365 Days of Happiness - Day 119

April 29

I worked my first night shift at work. It went well.  I sold a membership, which is exactly what I needed to do.  I also learned how the closing duties are handled.  It was a pretty calm night.

Among the normal things, I helped a little girl find a toy and she was very excited about it.

Though, I know this was not where I thought I would be.  Things are going well.  I'm getting a paycheck again.  I am feeling confident about my ability to sustain my puppy and my own life.  Now the question is for how much longer shall we be apart.  My hope is no later than June 1.

Here's hoping the shooting star I saw tonight means good things are ahead.

Well, I have an early day tomorrow.  Night world!  May joy be with you all!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 118

April 28

There is a lot of hate, unhappiness, and unrest in the news these days.  There are riots.  There are abductions of kids.  There are murders.  What we need is more love and kindness to each other.  There needs to be more respect for others and what they go through.  We are all in this together.

Again this is the reason behind this blog.  This is my attempt to help out and give something back to a world hurting.  I just wish there was more I could do.

So, my happiness today is just being able to do something nice for someone else.  I made a cake for my boyfriend's family.  Since they've been so amazing about me staying with them, I just want them to know how grateful I am.

I hope you have put some happiness into the world today.  Just be kind to those around you.

Much love,
~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 116

April 26

My happiness today is getting to help my boyfriend prepare for his interview tomorrow.  Fingers crossed that he gets the job.  If he does, then the next step is apartment hunting.  Luckily, we have an apartment picked out that we love.  Here's hoping we can sign a lease soon!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 115

April 25

My eight hour shift went fast.  I was surprised, but I had a lot of fun.  They had me doing everything in the music / movie department.  I was answering phones, helping people, making announcements, along with a lot of other duties.  It was great.

My happiness was finally getting to help people and succeed in locating things.  One guy was looking for a Broadway production of "Gypsy". We had one copy and I found it for him.  He was so appreciative of my work.  Also, the encouragement from my coworkers that I was doing everything right.  That just makes me feel so much better about it.  I know I can do this!

Again a big thank you out there to everyone who has been backing me and my decisions in life.  You are the best and I'm thankful to have you in my life!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 114

April 24

Today I have a day off and I enjoyed it.  I do have a job today and that is to help my guy work on his interview for Monday.  I'm so excited and proud of him!  I know he'll nail this and I'll help all I can.

Tomorrow is a full day for me though.  I have an eight hour day and I'm excited and nervous.  Wish me luck.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 113

April 23

Hi all!  Sorry I've been away for a few days.  Been a bit busy.  Let me tell you about it.

Over the weekend, I spent a couple of days back in Iowa.  I had to take care of a few things.  I also got to spend some time with my mom, sister, and my adorable puppy.  Leaving on Tuesday was difficult.  It's tough having your life split between two places.  Hopefully, that won't be for to much longer.

I've been back at work with now a week under my belt.  Things are slowly getting easier and I'm getting more comfortable.  I really think this job is going to be a lot fun.  My paycheck might not agree, but so much amazing stuff to buy.  Once a month, I'll use my allotted cash to treat myself. Haha!!!

So, good things are ahead!  I am so excited and happy for the future!

I'll be better about keeping you updated on my own personal happiness!  I hope you're having your own!

Much love!
~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 109

April 19

Today has been bittersweet.  My other half is in another state and I miss him, but I had a few things to do at home.  I ran back for a couple of days to get them taken care of.  I luckily got to spend some much needed time with my mom, sister, and of course my puppy.

Tomorrow I take care of the rest of my errands and then I have to head back up; back to work and back to my guy.

The joys of being an adult!  Haha!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 108

April 18

I left my other half in another state, but I have a few responsibilities to take care of this weekend.

Not much else to say on the matter.

Tomorrow, I'll talk to you more!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 107

April 17

Second real day on the job.  Things are going really well.  The people are amazing.  It has been a little overwhelming with all of the information, though.  I know I'll get it soon.  It'll just take a little time.  Next week will have more training, but I have some other adult responsibilites to take care of this weekend.

Things are going well and I'm really glad!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 106

April 16

Today was a day to relax and recoup after my first day.  So, my guy and I hung out and watched TV.  I put in another application for an internship writing for a nonprofit organization.  I think that would be a fun thing to do.  It has a component to really raise awareness and to help people in need.  The position only goes from May 1 to September 1.  It'll be varied, so I kind of hope things work out.  Fingers crossed!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 105

April 15

I saw a sign.  Or at least I'm taking it as a sign of good things to come.

Today I had my second day at work and I think things are finally working out.  As we (my guy and I) were heading home, I saw a shooting star and I made a wish.  I'm going to take this as a sign that I'm on the path that's meant for me.  Hopefully, it's also encouragement from dad to let me know he's watching out for me, even though he is so far away.

Happy days are ahead!!  Fingers crossed!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 104

April 14

After about two months of being unemployed, I have gained some weight.  I should have kept myself more active during that time, but easier said than done with all the stress and uncertainty I was putting myself through.

Well, spring has arrived and I am again employed.  I'm going to be on my feet a lot, so I need to start getting myself back in gear.  I'm going to start getting myself out and about and getting comfortable moving a lot.

I can do this.  I can get myself back.  I am so excited for the possibilities ahead.

I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who continues daily to put up with me, encourage me, loves me, and who continue to be there for me.  I love you all!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 103

April 13

Today was my first day training at my new job.  I'm working in a bookstore!!  Yay!  I love books and I'm really excited about this opportunity.  Though, there is a lot of reading involved in the orientation.  I guess that's a given.  Haha!

But, let me tell you about my day.  My guy and I went to look at a couple of apartments.  We liked the one we actually got to see.  The outside of the second looks great and I'm excited to see inside.

After that, we went to the mall and I went to work, he went to a movie.  There was three of us there for training and the other girls were really nice.  I also got to meet some nice people who already work there.  We filled out paperwork, got into the computer system, got a name tag, and an employee handbook.  Yay!

I have more training over the next couple of weeks.  This week I go back Wednesday and Friday.  Friday we evaluate how training is going and see how much more I need next week before I get on schedule.  But, I'm being paid again.

I also dropped off applications at a couple more places since this is a part time gig for now.  Super excited and working at the Mall of America is going to be crazy and exciting.

Things are looking up, so not as bleak as Saturday!

Sending love to you and hope you're doing wonderful.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 101

April 11

Have you ever had a day where you just felt completely useless?  That's how I've felt today.  I went to bed like that, woke up feeling like that, and now I'm laying in bed still feeling worthless.

I realized today I've been a horrible daughter and I just can't do enough for her.  I'm a horrible sister because I don't talk to my sister everyday.  I'm a horrible girlfriend because I make my boyfriend pick between me and his friends or the things he love to do.

I'm just feeling bad today and my outlook is just bleak.  I really hope that everyone in my life knows how much I appreciate them.  I'm just ready to have my life again.

I'm sorry for the dreariness.  I just had to let that go, so tomorrow I can do better.

Happiness though because I need it.  The sun was out today and I went and sat and tried to enjoy it.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 100

April 10

I made dinner tonight for the amazing family who have adopted me over the last month or so.  I don't know what I would have done without them.  They are absolutely amazing.

Tonight's menu consisted of :

Breakfast burritos
Apple fritter
Fruit
Mimos / Poinsettias

It was a much needed break after today.  I need to remember to take a breath and just realize that I am where I need to be for now.

My boyfriend's mom also surprised me with a new lunch box for when I go back to work.  I will be able to take food with me instead of spending my checks on fast food.  It was so sweet and made me feel good.

Well, I hope some one makes you dinner to show their appreciation of you!  I would if I was there.  😊

~Norma Jean 💜

365 Days of Happiness - Day 99

April 9

As the season of weddings continues to creep upon us.  I am trying to price for all the gifts and extra costs.  Well, it adds up.  Not only for guests attending weddings, but for those getting married.

So as I was looking at registries, I took a second and sent an old coworker from college something small for their wedding.  I creeped on their registry through Facebook and found something pretty cheap and I went ahead and sent it out.

I hope they are happy in the life they are creating.  They are amazing people and I like the feeling of helping them out.

Hope you are all enjoying your life out there!

~Norma Jean 💜

365 Days of Happiness - Day 98

April 8

I AM EMPLOYED!!!

I got the official call today.  My background check went through and I'll be doing orientation on Monday.  Then I'll get a schedule and be on my way to doing something fun and getting paid for it!  I am beyond excited right now!  Things really are looking up.  Now I begin the hunt for the apartment of our dreams!

Thanks for all of the support and encouragement.  You are all amazing!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 97

April 7

*Happy Dance*

I got a call today from the guy I interview with yesterday and he said he talked to the store manager and she didn't need me to come in.  Next step background check and references and then I'll get a call with my start date.  Things are finally looking up and I'm excited.  I'm so ready to be back working.  It'll be a part time gig, but that's okay.  I applied to other places for a second part time job.  So, it'll be okay.

Now for a more extensive apartment search so hopefully I won't be having to drive two hours each day I work.

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 96

April 6

Today's itinerary:
1)   Look at Apartment
2)   Job interview at Barnes and Noble
3)   Dinner out with my guy


So how did everything measure up for this exciting day?

Well, first off the apartment was a bust.  Broken windows, price changed three times since we were there, and disgruntle tenants.  Yeah, I can pass on that one.

Now onto the job interview.  The interview went really well.  At the end, the guy I interviewed with said he would talk to the store manager tomorrow and give me a call on the next interview.  Yay!  One step closer.

So, feeling better about things, the boy and I went out to dinner and had sushi.  Tomorrow the game plan is to apply to a few more places and look at apartments.

So overall a pretty good day!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 95

April 5

Happy Easter!

Today was a relaxing day.  Now I can focus on tomorrow's interview and what will happen.  We are going to look at an apartment first and then I'll have my interview and then a dinner out.  So time to research and prepare.

I'll let you know how tomorrow goes!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 94

April 4

The final four play today and that means the Clune family will gather and celebrate with food and basketball.  This is my introduction into the family.  How will this go?

The day started out fun and entertaining as everyone gathered in the kitchen to put final touches on their treats for the festivities.  Then it began to turn with nerves getting to me. The kids took one car, the adults in the other and we headed to the gathering.  Getting there, I walked into a house full of people and let the panic begin.  How will I remember all the names?  How am I going to make it through?  And being alone knowing no one was difficult.  Those I knew scattered to hug and say hi to everyone, unload vehicles, and roaming around.

As the night progressed it got easier and they were all very nice to me.  They made me feel very welcomed into the family!

So though my nerves were on high alert, things turned out pretty well!  Now I can begin to worry about my interview on Monday!  Haha!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 93

April 3

Tomorrow I will be meeting my boyfriend's family.  Stress is beginning.  Today we are set to do some pre-production of the food we'll be taking over.  Hopefully, everything will turn out wonderful and that they'll like me and the food.

We're set to take over "Hot Browns" which comes from Louisville.  This was the first time I've even heard of them.  They were pretty good though.  Toast, turkey, a sauce, bacon, tomato, and parsley.

I'll let you know how tomorrow goes!

Wish me luck!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 92

April 2

I can't believe it is April already!  I hope this month is a great one with amazing adventures ahead!

I got a package in the mail today from my mom!  She is the absolute best.  No matter where I am in life, she always makes sure to send me a care package for Easter.  I love it so much and ready for a sugar high.

I love my mom and I miss her so much!

Thank you, mom!!

~Norma Jean

365 Days of Happiness - Day 91

April 1

Happy Fool's Day!

I didn't get any pranks pulled on my!  Yay!  *happy dance*

I hope all of you were as lucky as I was.  :)

~Norma Jean