365 Days of Happiness - Day 90

March 31

Each day I continue to work on applying for jobs and searching for apartments.  Today though had a very emotional interlude.  I keep wondering what is wrong with my applications and myself for that matter that has prevented my getting one.

Well, today I got a call about a part time position I applied for today none the less.  When I talked with the hiring person, he wasn't necessarily sure I will be a good fit for the position, but he is willing to give me an interview next week.  So, here's to a least maybe getting a job of some kind and who knows maybe it'll lead to something I never thought of before.

Fingers crossed!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 89

March 30

I went to see Cinderella today and again I fell in love with fairy tales.  I fell in love with the joy they bring, to the magic behind them, to the faith that one day I'll get my happy ending too.  Someday that I'll find true love and a magical happy ending.  I'm 26 years old and I wish for fairy godmothers and adventures.

I look at my life and I just want to be able to spend a few hours at least escaping into a new and exciting world where I can pretend to be someone else for a change.  I want a chance to enjoy myself and dance my night away with my own prince charming.  I want to look at the world through another perspective.

I just want to find something that will bring joy.  I want to do something that will make a difference.  Maybe I just need to "have courage and to be kind."

Here's hoping!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 88

March 29

Spending almost a month with my boyfriend's family, I have grown to enjoy having them around.  This next weekend the final four will play in the March Madness tournament, so I'm going to be spending time with even more members of the family.  I'm excited and nervous about it.  This will be my introduction as the girlfriend into the extended family.  So today, my boyfriend and I did a test run on the treat we're going to be taking to the event.  It was fun and delicious and I'm excited to see how they enjoy it.  I'll let you know how things go next weekend!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 87

March 28

As a day of relaxation and recovery from the day before, I curled up on the couch with a cuddly puppy and read.  It made me happy!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 86

March 27

First off, let me thank everyone who gave me reassurance and critiques on my resume and everything yesterday.  I appreciate it greatly.

Now let me talk about today and the fun that was had.  I was able to spend the day shopping for gifts, baking, and going out with my boyfriend's family to celebrate his dad's birthday.  Throughout the day there were mixed feelings of excitement and happiness, as well as moments of sadness though.

It has been four and a half years since I've lost my dad and I still miss him and all the things that we are missing out on.  So, as I looked at gifts for my boyfriend's dad, I thought of my own and what I would have been getting him for his birthday.  As my boyfriend and I baked his cake, I thought of the cakes I made my dad.

It was a day of comparison, and a bit of contrast.  My dad would have rather spent his day at home, watching movies, my boyfriend's family went out for bingo and drinks.  It was fun to do something different and also to celebrate someone's dad.

I'm glad they let me tag along and celebrate.

I'll always think about the moments that we're missing together, I will be thankful for the time we did have and the moments I can look back on.  I love you dad and I'll miss you always!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 85 Resume Review

March 26

Because my support system has been amazing, I'm extending my hand out for all the help I can get.

I have attached copies of my resume and the general format for my reference sheet when asked.  Please if you have a minute, take a look and let me know if there is anything you suggest.

Also, linkedin.com/in/normajeandunning

Thank you so much!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 84

March 25

Each day I get a little more discouraged.  I know I don't look the best on paper and tomorrow I am going to see about working on my resume again.  I'm just hoping things will get better.  I'm ready to get back on my own feet again.

Even though I'm not doing the best, I do have an amazing support system backing me and I am so thankful for that.  I am beyond blessed for them and I am happy for those who are doing amazing things and working hard.  Thank you all!!

If you have any advice, please don't hesitate to send it my way!  :)

~Norma Dunning

365 Days of Happiness - Day 83

March 24

Hey all.  Sorry for being neglectful for a full week.  I was trying to go back and think of what moments happened over the week and I got confused.  My days are starting to blur together.  I'm ready to get back into a better routine than the one I have right now.  So, I'm back to focusing my efforts on something.  Hopefully, this will help keep my mind off the fact that I have yet to hear back from any of the places I have applied.  That in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing.  At least I haven't been actually rejected to my face.  I'd like to know if I have, though.

Oh well, come what may.

So, today I drove my boyfriend insane.  I turned off the TV and turned on iTunes.  My amazing array of music set on shuffle, while I did dishes and worked on a few projects (mostly applying to jobs and researching apartments).  I needed a day like this.  Just singing and dancing and do a few things on my own.  It made me feel better.  I really don't have a favorite set at the moment, or I would share.

Music has always been a part of my life since I was little until now and I'm sure it will always be.  It'll be my connection with my dad as he was the one who started this in me and I'll continue it for him.


~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 76

March 17

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I had my phone interview today.  I think it went well.  I'm never really confident after these though.  You can't see body language or make eye contact when it's on the phone.  But I'm just hoping I said all the right things.  I had enthusiasm for the job, that much I know.  I was given advice to freshen up on the message statement of the company and I think that really helped me.

I have to wait until next week to find out whether I got it or not, so fingers crossed!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 75

March 16

I got an email today about setting up a phone interview for a company.  I'm excited and nervous.  I have been waiting for this for a few weeks now.  It's not necessarily where I thought I was going to be, but you know I'll take it.  I'll get more experience in the professional world and I can use my down time to work on my writing.  So, I think it'll be a great opportunity.  I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow after it's over.

Wish me luck!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 74

March 15

I spent my Sunday curled up with a good book.  It has been a long while and I can honestly say I was more relaxed having a book in my lap than I've been in a while.  Not having a job is starting to make me more and more nervous, so anything to relax a bit.  I am considering getting a full time job and then freelancing my writing.  Maybe I'll get somewhere that way.  I'll figure it out at some point!

I'll just try to take it every day at a time.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 73

March 14

Today has been a nice relaxing day.  I helped out with some cleaning in the garage.  I played a game with Cathy.  We, also, just sat outside and enjoyed the sun and the relaxing environment.  I'm excited about the future and I know great things are ahead.  Talking with Cathy gave me a little more hope and her and Jim are being so welcoming about me being here.  I just can't wait to be able to have my munchkin back with me and taking her for walks and spending time with her.  I do miss my puppy.

But, everything will work out in the end.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 72

March 13

Today I felt very productive, which is a really nice feeling.  I put in more job applications.  I did more apartment searching and got some more ideas.  The boy isn't thrilled that I'm not finding much in the cities as he really wants a Minneapolis address, but I do continue to find other things he likes.  We also did some cleaning around the house, which included the dishes so the kitchen looks pretty again.  The cleaning made his mom happy, so I felt good about that.

I don't want to feel like a burden.  I want to be useful, but I don't want to get overly involved and mess up their rhythm.

Soon things will be working in my favor.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 71

March 12

Today gave me an opportunity to see what traveling for work is going to be like.  Right now I am living about an hour from where I want to be, so driving wasn't that bad.  I was in the car with other people, so when I'm driving to work I'll be alone with my music up.  So, not all around bad, but gives me a little motivation to be looking at apartments.

Keep your fingers crossed I get a job soon.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 70

March 11

The sun

Those who know me know that when winter rolls around, I lose interest in a lot of things.  I get less active and way less happier about things.  However, when spring finally arrives and the sun is out, radiating heat, I get very happy.  I love feeling the warmth on my skin and being outside.  So for those who don't believe seasonal depression is a thing, I am here to tell you it is.  I'm glad that thunderstorms are in the near future and bonfires with friends and family, cook outs and just fun.

I hope you're enjoying the warmth as well.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 69

March 10

The daunting task of taxes.  One reason why I made my way back to Manson.  I was worried when I went in.  I didn't know if I would get a refund or if I would be having to pay.  I knew I didn't have insurance for 11 months of the year and that would cost me.  Luckily, the wonderful people who did my taxes got me a refund and so I have a little extra money to get me started in an apartment once I find a job.  So, this girl is a happy camper.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 68

March 9

I took a trip back to Manson.  I had a few things I needed to get done and I thought now would be a good time instead of getting a job and then having to take time off to run errands.  So, I drove back and it was a beautiful day, which just made me happy.  I had the windows down, the music up, and I was just basking in the day that was created.  I'm excited spring has finally arrived.  More outdoors for me and more activity.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 67

March 8

The point of this has been to make myself find some sort of happiness in each and every day.  Some days I am able to find things or to create things that add a little more happiness into the world.  Other days are harder and I just look for something that made me happy or at least to take a second out of my life to smile.  This has been a task lately as I haven't found myself interacting with a number of people right now.  I've been spending my life staring at a computer screen filling out applications, waiting for the interactions.  I know when I get back out into the world, it'll hopefully be easier to find happiness or to create it.

I hope you are all taking the opportunity to create a little more happiness in this world.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 66

March 7

Today I went to this amazing sight, a frozen over waterfall.  There are giant icicles hanging and the opportunity to walk behind them and look out through slits that formed as the water froze over during the winter.  I, however, declined the opportunity to trek behind the wonder.  You may ask why?  There are a few reasons, but the main one on my radar is a medical issue.  I have back issues and looking at this frozen wonder I just kept thinking of slipping and falling and having to put my life on hold for six more months.  When that fear comes, it is an overpowering fear.  I begin to panic and it puts a dark cloud on the fun I was having or in this case the fun I wish I was having.  Before me was an adventure.  A chance to do something not within my normal behavior, but fear took over yet again.  I know the fear has its truth and it's something I deal with daily, but I just hope to be free of it someday.  The sight was amazing though and I'm glad I got to see it.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 65

March 6

Patience is a trait I have yet to master.  I am trying though.  I've only been here a week and I know it'll take a little time.  I just need to wait it out and to keep looking.  What I need will appear when I'm ready for it.  Just be free of worry for now.  (I'll just keep telling myself that and one day it'll be true I hope.)

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 64

March 5

Today continues the job hunt and the apartment hunt.  I keep finding options that I'm willing to take, but up until this point I keep getting nervous about not having one yet.  I know I haven't been here a week yet, but I'm ready to get back out there and have something to put my life back in order.  I love having this time off and I know once I get back to working I'm going to be wishing to be off.  The plus side though is I'll be getting paid again and then an apartment will be in my near future.

365 Days of Happiness - Day 63

March 4

Today I'm finding my happiness in the inspiration from another.

Living in Manson for the short time I did, I met some amazing people and today one is in my thoughts. This amazing, strong, independent woman has know a significant loss in your life, like many.  But, looking at her and seeing the way she has grown from this loss, it gives me hope that things will get better.  She had her loss at a much earlier age than I, so it would be easy to understand her anger and resentment about how things have happened.  She isn't though.  She is a happy and bubbly individual and she tries to make everyone else smile even when she doesn't want to herself.  I look at her and I am confident that she has an amazing future ahead of her.  I look at her and know that living my own life is not to be taken with regret or anger at the losses we've had.  Life is to be enjoyed and to remember those who watch over us each and every day.  Life isn't fair and we all have to live with it, but we need to appreciate what we have.  Appreciate the people that are destined to cross our paths.  Love the people who love us in return.

I know we are both being watched over and smiled upon.  Here's to her mom and here's to my dad:

You are missed daily and thought of often.  We hope to make you proud and wish you were here.  But, we'll see each other again and the stories we'll have to share.  Love you always and rest eternally in peace.

I'm so thankful to have met this amazing woman and hope to keep in touch as we both move onward in our own lives.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 62

March 3

Some days I consider just dropping social media, but then others I'm thankful to have it.  Because of Facebook, I found out about a car accident that is effecting my cousin and her family.  I don't have the closest relationship with my family for a number of reasons, but the main one is the distance.  This particular cousin lives on the east coast and we haven't spent much time together, but being able to show support from here makes me feel a little closer to her and her family.  I hope everyone recovers quickly and I hope my cousin knows I do think about her even if I don't tell her as often as I should.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 61

March 2

My boyfriend and I made dinner tonight.  He wanted to make risotto and I made a salad.  It was nice to be able to cook for his family and try to do something for them.  I don't want to be a nuisance for them.  They've done so much for me already, I just want some way to repay them.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 60

March 1

A new month and a new chapter in my life beginning.  I get to have a relaxing Sunday, curled up with my guy, watching TV, and just taking a break from life.  I haven't started stressing that much about not having a job, yet.  This experience is definitely different than the one in Oregon.  Though this time, I am better prepared and I have somewhere to stay while I continue to look.  I can take a chance to breathe.  I also don't have to worry about my munchkin.  Tink is spending some vacation time with grandma, which is good and sad.  I miss my puppy, but this is a better situation than living in a car.

Today I relax, tomorrow I begin the search again.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 59

February 28

I made it to my new temporary "home".  My boyfriend and his family have made my intrusion into their home amazing.  My first day here and it's a celebration.  We drank, we played games, we watched movies, and we had fun.  It's so nice to feel included and wanted in this new setting.  I appreciate their hospitality and I'm so grateful for it.  That still hasn't stopped me from hoping to get into my own place by the middle or end of the month at the latest.

I am such a lucky girl for all the amazing people in my life who wish nothing but good things for me.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 58

February 27

Today is my last day in Manson, Iowa.  Tomorrow I leave for Minnesota.  I'll be staying with my boyfriend and his family until I get an apartment and job situated.  I hope it'll be easier being an hour away from where I want to be, than four hours.

Anyways, today was just a day for mom and me.  We did some errands and just sort of hung out.  We both tried to make the most of it, because we know tomorrow is going to be difficult.  Leaving her is never easy these days.  I feel so guilty about leaving her alone.  I just wish she had someone there.  I wish my sister had more time to spend with her.  But with work, friends, and living her life, she doesn't spend a whole lot of time with my mom.  I was there for eight months and I saw her maybe a dozen times.

I've had to learn over the years, though, that I need to live my own life without feeling guilty about it, much like my sister.  I'm only 26 and I still have to find where I belong.  Constantly worrying about mom doesn't do either of us any good.

It's time for me to move on.  I know mom will always be there and I can always go back to visit, which will happen sooner rather than later.  I just hope she knows I'm always here for her.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 57

February 26

I received a wonderful surprise in the mail today.  Well, it wasn't necessarily a surprise, but there was a surprise included.

I commissioned my lovely friend, Cate, to paint a couple of pictures for me.  They were amazing when I saw them, which I had no doubt.  But, included was a painting of a tea cup.  It doesn't seem like much, but for us that represents many evenings we had together.  We would just sit around, drinking tea or coffee or hot cocoa, and just talking.  I miss those nights terribly, but hopefully soon we'll be able to set up coffee dates and Skype each other since I'm in Minnesota and she's in Texas.

Our friendship has been consistent since freshman year of college and even with us both pursuing our own paths, we have stayed connected.  I'm beyond thankful to have such an amazing friend in my life and someone who has so much talent.

Below are the pictures I commissioned.  I'll be hanging them on the wall when I get into the new apartment.

~Norma Jean