Day 69 - Sore throat...no problem

Day 69 - Perks for working in a lab

A migraine all weekend and then when I do have to go to work, I wake up somewhat excited noticing that I only have a lingering headache.  However, I now have a sore throat.  Hoping this is only allergy related I pop a Zyrtec.  NOTHING!  Still a lingering headache and the sore throat is growing.  I pop 2 Advil Liquid Gel caps to get rid of the headache.  NOTHING!  WTF?  Good thing I work for the global candy brand Halls.  That's right folks, for those of you who do not know, Halls is the number one global candy brand.  The medicinal cough drop you get from your grandmother in the US is actually popped like a Tic Tac all across the globe. 

So what might I do in this situation?  How can I get temporary relief from this annoying sore throat?  Pop a Halls.  I popped many of them today and not just the flavors you can get in the US only.  Oh no...I had some delicious El Cafe, Wild Berry, and Ginger.  The slight perks from having access to all the global products and formulas. 

I will admit that it was weird eating a Halls for the entire time to help alleviate my sore throat rather than doing a sample evaluation, but they did help.

Breathe in Halls Air!  Shout out to the Halls development crew!  :-) 

Day 67 and Day 68 HELP!!!

Day 67 and Day 68 - pushing through the weekend. 

I am sick as a dog. A full blown migraine for the last 2 days. I am mad it is on a beautiful weekend but happy it isn't during the week when I have to miss work. (I know sounds odd, but I am already behind in work and would have to go in feeling sick!). Plus, Jim already had plans this weekend, so it is me, my bed and my cats sleeping away the headache. 

I am happy others are having a great weekend!!!!  

Day - 65 and Day - 66 Potluck

Day 65 and Day 66 - It's so fluffy and delicious! 

The last 2 days I have had simple acts or random things that have made me happy. 

Yesterday while driving on RT 80 I saw 2 vehicles that were in the shape of a food object. I automatically just started laughing at the driver, I mean come on now... wouldn't you feel slightly weird driving 65 mph in a car shaped like a weiner?  Yep, I was behind the Oscar Meyer Weiner car. And let me tell you, that footlong can haul ass!  After that hotdog got off in Paterson, apparently Saddle Brooke needed fruit. I was in the local lane behind a bright yellow vehicle from Dole. Yep, you guessed it.. Bananas anyone?  I am not a fan of the fruit, but the fruit mobile made me happy. 

Today was a beautiful day. I love large clouds especially when they are fluffy!  That makes me happy. However, I missed a good chunk of those clouds because I took a lovely nap on my half day Friday. How could you not be happy?  

And finally, I had Chic Fil A for dinner... nuff said. 

Day - 64 Life after death

Day - 64 Holy Shit!!!

I am not a huge believer in mediums, afterlife, reincarnation, ghosts or any other life after death scenarios. However, today I must say my dad gave me a huge sign that would make me possibly rethink my stand on this topic. 

Thanks dad!  And trust me... The family thanks you too!  My reason for happiness today is knowing that dad is still with us in spirit!  

Day 62 and 63 Quote this....

Day - 62 and 63 Inspirational Words

The last two days, hell the last two weeks have been hectic. I barely have time for anything let alone remembering that life is short and to be happy. But I did have a chance to read some awesome quotes on Facebook which comes with a welcome. I much rather read those then to see that someone is taking a piss and tagging another person. I seriously don't need a play by play on your everyday boring life with an unnecessary tag. We get it.  Though,  I am guilty of this too so I do apologize. Instead, here are some reading highlights:

"Be a fountain not a drain"

"Keep the Earth clean, it's not Uranus"

"Sometimes you just have to erase the messages, delete the numbers and move on. You don't have to forget who that person was to you, you just have to accept that they aren't that person anymore"

"If I was a bird I know who I would shit on"

"Live Loud"- Autism Speaks! 

Day 61 - Go topless

Day - 61. Happy Summer 

Took the top down on the jeep!  Topless Sunday makes me happy!  

Day - 60 B3

Day - 60 Beer, BBQ, Billy Joel. 

How can you not be happy when your day is packed with 4 hours of delicious varieties of beer, healthy portions of BBQ, and ending the night with the entertainment of Billy Joel himself?  

I am only half way through my fabulous day Jim planned for me and I am full of delicious happiness. Billy Joel... Here we come!  

PS...pretzel necklaces are the shit!  

Day - 58 and 59 Count down to Summer BITCHES!

Day 58 - Awful

I was so sick yesterday. The only thing I was happy about was that my great friend Arnel drove Jim back to Morris County to pick me up and drive my car home since my migraine derailed me. Thank you Nel and Jim for being my ambulance. 

Day - 59 ....12 more hours to Summer! 

Let the countdown begin!  My FAVORITE time of year. Island Beach is calling me!!!  :-)

Day 57 - Cinnamon, Sugar, Bacon, and Chocolate

Day - 57 And Menthol?  

It felt so good today to finally bake!  I haven't baked since I moved into Jim's parents house back in October. Though my moms air conditioning was out and it was about 95 degrees in the house, I still was able to smile and be happy!  Mom and I baked too. She gave me tips and then ate most of the left over batter. 

The best was when I was making my buttercream icing and couldn't get it thick. Mom made me retrace my steps only for me to realize I put in 10 times more buttermilk then I needed to. In my defense, I have been baking since 4 and it was 7:30 at night. So we added a whole bunch of thickening agents to help with my butter diarrhea. Mom really did call me a dumb ass at that moment. 

In total I made:

1 dozen of my cookie brownie cakes 

24 Creme De Mint chocolate fudge cupcakes with a hint of menthol in the cake (don't knock it... It is shockingly good) 

24 Maple Buttermilk Bacon cupcakes 

All from scratch!!!  

Even though I am seriously happy from my evening, I am truly exhausted!  Night!  

Day 56 - Everybody dance now....

Day 56 - Sing along and crack a smile....

Have you ever heard a song on the radio and it automatically made you think of a movie or moment that made you smile?  Well, today was that day for me. Driving into work and sitting at my desk I had the XM radio on switching in between 80's and 90's. Majority of the songs that came on jarred my mental state to pure happiness by making me remember some stupid comedy scene or memory. 

Here are some songs today and my association...

# 1. "Everybody Dance Now" by C & C Music Factory. Danielle imagines the comedy Old School when they do their school spirit routine. 

#2. "The Greatest Love Of All" by Whitney Houston. Danielle imagines the comedy Coming to America when Randy Watson played by Eddie Murphy and SEXUAL CHOCOLATE sings the song during Black Awareness week. 

#3. "Fancy" by Iggy Azalea. Danielle imagines Jimmy Fallon lip synching the song on the tonight show while competing against Emma Stone. He is in the fast lane from L.A to Tokyo. 

#4. "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" by Culture Club. Danielle imagines the movie The Wedding Singer when George played by Alexis Arquette sings the song on repeat. 

And last but not least....

#5. "The Final Countdown" by Europe. Simply put, this reminds me of some good times in my life. And I still can't believe there are words to this song!  

Day 53- 55 It's hot...stop bitching

Day 53 - 55 People are so fickle....

Yes, during the weekend I had a lot to be happy for.  Family, fun, father's day memories, anniversary..the list goes on and on.  One thing I found weird was the weather.  Though we are still not officially in Summer yet, I think any hint of sun and warmth makes all of us happy since we had the winter from hell.  Well, Saturday was pretty damn cold (even for June) and Sunday was ABSOLUTELY beautiful.  Today as well.  But what I can't believe is how fast people are now turning on how hot and humid it is.  May I remind most of you that not less than 6 months ago everyone was bitching about the 12 feet of snow we had to shovel while freezing our boo-tay's off.  

So it is humid and hot!....  But it isn't Africa hot or even Florida sticky.  There isn't snow, the temperatures have been somewhat OK and summer is about to begin.  Stop complaining and remember that Summer is a time for happiness, BBQ's, the shore, outdoor activities, and vacations.  Being on the East Coast, everyone should know our Summer's last all of 6-8 weeks tops, so you better enjoy it.  In the blink of an eye, you will be filling the gas in the snow blower and not the lawn mower! 

P.S..I am even happy that there are "summer" bugs.  That is how much Summer makes me happy! 

Day - 52 Beer, Wings and Vietnamese Jesus

Day - 52 Oh and My BFF 

I am not a real romantic. I hate flowers. I can deal without the chocolates. I  am not clingy. I have my own independence and I do not need to spend 24 hours with my significant other. I never maneuvered my way into Jim's life and I always said to him "I don't need you, I choose to be with you!"  Harsh, but I have always been open. What you see is what you get. 

With that said, today is our anniversary. 5 years of marriage and 15 years together. How did we celebrate you ask?  By going to a diner for lunch, taking a nap, seeing 22 Jump Street in the theaters, and topping off the evening with beers and wings. I am so full of PBR, spicy garlic wings and happiness!  

It poured today. Much like our wedding day. Though it was warmer today!  I just don't think it would be the same if it was sunny and beautiful. 

I am happy I have Jim. He lets me be me. I am who I am, and he is patient!  Really patient and passive. I am impatient and aggressive. I guess you can say we balance each other.  He is more sentimental then I am... And I am not trying to make him sound like a sap. But in all honesty the whole anniversary, valentines day scenarios are not my cup of tea. And Jim knows this. Hence why he brings me to a wing place instead of an expensive/pretentious restaurant. No gifts. No elaborate gestures. Simply me watching the World Cup, yelling Gooooooaaaalll, drinking beer and laughing at the movie we just watched!  Those are the moments to live for. 

Day - 51 Happy Father's Day to the Best Man I Have Ever Known!

Day 51 - Early...but I couldn't wait

This will be the first Father's Day without the best man I have ever known.  The day is going to be rough.  I think probably harder than his funeral.  He was adored by many.  Especially his family.  He was a simple man with a limited vocabulary...mostly F-bombs  :-)  but his heart was so genuine and large that no one could compare.  I miss dad every day.  I ALWAYS think of my mom actually.  How she is especially since she still lives in the same house she shared with him for 52 years.  memories...guilt...loneliness. But during this holiday, I am actually thinking of myself and my sisters.  Yes, it is very hard for my mom, but this Sunday is going to be an emptiness that I have never felt in my life.

Ok ok..this is the HAPPINESS blog...so wipe away your tears and think of this.  I am simply taking a lawn chair, a CD player and a 6 pack of Amstel Light.  You know damn well Danielle is plopping her ass on his grave and having her own little BBQ for the man who sacrificed and taught her so much.  We will be listening to Johnny Cash while I pour 1 beer on his newly planted sod (probably will kill it and Dawn will be pissed off) and the other beers are for me and whoever else decides to stop by.  Dad's grave site usually has a lot of visitors.  So I better bring a cooler and snacks now that I am thinking about it. I also wanted to show him my gift I got him.....

I will place his card on his grave...cause yes, dead Donald can read, and then I will show him my new tattoo. My dad always said to me, 'Danielle, there is always an alpha and an omega.  A beginning and an end!"  Well dad, your end came too soon.  I got my version of an alpha and an omega tattooed on me to remind myself you are always with me and a part of you is still on this earth.  This by far is my most memorable and favorite tattoo! 

Miss you tons dad... "God Damn It Kay!" 

Day - 50 Day Off!

Day - 50 Hump Day!

Today is Wednesday and I don't have an evening work conference call. Though a 7 am and 8 pm is my life tomorrow... So....

I am going to simply relax and enjoy my stress free evening with Jim and my kitties!  

Day - 49 Work till you drop

Day - 49 Candy is a rough life 

I am truly happy when people think I have a cool job. I am a product development scientist for a candy company. I have seen some awesome places in the world, developed some amazing products, and learned a substantial amount in the meantime. 

Yes, my job makes me happy but I need to stop this blog now because I have an 8 pm conference call tonight. Followed by a 7 am conference which is then followed by another 8 pm conference tomorrow night. I then have a morning am meeting off on Thursday only to call in at 8 pm that night. Who needs a life when you make candy?  I guess not me! But I am happy I have a job!  Could be worse!  

Day - 48 Who isn't happy driving through Denville?

Day - 48. ME!  THAT'S WHO!

While driving in my awesome ride I was listening to the most absurd story from my fabulous friend Kerry about her weekend. It was an interesting trip to say the least. In the middle of her eventful story about her Wildwood adventure weekend, I look in my rear view mirror only to see flashing lights. I stopped Kerry mid sentence and said "I am being pulled over!"  Kerry - "What?  For what?" 

Me - "I don't have a clue!"  Turns out Sgt.  Dickwad gave me a ticket for an expired registration. 

Now at this point I am boiling inside because I haven't been pulled over since 2002. I have no points and a good clean record. My registration just expired, but I didn't know since I assumed new cars had a 4 year sentence. I guess I was wrong. 

I had no opportunity to talk my way out of the ticket or even state my case. Captain Fuckface just issued the ticket and told me twice to go to the DMV!  Well, under my breath I told HIM where to go. 

The only reason why this moment in my life today is mentioned on the happiness blog was simply because Kerry was there. I didn't want to go all "D-WOW" in front of her. So I kept my cool, made fun of the ass clown cop and continued to drive us to our destination. 

Between Kerry's crazy weekend and the odd way we ended the day, I am glad that this Monday is almost over, but relieved I had a good laugh. 

Though I know I should have re- registered my car, and clearly it was a oversight,  I just hope this fuck nut cop does a better job of pulling over more important offenders - like the turd who went through the red light or the pretentious bitch who simply drove in all the lanes without a signal because she thought she owned RT 80?

I know all cops aren't assholes, but to those out there who are... Punch yourself in the face and have a pimp spit in your mouth. And to all the good cops out there... Thank you for not being a total douche. 

Thanks to Kerry McNulty for all the laughs and good times!  Plus, I think you had it more rough this weekend then my day!  

Day - 47 Cheers!

Day - 47 A liquid diet kind of day

It is shocking how on a hot day, a cool delicious great tasting beer can add a smile to your face. Top that off with an awesome milkshake from Sonic equals a fantastic Sunday, but more importantly a FANTASTIC way to close out my "eat like a pig diet". Pure hell starts tomorrow with veggies, less carbs and no ice cream!  Lets see if I can find happiness while trying to get back in shape. 

On a side note, The Goldbergs show on ABC is freaken hilarious. 

Day - 46 Soul Mates!

Day - 46 Wedding Bliss!  

Who has a bridal shower at a sushi place?  My family does!  My cousin Kim, who has the biggest heart I have ever met had her bridal shower today. Kim is my dad's sister's daughter. My Aunt Dot died in January. I was unable to go to her funeral because I was out of the country for work, but I stopped by the hospital numerous times before she passed away to say my goodbyes and to make sure Kim and the family were ok. She did the exact same thing 10 months later when my dad (her uncle) died. She does everything for everyone else. She always puts others needs in front of hers. So it was extremely special to celebrate for her today and her new adventure. 

She found the man of her dreams. I truly saw pure happiness from Kim today. She was surrounded by her family and friends and somehow made the day about us and not her.  I am incredibly lucky to have her in my life and in my family. Gabe is also extremely lucky to have her in his life. 

I wish her a lifetime of happiness with her husband to be. I hope she is as happy and loved in the future as she gives to everyone everyday. 

Day - 45 Work Life Balance

Day - 45 All work and no play...no way! 

Since work has started our half day Fridays, I thought it would be nice to get a group together and celebrate our flex time. A large group of Mondelēz coworkers from multiple divisions got together and ate great food, had some delicious drinks, shopped, and topped everything off with a sweet purchase of a cupcake or two. 

What made this celebration special was not only that we were all together and majority of everyone was experiencing a new place to eat and shop, but more importantly, we all took a little time out of our busy, stressful days simply for ourselves. It was 4 hours of laughter, indulging, and simple happiness!  It is a necessity for our sanity!  It is also great to know that your coworkers are your friends as well. 

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!  

Day - 44 Smiles all around

Day - 44  Seeing someone happy...

I truly am the happiest when others around me are happy.  I don't necessary need to be the person who makes them happy, but simply be in their company to witness it.

Today many people were happy either because they were eating great food and not giving a crap about what the outcome was, giddy because they were talking to their boyfriend, or excited to talk about their weekend plans...today seemed to be a day where a lot of people were happy.

It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though.  Driving into work I almost hydroplaned because of the torrential downpour I was driving in.  I am happy that I didn't crash and was ok.  Most people were so sleepy this morning due to the rain, but once the sun came out, peoples' moods changed.  The laughter was heard just as loud as the birds were chirping.

Moral of the story: rain = unhappiness and sun = happiness! But you don't need me to tell you that
Plus, I didn't crash today and there was NO traffic.  Triple win!

Day 42 and 43- Family Ties

Day 42-43 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

Family is the main reason for me to be happy.  Without my family, I don't know if I would be the same person.  You can't choose your family and sometimes you might want to leave them, but yesterday and today reminded me of why I should be happy all the days of my life. 

Yesterday we went to dinner to celebrate my mom's birthday.  We knew this would be a somewhat sad day since dad wasn't here to make fun of mom or pinch her leg till she says "DONALD!" with that annoyed kind of tone.  At dinner mom was sad, but getting there, at dinner and even afterwards we sure did have a lot of laughs.  Majority of it was making fun of each other.  Including dad.  LOL!  "Next time, can this martini have 3 olives in it, make it less sweet and more dry and try not to shake it as much!"  (Only those who know my dad would get this joke...He was particular with his drinks and I always cringed at the poor waiter who had to take my dad's order.)  We made fun of 2 little boys who can't even defend themselves.  Poor little Max and Ryan were oblivious to us joking with them.  We made fun of mom's reaction to the prices on the menu but then orders one of the most expensive dishes.....and so on.  That doesn't even describe what happened in the parking lot afterwards.  Dorene FLIPPING out because she couldn't find her purse.  Needless to say she had it with her because that was the only way she could get into the car (FYI, Max was sitting on it) or the fact that Phillip went mock 1 towards the bushes where he thought there was an exit, only to back up the whole way when he realized his mistake.  Jim and I were driving home in tears not because we were sad, but because it was a night full of fun and laughter at each other.  We realized that the family is truly dysfunctional and we wouldn't have it any other way.  

I would like to take this opportunity to wish a very special, strong, independent woman a very Happy Birthday.  Mom, if I turn out half the woman you are by the time I am your age, I will consider myself fortunate.  A wise person told me once, "You do not need to be famous to be a celebrity!"  And she is very right.   I look at my mom with more respect than any other woman out there! 

Enjoy your family, enjoy your life, and most importantly enjoy the fact that you can be happy in the only life you have to live!  Oh...and eat CAKE! 

Day - 41 The little things...

Day - 41 I forgot about work!!!

Yes, I had that terrifying moment when I realized I was driving on the concrete jungle to work and not to a sandy beach.

I was happy to see my coworkers on my first day back from vacation. They were also excited to see me, hear my stories and look at pictures. However, it was a day from hell. I still have not read any of my emails since I was pulled into "disaster" meetings. But, I didn't get too stressed, I tried to stay in a calm, relaxed mood, and kept reminding myself that sometimes in life you just need to picture a sandy beach with crystal blue waters to get yourself through the day. 

To be honest, I am happy and lucky enough to have a job. A job where my importance is evident and needed. Stress and all. 

Day - 40 TGIJ

Day - 40 Thank God It's June! 

What makes me happy?  Sun and warm weather. Summer in the states, especially the northern east coast has very limited months of summertime weather to enjoy. 

It isn't officially summer yet, but happy June everyone!  Here's to a good upcoming summer filled with warmth and sun. It may only last about 75 days, but those days do not include cold temperatures and freaken snow!  So that makes me very happy!