Day 4 of the 30 Day Happiness Challenge

1. I am grateful for this babe in my belly. Every kick amazes me. Even the not so great parts of pregnancy are still wonderful to me. Sometimes I am completely dumbfounded when it hits me I am making a PERSON! He's half of me and half of Will which is incredible enough but he will be an individual with his own personality, hopes, and passions. It's crazy. I was ambivalent about having kids for much of my life but now I'm so excited to meet him and I couldn't be happier.

2. I'm grateful I have a job. It's not a dream job and not what I expected to be doing but it's a good job and I actually feel accomplished and appreciated. Plus I have insurance!

3. I'm grateful for my kitty cats! No matter how my day goes, coming up the stairs to my home makes me smile because there's always a furry face or two peering under the door's crack waiting for me. They're always there waiting for me with mews and purrs and big fuzzy hugs. Even Bob who used to hate me!

My meaningful event from the past 24 hours was Ms Salina going out of her way to give me a ride home from work last night because I was without an umbrella. It was a great reminder of how rich I am.

Day 3 of the 30 Day Happiness Challenge

I knew doing this first thing Monday morning would be rough...

1. I'm grateful for this challenge! Workday mornings are tough for me, but I already found myself trying to think of positive things instead of anticipating all the things that were going to suck once I got to work like I normally do.

2. I'm grateful for my mom wanting me to feel beautiful during my pregnancy and buying me way more maternity clothes than I can wear. Today, I'm wearing a dress she bought and washed for me before bringing it this weekend. It smells like her soap and makes me feel loved and comforted.

3. I'm grateful for Spotify! I listen to music every day and with Spotify, I don't have to plan ahead. I can listen as my mood demands.

The meaningful thing from the past 24 hours was my friend David stopping by for a visit yesterday afternoon. It was short but lots of laughs as usual. It's nice to have people go out of their way to show you that they care, even if he did remind me I'll probably have to wear a diaper after I deliver this baby.


*posted August 4th

Day 2 of the 30 Day Happiness Challenge


1. I am grateful for my husband. He makes me laugh every day and always encourages me. I know without a doubt that he'll always defend me and put our family first.

2. I am grateful for sleeping in. These lazy days will soon come to an end, so I mean to enjoy the hell out of them while I can!

3. I am grateful that my mom instilled a love of food in my brother and I. She made sure I knew how to cook and was open to trying everything. Therefore, I'm not a picky eater and have a wealth of possibilities at every meal.

The meaningful moment from the last 24 hours was my mom and stepdad coming to my niece's birthday party at my sister-in-law's. It means so much that our little family was folded into theirs and now we can all spend time together.


*posted August 3

30 Day Happiness Challenge: Day One



I decided to do this 30 Day Happiness Challenge.

I figured I should post it here, too, so it didn't get lost on Facebook over time.


I *just* realized this is supposed to be done first thing in the morning. I was planning to do it before bed, but as I'm not a morning person, maybe this will help my days start off a little better! Anyway...

1. I'm grateful for my in-laws. Half my family lives in Italy, the other half I don't know at all. Growing up, it was just my mom and my brother. Myhusband's family welcomed me with open arms and I really feel a part of the family. I'm happy that my son will grow up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will shower him with love.

2. I'm grateful for this day. There was a time I didn't even want to be alive anymore and I have worked hard since then to change my negative mind-set. Life is far from perfect or easy, but it's fucking beautiful!

3. I am grateful for my friends. I have some truly wonderful people in my life who are supportive and loving - some of whom I've never even met in real life! I always have someone to turn to for advice or to share a laugh. That is a gift and I treasure it.