Peace out!

I am moving my blog! I will now be posting on http://howdaisydoesit.wordpress.com/.

Thanks for reading and have an awesome day!

Wide awake

I love being up before seven on my days off. No sarcasm, I really do love it. Mornings are my favorite. I love the lighting in my apartment. I love stepping outside and seeing all the animals prepping for their days. The squirrels running about. All the birds chirping and flapping. The turtles swimming here and there. I love that the clamor of humans has yet to get going. And now that it's (unofficially) summer in Texas, I love how cool the mornings are.

I should have gone for a run this morning, but I'm too busy taking the morning in. Soon, it will be too late (because it's too hot) for me to go. It's all right, though. Tonight, I'm running at least three miles with a running club I just joined. It will be my first time running with them. They formed last year so I am sure other members are already familiar with one another. That's okay, though. I'm just going to fit myself in!

We are already almost three weekends into June, which should be a wake-up call to me. I cannot let this summer pass me by without doing everything I want to do! This happens every year: I have high hopes for the summer, but then it passes me by without me even realizing it! No excuses this year. I am only on-call once this summer and as far as I know, I will not be working any weekends. Gotta make things happen.

Okay. I need to go enjoy the fact that I am up this early. Toodles!

Sunday night

Every night, I procrastinate. I wait and wait and wait to walk my dog because there always seems to be so much else to do. Then, when I can wait no longer, I drag myself to do it and complain a little in my mind. Once I'm out there walking him, though... I love every second. I love being outdoors. I love that it's just me and him. I love the sounds and the feel of being out there.

The property that we live on is very well kept. There is a pond in the middle of it, which we cross during every walk we take. There's a natural spring with a soft little roar and lily pads growing from its depths. There are trees, there are turtles, there is thriving grass. It's all so perfect.

During our walk tonight, it started to rain. I didn't expect it, but I didn't mind it because it felt cool and refreshing. Sprinklers also went off on us. Definitely didn't expect those. Canelo seemed aloof to it all so if he wasn't bothered by it, there was no reason for me to be either.

I don't feel ready to start another work week. It's ridiculous because the past two weekends have been long weekends. There was Memorial Day weekend and last weekend, I went to Denver. I guess I just haven't done enough unwinding and relaxing. I unwind best by writing or creating or running. I haven't been doing much of any.

Here's to a better week!

Lost and found

I lost my camera's memory card. Why am I always losing things?

I realized it was missing last Thursday night. Yes, almost an entire week ago. The reason I noticed was because I was packing for my trip to Colorado (more on that later) and was considering taking Bon Qui Qui (my camera) with me. I checked the battery and then checked for her memory card, but the latter was gone. Dang it.

It wasn't in its usual places. I take my camera to work almost daily and sometimes upload photos while I'm there. I figured I must have left it in one of the computers there. Oh well. No time to go look for it. It was late Thursday night, I had an early flight the next morning, and wouldn't be back to work until Tuesday. Guess I'd have to wait until then to look for it and Bon Qui Qui wouldn't be making the trip after all. Probably a good thing since I was already on the verge of overpacking.

As soon as I got to work on Tuesday (early, as usual due to the train schedule), I looked in all the computers. Nope. I asked around for it. Negative. I got down on myself because I figured that I had really lost it. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry and I have time to take my memory card out of a computer but not enough time to place it back in my camera, I'll just tuck it in my pocket and go on with my day. My fear was that I had left it in a jacket pocket and as a result, it was lost forever.

Our company gave the entire staff, fifty or so employees, jackets last winter. They're all the same color and have the company logo embroidered on them. We all wear each other's jackets at work because unless you bother to look for a name on the tag (who has time for that?), you can't tell whose is whose. Your jacket can end up in a different department and you won't see it for months. You'll just go on wearing someone else's jacket and that's fine.

I know winter is over and I shouldn't be wearing jackets, but boy, that hospital gets cold! Especially in the CT room because we like to keep the CT machine from overheating. So I do wear jackets in the summer and I may have left the memory card in one of its pockets and it could be lost forever. Sadness.

Well, this morning I was digging around my backpack, the one I took to Colorado, searching for lip gloss, and I found it! I found the stinkin' memory card! Oh my goodness, my day was made. Then... Then I dug through the bag I carried yesterday in search of my Kindle and I found Dustin's headphones!

I love love love his headphones. They stay in place while I run, unlike my own. I hadn't seen them in a few weeks, though, so I figured that I had left them on my desk and that Dustin had taken them back to work with him. I didn't dare ask him. I didn't want him to feel obligated to bring them back to me. They're his headphones, after all. But now I have them back and I'm excited to be able to use them again! What a lucky morning!

I will be getting Dustin new headphones, by the way. Really good ones. His half-birthday is coming up at the end of the month and that would be the perfect little gift.

All right. My day has already been made. Time to jump on this train and get to work!

(mis)adventure

The more I read, the more encouraged I am to write. Not only to write, but to observe and write.

Thursday at work was hectic. Hectic enough for me to work eleven hours without a break. At multiple points throughout the day, when I could spare five minutes or so, I found myself in the break room, cramming food into my face. Needless to say, all I wanted by the time it was my turn to clock out was to go home and eat a delicious real meal.

That was not going to happen.

Because of how busy the day had been, I never got a moment to check my phone. Eating was much more important (if you know me well, this should come as no surprise). It was fifteen til seven when I finally did look at my phone. I had a few text messages from Dustin. The last one read:

Don't forget I have my sisters play at 7 tonight.

Well, shit.

Not only did I not have a quick ride home (Dustin usually picks me up from work), but earlier in the day, while I was riding the bus to work, I realized that I did not have my house key with me. I have Wednesdays off and because most people work on Wednesdays, I choose to do my long runs on Wednesdays. I usually have the sidewalks and trails all to myself, which would not be the case on weekends.

Anyhow, I ran on Wednesday and left my key in the armband that I use to carry my phone while I run. D'oh! So not only did I not have a ride home, I couldn't get into my home even if I somehow managed to arrive there. And what on earth would I eat if I didn't get in? I was hungry!

I quickly decided on a plan. I would ride the train to Downtown Carrollton, eat a veggie burger at Twisted Root, take the 400 bus to Marsh and Belt Line, walk down Marsh to my apartment community, and just hang out at the gym until Dustin got home.

I was irritated as I started my journey. I kept trying to estimate the time that Dustin would be home to rescue me. If his sister's play was at seven (in Downtown Dallas), it was possible that it would not end until nine, then he'd have to ride the train back to Carrollton, and finally drive home. My guess was that it could be as late as eleven before he got home. [sigh]

The train left the station by my work at 7:08. It took less than ten minutes for me to get to Downtown Carrollton. The station there is high on a platform. You have to take stairs or elevators to get down to street level. I got off the train and took the stairs that were on my immediate right. I made my way across the station parking lot and towards the intersection where I'd be crossing the street to make my way to the burger place.

The light took a good while. I felt like I was standing there for hours, partly because I was carrying my backpack and my DSLR camera (in its bag). Both carried a significant weight. As I stood there waiting for the walk signal, I thought about the weight of my bags and how exhausting it was going to be to walk from the bus stop to my apartment. I became irritated again.

Finally, the light turned and I was able to get across. As I headed towards Twisted Root, I noticed that there was a crosswalk from the train platform over the street that I waited so long to cross. Dammit! I wish I had known that before! I could have avoided waiting so long at that intersection. Irritation station.

Whatever. It was time to eat. Twisted Root was surprisingly busy for a weeknight. So there was more standing while carrying my becoming-heavier-by-the-minute bags. There was a girl who was about ten years old in front of me in the (long) line to order. She kept asking her dad for his phone and took pictures of all the bumper stickers on the wall. She annoyed me. In front of her group was a trio of teenagers. None of them really knew what they wanted to order and so they held up the line by asking the cashier question after question about what seemed like each and every item on the menu. I was too tired for that shit.

To top things off, I realized that my phone battery was dreadfully low. I decided to turn my phone off because I needed it to buy a bus pass. There's an app for that.

I finally ordered, got my food, and sat at the smallest table. The one with only one stool. Perfect for a loner like me. I pulled out the Kindle that Dustin recently gave me and started reading The Fault in Our Stars. I finished the chapter I was on and read an additional chapter before stopping. Reading the way the narrator described the simplest events and her surroundings made me want to pay more attention to my own surroundings and inspired me to write about this atypical evening. The thought of writing lifted my spirits. I started my way away from irritation station.

I turned my phone back on, took a photo for my 100 Happy Days Instagram challenge, and looked up the 400 bus schedule. The bus would be arriving at Downtown Carrollton at 8:30. It was 8:10. I turned my phone off again, finished the last of my fries and pickles, and got up to start my journey home.

I made it to the bus stop with time to spare. There were four others waiting for the bus, all of them appeared to be just as exhausted as I was. When the bus arrived and I had grabbed a seat on it, I looked around and noticed that everyone seemed exhausted. The woman in front of me appeared to have fallen asleep. A man to my left and a few seats ahead was riding with his head lowered. Everyone was quiet.

I felt like such a baby for having been so irritated earlier. Yes, I was tired, but come on, Daisy. You are not the only person in the world who had a long day at work. Riding the bus and then having to walk home is not ideal, but at least you do not have to do it every day, which could very well be the case for everyone else on that bus.

The sun finished setting while I was on the bus and it was dark out by the time I got off and started walking home. I started hoping for the gym to be free so that I'd have it all to myself. I walked and walked and walked. I considered stopping at the gas station that is on the way to buy a bottle of water, but decided against it. I wasn't terribly thirsty and was making good time. I would be at my destination sooner rather than later and would have access to the water fountain there.

There were others walking along the sidewalk I was on and the one across the street. This made me feel less crazy. The weather was so glorious! It was only slightly cool and there was a lovely breeze. It made my walk more enjoyable than I had expected it to be.

After about fifteen to twenty minutes of walking - I can't be sure of the time since I do not wear a watch and my phone was off - I made it to my complex and made my way to the gym. Thankfully, there wasn't anyone else there. I closed the blinds for privacy, turned the television on to MTV's The Challenge, made my way to the stationary bike, and started pedaling away. Might as well even after all the walking. What if someone came in and just found me sitting there watching the television? How pathetic would that be? So although I did not have the appropriate clothes - I was still in my scrubs - I pedaled.

It was at least fifteen after nine. I eventually turned my phone on and realized that Dustin had sent me a text message to let me know that he was on his way home.

Thank. goodness.

I let him know that I was at the gym and sent him the code to get in. He doesn't know it. He never goes. I continued to watch the television and pedal. I now have the desire to own a stationary bike for my living room so that I can workout while I watch tv.

Finally, a little after 10:00 PM, I heard a knock down the hallway. It was Dustin. He forgot to enter the "*" after the numerical code and so was unsuccessful at getting in. Oh, I was so happy that he had arrived! It was almost my bedtime and I felt that there was so much to do before I could sleep!

What an adventure. The best part, the absolute best part, was that by the time I did go to bed, I was not irritated. Sure, it was a long evening following a long day, but I enjoyed my solo date at the burger place, I learned how to ride the 400, I was encouraged to at least use the stationary bike to get some exercise even after long days, I enjoyed the weather and was encouraged to spend more time outdoors, and I realized how productive an evening after work can really be!

This is not to say that I would like to repeat this adventure soon, but if I have to, it will be completely okay!

I am not creative enough to think of a title.

I ran ten miles today. And my knee (the one that started giving me trouble three months ago) felt fine afterwards. I have been wearing a knee band during my runs and I think it has helped. My feet feel fantastic ever since I (finally) bought new shoes. I've also started drinking and eating Vega Sport products, which are supposed to help not only with hydration, but also inflammation. I never had my knee looked at, but I strongly believe that inflammation was the issue.

Whatever it was, I seem to have it under control and it makes me happy.

Remember how I wished and wished for warm weather? You know how they say be careful what you wish for? Oy! With the summer fast approaching, I must complete by runs by 9:00 AM, otherwise heat exhaustion might get the best of me. It may not be over 80 degrees, but the sun can be BRUTAL. Oh, I thought we were friends, Mr. Sun!

5:00 AM wake-ups are in my near future. This should be fine as long as I get to bed by 10:00 PM. Lawd knows that I do not want to resort to having to run on a treadmill. Boooooo!

It will be okay. I am excited about summer! In a little over two weeks I'll be flying out to Colorado. At least one river trip is in the works. More baseball. I am going to turn thirty. My "little sister" will be having her Quinceanera party. Pool time pool time pool time. It will be good times.

Later, taters.

Good day!

Today, I've done well. I woke up with plenty of time to make a green smoothie AND pack a healthy lunch. Walking Canelo takes priority over all things in the morning (including lunch-packing, smoothie-making, and makeup application), but today, I did it all and I feel GREAT about it. I must make a habit out of this.

I have already taken my vitamin and supplement for the day as well! As a vegan, I have to take B12 because it's only available in animal foods. I also take spirulina for extra protein and other benefits. The thing is, I sometimes forget to take them even though I pack them in a nice container and carry them to work with me. No more! I'm gonna take them before I eat my lunch every day.

I'm inspired to be healthier suddenly. Not that I was very unhealthy to begin with, but I know I have room for improvement. I want to be a good spokesperson for veganism and just radiate with well-being! It's important to me. Maybe by making noticeable positive changes, others might be encouraged to eat less animal products. Who knows?

Oh, I've also finished my veggies. I almost never finish my veggies when they're raw. I absolutely LOVE them cooked, but cooking them strips them of nutrients so my goal is to eat them raw more often.

Tomorrow morning, I'm running! Must get back in the game, back in the game. I'm starting off easy with six miles. Geeze, I hope it goes well!

Have a sparkling day!

[dumpings] from my Daisy Brain

My friends at work, Cristina and Jocelyn, have nicknamed me 'Daisy Brain'. The name comes from the fact that I supposedly find solutions to a lot of problems, and I do so in a calm and timely manner. When Cristina and Jocelyn are in a rut, they tell each other to use their "Daisy brain" and figure it out. Now, it has become my nickname. I like it. :)

The weather seems be on my side now. I could do without the rain and humidity, but I will take it! I know we need it. Some mornings are still a bit on the cool side, but wearing a light jacket suffices. It's nothing in comparison to the layers I had to wear just a few weeks ago. I am currently sitting at my desk in shorts and a t-shirt with the ceiling fan above sending cool air my way. It is heavenly.

I am THRILLED that March is finally over. What a crazy month it was for me! My work schedule was so off, I worked hours that I was not used to working, I worked in departments that I was not used to working in (Surgery and Internal Medicine), I was on-call, I became a part of the marketing team, I traveled, and I ran two races. It was nuts.

One of the races I did was just this past Saturday and several of my coworkers joined me for it. I was the captain of our team and as such was responsible for making sure that everyone had registered, collecting t-shirt sizes, designing team t-shirts, ordering t-shirts, packet pickup, packet distribution, and t-shirt distribution. It all took a lot more effort and coordination than what I had expected it to, but it was well worth it! We had a wonderful time, so wonderful that I am now coordinating a second 5K for us to do next month. I get excited about not having to do all these runs by myself and encouraging others to get out, participate, and be active. Feels nice, you know?

This month should be a bit more mellow. I only have one race scheduled and it is as unserious as they get. For starters, it's only a 4K instead of the usual five kilometers. Secondly, and most importantly, it's a beer run. Instead of water stations, there are beer stations. Beer at the beginning of the race, beer at the 1K mark, beer at the 3K mark, and beer at the end. The race also happens to start and end at a bar. I did this "run" last year and it was one of the highlights of my year. So much fun! I cannot wait.

Also this month, in about two weeks, I will be attending orientation at Operation Kindness! Anyone who knows me knows how much it means to me to be able to volunteer and be active for causes that are near and dear to my heart. Lucky for me, there is an animal shelter that is less than a ten-minute walk away from my front door. How perfect is that? For years, I have felt that a person's wealth can be measured by how much time they are able to devote to volunteer work. A person's heart can be measured by how much of that available time they actually devote to volunteer work. Joining Operation Kindness is going to work wonders for my happiness, I just know it.

I don't really know how to wrap this post up... So good luck with all your endeavors. Live life and enjoy life and share life.

In other news: I already miss The Walking Dead. Waaaah.

Two jobs are better than one

Most of us, not all of us, but most of us, spend too much time on our computers and phones. Sometimes, I think it is ridiculous that I keep up with so many personal social media platforms. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, and this blog. Ridiculous, right? Thank goodness I never got into the whole video world, although I do keep a YouTube and a Vine account. Geeze.

Staying connected has become my job, however. I have been the "Facebook person" at work for almost a year now, and I truly enjoy it. My first few months on the job, I was sent to seminars and conferences related to online marketing and would meet with my boss regularly to discuss how things were going. Eventually, I guess everyone figured that I had shit down and I have been left to do my thing, becoming an important voice for the company.

Our company is relocating and expanding in just a few months, though. Marketing these changes has become a significantly important topic at the hospital. Two weeks ago, a marketing team was formed, and as the "Facebook person", I was grandfathered onto this team. I am now the "Social Media/Online Reputation Manager" with a whole new set of responsibilities, responsibilities that must be met while still performing my duties as a neurology nurse.

I am thrilled to have made this team because it's nice to be trusted to do it and because of the sense of job security that it gives me. I feel so essential! And buying this desk now seems like an even more terrific investment since I will more than likely be working additional hours from home. Editing photographs, planning posts, reviewing reviews, and studying ways to remain relative and effective. It is all so exciting! As much as I love my medical job, the opportunity to do something entirely different and new adds a little oomph to life. 

I couldn't be happier.

I hope I do well. I hope I can keep things together and stay organized. Stay tuned!

Blahging

I am feeling a bit low and unfulfilled as of lately. Here's why:

1. I have not been running nearly enough.

• I blame this on the weather. For the life of me, I can not bring myself to get up and go in the mornings, because it is so cold. I was able to do so when I lived in East Dallas and the high school track was only two blocks away and the Santa Fe trail was just at the end of my street. Here in Carrollton, though... I am so uninspired. Sad face.
• My work schedule has been all jacked up this month. Three-day weekends, on-call weeks, switching days, switching hours. I simply have not been able to get a routine down. There's no way.
• I gave myself a break from running because of my knee and it has just been difficult to get back into the game. I am also still afraid of pushing it too much.
• Not running enough makes me feel out of shape and like I have gained weight, although I don't think that I have. I just feel that I have. Not running enough also encourages bad eating habits and a vicious cycle begins. Oy.

2. I have not been creating.

• I said I wanted to write, paint, sew, draw, photograph. I have not been doing any of those things. This first month in my new place has definitely been a period of adjustment and settling in. It has to end. One month is long enough.
• See above. Scheduling mayhem because of work. Timing is off.

3. Things do not always go my way.

• I have already mentioned the weather. Yuck. I need more sunshine in my life.
• Why hasn't the animal shelter that I applied to volunteer for called me back? If I am not giving, I am not living!
• I cannot find THE pen. The one that I washed and ruined and need to replace. I have tried Target (where I originally bought it), Office Depot, Staples, and Michael's. I think I will have to try Hobby Lobby next.

Time to turn this shit around. Here is why life makes me happy:

1. This winter cannot go on forever.

• Spring is officially here. The weather will get warmer. I must be patient.
• There are signs everywhere that it is almost over. The greens and bright colors are returning. They look so beautiful in the sun. Another reason why this overcast business must end.
• With the time change a few weeks ago, we now get later sunsets. Soon, the days will become even longer and we will get earlier sunrises as well. Exciting!

2. Dammit. I am being creative!

• Blogging is a form of writing. Totally counts.
• On my instagram (@dangdaisy) and my Tumblr accounts, I have been participating in the 100 Happy Days challenge. Although I am not using Bon Qui Qui, my DSLR camera, I am still photojournaling my life and that is worth something to me.
• I am creating ideas. All day, every day.

3. The people.

• I was out of town over the weekend and my sweet boyfriend took care of my critters for me and took notice of the fact that Canelo Dog missed me. He even got out of bed to try to calm Canelo down last night. I eventually heard the commotion and had to get up and calm Canelo down myself, but it was so sweet of Dustin to try.
• My aunt is out of the hospital and back home at my grandma's. Hooray for the field of medicine!
• I reconnected with friends while I was in Austin and even made new ones. I love friendships.

4. Travel

• My weekend getaway was a timely getaway after the insanity of work last week.
• I am planning a trip to Colorado to see my friend, Taylor. I can't call her an old friend. I met her in 2012 and worked with her for a year while she completed an internship in Neurology at CVSC. She moved to Colorado last summer, when she finished her internship, and has invited me and our other former coworker, Nicole, to stay with her for a weekend. I've never been to Colorado, but I already know that I will love it, crazy air and all!
• Maybe I will visit Chicago with Dustin this summer. He is going regardless because it's a business trip. For me, this is a big maybe, but maybe is a word full of hope so I will hope and do what I can to make it happen.

All right. Stay focused and make shit happen and stop feeling sorry for yourself. Toodles!

This winter is whack.

I know I wrote that I would be more creative. I tried, I really did. That post was followed by a week of packing, though, which was followed by moving, which was followed by a week of unpacking, which was followed by a week of being on call for emergency surgeries, and all these events were engulfed by pretty non-inspiring shitty ass weather. Ugh.

I am absolutely sick of this winter. I shouldn't let it do so, but it is ruining my life and my mood. I suppose that I should look on the bright side and admit that life is good when the weather is the only thing bringing me down. It affects other aspects of my life, though. I do less because of the cold and lack of sunshine. I am less inspired to go outside. I have not been running enough. My walks with Canelo Dog are miserable and sometimes rushed. I could sit on a bench and draw or write while waiting for my train, but instead I keep my hands safe in my pockets, tuck my head close to my torso, and stare down the tracks anticipating the arrival of that transporting machine. Not very ideal.

I should be happy that the time has finally changed meaning later sunsets and the approach of spring, but I look up at the window and it is overcast outside. I have the heat on knowing very well that it is below forty outside. I am wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt, so I am pretty much wearing a sweatsuit. It is not my best look.

Geezus.

At least I have a desk now. I also bought a book about calligraphy. I need to replace old pens. I am making a vegan pasta today. I will run at some point today. I have to continue to break my NEW running shoes in! I'm also buying a vacuum cleaner. One that picks up pet hair well. Dustin and I are going half and half on that. The domestic life of lovebirds. It's a good life.

I better bundle up and get going.

Creating

Throughout the day on most days, if my mind has a moment to spare, which is less likely on days that I am at work, I think of things that I want to write. I come up with ideas for a blog post, ideas for an essay, or I simply want to stop what I am doing and just write.

I was better about writing when I was in my early twenties. As an undergrad student, I would carry my journal in my bag so that I could write in between classes. There were times, if the lectures were boring and I felt confident that my printed notes or reading material would suffice, that I would write during class. It is probably why I never made any friends in my classes. I liked sitting alone in a corner where I could write, unless the class was actually interesting, of course.

Some of the things I wrote in my journal would make their way onto my old blog, the one I kept on MySpace (one of my biggest regrets in my life is that I blogged on MySpace instead of using a legitimate blogging site). I would translate my writings into posts that would make sense to others. I would translate them in such a way that I did not mind sharing. So much thought went into those posts. Sometimes, I would even include photographs or music or links. It felt fantastic!

I had more spare time back then, unless my week was crammed with exams. Even after I graduated and landed my first job, I wrote more than I do now. I continued to carry my journal with me and would lock myself in an office during my lunch break so that I could write undisturbed. Writing was my therapy. It was my drug. There were times that I felt crazy if I was unable to stop and immediately put my thoughts and feelings into words, onto paper.

I was also more creative back then and so full of ideas. Writing was my biggest creative outlet, but I also drew and made inspiration boards/collages. I also continued to hope to become even more creative. I had a guitar that I looked forward to learning to play, once my "study" time could be devoted to it instead of being devoted to earning a degree, and once I had enough money to pay for lessons guilt-free.

The point of all this is to say that I miss being creative. I miss journaling, I miss blogging, I miss drawing, I miss wanting to play an instrument, I miss letting my mind wander.

My journaling stopped because it became stupid. The things I wrote about eventually became superficial and writing was not very fulfilling. Then a certain someone read the damn thing and I stopped entirely, which was fine. Again, at that point, I wasn't writing about anything significant.

Blogging. This. I became discouraged from blogging when the people whose blogs I read stopped posting. And my readers stopped reading. The feedback became nonexistent. I partly blame MySpace because that site became completely obsolete. I had no one to write to or write for. If no one was going to read my posts, it made more sense to keep a private journal alone, and well, you know what happened there.

The frequency of my posts dwindled. I completely ceased keeping a journal. I stopped wanting to write everything down. So many events went undocumented. They were only partially documented on Facebook. Only tidbits of my experiences captured in photos and brief captions or blurbs.

I stopped drawing. I felt that it was pointless, but what was really ever the point? Other than the fact that I enjoyed it? Somehow, that stopped being enough. Geeze, Daisy.

Well, I am going to write more. I am going to blog more. I am going to keep a journal again. I will write in it, I will draw in it, and I will take photographs of my entries and share them here or maybe on my Tumblr or maybe both. I own an amazing camera and would be a much better photographer if I actually used it more. I have a set of calligraphy pens, which I will learn how to use. I have a sewing machine, which I will also learn how to use. Maybe I will even learn how to play that damn guitar of mine. Finally.

The big move that I have previously written about is happening on Saturday. This past weekend, I found a desk that I really like and I plan to buy it once we have moved in. I cannot wait to have a desk again. It may well become the center of my universe, the place where I can unwind and release all my creative energy. I feel that buying this desk may be the most important catalyst for making me a creative gal once more.

Equally as important will be for me to STOP spending so much time online. I admit that I tend to look to Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr for creative inspiration, but I focus so much on looking without actually doing. Isn't that absolutely silly? There should be less Facebooking as well. It's time to return to documenting things in a worthwhile, thoughtful manner.

If anyone reads this, please hold me to these things. Ask me for a photograph or an update on life and my thoughts and my feelings and everything going on in my brain. Ask to see my handwriting. Ask to see something that I sewed. Do NOT ask me to play guitar for you. That's bottom of my list and probably the thing I will be the worst at.

Have a perfect, sunshiny day and check back soon!

You can't spell February without eff

Eff you, February.

Here is my present goal: do not allow the stack and maze of boxes surrounding me give me anxiety. This is the worst part of moving. Packing in itself, but then having to live with the growing amount of boxes until moving day. I feel that my already small space is only getting tinier and it may very well make me a little crazy in these final days leading to our move.

This weather is also trying to drive me crazy. I have finally reached that point, y'all. I start off strong in November and December. In January, I convince myself that it is almost over and spring is just around the corner. Then we reach February and by that time, the cold just seems never-ending and I hate it. I long for warmer temperatures so badly, my spirit hurts. Uggghhh.

I really am at that point. I cannot handle all the layers of clothes. I cannot handle the grey skies. I long for the sun! I want to wear skirts and dresses without having my legs confined in tights. No matter how cute they may be, tights are still so confining! I want to run in my shorts again. I want to be motivated to run in the mornings. I want to want to (not a typo) spend more time outdoors. I want good ol' warm and hot Texas weather back.

I hate February so much. A while back, I mentioned my hatred of this month to Dustin, so he and I tried to think of things we could look forward to this month.

• We started the list with the Super Bowl. That was a major disappointment. 
• I added the return of The Walking Dead to the list. We shall see how things go tonight. 
• There is still Valentine's Day. Dustin never disappoints, he's a total sweetheart.
• Then there's our big move. And the work that comes with it.

Am I being a Negative Nancy or what? Hahaha You just do not understand how much I loathe winter. It is the bane of my existence, each and every year. If winter were a person, I'd bitchslap it.

Oh well. I better carry on. A Chipotle burrito makes everything better.

You'll never feel happy until you try

This post was inspired by the following question I was asked:

"Daisy, how do you stay so happy?"

Before I attempt to answer the question, I have to correct what it presumes. I do not stay happy all the time. I get sad. I get grumpy. There are days that I spend angry with myself, angry at others in my life, and angry at the entire world. I give myself time to be sad if I need to be sad. I allow myself to be grumpy and vent if I have to. Being angry is certainly okay in my book because it means I give a damn.

The key is not to dwell in these moments. Give yourself the time you need and move on! Bounce back. Let the negativity you feel encourage you to make changes or to speak up. Secondly, don't get grumpy over every little thing. Do not let insignificant matters or people make you sad or angry. The world is imperfect. Accept that and only worry about things that truly matter.

You cannot control all the circumstances that the world and life throw at you. I have shitty days. I have failed miserably. I disappoint myself and others disappoint me as well. The nature of the world, the process of disease, the inevitable progress from order to disorder. I am not immune to the uproar. You aren't either. Nobody is.

Control what you can control (which is a lot!). Build yourself a strong foundation of happiness. Even if life is smooth sailing right now, think of ways to be even happier! Do not focus on trying to be happy only when you're at a low. Happiness should be your priority at ALL times. This way, when things go haywire, you are already at a positive place and will be able to handle matters better.

Some things that I control and make me happy (you can control them too!):

• Sleep: At least seven hours every night. How can a tired mind make the effort to be happy? You need energy to do the things that must be done to be happy!
• Exercise: Easy. Health means happiness. Also, gotta love those endorphins.
• Relationships: Keep them healthy as well. Nurture your relationships with the people you love and care about. Do not worry about people who only bring you down. Surround yourself with happy people.
• Fulfillment: Make a difference. Be a positive influence on someone's life. I personally love animals and find fulfillment in my job. I also volunteer when time permits. When time doesn't permit, make a donation. Easy peasy.
• Do what you love: You may not love your job. Fine. Let's say that it takes 45 hours of your week (I've thrown time in for getting ready in the morning and the commute). Let's say you follow my advice and sleep seven hours a night. That's 49 hours in one week. Together, there go 94 hours of your week. That leaves you with 74! Precious hours to do whatever you please! Do not let them go to waste. Do things that you love... Paint, go outside, cook, run, read, listen to music, play an instrument, sing, dance, spend time with people you love.
• Look forward to life: Always have something to look forward to. Things in the immediate future like a birthday celebration, a weekend getaway, a daytrip, a reunion with friends, nice weather, a race (in the case of runners!). If I realize that I have nothing exciting planned for weeks, I make plans! My friends call me The Coordinator for a reason. You can also look forward to things in the distant future, even if you have no idea when they will happen. Marriage, children (not for me!), a degree, a new job, a dream vacation. Be excited about life!
• Focus: I mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Do not focus on the little things. There are bound to be many and they simply do not matter. I step in shit in the morning. My hair is a mess. I get stuck in traffic. I forget my wallet. Rain ruins my plans. People are rude. I don't always get a lunch break. So what? It is all rather insignificant and not worth your time or worth messing up your mood.
• Give yourself some credit: Be your own #1 fan. It is not arrogant or conceited to acknowledge that you are a badass. Know your qualities. Don't expect others to recognize and list them for you. It's a bonus when they do, but you have to build yourself up first.

So much of my confidence comes from the fact that I have convinced myself that I am in control of so many things. I have the final say in my own happiness, regardless of what is thrown at me. I make the choice to react the way I do, nobody else does. I choose how I spend my time and who I spend it with. I take matters into my own hands. I make mistakes and they are mine. I was in control of them too, I just didn't play them well. It happens. On to the next with a lesson learned and continued tenacity, preferably with a smile.

I encourage you to try these things because they work for me. My life isn't perfect, it never will be. As I stated, I have failed time and time again. The world is one of opportunity, though. Life goes on and gives you options. My life didn't end in those moments of major suckage. It will not end until I take my final breath. In the meantime, I will take what opportunities I can and.... You guessed it, be as happy as can be!

The title of this post comes from the lyrics of the following song:

Listening to good music that perks me up is also instrumental to being a happy daisy. Dancing to it is the icing on the cake.

Pack, pack, pack it up

Is anyone else sick of this cold weather? I think that the worst part is the huge range in temperatures. It will be below freezing one day, 70 degrees within 24 hours, then back down to below 50, and everything in between. How does one dress for that? The outfit I leave in loses its appropriateness by mid-afternoon and it bothers all the lovely out of me.

Anyhow, this week, I started the packing process. With less than four weeks until the move, I figured it was time to begin. Lucky for me, we get supply shipments at work on an almost daily basis. Collecting cardboard boxes and packaging material is something I do not have to stress about. All my coworkers know that I'm moving soon and are kind enough to save boxes for me to bring home. So nice!

Thus far, packing is going well, although I have way too many books. I thought that packing all my clothes was going to be rough, but I was wrong. It's all these freaking books! I have set aside a stack that I no longer want. I haven't decided what to do with them, though. Donate them to a thrift store? Sell them to Half-Price? Have a yard sale? Having a yard sale is very tempting because there are a number of other items that will not be making the move with me. Why not make some extra cash? Sunglasses, clothes, shoes, hats, belts, dvds, knick knacks, jewelry, and yes, books. Too bad this darn weather isn't very inspiring! We shall see.

Packing is the not-so-fun part of moving. Planning the furnishing and decorating is so much better! Dustin and I will actually be purchasing a new bed! We have already ordered the frame (along with a dining table) and will order the mattress soon. We also got a great deal on shelving while looking around Loew's over the weekend. We were in need of extra shelving given the aforementioned massive collection of books I own. I think all that's left is finding desks. He needs one for his computer and gaming setup. I need one for all my crafting, writing, and studying. Our place is going to be so cute and cozy!

I even had a special calligraphy print made for our place, but I don't have the framing for it just yet. As soon as I do, I'll post a picture of it. It is so perfect for us!

Back to cleaning, organizing, and packing. Only 23 days to go!

Yes, the title of this post is a reference to Lil Jon. To the windooooooow....

Ten Things by Paul Baribeau

Name ten things you wanna do before you die and then go do them.

1. Run a marathon
2. Indoor skydive
3. Go to a music festival
4. Swim in the Pacific Ocean
5. See whales in the wild
6. Get married
7. Learn to sew
8. Become fluent in French
9. Foster more animals
10. Zip line

Name ten places you really wannabe before you die and then go to them.

1. Paris, France
2. Venice, Italy
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
4. Chichen Itza
5. Dublin, Ireland
6. The Pacific Ocean
7. Kyle Field
8. Cloete, Coahuila, Mexico
9. Bruges, Belgium
10. Home

Name ten books you wanna read before you die and then go read them.

1. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
2. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
4. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
5. The End of Faith by Sam Harris
6. Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
7. The Lord of the Rings [the entire trilogy] by J. R. R. Tolkien
8. Crime & Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
9. Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grage
10. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

Name ten songs you wanna hear again before you die, get all your friends together and scream them.

1. Destiny by The Rocket Summer
2. Mamma Mia by ABBA
3. Yesterday by The Beatles
4. Ron con Coca Cola by Mister Chivo
5. Belle from the Beauty & the Beast soundtrack
6. Photosynthesis by Frank Turner 
7. Lookin' Out My Back Door by Creedence Clearwater Revival
8. Querida by Juan Gabriel
9. Praise Chorus by Jimmy Eat World
10. Skies So Blue by The Rocket Summer

Because right now, all you have is time time time. 
Yeah, but some day, that time will run out. 
That's the only thing you can be absolutely certain about.

Think of all the things that are wrong with your life and then fix them.

1. I do not spend enough time with my friends and cousins.
2. I am too attached to my smart phone.
3. I need to be more creative.
4. Not enough reading is getting done.
5. I do not get enough sleep.
6. I need to satisfy my wanderlust.

Think of all the things that you love about your life, be thankful you are blessed with them.

1. My parents
2. My happy, healthy relationship with Dustin
3. Great friends
4. Cousins cousins cousins!
5. A wonderful job
6. The opportunity to help animals
7. Running
8. My mermaid hair
9. Balance
10. Being compassionate and cruelty-free
11. My adorable fur babies
12. A free mind and heart
13. My health

Think of all things that hold you back and realize that you don't need them.

1. Worry
2. Apprehension
3. Naivety 
4. Wastefulness
5. Fear

Think of all the mistakes you have made in your life, make sure that you never repeat them.

1. I was not focused.
2. I became distracted.
3. I let fear get the best of me.
4. I let what others thought bring me down.
5. I did not speak my mind.
6. I was not myself.

Because right now, all you have is time time time. 
Yeah, but some day, that time will run out. 
That's the only thing you can be absolutely certain about.

Name ten thousand reasons why you never wanna die, go and tell someone who might've forgotten.

1. There is so much left to learn.
2. There is so much left to see.
3. There is so much left to hope for.
4. There is so much left to fight for.
5. There are friends to be made.
6. I have too much love to give.
7. I have energy!
8. I want to keep smiling!
9. Animals are always doing cute things and I do not want to miss them.
10. I do not want to stop exploring.
11. There are so many adventures to go on.

Try to list the endless reasons why it's good to be alive, and then just smile for a while about them.

1. The sun
2. Picnics
3. Swimming
4. Laughing
5. Friendship
6. Love
7. Animals
8. Beauty
9. Kindness
10. Hope
11. Flowers
12. Trees
13. Books
14. Music
15. Art
16. There are compassionate individuals.
17. "All the wondrous things that mere mortals can achieve."
18. Changes and progress can happen.
19. Love will prevail.
20. Freedom
21. I can do whatever I want.
22. Money does not buy happiness.
23. Wealth is measured by the relationships you keep, the difference that you make, the time you can devote to substantial causes.

Soon the sun will rise and another day will come.

Soon enough the sun will set, another day will be gone.

And right now, all you have is time time time. 
Yeah, but some day, that time will run out. 
That's the only thing you can be absolutely certain about.

Another year, more daisy days

I am not really one for making New Year resolutions. I am the type that thinks of goals throughout the year and works on them as time permits.

For example, in the spring of 2013, I thought I would try the Insanity workout. I made it through four weeks before realizing that it was not very fulfilling or enjoyable. Halfway through the year, I decided to train for a half-marathon. So I did. In August, I chose to switch to a vegan diet. Done. Three months ago, I finally ran that half-marathon.

Earlier this month, I resolved to run a full marathon by spring 2014. I have been completing my training runs diligently. I also decided to re-learn the French that I once knew and pick up even more. I have downloaded a few apps on my phone and picked up some books in order to get that going. In the creative realm, I am continuing to practice photography and trying to pick up calligraphy. Pinterest and YouTube each offer a wealth of helpful tips for both. These are all ambitions from late 2013 that will be carried into this year. I also want to start sewing, something that I resolve to pursue once I move and have a space dedicated to this endeavor.

As always, I want to be kind, loving, patient, forgiving, and happy. Those are everyday goals that never change, though. They are the same characteristics I have made an effort to possess my entire adult life. I feel that I pretty much have them down now and only stray occasionally. Still, the effort has to made daily, more conscientiously on some days versus others.

Yes, I am looking forward to this year and all the accomplishments and adventures that will come with it. Life is so exciting, it never stops being so. If you set goals not only now, but continuously, you will always have something to look forward to and life will be thrilling and rewarding!

Get to it, folks, and have a happy 2014!