My Happiness Non-Negotiables

Hi guys, I’ve been a bit quiet of late due to various wedding stresses and, at the weekend, my venue cancelled on me! Now the dust has settled a little, I decided to take a look at my life and remember all the great things I have to be thankful for. When I saw that the lovely Jenny, over at ‘Midwife and Life’, had nominated me to take part in a ‘happiness non-negotiables’ post, I thought this would be a great place to start!

 

Happiness non-negotiables are a list of things you generally need to make your day that little bit brighter. With my kids, friends and family obviously at the top of the list, I thought I would share my next five additions, which help any normal working day run smoothly:

 

1. Fizzy Juice

 

Does anyone else feel like water sloshes around in your stomach for ages after drinking it? I can’t stand the sensation and usually do anything to avoid it. If my day doesn’t include an ice cold can of Pepsi Max or Coke Zero, you will most likely find me in a corner, suffering the onset of dehydration. As I write this, I’ve noticed my current can is now empty and I’m debating how much spare change I have to get another!

 

2. Phone and Headphones

 

My bus journey to and from work MUST include being able to listen to my iTunes library! There have been times that I’ve forgotten my headphones, and my whole day has been miserable. It doesn’t matter that I’m mostly asleep on these journeys, the music drowns out conversations and snoring from other passengers, limits my irritation towards the various mechanical ticks from the bus and also fills the otherwise dull M8 journey with a more enjoyable soundtrack.

3. Daily Meditation

 

Ever since starting a Mindfulness course back in January, I can’t settle without my daily meditation. The uni runs a half hour session every lunchtime and I try to go most days. My friend Monika – who writes a science based blog called ‘around_academia’ – was the person who first introduced me to it, and now we often encourage each other to take the time to de-stress. It splits the day up perfectly and helps tremendously when experiments seem to be failing left, right and centre.

 

4. A Blanket

 

Whether it’s my slanket (so I can eat and game), my work blanket (because the air con is too high again) or my daughter’s massive pink blanket with a doll on it (because I borrowed it and can’t seem to give it back), I can’t get comfy without being wrapped up. Maybe it’s a subconscious need stemming back to infancy or maybe I’m just cold, but blankets always have to be within reach throughout my day.

 

 

5. My Hubby-To-Be (AKA My Personal Chef)

 

So I mentioned that the family are already top of the list, but Paul also doubles up as my personal chef. I am a terrible cook, which may come as a bit of a surprise given my skills as a chemist. Unless it comes out of a packet and has precise instructions, I can’t make it, so I rely on Paul to feed me when I come home from work ‘hangry’. He is good at his job and usually has something prepared to satiate the beast, in order for him to then access my otherwise cheery demeanour!

 

 

Now that I’ve shared with you guys, I nominate:

 

Nikki from Young Mum Getting Rid Of A Bum

 

Alex from Random Geeky Dad

 

Lis from Last Year’s Girl

 

Sarah from Life In A Break Down

Sarahjane from Caffeinated Reactions
 

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