Day 90 - Thank You

Day 90- It was a challenge

I started this challenge a little after my dad died.  For those of you who don't know, my dad died suddenly.  He was in Myrtle Beach in August swimming in a pool, the beach and in the sand and then come December he was gone.  I see a picture taken in August of him sitting on the shelf of the ocean wave break, and then I look to my right, and see his prayer card with his picture on it and the date of his death in December.  My dad got sick around my birthday in October, by December 9th he was gone.  He might have had an idea he was dying, but it wasn't until we all saw him take his last breath that we knew he would never be with us on family vacation again.  In some ways, I am glad he passed away so quick.  I said my peace during the time he was in the hospital.  I was by his side and he knew it.  Though I always ...and will probably always have the thought..."If only I had just a little more time"  Hence one main reason why I started this 3 month blog.  

I challenged myself to never wish for that "If only" statement.  In a longer period of time then it took for my dad to leave this Earth, I challenged myself to make sure I found something happy in each and everyday.  I am not going to lie.  It wasn't all rainbows and cookies.  There were some serious issues that happened within this 3 month period.  Friendships were lost, arguments were had, weight was gained, but none the less, the objective was to try to overcome the obstacles by having something positive in my life stand out for that day.  For all the bad, there was great.  Babies were born, weddings commenced, vacations were taken and though all those are obviously happy moments in a persons life, the little things were something I was looking for.  The reasons why I wouldn't need to ask "If only" - Sometimes you need to slow down and understand that the little things do add up.  

I am not famous or even extraordinary.  Some think I am a bitch, others don't know how to act towards me. What I am is me.  I know exactly who I am.  I am a very independent, kind hearted individual who always thinks of others before my own happiness. I am an average female in my thirties.  I could pray for extravagant things to come my way, like winning the lottery or having a personal assistant because I am a huge movie star, but those things are so out of reach that it isn't fair for me to wish for something unattainable.  But what is within my limit, are life's little joys which are passing me by without noticing. 

So for my last entry for my 90 day blog, I want to start off by saying thank you to everyone who took the time out to read my rants, nonsense, and gibberish.  I received some great feedback and actually inspired others to do something similar.  To me, I am happy because I not only completed my challenge, but I succeeded in doing so.  I felt obligated to myself and to others to follow through during the tough times and the headaches.  I know I am not some inspirational author, musician or even actor.  I am just plain old D.  A girl who started a blog to remind others that happiness is what you make of it.  

Day 89 - Screw It

Day 89 - To me, it's all about the food

So I decided today that my diet should start since my jeans felt 2 sizes too small. And no, they weren't washed or brand new. Ugh. However, linguini and clam sauce with a delicious Stella was more appealing then kale or juicing!  

Screw it, I am happy, not a size zero and enjoyed my absolute fabulous dinner. So everyone, grab a spoon or fork and let loose on some delicious fatty foods. Use the cardboard to carry things in and not to eat!  

Day 88 Looking in a mirror

Day 88- Image is everything 

I will admit that I love watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and though they have a ton of money, it makes me so happy knowing that I am NOTHING like them. They are entertaining, pathetic and a train wreck. Hence why it is so hard for me to look away. 

I am happy that I am grounded. I might be Italian and I do understand that family means everything, but my Italian family relies on love and values rather than money and fame. Plus, the drama is just exhausting. Entertaining to watch, but not worth it in my life!  

Happiness is looking in the mirror and realizing that I am strong independent person, who can sometimes be crazy but is no way as freaken nuts as all the bitches on TRHNJ!  Lol!  

Day 87 - Babies and Booze

Day 87 - Happy Saturday

Nothing says happiness more than booze, babies and buds. Thanks to the Velazquez's for hosting a fun day!  

Day 86 - Pure Bliss

Day 86 - That moment in life...

My cousin today had the one moment in life where she was the princess. The man of her dreams looked at her like she was the only person in the room. Her friends and family all watched with amazement and happiness as she walked towards her destiny. 

As my cousin walked down the aisle with her brother, a large group of emotions came over all of us. We were saddened by the fact that not only her father, but her mother were not here in person to see this blissful moment. My dad as well would have been proud of his niece. Though we knew they were looking down, we still knew they were missed. The lovely tribute at the ceremony for my uncle, aunt and dad was touching, but more importantly Kim and Gabe's happiness was the highlight. 

It was great to see family members, drink to the happy couple, and dance the night away. Congratulations to my fantastic cousin and her new husband!! All my love. 

Day 84 - Embarrassment..lalalalala

Day 84- That moment when you can be yourself

So I was driving home going over my day so far in my head.  Basic day.  Got up, went to work, worked harder than I should, drove home, did errands.  But no where in there could I find something that actually made me happy or laugh today.  Sure I could write about how happy I am because I have a great family and life.  I could write about how happy I am because I know who I am and not afraid to show others.  But all of that has been done and kinda plain jane.  And then BOOM!  It hit me.  

I was sitting in traffic after picking up my dress from the dry cleaners when something took over my body.  I didn't even realize it.  I was automatically in a good mood and probably looking like an idiot to the other cars on RT 17.  It was half way through when I realized A) my windows are all down, B) my music is blasting C) I was singing out loud (very loud) to an iconic 80's pop song and finally D) not only was I singing, I was dancing in my seat!  The song you ask....well, it was no other than Toni Basil's - Mickey.  This song automatically put me in a happy great mood.  I was and am SO tired of hearing All of Me and any other romantic song out there.  Come on women...if any of you think your men think this of you 24-7 then you are crazy enough to think that John Legend is actually singing the song to you.  So this very embarrassing classic 80's song got me thinking....what other dorky, pop, embarrassing songs do I have in my library?  

After careful consideration...here are a few songs I have that I might want to roll my windows up while driving, but secretly love listening to and know all the words to.  

- Kris Kross -Jump
- Britney Spears - Womanizer
- Backstreet Boys - Everybody
- Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun 
- Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart 
- Bel Biv Devoe - Poison 
- B52's - Love Shack
and yes...how could I forget 
- Ricky Martin - Livin La Vida Loca

Day 83. Accomplishment

Day 83 Productive!!!

It makes me happy knowing I accomplished a significant amount of tasks at work. Today was one of those days. 

Even though my to do list is still 10 miles long and growing each minute, I was still able to check some major items off. And for that I am happy. It wasn't a meaningless meeting-full day. Instead, candy was made bitches!