May 30 (today!)

1) Andy gave me free frozen yogurt! :) 
2) I got to spend some time with a friend before work.
3) My pain is FINALLY going away (after 11 days).
4) I went to the huge work party today and got a free shirt and lots of delicious food. (I'm sure I won a prize too - just waiting to hear on that.)
5) I met some new friends today. 

happiness quote: (just like there's opposition in all things -) You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. - Jonathan Safran Foer

May 29

1) I go to participate in a live Spanish sealing. It was an incredible experience (sealing a woman to her parents). 
2) I went to a huge multi-stake activity. :)
3) I watched a scary movie (my favorite).
4) It was my day off.
5) I got to watch some IT Crowd.

happiness quote: Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. - Mahatma Gandhi

May 28

1) I got to have lunch and spend time with one of my best friends.<3
2) I got calls for the three new lines on which they put me, and I did great!
3) I have a super busy but super great day planned for tomorrow. :) Starting with a visit to the temple.
4) I had nightmares last night (all night) but when I woke up, they were laughable (thank goodness).
5) I've been really sick recently and I'm just proud of myself for doing my workouts anyway. :D

happiness quote: It is not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do that is the secret of happiness. - James M. Barrie

Sick Day

1) Even though I was down and out today it insured I got a nap. I'm really grateful for that! :)
2) I was able to eat and keep my food down later in the day. 
3) I met with my TL yesterday and he was SUPER impressed. He told me, "Your numbers are pretty good.. *pulls them up* wow! REALLY good." He asked me how long I had worked there - 2 weeks - and he said I have some of the best numbers in the center. He told me that he originally, last week, was going to tell me my goal should be to take by calls down by 5 seconds but I'd already taken them down by 15! :) It was pretty awesome! I'm getting trained on two additional lines and will get a raise. :)
4) I have some exciting meetings this week.
5) My pain has gone down a little bit.

happiness quote: Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won't have to hunt for happiness. - William E. Gladstone

Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won't have to hunt for happiness.

William E. Gladstone

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_happiness.html#HEgU21Wff8WE43Tf.99

Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won't have to hunt for happiness.

William E. Gladstone

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_happiness.html#HEgU21Wff8WE43Tf.99

Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won't have to hunt for happiness.

William E. Gladstone

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_happiness.html#HEgU21Wff8WE43Tf.99

Mexican Potluck!

1) We had a Mexican potluck at work. Yummy foods for free!! (Well... I guess for the price of two packs of tortillas!)
2) I got time and a half tonight for working on the holiday!
3) I got to spend time with my brother and his family who came over for a BBQ at our house.
4) I made no excuses, and I went to the gym. :) (I am in major pain today.)
5) I got to chat with a friend and sort of renew our friendship. :) 

happiness quote: “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

And then she could text...

1) A friend sent me info for an app that will allow me to text. Yahoo! Now I can text again. :)
2) The talks and lessons were really amazing today. They were about faith and hope and exactly what I needed to hear.
3) I was thanked for the comments I made in Sunday School and RS. The girl told me that she likes the way that I see life. That meant a lot to me. (She's a teacher as well!)
4) I had some dark mint chocolate today; it was delicious.
5) I got to speak Japanese at church today!! There is a Japanese girl in my ward who played in a musical number - it was AWESOME! It was a piano and two euphoniums. I got a recording! :D (It's the Musical Number Brass)
6) My mission scripture was mentioned in both Sunday School and Relief Society. It made me feel like the Lord was reminding me that He loves me and is aware of me. (D&C 84:88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.)

and a funny: 

I need one.

Holiday weekend kick off!

1) GAME NIGHT!!!
2) I had a funny experience a couple days ago. So, my badge for my building doesn't work. I emailed my super and was directed to the right person. She asked for my badge number to reactivate it. She found out I'm not even on file (which is baffling as my card has my name and department on it). THEN she tells me to come get my card. So I go to the second floor.. I can't get in the door. The very badge I need to get in is what I am there to pick up! Pretty funny staring at that door.
3) Some funny misspellings on accounts: "pinapple" instead of "pineapple," (think I told you about that one) "zues" instead of "Zeus," and "big river oilefeild" instead of "Big River Oilfield." Oh man my coworkers make me laugh.
4) I got off work early! We got SLAMMED. It made my shift fly but I was happy to escape the back to back calls from the moment I got there until the moment I left.
5) Monday I am scheduled but get time and a half, so yay for that!

happiness quote: The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notion unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature. - Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

Recognized

1) I told you before (I think) that I was recognized at the temple and mistaken for a worker because of my attendance. Today I walked into the gym and they told ME my number. :D Going for 2 months, three days a week, no excuses... I'm finally recognized AND remembered! 
2) Some friends I haven't seen in a LONG time are coming over tomorrow and I can't wait to see them!
3) I got a bunch of errands done today including mailing some letters and treats to my former students at CS! :D I'm so excited for them to receive the package.
4) I got my first paycheck for my new job. 
5) I have an appointment set up with a mortgage officer for next week. :D I am SUPER nervous and wish I wasn't buying alone, but at the same time it will be awesome to have a place again. :)

happiness quote: Go for long walks.  Indulge in great conversations.  Pay attention to the moment.  Count your blessings.  Let go for a little while and just be and breathe.

Is this black spots I see before me?

1) Funny experience in the temple today. I donated, and there are a few other factors, but I was serving in the temple when suddenly I was seeing spots. I must have looked pretty awful. They escorted me from the room, made me drink several glasses of water, fed me crackers, and mopped my forehead. I kept saying, "I'm fine, I can go back!" They tried to get me to lie down, but I wanted to go back and serve some more. So I was finally sent back and got to do some more service. :)
2) I sent an email to the loan office. It's kinda intense... :)
3) A tech told me to pick up the phone when he called. At first I misunderstood (thought he was accusing me of call avoidance) but then he explained that I was awesome and he would prefer speaking with me. YAY!
4) I scored points with my boss for not allowing a tech to steamroll me into not following policy.
5) I looked especially amazing today! I turned a lot of heads and what can I say? It made me feel good. 

happiness quote: "The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us." - Ashley Montagu

And one more funny: Someone misspelled a Greek deity's name on an account today. I had a good laugh about that. Killin' me Smalls!

Your mission should you choose to accept it....

1) My brother got his mission call! He's going to Peru, Lima west!
2) Now I will have someone with whom I can speak Spanish in the family.
3) I had an awesome lunch today.
4) I got to spend some time with my sister.
5) I had a really funny conversation with a friend of mine.

happiness quote: The trick is to enjoy your life today.  Don’t wish it away by waiting for better days ahead.

May 20

1) My hematocrit was 41! (Last week it was 38.)
2) I got a nap. Man I needed it and am thankful I got it. :)
3) Funny story #1: I was speaking so quickly on the phone I managed to say, "Aberty" rather than "Alberta." Oops! It made me laugh though.
4) I got called "sir" and the rep immediately started apologizing like crazy. Then I said that I was just called sir to Craig (who was sitting next to me) and he remarked, "I get called ma'am all the time!" LOL guess he wins as I've only gotten sir once now.
5) There are two work parties coming up! I'm psyched about that!

9 hour shift!

1) I have another funny story! A tech was giving me emergency contacts and spelled the name "Brent" for me. I said, incredulously, "You don't think I know how to spell Brent!?" Then he said something like, "Well yes, but I've spoken with your coworkers..." LOL He was very pleasant.
2) I had a customer today whose name was the same name as a character in a movie. It made me happy. 
3) The kid sitting in the cubicle next to me was telling the girl with whom he's sitting that he's learning French... I couldn't resist! (I got to speak French today!)
4) I have learned that I cannot say "listed." It has tripped me up every time I have to do a tech survey! lol Oh man.. this may be a long summer of me stumbling over "listed."
5) I got a lot done today - I picked up snacks for my game night! Wahoo!

Today's happiness quote comes from the Dalai Lama:
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

evidence of ambien annik, enjoy!

Sorry the video is sideways - in cutting it down (to size) it put it sidways. (Wear headphones so you can hear what I'm saying! lol)

Finally, some sleep!

1) My body finally surrendered and I got 10 hours of sleep! 
2) I reminisced a little about Japan with my mom - showed her my yearbook and told her some stories. :)
3) I cleaned and organized some more - my space is open and ordered and much better for me!
4) I found my English scriptures!! :D
5) I finally was able to fold and put away my laundry. 

A funny I found today:

Legos!

1) I got off an hour early from work which was super awesome as I got off at one am this morning and was due back at nine.
2) I went and watched the Lego movie! I enjoyed it. :)
3) My mom bought me a treat. :)
4) I got to have a long talk with my parents and it helped to be able to vent and be heard.
5) I got to read a little bit today and enjoyed it (lately I've had a hard time enjoying the things I used to enjoy so it was nice to feel good). 
6) Two techs told me I was awesome today. :D

happiness quote: Live simply.  Love generously.  Speak truthfully.  Breathe deeply.  Do your best.  Leave everything else to the powers above you.

I survived...

1) I am having a game night (next week), and I'm pretty excited about that. :)
2) I got to go to the temple today.
3) I survived today (today was just brutal).
4) I made it through work.
5) I didn't cry at work.

Day Off!

1) I left today open for myself to recoup from working so much lately - though I am getting a lot of satisfaction from my job. :)
2) I went by the bank today to see the loan officer (he wasn't there - but I've got the ball rolling now). 
3) I was able to donate plasma today which was really nice for me. :) I love having a little extra cash.
4) I was able to help someone today and that was a blessing to me.
5) I look especially awesome today and I love having this much confidence in myself. :D

happiness quote: One of the most rewarding moments in life is when you finally find the courage to let go of what you can’t change.

Work it!

1) I had another funny experience with a tech. His code (all in letters) spelled out a bad word. I gave him the military alphabet and was laughing and said, "I'm not laughing at your code!" He was confused at first, then saw what I saw and started laughing too. Good times.
2) I had a funny experience (funny to me but probably not to my mom) at the gym today. I went ahead and did some pyramids, wanting to push myself really hard. I also have been upping my cardio time each week and so I was going long and hard and the machine kept telling me to slow down. Well, as I got into my car (and obviously the heat of the day didn't help), I sat down and started retching and my vision went dark. LOL But no worries, I did not puke nor did I pass out! But only just barely... :D
3) I treated myself to a little frozen yogurt today. I was pretty impressed with my brother-in-law's place of work: Menchie's. They had a cool variety and I was able to swirl two flavors together. They are rivaling Farr's!
4) My stats were fixed at work and they are looking pretty awesome!
5) I've been here less than a week (well more than if you include training but still less than two weeks total) and I've been selected to be on an additional line. I know some would see it as a burden, but I see it as my supervisors noticing my potential and dedication and giving me another area in which to excel. :D

An old Chinese proverb about happiness: 
"If you want happiness for an hour -- take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day -- go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year -- inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime -- help someone else."

New shift

1) I was able to donate plasma again today! YAY! I'm back!
2) I start my new shift today (hence why I'm starting this now as I will not be back until after 100).
3) I learned a new word (below).
4) Funny story: I took ambien last night and thought everything was fine (then again I always delete the evidence)... this morning when I popped open my laptop, I saw in my search bar: stabbing pictures. 0.o I'm SO sorry if I sent any of you threats... I don't remember searching that or why I did or anything! Ambien-me strikes again!
5) Tonight I was talking to a tech and didn't realize that I was on speakerphone. I asked him for the password and he listed a team for which I don't care. My response was, "Someone's got to like them!" Then I hear the customer say, "Hey!" And the tech starts busting up. Oops.

Say what now?

1) A rep told me, "You're phenomenal!" :D!
2) My shift FLEW by - course it was only four hours, but still!
3) I got a new shift with some more hours. :)
4) I'm so grateful for American weight lifting machines. I lifted in Japan and those machines just didn't go very high (weight-wise). Though I am grateful for my gym there. :)
5) I'm back on the phones so the funny stories from reps and techs are back!! Tonight: I was speaking with a rep and he was giving me some numbers. The end was "076." He said, "Zero, sex.." I immediately jumped in with, "I can't believe you just said that to me!" lol He got all flustered and started to say, "No but, it was the six and the seven and I just mixed them together!" Me: "Mmmhmmmm." LOL Poor guy - but I got a laugh so thanks!

happiness quote: If you take another step, and another, you will be surprised to know how far you can go from the point you thought was the end.

oh and my bruise is spreading (yes that is yellow and faded green):

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all you women out there. I hope you felt loved and blessed today.

1) The messages at church today were exactly what I needed to hear.
2) I was able to sit with people who made me feel welcome. :)
3) My mom loved the gift I got her.
4) Today was overcast (my favorite weather).
5) I met another new friend who is also a teacher - I am biased, sure, but teaching is the best job ever! :D

quote: Never be ashamed of how you feel. You have the right to feel any emotion that comes to you, and to follow a path that makes you happy.

Saturday May 10

(I missed a very important event to me today because of someone else's choices and that was extremely painful... but this blog is about finding blessings, so...)

1) I rocked out at work today - no errors!
2) I have no more 6-day-work-weeks in my future at Vivint (unless I take someone's shift on my weekday off).
3) I had a very delicious lunch today provided to me free by Vivint. :D
4) I got to hang out with a friend.
5) I got lots of errands on my list done (no go on the phone with Verizon - looks like no phone for me until it's absolutely necessary).
6) I had a fabulous hair day.

quote: (This one feels especially relevant to me) Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth. It's their loss, not yours.

I am awesome

1) I bit the bullet and just got on the phones alone!
2) I did awesome ^!
3) Our trainer, Jared, said that none of us would be able to do a qual in less than two minutes for a couple weeks on Tuesday. My response, "Challenge accepted." Then today I took a minute to go by his office: "1:53 - told you I could do it!" He high fived me.
4) Story + picture below. (I think this story is funny so it's one of my good things because it made me laugh.) So I got my blood drawn yesterday for some labs. I told the nurse, "My veins are deep but they're big." "Oh no problem!" "Oh good - I don't like people to pierce my veins" She then followed with some derision for those phlebs who couldn't handle my veins. Guess who gave me a bruise?? LOL
5) I only made one small mistake and one of the TLs asked me to be on his team (guess I impressed him)! Also some of the other new agents asked if they could y-jack with me. LOL I told one of them, "Just sit by me tomorrow!" His response: Can I? Really?? Poor kid is so worried about this job. He'll do just fine!
6) When I got into the building today one of the agents hit on me. (That made me laugh.)

my bruise:

quote: Negative company will never give you a positive life.  Examine what you tolerate in the long-term.

Let the crazy begin

1) I got ambien!!! I've been not sleeping for about six weeks (since I got home) for various reasons. But let the sleeping and fun begin! :D
2) I'm getting my plasma paperwork filled out finally so I can donate again.
3) I navigated today (while y-jacking) and did pretty well.
4) I took two shifts to pad my hours a bit for the next week and the week after that. :D
5) I met some of my coworkers and they were very nice. :)

quote: Kindness is not to be mistaken for weakness, nor forgiveness for acceptance.  It’s about knowing resentment of any kind is not on the path to happiness.

Tomorrow we ride... er y!

1) Tomorrow we y-jack and soon I'll be on the lines on my own.
2) I got some things crossed off my list today (getting everything back together and online - and no, I don't yet have a phone :/).
3) I got off work 30 minutes early!
4) I got to chat with a friend tonight and that was enjoyable. :)
5) I seem to be retaining all my new information well.

quote: Set an example. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you – not because they are nice, but because you are.

Nailed it!

1) I ask smart questions in training (and I'm feeling proud of that)!
2) I went to the temple today and met some lovely people to whom I'm related!
3) Dinner was delicious (steamed red cabbage topped with white beans that had been marinated in maple and bacon and a sausage).
4) I got to message Dre a little bit.
5) I set up a time to call Limor!! :D EEEEEE!!

Quote from a list about happiness: Remember, social comparison is the thief of happiness.  You could spend a lifetime worrying about what others have, but it wouldn’t get you anything.

My love to you! 

A new start

1) Training went well. :)
2) I had an amazing lunch there - a salad with everything in it and avocado vinaigrette dressing.
3) So far, I feel pretty good about the job. I have to learn the new system, but I know the job.
4) I chatted with lots of people during the class and have started some new friendships. :D
5) I mailed a letter to Japan to my former principal and school. :D I can't wait til they get it!

I forgot a story from yesterday! I fell down some stone stairs... of course. Cuz that's how I roll. I got a nice big bump and some small bruises and lots of scrapes.

Aww I solved the puzzle for you! (Had to circle the worst spots)

New friends

1) I made new friends in my ward.
2) I went to Break the Fast and enjoyed myself a lot. :)
3) JT and I hung out.
4) I got more sleep last night than I have been getting and that helped. Also...
5) ... I got a nap today. That was lovely!

Simone's Wedding Day (May 3)

(Sorry I'm so bad at posting these on the right date!)

1) I made it through the day (it was super hard for me).
2) I went out to a movie and really enjoyed it!
3) I looked awesome (which is great since I was in a ton of pics).
4) I didn't have to be in ALL the wedding pictures (so THAT's a positive about not being the bride).
5) I have a room to myself again (I THINK that's a good thing... I will try not to be too lonely -- that's the bad thing about having such a huge family ~ easy to feel lonely without a crowd around you!).

Some pics I forgot to post before and from today:

Vanity plate: GO CTR (only in Utah!)

On the way home from the gym ... that's snow! This was Apr 28th!

Josh in a lady's coat I made him try on. Stunning, eh!?

From yesterday (during decorating) - Anjo leafhead

Better view

X marks the spot... I may or may not have put that there! LOL

Maycie at the temple today

Josh & Mercy

the luncheon

My corsage

May 2

1) I made a new friend with similar experiences and that makes two new friends now who can offer support because they understand my situation well.
2) I watched Shaun of the Dead (edited, no worries)!
3) I was able to help Simone set up (for her wedding) for 6 hours (lots of service -- it was hard for me, but I'm happy I was able to help).
4) I got to speak Spanish with someone from Argentina! (Guess I should have said, tenía la oportunidad p' hablar castellano!)
5) I was able to get through a bunch more paperwork I need to read for Monday.

Long Day

1) I helped my mom with Simone's wedding stuff. (I was a big help - I'm sure she'd agree. ;D)
2) I found a shirt for Simone's wedding at DI (so I only spent $5)!
3) I found a book of jokes at DI and treated myself.
4) Josué went to DI with me so I didn't have to go by myself.
5) Mercédès actually wanted to be held by me and played with me! (She's my little niece who is very much a mama's girl and sticks to her family pretty closely. She doesn't like to be held by anyone but her mom and dad usually.)

(I'd mention the movie but Jean-Mi stood me up. :/)

April 30

1) I got my last paycheck from Japan (it was $1000 less than I expected... but hey, I'm glad it came)!
2) My parents had their 32nd wedding anniversary today. :)
3) I have plans to watch a horror movie with Jean-Mi tomorrow night. First plans in a long time so I'm REALLY happy about that.
4) I filled out my paperwork for my job and it was remarkably fast (I was in and out under ten minutes)!
5) (Sorry to double up, but) I had a great workout today!