The Joy Pledge

The Joy Pledge~ a dedicated effort to find and choose joy on a regular basis in hopes that sharing it will, in turn, inspire others to choose joy as well

Lately I have been on a "finding happiness" kick. Having suffered from depression and anxiety through most of my teenage years and my early twenties, I am now inspired to change this. Depression and anxiety can be so toxic and harmful. It makes you take for granted everything that is so precious in your life. You focus so much on the negatives and the "what-ifs" that you are missing the here and now! Life is just too damn short to feel miserable all the time!

I saw the Joy Pledge while surfing the Net and just loved the simplicity of it. This is something everyone should do.

How it works:
There are no rules to the joy pledge. This isn’t a weekly or monthly project, or something dedicated solely to photos or solely to words. A joy pledge post stems purely from inspiration. Maybe it’s a photo of a sunset, or a description of a newly mastered yoga pose. It might be a recorded conversation with a stranger, or a picture of the best cupcake you’ve ever had the pleasure of sampling. A joy pledge post exists to share and inspire the art of finding and choosing joy at every available opportunity.
If you choose to take the joy pledge, the same rules (or lack thereof) apply to you. Bonus points will be awarded to those who can find joy in the most uncommon (and perhaps unjoyful) places.

So I am taking the Pledge! Hopefully you do too! :)

The Happiness Project.

I am not really into "self-help" books. I've tried reading them before, but I just couldn't either identify with the author or the solutions to solving problems I found ridiculous.

I was looking on a blog that I follow and she mentioned she was reading "The Happiness Project" and was feeling inspired. I immediately became intrigued. A Happinesss Project? Sounds right up my alley! I would love to be happier! So I looked it up and right away I was impressed!

The Happiness Project was written by Gretchen Rubin. One day while sitting on a bus, she realized life was just passing her by. She was happy. She's married, has two daughters and a successful career. But she felt like she wasn't appreciating her life enough. She wasn't the happiest she could be. So that is what started off her happiness project. I related to her story. I am happily married, have wonderful friends and family, a beautiful house, cute little fur babies, and a good job. But I'm not as happy as I could be. So I decided I want to start my own as well!!
As of right now, I'm only half way what I would like to work on. Once I am finished, I will post it on my blog to share with you. :)

The Happiness Project is pretty simple. It is your own project to take specific steps to boost your happiness! Every one's project will be different and will focus on parts of your life you would like to work on being "happier"  (ex. Work, marriage etc.).

You come up with: Your own resolutions
                             Your own personal "commandments" to follow
                             Keep a one-sentence journal
                             Keep a "list" Journal (if you are a list person, which I am! Hey, it might help me out with new blog entry ideas!)
                             Keep a "Secrets of Adulthood" Journal, which allows yourself to be reminded of what you have learned with time and experience.
                           You can create an inspiration journal with quotes, pictures, anything you find inspiring.
                            

The Website is http://www.thehappinessproject.com . Check it out if you want. It explains what I have mentioned above in more detail.

:)

Mix Tape Monday!

Sorry I haven't written in awhile, I am recovering from the flu.
I thought I would do a simple post today, to let you know that I AM still alive!!

Mix Tape Monday this week is all about LADY GAGA!! I LOVE her!!! She is crazy awesome! She is her own person and doesn't give a shit what people think of her. If you actually listen to her songs and don't pay attention to her crazy get up, she is pretty inspiring! We should all be a little more like Lady Gaga (with the exception of wearing "meat dresses" out to town!).

So here are a few of my favorite Lady Gaga songs!

1. Born This Way

2. Judas

3. Bad Romance

4. Telephone

5. Poker Face! (This song was played at our wedding five times!!)

:)

Favorite Things Wednesday!

1. Quote Tattoos: They just say so much about a person!

2. Revenge Movies: The first half of the movie you feel sick to your stomach, but once you get through that and see karma kick ass it's awesome!!

3. Cover Girl Liqiline Blast- I will never use another eye liner again! It's amazing!

4. True Blood (Books and TV series): Besides Dexter, it has to be the most entertaining show on TV.

5. Wicker Emporium: Since owning our own home, I love it there!

6. Dolce and Gabbana Glasses: I ordered myself a pair this week! Never been so happy to be a "Four Eyes"!

May is bringing back Memories!

Around this time five years ago, a curly haired boy and a very shy girl started dating.

I knew from the very first date, this guy was going to change my life!

We became inseparable!

I knew in a very short time, I was going to spend the rest of my life with him.

He is one of the people I can count on to make me laugh, make me smile when all I want to do is cry.

It really doesn't seem that long ago, driving in his Valiant at all hours of the night, telling each other things we never told anyone before.

And it all led up to this....

Love you Aaron! :)

Tattoos....

I find it absolutely fascinating how tattoos are so popular right now. What used to be so taboo has now become  socially acceptable.
Don't get me wrong, there are still alot of people out there that are not fans (my mother included), I just find it interesting that most people from my generation has a tattoo (or multiple).

 One of the questions I am asked by people who don't have a tattoo is"Why"? Why did I decide to put something permanently on my body?

Here's my answer: I believe tattoos are a way of expressing yourself. To me, they are beautiful works of art that are permanently on your body that you chose to be there. They are a reminder of where you have been and how much you have grown.
I have three tattoos. My first is a star on my lower back I got when I was 18. I do not have a picture of it on my computer right now but I will post one eventually. I just love stars! My mom's middle name is "Starr" and a girl had it on a movie I saw a long time ago.
My second one is a tiara on my ankle I got when I was 22 celebrating my new job. I feel that this one describes me perfectly. :) I mean, I DID have a fairy tale/princess wedding after all!

My third one is the word Breathe with three stars by it. I got this a few months ago. I was going through a really hard time and suffering from anxiety. It is to remind myself to take time for myself and just to "BREATHE". The three stars represent three very special people I have lost in my life.

I would like to have one or two more. The way I see it, you only live this life once and if this is something you want to do- go for it! Do your homework, find an artist you trust and a design you love and do it! Life's too short!

Book Tuesday!

Young Adult


Young adult books are not like they used to be. Back when I was a teenager (I make it sound like it was EONS ago)  found that young adult writers wrote like they were writing for idiots! So, I stopped reading young adult and read books by V.C. Andrews (her older stuff) and Dean Koontz.

I admit, what got me back on the young adult band wagon was Twilight, but since then, I have found other books that have definitely beat Twilight to a pulp!

Synopsis:

I Am Not a Serial Killer is the story of John Cleaver, a 15-year-old sociopath who works in a mortuary, dreams about death, and thinks he might be turning into a serial killer. He sets strict rules to keep himself “good” and “normal,” but when a real monster shows up in his town he has to let his dark side out in order to stop it–but without his rules to keep him in check, he might be more dangerous than the monster he’s trying to kill.

This book was AMAZING!! Crazy creepy, and did not see the twist coming what-so-ever!

Synopsis:

This has now become a series and I love it! It's a post-apocalyptic world with zombies!

Synopsis:
Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.
Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

If you have not read this book YET, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You'll be glad you did. This book has to be on my Top Ten Books of All Time.

Mix Tape Monday- That I Posted On Tuesday!

I meant to post yesterday, but I got side tracked with work and getting my new dresser!

So here are a few songs I am currently obsessed with- "Love Song Edition"!!!


Arms- Christina Perri!

Penguin- Christina Perri (Yes, I admit, I'm kinda obsessed with her!)

:)

Pre- Baby Bucket List- Update!

Aaron and I spoke with a travel agent on Friday.

We will be going to Orlando Universal Studios at the end of October!! We're pretty excited!!

We are staying at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
I wanted to post some pictures of where we will be staying on the resort. I can't WAIT!!!

I'm such a kid at heart and I am looking foreword to the amusement parks- but I am more excited about being there when the park host Halloween Horror Nights! Anyone that knows me well, knows I LOVE horror and love to be scared!

BEYOND EXCITED!!!!!! :)


Also:

I made an appointment for my spiritual reading on May 26th at The Whole You.

Looking foreword to that as well!

Getting Crafty!!

I've decided to get crafty!! This could either be great or disastrous but I'm doing it!

Here are a few ideas I hope to accomplish in the next few months:

Frame Necklace Holder~

"Book" Shelf~



Mail Holder~

Signs~

Record Collage in Aaron's Man Room. (To get these type of frames will be a bit pricey but I think they will be worth it!)~

Lyric Collage~

I have a lot more but would like to do these first! What do you think???

Colorstrology- Terra Cotta

I was lurking on some of my favorite blogs and stumbled on this. It's called Colorstrology. Since I love astrology I thought I would give it a shot.

I was impressed! Not only was my birthday color one of my favorite shades of pink, but the description was pretty accurate.

My Color: Terra Cotta

My Three Words: Committed, Explorer, Analytical

My Personality: You have a strong and dynamic personality. You have a great ability to think and analyze problems and situations. Although you can be highly emotional, it is your mind that works overtime. Once you commit to something you tend to be in it for the long haul. Your personal color inspires the soulful and spiritual side of your nature. Wearing, meditating or surrounding yourself with Terra Cotta heightens your belief in love and miracles.

I thought is was pretty neat. Go to the website below and read about your birthday color. Is it you?

http://www.colorstrology.com

Favorite Things Wednesday!

On a happier note, here are a few of my favorite things!!! (Made you think of "Sound of Music", didn't I?)


1. My new jewelry box that I bought from Wicker Emporium

2. Cheap Jewelry

3. Rustic signs to hang up in your home.

4. Old Horror Movies.

5. J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Novels.

6. Wearing "skanky girl dresses" as shirts. :)

I CANNOT Believe What I Just Watched!! (Warning: A Rant!)

Warning: This post I'm going to be talking about sexual molestation towards minors.

Oh My God!!!

I just finished watching today's episode of Dr. Phil. To say that I am disgusted is the understatement of the decade!! The episode was entitled "Forgiving the Unforgivable".

These two women (Katrina and Marita) came on the show to confront and get closure with their mother (Kathy) about the sexual abuse that was going on in the home and that she chose to ignore.
I was completely disgusted by their mother responses- she's a poor excuse for a human being! Every time they asked her a question she would deflected off herself and play victim.

Here are just a few examples of "The Mother of The Year":

When the girls were smaller they both had irritable bowel syndrome. So instead of taking them to their family doctor, or giving them Pepto, or even avoiding milk products, she gave the girls wine coolers!!!!!!!! After she got them good and loaded, they would all gather in the family room and watch soft-core porn (Red Shoe Diaries). The mother had the nerve to ask if this was inappropriate!

When the girls started to develop breasts, Kathy took them into the washroom and made them show their step-father their breasts. Her defense- I didn't know if there was something wrong?!?!!?! Do you not remember going through puberty???

The step father used to hang around the house only in boxers with his penis hanging out. When the daughters told their mother, her response, "Was it big?"

On one occasion, the step father kissed Marita passionately in front of everyone (I think she was nine at the time, don't quote me on it though) and the mother said, "Huh! Why don't you ever kiss ME like that?"

She would let the step father sleep in the same bed as the girls because she thought he "loved the girls as much as she did".

One time, Mommy Dearest went to the washroom late at night and saw the daughter's bedroom door was open, she looked inside and saw Don (step father) on top of Katrina. Instead of confronting him, she goes into the kitchen and PRAYS!!!!! Her defense, "I thought I was dreaming! He looked like a person possessed, so I prayed. When I returned five minutes later, he wasn't there. I assumed it was a dream!"

When it finally all came out, and Don was on trail for sexual molesting the young girls, Kathy sat behind him with a Bible in her hands.

When he was in jail, Kathy wanted the girls to call Don and apologise for putting him in prison.



Kathy has turned to religion since all this happened. she blames the sexual abuse on alcohol and believe whole heartily that Don was possessed!!! What a crazy BITCH!!!

I feel for these two women. Being a child and youth care worker I advocate for youth everyday. Seeing pictures of these two when they were young (around six years old) and now knowing what really was going on in that house just breaks my heart.

Katrina and Marita have grown to be such strong women and are better people than I would ever be. If I went through a similar situation, I don't think I could ever forgive.

So tomorrows episode is a conclusion of today's show. It says on the preview that there is a break though with Kathy, but I am not going to hold my breath!!

Ahhhhh.... The Joy of NOT Being a Mother!

Don't get me wrong, I want to be a mom more than anything in this world, BUT I'm really enjoying the freedom of not having a child.

For example, today I went on a TOTAL shopping spree!! And I had a lot of fun spending money on myself!

I bought:

3 Shirts
2 new pairs of sneakers (New Reebok's Simply Tone and DC!!)
2 books
A bunch of earrings, necklaces, toe rings, anklets
New jewelry box
Vintage car picture for Aaron's man room.
And...... A DRESSER!!!!

I love spending money!!! And even better- I do not feel any buyers remorse because it was all things that I needed (OK- WANTED)!
Someday, my shopping sprees will consist on getting teeny tiny outfits and toys for my little one. But until then, I'm spoiling myself. :)

Book Tuesday!

Synopsis
To five-year-old-Jack, Room is the world....
It's where he was born, it's where he and his Ma eat and sleep and play and learn.  There are endless wonders that let loose Jack's imagination-the snake under Bed that he constructs out of eggshells, the imaginary world projected through the TV, the coziness of Wardrobe beneath Ma's clothes, where she tucks him in safely at night, in case Old Nick comes.
Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it's the prison where she's been held since she was nineteen-for seven long years.  Through her fierce love for her son, she has created a life for him in that eleven-by-eleven-foot space. But Jack's curiosity is building alongside her own desperation—and she knows that Room cannot contain either indefinitely....
Told in the inventive, funny, and poignant voice of Jack, Room is a celebration of resilience-and a powerful story of a mother and son whose love lets them survive the impossible.

This book in one word- AMAZING! I have never read a book quite like it. Emma Donoghue had captured the innocence and beauty of a five year old perspective as well as creating a world that is dark and terrifying.
You NEED to read this book!

JACK KETCHUM

(The video above is movie trailer for Red, which is based on a Jack Ketchum Novel. Very good by the way!)

I have become a HUGE fan of his in the past couple of months. His writing style is just so raw, edgy and just REAL. What I love so much about his novels is that what he writes- could actually happen.

His novels are not for the faint of heart. It can be disturbing, horrifying and just plain mean! So if you only read novels with a happy ending- it might not be for you. But I highly recommend you read just one of his books.

Mix Tape Monday

I have these two songs on "repeat" for the past couple of weeks now. If you check my Ipod, it is usually on one of the two.

Country Song- Seether

Jar of Hearts- Christina Perri

I have been obsessed with Seether since high school! There really hasn't been a song of theirs I don't like.

Christina Perri- I just love her voice. It is such a pretty song!

Enjoy!

I'm BACK!!!

It has been a few days since I have wrote- apologies!! I've been working night shifts ALL weekend and they take so much out of me I don't think I could have formed a proper sentence if I tried!!

BUT- During my night shifts I came up with a few ideas. Here they are:

Mix Tape Monday- I will tell you about songs that I am currently obsessed with

Book Recommendations Tuesday- Pretty self explanatory

Favorite Things Wednesday

Movie Fridays!!

I'm still writing other things as well on these days but I figured this would be pretty neat as well.

ALSO:

My darling husband is going to be my "guest poster" in the not to distant future!! Pretty exciting- but if you know my husband, BEWARE!! It's going to be his opinion- and it might be offensive! Sarcastic little bugger! :)

So stay tuned my lovelies!!

I Want.....

These are just a few things that I want to achieve or purchase in the next 2-6 months! It's another list! YEA!!

1. I want to start a hobby- I have come to the conclusion that I either don't have much talent, or I just haven't found what I am good at yet. So I am going to be trying new things to see what is my niche in this life. I may fail terribly, but there must be something I am good at. Right??

2. I am going to learn more about Blogging- Right now, my blog is just on the run-of-the-mill template with no pictures but my profile. I want to learn how to spruce it up and make it more unique.

3. I want to buy a new camera- I need to take more pictures of my life. The most recent picture of Aaron and I is nowhere near frame-able!

4. I want to have a wedding picture professionally framed- That is where Coral comes in. We just need to pick a wedding picture and we'd be all set!

5. I want a new cell phone- Time to join the world, Meg!

6. I want a pairs of glasses- D&G!!!!!!!

7. I want to get in the habit of practicing Yoga- I think this will help in so many aspects of my life, not just fitness.

That is what I came up with for now. More to come later.

Dear 16 Year Old Self:

I saw this article about people who were on Twitter were"tweeting" their 16-year old selves advice. I wanted to try that out, so here it goes:

Dear 16 year-old Self:

Where do I begin?

The next couple of years are going to be hard on you. You are going to loose two people that mean the world to you. It is going to hurt like hell and there will be day when you feel that you cannot go on. But you are strong, even though you don't feel that you are. The pain will eventually subside but you will think of them everyday.

You need to stop letting people take advantage of you. They see you as a kind person and they think that they can walk all over you. You DO NOT need these people in your life.

I know that you feel like the relationship you are in right now is the one that you are going to be stuck with forever. When you pictured the "perfect guy" he sure as hell wasn't it and you feel trapped. You will find someone and it will happen when you least expect it. He is absolutely perfect for you. He will support you, take care of you and love you for who you are. He is your soul mate.

This might come as a shock to you, but everything mom told you about high school was right!! I know!! Some people peaked in high school- you don't. You're lucky.

There will also be a time when you actually thank you're parents for being so strict with you. I know you must think I'm bullshitting you now, but it's true!

So chin up, Hun!! It might not seem like it now- but you are going to have a great life! :)

Love,
Meg

Top 10 Guilty Pleasures

1. Horror Movies- I absolutely LOVE them. Slasher, monster, campy, serious, even "torture porn"- it doesn't matter, I will watch it (and most likely love it). Note: "Torture Porn"= movies like "SAW" not snuff films- just to get the record straight.

2. McDonald's Vanilla Ice Coffee's- YUMMMMMM.......

3. J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood novels- It took me forever to start reading this series. The covers kept putting me off because it looked like one of those "bodice ripper" novels. Eventually I joined a book club online and one of my challenges was to read a book series I have never read before. I am glad I did- I'm completely obsessed with them now. I feel like such as girl!

4. Naps- I would sleep my whole day away some days.....

5. Singing loudly in the car- there is something about singing off key on your way to and from work that helps you unwind.

6. Facebook- I check it several times a day!! I hate that I love it.

7. Watching Crime shows- I am fascinated by what makes people just SNAP and go on these murderous rampages.

8. Dairy Queen's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard- YUMMMMMMMM......AGAIN.......

9. Looking up baby names- Like I have said in an earlier post, I do have a case of the baby fever. :)

10. Disney Princesses- Love them! (The movies, the porcelain figurines etc.).

24 Lessons for "24"

This is another idea I came up with while lurking on-line. It took me a couple of days to come up with it but here it is!

24 Lessons I have learned for "24":

1. You can't save everyone and it really isn't your responsibility. "They" are responsible for saving themselves.
2. There really are two sides to every story.
3. There is no shame in asking for help.
4. I love owning our own home!! It was a scary process but I'm glad we pulled through.
5. Remember to take time for yourself.
6. Sometimes things have to get absolutely terrible before it gets better.
7. It's okay to say "No".
8. I'm not ready to have a baby yet and will enjoy watching my friend's little miracles until I'm ready.
9. There is nothing wrong with planning your live.
10. I will disappoint people with my decisions- I cannot please everyone.
11. Sometimes you need to take a chance. If you fail- LEARN FROM IT.
12. Things happen for a reason.
13. I can be selfish and that's okay!
14. Just Breathe.
15. I have to respect that some people will not change- no matter how much I wish they would.
16. I can be irrational, moody, crazy, bitchy (basically a hot mess) and Aaron will still think I am a beautiful/wonderful person. I'm lucky.
17. Reading is my escape- and I will always justify why I should spend my money on books.
18. Trying to cut drama out of my life is actually a hard thing to do.
19. I'm lucky to be in love with my best friend.
20. Friendships will come and go.
21. You need to leave work at work- otherwise it'll just drive you crazy!
22. I was meant to be in the helping profession.
23. Negativity will eat you alive if you let it.
24. Tell your parents you love them- they're behind you 100%