If Loving Them is Wrong...

On my way to work this morning, just before I was supposed to get off at my exit, I kept going... and took a last minute detour.  I got off at the next off-ramp and quickly hit up a nearby Whole Foods store.

It had been some time since I'd visited the popular, natural foods market. For some reason, I was craving a goody from their amazingly delicious baked goods section.  My item of choice... an orange cranberry muffin... and a croissant.  I know!  I went a little overboard! But it's been awhile, and the nearest Whole Foods is an entire exit away from my office. Something should be done about that, LOL.

After arriving at my office, I settled down at my desk to enjoy my special treat. Thank goodness there wasn't a video camera around to record me in all my glorious gluttony.  But if there was, it would've captured a very happy Ms. Girl!  Smiling from ear to ear, in baked goods heaven... accidentally, letting a few happy grunts (and crumbs!) escape every now and then. :-)

I always say, it's the little things!

It was a delightful way to start off my morning... and my decadent joy moment for today.

I vote that baked goods become a requirement for Friday mornings.

Who's with me?!!  LOL

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

I See You!

Had a nice video chat with my mom, grandmother and brother tonight.  There's nothing like seeing the faces of those you love... especially, when they live far away.  Always a treat!

We laughed, caught up, and enjoyed some friendly ribbing with each other... just as if we were in the same room.  It was so nice to see my two fav ladies and my little bro... up close and personal, although 3,000 miles apart.

Wished I was there with them, but our fun and lively video chat was the next best thing.

Great way to end the evening...  and it was my very joyful moment for today.

Thanks Skype!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Beep Beep!

In previous posts, I may have mentioned (whined) that I have a long commute to work.  I drive 40 miles to work, one-way. 80 miles, round trip.  400 miles a week. Crazzzy!

You better believe I pack a lunch for this trip. :-)

And if there is a hiccup or a traffic situation along the way (ha ha, this is L.A.!), it can be a two-hour tour... and not the kind you sign up for, LOL.

Not always fun, but I still feel very blessed to be employed during these crazy times.

I keep saying that I'm going to get books on tape or buy a mannequin and catch the car pool lane (Kidding! Not!) but I never get around to it. So I usually just blast some tunes and try to keep my sanity.

But sometimes I get lucky... traffic is smooth and I can make the drive in just under an hour... like this evening... whoo hoo!  Added bonus... it was a beautiful night, still warm out, and the sky had a soft glow as the sun began to set.  Yes, I'm getting a little poetic. But hello!  I did say I had a 40 mile drive. What else do I have to look at?! LOL!

But seriously speaking, it was a lovely night and it made for lovely drive home.

... And that beautiful, smooth drive was my joy moment for today :-)

Vroom Vroom!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Coolin'

Cool Tuesday!

Woke up in a good mood.  Actually found myself humming.  Sounds simple, but I'm not a morning person.  Groaning and moaning are usually the sounds I'm making, LOL.

Yes, I'm a big baby! I admit it. :-)

Pleasant drive to work, morning traffic was moving well. Should've been a news crew covering it, because I live in the land of Sig-Alerts. :-)

Made good headway on work projects.  Had productive meetings. Laughter and good times in my department... with delicious snacks thrown in the mix. Yum!

Good drive home.  Simple yet savory dinner.  Followed by a long, relaxed sigh.

Just one of those days where things ran smoothly.

Happy and grateful for days like these... it was my joy moment for today :-)

Hope everyone had a pleasant Tuesday!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Woman at Work

"Ain't nobody gonna break my stride
Nobody's gonna slow me down
Oh, no, I've got to keep on moving..."

These lyrics, from the 80's group "Men at Work" jumped in my head today... it was just one of those days.

Ever run into someone who's in a bad mood or has a poor attitude and wants to make everyone feel that way?  Misery loves company... that's for sure. Came across someone like that today, actually a few of us did, as this person tried to bring down a whole room. I decided to shake it off.

Not today, buddy. No time for that. Gotta keep it moving!

I had too much to do and too little time.  My day was busy, crazy and hectic... and started much earlier than my nocturnal body was used to, LOL. I craved a nap and probably looked like it after awhile, LOL. But I accomplished a lot and didn't let anyone's negativity ruin my stride.

My joy moment today was shaking off the nonsense and getting down to business...

"Ain't nobody gonna break my stride

Nobody's gonna slow me down

Oh, no, I've got to keep on moving..."

"WOMAN at Work" today!  Big time  :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl 

Serene Sunday

Peaceful Sunday.

Chatted on the phone with my Gran... she always makes me laugh. Had a nice conversation with a friend I've been playing telephone tag with. Laid out in the sun for a bit, loved that!... Soaking up some sunshine always puts me in a good mood.  Watched some flix on the tube..  and just relaxed.

No work for Ms. Girl today... and it felt good. As we all know, sometimes, it's hard to relax and not think about all the things that we need to get done.  But today I gave myself a day pass... and actually stuck to it.  It felt good, and interestingly enough, my Sunday seemed to go by a little slower than usual. Serene, indeed!

My joy moment today was taking in some guilt-free lounging for a change. It does a mind, body and spirit, good!

Here's to serene Sundays. :-)

Hope you had a great one!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Early bird!

Saturday.  Woke up today at 7:30 am, for no good reason. That sooo was not the plan.  My mission was to finally sleep in.  But an early start, led to several errands getting done.  So I guess it was a good  thing. 

Started off the day with a stop at my fav bagel place. Then made a few mundane pit-stops... bank, post office, cleaners.  Secured a last minute eye doc appointment (which took forever!), turns out Ms. Girl needs glasses! (Boo!)  Way to cramp a diva's style. Took another hour for me to find cool frames... Ms. Girl has a rep, you know, LOL.  Afterwards, a detour to a department store for a little present (and pick me up) got me back on track... Yes, I know, lame excuse!  But hey, I felt better, LOL!  Got in a few more errands, then rounded the day out with dinner with a friend.

Surprisingly, my joy moment today was getting a very early start...  and subsequently getting a lot accomplished.

It's not so bad being an early bird... once in awhile.  Let's not make a habit of it. :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Meet and Greet

Finally Friday!

Good day! Held a casting call today in search of great people for a show I'm working on. Had a wonderful line-up of interesting and diverse characters. It was a long day, but a good one! I found some amazing contenders.

One of the best parts for me, meeting and interviewing new people.  I love hearing about their different backgrounds and unique life stories. They have a ball and so do I.  Always a good time... and it was my joy moment for today.

So glad, it's Friday... I'm all talked out! That's a rarity for Ms. Girl, LOL!

Have a good one, friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Adrenalin Rules!

Thankful Thursday!

Update from yesterday...  hard work paid off.  Meetings today went well.  Execs were pleased.

Oh, the power of adrenalin... and caffeine!   Was headed to a big meeting with big execs.  Two minutes before I'm supposed to attend the meeting, a massive headache comes on. Couldn't believe it!  The. Worse.  Timing.  Especially, since I had to do a presentation. "Houston, we have a problem!"

But the show must go on.  I downed some diet coke, then adrenalin kicked in... big time!

I shook it off and did well!  Without anyone realizing there was a vice-grip squeezing the life out of my head, LOL.

Joy moment for today... getting through two, that's right, TWO, intense meetings... with ONE intense headache.

Ms. Girl gets it done!  Under pressure... literally!

Another big day tomorrow. Looking for a diamond in the rough. Details to come!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Happy Hump Day!

Wednesday.  Hump day.

Pretty good day.  Busy but productive.  Had a big project before me (with a crazy deadline!) but made it happen. Felt good!

Left work late, but happy.  Mission accomplished.

It was my joy moment for today.

Results tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed for me!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

One Day at a Time

On my drive home tonight, I was thinking of all the things that I had to do this week.

I was already well into next week when I stopped and thought, what about today?  It had gone by so fast, it was a blur.

Many of us spend a lot of time planning, scheduling, arranging and setting up things for future dates. We have to... and planning ahead is a good thing... except when you're so busy planning or packing your days full of stuff, that you can't wait to get them over with.

At least, that's where my head was for a moment today. I was already thinking about the last week of July and headed into August, when I stopped myself.  It was only Tuesday, July 20th, but I was speeding toward Labor Day.

How many times have you said, "I can't wait to get this day or week over with?"

Now, how many times have you said,  "Where did the time go!" "Where did the month go?"  "Can you believe it's Christmas time?! "

I know I'm guilty!

My joy moment today was checking myself and remembering to take it easy, to take it slow, and to take it one day at a time.

Can't get 'em back!  Gotta enjoy each one. :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

You Again?! LOL

Happy Monday!

Boy, that day rolls around quick, doesn't it? LOL.  Feels like I was just celebrating the arrival of Friday... enjoying a little Saturday night fever and... wham!... Monday morning is staring me in the face.

It's a very sneaky day.

Ever notice that traffic is worse on a Monday? People are more tired on a Monday. Some are moodier on a Monday. Coffee lines are longer.  Copy machines are slower.  Birds are chirping a little faster. Red lights are redder... LOL.  Okay, okay, so I'm beating up on Monday, a little. LOL.

Don't worry, it can take it. :-)

My joy moment today was coming home from a hectic day's work, finally relaxing, and relishing getting through another long Monday.

Come to Mama, Tuesday!  LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

Lounge Day

Sunday.  Lounge day.

Had a nice night out at my friend's birthday party, yesterday. Met lots of fun, new people and ran into a few I haven't seen in awhile. Good times!

Followed by a quiet Sunday.  Made a yummy breakfast, got some work done, then caught up on my couch time. We've missed each other, LOL.

Now, I'm winding down, and hopefully, will make it to bed before midnight.  Although, not likely.  Ms. Girl is a night owl...  and the night is still young, even though, I'm not. :-)

A good movie and some herbal tea action are in my future.  And if I can locate a piece of chocolate around here, I'll have the perfect nightcap. Hey, you have your routines, and I have mine!  LOL.

Hope you had a pleasant Sunday!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms.Girl

Saturday Night Fever!

Saturday night!  Got a bit of the fever.  Saturday Night Fever!

Getting ready to go out and celebrate a good friend's birthday.

Birthday card... Check!  Gift... Check!  Coiffed hair... it's bouncing and behaving, baby!... Check!  The outfit... TBD... Ms. Girl is running a tad behind, LOL.

Hugs, laughter and good times, are on the way! Hopefully, there will be some hot tunes involved and I can kick up my heels and break out some Travolta moves. LOL.  It's been a while since Ms. Girl's hung out on a Saturday night.  Since I got the fever, might as well take it all the way!  Maybe a white shirt and polyester pants are in order. Bring on the disco ball! LOL.

The anticipation of celebrating my gal pal's b-day is my joy moment for today... and hopefully, doing a couple of cool moves under some bright lights :-)

Wishing us all a groovy night! :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

"Thank God It's Friday!"

Friday!... Thank God It's Fridaaay!  Everybody's heard that old song.

I've always wondered who came up with that tune. It was the soundtrack for a movie of the same name.  The answer...  it was written by singer/songwriter/actor/producer/composer, Paul Jabara.  Casablanca records, 1978. Great song!  He must've been having some Friday! LOL.

He also wrote, "Last Dance" for Donna Summer, "The Main Event" for Barbara Streisand, and co-wrote, "It's Raining Men" for The Weather Girls.  In case you ever get asked that in a trivia game. :-)

Here's a little old-school throwback for ya.  Check out the groovy singers...

Thank God It's Friday! - Video

Hearing this song and watching the old video was joy moment for today...  and a wonderful segue into the weekend.

Hope you had Happy Friday!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

Busy Bee!

Thursday!  We're coming around the bend, my friends.  Friday is on the way!

Day started off very hectic. Two-hour, morning traffic jam. Non-stop phone calls, emails, interviews, work. So busy I forgot to eat lunch!  A throbbing headache was kind enough to remind me. LOL.

Late day meeting.  Goals attained.  Smiles and praises abound!  

My joy moment today was at the end of the day. Belly full. Headache gone. Quiet phone. Emails ceased. Good meeting. Productive day.

Hectic start.  Happy ending.  I'll take it! :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Only Takes a Minute to Get Motivated!

My video motivation week continues...

In the past, I've mentioned that I love inspiring quotes. So it was a treat to come across a couple of motivational videos filled with quotes from famous achievers.

A few minutes of motivation can go a long way!  It did... and it was my joy moment for today.  :-)

"Be Motivated" (1:20)

"Be Positive" (1:30)

Hope you enjoy them, as well!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl :-)
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

Amazing Nick!

Video motivation week continues. Sometimes you need inspiring things to keep you focused and well, inspired.  Sometimes you need a reminder. Other times, a reality check.

Meet Nick Vujicic. Born without legs or arms, and one of the most amazing 27-year-olds you will ever encounter. He is the very definition of inspiring.

Please take a quick moment to check out his great website and hear firsthand about his life and strong faith. Click on the link...

"Life without Limbs-About Nick Vujicic"

Here's Nick showing us (literally!) when you fall down, you have to get back up.  Incredibly moving! Check it out...

"Nick on YouTube" (2:41)

My joy moment today was listening and learning from an individual who had every right to feel like giving up... but instead inspires and motivates many with his incredible spirit and faith. Cheers to Nick!

May he be blessed and continue to be a blessing to others.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl :-)
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

Funny Monday!

I was sent a humorous video on Facebook. Louis C.K., a comedian that appeared on Conan Obrien's show, was talking about how spoiled people are these days with all the modern conveniences.  He made some funny and interesting points, in that zinging comedian way.

Check out the Youtube video clip of him from the show, titled, "Everything's Amazing but Nobody's Happy."

P.S., even Conan thought his last joke was a little, well.. icky, LOL!

In his own funny way, Louis C.K. was trying to get across a good message... Be thankful for life's conveniences.

Take a look!  Click on the video link...

"Louis C.K. Video"

Having a few laughs over this video was my joy moment today.

Hope it gives you a chuckle or two :-)

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

If at first you don't succeed...

Came across an interesting video on YouTube today. If you need a little motivation, check out this wonderful clip about people who've encountered roadblocks and failures, yet went on to do great things... even when others didn't believe they could.

Great message and a reminder... never give in, never give up. Sometimes obstacles can make us better.

Cick on the link and check it out!  Lasts about a minute.

"Motivational Video"

Very inspiring and a nice way to begin the week.  It was my joy moment for today :-)

Hope it inspires you, as well!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms Girl
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

Master Of Suspense

I may have mentioned on a few occasions that I love movies. Old movies... even better.  I love watching a good movie that I can become totally immersed in. One that has a great plot, dialogue, drama, intrigue and acting.  Love it!

Usually, at some point during the week or weekend, I like to lose myself in some good cinema. It's my guilty pleasure. Thank goodness for the millions of channels on cable... I can usually find a few.

Today, I got a nice surprise as I was flipping through the channels. I came across several Hitchcock movies being featured on Cinemax. Jackpot!  I am a big fan of Alfred Hitchock! Aptly nicknamed, "The Master Of Suspense" because of thrilling and groundbreaking films, like, Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, Vertigo, Rope, The Man Who Knew Too Much, North by Northwest, Marnie, Dial M for Murder... Frenzy, Rebecca, Shadow of a Doubt... the list goes on and on.

The British born actor made over 50 films in his successful, six decade career. Although, I haven't seen them all, I have many favs.

His movie, The Birds affected me so much, to this day I have an issue with my feathered friends. LOL.  I love James Stewart and Grace Kelly in the incredibly suspenseful and romantic hit, Rear Window. And who hasn't seen his thriller, Psycho! Everyone knows that famous shower scene at the Bates Motel. Oh, Norman!

So, it was a real treat to come across a few of his classics that I haven't viewed.  Oh, yes!  Ms. Girl actually got a little giddy over it!

My joy moment today was checking out two, Hitchcock flicks, back to back... Saboteur and Frenzy.

Next up, a documentary on the life of the legendary director. Yep, it's all about Hitch this weekend.  

It was... (in the words of the famous director), a... "Gooood Eveeening."   That's a throwback to his standard greeting on his successful TV Series, "Hitchcock Presents."  Little history for ya...  I told you I was a groupie...er, fan. LOL. 

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl 

Make It A Joyful One!

Three day work week. Productive Friday. Traffic-free ride home.

What a great way to start the weekend!

My joy moment today is happening right now! Relaxing, catching up on my fav shows and looking forward to sleeping in... big time! LOL.

Hoping everyone had a happy Friday.

Make it a joy-filled weekend, my friends!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

Don't worry, be happy

One of those crazy days where a lot of little things put hiccups in my day. Sometimes, it's the little things that can make your day or break it down. At one point today, it was definitely starting to border on the latter.

So, I repeated a simple mantra that helps me to remember, to keep it light and keep it moving... "Don't sweat the small stuff."  Along with a few others sayings like, "This too shall pass" and "If He brings you to it, He will see you through it."

Yes, I had encountered several little aggravations today, but no one was sick or hurt. No major travesty had occurred. All the friends and loved ones were healthy and safe... and so was I.  'Nuff said.

I needed to shake it off and keep it moving.  And that's just what I did.

My joy moment today was not letting the little things ruin my day but instead, remembering all the big things that enrich me on a daily basis.

Yes, Ms. Girl may get a little corny at times, LOL. But hey, I am on a happy hunt. :-)

Each day counts. No time to waste one on silliness.  Life is short. :-)

The hunt continues...

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

New Place, New Face

First day at the new gig. Felt like the first day of school, LOL. Except, I don't remember all the teachers giving us a warm greeting :-)

My new co-workers and execs made me feel very welcome.

It was a full day of meetings, meet and greets and information overload. More to come, for sure!

My joy moment today was starting a creative, new gig working in show development.

Hopefully, it will be as fun as it sounds. The hectic and crazy parts are a given, LOL.

But it's all good and comes with the territory.

Looking forward it!  ... And to sharing more with ya.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

Palms Up!

One of the things I love about living in California are all the beautiful palm trees.  They're everywhere you turn, in different sizes, shapes and assortments.  I can't help but snap a picture of them, every now and then.

Okay, I'm a little obsessed...

My joy moment today was snapping up a few more palm tree pics to add to my collection.  

It's the little things, people! LOL. 

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

Cheers to my Gran!

I had a sweet conversation with my grandmother today. She just turned 84-years-old!

She was telling me how much she enjoyed the presents and multiple cards I sent her. I even sent her a card from her cute, little Pomeranian, and lovable companion dog, "Munchie."  She really got a kick out of that one.

Although, I couldn't be with her, the next best thing was hearing her excitement as she gave me a detailed recap of her birthday weekend. She was truly elated over all the phone calls, presents, visits and activities celebrating her special day.

She told me it was one of her best birthdays and that she felt blessed and happy.

Hearing her say that, and knowing my fav little lady had a great day filled me up... and was definitely my joy moment for today.

Happy Birthday, Gran!  And many more!!  Love ya!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/

Kaboom!

Did something a little different this year on the 4th. I checked out Kaboom!... An annual fireworks celebration at Fairplex park.  It's actually two shows in one.

The first part was a monster truck and motor-cross show. I'd never been to this type of show, so I didn't know what to expect.

I have to say, it was a lot of fun watching professional daredevils perform cool stunts using bikes and hyped up, over-sized trucks. I found myself jumping up and cheering with the crowd when the riders did mind-blowing turns on their bikes... high up in the air, no less!  And those guys driving the monster trucks can do some pretty cool things in those big-wheeled babies. Check out the video, below!

The second half, was an amazing fireworks display set to crowd pleasing music. Both kids and adults, were oohing and ahhing at the beautifully choreographed light show.

It turned out to be a pretty cool way to spend the 4th of July.  Lots of food, fun and fireworks! :-)

Here are some pics from the day...

The guys on the bikes did some crazy moves, but not one of them had a spill :-)

Monster Truck Mania!  Check out my video...

My joy moment today was doing something very different for the 4th of July... and enjoying it!

Cheers to the USA and to our troops!

Hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl
http://huntforhappy.blogspot.com/