Happiness Diary #52

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious
3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish
4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy. 

Saturday (1/7/17)
 

 

1) Photo: My teammate Laney "Mission Impossible-ing" it to make our play for our tumple! game. 

2) Black olives with my taco salad
3) I loved today! It started with my first Community Barn Time at The Barn for Equine Learning which Brian graciously tagged along on. We got started by mucking the stalls and replacing water buckets and then we got to brush and groom a couple of horses. Afterwards I got in a good kickboxing DVD and brought Zuzu to the dog park and then John and the Walshes came over for taco and game night. 
4) I am grateful for horsey time and really excited to start riding again. 

 

Sunday
 

 

 

1) Photo: Horses from yesterday

2) Apple?
3) I organized some cabinets and a closet today. Not to shabby. 
4) I am grateful I didn't over eat!! On a Sunday!! That I have off!!

Monday

1) Photo: Running awkwardly while trying to take a steady picture. 

2) NA 
3) Had a short meet up with Adrienne while the dogs played in the rain and then went to my class. I love how my instructor makes some days physically hard and another days mentally hard. Today was a mentally hard day learning a new combo. I wasn't the worst one this time but it was still hard! I love it though. 
4) I am grateful I am using my brain in new challenging ways. 

Tuesday
 

 

1) Photo: I forgot to take a picture today so enjoy this cute photo of Laney and Zuzu at Christmas!

2) NA
3) I kinda tweaked back again while running so I wouldn't be late to work and get half a point on my record. Points are EXTREMELY BAD and you want to avoid at all costs even if it means injuring yourself or others. (Only 1/4 joking.) So after work I did a slow leg workout and did lots of rehab and stretching etc. and it feels slightly better now?
4) I'm grateful I have a job. 

 

Wednesday

 

 

1) Photo: I'm sad I forgot to take a photo of the doggy walk! Here is a photo of me in Brian's office after along day of work lying on the floor because there is no furniture to rest upon. The step ladder doesn't count. 

2) Belvitas
3) Work was 'eh' but afterward met up with Adrienne and we took the pups out for a little walk and then I had a challenging speed session in class. 
4) I am grateful for a day off tomorrow. 

Thursday
 

 

1) Photo: Slime ingredients 

2) Kiwi
3) The worst thing about today: Zuzu eating half a skunk tail on our walk with Tessa. The best thing about today: making slime with my Little Sister. Much better than a college basketball game. 
4) I grateful for not having to drive to Allendale tonight!

Friday
 

 

1) Photo: Sometimes I just need the candy box. 
2) Thai take out 
3) My back has been hurting all day and I've made the decision to not work out for three whole days!!!  I should probably rest it for a longer time but I really want to make it to class on Monday.  It's SO hard to not be able to do the workouts (and/or dancing around my house) I wish I could do because of my back. 😥  Don't ever take for granted your health and wellness!!! 
4) I'm grateful 3:30 always comes around no matter what. 


 

Happiness Diary #51

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious
3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish
4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy. 

Saturday (1/7/17)

 

1) Photo from last Thursday: We had a work "party" to celebrate the affiliation with U of M. Any celebration with a candy bar is okay in my book. 

2) Leftover pizza
3) Today was a nice relaxing Saturday. The only time we left the house was to run a few errands (picking up Subaru, Target, Dicks and library).
4) I am grateful for warmth and shelter on cold winter days. 

Sunday

 

1) Photo: I found the perfect box at work to recycle as a tiny ornament storage box.  

2) Way too much sugar
3) I didn't change out of my PJs all day but I was pretty productive around the house! 
4) I am grateful for finally getting the Christmas decor taken down.

Monday

1) Photo: Getting rid of the possibly toxic cinnamon!

2) NA
3) I had a really good workout today and even though I tweaked my back doing burpees in the warm up I was able to continue with the workout and finished semi-strong. 
4) I'm grateful for meeting friendly people at the gym. 

Tuesday

 

1) Photo: I forgot to take a picture today

2) Snickers loaf
3) I had a lovely productive day at work and afterwards went to the Advent PT office in Caledonia. The office was closed but Gretchen offered to open it for me and take a look at my back since I keep re-injuring it. The visit was super helpful and I really appreciated her taking time on her day off to help fix me!
4) I'm grateful for having a doctor of PT in the family. 

Wednesday

 

1) Photo: I love being fully stocked on gum. 

2) Chicken burrito
3) I hung out with my Little today. It was a low key get together, we stopped at Costco to grab a few things then came back home and she played with Zuzu and we played a couple of games before it was time to bring her back.
4) I am grateful my Little doesn't mind boring get-togethers.

Thursday

 

1) Photo: Another good workout in the books

2) Golden milk. It sounds gross but it's really good for you!
3) Today was our second puppy play date with the neighbors. Zuzu and I visited for about an hour; it's so nice to make new friends!  My class tonight wasn't as intense as it usually is, probably because both my shins are still bruised so I couldn't kick very hard and also because I got another back rubdown in the middle of class by the instructor who is also a certified masseur! #blessed  ha. 
4) I am grateful for getting out there and trying new things. Life is short and now I can't wait until Saturday! 

Friday

1) Photo:  Zuzu does not love my face mask...I guess I don't blame her.

2) NA
3) Brian said I could buy Zuzu Barkbox when we pay off our mortgage. This will be a great incentive for her to make it past 29 years.  
4) I am grateful I'm not as sore as I usually am the day after class. 

Happiness Diary #50

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious
3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish
4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy. 

Saturday (12/31/16)

 

1) Photo: Brian standing and Zuzu sprinting

2) Sour Patch Kids 
3) I worked a full day even though it would have been nice to leave early. I am pretty tired and will most definitely not be awake for the new year but I am perfectly fine with that. 
4) I am grateful for rest days. 

Sunday

1) Photo: This is what happens when I don't get my 8+ hours. And yes I went to bed at 6:30 on New Year's Eve. 

2) My first chicken noodle soup attempt in the pressure cooker!
3) Happy New Year! I tried to make the most of my one day off and did some studying. I also did some back rehab and gave Zuzu a much needed bath. 
4) I am grateful for the gift of a new year. 

Monday

1) Photo: The damage

2) Homemade beef and broccoli 
3) I left work in a crap mood but it all disappeared when I walked in the door and Brian was cleaning and Zuzu was tired. I did laundry and got dinner prepared so I could whip it up after class tonight. My fourth class was awesome and even though I'm embarrassingly awful at doing combos with the instructor it's still so much fun.  I even ran a mile on the treadmill after class waiting for Brian to get done and my back hardly bothered me. I am a very happy camper.  

4) I am grateful for the Corgeous ball and my "ouchie" mat. 

Tuesday

 

1) Photo: Pepper nachos. Thanks for the idea Beth!

2) Literally four different kinds of chocolate 
3) My accomplishments today besides work were making the nachos and watching the first episode of The Bachelor! Also I stayed up until 930. Pretty proud of myself over here. 
4) I am grateful for great moods. 

Wednesday

 

 1) Photo: No one was injured in this attempt at acro-yoga. Why my sock is like that, I have no idea.  

2) Pepper nachos 
3) Today was a quick outing with my Little, her grandma unexpectedly had someplace to be at six o'clock but we had enough time to run to the mall and use a Christmas gift card at the Icing. 
4) I am grateful for only one more day of work this week. 

Thursday

1) Photo: Dinner at Bravo!

2) Smashed fingerling potatoes 
3) After work Brian and I had a dinner and a movie date with Heidi and John. Dinner was delicious and the movie (Star Wars Rogue One) was pretty good!
4) I am grateful for at least one reliable vehicle.

Friday

1) Video: Snapchat of the day
2) The Mitten Mediterranean pizza. If you like Greek olives and garlic you would love this thing!
3) Meeting new people and having an amazing workout at the gym, hanging out with my neighbor Adrienne and having Mike and Sara over, all tie for my favorite events of the day! (I promise we talk about more than just The Bachelor when we get together. Usually.)
4) I am grateful for busy days during the time of month when I have the most energy. 

Happiness Diary #48

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious
3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish
4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy. 

Saturday (12/17/16)
 

 

1) Photo: A little broccoli to balance out the ice cream situation.

2) Thai food deliciousness and peppermint ice cream of course. 
3) Brian did a ton on shoveling today while I worked out and did some laundry and then we watched Christmas movies. 
4) I am grateful for my "general vitality combined with a good probability of longevity" (aka. health).   

Sunday

 

1) Photo: Walk at Burton park

2) Pizza and breadsticks. Tsk tsk. 
3) We kind of forced a snowy and cold winter walk this morning but it made Zuzu tired which is always a good thing.  
4) I am grateful for the beautiful snow. 

Monday

1) Photo: Sushi lunch half off!

2) See above
3) I went to the 9:30 MMA class and then had lunch with some coworkers and now the day is almost over. I could totally be a retired person!

4) I am grateful for yoga mats. No more back hematomas for me!

 

Tuesday

 

1) Photo: Apparently we did lots of right leg kicks yesterday.  At least it's not shorts season. 

2) NA
3) I'm getting sick, ugh. I always notice I'm getting sick in the middle of the night and it fills me with dread.  I suppose a break from kicking isn't the worst thing in the world and my illnesses are usually very mind so I can't complain.
4) I am grateful for a chance to heal up my shin and not have to wear wimpy shin guards. ;)

Wednesday
 

 

1) Photo: Our festive little gingerbread house

2) Christmas cookies from my thoughtful and motivated neighbors.
3) I had my Little come over to decorate a gingerbread house! We even incorporated some of the neighbor cookies (see Christmas tree).  Two hours goes by fast when you are being creative.
4) I am grateful my Little noticed we forgot the gingerbread house only a minute after we left to bring her home, it could have been a lot longer drive than usual!

Thursday
 

 

1) Photo: Early morning stair session, I did it just to warm up, I was freezing!

2) NA
3) I had my new badge photo taken! Actually not exciting at all and it turned out pretty awful but that's all I have to report from today.  After work I had a low key evening trying to get rid of my sore throat with neti pots and salt water gurgling and nasal sprays and cold meds.
4) I am grateful the kitchen can be a mess and Brian doesn't mind. (I'll clean it tomorrow!)

Friday
 

 

1) Photo: Brian and his "cavapoo anchor". Apparently it's very had to get things done with a cavapoo on your lap.
2) NA
3)  Brian and I met our new neighbor and her mom (who is visiting for the holidays) when we brought Zuzu to the dog park tonight which was very nice.  I suggested we get together sometime after the holidays and hopefully we actually do! In other news I'm still not feeling well enough to go to fitness class but at least I went to one session this week. I spent the rest of the night wrapping and tidying and getting ready for the next three days at HPE.
4) I am grateful for a pressure cooker from my parents! I can't wait to put it to use!

 

Happiness Diary #47

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious
3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish
4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy. 

Saturday (12/10/16)

 

1) Photo: I feel like I'm in a snow globe. 

2) NA
3) I shoveled! A lot!
4) I am grateful for a husband who knows how to use a roof rake. 

Sunday

 

1) Photo: ...I've done better. 

2) Taco salad
3) Nothing too remarkable happened today. I worked, did some Pilates, shoveled and watched part of Beethoven. It's a childhood favorite of mine and Brian has never seen it so I forced him to watch. He got a little too into it.
4) I'm grateful I wasn't late to work this weekend with all of the snow. 

Monday

1) Photo: My 5 y.o. nephew at his daycare Christmas program. He's a tall one!

2) More taco salad
3) Shea's program was very cute. He was in the oldest group but they even had the two and three year old kids up on stage "singing" which was a little adorable. 
4) I'm grateful I didn't fall while on the long icy walk to the school entrance. 

Tuesday

1) Video: A few snippets of my day

2) Pomey
3) One thing I forgot to snap about was finally doing some more painting in the basement! Also Brian and I had a lot of fun at the MMA fitness class we tried tonight. Brian has his heart set on BJJ so I just have to decide what I want to do!
4) I am grateful for living so close to the MMA gym.

Wednesday

1) Photo: Brian and I are taking advantage of the holiday deals!

2) NA
3) I decided to go with the MMA fitness membership because of many factors, and I am happy Brian is totally fine with doing BJJ by himself.  We can still go to class at the same time but will be doing our own thing independently which is not necessarily a negative. 
4) I am so grateful I am not a construction worker working in 20 degree weather! Not even factoring the wind chill!!!!

Thursday

 

1) Photo: #TBThursday to last Christmas

2) Dark chocolate
3) I enjoyed not working out today and watching the season finale of Survivor. Can't wait for next season. :) 
4) I am grateful for rest days.

Friday

 

1) Photo: I am officially a white bracelet...:D Don't mess with me. 
2) Egg bake and guac 
3) I had a super fun time at MMA fitness today. I was the only one who showed up for the 6 PM class so I basically got a private lesson from Johnny. It was a really good workout and it was also nice talk to him and learn a little bit about his background and more about how he structures his classes. I'm excited to go to more classes and learn more and get better!
4) I am happy I was able attend a supervisors going away party after work. I respect and admire her as a coworker and a person and I wish her well. 

Happiness Diary #46

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious
3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish
4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy. 

Saturday (12/3/16)

 

1) Photo: Saturday play time 

2) NA
3) I didn't do much today, I suppose I was just trying to get the most relaxation out of my last two days off.  Brian and his tennis buddies were planning on bowling tonight but I decided to stay home which was definitely a good thing because he didn't get back until after 1am!
4) I am grateful for being totally okay with being a hermit (today anyway). :)

Sunday

 

1) Photo: Our Christmas tree didn't fit in our tree stand so Brian had to run out and get this heavy duty one. He likes it. A LOT. 

2) Appetizer night!
3) Brian and I killed our long errand list which included making stops at eight different places, buying things and returning things, etc.  The last stop was getting our Christmas tree!  I wanted to cut down our own this year but time was running out so we just picked one up from down the road.  Maybe next year.
4) I am grateful for buying our tree and getting it decorated all in one night as opposed to last year when it sat in our living room naked for at least a week. 

Monday

1) Photo: Running with the dog across the fence. 

2) NA
3) After a nice day at work I came home and brought Z to the dp, worked out and made healthy breakfast egg casserole.
4) I am grateful for having showers that make it easy to rinse off a muddy pup. 

Tuesday

 

1) Photo: LS and I coloring and waiting for the gifts to be wrapped.

2) NA
3) Tonight was the Grand Rapids Jaycees shopping event at Meijer. I signed up my Little because I thought it would be fun for her to be able to buy some Christmas presents for her family. She had $40 to work with and was able to buy something for six of her family members. Picking out gifts was fun though waiting for them to be wrapped while sitting in the "Party Room" for over half an hour (think small break area with tons of kids yelling and running around and creepy Santa in the corner) was not so fun.  It was worth it though and I'd probably do it again next year. 
4) I am grateful for being a part of my Little's Christmas preparations. 

Wednesday

 

1) Photo: Beth and me running!  (It's a challenge to snap a decent photo while running btw, you should have seen the other ones, I had like five chins as opposed to my usual two.)

2) Qdoba catered lunch and cookies at work today!
3) I felt pretty good our little run today and when I got home I was on an endorphin high!  It's so nice to get my workout done before getting home!  I also ordered a Christmas gift for my little from Shutterfly which took me the entire night to put together, but hopefully she likes it!
4) I am grateful for my warm coat on our run. ;)

Thursday

1) Photo: My borrowed Jiu Jitzu Gi

2) NA
3) Brian and I have been talking about trying out Brazilian Jiu Jitzu for a while and tonight we finally went to our first class. It was definitely intimidating (there was one other girl but she had the second highest belt of the class) and it will take me a while to get used to the customs (like shaking everyone's hand before practice and bowing every time we leave or enter the padded practice room) but I think it could be a fun thing for Brian and me to do together.  Next Monday we are going to try the MMA fitness class before we decide which membership we want to go with. Trying new things is good, right? :)
4) I am grateful for not falling down or running into the wall (much) while running backwards during warm ups today. 

Friday

 

1) Photo: Thai fried (cauliflower) rice.
2) Strawberry fruit strip
3) It was my day off and I am happy to say I made the most of it and got stuff done (and with minimal sugar!). The best thing I did (with Brian's help) was figuring out how to get the sensor to work on our new touch-less kitchen faucet (the plumber had a wire plugged into the wrong part).
4) I am grateful for Trader Joe's riced cauliflower.  I've tried making my own before and it's so messy! I'm also thankful for our Christmas gift from Brian's parents, the plumber visit!

Happiness Diary #45

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious
3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish
4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy. 

Saturday (11/26/2016)

 

1) Photo: Christmas in November!

2) All the things
3) Today was a fun family Thanksgiving with a little Christmas and birthday thrown in.  Thanks to Mom and Dad for having turkey twice this year so Brian and I could have a legit Thanksgiving dinner!
4) I'm thankful we could have a mini holiday celebration with the family. Next year will be a little different with all the babies but I can't wait!

Sunday

 

 

1) Photo: Birthday cake pic from yesterday

2) My salad bar salad since Bliss and Vinegar was closed.
3) Brian and I made the drive back to Michigan with a super sleepy Z and moderate traffic.  We unpacked and then went to grab a few things from Costco and the grocery store including our anniversary gift to ourselves, a 4K TV!
4) I am grateful for making it home safely and for having tomorrow off. 

Monday

 

1) Photo: ❤️

2) Chocolates

3) Happy birthday to meee! Birthday + Cyber Monday = perfect combo.
4) I am grateful for another year of life.

Tuesday

 

1) Photo: Family walk

2) Gaucho salad
3) I got through my only day of work this week! Couldn't be happier.
4) I am grateful I had to work today and not only to save PTO believe it or not. :)

Wednesday
   

 

1) Photo: My current life

2) Gushers galore
3) This day off was all about doing laundry and tidying and watching Gilmore Girls and hiking with Tessa. A very nice day.
4) I am grateful for failures.

Thursday

 

1) Photo: The go carts at Craig's Cruisers

2) Pizza
3) Today was the Big Brothers Big Sisters holiday party at Craig's Cruisers.  My LS and I hung out with her sister and her sister's Big and we all played laser tag and went on the go-carts and bumper cars and played a few arcade games as well. Everyone had fun and considering last year the matches just went to a day time movie to celebrate, this year was definitely a hit.
4) I am grateful my LS and I had such a great time tonight.

Friday

 

1) Photo: It's December 2nd and my Advent calendar is already half empty!
2) Shelled chestnuts from Costco
3) I spent a lot of the morning taking notes on the book How Not to Die and doing some slow carb diet research online. I found a few recipes to try and made a shopping list and am ready to get healthyish.
4) I am grateful for always having something to work towards.

Happiness Diary #44

 

(I'm in catch up mode!)

 

Every day I share:

1) A random photo of the day
2) Something I ate that was delicious
3) A meaningful event that happened or a task I was happy to accomplish
4) Something I was grateful for or that made me happy. 

 

Saturday (11/19/20)

 

1) Photo: Celebrating the first snow with a fire and my new birthday PJs from Brian. 

2) Sweet potato fries
3) I was able to see much of the beautiful first snow of the season while walking at work which I loved. After work I went home and ate a dinner of sweet potato fries and chocolate and watched Crimson Peak. :)
4) I am grateful for cozy evenings.

 

Sunday

 

1) Photo: Chasing friends at the dp. 

2) Gaucho salad. I now know the correct spelling.
3) I had a slightly busier day at work than yesterday and also Beth stopped by which was nice. In other news Brian and I went to see Arrival and while it was entertaining it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
4) I am grateful for the luxury of going to the movies.

Monday

 

1) Photo: Everybody's favorite place to be, the DMV.

2) Breadless tuna melt
3) Brian and I now own a 2005 Honda CRV which is definitely an upgrade from the Buick. I had a lovely day off today and most enjoyed hiking with Tessa and Z. 
4) I'm grateful Heidi came with to the SOS to help with the title transfer and deal with an small unforeseen issue. 

Tuesday
 

 

1) Photo: I bought four rambutans from D&W. They were tasty but expensive and a little weird. 

2) NA
3) I didn't do a ton today except work out and tidy and prep the cookies for tomorrow.
4) I am grateful for fluffy dry towels. 

 

Wednesday
 

 

 

1) Photo: Our decorated sugar cookies 

2) NA
3) LS and I tried out my new maple leaf cookie cutters tonight. I think it was LS's first time rolling out dough haha. It was fun decorating the cookies but I realized later my powdered sugar must have been old because the icing tasted terrible. Oh well , they were still semi-edible.
4) I am grateful LS played with Zuzu today because it was too rainy for a walk. 

Thursday
 

 

1) Photo: Thanksgiving day hike at Peace Park

2) We should have cooked a small turkey but instead we had crockpot beef and onion stew. 
3) This lovely non-traditional Thanksgiving day consisted of a long hike, a workout, some football watching, baking lemon bars, packing for WI and shopping at the outlet mall. :D
4) I am thankful for all of my family and friends and am grateful that even if it's just the two of us, it can still be a festive fun time with Brian. 
 

Friday
 

 

1) Photo: I made Zuzu a pillow perch for the drive.  It was a hit.
2) McDonalds Egg McMuffin
3) After work, Brian and I headed to Waukesha for Thanksgiving weekend with (most of) the family. Brian had tired out Zuzu during the day so she was the perfect little traveler.
4) I am grateful I was able to leave work a little bit early today!