Everyone's a critic

Am I the only one who has noticed that lately, it seems like everyone's a critic?  Perhaps it is due to the proliferation of HGTV, the Food Network and Pinterest.  Maybe I am being a little too sensitive.  I have noticed it everywhere in my life.  Yesterday, The Man was criticizing the architecture of the National Park Service building in front of the Lincoln Home in Springfield, and it made me think.  Is all of this criticism really constructive?  He was talking about a building built in the 1960's.  It looks like it was built in the 1960's, and not the 1840's.  Admittedly, the building does look out of place in the historic area, but it has its merits (such as air conditioning on a 93 degree day).  I found it disconcerting that he was so quick to criticize the appearance of the building, and not consider the greater purpose that the building served.  We are supposed to be appreciating the contributions of a great man, not comparing mid nineteenth century architecture to the gravel streets and boardwalks.

Another example in my life is my manager's insistence on her employees adapting to her personal vocabulary beliefs.  She does not like it when people say "no problem" after someone says "thank you." She feels that saying no problem implies that her request was a problem in the first place and is quick to lecture anyone who says "no problem" in her presence. Needless to say, this is becoming a problem. The latest on her list of forbidden expressions is the word "whatnot," as it is a word that does not make sense.  I have a feeling that "nonsense" is the next on her hit list. These edicts are truly ironic because they are coming from a woman who does not have a firm grasp on the differences between there, their and they're.  Sometimes, it is just best to quietly laugh to yourself or whatnot.  I found this handy dandy little chart on Pinterest, perhaps sharing it will help others.

In the end, it does not matter where your opinion is coming from.  You are free to express it.  But please make sure you use proper grammar.  Otherwise, I might become critical.

Getting Back on Track

Well readers, It has been a while.

As you could tell from the last few posts, and the lack of posting, this Happiness Warrior hit a dry spell.  I needed some time to regroup, gather my thoughts and get myself back on track.  In hindsight, it probably would have been worthwhile to post this part of my journey, but I still have problems sharing everything.  Here are some quick updates.  I have come a very long way on my journey, and I hope you will continue to follow me as I make this a weekly update.  To help make this a weekly update, I have found a little gizmo on my phone that sets weekly reminders and continues to annoy me until I do so and clear it.

1) The Man.  We are still going strong.  We had our first family visit in Seattle in April, and are planning to visit my family in ATL later this year.  We have officially been together for more than one year, and are starting to plan a more permanent future together.  Stay tuned for our search for the perfect suburb.  I will not sugar coat everything. Serious issues come with serious relationships, and I am dealing with a few. The man is wonderful and supportive and we can talk through just about anything.

2) The Job.  I am much happier in my current work environment.  I have wonderful co-workers, one in particular just might be a friend for life. There is still room for improvement, but I made a great move and am exponentially happier than I was in my previous workplace.  Now, I have to concentrate on finding an actual career that I want to commit to.

3) The besties.  They are still the best.  We have all had some hectic schedules lately, but are still making time for each other each week.  I am excited to attend the T-ball of some bestie progeny this Thursday.

4) Pinterest.  This is the bane of my existence lately.  It is a black hole of creativity.  I have a love/hate relationship with it.  I have found that it was easier to set up a board of projets that I have done to keep track of what I have tried.  I am doing well with my crochet projects, pictures can be seen on my 365 blog.  I am currently nursing an obsession with maps, and scrabble projects.  Those will be posted as they are done.

In the past few months, I have had to adjust some of my expectations, revise a few goals, and learn that it is ok to ask for help.  In the coming months, I plan on training outside for my first 5K in August, continuing to work on getting my Christmas presents and cards squared away before November, and keep working on my bucket list, yearly goals, and home goals.  It will be quite a ride.  I will continue to update weekly, and ask for help.