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!  

Day 82 - Ice Cream You Scream

Day 82 - It's all about food 

I am noticing that my blog revolves a lot around food. Lol. I should be over 500 pounds at this point. Thank god for a good metabolism and active life. 

Today was an ice cream day. 2 weeks ago my friend Arnel, Jim and I went to get ice cream. I destroyed my ginormous sundae while leaving them both in the dust. They barely touched theirs. Today though I did eat half my sundae, both Nel and Jim ate more than me. Jim enhaled his like a vacuum. I blinked and his was done. Challenge extended! 

Ice cream does make me happy, but it is the company, conversation and weird events that happened that made some good moments today.  APPLETON!  

A little shout out to the World Cup Champions - Deutschland!!!  

Day 81 - ups and downs

Day - 81 Amusement Fun

In continuation of Max's birthday celebration, the family went to Knoebels Amusement Park in PA!  Though it was hot and at the end of the day I got sick, the smiles on those 2 kids faces was all the happiness I needed. 

Day 80 - Strikes, curveballs, hit by pitch, sinkers

Day 80 - Happy Birthday Max 

Sometimes life just doesn't work out the way you wanted it to or expected it to. Life is complicated. It has an arsenal of pitches it throws at you in hopes you swing and make contact with at least one. Nine times out of ten the pitches are  slow and usually down the middle. Others you get a change up or curveball that certainly makes you think twice about swinging. And when you do, you are usually too late. 

I remember when my sister told me she was pregnant. The family was ecstatic. The first grandchild for my mom and dad.   I remember when he was born. 7/11/2002. We called him "slurpee!"  Jim held the little man. Michael, cried. Everyone was just so happy this miracle came. I also remember the day we found out he was Autistic. We cried. No one was happy about this unfortunate circumstance. The first handicapped child in our whole entire family. Instead of constant strikes, it was mainly all hit by pitches. 

Now 12 years later, we still feel like we are hit by pitches, but there seem to be more strikes down the middle. We learned not to swing for the fences, but more like make the most of each inning and play the game with strategy. 

Today is Max "Slurpee" Zacher's 12th birthday. As a family we celebrate his life. Though he doesn't understand what a birthday is, he sure as hell understands that cake is delicious!  Lol. A reason for the family to get together and celebrate life is pure happiness. No matter if we sometimes feel like we lost the game. 

Why all the baseball references?  Well, Max loves to swim and play baseball. I don't know too many swim analogies. 

Happy Birthday to our little home run!  

Play ball!  

Day 79 - Shit that turns into a diamond?

Day 79- Crazy, Laughter, Colleagues Unite!  

Have you ever had to do something that was so absurd that you simply couldn't make any sense of it?  You know, that very moment when you realize you can't make out the sense of that policy or action so you simply just revert to laughter from the absurd amount of dumbfound ness. Well, today was that moment. And not just for me. For everyone in my entire building. Every person realized at the very exact moment the large amount of stupidity that just entered their inbox. 

Now from a confidential reasoning, and not to mention a professional stand point, I can not go into detail about what occurred today. But what I can tell you is that I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Which is sad because we all were simply laughing at our own status's and new policy. Let's just say I hope all my fellow colleagues do not expect a nice airplane when they leave for an 18 hour trial. They are more likely to get a transportation vehicle close to the plane from Major League. You know, the one where the pilot covered in oil is duct taping the propellor.

Salad?  How can salad give you enough energy to sustain 18 hours on your feet all day?  And don't get me started about the dessert. Lol.  

Either way, it seems the standard in today's world. Treat you like shit, work you like shit, while they expect you to produce diamonds from the shit. It is simply impossible, but sure as hell makes for a good laugh!  

Day 78 - Cookie

Day - 78 Monster

Cookies make me happy!  That is all!!!!  

Day - 76 and 77 Happiness or Weirdness?

Day 76 and Day 77 - Fun fact

Here's a fun fact that people might not know about me....

One thing I absolutely love, is the feeling you get when you walk into a hot car after being in a freezing office all day. 

Even though the car feels (or says on the dash thermometer 95F) that instant feeling of the greenhouse effect hitting the skin and warming it up, gives me another reason why I am excited to drive home. 

One thing people do know about me is that I am cold all the time. Our lab is set at a cool 70F. The air conditioning is blowing on me all day long. Goose bumps are evident every day. But the last two days another reason of happiness enters into my mind by quitting time... I get to experience that refreshing, invigorating burst of comfort!  And to be honest, I drive like that the 40 minutes home too. Usually no air conditioning and  just occasionally a cracked window!  

Day 74 and Day 75 - Freedom

Day - 74 and 75 BBQ's and smiles 

This post is a simple continuation of how awesome being an American is. In honor of our country's birthday we celebrate with parades honoring those who served, history of America and red, white, and blue confetti as far as the eye can see. Family's gather together, great food always eaten and happiness seems to just fill the air. 

This weekend I am happy because I am proud to be an American. A feeling that I can see others have as well. 

Pride and thankfulness!  

DAY - 73 AMERICA F&CK YEAH!!!!!

Day - 73 Happy Birthday America!!

I have been to many places in this world, and I am extremely lucky to have been able to see new lands, meet new people and experience different cultures.  But I must say the luckiest thing I can possibly have in my life is the fact that I can call myself an American and that my home is America.  Happy Birthday America

"God Bless America" 

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife
I'd thank my lucky stars to be livin' here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American where as least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the USA

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA
Well, there's pride in every American heart
And it's time to stand and say that

I'm proud to be an American where as least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the USA

Day - 71 Runny nose

Day - 71 Stuffy Nose

What the hell?  How can one have a stuffy nose and unable to breathe, all while having the same nose run like a faucet?  

I don't understand it, but I am living it right now. Summer colds are the worst. 

The only thing that is making me somewhat happy is that I get pockets of the day where I can taste. And when I mean pockets, I mean they last for about 1 minute and have only occurred twice today. 

Shout out to Puffs tissues. 

Day 70 - Worker Bees!

Day 70 - Thank god my coworkers are partners in crime!  

It was a very common day at the office. Kaitlyn, Khyati and I attended our 7 am conference call that lasted till 9. We then Took a 15 minute break for some breakfast where I proceeded to make fun of Kaitlyn hoovering her food into her mouth like someone was going to steal it away from her. We then got lab batches made up, bitched, made fun of people, addressed our zillion e-mails, made multiple PowerPoint presentations, solved everyone else's problems, mentored young minds and made batches. All while laughing and entertaining each other. 

For example- Did you know that (male) wasps prior to mating with the queen flap their wings, and depending on how fast they flap their wings determines if the queen wasp allows that specific male to  inject its sperm into her. A queen can have multiple partners too. We decided to call her "Queen Whore".  When wasps are next to each other they are courting!  When the are doing it doggy style then the queen is getting some!  (Like most bugs) We have proof....Khyati looked up images!

Yes, this is also something that we did at work today. Khyati has a wasp problem at her apartment and Kaitlyn thought the two wasps were "doing it". So that brought up about a 20 minute discussion on how wasps mate. And.... Your welcome. 

I am simply happy the circus I work at has people I love and laugh with.