Saturday, January 19, 2019

Happiness Challenge Bucketlist

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Happiness Challenge



What I Have Done:


  • Day 1: Wear your favorite things
  • Day 2: Sign up for a free exercise class.
  • Day 3: Rearrange your furniture. (HERE & HERE)
  • Day 4: Start a gratitude journal.
    HERE
  • Day 5: Bake a cake. HERE
  • Day 6: Have a sleepover.
  • Day 7: Watch a funny YouTube video. (HERE)
  • Day 8: Listen to the radio. (HERE)
  • Day 9: Make a scrapbook.
  • Day 10: Stargaze.
  • Day 11: FaceTime an old friend.
  • Day 12: Put your favorite photo in a frame.
  • Day 13: Learn to cook a new dish. HERE
  • Day 14: Dance around your living room.
  • Day 15: Host a dinner party.
  • Day 16: Go to your local farmers market.
  • Day 17: Have a yard sale and earn some money.
  • Day 18: Take a bath.
  • Day 19: Surprise someone you love with a gift.
  • Day 20: Try nail art.
  • Day 21: Go on a picnic.
  • Day 22: Build a fort in your house.
  • Day 24: Play a board game.
  • Day 25: Watch the sunset.
  • Day 26: Send someone you miss a postcard.
  • Day 27: Take a day off work just because.
  • Day 28: Watch your favorite movie.
  • Day 29: Blow bubbles.
  • Day 30: Visit a museum.
  • Day 31: Treat yourself to something sweet.
  • Day 32: Swap clothes with your friends.
  • Day 33: Post an old photo that makes you happy on social media.
  • Day 34: Sing in the shower.
  • Day 35: Tie-dye or upcycle a t-shirt.
  • Day 36: Start a blog.
  • Day 37: Give yourself a makeover.
  • Day 38: Volunteer for a cause you care about.
  • Day 39: Complete a paint-by-numbers.
  • Day 40: Visit a local park.
  • Day 41: Teach yourself how to knit.
  • Day 42: Take a dance class.
  • Day 43: Read a magazine.
  • Day 44: Play frisbee.
  • Day 45: Donate clothes.
  • Day 46: Slide across the floor in your socks.
  • Day 47: Go for a bike ride.
  • Day 48: Write thank-you cards.
  • Day 49: Jump rope.
  • Day 50: Plant a garden.
  • Day 51: Put together a puzzle.
  • Day 52: Skip rocks at a pond.
  • Day 53: Go to the aquarium.
  • Day 54: Listen to a podcast about something that interests you.
  • Day 55: Clean out your closet.
  • Day 56: Learn how to skateboard.
  • Day 57: Go to a karaoke night.
  • Day 58: Pick flowers.
  • Day 59: Go bowling.
  • Day 60: Watch a TED Talk.
  • Day 61: Make crafts and display them in your home.
  • Day 62: Fly a kite.
  • Day 63: Learn how to juggle.
  • Day 64: Listen to an upbeat playlist.
  • Day 65: Do some yoga outdoors.
  • Day 66: Make a memory box.
  • Day 67: Play laser tag.
  • Day 68: Go to a flea market.
  • Day 69: Write a poem.
  • Day 70: Give yourself a spa treatment.
  • Day 71: Buy a small pet.
  • Day 72: Meditate.
  • Day 73: Play a free online game.
  • Day 74: Practice origami.
  • Day 75: Have a pajama day.
  • Day 76: Play hide and seek.
  • Day 77: Go to an animal shelter and play with some pets.
  • Day 78: Get a fancy dinner at a restaurant.
  • Day 79: Surprise your co-workers with a treat.
  • Day 80: Browse through Target.
  • Day 81: Go swimming.
  • Day 82: Create a new recipe.
  • Day 83: Hire someome to clean your home.
  • Day 84: Do a newspaper crossword puzzle.
  • Day 85: Get a massage.
  • Day 86: Make a recipe book.
  • Day 87: Go to the movies.
  • Day 88: Buy a new album.
  • Day 89: Meet a friend for a drink.
  • Day 90: Make paper airplanes.
  • Day 91: Get a fancy drink at your favorite coffee shop.
  • Day 92: Watch a movie from your childhood.
  • Day 93: Go for a run.
  • Day 94: Complete a sudoku puzzle.
  • Day 95: Go to the library.
  • Day 96: Visit your old school.
  • Day 97: Make your own pizza.
  • Day 98: Have a cartoon-watching marathon.
  • Day 99: Visit your family.
  • Day 100: Go thrift shopping.
  • Day 101: Ask a barista for latte art.
  • Day 102: Trade books with a friend.
  • Day 103: Go for a long walk.
  • Day 104: Go to the zoo.
  • Day 105: Watch a stand-up comedy show.
  • Day 106: Light up your fireplace.
  • Day 107: Complete a Rubik's Cube.
  • Day 108: Jot down positive affirmations and tape them to your mirror.
  • Day 109: Go to a playground and swing.
  • Day 110: Collect shells on a beach.
  • Day 111: Spend an hour on Pinterest.
  • Day 112: Indulge in some selfies.
  • Day 113: Watch a cute animal video.
  • Day 114: Host a cocktail party.
  • Day 115: Go canoeing.
  • Day 116: Visit a nursing home.
  • Day 117: Give a server a big tip.
  • Day 118: Order your favorite takeout.
  • Day 119: Camp in your backyard.
  • Day 120: Press flowers in a book.
  • Day 121: Buy yourself flowers.
  • Day 122: Hug someone.
  • Day 123: Flip through old yearbooks.
  • Day 124: Get a haircut.
  • Day 125: Make an inspiration board.
  • Day 126: Go on a hike.
  • Day 127: Snuggle a kitten.
  • Day 128: Learn to surf.
  • Day 129: Make homemade ice cream.
  • Day 130: Chill out in a hot tub.
  • Day 131: Spend a day in your favorite part of town.
  • Day 132: Give your bedroom a makeover.
  • Day 133: Learn a new skill though YouTube videos.
  • Day 134: Go on a photography adventure.
  • Day 135: Make a time capsule.
  • Day 136: Send your parents flowers.
  • Day 137: Perfect your hula-hooping skills.
  • Day 138: Paint a wall in your home your favorite color.
  • Day 139: Go roller-skating.
  • Day 140: Binge on a TV show.
  • Day 141: Learn a dance routine from an online video.
  • Day 142: Get a facial.
  • Day 143: Sail on a boat.
  • Day 144: Play Mad Libs.
  • Day 145: Watch the sunrise.
  • Day 146: Bake cookies.
  • Day 147: Fill up a coloring book.
  • Day 148: Put your feet in the ocean.
  • Day 149: Clean the house for a roommate or significant other.
  • Day 150: Play with a baby.
  • Day 151: Have breakfast in bed.
  • Day 152: Enjoy coffee and a book.
  • Day 153: Plan a vacation.
  • Day 154: Join a book club.
  • Day 155: Try out a DIY.
  • Day 156: Sign up for a color run.
  • Day 157: Compliment a stranger.
  • Day 158: Kiss someone.
  • Day 159: Visit a local beach.
  • Day 160: Buy something new for your room.
  • Day 161: Write a letter to your future self.
  • Day 162: Make a paper fortune teller.
  • Day 163: Have sex.
  • Day 164: Go somewhere fancy for lunch.
  • Day 165: Choreograph a dance routine.
  • Day 166: Start your own YouTube account.
  • Day 167: Play with puppies.
  • Day 168: Forgive someone.
  • Day 169: Find a new show on Netflix.
  • Day 170: Make a list of things that make you happy.
  • Day 171: High-five someone.
  • Day 172: Buy a houseplant.
  • Day 173: Cuddle.
  • Day 174: Pay for someone else's coffee.
  • Day 175: Look at old photo albums.
  • Day 176: Write a short story.
  • Day 177: Peruse a bookstore.
  • Day 178: Watch the clouds.
  • Day 179: Meet a neighbor.
  • Day 180: Stretch before bedtime.
  • Day 181: Have a photo shoot with your BFF.
  • Day 182: Take your friend out for a meal.
  • Day 183: Don't check social media for a day.
  • Day 184: Go to an antique store.
  • Day 185: Dress up for no reason.
  • Day 186: Tell someone you love them.
  • Day 187: Sit in the sun for 15 minutes.
  • Day 188: Get a manicure.
  • Day 189: Ride a scooter.
  • Day 190: Buy a new pair of shoes.
  • Day 191: Smile at a stranger.
  • Day 192: Visit a rooftop bar.
  • Day 193: Go skinny-dipping.
  • Day 194: Pick out your Halloween costume.
  • Day 195: Write an open letter to someone who inspires you.
  • Day 196: Go on a Tumblr binge.
  • Day 197: Get rid of something you don't use.
  • Day 198: Give money to a homeless person.
  • Day 199: Call your mom.
  • Day 200: Have a margarita.
  • Day 201: Take a family photo.
  • Day 202: Draw a picture.
  • Day 203: Drink green tea.
  • Day 204: Dance in the rain.
  • Day 205: Go paddleboarding.
  • Day 206: Host a barbecue.
  • Day 207: Climb a tree.
  • Day 208: Turn off your phone for a day.
  • Day 209: Get something that you never wear altered.
  • Day 210: Make a list of things you want to do before your next birthday.
  • Day 211: Make your favorite drink at home and invite friends over to share.
  • Day 212: Buy balloons.
  • Day 213: Make your own playlist.
  • Day 214: Play cards.
  • Day 215: Do something touristy.
  • Day 216: Tweet at an author.
  • Day 217: Have a Harry Potter marathon.
  • Day 218: Get a pedicure.
  • Day 219: Have a costume party.
  • Day 220: Sip on a poolside beer.
  • Day 221: Take deep breaths.
  • Day 222: Wear sweatpants.
  • Day 223: Plan a road trip.
  • Day 224: Do cartwheels.
  • Day 225: Make a healthy meal.
  • Day 226: Download fun, new apps to your phone.
  • Day 227: Make a mood board.
  • Day 228: Buy a new accessory.
  • Day 229: Try a new hairstyle.
  • Day 230: Exfoliate your face.
  • Day 231: Skip down the street.
  • Day 232: Babysit for a friend.
  • Day 233: Volunteer at a youth center.
  • Day 234: Watch home videos.
  • Day 235: Organize your pantry.
  • Day 236: Blow a bubble with chewing gum.
  • Day 237: Invest in quality skin care items.
  • Day 238: Eat chocolate.
  • Day 239: Draw on the sidewalk with chalk.
  • Day 240: Set goals for the week.
  • Day 241: Start a book you've been dying to read.
  • Day 242: Make a flower crown.
  • Day 243: Pop some popcorn.
  • Day 244: Have an afternoon nap.
  • Day 245: Reread your favorite book.
  • Day 246: Start a piggy bank.
  • Day 247: Create a collage and frame it.
  • Day 248: Eat samples at Costco.
  • Day 249: Subscribe to a magazine.
  • Day 250: Go ice skating.
  • Day 251: Attend a free concert.
  • Day 252: Learn a few sentences of a new language.
  • Day 253: Text your high school friends a throwback photo.
  • Day 254: Put on clean sheets.
  • Day 255: Join a subscription box service.
  • Day 256: Buy fun, new pens that will inspire you to write.
  • Day 257: Learn something new about a family member.
  • Day 258: Play basketball with a friend.
  • Day 259: Shake a snow globe.
  • Day 260: Go skiing.
  • Day 261: Freeze your favorite fruit.
  • Day 262: Call your grandparents.
  • Day 263: Eat your favorite childhood snack.
  • Day 264: Order a pizza.
  • Day 265: Buy a plant for your desk at work.
  • Day 266: Get perfume samples.
  • Day 267: Buy a cozy blanket.
  • Day 268: Eat your favorite candy.
  • Day 269: Decorate your closet.
  • Day 270: Go to Chuck E. Cheese's.
  • Day 271: Get yourself something special.
  • Day 272: Drink some hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.
  • Day 273: Play with a Slinky.
  • Day 274: Watch a movie from the year you were born.
  • Day 275: Declutter your workspace.
  • Day 276: Go sledding.
  • Day 277: Eat a burrito.
  • Day 278: Write a positive review online for a restaurant.
  • Day 279: Have a twin day with your best friend.
  • Day 280: Make a scarf or camera strap.
  • Day 281: Lick a popsicle.
  • Day 282: Ride a go-kart.
  • Day 283: Make a snow or sand angel.
  • Day 284: Create a candy jar custom to you.
  • Day 285: Go to a Zumba class.
  • Day 286: Help a grandparent sign up for Facebook.
  • Day 287: Buy a new outfit for work.
  • Day 288: Get your eyebrows done.
  • Day 289: Buy a new piece of statement jewelry.
  • Day 290: Tell a joke.
  • Day 291: Memorize the lyrics to a favorite song.
  • Day 292: Go camping.
  • Day 293: Grab some fro-yo.
  • Day 294: Go to a funhouse or mirror maze.
  • Day 295: Take a cooking class.
  • Day 296: Have a game night with friends.
  • Day 297: Get some fresh air.
  • Day 298: Message a long-lost friend on Facebook.
  • Day 299: Go scuba diving.
  • Day 300: Talk to a co-worker you've never spoken to.
  • Day 301: Try something new you've never eaten before.
  • Day 302: Write down a favorite book quote.
  • Day 303: Master the art of chess.
  • Day 304: Listen to a record player.
  • Day 305: Find a photo booth and take pictures.
  • Day 306: Eat an ice cream cone.
  • Day 307: Try a Spin class.
  • Day 308: Wear a fun hat.
  • Day 309: Listen to Christmas music.
  • Day 310: Ask your friends for song recommendations.
  • Day 311: Check something off your bucket list.
  • Day 312: Ride a horse.
  • Day 313: Have a no-electricity night.
  • Day 314: Stay in bed all day.
  • Day 315: Have breakfast for dinner.
  • Day 316: Make out with someone.
  • Day 317: Pop open a bottle of Champagne and celebrate yourself.
  • Day 318: Read your favorite children's book again.
  • Day 319: Go on a virtual trip via Google Maps.
  • Day 320: Get a new piercing.
  • Day 321: Try a new cuisine.
  • Day 322: Visit a friend's office.
  • Day 323: Give a friend some advice.
  • Day 324: Try to drink eight glasses of water in a day.
  • Day 325: Get your shoes shined.
  • Day 326: Fix something that's been broken.
  • Day 327: Slip into some lingerie.
  • Day 328: Use a Polaroid camera all day.
  • Day 329: Spoon someone you love.
  • Day 330: Join a dating app.
  • Day 331: Go for a walk somewhere scenic.
  • Day 332: Wear crazy socks.
  • Day 333: Go to happy hour.
  • Day 334: Prank call someone.
  • Day 335: Listen to oldies.
  • Day 336: Play checkers.
  • Day 337: Get coffee with an old friend.
  • Day 338: Play truth or dare.
  • Day 339: Try on an evening gown.
  • Day 340: Plan a friend's birthday party.
  • Day 341: Get your makeup done at the mall.
  • Day 342: Do a social media cleanup.
  • Day 343: Go line dancing.
  • Day 344: Get a new tattoo.
  • Day 345: Treat your boss to something.
  • Day 346: Watch your favorite sports game live.
  • Day 347: Dog-sit for a friend.
  • Day 348: Go to an art gallery.
  • Day 349: Learn how to play an instrument.
  • Day 350: Play a video game.
  • Day 351: Get new business cards.
  • Day 352: Floss.
  • Day 353: Get a blowout.
  • Day 354: Get your teeth whitened.
  • Day 355: Wear your favorite jeans.
  • Day 356: Get a box of doughnuts.
  • Day 357: Buy a new phone case.
  • Day 358: Put up Christmas lights (even when it's not Christmas).
  • Day 359: Put a sticker on your laptop.
  • Day 360: Plan a staycation.
  • Day 361: Set up your planner for the year.
  • Day 362: Bedazzle something.
  • Day 363: Join a fantasy league.
  • Day 364: Wear your robe all day.
  • Day 365: Reflect on all the amazing things you did this year!

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Happy New Year 2019

I begin this year with a little sigh because I so desperately wanted to a do over for Advent.  I REALLY thought this year I could do it all the way to the end but sadly I could not.  But let us not dwell on what we could not finish and let us step into something new. 

2019 is here!  I am trying not get my hopes too high, but that seems more and more impossible as the years go by.  I guess I will keep it simple for now and say I hope for good health, happiness, and opportunities to show kindness.  I will leave it there for now. 

May many of your hopes and dreams come true in 2019. 

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Advent Day 12- Holiday #TBT

"I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus.  Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy.  I don't feel the way I am suppose to feel."  -Charlie Brown


One of my favorite things to do around this time of year is to just remember the past.  I have been consciously celebrating Advent for only about 4 years.  We have done many variations with the help of Focus on the Family who publish a free guide and calendar every year so far and with the book Before and After Christmas.  Unfortunately every year we are behind or don't even get to do half the activities because almost every night we are busy with choir practices, school performances, parties, and just plain anxiety from shopping (the last one is just me).  But I am never going to give up trying to slow down and reflect and write about how Advent is going no matter how often it feels like a failure.  Here are a list of past Advent/Christmas time woes and the humility it brought to the season:

2017- I was diagnosed with bronchitis and our washing machine smelled of burning rubber.  I was literally forced by my health to slow down and rest.  I was able to graciously ask for help and accept it from a friend who offered us a washing machine free of charge.  I really clung to the word HOPE that things would get better.  I never officially finished Advent that year.  



2016- It snowed much more than normal.  It tested my patience with the kids and the many school delays.  Also this was the year the dryer was screeching like a banshee and I learned how to replace the wheels and belt by myself.  I learned even more patience and confidence to do something I might never had attempted in the past.  



2015- The first time I participated in Busted Halo's Advent Photo Challenge and became very distracted because Star Wars: The Force Awakens came out.  I started off that season with a cold and over bought on presents.  I learned to be a little less snarky and plan a little better (still ever working on that!)  



A couple of other things during this season before I was very conscious about Advent were-the tornado in Aumsville the year we moved into the parsonage 2010,  Lucy's birth story (shadowed by a horrible event that led to the arrest of someone our family had known personally for years) 2011, and the year the car died 2013 just to name a few.  

So as not to end on such a downer note here a few favorite pictures from past Advents and general past Christmas time pictures in no particular order:

#TBT 2016

# TBT 2017
#TBT 2016












Thursday, December 13, 2018

Advent Day 11- Seasonal Treats

"Preparation, I have often said, is rightly two-thirds of any venture." -Amelia Earhart


Christmas is a great time to indulge.  I have been trying to keep it simple, but I have been trying to eat a good breakfast at the very least.  I didn't make anything fancy and I don't have baking day planned, but my husband bought some really delicious Christmas chocolates as gifts for some helpers.  The most important thing for me today was to get the kitchen clean which I actually completed.  It just seemed like an impossible task after all the partying and cooking breakfast every morning.  I am not the regular cleaning type and can be quite lazy much of the time so I am proud of myself.  I rewarded myself by celebrating my own personal Saint Lucia's Day Feast with Swedish pancakes and a Saint Lucy bun and a cup of strong coffee.  


I got some star cookies for the girls to come home to even if they aren't from scratch I am glad to kick start my birthday/anniversary week!  


Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Advent Day 10- Hope

"We should live our lives as though Christ was coming this afternoon." -Former President Jimmy Carter


What a very cheery Christmas time!  I spent the day writing some Advent reflections and posting some pictures on Facebook while rewatching Downton Abbey because  I it has a couple of great Christmas episodes.  But during the evening we went to a family get together and had dinner with cousins and new friends and little ones.  

I took lots of pictures and ate some delicious foods.  The kids opened presents.  It was nice.  

Hanging out.



They don't do much rocking around the Christmas tree here!



Callie and Adore- super cuties!


With all the little children around I did really take some time to think about hope.  Hope for the future.  Hope to teach the young ones about Jesus.  Hope that they will grow up to continue to teach others and future generations. 


Patience!

New weapon- I mean present.

Earrings are adorable!

Hello, new friends!

Hello!



Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Advent Day 9- Christmas Socks (in my case Christmas stockings)

"When we love, we always strive to become better than we are.  When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." -Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist


Yesterday, I got to slow down.  I just sat, watched TV, and folded laundry.  I didn't stress.  I didn't worry.  I let myself be.  That was truly a gift.  Tonight we will be going to a Christmas get together at my father-in-law and Kori's house with his family of my husband's little half-sisters who are one and three.   I have hope for a nice night.  

Advent Day 8- Gathering

"There are two ways of spreading light-- to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." -Edith Wharton



We have had at least 3 main gatherings for Christmas already.  Our church Christmas party, Lucy's birthday party, and special choir/children's Christmas program are the specifics.  It has all been good fun.  Neil decorated our table Star Wars style.  Lucy's birthday was full of friends and cousins and emojis.  She is now seven and still a handful.   The choir sang a Candlelight Processional, Silver Bells, and The Twelve Days of Christmas.  






End the Chapter

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