My own happiness project.

Hey everyone! Since my last post, I've really been trying to narrow down my list of daily chores and feel happier.

I started reading The Happiness Project a week ago and although I haven't started my one year challenge yet, I have noticed a big difference in my attitude toward life, chores, and being happy!
One of my favorite parts of the book so far (I've only gotten about half way through), is where Gretchen Rubin talks about making a list of what she really likes vs. things she wants to like. This hit me really hard! My husband and I are so different. Like we barely have anything in common. So when I made this list, I realized that most of the 'want to like' side were things that he likes. Of course it's not a bad thing to try to do some of the things that he enjoys if it makes him happy and brings us closer together, but the problem was that I was so stressed trying to do all of the things that he likes on top of the what makes me happy. And I believe that it's been pushing us apart.

Here's part of my list.

What I want to like:
-wearing make up
-cooking
-world news
-going to/hosting big parties
-speaking spanish
-drinking alcohol
-growing a garden
-raising chickens
-having a horse
-exercising

What I actually like:
-coffee
-organizing
-crocheting & knitting
-going to church
-stretching
-creating
-minimalist design
-eating organic (myself and my kids)
-reading
-making lists

I am still working on a few things from the top list because I know (from reading The Happiness Project) that you won't always feel happy doing something that will bring you long term happiness. Some of these include cooking, growing a garden and exercising. I know that if I took the time to cook more often, I would be happy later because Jorge will be happy and my kids will be eating a healthier meal. Growing a garden would bring long term happiness because I will be proud of my hard work and we will be able to save money on veggies. And obviously exercising will make me happier in the long term in many ways. So why don't I take more time for them? That's a good question! I'm still working on putting together my personal happiness project that will last one year. Cooking and exercising will definitely be included somewhere while a few others will be cut out. I can't wait! I'll do my best to keep up with my progress on here.

<3 Erin

I did some organizing immediately after reading the part of The Happiness Project where she decluttered her home and organized some of her kids' toys. I knew my bathroom needed some help so I went straight there and I'm happy with the results!

Drinking coffee while keeping up with a bible plan is my idea of a perfect morning. Right now I'm juggling a few different plans: The One Year Bible, Soul Detox, and Habit of Happiness.

Currently reading! & I highly recommend this book. :)

Some crafting I did recently.

Trying to turn my love of crochet into a source of income. So far I haven't had a sale. But I'm keeping my chin up! I have over 500 favorites on my Etsy shop, so I'm sure a sale will come soon. 

One of my favorite recent purchases. Organic lip balm from this Etsy shop

Surrounding myself with bible verses have been a helpful reminder of how to live my life and grow closer to God. I don't always remember them during the day, but seeing them over and over helps big time. 

It can only get better..

Trying to feed a puree to Betsey yesterday....

   I had THE worst day yesterday. I woke up in a terrible mood. As soon as I woke up, I immediately began thinking about how I'm going to be totally broke soon,  and  how I'm not going to be able to pay my bills.. maybe I had a dream about it? I don't know but it pretty much set my whole day off in a negative way. Then I decide today is the day to go to the court house and finally fill out the paperwork to get some child support. So I put Betsey on the couch right next to me and I'm looking through the pile of laundry for some socks for her and in a split freakin second she's crawling off the couch face first onto the carpet. FUCK. If I've ever felt like the world's shittiest parent, it was at that moment. Of course I know not to put her on the couch, DUH.. but i was standing right there! Come on! So then I'm trying to feed her breakfast really fast so we can get out and on our way to the court. Yesterday just happened to be the day that she was absolutely DONE with purees. No more. She ate some puffs while I was getting her Puree warmed up but that was normal, she wouldn't eat any more of it. Fuck me. So we spend 20 minutes searching for some "real food" that she will eat.. I ended up giving her plums and a baby fruit bar. Very nutritional. 

   So I stop by my work, before getting to the court house, I had to go talk to Mike about getting me some more work.. Then I get there and talk to a lady in the family law assistance section.. She looks at my file and goes on to tell me that the custody paperwork that I filed months ago was never finished! WTF! Someone could have told me that I had a few more steps to take! Losers. So she was very patient with my million questions, told me exactly what to do, and I did everything I could to get it done. I took Betsey to Chipotle for lunch since that's the only think I could think of that she'd eat (expensive kid) and we came back to see the paralegal. He was awesome! He got my paperwork ready and now I have to go back on Monday to have it all stamped and sent out. WHAT A NIGHTMARE. This could have been done 6 months ago. FUCK.

   Once that was over we went back home to let my dog out cause he had been caged up for a few hours, and we went to see my mom before we had to go to work. Then, to add to my hectic day, as soon we we left for work we see the text that says not to come for another hour......... HAHAHA shit. So we turn around, call my mom and tell her to make me some coffee cause not only was I exhausted, but i had a crazy headache. This didn't end being such a good idea because I haven't had a cup of coffee in a couple weeks and I'm still breastfeeding so it really threw Betsey off last night. She had a rough time falling asleep. :( OOPS. At least it woke me up? But once she fell asleep she was out for the night, that was nice cause we ended up staying there til midnight!

Today is a new day.

That saying could not be any more true!

We laid in bed giggling for half an hour, then got up and I started cooking back beans, and we had organic oatmeal and pineapple. Tea for me and water for Betsey. <3  

Total turn around from yesterday!

   Now Betsey's napping in her crib, giving her mommy a break :) Oh I almost forgot to mention our awesome news! We got approved for the Giving Diapers Giving Hope!! I am SOOOO excited about this! It's for low income families to get cloth diapers. I just filled out the application and paid the $35 shipping fee and I can't wait to get them in the mail! What a blessing seriously! This is going to save me a ton of money.

Well I should probably take advantage of Betsey sleeping and jump in the shower :)