I tried to work this weekend.

I got up in the dark. I left the house by 4:00 AM. I made it through security and got to my gate before the plane to Chicago began to board.

But something happened while I was in the air.

Record breaking snowfall of 20 inches had all flights in and out of Columbus canceled. I discovered this when I turned on my phone as we taxied to the gate in Chicago. There was a message from Aunt Cindy (who lives in Canton and was coming to meet me tonight) saying my Chicago to Columbus flight had been canceled.

I landed in the K wing of O’Hare and marched straight away to the American Airlines Admiral’s Club lounge. (Thank you American Express! Like they say, membership has it’s privileges!) In peace and tranquility I talked with an agent who informed me that there were no flights Saturday or Sunday (Saturday’s were canceled and Sunday’s were full…most likely with people who were scheduled on Saturday!) They could, however, get me to Dayton, which (they told me) was 71 miles away.

Driving 71 miles in a blizzard in a rental car did not sound appealing, but I was not going to Columbus for fun, rather for work. So, a phone call to the boss was in order. He informed me that not only was I unable to get in, but so was the other colorist coming in from Nashville. And, because the snow had also made driving difficult, the salon chose to cancel the event. Makes sense to me. I am told to skip Ohio and try to get home.

American did have a flight leaving four hours later back to Sea-Tac. The agent apologized. I was grateful that they had something the same day and that I wouldn’t have to stay the night in Chicago. I was grateful that I could spend the time waiting in the calm of the lounge instead of out in the crowed chaos of the airport with all the other travelers who’s flights were affected. I was grateful that the event had been canceled and that I wasn’t going to be known as the loser educator who can’t get a flight in.

The traveler next to me was stunned that his flight to La Guardia had been canceled and wanted to know why. He was not satisfied with the answer of “weather.”

I laughed. As you know, being pissy never helps a situation. Did he think if he griped enough, the agent would change the weather?

For the record, I almost always fly in my favorite Get Some Hairapy t-shirt, and yesterday was no exception.

It always gets me lots of smiles and positive comments. You can buy yours here. 

ANNIE OAKLEY (from Annie Get Your Gun)
Got no diamond, got no pearl,
Still I think I’m a lucky girl.
I’ve got the sun in the morning
And the moon at night.
Got no mansion, got no yacht,
Still I’m happy with what I got.
I’ve got the sun in the morning
And the moon at night

Sunshine gives me a lovely day,
Moonlight gives me the Milky Way.
Got no checkbooks, got no banks,
Still, I’d like to express my thanks.
I’ve got the sun in the morning
And the moon at night.
And with the sun in the morning
And the moon in the evening
I’m alright.

Got no butler, got no maid.
Still I think I’ve been overpaid,
I’ve got the sun in the morning
And the moon at night.
Got no silver, got no gold,
What you’ve got can’t be bought or sold.
I’ve got the sun in the morning
And the moon at night.

Sunshine gives me a lovely day,
Moonlight gives me the Milky Way.
Got no heirlooms for my kin,
Made no will but when I cash in
I’ll leave the sun in the morning
And the moon at night.
And with the sun in the morning
And the moon in the evening
I’m alright

There has been a lot of press lately on The Secret and the Law of Attraction. Whether you believe in such things or not, there is something that I find in all of these philosophies with which anyone would be hard pressed to disagree:

The first step to getting what you want is wanting what you get.

Here is another article from Lifehack:

How to Be Happier with What You Have

“There are two ways to increase your wealth. Increase your means or decrease your wants. The best is to do both at the same time.” - Benjamin Franklin

Misery shouldn’t be the price for ambition. Somewhere I believe many people got the idea that to want more, you have to be dissatisfied with what you have now. Believing this, your choice is either to dampen your passions or become miserable with what you have.

I think this is a false dichotomy. You can be satisfied and ambitious. And while many self-help books have covered the topic of ambition, fewer cover the idea of becoming immensely satisfied with what you’ve already got.

Beyond affirmations and beliefs, I think there are some practical tips to do this. Engineering your daily life can be a great way to maximize your current fulfillment. Best of all, it isn’t incredibly difficult to do. Here are some tips I’ve found useful in becoming happier with where I am:

Read the rest of the article here.

I have an excerpt here from Lifehack.  If you haven’t seen them before, I suggest you add it to your reading list.  Click here to read this particular story (be sure to read all the comments to get the full discussion) and while you are there, click around and read some of the other articles.  I am sure you will find it both educational and interesting.

Exploring Happiness

I know, I know; I’m either stupid or brave to even think about tackling this topic. Alright, we’ll go with stupid.

Before I start today’s chat, let me say that I know there is no ‘answer’ or consensus to this discussion. No sh*t Sherlock. I’m not stupid enough to think there might exist one universal standard or school of thought when it comes to this topic, perhaps just a bunch of different thoughts, ideas and philosophies. Like most of you, I’m still exploring it, which is why I have chosen to make it just that; a discussion, an interactive chat, a group exploration. I’ll open the door on it and you guys can come in and chat. It could get messy, so buckle up. I’d love to know your thoughts and feelings on the subject because it’s an issue which is relevant to every person on the planet. It’s probably the one topic which commands universal interest.

Azarra spent its first 13 years on  Sixth Avenue (and Christine is still there at Azarra on Proctor: 253-752-5678).  Carrie grew up blocks away and she and I still live walking distance from Sixth Avenue (although I am ashamed to admit we drive more often than we walk!)

A local band has recorded a song celebrating the area.  Turn on your speakers and click over here to have a listen. 

Man, I love it when research proves my existing beliefs!

I have told you all before that while some people are naturally happier than others, everyone has the ability to make adjustments in their thinking and behavior to become happier.  Now here is some research on the topic (by real live scientists; you don’t have to take my word for it!)

A question of nature, not nurture?

Our level of happiness throughout life is strongly influenced by the genes with which we were born, say experts.

An Edinburgh University study of identical and non-identical twins suggests genes may control half the personality traits keeping us happy.

The other half is linked to lifestyle, career and relationships.

However, another expert said despite the research in the journal Psychological Science, we can still train ourselves to be more content.

Read the rest of the article here.