And now back to your regularly scheduled programming...

Indeed.

Whoa. Monday. Monday January 5th, two thousands and FIFTEEN!! We're back!! Happy New Year my friends! I hope that you all had joyful, restful and wonderful holidays and that you aren't crashing too hard against today's return to the grind. I don't even know where to start today, as I'm an overwhelming mix of refreshed, energized, wanderlusty and nervously excited to tackle the massive workload that lies ahead. Also, I'm jetlagged, definitely, seriously jetlagged.

But first thing's first, my vacation was crazy amazeballs. Winter adventures in northern Finland combined with urban adventures in Copenhagen made for a trip so perfect I cannot WAIT to share pictures and stories... to hold you over until I can upload, edit and organize, here are some snaps from my (amazing, beloved) iPhone:

Taken about 48 hours ago from atop the Round Tour in Copenhagen. Now I'm blogging in bed in NYC. Whoa.

I feel so blessed to have been able to take this trip and I'm not a person who uses the word "blessed" very often. I think there's a post on that topic in your future. There's also a post on confidence (as much on the inside as outside), exercise (never enough), starting a family (where's the baby crazy?), resolutions (still makin (and breakin) em!) and lighter topics such as sharing a bathroom with your spouse, being super over winter and old ass mattresses. 2015 is gonna be big people. Here's to tackling the light, heavy and everything in between together!

Cheers to a joyful weekend!

Perhaps.

Over the past few weeks, I have been making a conscious effort to pause and take in the goodness of joyful moments in my life. Maybe it's the perspective that growing older creates, but I've suddenly become extremely aware of how important it is to savor moments of happiness and pleasure so they can serve as fuel for enduring hardships and struggles... Because it's easy to become overwhelmed by stress and sadness or to take moments of joy and success for granted, or worse, to pass through them as if only bracing for the next challenge...

So this weekend, if life feels good, take a moment to pause and soak in the warm fuzzy feeling... Let it ooze out of your face in the form of smiles and laughter. Whether it hits you over lunch with friends, during snuggles on the couch, after a delicious bite or just feeling the warmth of sunny weather on your skin, don't get lost waiting or worrying about the next thing, just pause and let yourself be merry :)

Grown up stuff.

Ho Hum.

So now that I've spent the better part of my allotted blog-writing time perusing Golden Globes fashion photos (and deciding that I will save my own celebrity fashion post for the Oscars) I'm going to get straight to today's point... Being a grown up is hard.

You see lately, it feels like life has been throwing a fair amount of "grown up stuff" in my direction. Grown up stuff like health scares and marital struggles, professional uncertainties and the loss of older generations... the sorts of things that (if you're lucky) you remain blissfully distant from until suddenly, they seem to be everywhere, happening to you and your friends and family. And so of course you call your Mom and you ask "what's going on Mom? Why do these difficult and challenging things keep happening to me and people I love?" and Mom, in her infinite wisdom says "It sucks doesn't it? Being a grown up sucks sometimes." And there are two parts of Mom's wisdom that ring perfect and true. (1) Yes, apparently being a grown up really can suck. When age, obligations, accidents and emotions no longer exist outside your "kid bubble", adult life is challenging, draining, scary and often unfair... BUT (2) only sometimes. Because when being an adult isn't weighing you down, it's empowering you to explore and cherish what you love, however you damn well please! You want to stay up until 2am with your girlfriends and then eat frosting for breakfast? Do it. (done!) Or how about celebrating your "baby" cousin turning 21? Surreal and totally awesome. So while I've recently seen first hand how being a grown up can be very heavy at times, it can also be incredibly empowering. If you manage to fight through and carry the load when adulthood sucks, you get to spend the rest of your time pursuing whatever it is that makes you happy.

And that my friends, is some grown up stuff.

Annus Mirabilis

Tis the time of year for New Year's resolutions and perhaps you may have noticed that unlike last January, this year I've been a bit silent on the issue... You see, the reason I haven't mentioned any resolutions yet is because I was not the most successful resolver in 2013... I am still trying to raise the last $2,000 for my build-a-school in Africa project, I only maintained a weight under my "problem number" for a few weeks, my career growth fell short of personal expectations and that Rosetta Stone Spanish box remains sealed. Yikes! And while I should be focused on my primary 2013 resolution to "Be Happy(er)", (a unique challenge which I think I accomplished with great success!), I can't seem to let the fact that I didn't achieve my tangible goals go. How do you look forward when you didn't accomplish what you'd intended in the past?

In thinking about the year ahead and wanting to embrace my successful "Happy(er)" state of mind, I can't decide whether I'll feel best by adopting the same resolutions in 2014 (if at first you don't succeed...) or by moving on to new goals (upwards and onwards!!) The idea of abandoning a goal simply because I didn't achieve it feels super lame, but facing a new year with the same expectations as the year prior seems even lamer. I mean, I am not stuck!!! 

In the end, I think the reality is that my 2013 resolutions, like many goals, are targets I need to keep in front of me, even when they seem difficult, unrealistic or even impossible. In 2014 I resolve simply to keep moving forward towards the things I hope to accomplish... because if we don't want for things, we'll never put ourselves on the path to having them (amIright!?). I remain hopeful that this will be my annus mirabilis, that this time next year I'll finally be a spanish-speaking, fit and trim, school building, professional rock star... at the very least I must resolve to try.

Hump Day Distractions

They say it's chocolate swirl ice cream...
but I think we all know what this emoji is about

How are we holding up today my friends? It seemed like yesterday was a rough one across the board, with at least a dozen different people I encountered (and I don't think that's an exaggeration!) bemoaning that it was just a "tough day". Preach. I've been recovering from some sort of "when-did-I-get-so-old!?" lower back injury since Sunday night, popping Aleve like candy and using a heating pad at my desk #oldballs. Here to help you survive today, and get one step closer to the glorious shortened holiday week that's just around the corner, are some fun goodies from around the web. Enjoy!!

* Have family coming to visit you in NYC this holiday season (I do!)? Just want to get out and get into the spirit?! Click HERE for some excellent ideas and events going on around the city!

* 10 things to stop doing so you can get happy.

* This mom seems pretty bad ass.

* These are an excellent blend of hysterical, creative and occasionally quite creepy...

* Aca-scuse me!? You need more a cappella Beyonce in your life?

* Have you met these two best buddies yet? Prepare to say awwww (x, 1,000,000)

* Well THAT is an inventive and delicious looking combination of foods I love!

* Mom always said she was the most evil Disney villain... now she's got her own movie to prove it!

* This girl cracks me up (last one is my favorite)!

Hump Day Distractions

Vintage Kardashian. Distractingly funny.

Welcome to Wednesday my merry friends!! Here we are in the middle of a warm and sunny fall-ish few days here in NYC, so let's savor the day... and then get over it and cruise straight towards the weekend!

* So yeah, I'll take every single one of these please.

* You know I try not to get political up in hur, but this time I'm blaming the press (just as much as the politicians).

* Dr. H just scored a GoPro from his awesome wife (ehgm); anyone have an eagle he can borrow?

* Doritos crusted chicken fingers... I sh*t you not.

* There's something kinda romantic about train travel, no?

* This is freaking amazing and completely (COMPLETELY) disgusting.

* What's going on in NYC this October? Click HERE to find out.

* This Ikea hack is pretty sassy.

* Want to be happier? Do some of THESE things.

* Apples... those are totally apples.

Hump Day Distractions

I feel you bro.

Hellllo hump day! I can't remember the last time I was this happy to be heading over the hump. I'm still paying for the irresponsible (aka, amazing) decisions I made over the weekend meaning I'm completely exhausted, in girl friend withdrawal and complete dance party detox. It's brutal I tell you (#champagneproblems). Let's hump the day together...

* "A study... found that dispositionally happy people—those who have a general leaning toward the positive—are less skeptical than others. They tend to be uncritically open toward strangers and thus can be particularly gullible to lies and deceit." <-- That sounds about right! (Click HERE for a fascinating and very worthwhile read about what happy people do differently)

* Sleeping Beauty adorable-ness.

* Uncle Phil? It was you all along!? (mind blown)

* Strong possibility that THIS will be making its way into my home...

* This little dude is just cooler than cool.

* Tonight's dinner menu. I'll let you know if it lives up to my mighty high expectations!

* The perfect buffet spread.

* A kind of genius idea for parents looking to maintain their sanity.

* Look at all the stars who were almost on The Office.

* We've all been there buddy.

Hump Day Celebr-istractions

That's about right...

Hey-o my merry friends! Guess who is humping her way through a birthday today!? That's right... another year older, wiser and very merry if all goes according to plan:) I'm also really hoping that THIS happens today because how kick ass would it be to share my bday with the future King or Queen of England? (I'm hoping Queen!) Anywayysss since I'm going to be distracted all day, I thought you should be too, so here's a heaping pile of birthday-licious goodies from around the internet. Enjoy!!

* This is oh so perfectly timed...

* How to make your birthday snap, crackle and POP!

* Just when I though I couldn't love Mr. Met any more, he invited me to meet his wife.

* Nothin wrong with getting a little cheesy on your birthday!

* Get high, get happy... just drink some beer (I knew it!!) (via CupofJo)

* "I am sitting right next to my air conditioner and it's on turbo. WTF do I need to put this b*tch on? Power Ranger?!"   - One sassy woman's rant about the heat wave. (warning, contains some "adult" language)

* Looking for a splurge? Maybe your iPhone wants to walk like an Egyptian!?

* Some more tips for getting yourself organized.

* Why on earth did Avon stop making these!!?

* Reeee-mix!

* I could click through this list and crack myself up all damn day (and because it's my birthday, I just might!)

Resolve. Be happy(er).

I'm counting on it!

Do you make New Years resolutions? I do and as I've grown older, I've come to really welcome them. I love the idea of re-focusing on self-improvement and becoming a happier version of who I was the year before. For me, 2012 was... well it just was. There were moments of incredible joy, but there were also challenges. Upon reflection, there were too many moments when I allowed myself to lose my merry mojo.

What's awesome about this admission, is all the potential it carries. While we cannot control what life throws at us, I think we can be determined to handle it a certain way. My resolutions are not just a tangible list, but also a desire to improve my 'tude. I want to dwell less on things I can't control and be more satisfied with what I have instead of always worrying about what I'll need next. I want to "get over it" (whatever "it" may be) with more grace and less anger/tears/sulking. In 2013, I'm going to do a better job of keeping myself happy... because being happy is a pretty awesome way to be.

And just in case that was way too existential and preachy for your taste... here are my other 2013 goals (put in writing and shared with all of you for extra accountability!)

1) Finish last year's goal. Also, learn Spanish.

Last year my goals were to start a blog and fundraise enough money to build a school in Africa. Check and no check (if we're keeping score:) This year I'd like to finish last year's project (learn more about my school in Mwangaza HERE) and begin learning Spanish. I look forward to being a bilingual, school building, blogger in 2014.

2) Wellness (aka, eat less woman!)

This year instead of picking a weight I want to be, I'm going to focus on the weight I don't want to be. I've spent the past several months above my magic number of self-loathing so for 2013, I vow to get below the number and STAY below the number, all. year. long. 

3) Climb another rung on my personal career ladder

I like to keep lawyer-meri off the blog, but she's got some 2013 goals as well. I resolve to make growth of my career a priority this year.

p.s. - This a GREAT documentary on being Happy which I'd highly recommend.

Hump Day Distractions

It's Wednesday; no need to exercise restraint

Happy Hump Day! This week has been a frizzy-hair'ed, rainy, grey mess in NYC, so I'm pleased to know that the halfway point is upon us. I'm also going to use this super popular blog day to ask the following: Do you have a rant that needs a forum? An idea which is itching to be shared? A recipe that the world should be eating!? Well then, you should be a guest-poster on SeektobeMerry! Email me at seektobemerry@gmail.com, leave a comment below or tweet me @seektobemerry to find out just how to get your very own day of merry glory. And now... HUMP IT:

* This is the happiest touchdown ever. 

* Now you can fall asleep to the menu screen of a DVD without bothering to put on a DVD! 

* I'm going HERE for a few days next week. Ever been? Got suggestions? (Leave a comment!) 

* How soon is too soon for farts? Could you and your honey have survived THIS!?! 

* Those guys and gals from Mad Men sure can drink. 

* Not only is bacon delicious, but it's also functional! 

* Passive aggressive elevator notes (I'm not the only one who has an issue with flatulence in a confined airspace!) 

Hump Day Distractions

Are you lookin at me?

Well hump-ty dumpty do, we've made it to Wednesday. My head has been abuzz this week with all sorts of non-blog related items (holidays, apt hunting, work shenanigans to name a few...) so please "bear" with me (hehe) as we hump our way towards the weekend!

* Guaranteed to make you smile.
* Click HERE to discover just how many hours you should be dedicating to the boob tube this fall.

* Break out the beers, turn on the game and make THESE a part of your next football Sunday (so easy, so tasty)
* I intend to see Happy. [via CupofJo]

* I've always loved the simplicity of black and white, but color gives new life to these photos... which do you prefer?

* I love free concerts (who doesn't!?)

* THESE are almost too terrifying to be funny. Drive safely my friends!

These things happen...

Beauty & the Beach.

Sometimes it's 9pm-ish on a Sunday night and your waiter is telling you that "martinis are like boobs: one is not enough, two is just right and three is one too many." I'm proud to say that I stopped at "just right," but "just right" is still a lot for a Sunday. So forgive me if all I've got for you is this adorable hedgehog getting a bath:

rub-a-dub-dub

And perhaps a brilliant idea like THIS:

citrus mint ice cubes: so ready for this summery treat

This kinda creepy yet totally adorable baby panda just wants
to remind you to stop and smile, even though it's Monday

So don't forget to cook something yummy this week, maybe THIS:

Avocado Mac Cheese, recipe HERE
(there is no better mer/dr. h dish alive)

And of course, remember THIS:

Until tomorrow... :)

On the mend!

Happy to report that I'm back in one piece... one achy, napping, constantly icing piece. Awesome. I could give you a deep blog post about facing my fear of hospitals like a champ (woop wooop!) but instead I think we'll focus on being distracted and happy. Dr. H making me mac cheese from scratch = happy.

Looking

at

these pictures?

Definitely happy :)

Don't worry about me, I'm hanging in there!

First Image via Pinterest

Music for Your Mood

I listen to A LOT of music. On any given day I listen to at least a few hours of tunes whether it be on my iPod on the go, on Pandora at my desk or at home as an awesome alternative to the television. I am that person on the subway who says “WHA!?” when you ask me a question as I remove an ear bud and ask you to repeat yourself (inevitably as the doors begin to slide closed between us, I’m sorry!) I use music to suit my mood, or to change my mood if I’m feeling ambitious. Getting dressed to go out? Hit me with my “Shut up and dance” playlist. Late night in the cubicle? I’ll take some jazzy “Frank Sinatra Radio” please. And this goes for bad moods too. When I first moved to New York (leaving college and a boyfriend behind in DC) I frequently allowed myself to mope around for extended periods of time. I would leave grad school, head for the subway and pop the latest Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack tear jerker into my ears. Sulky and sad I would emote all the way home (crying in public is totally cool in NYC, even the Times writes about it).

Does anyone else do this? While there’s no denying that it takes time, energy and some dolla bills to keep my world filled with awesome tunes, I find that my moods are enhanced by a soundtrack and I think that’s a good thing. My “Happy Times Music” playlist really makes me feel happy and sometimes we all need an hour alone with Adele on a grey rainy day. Below is a small sample from the aforementioned “Happy Times Music” for you to consider... Any suggestions!?

(I made all of these song titles links to the actual songs! Today is your lucky day! Woo!!)

Merry Happy - Kate Nash (Best.Song.Name.EVER.); Signed Sealed Delivered - Stevie Wonder; Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People; Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros; Love on Top - Beyonce (this video is hotness); Holiday - Vampire Weekend; Love You Madly - Cake; All These Things That I’ve Done - The Killers; Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear; Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO; Little Secrets - Passion Pit; Float On - Modest Mouse; Time to Pretend - MGMT; Fat Bottomed Girls - Queen; I Don’t Feel Like Dancin - Scissor Sisters (DARE you not to dance!); You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne; Send me on My Way - Rusted Root; Daylight - Matt and Kim; Hustle - Tunng

Image Via Pinterest