then I realized... it was me! I couldn't stop myself!  It was like some crazy, out of body experience.  I started jumping up and down and waving my hands trying to get his attention. Thankfully, they weren't shooting anything at the moment because they probably would've hauled me away. 

And then it happens... Denzel turns around and stares into the crowd. I guess he was trying to see who was screaming his name, so "energetically." The crowd gets louder but I out-scream them all when I see him looking in my direction.  He then starts walking over toward us.  I was about lose it.  Is he really coming over?  I will just die!

He comes over to me and says, in that famous Denzel voice, "Was that you screaming my name?" I am now completely mute. I cannot speak.  I am frozen.  I just nod my head. "You must be a big fan," he says.  I nod again. "How would you like to come over and sit in my chair and watch this upcoming scene?" I feel my legs start to buckle.  I shake it off.  I will NOT miss this moment.  I will crawl to his chair if I have to!  Then Denzel Washington takes my hand and starts to lead me away from the crowd, until a woman with a headset comes over and stops him. "You can't do that, Mr. Washington."  "Who says?" he asks. "I say." She answers. "Who are you?" he asks. She says, "My name is April Fool."  

LOL!  I only wish!  All in good fun, my friends.  Today is one of my favorite days.

Joy for me today was making people laugh and pulling a fast one on April Fool's Day.  Hope you enjoyed this one!  :-)  

Stay tuned ;-)