Regarding my post on happiness (warning...a bit deep for Saturday night)
A few days ago I shared a post on happiness. It sparked a few comments but one led me to a realization. Normally, I would post something like this as a reply to the comment but I thought this was bigger than that.
Tena commented that she remembered a time when I was not as happy and that she appreciates this new happy Daniel.
Several years ago, things were not looking as bright for me. I was drowning in debt, my friends were in turmoil, and I had some family issues going on. I was really down in the dumps for a while. I found out later that some of my friends were very worried about me (even thinking I might harm myself) because I had gone from the normally extroverted person that I am (and everyone loves...lol...I can't wait for the comments to come pouring in over that one) to a very introverted person who just wanted to be left alone. This phase probably lasted for about six months. I did not enjoy it and hope to never feel that way again.
I think that experience is part of the reason I am happy today. I learned so much from that experience. I try to learn from the past - I have no regrets - just lessons learned. One of the biggest lessons learned from that experience is that I know brighter days will come. My goal is that even if hard times hit again, I can realize that it is something I can overcome and not let it get me down. All of these events I spoke of happened in the past four years. Look at the difference four years can make. When I think about it...four years is a relatively short amount of time.
So, I think I am rambling tonight...and this may be interesting to no one but me...but hopefully if you are unhappy this might help you to realize that things will get better. Or it may just put you to sleep....at least I tried.
Have a great remainder of the weekend!
Did you guys see President Clinton on Fox?
He was great. It was about time someone called these journalists on their slanted version of the news! I thought it was great.
Yes, it is fall
It is fall which means the cold and flu season is just around the corner. I am here to attest that it is no fun to have a cold when though it is fall outside the temperature is 95 degrees outside.
I hate colds....this one can go away soon! I am too busy for a cold!!!
So it is safe to eat spinach again
Thank goodness...I didn't realize how much I liked the stuff until it was gone!
Am I abnormal?
Before the comments start flying because of the title of the post...take a second to read a bit further.
Sometimes when I talk to my friends and read other blogs I start to wonder if I am abnormal. By abnormal I mean happy. I am happy. Sure there are days I get stressed like everybody else but I never let it get to the point that it gets me down. I guess the point of this point is to show myself that I should appreciate the happiness I have found and wish that everyone who might read this post can find the same.
Sorry for the obscure topic....just something on my mind this evening. I am about to watch Grey's Anatomy - I can wish happiness to the doctors at Seattle Grace as well!
So those of you who knew me in Florence...
...know that lunch was many times the highlight of my workday. Many times I would arrive in the morning and immediately start planning the midday meal. This is not as absurd as it sounds because I worked the 10-7 shift and started to get hungry not too long after starting work. We had a great group of people and always enjoyed each other's company. The people I work with wouldn't tell you this...but they loved getting to spend as much time with me as possible ;)
Since moving to Tucson, I have been so busy that I don't usually have time for much of a lunch. A co-worker of mine and I take turns running to grab something if either of us gets a chance during the day. Today I was on my own so I ventured out. Big mistake. After pulling out of the parking lot, a truck pulling a trailer tried to push me out of my lane. Next when pulling into the parking lot at Long John Silvers (I know it's bad for you...I had a craving) the people decided to open their car doors as I was pulling in...they almost lost them...they did get a look. When I went in to LJS the line was huge. I waited for five minutes before leaving to go to Eegee's for a sub. When I order, I quickly realize that the person behind the counter was a moron. I handed him my debit card which wouldn't swipe (it does that sometimes) and he had no clue that you could punch it in and the other moron behind the counter proceeded to tell me (not realzing that I use my card there all the time) that their machines swipe any credit card - my card must not be a credit card - I bit my tounge. It was during this time that I got an e-mail saying we needed to have a conference call at work in 30 minutes. Of course Eegee's decided to take 20 minutes to make a sub. Nothing like adding stress as I needed to initiate the conference call. Some days it just doesn't pay to eat.
Sorry about the rant. I came home after work and took a nap expecting to feel better about the situation. Apparently I am still irritated. Sorry - more positive post tomorrow!
D
So This Was Fun!
Alternate Title: So This Was Smart!
So I get to work this morning and as you all know, I love my job. I guess because I was so excited to start working today, the first time I picked up the phone I grabbed it with a lot of energy. How much energy you might ask? I grabbed it with enough force that the receiver hit me in the eye. Not only did it hit me in the eye, it hit me so hard my contact fell out. What a great way to start the day. Nothing like a smack in the head to get you going!
Have a great night!
D
Thanks to Stacy...
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
Very rarely...
...does a show give me chills anymore. It takes a lot. One downside to studying music in college is that you learn what is really good, really bad, or mediocre. Unfortunately this means if I see a show and the cast is not awesome - I don't enjoy it as much as people who have not studied music. This show was awesome...gave me chills several times. I highly recommend it.
Two of my other favorite lines...
"I see dead lions"
and
Zazu's response to Scar's statement"I need to buck up":"I think you already bucked up"
It was great! Ok - time for bed. Have a great week!
D
Intermission
The sets and costumes in this show are absolutely amazing. The animals are sooo cool. The giraffes are cool...the actors are on four stilts.
The harmonies in the music are fantastic in the cast numbers! My favorite line thus far is when Zazu remarks that "this wasn't in the cartoon".
At first I was annoyed at the small children in the audience but it is awesome to hear them ooh and ahh at the animals and laugh at all the jokes. What a great experience. It is an awesome way to get kids interested in the arts from an early age.
Can't wait for act two!
Tucson Music Hall
I am sitting in the music hall waiting for The Lion.King to start. Isn't tecnology cool? Mobile blogging is cool! Gotta love the blackberry!
What do you think?
So I mentioned
...bed linens in my last post. I found the ones I want. Why do I always want the expensive ones? I just couldn't make myself do it. I will probably end up getting them...just not today!
Irritating People
Now I will admit that I had a headache today...so that may have added to my frustration. I had stopped at Target to look at new bed linens (my old comforter doesn't go with the new headboard). As I was exiting the store, I noticed the people next to me were loading up their Suburban. Their shopping cart was behind my car so I politely waited for them to get their belongings and baby out of their cart. They do that - and then proceed to leave - with their shopping cart still behind my car.
I was pissed! While they were backing out. I jumped out of my car and threw the shopping cart in their parking place while muttering things under my breath. Maybe not the most mature thing to do - but at least it got my point across. Or maybe I just wasted my breath...but at least I felt a little better!
It amazes me what people will (or will not) do sometimes!
The first day of fall
In Tucson, the temperatures are still in the mid ninties. It is gorgeous here...especially at night. If this is fall...bring on the winter!
Happy Saturday!
D
I do try to keep things lively!
| You Are Ernie |
Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times.
You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained
You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun.
How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you! |
Guess what I am going to see Sunday
The Lion King!
I so wanted to take a nap tonight...
...but the premier of Grey's Anatomy is tonight! I have to get my Tivo's set up!! At least tomorrow is Friday. It's almost the weekend people!
Happy Thursday!
D
West Nile Virus
Apparently I work in a West Nile Virus hot spot....here is the story...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14917487/Shannon used to have this fear of contracting West Nile...I always laughed...maybe I laughed too soon!
The Melting Pot
I know I have probably mentioned how much I love this place...but I don't think that mere words can describe how much I love this place. Some friends from work and I ate there tonight...and it was awesome as usual. If you ever get the chance you must try it!!
Hope the week is off to a good start. Only 4 more days until the weekend!
D
Sunday's Getting to Know You Question!
After reading the last post, I thought this to be a fitting question for this week...
What do you think you will be doing five years from now?
I just got finished....
...putting my new bed together (sorry Stacy)! See the post on August 27th for a pic. I love it! Of course now I need to buy a new comforter set and curtains which brings me to my point. I spent quite a bit of money this weekend on the apt. Even though I have the money and need most of the things I am buying, I still feel guilty about spending it. I keep telling myself that I almost have everything I need for the apartment. I have purchased everything I need for the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. I still need bedroom furniture for my bedroom but that should be the last major expenditure for the apartment. At that point, I can save money to my heart's content.
I think the reason I feel guilty is because for so long I had no money and I had to scrape just to survive. There were many years in the not too distant past that even going out to eat at Taco Bell was a luxury. That being said, I don't remember being unhappy during that period as most of my friends were in the same boat and we all still seemed to find a way to have a good time.
It is amazing to me how quickly things can change in such a short period of time. When I moved to South Carolina less than five years ago, I moved without a job and without a penny to my name. I found a job with WaMu and began to work my way up the corporate ladder. Still, I wasn't until the latter portion of my time with WaMu that things began to get better for me in the financial world. I was able to pay off all my debt and start fresh. Out of the blue on May 2nd, I thought that I had been knocked down when we found out we were being laid off and again it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me career wise.
The point of this long winded rant is that I am amazed about how far I have come in the past 5 years and how excited I am to see what will happen in the next 5!
I know that Sunday posts should be reserved for posts that don't take as much thought...I'll try to do better!
D
It's different out here!
I drove up to Tempe today to go to IKEA (which by the way is awesome)!
On the way, I noticed a Cracker Barrel which made me think about home. We used to go the Friday Fish Fry every Friday for lunch (until we all got sick of fish...but I digress). There is one difference I notice...the Cracker Barrel's in South Carolina don't have cactus out front!
Happy Sunday!
D
My life in song!
I got this from my cousin Jenny at Jennyonthespot (The link is on my blogroll). She found it elsewhere....the link is on her blog...be sure to check it out! Some of these were right on, some were strange, and more than anything this shows my taste in music is a bit eclectic.
Here’s how you too can do this at home. Put your mp3 player on shuffle. Say the following questions aloud, and press play. Use the song title as the answer to the question. NO CHEATING….
How does the world see you? “Surrender to Me" by Heart. I got a laugh out of this one!
Will I have a happy life? “Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera. I don't even know what that means.
What do my friends really think of me? “Sad Sad Situation" by Bowling for Soup. Too funny!
What do people secretly think of me? "Higher" by Creed. Maybe talking about my intelligence rather than being high I hope.
How can I be happy? “The Trouble with Love Is" by Kelly Clarkson. Lol!
Will I ever have (more) children? “Safe in the Arms of Love" by Martina McBride. I guess that means yes?
What is some good advice for me? “Belguim" by Bowling for Soup. I had never heard this song. Maybe it is telling me to be a world traveler? I think that is good advice!
How will I be remembered? “Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson. Now that is cool!
What is my signature dancing song? “Alabama Clay" by Garth Brooks. Maybe this is because I dance about like alabama clay meaning very stiff with absolutely no rythym.
What do I think my current theme song is? “Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood. That is awesome!
What does everyone else think my current theme song is? “Meet You There" by Simple Plan. Again, maybe because I love to travel? Or maybe because everybody wants me to hang out with them. Lol!
What song will play at my funeral? “Knock on Wood" from American Idol. Hopefully this doesn't mean I am trying to get out of the casket...lol....boy that's morbid!
What is my day going to be like? "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" again from American Idol. Though it might be nice if you did ;)
Happy Friday!
You remember the Taco Bell Chihuahua?
I was in Arby's today and the people behind me were discussing what they were to have for lunch. Most of it I could not understand as they were speaking spanish. I did catch this line..."Yo quiero roast beef." I almost laughed out loud. If I had people probably would have thought I was crazy. This is my first time living in a place where there is a large population of spanish speaking individuals. All I could think about was that Taco Bell dog!
Tonight...
...was the first time I had to turn the heater on with the top down. I may be wrong but I think fall may be just around the corner!
For the living room
I bought this piece of art for my living room on Sunday. I can't wait for it to get here. It is a 24"x24" canvas painting by Laurie Maitland.
What do you think?
Word Verification
If you have ever commented on my blog, you know I have the word verification feature turned on. This feature prevents comment spam by making posters verify a series of random letters before there post will appear on my blog. I just posted a reply on one of my posts and these were the random letters: fckuatp. Maybe my mind works in ways it shouldn't but I think the random letter generator should be a little more careful!
Today it became real
So my new job became real today. I have customers calling who want to set up visits. I got my new business cards with my new position on them. When the first customer called, I got very nervous - my stomach tightened into knots. After a few moments of nervousness, I thought about it and realized I can do it. Like anyone, I am sure I will make my mistakes - but you know - I always learn from my mistakes (or at least I always try) and I usually come out better for it.
Five years later...
I got into the car this morning and when the radio began playing, the morning show I listen to was playing an excerpt from the September 11, 2001 broadcast. As I listened to the emotions of the people just realizing what was happening that day, tears began to flow. Even while typing this I get chills when I think about it. Five years later but just as real as it was that day. While I did not know anyone who lost their life that day, I did know people who lost people they cared about. I don't want to make a long drawn out post out of this....just wanted to take a moment to remember...
Thought this question was appropriate....
What do you like to do on Sunday?
City life is rubbing off on me...
I went to have lunch with some friends while in South Carolina. We went to a Japanese Steakhouse / Sushi restaurant. We were meeting a group of 7 there. Five of us arrived a few minutes before the rest of the party. The waitress looked at us and told us that we could not be seated until the rest of our party arrived. Now, I could understand this if the place was packed...but guess how many people were in the place besides us....zero! I looked at the rest of my friends and loudly exclaimed that the reason we could not be seated was because they were so busy. I guess city life is rubbing off on me.
I understand rules are rules...but come on...lets use some common sense!
At least the sushi was good!
Ma-li-bu (emphasis on the last syllable)
Why is it that every time I rent a car, I get a Chevy Malibu? I used to drive a Malibu and I absolutely hated it. When I was in S.C. last week everyone laughed at me when I drove up because they knew how much I absolutely detested that car...what luck!
What about you?
| Your Linguistic Profile: |
| 60% General American English |
| 25% Dixie |
| 5% Midwestern |
| 5% Yankee |
| 0% Upper Midwestern |
Gas in the south
I saw gas for 2.29 in South Carolina! I hope to see it in Arizona soon!
The holiday and beyond...
Sorry for the delay in posting...I haven't had internet access...though I just figured out I can post through my blackberry...woohoo!
It has been a great weekend...though the start was a little rough. I chose the red eye flight...which was made worse because of mechanical problems. My flight to Charlotte was supposed to leave at 11:30pm but didn't leave until 1:00 am because they couldn't get the right engine to start. They finally jumped it (ha ha) and we were on our way.
I met some friends for breakfast and we were on our way to the beach. We had a great time! Chloe loved the fairy tale (The Caravelle). She loved (as did we) the pools, hot tubs (bubble baths), and of course the beach.
The suite we stayed in was awesome...flat screen tv's and everything. The only bad thing was the couch that was damp and smelled like urine...but at least we got a discount!
Had dinner with some friends at Olive Garden last night. We had a great time...except the restaurant is new and we had the worst service ever...ugh!
Having lunch with friends today before heading back to Charlotte to catch my flight early in the morning.
More to come!
D
