How to be "Happy" in no time...

We all deserve to be happy, and it certainly has been difficult to remember that...especially this past year, while the economy has been doing a number on us. If you forgot how to be happy, then here are 9 ways to "get happy" in just 30 minutes time. I love how simple and quick these ideas really are...and I have tried almost all of them, and they work. Thanks to Real Simple magazine for the list!

1. Raise your activity level to pump up your energy. If you're on the phone, stand up and pace. Walk to a coworker's office instead of sending an e-mail. Put more energy into your voice. Take a brisk 10-minute walk. Even better...

2. Take a walk outside. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood. For an extra boost, get your sunlight first thing in the morning. Find the best walking workout for your exercise style.

3. Reach out. Send an e-mail to a friend you haven't seen in a while, or reach out to someone new. Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel more friendly toward you, but you'll also strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

4. Rid yourself of a nagging task. Deal with that insurance problem, purchase something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a rush of elation.

5. Create a more serene environment. Outer order contributes to inner peace, so spend some time organizing bills and tackling the piles in the kitchen. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Set the timer for 10 minutes and see what you can do. In that time, take a quick look around the house and see how to get organized using everyday items.

6. Do a good deed. Introduce two people by e-mail, take a minute to pass along useful information, or deliver some gratifying praise. In fact, you can also...

7. Save someone's life. Sign up to be an organ donor, and remember to tell your family about your decision. Do good, feel good―it really works!

8. Act happy. Fake it 'til you feel it. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile boosts your mood. And if you're smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable. There's no need to walk around in a constant state of worry. After all, what's the worst that can happen if you bounce a check or leave wet clothes in the dryer?

9. Learn something new. Think of a subject that you wish you knew more about and spend 15 minutes on the Internet reading about it, or go to a bookstore and buy a book about it. But be honest! Pick a topic that really interests you, not something you think you "should" or "need to" learn about.

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack...

The boys of summer are back!! Baseball's opening day is always the sure cure for my seasonal winter depression!! I am a Red Sox girl at heart, and I have a weakness for Josh Beckett and his pitching, and I'm psyched that he is the ace for Game 1 as they face the Tampa Bay Rays. So, I am off to the grocery store to buy the supplies! Peanuts in the shell will be on the menu today, and I will be grilling up some sausage, peppers and onions and a cold beverage of some type to wash it all down. Play ball!!

Alright, so the grilled sausage will have to wait because as I write this, word just came in that the home opener will be postponed until tomorrow afternoon at 4:05pm with Josh still on the mound. Darn that Mother Nature and her buckets of rain. Alrighty, then...one more day of seasonal winter depression for me and then...PLAY BALL...tomorrow