Happy Things vol.2

I meant to post a happy list last week, but that frickin' kidney stone had other ideas.  So, I'm happy to say that I'm back at it, focusing on happiness.  Things that made me happy this week:

1. Candles and hot baths
2. Sing (the movie) ~ the stepkid convinced us to watch it, and it was adorable.
   
3. Most of you know, I host Book Challenge by Erin.  We are winding up the final days of the 6th time for me to host this challenge (post coming next week about it.)  This comment from one of the participants made me beyond happy: "Thx so much for all you do to make this happen. I read books that I would never have picked up and discovered many more by observing what others were reading. My to read list is much richer thanks to you and this great group of book lovers."
4. New tattoo (picture coming soon when it has healed more)
5. In exactly one month, I will be in Texas.
6. Seeing the screensaver in my 9 year old stepkid's iPad ~ it was a selfie with his "girlfriend" ~ too cute
7. Library day
8. I hit a significant number on the scale for weight loss. I try not to get *too* caught up with the number on the scale, but losing 20 pounds has certainly made me happy.
9. Sleeping with the windows open
10. Niece 2 is graduating high school ~ her senior pics have filled my heart with many emotions, happiness being one of them.
    
    
    
    

Linking with.....Lindsay, Charlotte, and Chrissy.

Happy things

I'm busy.  We are all busy.  But, it's good to take a moment to remind myself of some of the things that made me especially happy this week, and it's good to share my happiness with others. 

Ten things that made me happy:

1. My guy and I had a night out together last Friday.  We put the phones away and just enjoyed each other's company.
2. I've been at the new job for a little over a month, and I was offered a promotion this week. 
3. Cuddles from fur babies (yes, this makes me happy every week.)
4. Maxalt - a prescription wafer tablet that magically makes migraines vanish
5. Paid holiday on Good Friday
6. Wine night with a girlfriend
7. I joined a new library near my new job.  On their website, they list newly-released books (or upcoming new releases) and let the public vote on the books that the library should get.  This made my book-lovin' heart oh-so-happy.
8. Introducing the stepkid to the video for "Thriller"; his first statement that made me laugh was "that doesn't look like Michael Jackson", and I wasn't sure which MJ he's familiar with to compare Thriller MJ to; and second statement that made me smile was his genuine glee in the dance scene when he exclaimed "dancing zombies!"
9. Eating chicken fajitas and guacamole that I cooked, and my guy saying "that was a great dinner that you cooked tonight".
10. Guest posting for Rachel at A Nesting Nomad; hit that link and go check it out!

Hope you are feeling happy this week too!

Linking up with Lindsay, Charlotte, and Chrissy.

Peace, happiness, and supporting a good cause

How's that for a "Happy Friday" post title??

I joined a blog group on facebook.  I've never been in a blog group.  Lindsay is one of the administrators, and she is my homegirl.  Plus, they promote peace (hence, the name) and positivity.  Those are things I like to support as well.  I have no idea what I plan to get from the blog group.  After all, I don't even have a facebook page for my own blog.  But, it seems to be a group of supportive, encouraging folks, and I'm all about surrounding myself with those kinds of peeps.  If you'd like to check 'em out, it's called The Peaceful Posse. 

The 3 administrators are kicking off and hosting a weekly link-up.  I'm not the most consistent gal when it comes to weekly link-ups, but after forgetting about (or just not having time to get myself together) for Kristin's Stuff & Things this week, I thought I'd jump into this inaugural link-up "What's Up, Weekend?" hosted by Lindsay, Charlotte, and Chrissy.

Why not let you know about ten things that made me happy this week?  Here we go...

1.  Audrey mail ~ I offered to send books that I'd already read and was happy to pass along to other book lovin' bloggers.  I asked other bloggers to "pay it forward" or pass along books of their own.  Audrey offered up some books, I opted for one, and it arrived this week.  Who doesn't enjoy receiving snail mail?! 

2.  The idea of reading the above book ~ I'm not much into "classics", yet my favorite book of all time is indeed a "classic" in Children's Literature (The Secret Garden).  So, when Audrey offered this book, I thought "hey, maybe I need to try another children's lit classic", so I'm happy to give it a go.

3.  Haribo Bears ~ some days I need a little something sweet and a little something sour.  For some reason, I can actually eat these in moderation.  I can eat 2 or 3 and instantly be happier.

4.  Sending a care package ~ I often say it.  You may have already heard me say it.  Multiple times.  But, it is worth repeating.  The world needs more care packages.  And, I always feel so good about sending a little box of goodies that someone may not be expecting. 

5.  First paycheck ~ you know something awesome about starting a new job?  Receiving a first paycheck.

6.  Employment happiness ~ I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying my new job.  I'd decided not to talk about work here, so I won't go into details, but I'm really, really enjoying it.

7.  My nephew is 16 ~ my heart is so full with what an amazing kid he is.  He is smart, funny, thoughtful, dedicated, and compassionate.  Oh, and he's adorable too.

8.  Pictures all over social media in honor of National Puppy Day ~ who doesn't love puppy pics?  Well, don't answer that.  I don't want to know the person who doesn't love puppy pics.  Here is one of my favorite pictures of my darling girls when they were puppies.

9.  Friday night dinner ~ the husband cooked steaks on the grill and homemade beer-battered onion rings, and they were goooooooood.

10.  The best for last ~ Support and donations for the Starlight Children's Foundation ~ I agreed to walk (read that...walk, not run) a 10K.  It's my first 10K ever.  A good friend has been encouraging me to participate in one with her for a little while, and she got me on this one...there's food, craft beer, and wine at the end, spectacular views of Sydney along the way, AND it benefits a charity that I support wholeheartedly.  All I've done is share a link online a few times encouraging anyone to give anything they may choose.  I set my goal to raise $500.  I did it, so I bumped it up to $750.  Typing this right now, I've raised $1,035.85 for the Starlight Children's Foundation.  I am thrilled.  If you are interested in reading more about it or donating to a worthy cause, see my link here. 

I've just realized that I've structured this sorta kinda like my personal weekly posts "Sunday's Seven Snapshots".  Oops.  Good thing I'm walking the 10K on Sunday.  I'll try to remember to take lots of pics so I have something to share in my post!

So, What's Up with Your Weekend?

10 Things That Made Me Happy

Friday Link Up Hosts: Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird, Lindsay @ The Flynnigans and Charlotte @ My Pixie Blog

I am WAY overdue for this link-up.  I love the concept.  I used to participate somewhat regularly.  Then, I dropped the ball and never picked it back up.  Well, here I am again to share 10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week.

1. Blogger love, support, and encouragement after some personal posts about some uncomfortable topics
2. Even more support, encouragement, and assistance from a former high school teacher of mine and another close friend: I submitted a "letter to the editor"; first time for that; and without their help or support, I wouldn't have been brave enough to do it.  Now...let's see if it gets published.
3. Blogger buddy surprise gift: This is not my regular choice of book, but after so many raving reviews, I was ready to put myself on the waitlist at the library for this one...only to discover Sydney didn't have it! I vented to Kristen at See You in a Porridge (a former Sydneysider and The Royal We lover). Lo and behold, look what arrived the very next week!
   
4. Calling the husband in tears over something rather insignificant, and him taking the time to talk to me until I calmed down and was feeling better (and not making me feel silly about it.)
5. My mother and I conversing with Viber "stickers"
   
6. My aunt sending me a random "thinking of you ~ I love you" message while she was cutting green (spring) onions; random/weird fact about me: I could eat a whole bunch of green onions dipped in green goddess salad dressing in one sitting.  My breath may stank, but I'd luurrve it.
7. I host a book challenge through a facebook group (Book Challenge by Erin); as my fourth installment of this challenge is drawing to a close, I have the most people to ever complete the challenge!  Hooray for books!
8. Speaking of books, I'm co-hosting another bookish challenge in June, and we are getting some enthusiastic responses already!  If you're a booklover, take a look at our: Read My Books challenge.
   
9. A cookie monster donut from Doughnut Time
10. No, his loss didn't make me happy...but I have many happy memories of Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson; I made my university dance team performing to a medley of Prince songs including "Baby I'm a Star", slow dancing in junior high to "Purple Rain" with a boy that I had a major crush on, dancing at my mom's 60th birthday party with my female family members to "Kiss", learning more about sex from "Gett Off", "Pussy Control", and "Darling Nikki" than any sex ed class taught me, dancing in the aisles at a concert in Houston where black, white, brown, yellow, it just didn't matter, watching the greatest Super Bowl halftime performance that has ever been seen...and more. 
    Rest in Peace Your Purple Highness
    

Tell me, what are some things that made you happy this week?

Ten Things That Made Me Happy This Week

 

Linking up with the ladies who love to spread positivity, Lindsay & Krysten, for Ten Things That Made Me Happy This Week:

 

1.  That I'm actually participating in this week's link-up because I've been neglecting this positive exercise the last few weeks

2.  My guy and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary on Monday.  Yay for us!

3.  Free dessert (after a fantastic steak dinner) for our anniversary

4.  Snap-chatting with Kristen about books, blogs, and nonsense

(wanna add me?  I'm texerin)

5.  Being nominated for Best Kept Secret in Karen's Blog Awards

 

6.  Glittery, sparkly, festive nails

7.  Kitty cuddles (yes, cuddles from fur babies is a constant happy spot for me.)

8.  Wrapping presents - mine aren't overly crafty or perfectly matching, but they are wrapped with care, and it's a chore that I love doing.

9.  A customer is handing my guy $3,000 cash for a pair of earrings as I type this...that makes me happy alright!

10.  The excitement is building for Book Challenge by Erin that begins January 1st. (yes, books and book challenges are a constant source of happiness for me as well.)

 

What made you happy this week?

 

Ten Things That Made Me Happy vol.8

Linking up with the ladies who love to spread positivity: Lindsay & Krysten for Ten Things That Made Me Happy This Week:

1.   Getting our Australian Cats 2016 calendar with our fur babies' pictures inside.

2.  A little vanity self-care this week including getting my nails painted sparkly blue and my hair refreshed with its purpley-pink ombre.

3.  My guy calling me "gorgeous" on facebook (we usually aren't that overly mushy on social media forums).

4.  While waiting at a pedestrian crosswalk in the city, I saw a city employee using an industrial-sized vacuum-type machine that cleans the sidewalks; a man in a business suit came up to him, shook his hand, said "Happy Christmas", and tucked a $50 bill in his shirt pocket.  

5.  Rum balls are offered during the holiday season at a local patisserie, and they are fan-freaking-tastic!

6.  Blogger buddies sending some extra sweet messages to me during the Thanksgiving holiday.

7.  This picture...yes, I posted it to other social media forums, so you may have already seen it...but it was one of my very bestest friend's birthday this week.  She lives in Italy, I live in Australia; our lives have taken both of us far from our Texas home.  But, this picture (from Daytona Beach, Florida taken 20 years ago-yikes!) brought so many wonderful memories back to my mind.  She's one that I know no matter the distance, no matter the time that passes, we will always share a bond, a love, and a friendship.

8.  During my sadness and being homesick while missing Thanksgiving with the family, I was reminded that I have family who loves me, misses me, are healthy, and a fantastic group of people.  I'm more fortunate than many, and I'm happy for it.

9.  Red velvet cupcake from an Aussie friend wishing me a "Happy Thanksgiving".

10.  My guy organizing a Thanksgiving celebration for me this coming weekend.  More on that next week :)  Just seeing him put effort into planning and prepping makes me happy.

What made you happy this week?

Ten Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Linking up with the ladies who love to spread positivity: Lindsay & Krysten for Ten Things That Made Me Happy This Week:

1.  The absolute most important piece of news and happiness this week is this: I have been very fortunate to have two loving, intelligent, supportive stepmothers in my life.  We lost one to cancer in 2003.  This week, my stepmom had a mastectomy and reconstruction to remove that evil bitch breast cancer who showed up (uninvited) for the second time in Helen's life.  The surgeons both gave wonderful reports, Helen was a star, all the cancer was removed, it had not spread into her lymph nodes, and she is on the (painful) road to recovery.  Thanks to any and all of you who expressed your well wishes, sent messages, prayers, and positivity to my family this week.  It was very difficult to be so far from home during a time like this, but I am thrilled with the results!

 

2.  This week was Veteran's Day in America and Remembrance Day in Australia...both very important days to recognize the men and women who have done more for both of my countries than I have.  

3.  Sally & Dolly, the Destructive Duo, celebrated their two-year old birthday with some special treats from the butcher and a meal that Neil cooked for them that we call "doggie stew".

 4.  I'm getting prepared for Book Challenge by Erin 4.0.  It doesn't even start until 2016.  I am surprisingly organized when it comes to something that fuels my passion for books.  And, book challenges make me happy.

For more information, check out the page at the top of the blog...or here: Book Challenge by Erin

5.  Vodaphone, an Australian telecommunications company, is offering a mobile phone package that includes FREE calls to the USA!  That came in awfully handy when I was checking in with my dad and brother for updates on my stepmom.

6.  Sticker chats on viber that only my mom and I share with each other.

7.  Super duper nice customers - I don't want to jinx it, but we've had some lovely customers visit us this week.

8. Care packages...sending them makes me happy...receiving them makes me happy...the world needs more care packages. 

9.  Sending the winner from my previous book challenge her prize.

10.  Glittery nail polish

What's made you happy this week? 

Ten Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Linking up with Lindsay and Krysten

I have been sick this week - coughing, aching, vomiting - you know, fun stuff. Also, I'm homesick.  This weekend, there's lots of activities surrounding loved ones in Texas that I'm missing.  So, it was an especially good activity for me to focus on some happy things. 

1.  This album is part of the soundtrack of my life, so this article made me happy:  20 Years Ago, No Doubt's 'Tragic Kingdom' Rewrote the Rules for the Female RockStar

2.  The sounds the boy makes when he's playing with his legos

3.  "Icy poles" aka popsicles- the only thing I could eat for two days this week

4.  Kitty cuddles

5.  Cozy blankets

6.  Feather pillows

7.  Show Us Your Books - the community of readers and book recommendations that I have found through this monthly link-up is a bookworm's dream

8.  10 readers have completed this Book Challenge by Erin - the most since I started the challenge

9.  Ricky & Ivy (my little twinsie kitties) turned two!

10.  This picture of my nephew escorting my niece for Homecoming court:

What made you happy this week? 

Ten Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Hey there, Friday.  I welcome you with my weekly dose of positivity and linking up with Lindsay and Krysten for Ten Things That Made Me Happy This Week.

1. Soft serve ice cream
2. Special birthdays
3. Sweet note from stepson
4. Dad saying he is proud of me
5. Books that give me all the feels
6. Great things and new adventures happening in the lives of blogger friends 
7. Buying flowers for a friend that needed a pick-me-up
8. Getting my hair done; seriously, how can you not be happy with this hair?!  

   

   Yep.  That's my hair!

9. Texas A&M Aggies are 5-0 (but, they started out 5-0 last year, then tanked); we're focusing on "happy", so this week, I'm happy with the Ags!
10. Astros are in the ALDS! 

plus this meme:

In 2015, Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel pitched against the Yankees for a total of 22 innings; Yankees scored zero runs.  Meme credit: Jerry Solis

plus this picture:

136th ESB had to show off their pride for the Houston Astros and Houston Texans - photo source

  
What made you happy this week?

Blogger Love vol.2

In this here land of the blogosphere, one of the things that I enjoy most is the support and encouragement many bloggers give others.  From time to time, I see a post or link-up that is spreading blogger love.  I decided to jump on that wagon with Megan's link-up.

For some reason, I think most of you who actually read my little corner of the web, read these blogs too.  (I stalk see your comments on their posts.)  But, these were some posts that I particularly enjoyed the past few weeks:

Alyssa shared Ten Things I Know Right Now.  We are unique individuals having different experiences in our lives, yet we relate to each other through our thoughts, emotions, and lessons-learned.  Alyssa packs that into this post beautifully.

Through a couple of blogs I regularly read, I stumbled upon this cute link-up hosted by Elle: The Story Behind The Pic.  She says that she will be hosting it monthly, and I will definitely participate next time.  I thought the stories I read from the link-up were a lot of fun.

I thought Steph's post honoring her fifth anniversary Five for Friday: Years of Marriage was truthful, fun, insightful, encouraging, and yes, full of love.  C'mon.  Y'all know that Steph and MFD are one of our favorite couples in bloggerland.

Booklovers and goodreads fans, you must read this post by Cait about How (She) Will Improve GoodReads When (She) Rules the World.  I sure hope Cait gets to rule the world because some of these changes are exactly what we need.

Laura's post about Online Me vs. Real Life Me had me laughing.  I could relate to every single photographic example that she posted.

Wanna laugh some more?  Read Danielle's FB Status Updates That Make Me Eyeroll . She nailed it.

Sharing the blogger love and linking up with Lindsay and Krysten for another Ten Things That Made Me Happy This Week:

1. Surprising one friend with another friend's visit
2. Rekordling pomegranate cider
3. Pulled pork sandwich with pineapple chutney
4. Sweet, personal messages from girlfriends that I needed to hear
5. Hard Rock Cafe with a friend I hadn't seen in three and a half years
6. Blogger shout outs
7. Talking to my mom & George
8. A hot bath with a book and a nice candle
9. Book Challenge by Erin has rolled into our final month for this challenge
10. Wearing a sundress with cowboy boots - makes me feel like a true Texan - hey, wait, I am a true Texan!

Want to spread blogger love, positivity, and happiness?  Join one, or both, of these link-ups!

Friday Favorites Five vol. 12

Friday - yay!  Weekend plans with friends - double yay!  Here's some of my favorites from this week:

one. Favorite story a friend shared on facebook: Click the link to see that this is what was captioned with this picture...

From Anthony Watkins Malone's facebook: "Man I don't know where to start I went to bible study tonight and after I went to Quick Trip on Brentwood stair the police spoke to me and I said hello back then he said man you look very tired I said I am he then said hold on don't you move I said for what I haven't done anything he then got on his radio saying something I couldn't hear then walked up to me they had me surrounded and said you look like you worked so hard today we are going to give you a $100 gift card from THE FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT man GOD IS GREATER and I need it"

two.  Favorite meme from pinterest:  

 three.  Favorite instagram throwback (and the caption with this picture): 

From @tarachio's instagram: "My #throwbackthursday this week is dedicated to my high school friend @kristen352. In honor of #breastcancerawareness coming up, I want to give her a super huge shout out. She approached her cancer with a positive attitude and kicked it!! Now, she spends her energy sharing her story and eating healthy to motivate others towards active, fit lifestyles. A true hero doesn't bring attention to themselves but to their cause!!! She IS a hero and inspiration! So proud of you!! #tbt #grit #cheerleader #womaninspiration"

 four.  Favorite treat discovered this week:  Pana Chocolate Sour Cherry & Vanilla 60% Cocao - I used to not like dark chocolate, but as I'm trying to eat healthier, I tried this.  Whenever I am craving a treat, this is going to be it. 

 five.  Favorite weekly activity focusing on positivity:

Linking up with Lindsay and Krysten once again to focus on happy things.

1. Movie night with my guys: Yes, I'm in the fall film challenge.  No, neither of the movies we watched (Epic & Puss in Boots) count towards that list.  But, my guy, my stepson, our kitties, and I had a cozy evening watching this double header.
2. My Skype session with Dad, Helen, and Taylor
3. Books - picked up 2 library books, put more on reserve list, bought 3 that the library doesn't have.  I may need an intervention.
4. Ricky purrs - My tuxedo cat is our most mischevous of the three, but when he decides he's ready to cuddle, he gets all up in my face, wraps his little paws around my neck, and purrs like a freight train.
   
5. Buying my niece her birthday gift
6. Quick chats on facebook messenger or emails with my favorite friend
7. Customers who show their appreciation by buying me a nice bottle of Shiraz
   
8. Pink lady apples - because they are juicy, sweet, delicious, and they are called.......... Pink Ladies!
9. Jana & I created a playlist - in case you missed it yesterday, check it out - we had so much fun collaborating on this, we already have another one planned.
10. Realizing that the Texas A&M/Arkansas football game will be airing live in Australia - I will be even happier if my boys win!

What made you happy this week??  Why don't you join us in the weekly link-up? 

 

 Linking up with Amanda for Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites Five vol.11

Alright, alright, alright...... it's Friday.  Yes!

1. Calling all book lovers - this story and video should certainly bring a smile to your face: Nowra librarians promote joy of books on youtube

2. This is the greatest water bottle I've ever owned.  Seriously.  I buy a 2liter everyday of sparkling water (I prefer it to still water), keep it in the refrigerator, and refill this all day long.  This single product has helped me drink more water and kick other sugary drinks to the curb. (I'm not getting paid to say this; it's my unbiased opinion.)

3.  Alright.  This video has made the rounds for a couple of months, but I had a friend share it again on facebook.  I had to re-watch it at least three times in a row because it is that good.  If you need to laugh, or you need to smile, or you need a little sassy in your life, watch this.  Even if you've seen it before, it's worth it to watch it again.

4. This:

5.  I'm stealing Megan's idea and adding this to my Friday Favorites because it is quickly becoming a favorite activity (focusing on things that make me happy).

• My Texas A&M Aggie football team is 2-0.
• Thrift store finds - a Pyrex dish, books
• A two hour nap on Monday
• My fur baby, Astro's 2nd birthday
• My guy told a customer of ours that I like leopard print; she bought me a scarf just to be nice & thoughtful.
• My niece, Jenna, was named Junior Homecoming Duchess for her high school.
• Two of the loveliest people I know in Australia welcomed their first child, a beautiful boy named Louis.
• This post from Kerry (a must-read for any dog lover): Boys Drool and Dogs Rule
• Using Qantas points so I could get a new ipod shuffle for free!
• Forehead kisses from my guy

Linking up my Friday Favorites with Amanda...and my 10 Things That Made Me Happy with Lindsay and Krysten.