February Highlights 2017

Saturday, February 4th  I drank 1/3 bottle of Framboise and Brian opened something.

 

Sunday, February 5th It's the Super Bowl today and Brian's dad came over to watch the game and have snacks and pizza. I made my own low carb pizza and some flaxseed bars and Zuzu was a cuddle bug. 

 

 

 February 10th I had lunch over at Adrienne's house and Zuzu got to play with Charlie and came home a tired pup once again.  It's the best!
 

 

Friday, February 13 I went for a hike with Tessa and in a field near the middle of the trail there were a bunch kids randomly spaced sitting very quietly. It was creepy.

 

 

Monday, February 14th I went to my MMA fitness class for the first time in forever and my back felt pretty good! I was so happy to be back I forgot how amazing that class makes me feel. On my way home, the purple and pink sky was so ridiculously beautiful, the photo doesn't do it justice.  

 

Wednesday, February 15th All my Little has been wanting to do lately is make slime from glue and Borax water. The only challenge is trying to find glue, it's constantly sold out everywhere! (Target, Walmart, D&W, Meijer, ugh)  I found this glitter glue at the dollar store but it didn't work the best and was super messy but she had fun!
 

 

Thursday, February 16th Brian and I celebrated Valentine's Day by going to the Downtown Market. I don't think we've been there since we moved so it was cool to see how things have changed. We decided to have dinner at Fish Lads and my salad was surprisingly delicious. Brian loved his Gumbo too. 

 

 

Saturday, February 17 I forgot to take a picture :( but I met up with Tessa and Tiffany for some Thai food and it was a fun time with good friends (though we missed Kirsten and Susan)!

Sunday, February 18th Lots of action at the DP today!

  

 

Also, Brian and I had grand plans to finish painting his office but we spent too much time shopping and running errands and only left enough time to be lazy. :D

World Market has my favorite Haribo Candy's now!

 

Wednesday, February 22nd Brian received his first white stripe at BJJ today for his good attitude. (His instructor said Brian has the same expression whether he taps out or submits his opponent). The next stripes/belts are based on skill.
 

 

The damage from three straight days of BJJ.  

 

Friday, February 24 Charlie and Zuzu played at our house and Zuzu's spirit animal is an annoyed seal. 

 

 

Saturday, February 25th Brian and I spent the night at Mike and Sara's. We had a slightly regretful Chick-fil-A dinner and played a few games. I didn't take any pictures except these two:

On the drive over Zuzu was a very sleepy girl:

Sara and the pups:

Until next month (hopefully)!

 
 

January Highlights 2017

I am currently working on a February Highlights post and I thought I would post a January one too since I did complete part of a Happiness Diary and have a few other photos from the end of the month. :)

My last partially completed Happiness Diary: 

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 (1/21/17)

1) Photo: Ever since the skunk tail incident Zuzu has been quite attached to this toy. 

2) Mushroom brie. I know.
3) Brian and I went grocery shopping!!
4) I am grateful and proud to be a woman in the world today. 

Sunday

 

 

1) Photo: My delicious smoothie with amla (gooseberry) powder. 

2) Mushroom brie but it made me feel sick so I tossed the remainder and vow to never buy it again. 

3) After work I made some healthy and delicious flax seed muffins and went to bed super super early. Look at those bags! I needed it. 
4) I am grateful for being able to chill pretty much all day today. 

Monday

1) Photo: Breakfast for the week. 

2) I cooked a roast in the pressure cooker and it was semi decent! 
3) I made Brian try out tapping for our back pain and it was very interesting. I'm all about trying weird things that might work. 
4) I am grateful I got to practice weekly maintenance in Chemistry and I didn't have to repeat any QC today! 

Tuesday

  

 

1) Photo:  This was supposed to be my Snapchat video from the day but it didn't save correctly so all you get is an upside down snap of me with the wrong date. :-/
2) Berry amla smoothie
3) After taking about five days off from working out I still felt nervous about going to class today but I went and it wasn't tooo painful. 
4) I am grateful for having another person to walk Zuzu with. 

Wednesday

1) Photo: Just a little trim!

2) NA
3) I finally got my hair cut after about four months. Zuzu and I are on the same grooming schedule so when she gets shaggy I know it's time to book us a couple of appointments. 
4) I am grateful for Advil in my bed stand table.

Thursday

The day I realized I had completed a year of Happiness Diarys(!) and maybe it was time to take a break and reevaluate. 

January Highlights

January 26th    Brian's new workout toy came in the mail. Now I just need a tire to slam. 

January 27th      Zuzu always looks so sad when I pick her up from the groomers but she was thrilled to see me and smelled delightful.

 

January 30th     Zuzu turned two! She's a sweetie who still gets into mischief but we love her just the same. 

 

Getting a little personal...

In the middle of my 53rd Happiness Diary I realized that I had been writing them for a full year and for some reason I felt like that was enough and I stopped. The diary's have been a lot fun to write and though at times the commitment was challenging (did I skip a week in there? I can't even remember) it was always fulfilling to post a new entry each week. Writing the diaries made me realize how easy it is to find something to be grateful for each day and it will be great to look back on the daily events from this past year of my life.  However, I did find that naming the posts " Happiness Diary's" having a blog with the words "Filthy Happy" in the title, made me sometimes feel guilty when I had moments or entire days where I didn't feel happy and I didn't accomplish anything.  I know no one expects me to be happy all of the time, that would be an impossible feat, but it still made me question myself.  This is where I am so grateful that there are so many inspiring books and podcasts and YouTube videos in the world that teach me that it's ok!  I don't have to be perfect!

I know people can be so critical of others who want to change for the better or want to do good in the world...someone who is a vegetarian because they love animals might be criticized for not going vegan, someone who loves the planet and is an activist for global warming may be criticized for using air conditioning, someone who claims to be awakened and in alignment with the universe may be criticized for losing their temper in a moment of stress.  If someone isn't 100% consistent with their values they are attacked for being a fraud or being a hypocrite.  I think people are sometimes afraid to change because they feel like the little they do is never going to be enough and they will never make an impact on the world or their own lives and they will feel guilty about all of those little inconsistencies.  Inconsistency isn't a bad thing!  Inconsistency shows that you are in the process of growing, and that you HAVE changed.  Inconsistencies are a reminder that you have more work to do or they may just be something you have to allow yourself to accept, because nobody is perfect and most people can't live 100% for any one purpose or passion. I know I will never be 100% happy all of the time but maybe I can strive for being a little more peaceful, a little more clear headed and little more accepting.  I want to live the best life I can live.  I want to get rid of things that don't serve me and don't serve the greater good.  I want to get rid of all the limiting beliefs I've had my whole life.  That being quiet is boring, that I will never have any willpower, that I will never be at peace with who I am, that being vulnerable will only bring judgement, etc.  I want to live in my truth. I want to live in gratitude. I want to live in love. Love of this moment. Love of myself and of everyone and everything around me.

How do I start? I think I just did. Realizing there is a better, more vibrant way to live is the first step.  How someone gets from here to living in their truth is going to be different for everyone but it's all about taking small steps.  There are so many things I want to change and implement into my life but for me I know I need to start with myself and bring more self love, acceptance and forgiveness into my life so I can eventually stop being so self centered and have a clear picture of how I truly want to live.

I don't even know if any of this makes sense but I do know that I feel inspired and I feel good and I wanted to share.  More to come possibly.  Peace!







I am grateful for hikes in the woods and this beautifully sunny Monday in February.

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.