Happiness Project First Project

This book has given me so much to think about. Really valuable stuff. My favorite project involved jotting down several people you admire and listing the qualities appreciate most in them. These are supposedly your nascent traits-- what is trying to be birthed in you. Once achieved, you move on to other traits. My most adored women tend to be smart, creative, loving, and skillful at negotiating gently and assertively in a work world of men. (Thank you Tina Fey, Paula Deen, Julia Child).

I have taken my first steps. I ordered a wall calendar to chart progress. This month features something I always said I would do and procrastinated about-- train for a triathlon. Oddly, I don't feel a need to compete in a triathlon, just train for one. I have searched out a training calendar, downloaded a list of songs I think will make me run faster, and ordered a race suit as I've found regular swimwear completely unsuitable for the simple task of lap swimming. Goal= train for a result.

Truth Serum

Alcohol may be under-appreciated and under-feared for it's ability to bring forth what's simmering right under the surface. There is no shortage of drinks here, and I've learned the hard way not to just watch for my number limit, but also to be suspicious of bartenders who think I'll appreciate their overly generous pouring. For better or worse, the following things were revealed this week:
1. I actually do not like "nice guys." I have consistently lied about this to myself. I like aggressive guys who want to win, who dress well, and who go for broke.
2. My downstairs neighbor was just in prison just before moving here and claims to be the most dangerous man on the Sea Wall. I find this oddly comforting, like a built-in security system. Unfortunately, his over-drinking this weekend led to a car crash, punching a hole in a wall, and trying to choke someone out. But he helped me carry my groceries up yesterday.
3. My only girlfriend here doesn't think women should serve in the military. This led to a tearful apology, spilling of guts, and other enlightenments.
I am told people tell me things because I have the right kind of face. By this point I think it may be because I'm just really hard to surprise.

there is no love, only proof of love. soliciting ideas

I've been reading the happiness project and contemplating starting my own little project. The obstacles I'm currently working around:
- I must be available anytime night or day to be at work. I work 12-14 hour days.
- I have no intimate partner or close circle of friends on the island. Female friends are very hard to come by here. My roommate is mute and today does not respond to hello.
On the plus side:
- I have financial resources I can expend on the project.
- There is no one I have obligations to at home for improving their happiness.
- I already have the following in good order: physical health, job, intellectual pursuit

So the following are candidates for improvements that need action steps.
1. become more confident/aggressive- only idea is to take a martial arts class
2. be less critical. accept people exactly as they are
3. be less shy outside of work and more open to strangers- I did meet and go out with strangers last night
Creative friends-- let me know if you have suggestions. Have you undertaken any of your own challenges in this arena?