Happiness In Pill Form?

Happy photo, Day 2. This is my team at work. Lovely ladies. Look at their happy, smiley faces. We were taking a moment out of the busy day to celebrate a birthday with some yummy treats and laughs. Happiness rating = 6. If this would have taken place outside of the workplace setting, the rating would have been even higher.

On an unrelated note, I just saw a preview for the movie "Limitless" starring one hotty, Bradley Cooper and fine, fine actor, Robert DeNiro. The premise seems simple. Man somehow gets his hands on a super pill which renders him limitless (get the connection to the title). Apparently, he has boundless intelligence, strength, agility, power, sex appeal and sense of smell -- ok, I made that last one up, but it probably goes without saying that this pill would heighten the senses, no? Not sure where Robert DeNiro's character comes in, but he has something over on Mr. Bradley Cooper. There are quick flashes of guns and car chases. I think Bobby maybe wants the pills for himself or wants to use Bradley's superior skills (and gorgeous teeth) for some nefarious dealings. Either way, the preview poses the question "If you could have this limitless ability, would you do it?" I guess there is supposed to be some big moral lesson in here somewhere, but on the face of it, I would say my answer is "Yes!" What I would like to believe is this super pill could also improve compassion, sense of respect and general human kindness. Why would it only make your bad attributes stronger and not your good ones? Oh, Hollywood . . .

Upon reflection, this movie does sorta tie into the topic of Happiness. Can this fictitious super pill make one hot Mr. Bradley Cooper any happier than he already is? Can we find true happiness in some thing, external to our own sense of self. Feels like super pills and the like just serve to validate us briefly and the more sustaining happiness comes from how we feel inside.

Now, can anyone tell me where I can get my hands on this super pill? I have a big couple of weeks and could use the help.

Cuz It Makes Me Happy

The pursuit of happiness. We all strive for that perfect, utopia otherwise known as Happy. But, what is it and is it truly attainable? And, when we have it, do we really know it? This topic was the recent focus of an article in Fast Company magazine. Apparently business schools and corporations are jumping on the happiness bandwagon in a big way. Among other tidbits of wisdom, the article claims that "marketing happiness could be one of the few ways businesses can still appeal to people in a manner that feels authentic."

The Corporate Pursuit of Happiness

I am intrigued. Could happiness be the last bastion of white space territory that business has yet to fully co-opt? Or, when it comes right down to it, has happiness always been at the heart of every marketing plan and ad campaign? Aren't we all trying to get a little sliver of happiness and aren't companies looking for ways to give it to us (for a price)?

Either way, I liked the research highlighted in the article. For the next 30 days, I'm going to take 1 photograph each day of something that makes me happy. I will rate my level of happiness on a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being only slightly happy and 10 being over-the-top, giddy with happiness. I will post these each day on this blog. At the end of this experiment, who knows what patterns and insights I might find. It might tell me far more about my own understanding and relationship to happiness than I could ever imagine. Whoa. Scary.

Here is my first happiness photo:

My morning coffee treat. It makes me happy. On a scale from 1 to 10, I would have to rate this a solid 3. I look forward to it each day. I'm not going to lie. It cheers me up.

Random

Feeling very random lately. Random and boring, I suppose.

I probably have stuff to write about, but all of it feels so inferior. So, instead, I will just ramble with a litany of unrelated thoughts and random observations.

The television show Mad Men is so well done. The writing, art direction and acting is superb. The creators of that show have absolutely nailed the 1960's in a way that few, if any, previous shows have been able to do. I love the many layers and the understated and subtle approach to character development. Nobody is exactly who they seem, yet everyone is perfectly who they are. I am in love with this show. Arguably the best thing on television right now.

For me, Fall is the season for change and big decisions. Many people claim Spring is the time for renewal and new beginnings. I think it is really Fall. I reflect on this time of year, I recall the giddy anticipation of going back to school, Fall sports, smell of burning leaves, apple cider and Halloween. It is also the season when I have purchased a house, quit one job and started another, moved in with my now-husband. Life changing stuff happens in the Fall. Wonder what my next big move or decision will be? Think it is time for a change. I'm due.

Been traveling for work recently and just got back from a week long stint. Stayed in some places that I really enjoy. Philadelphia is interesting. Society Hill area of town, with all the cobblestone road, Greek columned, stone buildings, is just dripping with magnificent history. Finally saw the Liberty Bell. It rests in a glass building and no longer resides at the top of Independence Hall. Seems kinda sad, just hanging there by itself and all out of context from its historical beginnings and lore.

Also was able to spend some time in Austin, TX. I had never been here before. Now, prior to my trip to Austin, my impression of the state of Texas, was not very positive. I had only ever been to Dallas and Houston, both of which are -- in my humble opinion -- less than spectacular. Now, Austin is something else entirely. First, it was quite lush and green. The vibe was laid back. Bohemian art culture meets college town meets professional & upscale meets cool music scene. I feel in love! Austin completely reversed my dislike of Texas. I think I could actually live in that town.

Work has been incredibly intense the past month or so. Causing stress and anxiety. Spurring reassessment and evaluation. With nothing at all concrete in mind, I'm thinking a lot about the true meaning of happiness and whether or not it is possible to live a totally happy life. Happiness is not overrated and life's too short.

Tomorrow Mr. Oz and I are starting a week long cleanse and diet regimen. Lots of pure protein this week and then mix of protein and vegetables. Sounds awesome, right? Bet you wish you could do it too. I'll try to become a regular visitor of my own blog.

I'm literally falling asleep as I type. Eyes droopy. Nod, Nod, Nod. Done.

More random thoughts later. G' night.

Pizza Farm

A couple of years ago, my friend Jess told me about the Pizza Farm. At first, I was not sure what to think of such a place. Was it a farm house made entirely of pizza boxes? Could farmers actually grow pizzas from the soil? Despite growing up in a tiny farming community in the middle of North Dakota, even this was something I had never heard of. What, pray tell, was a Pizza Farm? Jess explained. The Pizza Farm is a real farm tucked back in the fields of Wisconsin where, every Tuesday night in the summer months, they bake lovely pizzas made fresh from ingredients they produce themselves. It was local food done with great care and attention. Once I understood what this mythical place really was, I knew I had to check it out. Unfortunately, on most Tuesdays I am at work. This makes a mid-day trek to rural Wisconsin somewhat challenging. Enter, my summer Stay-cation and a whole week of leisurely time just perfect for a pizza adventure.

Jess and I made our plans and hopped in the car on a tragically hot and steamy August day. We set out to find this gem of pizza nirvana. A couple hours later, a few pit stops to take in the local scenery and we were there. Eureka! We found it.








The farm is just a few miles outside of Stockholm, WI. You will find no signs directing you to the location. They don't advertise. They don't have to. Our arrival at 5pm was fortuitous as several hungry visitors preceded us and had descended like a swarm of locusts. As we got in line to order, several more ravenous guests were flanking us to the right and left. This place was certainly popular. Jess and I arrived just in time and were able to place our order quickly after spending a few minutes studying the chalkboard menu. The pizza options reflect the bounty of the land -- onion, herbs, eggplant, beets, fresh tomato. They have sausage made from "happy pigs" and cheese made the milk of cows and sheep residing in the pasture just a few clicks away. Add in a few delights like kalamata olives and you have yourself one delicious pizza.






It only took about 10 minutes for us to get our pie. They have 2 big wood burning ovens going and, apparently, dish out about one pizza each minute. Don't expect any fancy sides or accompaniments. It's just pizza. They don't even sell beverages and they don't have plates or napkins. Everything is bring your own and you take your trash with you when you leave. There are some nice open spots of grass where you can throw down a blanket, catch some shade and enjoy your food.

I would highly recommend making a Tuesday trip to the Pizza Farm. Bring a little salt and pepper with you (pizzas could have used a little seasoning), grab a 6 pack of beer or a bottle of wine and take in this sustainable and satisfying culinary find. Oh, and if the pizza alone doesn't hit the spot, there is a great little pie shop in Stockholm where you can pick up some yummy baked goodness.

In my next life, I want to live on a Pizza Farm and grow a Pizza Garden and maybe, just maybe, I'll have a Calzone Community of my very own.

Lovin

These shoes are hot!

I really don't know where and, for what occasion, I will wear them. Does it matter? Nah. I am of the belief that shoes are art for the feet. Sometimes it is enough to just try them on and admire them. Occasionally, you have to buy 'em and adore them. These beauties will rest comfortably in my closet. When I have a bad day, I will pull them out and wear them around the house. Their animal print, sassy red leather, stacked heel and all-around sexiness will make me feel better.

Where does this come from? Is it a by-product of playing dress-up with my Barbie as a child? Are we hard wired to love shoes from the moment of conception? Hmmmm.

Sick, right?

High Tech + High Touch

Remember this post back in April?

Yeah, well I totally caved and bought myself an iPad. After months of witnessing all the cool functionality and convenient access, I just couldn't hold out any longer. Less than a week into the experience and I have been struck by:

• The helpful calendar settings. I can view an easy-to-read overview of my workday schedule on one side of the screen and get all the relevant details of where, who, when and why on the other side. It shows me who accepted meetings I have called and who declined. I also like the weekly and monthly views.
  

• Excellent visual clarity and richness. Colors are vibrant. Photos look amazing.

• Reading my Kindle books has never been better. With the Kindle app, I can view any of my downloaded books and the device syncs up so if I jump on my Kindle at a later date, it automatically knows where I've stopped. It's also very easy to highlight sections or take notes. Just simple drag and you are done.

• The go-anywhere, do anything benefits can't be beat. Mr. Oz and I were out visiting friends this weekend and used some downtime to check airfare and plan a weekend getaway for this Fall. A few clicks and I was able to book our airfare and reserve a rental car. I felt super productive.

I'm sure I'll discover more fun features in the days and weeks to come. My one complaint would be the rude treatment I received at the first Apple Store I visited when I decided to purchase the device. No one would help me and, even when I asked someone for assistance, I was brushed off. Luckily, the next store I went to was much better. Just because Apple products are in such high demand, it doesn't mean good customer service should go by the wayside. High tech deserves high touch and being nice to people will never be obselete. Apple would be wise to remember that small fact.

A Little Piece of Americana

What to do on a hot and humid summer night? Well, we decided to go old school and hit the Cottage View Drive-In, one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in the greater Twin Cities metro, possibly the entire upper Midwest. I can't claim to know if this is actually true, but I did feel like I was taking a cruise in the way-back, Marty McFly time machine, ala the Delorean from Back To The Future fame.

It was pretty darn cool. Mr. Oz and I grabbed the pup and shoved off round about dusk. The theater's website warned us to get there early in order to avoid getting one of the bad spots right up in front of the screen. This would cause unnecessary neck crankage and, no doubt, partial paralysis and tremors. Shivers. No thank you. Of course, on our way we stopped to pick up a few snacks -- Twizzlers and Mike & Ike's. Isn't that standard drive-in movie fare? We also packed a cooler full of soda. Loads of high fructose corn syrup and bug spray in tow, and we were off.

Fortunately, we arrived in time to secure a respectable spot in mid-range of the screen yet adjacent to the concessions and restrooms. $8 per person for a double feature. Those are like 1978 prices, right? After some puppy play time and always fun people watching, the sun set and the movies began. Now, I remember back in the day you'd get these wonky sound boxes that attached to poles so you could hear the movie playing. Not anymore. Today's drive-in is much more modern. Just tune your car radio into a specific station and turn it up. It's not Dolby surround sound, but it does the trick. I also recall going to the drive-in with my parents and hiding out under a pile of blankets in order to smuggle a few extra bodies in for no charge. Nice example my parents set, eh? It was kinda thrilling, in a 007 spy thriller sorta way. Mr. Oz and I did not do that on our trip to the movies. We paid. Maybe next time :)

For those of you who might live near a drive-in, I highly recommend adding a visit to your Summer to-do list. Something about it felt timeless and classic, dripping with nostalgia and hearkening back to an almost forgotten era. A little slice of Americana. I have to think that in the not to distant future, the drive-in theater will be no more. We'll all be watching downloads on our Smartphones or accessing films via a direct comm link surgically implanted in our cerebral cortex. Drive-in's don't strike me as a money making venture, but rather a way to cling to a small glimmer of a past where, in retrospect, life seemed easier, more tranquil and far less complicated. Who knows, maybe they are or will make a comeback. What's old is new again. Whatever happens, I'm glad I got to experience it one more time.