happy hump day

At the wise young age of 24, I have a feeling I'm on to something good: 

The key to happiness.

For me {at least for right now} it lies in just three simple steps...

Laugh Often,

 A good laugh really is the best medicine. Even in stressful or moody times, I think it helps to find the humor in life. I especially love laughing at my embarrassing, clumsy, day-to-day awkwardness.

Be Kind to Others, 

Simply put, when I help others I am actually helping myself feel better as well. Happiness is contagious. Spread the love.

and Appreciate the small stuff. 

I feel so content this week. I've taken time to appreciate a good workout, to get excited about hearing my favorite song on the way to work, to "sleep in" and catch a glimpse of the Today Show as I'm getting ready, and to stroll into the office at 8:15. I hope that even as I get older and my life changes, I can still appreciate these simple things...while still also balancing a love for the "finer" things, of course! ha ;)

Sorry for vomiting rainbows and butterflies in this post. While I try to focus on these happy things, I also realize that on a bad day positivity is the most annoying message to hear! Hopefully you are having a good day instead of the latter!

the little things.

Recently, I was missing the spontaneity and randomness of college. Just as I was craving little daily surprises, I was pleasantly amused by...

1. FINALLY getting professional wedding photos from my cousin's beautiful wedding...

 

all images from Kelly Rashka Photography

2. Coming home to a generous "holiday" gift from work {and conveniently instantly having delicious chocolates to indulge on for dessert}.

 

image here

3. Very unexpected compliments from co-workers. ;)

Despite staying at work until 8:30 tonight I'm feeling pretty happy thanks to the little things in life.

Are you taking time to be thankful for small blessings?

faaabulous me.

I was talking to a "friend" at the gym today {don't be impressed, it's my first time back in the gym after a 3 week "hiatus"} about negotiating a new monthly rate.

Amidst our usual witty banter {read: my charming personality, "friend" graciously putting up with me}, he asked why I deserved a cheaper rate.

Without skipping a beat, I responded, "Because I'm a loyal member...and I'm faaabulous."

To which he replied, "Who says?"

"Well, no one lately," I answered, "but that's what I tell myself."

And then I realized, after having this silly, meaningless conversation, that I should be telling myself things like this more often. There's nothing wrong with me dropping myself the occasional compliment. Toot toot.

Are you a member of your own fan club?

As many women are, I am usually my toughest critic. Take a minute {heck, even an hour...or a day! gasp} to see yourself how others see you.

I certainly have my faults, but today I'm recognizing the good because there really is good in everyone.

"If you put a small value upon yourself, rest assured the world will not raise your price." ~Author Unknown

this too shall pass.

Stress is not what happens to us. It's our response to what happens. And RESPONSE is something we can choose. ~Maureen Killoran

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.  ~Attributed to both Jim Goodwin and Sydney J. Harris

Thank you for all of the wonderful words of wisdom and advice! :)

Not sure if it was the kind words or the massive amounts of junk I've eaten today {starbucks, cookies, yogurt pretzels, you name it...}, but today was better than yesterday.

Time has an amazing way of healing things!

Thankful

I am thankful for good health and positive attitudes. For compassion and laughter, love and thoughtfulness. I am thankful for hard work that makes relaxation even sweeter, and for time away that makes moments together even more special.

Despite the hurt and heartache, perhaps sometimes it takes moments like this to remind us all what we are truly grateful for.


Wedding weekend and vacation updates will be up soon, but there have been other things on my heart for the past week. Stay tuned and give thanks in your life as well.

The Blah Blahs

It's an inat7outat7comehomeandworkmore kind of week, and I don't see life slowing down any time soon.

Say something to make me laugh ~ I dare ya!

Several things that are making me smile at the moment:

• The thought of me walking in to Ann Taylor to return another cardigan something THREE times (on separate days) and changing my mind each time. Indecisive maybe? Those cardigans are so good but so bad all at the same time...
• All the posts about our NYC trip on Casey's Blog ~ she can depict the weekend prettier than I can, she's in advertising :)
• Knowing that my mom is coming up on Saturday.
• Visions of outdoor dining in nice weather.
• This hilarious video. Who would ever videotape this and then proceed to post to the internet!? Lord only knows {well, I guess my mom knows too} how I acted when I got my wisdom teeth out. I swear I thought I was being totally normal ~ I was craving a chocolate milkshake afterall...doesn't that sound like me?
• These disgust me and make me LOL at the same time.

Ok, this is clearly procrastination at its finest...off to be productive...

Happy Friday Eve to all!

Spring's Simple Pleasures

Today I am completely indulging in the fact that:

The days nights seem much longer. I've done laundry, gone to the grocery, eaten dinner, and watched some DVR and it is STILL light outside. Can't beat that.

While I enjoy the coziness of winter and the beauty of a fresh layer of snow, I realize all do not share this same opinion. Now others are finally coming out of hibernation!

My sunglasses now have a purpose in life. 

Ice Cream is officially in season.

Diet Coke has a certain refreshing, crispness about it that is intensified when sipped in the car with the windows down and sunroof open.

Happy Hours will begin to occur more frequently.

Patio seating is now available at a restaurant near you.

{Green Beer} Cheers to Spring's Arrival!

Sweet Surprises

On my way home at 10pm last night, after 13 hours in the office on a Sunday with Mr. Big Guy {the boss} and no lunch or dinner, I had a slight lapse in my quest to maintain a positive attitude...focus on the good stuff...blah, blah, blah...


THEN, I came home to a surprise hanging from the door to my apartment.

Just the pick-me-up I needed!

My friend left a goodie bag full of brownies, pictures, new socks {labeled with the days of the week to fuel my OCD tendencies}, and tattoos {which, as she described, were in case I need a reason to get fired}. 

The tattoos made me laugh out loud. All I could picture was rub-on tattoos on my cheeks during our reviews with the President this week. She's right...probably wouldn't go over well.

I am so thankful for friendships and RAKS {random acts of kindness}!

What a Week!

My Miserable Schedule this week:

Monday - Office 7-7:15, gym, dinner, workworkworksleep

Tuesday - Work 7-8:30, Dinner at 9, Gear up the laptop and work til 12:30

Wednesday - Work 6:30-7:15, Dinner, Suffer through more work, Sleep at 12

Thursday - Work 6:30-7:15, {quick} date, work until 11:45

Friday - Work 8-6, Happy Hour, completely CRASH

I'm so exhausted. Now I am focusing on relaxing. And gearing up for a fun day in the office with the boss on Sunday...Grr. Is it March yet? I can't keep this up much longer...And I'm pretty sure if I calculated it, my salary would equal about 62 cents/hour at this point.

However, by continuing to focus on the positive I am actually feeling pretty happy. 

The good stuff:

• The guys at work have been cracking me up lately. We are a random bunch...the token black guy, the 23 year old klutz {me}, the brainy Harvard grad, the white Republican, and the mexican. Our differences teach me so much, and I appreciate the humor that each individual brings to the group.
• Somehow I forgot to bring money to the cafeteria twice this week when I went down to grab lunch...distracted a little I guess. Luckily, random guys in line behind me offered to buy my lunch for me. How kind :)
  
• I went on a really fun date last night! It made me realize a) I don't really have a social life, b) I miss feeling wanted, and c) I still have a passion for BBQ Chicken Pizza. He also reminded me that I am still young, and work is not my entire life.
• I get to sleep in tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited. I might also treat myself to some retail therapy.

Life is what you make it, so I'm choosing to focus on the good stuff!

I will choose JOY

Amongst life's many stresses, several things are bringing a smile to my face at the moment:

• My butt has been to the gym 3 days in a row...I love the way I feel after working out, and I want to keep it up!
• York Peppermint Patties {to balance out the workouts, duh}. This girl's got a sweet tooth.
• The fact that several of my friends have started blogs...hint, hint to the others out there...
  
• Country music ~ particularly the "Black Dress Song" and the song about dancing through the house...whatever it's called.
  
• My wonderful friends that I don't get to spend enough time with, but love that when we hang out it feels like no time has passed :)
  
• Ol' Boy asked me to dinner this week. I've decided {per my New Year's Resolution of being more open and accepting} that I wasn't right to judge him so quickly. From all I know so far, he is extremely nice and easy to talk to. And 2 bomb points to him for actually asking a girl on a date!
  
• I am trying to limit the stress in my life ~ and feeling good so far this week {ha, I know...it's only Monday, we'll see how the rest of the week goes}. I am trying to stress less about work because I am doing my best and that's all I've got.
• Finally, I am already looking forward to the Starbucks I'm going to get tomorrow morning...because I deserve it ;)

Hope everyone had a Happy Day...despite it being Monday! 

Year in Review & Welcome the New

A new year is upon us, so it is only fitting to recap all that happened in 2009.

What an eventful year!

I started 2009 with my best friends from college, lived in the ever-entertaining sorority house with the company of 45 other wonderful women where I had every meal prepared for me, went to class about 8 hours a week and spent the rest of the week goofing off. I did spring break, bar crawls, and date parties with grace.

In May, I finally graduated with a degree in Finance {yipee!}. In June I moved to the big city {to live in a newly furnished apartment, thanks to graduation money}. In July I was blessed to start a great full time job. In October dad moved 100s of miles away {hard for a daddy's girl to handle}. Essentially, my life has seen a lot of change.

I now live alone in a 1 bedroom apartment. I have learned to shower, sleep, and live on my own without letting my imagination {or loneliness} get the best of me {with the exception of the occasional nightmare or pitty party ~ it happens}. I am learning to cook and be independent. I am gradually meeting new people and exploring the town. I am learning more than I could have ever imagined at work. I am officially acting like an adult.

Reflecting on how much things have changed and how much I have grown in 2009, I can only imagine where I will be a year from now. 

In 2010, I hope to:

• Continue to meet new people and make the new city feel like home. I want to be more open to new things. Even though something or someone is different, that is ok.
• Create a better work-life balance {thus also supporting the aforementioned goal} while also learning and growing in my job.
• Start living a healthier lifestyle. I want to continue working out regularly, but "change" can no longer be my excuse for not eating healthy.  

I have learned so much about myself this year, and I hope to begin finding what truly makes me happy in the new year. This year has been full of good times, but has also been very, very challenging. I will continue to focus on the positive, and with that I know 2010 will be outstanding!

This has been a year of change {excuse the cliche Obama catch phrase} for many of us!  What is your favorite memory from 2009, and what would you like to change in 2010?

Be Happy

Although it is usually always hard for me to get out of bed in the morning, once I'm up I really enjoy my morning routine.

Depending on what time I wake up, I either go to the gym and work out next to Mr. Hot Boy that doesn't know I exist and then come back and watch the Today Show {love it} while I get ready, or I listen to Chris Carr & Co. on the radio {so funny} when I need to go into work early.

Top this off with my morning latte, and it puts me in a pretty good mood.

People must think I'm crazy as I laugh hysterically out loud during my entire drive in to work...interrupted by occasionally singing along to music.

I am then greeted by friendly workers at my parking garage. Every day, they smile and genuinely say "good morning." They all know me by name, and when I'm running a bit late and they see my car pull into the garage they hold the shuttle for me so that I don't have to walk in the cold.

If these guys can exude happiness every day, despite driving a shuttle in circles over and over, I can choose to be happy as well.

I do have so much to be thankful for, and life is better with a smile :)

Wonderful Weekend

After an awful week, all I could think about was spending the weekend at home. I cried almost the entire drive home, and after quality time with good friends I made the drive back in a much happier mood. =)

Mom and I went for sushi on Friday night when I got in town, and then came home and got distracted by a puzzle and mom believing she could sing oldies music.

On Saturday, I woke up early to go wedding dress shopping with one of my best friends. She found a dress that she looks stunning in. I feel so fortunate to get to go through this experience with her. I am beyond excited for her and her fiance, they are a beautiful couple.

After shopping all day, we went to dinner and hung out at her house (even though we had chinese food for dinner, we also made brownies...yumm!)

I have been so lonely lately (in fact, lonely is an understatement). It is hard to see the positive things in my life because I am currently surrounded by so many things I am uncomfortable or unhappy with. Being surrounded by people I love was just what I needed this weekend. It has given me new perspective, and I have realized I need to take action and begin finding out what makes me happy. I pray that I have strength to get through another week of work. I think I can, I think I can...

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times,
For during those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes,
For they will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.
~Author Unknown

Perhaps by the tone of my last post you could tell that I'm feeling down today, and this quote was just what I needed to read. My dad always says you must go through tough times so that you can better appreciate the good ones. I need to focus on these positive thoughts. Although I'm feeling down and lonely today, better days are coming soon.

p.s. I did make it to the gym. And more imporantly, I made it home safe.