Project:Happy
 
So I've been pretty busy lately. Because of my Project:Happy I've been going out more, and accepting more offers to do things. These things have actually left me with more energy, because I'm happy to be out and with people.

On Tuesday, I took my grandma out, we made a few stops at a couple of stores and then went out for lunch. It was so nice spending time with her. My grandmother is nuts and I always get a kick out of hanging around with her. Once we got back to her place I helped her clear/clean out her spare room. We got rid of 3 bags of stuff, and we aren't even finished in there yet! I'm going back within the next couple of days to finish up the job. Also on Tuesday it was my moms birthday, so we went out to the mall, shopping. Then had a lovely birthday dinner with her. Then my mom, brother and I took our dog for a walk. I love spending time with them, my family is a hoot.

Wednesday there was a big snow storm, so we didn't leave the house. I have to admit, I went a little stir crazy but then I decided to excersize and pick up in my room a bit. I also took the dog out and played with him in the storm. He loves the snow!

Thursday I went into town and hung out with some friends. I went to my dads to pick up a suitcase for our trip to Cuba, unfortunately no one was home so I didn't get to visit with anyone. But then I went out with a couple of friends (One of whom was visiting, she moved away last year! So it was really nice to see her) And then went with my mom to get her hair done, then to see Black Swan.. which was an absolutely amazing movie!

Today my uncle is coming over again and we are going to take our dogs out for another play date. Which is good excersize, and I really just like the man!

I know I don't have many readers, but I would love it if someone commented telling me how they are trying to improve there life, even just in little ways.

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For the past few days I've simply been trying to get more sleep, and do things I normally wouldn't do.

My dad just became a realestate agent and has to do what they call 'farming'. He asked me to help him walk around his neighbourhood and hand out flyers with his name and information on it. Normally, I would have made up some excuse to stay home, and not do it. But instead, I told myself.. This is something I wouldn't have done before.. and I said yes. I have to tell you, it was nice to get out for the walk, and it was honestly nice to spend time with my dad. I don't do it often enough. So something else I am going to do during my Project: Happy is try to spend more time with my family. Friday night I came home from work and tried to spend time with my mom, but I fell asleep within minutes.. So unfortunately on that spector I failed, but you cannot succeed if you don't try at all. This afternoon my uncle and his partner are coming over with their two dogs for a 'playdate', which should hopefully be fun. They are nice people, and again, it will be nice to spend more time with family.

Speaking of which, I just took a five minute break and my mother and I danced to a great song.. Love of an Orchestra by Noah and the Whale. Instead of feeling tired, I feel so energized. And she seems to be in a better mood:)

I've been keeping my room tidy, and everyday I do a spot cleaning of my guinea pig cage. Just doing this little bit makes me feel more organized. I'm not quite as overwhelmed when I go into my room anymore.

Well Maxs' playdate will be here soon! It should be fun:)

I'll try to keep udating on a regular basis.

...The play date went really well, it was good excersize too, walking through all of the snow!
Plus the dogs had a blast. My guy is the black and white one (Max), my uncles are the two cattle dogs (Reba and Whiskey) I know Max is passed out now.
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Day 2 of Project: Happy --

I have to say last night ended in a fight with my sister, but I guess that is pretty common with siblings. I tried not to let it bother me, and I didn't hold any grudges, which is a start.

Anyways, it is amazing what a good nights sleep does for you. This is the first day I haven't felt exhausted in ages. Think energetic, feel energetic. Unlike Gretchen, who wrote The Happiness Project, I don't have children or a husband to better my relationship with. In a single parent house, with one sibling who is currently attending school to become a dental hygenist, I find myself home alone more often than not. So more or less, this project is to better the relationship I have with myself, which will hopefully end up changing my relationship with my mom and sister for the better. Maybe it will also help me appreciate my dad and brother more, who I don't happen to see very often.

Today I've decided will be my new beginning, I 'dancersized' for an hour, which I've realized is much more fun than just excersizing. I'm thinking about joining a class. I took my dog for walk, and I've played with Sir Charles, my guinea pig. I also picked up the dishes that were on the counter, put on the dishwasher and put away the clean dishes. So far so good. It's early afternoon though, so I still have time to do some other things. I'm going to vacuum my carpet, and maybe I'll even study for my history exam. It feels good to be doing things... I suggest it!

Wish me luck,
 
So I've been reading a book recently, and let me say, I've been extremely inspired! The book I'm indulging in is called the Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. This is not to say I'm not a happy person, but in the words of Gretchen, "I'm not as happy as I could be." I've decided to start my own happiness project, and hopefully to encourage other people to just do the little things, that can make everyone so much happier!

For day one of Project: Happy, I'm simply doing laundry and cleaning out my closet. This may seem little, but I feel like it will make me feel a great deal better... I mean, your room should be a place to relax and be comfortable. Not a place were you go and feel overwhelmed with the mess! I need my space back!!!!! I'm also going to listen to music everyday. Apparently humming/ singing is one of the most relaxing things you can do, so I'm definately going to try it out.. I'll let you know how it works out.

I've made some rules learned from being a teenager:
1. Let the little things be
2. Don't procrastinate... do my homework ASAP!
3. Don't be hard on myself! I'll do better next time
4. Don't be hard on others, they are trying as best as they can
5. When in doubt, ask :)
6. Your parents love you, even if it doesn't seem like it right now
7. Sure times might seem hard, but act how you want to feel, and you'll feel better
8. How you act determines how you feel, act happy, feel happy
9. Lost something? Clean up!

...3 loads of laundry later, and a bag of clothes ready to donate, I feel great! While I was at it, I found my sketch book, I didn't realize how much I had missed that thing. Funny how things turn up just when you need 'em.