September 30, 2014- Sunny Days

Why do you think sunny, spring days enhance people’s happiness? Do sunny days put a smile on your face? Why do you think that is?

There are scientific studies that shows the sun is a natural antidepressant. It helps to increase the levels of serotonin created in the brain. Serotonin is basically one of the main chemicals the body produces that effects mood. In fact, studies have found that in winter and fall months, when there is less sunlight throughout the day, depression rates increase. the call it seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 

However, an increase in temperature shows the opposite affect. When temperatures are higher, more risky-behavior and aggression is reported. That I can totally understand. I hate being hot and can be very irritable when I'm overly hot. Which is probably why more people tend to do crazy things and say it is in the spirit of "fun" in the summer.

For me, I have lived in Southern California my entire life. We average 280 sunny days a year. For me, sunny days are the norm. However, I do like sunny days in spring or fall the best. You can have the sunshine, perfect temperature, and the sights of all the different colors plants turn. For me, sunny days don't always put a smile on my face, but I do enjoy them if the temperature is right too. Something about sitting outside on a sunny day, feeling the warm of the sun, and feeling a light breeze is my favorite kind of day. An occasional rainy day is fine too, but I'll take a sunny spring day over a rainy one most times.

September 29, 2014- No Posts

Sorry for the lack of post yesterday. I ran errands most of the day and then went to a hockey game last night. By the time I got home I was too tired, and honestly, I forgot. Then today, I went to go get my prompt for the day, and site is on a scheduled maintenance. So, I have no prompt for today either.

Instead, I have decided to share with you what I am most excited about this week. On Saturday, my dad and I are going to see Blake Shelton in concert. He is an artist on my bucket list so I'm excited I get to cross it off. Also, I bought these tickets for my dad all the way back in February as a part of his Father's Day and birthday gift this year. It's crazy that it's finally here.

For me, one thing that makes concerts not very fun is when I don't know the words. I do know the majority of Blake Shelton's songs, so we didn't have to worry about that. I also know a lot of one of his opening acts, The Band Perry, songs and have actually seen them in concert before. His other opening act, Dan + Shay, I didn't know much. So I bought and downloaded their CD last week….OBSESSED!! Is it wrong that I'm might be even more excited to see them over Blake Shelton!?!? To get an idea of why I like them show much, check out Dan + Shay below.

Dan + Shay "Stop Drop + Roll"

September 27, 2014- Walk

Where is your favorite place to walk? Why?

I actually really enjoy walking. I love to walk around the neighborhood, walk on the beach, go on a hike, walk on a treadmill, etc. My favorite place has to be at a park that is at the top of a hill about 5 min from my house. It is nothing put a large open grass area and a cement path around it. The view, however, is so pretty. you can see almost the entire valley up there. My favorite time to walk up there is when the sun is setting. The colors the sun makes and the way it lights the mountains is beautiful. It is also somewhere my dog loves to walk. In fact, when I say the word "park" he knows exactly where I mean. It's just so quiet and peaceful up there, and a perfect place for a short stroll, or a long walk.

September 26, 2014- Spring Smell

If Spring was a smell, what would it be?

For me, Spring already has a smell. Spring smells like honeysuckles. I know it is officially spring when I smell them. One of the homes in our neighborhood has a bunch growing in their front yard. In the Spring time when I take the dog for a walk I make sure when I pass that house I stop and take a moment to breathe in their amazing smell. In fact, I start breathing deeper as soon as I round the corner because that is when you can start to smell them. I always know when Spring starts and ends based on when I can smell the honeysuckles.

September 25, 2014- Garden Flowers

If you had a big, beautiful garden, what flowers, plants or herbs would you choose to grow?

I was lucky enough to plant my first vegetable garden this year. Last weekend I planted my fall vegetables. There are carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower in there. I also planted some peppermint and cilantro. Not including tomatoes, those are all my favorite vegetables and herbs.

I would love to next plant a flower garden. I would love to plant sunflowers, tulips, honeysuckles, daisies, roses, bells or Ireland, and calla lily.  However, the flowers I really want to plant do not grow well where I live are hydrangeas. It is too dry where I live, but it would be nice to try one day.

September 24, 2014- Spring Color

What color represents Spring to you and why? Color this page in it.

Spring time to me means the color pink, but not just any pink. I love Spring because of a certain tree that blooms. In my town, the majority of the medians in the road, have rows and rows of cherry blossom trees in the center of them. I love every time I drive and see the bright pink trees from one side of town to the color. For me, Spring has officially begun when I see those pink trees.

September 23, 2014- Spring

What is your favorite thing about Spring?

Hands down my favorite thing about Spring is the weather. I love sitting in the front yard, hanging out, and soaking up the sun. I do have some allergies so Spring is sinus infection season for me, but I still love it. I love reading outside, wearing light sweaters, taking the dog for a walk, and outdoor activities. Spring is a great time when you live in California.

September 22, 2014- Compliment

What’s a special compliment someone has given to you that made you blush? Who gave it to you?

I don't know if I've ever blushed from a compliment. I do know the last compliment I received though. It was last week at work. I was talking about my past issues with anxiety and depression with a co-worker. Throughout our discussion my co-worker mentioned that I did not seem like a person with issues like that. He mentioned that I was one of the most positive people he's ever met. For me, who often considers herself a pessimist, that was such a great compliment.

September 21,2014- Craft Day

What’s a craft project that you’ve been meaning to do for a while? Or is there something you’d like to make that you’ve only just thought of?

Use today as your craft day. Then take a photo, draw or write about your beautiful project in your journal.

A few friends of mine recently bought their first home. As a house warming gift I wanted to make them something special. I decided on a wreath. The results are below.

September 20, 2014- Newspaper

Flick through or look online at a newspaper. Find an article about something good, something that makes you smile, that makes you happy to be on this world. 

Here are two stories I smiled at…. of course they involve dogs!

Puppies Swimming

Puppy Shaming

September 19, 2013- Forgot

Went out to dinner with a few friends and I forgot to write when I got home. So this is what will have to do for now. 

September 18, 2014- Time For Happiness

What are some ways that you make time for more happiness in your life every day?

Something I do every day to bring happiness in is right before bed. As I am going to bed at night, I look back on the day. I think about all the things that happened that day that I am grateful for. Even the bad things that happen, I think about what I can learn from it. that way, some of my last thoughts are positive ones. I go to bed thinking about all the things that have been good and that makes me happy. 

September 17, 2014- List Of Things

Think of someone in your life. It might be someone close to you or a new friend. Make a list of all the things you like about that person. It could include anything that comes to mind.

Maybe you love their sense of style, generosity, sense of humour or the way they always know where to go to eat out. Whatever it is, include it in your list.

Write one in your journal and keep it there. Write an identical list and give it to that person. They’ll be so surprised and so happy.

She is a great listener.

She is super clean and organized.

She knows what she wants and goes after it.

She is tall, just like me!

She is someone I can always count on.

She has a great sense of humor.

She values her friendships.

She is honest about her feelings.

She shares popcorn lobster with me!

She is one of my best friends.

September 16, 2014- Success

Celebrate your successes today. Life’s too short not to have fun. Celebrate the little wins and the big successes. Acknowledge how far you’ve come.

What are you proud of when it comes to just you? What do you have to celebrate? If you take some time to think, you’ll find a lot comes to mind…

I have maintained a core group of friends since elementary school.

I have rarely asked my parents for help in paying any of my bills.

I graduated college.

I made the Dean’s list in college.

I have been promoted at every single job I have had.

I do not need any extra help to drive a car.

I am a good Aunt to my 3 nieces.

I admitted when my anxiety/depression was too much and I needed to get extra help.

I am still alive even though the doctors when I was born did not think I would.

I survived 2 open heart surgeries, even one where my heart would not start again.

I have had 12+ successful major surgeries.

I never let my disabilities hold me back.

I don’t often feel sorry for myself because I was born different.

September 15, 2014- Dancing

One of my favorite shows starts up back again tonight…. Dancing With The Stars. It's not so much the "stars" that I like, but the actual dancers themselves. I'm just so impressed by them. If I could start all over again I wish I could have been born with the ability to dance. I mean, I can find a beat, but I can't dance the way the pros do. Hopefully it's a great season!!

September 14, 2014- Think Be

THINK HAPPY. BE HAPPY. Write this in big bold, colourful letters and let it stand out on your page. Let these words empower you daily to welcome happiness into your life more often.

THINK HAPPY. BE HAPPY.

September 13, 2014- Happy Playlist

Make a list of at least ten songs that make you happy in your journal. Then create a playlist from this song on your computer, ipod or iphone. Listen to it whenever you need a happiness boost, when you're exercising or whenever you feel like spontaneously dancing.

Adele- Rolling In The Deep

All Time Low- Walls

The Beatles- I Wanna Hold Your Hand

American Authors- Best Day Of My Life

Anna Kendrick- Cups (When I'm Gone)

Avicii- Wake Me Up

Avicii- Hey Brother

Beyonce- Drunk In Love

Blake Shelton- HoneyBee

Brand New- Jude Law And A Semester Abroad

Bret Eldredge- Beat Of The Music

Bruno Mars- Just The Way You Are

Calvin Harris- I Need Your Love

Carly Rae Jepsen- Call Me Maybe

Cassadee Pope- I Wish I Could Break Your Heart

Christina Perri- A Thousand Years

Colbie Calliet- I Do

Death Cab For Cutie- Passanger Seat

Demi Lovato- Catch Me

Dierks Bently- Come A Little Closer

Ed Sheeran- Thinking Out Loud

Eli Young Band- Crazy Girl

Fall Out Boy- Grand Theft Autumn/ Where Is Your Boy

Florence And The Machine- Dog Days Are Over

Florida Georgia Line- This Is How We Roll

Gavin Degraw- Not Over You

Hillsong United- Oceans (Where My Feet Fail)

Hunter Hayes- I Want Crazy

Jason Mraz- I Won't Give Up

Jay-Z and Kanye West: Ni**as In Paris

John Mayer- your Body Is A Wonderland

Journey- Don't Stop Believing

Justin Timberlake- SexyBack

Katy Perry- Teenage Dream

Keith Urban- Cop Car

Kelly Clarkson- My Life Would Suck Without You

Kid Cudi- Pursuit Of Happiness

Kings of Leon- Use Somebody

Lady Antebellum- Own The Night

Luke Bryan- Play It Again

MAGIC!- Rude

The Maine- I Must Be Dreaming

Mark Ballas- Hotwire

Needtobreathe- The Outsiders

New Found Glory- Hit Or Miss

OneRepublic- Come Home

Parachute- Kiss Me Slowly

Paramore- Ain't It Fun

Passanger- Let Her Go

Phillip Phillips- Home

Sara Bareilles- I Choose You

Say Anything- Alive With The Glory Of Love

Senses Fail- Lady In a Blue Dress

The Summer Set- The Way We Were

Taking Back Sunday- You're So Last Summer

Taylor Swift- Sparks Fly

Tim McGraw- Highway Don't Care  

September 12, 2014- No Craft Project

The question of the day is actually a craft project. I have none of the supplies so on to the next one tomorrow. 

September 11, 2014- 9/11

For most Americans September 11th is a day to remember what happened that day in 2001. For me, I was 16 years-old and in the 11th grade. I was the first one up because I had to leave for school earliest. I remember turning on the television for not even 5 minutes before I had to leave. By that time, both towers had been hit by planes. I wasn't really sure what was going on at that point or how big of a deal it was. It wasn't until I got to school I realized how big of a deal it was. That was all we did that day. We watched the news and talked about it. I remember walking from one class to the next and in that time period a tower had fell.

I remember that day one of my teachers telling me to remember this day because it was going to be history. Our children will be reading about it in their history books. They might even have to interview us one day for a paper they have to write on it. I remember thinking that my teacher was crazy, but I realize know it's true. I doesn't seem like it was long ago, but it kind of was. My youngest niece wasn't even born yet. Since then we have had other history making events like tsunamis, earthquakes, wars, election of the first black president, strides in civil rights, reality television, the iPhone, etc. It still is mind boggling to me that World War II for me is going to be 9/11 to my grandchildren.

Being from California and living there at the time, I didn't really feel the affects of that day. I was lucky enough to not know a single person there. That doesn't mean I haven't felt some kind of effect. Yes, that specific day changed the lives for so many, but the effects are still happening today. 9/11 lead to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Myself and my family have known many young men who have gone and fought. One of those was a guy I went to school with from preschool all the way through high school. I have had friends married to soldiers who went to fight and did not come back the same. We still feel from it even 13 years later, and I know as a country we always will.

September 10, 2014- Grateful For People

Make a list in your journal of all the people in your life that you’re grateful for.

My Mom

My Dad

My Brothers

My Sister-In-Law

My Nieces

My Aunts

My Uncles

My Cousins

My Grandparents

Nicole

Nicole

Renee

Dwayne

Lauren

Melissa

Andrea

Lynn

Pierrete

Johanne

Sam

Mikey

Tyler

Nick

My Co-Workers

My Boys at Work

The Davis Family

Dilyse

….And I'm sure a bunch of others.

September 9, 2014- Cake

Draw a picture of the most delicious cake you can imagine. Yum. 

I'm not a huge fan of sweets. I prefer salty, but I do have a few favorites. Red Velvet, funfetti, and cheesecake are my favorites, so anything that combines those three would be the yummiest cake out there.

I know it's not a cake. This looks amazing though. A red velvet cookie on the bottom, a funfetti cookie on top, and strawberry cheesecake ice cream in the middle.

September 8, 2014- Make Happiness

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. Charles Spurgeon.

Write or draw this quote in your journal. Look back on it whenever you need some inspiration or some reminding to appreciate the moments of happiness in your every day.

It is not how much we have, but 

how much we enjoy, that makes 

happiness. 

- Charles Spurgeon

September 7, 2014- Happy List

List all the things today that brought you happiness. Big things and little.

How does it make you feel? Happy?

Waking up this morning.

Since everyone in my house was up doing stuff and I was still in bed reading, Tyson came in and laid next to me so that he would be near someone and be able to relax.

Cleaning up my room by putting all my laundry away and all the things I bought yesterday. 

Reading my book.

Floating in the pool.

Seeing my favorite types of clouds- giant, white, puffy ones.

Going to visit some friends.

Listening to country music.

Coming home to see my family and my brother's friends sitting around the dinner table and sharing a meal.

Taking Tyson for a walk.

Seeing the setting sun turn the clouds pink and purple.

Seeing a full, bright moon.

Taking a shower.

September 6, 2014- Me Day

Thought it was time to spend a day just for me. I got a pedicure, ran some errands, bought a new book, went shopping, hung out with my older brother and his family, went to church, and now I'm enjoying a movie night with my mom. It was a day well spent. 

September 5, 2014- H.A.P.P.Y

Create an acrostic poem using the letters of HAPPY. After each letter write something that makes you happy; it could be past experiences, small treats, people, music...anything. Be creative. Choose whatever brings you happiness. 


Having quality time with family and friends.

Avocados….on EVERYTHING.

Playing and singing my favorite songs as loud as I can.

Puppy cuddle time with Tyson.

Yes! The word I saw to myself every time I step foot on a beach.

September 4, 2014- Happiest Memory

What is your happiest memory?

One of my happiest memories is the first time I saw my dog, Tyson. I had to work the day we got him and I knew my mom and brother were going to pick him up that afternoon. I was so excited driving home. My brother and I had wanted a dog almost all our lives, but my parents would never allow it. After 22 years of begging, they finally caved.

I was expecting to see him as soon as I walked in the house, but it was silent when I walked in. I went to the garage to check to see if they were even home yet and they were. I called out for my mom, but didn't get a response. I went outside in the backyard to see if they were there. I decided to walk over to the side of the house where I knew we were going to have as the place the dog would be going to the restroom. I started to hear voices and as I rounded the corner I saw him. He was this fluff ball of dark brown and black fur. His butt was swaying back and forth as he walked in the grass. It was then that I smiled probably the biggest smile of my life and said, "Hi puppy."

As soon as he heard me he turned around and came running towards me. I met him half way between where I was and he was on the grass. I bent down and started petty him as soon as he got to me. A few seconds later he got so excited he peed on me. I couldn't have been happier knowing he was excited I was there.

That is one of my happiest memories. 

September 3, 2014- Favorite Dad Story

What's your favourite story or picture of your Dad as a child?

You could stick in the photo if you have it and describe what is happening in it below.

I don't know a lot of stories as my Dad as a child. Either I haven't asked a lot, or he hasn't told me/remembered a lot. I know all the scary ones like when he fell off a fence and got a plank stuck in his arm. I also heard the story of when my Dad had to get his appendix removed. I have also heard a few stories of when my Dad was drafted into the Vietnam War and he worked as a jet engine mechanic. Most of the time when I ask my Dad stories, it is about him and Mom: how they met, where they first lived, activities they did as a couple, etc. 

Below is one of my favorite pictures of my dad and I from 3 years ago at Disneyland.

September 2, 2014- Lesson From Dad

What's the most important thing your Dad has taught you?

My Dad has taught me what it means to work hard. He has done this by leading by example. He may not have been at every soccer game or every award ceremony, but he was there keeping a roof over our heads and food on our table. He taught us how to work hard by always going to work, on time, every day. He taught me if you work hard you will be rewarded.

September 1, 2014- Dad

What three qualities best describe your Dad?

The three best qualities that describe my Dad are hard-working, quiet, and organized. 

My dad is one of the most hard-working people I have ever met. He always shows up on time, gives his best at all times, and finishes everything he starts. My dad is also extremely quiet. He is a home body who loves being at home with his family. He is also one of the most organized people. I am the way I am because both my parents are super clean and organized.