A Few of my Favorite Things

It's no lie that I have a daily struggle with what I see myself doing in the future.
I think many of us do.
But give me a nice glass of wine, a festive smelling candle & a good book and you have one happy gal.

Looking Up

I'm not really sure what's changed from now since my last post, but I already feel more at ease.

Our landlord contacted us to let us know we're still good to go for our apartment which was something I was stressed out about and now I'm just laying on the couch having a beer with John in my robe. Everything just feels easy right now.

Let's just hope things stay this simple and happy because I'm lovin' the way life feels right now. I just need to find a way to keep up this positive attitude.

And making lots of money tonight at work definitely didn't hurt either!

Have a great evening. :)

Where I Am Happiest

I actually took this pic myself, can you believe it? I got a really nice camera for Christmas but I gave up on learning how to use it because I found it too difficult. So last night when me and John went out to the lake, I practiced using my camera while he was cooking dinner and I actually managed to learn a few things!
I know it's such a small accomplishment, but I'm really proud of this photo. I think it's so pretty and I even edited it a bit.

So last night while John and I were out at his camp, I couldn't stop saying how happy I was to be there. I mean, I ALWAYS say that but this time I really meant it.

Things are so peaceful out there and it's as if all your worries just go away. Last weekend was a little crappy and things have felt sort of off ever since, but last night it was like I got to hit a refresh button and now things feel normal again and I couldn't be happier. We went swimming in the lake, hopped in the sauna, ate a delicious dinner and had lots of delicious drinks and oh my gosh, we are so happy while out there.

I told John when it comes the time for us to buy a house together, we should seriously considering getting one on the lake that's close to town. I honestly think that getting to see the beautiful image of the lake every night and every morning could ever get old. I really don't.

Where are you happiest?

I'll Be There. Even When You Hate My Face. I'll Be There. Always.

Times can be tough.
But don't forget, I am here. Always.
Please don't forget...
Even when, at the moment, my voice is like a nail scratching a chalkboard, I'll sit with you in silence.
Even when you don't want to laugh, I'll cry with you and let you use my shoulder.
Even when you want to grab the whole world and give it a good shake, I will hang on. To you.
And hopefully make you happy.
Somehow.
Someway.
I'll do that.
Because to me, you are perfect.
I'll do anything.
To see you smile.

To All My Family

I love you more than anything.
I hope you never forget that for even one minute.
Yes, yes. I know. Sometimes I'm not there as often as you might like.
I'm off galavanting in the life of a 21 year old.
Off with my boyfriend. Off with my friends. Off to the movies. Off to the mall. Always... off...somewhere.
And you miss me.
And believe me.
I miss you just as much.

But I need to remember. And, alas, you need to remember.
That that is just it.
I am 21.

I'm no longer a teenager who is just bumming around the house.
I have a life. And I try to manage it between all of those I love most in the world.

My friends. My family. My boyfriend. My job.

And sometimes, well, it's hard. Really hard. But I do it.

Soon, I'll be off on my own with barely a penny to spare. But you know what I'll do? I'll manage just like I've been doing all along.

And you may not see me as often as you like. But I promise I'm always thinking of you and I'll always try to make as much time for you as possible. Because, like I said... I miss you just as much as you miss me.
And I'm always there.
And I've never forgotten.

My Own Happiness

So overall, I'm a very happy girl.

I have so much in my life to be grateful for such as an amazing boyfriend, a loving family, and great friends (and of course 4 cute dogs).

I have a roof over my head, a vehicle to drive (barely), food on the table in front of me and a job that pays my small amount of bills.

However, I've been noticing something about myself lately.

A relatively new discovery.

My happiness comes from making other people happy so I don't feel guilty.

I'm just not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

I make almost every decision because of someone else. I put everybody in my life's happiness before my own.

I don't think I should do that all the time. I think I need to start focusing more on what works best for me and what, in the end, will make me happy.

I can't always make my decisions based on someone else's feelings or because I'm afraid my decision might make someone angry with me.

So I'm putting myself first from now on. However, of course I will still strive on making those I love around me, happy. That's what I live for. To make other's happy. But, I still need to remember that my happiness is just as important, and if not, more important.

And I'm thinking that the significant people in my life will realize that disappointment is sometimes inevitable but they need to accept my decisions whether they like it or not...because well my decisions are not their decisions to make.

Inspirational Wednesdays: A Nice Gesture

I think that people have a certain mentality of what works in terms of kindness.
In order to brighten someone's day, you don't have to go out of your way in making them happy, for example, you don't need to spend tons of money on them to see them smile.

Something I like to do, which is very basic, is while walking in the hallways at work, just flash a quick smile at someone and say "Hello, how are you?".

In doing this, you are accomplishing two things:

1. Brightening someone's day...including your own. (Smiles are good for your health, you know :) )

2. Striking up potential conversation which is boosting your social skills and general well being.

Also, in terms of my own personal life, like friends, family and my boyfriend, I like to go out of my way to do little things that will make them smile. Like if I hear that they wanted something or enjoyed something, I'll try and make it happen for them. Like if I know John really needs a  coffee one day, I'll grab him one from upstairs at work and bring it to his office for him. It's a really easy way to boost your relationship with people to know you are doing them good.

This post was inspired today because John let me know he had a treat for me in his office. So I go downstairs and he brought me a coffee but then he's like "I have one more treat for you". And I guess someone at work was selling Avon and he bought some for me. The package consisted of Vanilla Body Cream, Body Wash and Body Spray. It was a really small but very nice gesture that definitely made my day a little brighter.

So the next time you know something that will make someone close to you happy and it's a reasonable gesture, do it for them. You will help make your relationship with that person more satisfying and lengthy and you'll be helping yourself be happy as well.

Doing nice gestures for others is definitely a very big mood booster. Just remember that!

Weekly Gratitude: April 22nd

 

Happy Friday everyone!

It's actually GOOD FRIDAY today so if you're lucky like me, you get today off! Woo!!!

This week has been not too bad. But let's take a look at the high points of the week and take a minute to say what I'm thankful for...after all, it is a special day.

• Thank you to my BFF Tamara! It's her birthday today! She's 22! And we're in for a GOOD weekend :D wooo! She's been there for me in the best of times and in the worst of times. Thanks Tam! Hope your day is phenomonal!
• Thank you to a clean house. Sometimes when you clean, don't you just feel accomplished and like you can just finally relax?
• Thank you to my family for loving my BF! It's kind of cute when John has bro-mances with my Dad and Uncle over hockey. Haha!
• Thank you to Camilla for featuring me in her new magazine The Violet!! You seriously need to check out this online mag! It's so uplifting.
• Thank you to the sun! You're finally showing yourself and I love you for it!
• Thank you for this upcoming weekend. It's going to be full of family and friends and nothing gets better!

Have a great Easter everyone! xoxo

Inspirational Wednesday's: Keeping Those Who Matter Close To You

I've been thinking a lot lately about those who matter most to me.

Who my true friends are and the people who do for me as I would do for them.

If you think about it really carefully for a minute, how many people in your life do you have an equal relationship with?

How many people do you have that natural connection with?

Would you feel comfortable just calling up that girl from work on the weekend and ask her if she wants to go for a drink or would you prefer to hang out with somebody else like another friend or a boyfriend?

I've always been a firm believer on keeping those around who have a postiive influence on your life as opposed to a negative one.

So I have a question for myself (and maybe those going throu a similar situation)?

I sometimes feel like I'm too nice. Maybe a bit naive.

When am I able to take charge of my feelings and know how to stick up for myself?

When will I be able to not let other people's hurtful words or interferences get in the way of my life?

I always let people affect me so much, especially people who I'm not even that close with.

I'm definitely a "pleaser" but I really need to get back on the track of knowing the people who truly matter.

I can't keep getting hurt feelings because I want to be someone's friend.

Who would I rather hang out with? That's the question I need to ask myself.

I'm sorry if this made no sense. I'm just ranting.

Looking Ahead: Places I Want To Go

Being at the young age of 21, I often think about the things that I want in my future. These include getting married, having a family and a career, a nice house to call home. But I can't turn my back on something I really really want...and that is to travel. I feel like before I can do all those other things, I want to see the world. But if life happens and my plan is changed and my list becomes out of order, I will have to accept that.

But for now, I can still dream.

Here are some of the places I would love to see:

New York City

Hawaii

 Australia

 Lake Tahoe

 Los Angeles

 New Zealand

Paris

And last but not least...

Disney World!

This one is special because I'm actually going next year with my family! In April or May. Please don't tell me either of these months are hurricane season though.. that would be just a little bit of a damper!

I'm curious... where do you all want to go?!



My Funny Weekend

Lately I've just been insanely happy.
I have very little to complain about and this weekend was another example of why my life is so good right now!

Friday: I had tons of fun at a comedy show. The headliner was John Camponera! He was HIlarious!!! SOO funny. I was crying laughing. And then afterwards we went to the Madhouse (a local bar) where I sat with him and some of the opener comedians, and I felt so happy because I was making the headliner die laughing. Who knew I was so funny? Ha!

Saturday: I went to an ice show that I won tickets for but me and my friends left early because we were SO bored (sorry, kids!). So we went to the mall! Where I spent more money that I don't have (sigh). After that, my Boy came over and we ordered pizza and wings and watched Scream 2. Unfortnately, Johnnycakes fell asleep so I was up by myself watching this movie... not impressed. So I turned it off and I STILL don't know who the killer is (sshhhh don't tell me!). We went to sleep at 11 that night. Yeah, I'm only 21 and that was my Saturday. Oh well, I wouldn't change it for the world! :)

Sunday: John and I went and saw Rio. It was REALLY cute. I recommend if you are in the mood for some light hearted animation. After that, I went to the gym (thank goodness!) and then had dinner with my family. Also, have you ever heard of the book "the Game of Thrones"? The TV show premiered last night on HBO so we went over to our friend Trevor and Taryn's house to watch it. It was good. Also Vancouver won last night! In your face Chicago. :)

P.S. I never used to be a Hockey fan but dating one of the biggest hockey fans in the world is quickly changing that. My heart was racing in the last 10 minutes of the game last night. I would have been so sad if Chicago scored.

P.P.S (or is it P.S.S.? I'm not sure...): I'm so excited for what my future has in store for me regarding so many different things. I can't wait for what comes next! :) Hopefully involving some sort of independence...

Inspirational Wednesdays: Shake What Your Momma Gave Ya!

A Fat Day.

I'm sure you've had them. Especially if you're a girl.

Maybe you work out 3-5 times a week and eat healthy all the time but the one day you eat 4 slices of pizza you feel as if you're pregnant.

It's natural to feel this way sometimes no matter what your diet or physical routine is.

I've been going to the gym since January now which is the longest I've ever gone with exercise in my life.

I've never felt better about myself when it comes to my body and my overall health.

It feels great.

And I still eat whatever I want.

However, I'd be lying to myself if I said that I always felt great.

I don't.

But listen to this story and it may or may not help you feel better:

So on Saturday night, me and my boyfriend, John stayed up late having a few drinks while talking about many different topics. One of them being girls and their self esteem issues and how girls never seem to be happy with what they are given regarding their bodies. Maybe they think their stomach bloats out too much or their boobs aren't big enough. And John had this to say,

Girls seem to think that they have to have a tight stomach or bigger boobs. But a confident size 12 is so much sexier than an insecure size 3.

So basically the message I'm trying to get across is eat those 4 slices of pizza if you want! You're still going to look great. As long as you keep a healthy and active lifestyle that helps you feel better about yourself inside and out, life is so much more worth it when you treat yourself every once in a while. I would be SO bored if I didn't let myself eat some chips while watching a movie or order a salad with no dressing when I go out to eat just so my stomach stays flat. That is just no way to live!

I'd rather live my day to day by having fun and being happy while keeping up with exercise and a higher ratio of a healthier diet compared to "junk food". But I'll definitely still eat my pizza, chomp on a burger, have some chips, candy and ice cream if that means I'm happier.

And remember ladies, confidence is sexy! If you love yourself, that will reflect onto other people which in the long run will help keep you happy and glowing. And remember that quote up there because guys think it too!

Never try and change yourself for somebody else because you're beautiful in your own skin. I know insecurities are inevitable but try and embrace what your Momma gave ya because that's what you're stuck with!

Live your life. Be happy.

Love xoxo.



My Lovely Weekend

My weekend was one of the loveliest I've had in a long time.
I was still recovering from my Tonsil Surgery  so obviously I had to take it easy.
And I did, but somehow still managed to have fun. Which was much needed, because let me tell you, having to sit in bed all day for a week is NOT fun. Not at all. It's actually really depressing. So you can imagine how happy I was to actually go out and do some things this weekend. I even got to eat!

Friday during the day I made a mall trip with some close friends and I bought a few new cute things for barely any money. It felt so good to prepare for Summer through fashion! I'm wearing one of my outfits today and hopefully I'll remember to take a picture tonight so I can show you all! Friday night I went to see the movie, Your Highness (hilarious) with some friends. It was supposed to be a triple date but  we ended up seeing a few people we knew there and turned into a group outing. After that me and my Man had a cozy night! Mmm so warm! :)

Saturday, John asked me if I wanted to help set up for this 80's night event for one of his Promotion's for work and of course I said yes! We basically just had to put up banner tape sponsoring our radio station (we work at the same place...just not in the same department) but it was a lot of fun! After that, we went to Boston Pizza and had pizza, wings and beer. And considering it had been so long since I could eat REAL food, I definitely took advantage of this. So delicious! After that we proceeded to have a few more drinks while watching Hockey. It was such a nice night. We stayed up for so long just talking and sharing deep and intimate thoughts (one of which I'll share with you tomorrow).

Sunday we sort of lazed around the house and didn't do much of anything. Me and John saw a movie during the day (The Source Code...highly recommend) and then I went and spent some time with my Mother. Then sort of late at night, I got back together with the boyfriend and we watched Scream and had some junk food. It was just a really relaxing day (you know, with all of the Golf Ball sized hail our city got that night. So insane!)

Stay tuned tomorrow for one of the most inspiring thoughts a guy has ever shared with me.
For all you ladies who may be insecure with your bodies, you do NOT want to miss this.

Xoxo

Blogging: Added Happiness

Let me just start out by saying that this day has been busy. I've been at work, yes. But I haven't been working.
No, I've been catching up on all the posts from my Favorite Bloggers!!!!

And yes, I know I've said this before but I just need to sit again.

Readings the posts that these lovely ladies take the time to write, never fail to brighten my day.

I find their stories, their fashion, their marraiges, and just in general their everyday lives uplifting and inspiring.

When I first started blogging, I had my own interests such as movies, TV Shows, the outdoors, etc. But once I met all these new ladies via the blogging world, I've learned so many new things. I've learned delicious recipes, how to piece together an outfit (coloured leggings and bow tie headbands!) how to live a happy life, how to appreciate a drive, etc, etc.

I just can't get enough.

And as if I wasn't content enough, going through these blogs (I'm still not done catching up on them post surgery...so many posts!!!!) just make me even happier!

I'll post tomorrow on the reasons I'm so content. So stay tuned.

Love, love love.!!!

Oh. P.S. Check out the Violet (click on the button on my side bar to get to the site--->).

I wrote in a comment and I'm lucky enough to get featured! The first issue hasn't been released yet where my comment will be featured but when it does, you know I will be telling you.

The Violet is actually started by one of the most loveliest of bloggers Camilla and her friend. I honestly believe that it is one of the best ideas ever. I'm all about uplifting and inspirational ways of life and that's what the Violet is. It's so wonderful. So quick! Go now!!!!


xoxo

Shift in my Emotions

In the process of reconstructing my blog, I went through every single one of my posts and labelled them. In doing this, I read some of my past posts and I noticed something really upsetting: I was really sad. You could tell through my writing that I was almost sort of...lifeless and I wanted so desperately to feel emotion again...to feel happiness. From when I started my blog in April all the way up until maybe the beginning of October, I was trying so hard to remind myself of reasons to be happy and sometimes even saying that I was happy but I was lying to myself.

I remember saying to myself sometime near the end of September that I was going to focus mainly on myself and not all the other stuff that was happening in my life (which was a LOT... I was definitely losing control) and you know what? That is when I truly found myself again along with happiness and yep, you guessed it, love!

And it definitely shows in my blog posts.

If you look at  this post (happy)

Compared to me pretending I'm happy in this post

and then look at this post and this one (sad)

Do you see how much happiness I have gained from one point where I was admitting I was so depressed and then saying I was happy because I was just trying to feel that way and then lastly to a point where I truly was/am happy?

It's really amazing.

Since the end of September when I tried to find balance in my life and focus purely on my own self contentment, that is when I found everything I ever wanted. And you know what else? I can honestly say that I have never been happier than where I am with my life right now.

I have an amazing boyfriend. I'm not lying when I say I didn't know that feelings like this could exist for another human being. It took me a long time to find my perfect guy, but I finally did and I couldn't be more grateful!


For the first time since early highschool, I feel amazing about my body. I feel so healthy because I'm eating decent (although I do eat junk food from time to time...hey, you gotta live your life, right?!) and I've been exercising regularly since January and I feel so great about my body and definitely heart happy! Do you know that I can actually run for an extended period of time now whereas before I couldn't even run for a minute without losing my stamina? I've definitely built that up and it feels great!

I'm close with my family and I think they are accepting of the fact that I am getting older and not home as often as I used to be. But when I am, we have a great time and we catch up. It's really nice.

I see my friends as often as I can and I can promise them that I'm not going anywhere. We all lead very busy lives but I miss them when I don't see them! I strive on girls nights and spending time with them in any way I can. I love them!

So in saying this, I guess it really does show you that you need to love yourself and be happy with yourself before you can love and be loved. And I'm so glad I found this happiness with myself because then I wouldn't have John... and John is just the best. :)

Amazing, isn't it?

I Blog For Me-Positive Energy.

Happy New Year everybody!

I forsee a great year ahead.

I've also decided to stop posting my blog link on facebook for my own personal reasons.

I really appreciate my stat number from readers through facebook, but I blog for me. I blog to make myself happy. And if people still want to track down my blog and read it, I would love that. It would mean so much to me to see a high stat number without posting to facebook.

One of my New Years resolutions is to be happy and remain happy and I can't be happy with negative comments.

I need to push out negativity and embrace positivity because that's all that matters. I am definitely a firm believer in outruling the negative (which is sometimes inevitable) with the positive.

Happy 2011! May your new year be full of positive energy, happy thoughts and healthy choices!

BRIGHT BRIGHT spirits! A "never been happier" Post for all you CYNICS out there!

I just have such a wonderful feeling in my stomach.

Something I'm not sure I've really felt before?

I just feel so excited about my life and the place I'm in right now. I'm excited for the things that I'd like to do but have no official plans.

For example, this Christmas. I'm excited to feel genuinly happy with all of those I care about throughout the Holidays. Something about Christmas just feels so much better when you are happy with yourself and aren't putting on some sort of act.

Also, I'm excited for the Summer. There's nothing better than taking a road trip. And you know what I'd like to try? Being spontaneous and just driving. Having no plans on where I'm going but just...driving. As far as I want in whatever direction I want. Doesn't that just seem fabulous?

Also tentative vacations. Tentative vacations are fantastic.

Chicago for Easter will be lovely!

I just love life!!! Being happy is great.


However if this cold persists...It might take away from my Christmas Spirit...just a little.

Love Life.

I've noticed that a big theme in my posts are how to stay happy from once being so sad and factors that brighten my day in general.

Life is pretty smooth sailing right now. I really don't have anything to complain about, only things to rave about!

So here's to happiness, good friends, boyfriends, hilarious family, delicious food and seasons greetings!

 

Sorry John...you're a part of my life, you're a part of my blog. DEAL WITH IT ;). hehe.

xoxo.

Oh.... and isn't this dog just the cutest thing you ever did see?

Out With The Old, In With The New. Cheers to FRESH new beginnings.

I love my blog.

I really do.

However, I'm not going to explain every single detail of my life on here. For the sake of those involved in my life and for the sake of myself.

I could sit here and type away about some not so fun experiences that I've recently encountered but that would be counter-active, now wouldn't it?

My blog is supposed to be a positive place, for positive thoughts.

Negativity doesn't have a spot in my life right now. Something I really like about myself is that I can take a negative situation and put a positive spin on it. I think that is what I'm known for...at least that's what people tell me. So ditch the negative aspects of your life and focus on the positives. And that goes for everything.

And just know that mistakes will always happen no matter what. We are all human. People get sad and people get angry, etc, etc. But why complain? I don't really see the point in sitting here saying what I wish could've happened or talking about regret when there is so much good in my life right now.

And forgiveness and understanding is a major part of anybodys happiness.

I've finally managed to open myself up again. I'm not going into details because I don't need everybody to know all the personal aspects of my life. It'll just jinx it. But just know that I've finally managed to find happiness again when I thought that was impossible.

It feels nice. I feel good.

So I say, out with the old, in with the new. And I'm going to embrace this new-found treasure I've managed to discover.

Cheers to new beginnings.

xoxo.

Forgive My Poor Structure.

I am going to be a total dork right now and get really excited for something extremely early:

Christmas!

Now that Halloween is over (and what a great Halloween it was) that means I can get excited for the warm feeling that is, in fact, Christmas! I have a good feeling about this Christmas. I think it is going to bring me happiness I forgot existed.

:)

I really am loving life right now. It's a nice feeling, you know, to love life. I almost stopped believing in a lot of things for a while, but the pieces are coming back together and I truly am grateful for everything I have right now and for the decisions I have made.

Please forgive me for my scattered thoughts. I know I go from talking about Christmas one second and then talking about beliefs the next. I don't really have structure when I write.