365 Days of Happiness - Day 23

January 23

Christmas has finally come to an end for me.  I was able to get the two remaining packages in the mail Wednesday and they both arrived today.  Both recipient households enjoyed the surprise.  I received texts, pictures, and a phone call after I got off work.  I miss my friends, whom I have left as I continue to discover my path in life, but the great thing is, these people will always be there for me no matter how far apart we are.

Lindsay and Elizabeth have been there for me through good and bad and with them, they have brought a few amazing guys into my life as well.  I am eternally grateful and blessed for their love, support, and friendship for so many years and many more to come.

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 22

January 22

Thank you to those of you who looked over my cover letter.  Fingers crossed it can land me a great job.

But, that's not why were here.  Each day grows closer to my next adventure and I'm beginning to realize that this stop in my journey was needed.  Not only has it given me some much needed time with my mom, time to recover and realize where I want to be, but it has brought me some amazing friends.

When I began my jobs here in Manson, I was planning to fly under the radar and not to get attached.  I told my boyfriend I had expected to just fade out of the picture with no real recognition I had ever been present.  He asked why and I stated that wasn't the plan.  I'm not that important, anyways.  I couldn't have made much of a difference to anyone here.

I don't think that's going to happen though.  Somehow I've seem to have made an impact and that's a pretty good feeling.  I cannot express how grateful I am to my coworkers and for the people I've met.  It will be extremely tough to walk away.  But, I'm going to have amazing memories to look back on.

~Norma Jean ♡

Cover Letter Take 1

I'm taking a little detour, requesting help to make sure my cover letter sounds good.

Here it is...

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Norma Dunning and I am applying for the position, ____________.  I believe I would be a great addition to your team,  I graduated from Kansas State University with a BA in Journalism, Mass Communication.  During that time and after, I was a staff writer for the college newspaper, I had my own radio show for the college radio station, and I was working as a news reporter and anchor for a local radio station in Manhattan, Kansas.

While there I had the chance to build relationships not only with my coworkers, but with legislators, county and city officials, the local school board, members of the military stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, among others.  I covered numerous events and took pride in all the stories I created.

Though, I have taken some time away from that world, I am eager to get back in the game.  I am a quick learner and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your team.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Norma Dunning

620-255-4187

365 Days of Happiness - Day 21

January 21

So there are a few things that made my day.  There are also a few things that got me down. It was really a bit of a roller coaster ride today.

Who wants me to tell you why?  No.  Well, tough.  This is my blog and I'll do as I wish.

Anyways, I woke up to take my mom to the doctor and we sat there for almost two hours.  I wasn't feeling so well.  But, that's nothing new for me.  We came home took a nap, then i made a few phone calls.  I was checking about setting up interviews. Yes interviews.  I got another call from a second company.  Since i couldn't get up there tomorrow, I have to wait and see if they continue interviews into next week.  The other job fell through.  That's okay though.  I wasn't meant to have that one.

So, then my mom and i headed to town.  I got the last two Christmas gifts sent off to my friends.  *Happy dance*  We got the shopping done, went to dinner, and came home.  I got a late Christmas present, which was the sixth season of Castle.  *Another happy dance*.  Once unloaded, I got on my computer and applied for more jobs.  I found one that I absolutely want.  Fingers crossed that I get it.  I sent an email and tomorrow I'm going to see about putting my portfolio together and send it off.

I know this job could be an amazing opportunity and I hope they can see I will be a beneficial team member.  So, I've been working on a cover letter.  If you wouldn't mind taking time to read it when I post it tomorrow and give critiques.   Thanks in advance!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 20

January 20

Today was a pretty good day.  It has been the first time in a while that I wasn't completely stressed about life and all that it entails.  I got a phone call about a job and the possibility of an interview.  Work went great.  A little slow, but we have a new girl being trained and she was doing really well.  I can't complain.  I also can't narrow down just one thing to talk specifically about.  I do believe everything is going to turn out as it should be.

I hope you are finding a little bit of happiness in your day and don't hesitate to share if you have something happy in your life.

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 19

January 19

I got a lot accomplished today.  I went to the gym, work, helped my mom, paid bills, worked on my resume, filled out more job applications, and briefly looked at apartments.  I like feeling that I made a dent in my to do list.  I just hope that soon I won't be having to fill out applications and that I'll have a job.

Here's to the future!!!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 18

January 18

With the loss of a vital part of my family four years ago, I have grown to appreciate the times I get to spend with my mom and my sister.  Today, they surprised me when I got off work.  We went out to dinner and spent some time together.  Though, we drive each other crazy and make each other mad, we do love each other.  I have to remind myself sometimes though to tell them that.  You never know when you could lose someone important to you.  You can't take any moment for granted.

Just a little piece of advice as you continue in your own life.  Stay happy!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 17

January 17

Looking back on how my life has changed over the last few years, I'm glad I'm around to go through it, even though I didn't have the best day.

To be honest, three years ago at this point, I was either sleeping through my weekends, blacking out through my weekends, or drinking through my weekends.  I was in a downward spiral hoping it would all just end.  I look back and I'm grateful for getting myself pulled together to be here now.

I have so many things to be happy for.  Today I heard from a high school friend and it just lightened my mood.

During the Christmas season, I enjoy sending out Christmas cards. I was asked why and this is the reason.  It gives me a chance to catch up with those friends who I don't always talk to every day.  This high school friend has been traveling and busy with his own life.  It was great to hear from him and to catch up.

I enjoy hearing from my friends!  I'm truly grateful for those amazing people in my life!!!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 16

January 16

Well, as I continue on this road, I have received support and encouragement in my decisions and also with this blog.   I am so grateful to those of you taking time out of your day to read this.  It truly means a lot to me.

Thank you!!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 15

January 15

Do you ever have those moments that just make your heart happy?   That's what my happy moment is for the day.  I had nothing to do with the situation, but because of the energy radiating from those involved, it made me smile.

Now let me explain and see if I can convey the sense of excitement...

This young girl came into the restaurant and she wanted to surprise our boss, who doesn't usually come in on Thursday.  I unfortunately had to tell her that.  The look of disappointment was heartbreaking.  She asked me to promise I would tell him she had come in to see him.  I did and I went back to work.

A short time later, to the surprise of us all, our boss he came in to do a little inventory. He was told this girl had come in to surprise him and so he came out to see her.  I have no idea the relationship between the two,  but seeing the smile on her face and seeing the joy in getting to connect with someone important to her, it just made me happy.

I hope you have found some happiness too!!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 14

January 14

With snow comes the possibility of getting stuck.  I've had it happen to me and I know how it feels to be stranded for a while.

Today as I was heading into town, I saw the teamwork of some guys trying to get a car out of the snow.  It just made me feel good to see it.  Luckily, no injuries occurred.

It was good to see some good in the world!!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 13

January 13

Today I took control of my life and I'm going after what I want.  I want to head off on my next adventure and I'm going after it.  In about a month and a half, I'll be making my move to a new state and to a life with my boyfriend.  I'm still working on the career and basically everything.  But, I know I'm going to do this and I'm going to be okay!  As I've said before, I'm stronger than I have been and I can do anything.

Just wait and see what new and amazing things await!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 12

January 12

So after running errands today, going to work, gym, dinner, being able to just sit and relax is pretty nice.

Curled up with a blanket, hot chocolate, and my puppy watching "Castle" is the best way in my opinion.  This type of thing makes me happy and I'm good with it.  This is my happiness for the day!!!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 11

January 11

Throughout college, networking was always encouraged.  So I was working with fate to make some connections.

Looking at the near future, I'll be making my move to Minnesota and I met some nice people who live in the Twin Cities.  The lady was trying to get me hooked up with her son, but changed her tune when I said I was moving with my boyfriend.  She did say she'd see if she had anyone who could help me find a job.

I left work with some contact info and I left mine behind.  Here's hoping something works out in my favor!

Yay for networking!!  Here's hoping I find a job I like!!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 10

January 10

Christmas is over, but I still have two packages left that I need to get sent off.  But, before I can send them off I need to finish a couple of things.  So I took some time today to work on them.  Here's hoping Wednesday I can get them in the mail.  Then, hopefully the girls will like them!!

That's my happiness looking back on the fun with these girls.

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 9

January 9th!

So, I'm not going to dwell on the bad as tears found me when I woke and tears followed me to work.  That's not what I want to focus on.  The good, the happy that's what this is for.

So, at work this amazing couple was so gracious I felt the need to pay them back in some way, so out of my own pocket I paid $25 of their $40 bill.  Now let me tell you why.

This couple came in for dinner and ended up having to sit at the bar because all of the tables were full.  One opened up and I asked if they would like to sit there.  Well, another table decided they wanted it instead so they moved over.  This couple asked then if they could take the other table.  I said absolutely.   About 30 minutes later, a table of eight came in looking for a table.  Again we were still full at our big tables and the majority of the booths.  This couple was sitting at a big table so I asked if they wouldn't mind moving.  They graciously did for the group of 8.  They were able to finish their meal in peace.  When they left, they came up and asked about their bill.  I told then I appreciated the way they were so gracious about everything and I wanted to say thank you!!!

That's what the world needs more of!!!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 8

January 8th!

As you've probably noticed, I've been using past tense over the last 7 day blog posts.  The thing is that I'm playing catch up.  I've been working on the blog since January 1st, but I just haven't gotten on here to post them.  So each day I try to get a few done so I can finally do one per day.  Both for your sanity and for my own.

So because of that, I have been able to take some time and work through the issues since the 8th.  So, life is not so bad as it was.

Things at work have been difficult and things in my long distance relationship hit a rough spot too.  I hadn't realized that my stress and uncertainty were taking a negative toll on my relationship.  So by the end of the day nothing good could have countered it.  It was rough and again the reason this is important to me.  I need to not let the darkness encircle my life again.  For too long that's where I was and I'm not looking to be back there.

So we'll just skip the 8th and continue on to the next on.

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 7

January 7th!

You know the great things about little kids?  They find joy in about anything.  I got to spend an hour babysitting my boss's son while he finished up some inventory stuff at work.

This little boy was able to have me smiling and giggling for the rest of the night.  We sat down and colored, we ran around, we rolled a ball back and forth, we just had fun and I needed that.  I needed some spark of happiness as the days haven't brought me much lately.  So, again the reason for this blog, I want to find the joy each day brings.

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 6

January 6th!!

As I've previously mentioned, I've used the blog to try and help with my weight loss without much success.  But, that's okay.  I can make progress without it.  Which is my happiness for today.

I stepped on the scale this morning, which is usually a Monday morning ritual.  But I wanted to wait an extra day to see how my New Year's resolution was going so far.  To my surprise I have lost 5 pounds.  Yay!!

Having issues with my weight my entire life, this is a daily battle and a life long journey. Some days are better than others.  Luckily, I keep going along to make my life better.  Having at one point in my life been 220 pounds, I know how it feels to not like yourself and to not feel very well either.  So having been at my ideal weight of 150 and slowly gaining it back, I want to get back to feeling good about myself and also to ward off future health issues.  Having back issues, I know this is something I need to do for me.

So at 179, I still have work to do!!!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 5

January 5th

My happiness of the day was what got me through work and some other errands.  It was my reward!  Now what was my happiness of the day then?

Well, I got to catch up with one of my best friends.  It has been months since we've talked and luckily with all the holiday plans coming to a close we both were able to take almost two hours out of our lives to talk.

Cate has been a part of my life since freshman year of college.  As we both have moved on in our own directions, these phone calls are all we have right now.  She lives in Texas and I'm planning to move to Minnesota, so until we can save up for vacations to see each other, phone calls are it.

We were able to catch up on our jobs, our families, the boys who have stolen our hearts, and some upcoming events.  It's always nice to be able to talk to someone who understands you and who has been there through good and bad.

So that's my happiness!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 4

January 4th

As my day came to an end, I had no idea what to talk about.  I hadn't caught a glimpse of my happiness.  That is until I curled up in bed and pulled out a book.  My boyfriend's mom gave me it when I went to visit about a month and a half ago.  I had started it, but hadn't made much progress.  Life just kept me busy over the holidays and so I pushed it aside.

So, my happiness is getting to embark on a new journey in "The Outlander".  I opened the book and started to read it again.  This time I'm going to make time for it.

I'm enjoying it thus far.  So, you may get a short synopsis in the coming weeks as I move further into the story!

I hope you're finding your own happiness!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 3

January 3!

Being a waitress isn't the most glamorous job.  Trust me there are people that believe that a waitress is dirt beneath their feet and sometimes even our bosses don't think we are worth much either. Luckily, I was given a great compliment, which is the happy thought for the day.

Not only did I have my regular section for the night, but I had a birthday party to cover as well.  I thought it was going to be a difficult night, but it was actually really fun.  The party was for a young girl's 16th birthday.  One of the party goers showed up a bit early.  He was suppose to help decorate.  Well, I got him a drink and let him sit down until the others showed up.  Then throughout the night, I got drinks for everyone and their dinner.  It went really smooth.

Before he left, the same guy I spent time with before the party came up to me and thanked me for the amazing job I did.  He was impressed with the care I gave without being over bearing.  Having someone acknowledge the work I did made me feel good.

My employers don't always let us know those types of things.  Mostly they focus on our short comings, so it was a good night for me.

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 2

January 2nd!

The new year is off to a pretty good start.  With each day, there is hope for a bright future ahead and I know this year will bring not only great things for my friends, but for me as well.  This year will be the year that brings my boyfriend and I together.  Having spent our entire relationship thus far in two different states, this year will change that.

If you haven't guessed, my happy thought for today is my amazing boyfriend.  When things aren't going the best, he is always there for me.  He makes me happy and I can't wait for our future together.  It helps that he takes the time to tell me he can't wait for the same.

So, hopefully, here in a couple of months you'll be hearing about the next adventure ahead of me in a new place, with new friends, and a new amazing job.

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Day 1

January 1st is a day to begin new.  It's a day for change and a day to begin on a fresh slate. For me, it'll be the first day of my project.  While many were recovering from hangovers and resting from the festivities the day before, I was driving away from my boyfriend and heading back to work.  Both not how I wanted to start this new year.  So, let me find my happy for the day.

Though, I didn't want to head back to work that day, that's where I found it.  Walking in the door after four days off, it was good to see the friends I have made.  Getting this particular job was just that a job.  Something I was just going to do for a few months and then I would be off on my next adventure.  Working on my eighth month there, I have grown attached to my coworkers and having them say they missed me made being back a little more bearable.  We drive each other crazy and we get mad at each other, but we do care about each other to a degree.  So I'll be leaving them soon enough, but for now they make work a little better.

Happiness is a choice.  One that I have made!

~Norma Jean ♡

365 Days of Happiness - Introduction

A new year is upon us and I want, no need, to do something important to me.  There is so much hate and unhappiness in the world right now that I have a goal of trying to find something good each day.  Cue the revival of this blog.

Throughout the years this blog has been used primarily for school.  Being a journalist major it was always emphasized to create one and to use it to find something you're passionate about. After college, I had a tough time finding a focus.  Looking back through my posts, it became a weight loss journal that didn't last and then I tried to use it to help me get through some difficult times.  But, when you aren't ready to admit to yourself how you really feel and why, it doesn't help to try to bring the world in on it.  But now, I'm ready to start something special.

This year I have a focus.  I have a goal and I hope that not only will this help me change my way of thinking, but can somehow help someone else.  Luckily, I was able to get away for the new year and that gave me a chance to recharge.  I realized I was taking on too much doubt, hatred, unhappiness in my life and where I am right now.  I kept just looking at the future wondering why the things I want aren't happening.  I forgot to enjoy where I am right now.  So, now it's time to change.  I'm going to enjoy myself.  I'm not going to let my job get to me.  I'm not going to take on anything extra that I don't want.  Most importantly, I'm going to say no and do the things I want to do, not what everyone else wants me to do.  This is my life and I want to be happy.  So, let's all try to be better to ourselves and find a little happiness everyday!


~Norma Jean ♡