Saturday, March 31, 2012

Day 17


Thai Beef Salad

Mmmm...the spicy thai beef salad from Table for 2. Except it was table for 4 that day. It was awesome having lunch with the girls. We had all been officemates at one point and coming together to meet and catch up was blissful. (Please refer to Day 3, estrogen + food = bliss) When we all worked together we made the trip here to have lunch many times. 2 from the group had already moved on to other jobs and since all working together at the same time, weddings and babies have appeared!

Another fun sidenote, I asked the restaurant staff if I can go play piano there sometime and I think it may be a go! Just gotta go back to check with the owner because they've had live music there.

expected bliss: 8, unexpected bliss: 9

Day 16


Ok I gotta say...I am a bit embarrassed that this was my special bliss moment of the day. I walked past this store, saw the sign and cracked up. Walked past it, but couldn't stay away and then walked back to snap this shot. How can I not share this?? I mean seriously, what a difference an angle makes to change my perspective! This lovely sign telling us a massage therapist is available morphed into an advertisement telling me on Day 15 that sage rapists are available!! And yes, walk-in's welcome and this place has protection!! Woohoo!

I had at one point decided not to post this, but this really made me bust out laughing. And then think. What we see is not always what is. Someone walking from the other direction would probably not have reacted the same way I did because they would have seen something totally different. Variety is the spice of life, and who wants to see only in black and white? The world is filled with all colors of the rainbow and I am glad that an advertisement brought me such surprising joy.

expected bliss: 7, unexpected bliss: 9 



Thursday, March 29, 2012

Day 15

Music is bliss

I heart music. I love playing it, I love listening to it. I took piano lessons for 9 years and violin for 5, but have loved music for an eternity of 32 years. I play piano at my apt and on the beautiful digital piano my better half gave me for Xmas. Recently was able to check an item off my bucket list to play in public, at our work's board meeting reception. I have been wanting to play at other places, like at a coffee house or restaurant, just to do it.

Yesterday I was reading this awesome blog http://www.366randomacts.org/ where the author has taken on the quest to give back with one random act of kindness each day for 2012. He had asked for more ideas of how else he can give back, which made me think about what I can do. I always loved to volunteer and started the giving back in high school. There were so many fun opportunities, such as calling out Bingo numbers at a senior home, cleaning up and painting over graffiti, tutoring at the high school library, etc. So as I sat thinking of some ideas, I found my bliss when I came up with an idea for myself.

I will contact various senior homes to see if I can go play piano during their recreation time. The gift of music. I am not an awesome pianist, but it would make me happy. The other day on a walk in my neighborhood I walked past a senior home and was sad when I saw an older man sitting outside by himself looking at the dead end street. We made eye contact. We waved. I'd like to think the small exchange brought something positive to his day, but I'd more hope he knew that the interaction brought me joy. So the idea of having the opportunity to go bring what I love to others brightened my day. And hey, more opps to play in public right?


This link is a video of me playing piano with our close family friend, may he rest in peace. The last gift he gave me was his piano. That's the one that I play at my apt. I had started saving up for a piano for my bday gift that year, and we went to visit because he had gotten ill, and was moving to go live up north with his son. Just like that he gave me his piano. What a gift he gave me. The gift of music from his love. I want to pass it on.

expected bliss: 7, unexpected bliss: 8

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Day 14

bottom-heavy beauty bliss

I love me some chicken. I love me a good bargain. I love me a good meal with my Lovey. So Day 14 had all the ingredients to the secret of bliss. This recipe made cooking a joy and boy did I enjoy! Staters had a sale for whole chicken at $0.79c/lb. I got one, got to Lovey's, stuffed that pollo with cloves of garlic, then rubbed him good all over with spices, and we enjoyed while watching the comedy, Life (starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence).

Good food. Check!
Good company. Check!
Bliss! Check!!
Goodnight :)

expected bliss: 7, unexpected bliss: 7

Day 13


My 13th b-moment didn’t really involve a kitten, but I will explain why I am using this picture. So during my lunch break I went to the 99cent store and filled up on my usual goodies, brussel sprouts, eggplant, cauliflower, etc. An older gentleman walked past me, talking out loud to himself, or, perhaps to me apparently, since this was my b-moment. He appeared a bit disheveled and walked slowly with his shopping cart. He said aloud, “now how did I end up here? Why am I in this aisle??” Then when I walked past him holding my cauliflower, I heard him say, “I don’t even know how to cook that!” So I turned around and said “I like to boil it!”

Later when I was in line to pay, I saw Mr. Man in the line next to me. He stood there for a bit, then said aloud, “I don’t even have to spend a lot of time here. I don’t even have anything in my cart!” That’s when I noticed his empty shopping cart! Then he exited.

I don’t know why he was there that day, and whether he didn’t buy anything because he forgot what he wanted to get, or if maybe he was just passing time. Whatever his situation was, the occurrence brought me my b-moment. He just seemed so….carefree. The easy way he moved around the store, the tempo of his day, the realization he had been given the gift of time because he didn’t need to stand in line. It was all so…free. The world was his oyster on my 13th day. Even though his reason for being there remains unclear, it became my bliss of the day. Obviously I didn’t take a picture of him, but the image that popped into my mind was this kitty. Just all relaxed, as if no worries were in sight.

expected bliss: 6, unexpected bliss: 7

Monday, March 26, 2012

Day 12

Only you can make this world seem right
Only you can make the darkness bright
Only you and you alone can thrill me like you do
and fill my heart with love for only you

Only you can make this change in me
For it's true you are my destiny
When you hold my hand, I understand the magic that you do
You're my dream come true, my one and only you

Only you can make this change in me
For it's true you are my destiny
When you hold my hand, I understand the magic that you do
You're my dream come true, my one and only you

Only You, by The Platters. Mi amor and I karaoked to this song last night at the bowling alley and it was so nice! We always sing this song together. Love the b-moments when you are caught in your own world and everyone is there, but not really. You know those moments. People cheered for us and said awww when we held hands when the lyrics said "when you hold my hand..." It was super funny when after we sang an older man came over and said we were too young to know this song but that he liked our singing! :) B!!

expected bliss: 6, unexpected bliss: 6

Woohoo a tie!

Day 11

Welcome home D-boy!

Aww Danny is finally home! Poor kiddo he stayed at the hospital for over a week and was finally well enough to go home. We went to visit Danny Saturday night and he was back to his normal silly cute sweet self. Back to giving me hugs and kisses! At one point he showed me his bruises still left on his arm so I asked if he wanted some besos (kisses in Spanish). He said yes. So I kissed his booboos and then I asked if he was better. What a b-moment it was when Danny nodded and said siiiiii! :) Awwwwwww! Seriously. The warmth from a child is so unexplainable and sweet.

expected bliss: 5, unexpected bliss: 6


I met Max earlier on Saturday when I was volunteering at the animal shelter. There was an assessment/training going on for dogs to become therapy dogs to go visit people in hospitals, care homes, etc. I love me a big doggy so I could not stay away from Max. He is from a big breed of Malamutes. He is 150 pounds and was just a love! He let me pet and hug him to my heart's content and it was just awesome. I just had to share this even though it was not my winning b-moment, but come on, look at him! CUTE with a capital C! Oh, and do you see the poof I did myself?? :) Yay me!



Day 10

I did it! The Bouffant! Poof!

Ok this may sound a bit silly, but I have never been able to do this with my bangs! In fact, while I definitely am all girl, I am not really proficient in the typical "girl stuff." Hair, makeup, etc. Usually just the basics, so one thing I always wanted to learn was this! So this is Friday after coaching and help from bff Mrs. Z! Thanks bff! It actually made me think some more about my appearance in general. I think it's important to put in some type of effort in our appearance, not due to vanity, but to take care of ourselves physically, which nurtures us internally.  I think looking presentable for work, for our partners, for special occasions, and mainly for ourselves is important to building and maintaining self-esteesm and confidence. I have caught myself being sloppy and/or lazy at times, and so I decided that I need to fine-tune in this area. We buy car insurance, go to the dentist, and get our physicals to help maintain and keep ourselves healthy, but I think there are other areas to consider as well. So bliss it was when I finally did it!

expected bliss: 4, unexpected bliss: 6

Friday, March 23, 2012

Day 9

Buddha Bliss

Took the day off of work to attend my mom's tea ceremony class graduation at a Buddhist Foundation. Wow. The property is amazing. It's hard to describe how serene, beautiful and peaceful it was, but believe me it was...just perfect. We had some time to explore and walk around. The foundation offers a variety of classes there to the public in both Chinese and English. So here is Miss Blissfinder with Buddha Bliss. Onto the tea ceremony.

Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony

I love tea, my favorite is chamomile tea. However I never have experienced tea like this! My mom and the other students all sat at different tables and prepared Oolong tea for us in the most elegant, drawn out way. I loved what the instructor said, that people have different reasons for taking the class, but the experience is for everyone, not just the person serving the tea, but the person receiving the tea. It was neat to see the intricate steps involved, the graceful way to handle the tea, and to sip and enjoy...time slowed down and bliss was all around. Thank you Mommy!

expected bliss: 4, unexpected bliss: 5

Day 8

R & R....

Oh my goodness what a day. Had some high intensity stress at the end of the work day so was soooo looking forward to going home and putting in some much needed relaxing and unwinding time. Unwind I did. Sweetie and I chillaxed with dinner with the gang from The Office, then sat and played another bubble game I am officially addicted to on the tablet. At one point I glanced over and saw our feet stretched out. The last "strenuous" thing I did on Day 8 was ...reach for my phone....snap the picture, then was back to the r&r...it is always comforting to see Sweetie at the end of the day... ahhh blisssssss

expected bliss: 4, unexpected: 4

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Day 7

Popeye's 2 piece for $0.99 Tuesday special

It was a Happy Chusday for yours truly. Go to Popeyes on Tuesdays for their special deal and go home happy and officially invited to a food coma. That is exactly what I did last night after work. Except I doubled the B-moment and got me 4 pieces. Double the food coma, double the fun! I love fried chicken and to this day I maintain that contrary to popular belief and the legitimate backup of doctors and nutritionists, fried chicken helps ME lower my cholestrol! :)

expected bliss: 3, unexpected: 4

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Day 6


The Breakfast Club. Classic of the 80's. This unexpected B-moment came up very late last night. The honey was on his way over and I was contemplating which movie would best complement dinner. I was wearing the Breakfast Club tshirt that honey got me 2 Xmas's ago. Except on my tshirt were guys like Tony the Tiger (they're grrrrrreat) and the 3 guys from Lucky Charms. Ding! Inspiration! I pulled out the 1985 classic The Breakfast Club, ready to introduce to honey one of my all time favorites.

After all these years, I still pay close attention to every line, laugh and get touched by the scenes and dialogue. Towards the end of the movie it occured to me this was my b-moment, and tried to figure out why. I was 6 when this movie came out, wasn't even in the U.S. yet. However, growing up in the US, we watched it often and now I understand I love this movie because it's not just a great flick, but more because of what it reminds me of. Childhood. I first watched this movie when I was the same age as the high school characaters in the movie, and they felt like "my peers" or people I could relate to. Even last night while watching, I still felt like I did back in that timeframe, as an adolescent. Sure didn't feel like a 32 year-old woman watching high schoolers conversate. For 97 minutes I still felt like how I did watching it 16 years ago, when I was the same age as them.

The B-moment came from the combination of it all -- the comedy, the reality of how challenging being an adolescent can be and the desire to fit in with peers, the nostalgia that came with bringing me back to a time of childhood and happiness. "Don't you forget about me..."

Expected bliss: 2, unexpected: 4

Monday, March 19, 2012

Day 5


B-moment:  a child's laughter

Let me back up. My beau's nephew Danny has been in the hospital in ICU for a full week now. He had some type of infection that caused his red blood cell count to drop, and has had several blood transfusions in the past week. Finally got to see him last night. Even though I know he is getting better and transferring out of ICU, it was still hard to see him all plugged up to the machines. He woke up a bit later and was clearly uncomfortabel. It was hard not to notice the bruises on his little hands and arms. Even harder was seeing a totally different kiddo because usually he is running around and being silly and cuter than heck. Although taking the time to stop and give me hugs and kisses when I ask for them (more b-moments from those)

To make him feel better, my beau busted out his phone and put on the video of D boy's favorite Spanish song and it was like magic. As soon as the video started Danny boy just started singing along! Up to that second before the song started he was very quiet. Bam! He started singing and I believe I lost count after he sang the song after 20 times!

Above picture is Danny singing the same song to another relative that called. Ahh the bliss of a child's laughter even when he isn't feeling the bestest.

Expected bliss: 2, unexpected: 3

Day 4


The perfect breakfast: spam, polish sausage and eggs

Actually, what you don't see that made the breakfast perfect was the company that morning for the meal. I went to breakfast with my cousin Diamond. Well, actually, that's her nickname. I am her Dallas. We've had a history of nicknames together. Take a step back in time: Pinky and the Brain. Pleasure and Divine. Now Diamond and Dallas. What made breakfast blissful was not just the yummy meat I devoured. (OMG I love eggs) but was the content of the conversation that unfortunately I should not blog, but trust me world, is fortunate for YOU! lol just trust me, it's a case of TMI. But there's nothing better than eating when catching up and reliving the good ol times! Bliss!

Expected bilss: 2, Unexpected: 2

Wow! A tie!

Day 3


Estrogen + food = Bliss

Having time with girlfriends is a must. Actually, some of our testosterone counterparts were there that night too, but being able to catch up and laugh with the girls is being prescribed by Dr. Yours Truly as mandatory. I really appreciate the time and friendships with the girls and knowing I can be myself around them is bliss. Sometimes we get into relationships with significant others, or just get busy with our own lives that it becomes possible to forget to feed and nurture the relationships we have with our girlfriends. I was reminded Friday night how lucky I am to have them in my life. Thanks for the memories! xx

Expected bliss: 1, Unexpected: 2

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Day 2


Aww Blessed, our service doggy friend at work. I gotta say, when I saw her today I kinda knew this would be my bliss for today. Every time I see her I know it's obvious I get super excited, but the feeling inside is like I get lit up and am so so jump jump excited to see her. (Note the double enthusiasm) I even have to practice the virtue of patience because I do need to wait for Blessed to be given the "release" command before she can bounce over. And boy does she bounce. She comes over, offers her belly and I rub happily. One of the best relationships in my life. For the first few months I knew Blessed I knew her only as belly up dog. I'd see her laying down, greet her, she'd come over and plop, followed by belly offer. When I saw her walk down the hallway for the first time, I was so amazed because our relationship up until then had only consisted of "woof rub me belly please!" Seriously though, seeing Blessed is pure bliss. If I had a tail, it would be wagging too.

I was in the library when I ran into them. Anytime I see Blessed I get super giddy and doggy heaven high. Buuuuuut I didn't go looking for them today, so.....scoreboard please:

expected bliss: 0, unexpected: 2

Day 1


So I thought that this was going to be Bliss #1. During my lunch break I went out on a mission to get me some more of my new fav veggies: brussel sprouts. Instead, came back with: 2 bags of brussel sprouts, 2 bags of apples, an eggplant, bag of baby limes, and 3 boxes of blackberries for a total of $9. Those that know yours truly well know I love me a bargain so I was super excited about this find, satisfied that this was my B-moment. Little did I know that would change later in the evening.

Later in the day I read a story about a couple that sued and won $3 million because their child was born with Down Syndrome. The couple apparently had tests done and were incorrectly told that the test result came back negative for the child having any chromosome abnormality. The news article stated that the parents said if they had known, they would have aborted the child.

I am all for the power of choice to do what you want and need to do. However, working in the field of developmental disabilities has opened my eyes and heart to see what true joy families receive with having children with all types of disabilities. Yes, there are all types of challenges and frustrations that I have also heard along the way, but never once did I hear a parent tell me that they wish they had aborted their child.  So what was my B-moment?

Later in the evening I met a young man with Down Syndrome. His stepfather told me about how they bonded throughout the years. At one point stepfather said that if the young man had been his biological child, he would have seen him as a blessing. How's that for irony? Having just read the article and feeling sad about the article, then hearing a stepfather say this really lifted me up. He never saw anything that they overcame together as anything but a blessing. I knew immediately this was the bliss moment of Day 1.

Score: expected bliss: 0, unexpected: 1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWLwmkvz4AA

Here is a cute video. Enjoy!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

100 Days of Bliss

Go find your bliss.

This was the last thing someone said to me yesterday after a conversation  about what I want to do with my life, with my skills and experiences. It really does boil down to what makes me happy. I think when I decided to get into the social services field I knew that my goal in life was not to make oodles of dough. My degree is in Social Sciences, specializing in Public and Community Services. That should tell you huh? It's been 9 years since I graduated and my work since has been reflective of my degree. I love working with people and helping people, that is very clear. My passion is the joy that comes from the different interactions I get with the different people I cross paths of. I have worked with adults in mental health and individuals with developmental disabilities. In that, I have worked with therapists, job coaches, social workers, psychologists, school personnel and parents.

So after this conversation yesterday I thought about what bliss means to me. Bliss can be defined as perfect happiness or great joy. There are different things in just the past few weeks that have made me smile and feel happy. Touching the soft coat on the dachshund mix dog I walked at the animal shelter, being pushed down and licked by Lucy the Newfoundland, passing a super stubborn level on Bubble Pop on my tablet (apparently my stubborness to pass won), seeing my boyfriend come hug me when I said I would live with him, cracking up at how ridiculous Dwight is in The Office and wishing I worked with him, seeing the turkey soup that my mom made as soon as I walked in the door when I was feeling sick, how it felt when I played Moon River on the piano, getting as many hugs as I wanted to from little Danny, and more.

So I decided to make a commitment and to do just what I was told yesterday: go find my bliss.  For the next 100 days, I will go and find my bliss. It can be anything big or small, unexpected or planned.  Then write about it at the end of the day, the thing that stood out to me as my bliss of the day. I think it will be interesting to see how it develops along the way. I want to see if knowing what my plan is will alter what I choose at the end of the day. Maybe I will go out of my way and visit the dog park down the street because I know I get bliss out of seeing doggies,. Or maybe I will find bliss when I stop by the grocery store because I happen to find a quarter there on the ground and God knows how much I love filling our vacation jar with fallen treasures in forms of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.

So, salud to this 100 day journey. To not only finding what I set out to find, but to finding what I won't expect along the way.