Panda's Press – Page 3 – Anecdotes of a soul searcher

25
Jan
2020

My Happiness Project: Vitality follow up

I became ashamed of myself after my last post about the happiness project. It seemed there were signs and messages around me that said happiness is serving others, happiness is fulfilling a purpose, happiness is “JOY” Jesus, Others and then Yourself. I’m not saying all those things aren’t true, I was just pointing out I really enjoyed The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin in terms of an awakening of my own gratitude and peace. My journey for my own genuine happiness translated as selfish in the eyes of some. It seemed when I thought I would have support for the blog , I had some criticisms. I think constructive criticism is helpful and I’m open minded. But I also like to think we live in a world where women are here to build women up instead of pull each other down. For all the women out there I’ve judged I am sorry. That is a 2020 goal of mine, to judge less. I was judged and did not feel good about it. This is not a revelation, but a testament of commitment to judge less and accept more.

14
Nov
2019

Why it’s okay to put up your Christmas tree early

categories: life

…and other reasons to do whatever you want

One day last December I remember standing in line at the grocery store. The typical greetings and Christmas cheer were exchanged between the cashiers and the customers as expected. Decor lined the numbers designated at each register; poinsettias, garland, holiday magazines, advent calendars, all the typical adornments were abundant. It was almost my turn at the register. The patron ahead of me said brightly to the cashier “happy holidays!” The cashier’s eyes welled up. “Not for me,” sadly she responded. My eyes widened. She said “I lost my mom at Christmas, this holiday is hard.” I was taken aback. Not the typical answer but not wrong to say. I could identify. I liked her honesty. Probably not the best place to open up to strangers, but sometimes those feelings are so overwhelming, how does one not speak their pain. The customer said he was “sorry to hear that.” We all were. The customer did not dwell. He signed for his purchase , grabbed his bag, and did not engage any longer.

The world stops for no one.

27
Sep
2019

That time I said “fuck off” to my flu shot and became “Coma Sue”

categories: life

When I woke up from the coma I had no idea how much time had passed nor was I really aware of how I landed myself in the Cleveland Clinic ICU.The last thing I knew I had Tony take me to a Lake Health hospital. I had flu like symptoms and told them I was going to pass out. They checked my oxygen; 68%. They immediately put me on oxygen with a c-pap machine. I had cold air blowing at the back of my throat, what little breath I had was taken away from the force of the air rushing into my face. They took x-rays of my lungs. The doctor grabbed his chest and almost fell back. All he saw was pure white. I was drowning. Severe pneumonia. I wanted a drink of water. The nurse sternly said, “if you take the oxygen off your face you’re going to die!” I remember thinking, it’s just a drink of water, this woman didn’t have to be a bitch.

18
Sep
2019

Amanda’s Chocolate Chip and Salted Pecan Cookies

categories: food

Food is the perfect balance of science and love. The best food is made with love. The secret ingredient is usually love. Food is love.

What do I mean by that?

I mean it’s important to be in a good mood when you create your concoction
Having every ingredient needed before you begin is essential
Using the right tools will make a huge difference
Following the recipe as close as possible including the order in which you put ingredients in, the measurements, and the final touches results in perfection

17
Sep
2019

My Happiness Project

categories: My Happiness Project

Are you happy? Wow, that’s a loaded question, isn’t it? Of course I’m happy. But we’ve had some hard times that made us feel like life was a big struggle. Regardless we kept our heads up, but are we really happy?

If im being honest, I feel like on a scale of 1-10 , 10 being the happiest, I am a solid 7.

That means there IS room to grow.

The thing is, I should be a 10.

I am privileged. I have a roof over my head in a cute house that has everything I need. It’s not the nicest, or the biggest, but it is mine and I am grateful for this home. However, I could be more grateful. I could take care of her better. Clean more, organize more, landscape more. I think it would be a happier home if I did these finishing touches that have been pushed to the wayside for a decade.