Kelly Epperson's Blog, page 26

One reason I love my life

I just got a FB message from Sundus, the Pakistani gal I hosted this fall. She writes from a rooftop cafe in Kathmandu, Nepal and a newswire from RRStar.com comes across her laptop. It's a small world.

Cindy, the German college student I hosted last summer, is going to college in Chicago and lives with a host family in the Elgin area. She is going to work for me as my part-time personal assistant one day a week beginning in January. It's a wonderful world.

I meet the most glorious, intelligent, beautiful, caring, loving, fun people.

I love my life.

You can love yours too.

(Don't forget to check out the Books & Boutique page.)

Million Bucks

There is nothing more FUN than JOY GIFTS! Know someone who always looks like a million bucks or the value they add to your life is priceless? Million Dollar Bill tucked in a card or stocking or as a gift tag will be a big hit. Pass along smiles in big ways and small ways. Being silly is good for the soul. THANKS for the love! (Fun stuff at Books & Joy Boutique page) [image error]

One More Joy Boutique item

I think JOY tattoos should be something I sell.

Until I can figure that one out or until I can custom order some swirly joy fake tattoos to match mine, when you order something, (Books & Joy Boutique page), shoot me an email and I will send you a fake tat of a flower or peace sign or something groovy.

Rock on, Monday!

Peace. Out.

Joy, hugs, love, warm woolies, sunglasses, and a really cute hat,

xxkelly

Free Hugs

Due to weather and illness of our joyful huggers, FREE HUGS will be NEXT Sunday, Dec 19, 3 pm, CherryVale Mall.

Monday Thanks

1. Here is one minute video of me trying to express my THANKS.

2. There is a DANCE for ALL at Rock Valley College THIS THURSDAY 11/18/10: The Snow Ball – seems a little early for snow. I want to go, but I have a prior commitment (and about five other things I want to do that night too.) I know a lot of you are looking for fun dancing opportunities. Here you go! 6 – 8 pm. 815/921-3900.

3 Happiness Club regular Beth decided to donate Santa gifts for homeless kids in elementary school in Rockford. She was estimating maybe 50-100. She just learned the number is closer to 200. That is overwhelming, on several levels. If you would like to help with a monetary donation, ANY amount is gratefully accepted. Send to Dr. Beth Christensen at Mobile Vet, 4104 N. Mulford, Loves Park, IL 61111 or bring to Happiness Club December 2. THANK YOU!

4. Happiness Club December 2 is gonna be FUN. ALL are welcome, happy or not. In fact, if you are feeling down, come on out.

5. JOY Luncheon December 2 is gonna be FRABJOUS!

Enjoy this week.

Or not. It's up to you.

xx kelly

Grateful!

'Tis the season to be grateful, and even if it wasn't, I'd talk about it anyway. I've said it here before, and I'll say it again, gratitude is the #1 happiness booster. If we can find something to be thankful for, the internal "life sucks" gauge inches towards "life doesn't suck so bad" to "life is okay" to "life is pretty darn good." Some of us get to the point where the needle goes all the way to right: Life is grand.

My needle is buried. I am the joy fairy, after all. Practicing what I preach, I can report that the tips I teach in my joy workshops, in the weekly JOY ezine, (sign up, it's free!) and at Happiness Club, do indeed work. When I had my low moments this past week, and I had them, I applied the basics. Eat, sleep, and talk to a positive friend.

Five minutes outside does a world of good. Lucky for me the weather has been crazy nice for November. Two days after my son's surgery, I took the One-Nut Wonder for a drive. He rolled down the window, closed his eyes, and just let the wind blow on him. I said that the fresh air feels great. He said, "No, I'm nauseous."

Once we got back home and propped him up on the couch, we watched a bunch of stand-up comedy. Laughing felt divine. I said laughter is the best medicine. He said, "Really, medicine is the best medicine. Is it time for a vicodin?"

But seriously folks, we have been laughing and it has made all the difference. My son has a remarkable attitude that influences all who know him. He has a quick wit and the only way he knows to do life is to make his unique observations. This situation provides him with plenty of material. His future stand-up act will also include a PSA message that it is okay for boys to play with their balls. If they feel something, go to the doctor right away. Testicular cancer is a young man's disease and primarily white guys.

My son's internal happy factor is already high so this only caused a momentary blip. He made up his mind from the beginning to accept and be grateful.

We are grateful the docs caught it right away. We are grateful for the timely, efficient, and competent care he has received. We are grateful that his surgeon is the "best in the Midwest." We are grateful that the nurses allowed three extra boys in his surgicare room.

We are grateful for the purple socks and heated blankets. We are grateful for "I don't care" medicine. We are grateful for the sense of humor displayed by all staff we encountered. We are grateful for the compassion we felt.

We are grateful for pain killers and stool softeners. We are grateful for chicken pot pie. We are grateful for silly, laughing friends. We are grateful for wireless internet, cell phones, and smoke detectors. (That's another story.)

We are grateful for comfy couches, blankets, and pillows. We are grateful for Lance Armstrong for being a famous successful dude with one testicle. We are grateful for all the success stories you have shared with us. We are grateful for hugs.

We are grateful.

(I'm close to making the cut for national Good Mood Blogger! Please vote www.sam-e.com/job/entries/559!)

Welcome!

YIPPEE!

Go to Italy with me!

Details on EVENTS page!

Ciao!

xx

The JOY Journey Begins

Jeepers – the only thing running through my head right now is something about old dogs and new tricks.

I have misplaced my Wonder Woman bracelets (but ever sporting a tiara), so the process of creating/updating my new website is going s-l-o-w-l-y. All I want for Christmas is tech know-how. Tied up in a bow.

Hopefully I will be able to make that pic of Keanu Reeves disappear. If he's still there, wink at him and see if he'll smile. Or quote a line from Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.

I have so much to say/offer here. Stick with me – my JOY journey has been a hoot, and a bit of hurt. No one gets out alive. Let's focus on our strengths, our sense of humor (we can build one from scratch if need be!) and set our sights on the positive.

Life is a journey and J-O-Y is about the Journey of You. Let's ride the wave together!