Catching up on the Happy

Oh my, I'm so behind on the Daily Happy Challenge.  I really must make a better effort at keeping up with this joyful challenge since it's always a good thing to stop and smell the roses, er tulips!  Mom's bright pink tulips in the front yard have bloomed in this glorious spring time weather we've been enjoying in PA.

Without further ado, here we go!

Day 39:

It was fun catching up with my Mom's cousin, John (and his wife, Pat), at 12 Degrees Brewery in Louisville, CO on our way to Copper Mountain for a few days.  We had a LOT to catch up considering the last time we saw one another was at a family reunion down in Florida in Summer '99.

Day 40:

Today was spent scouting out jewelry shops in Vail and Breckenridge in an attempt to find just the perfect Colorado charms for my bracelet.  Doris and I succeeded!

Day 41:

On our way back to Denver from Copper Mountain, Doris and I spent the afternoon at Tallgrass Spa in Evergreen, CO.  She had a relaxing massage while I enjoyed a makeup session and made a few purchases thanks to a spafinder.com gift certificate I had received last January!  Here we are feeling pampered and dolled up during today's happy moment!

Day 42:

After picking up Adam from the airport, we all three ate buffalo burgers for lunch at My Brother's Bar, explored more of the city on foot by going to the Cinco De Mayo festival in the governmental complex, and taking in the Art Museum before heading to Doris' apartment.  The painting above was one of my favorites at the Art Museum.  It was called, "Release Your Plans" by Daniel Sprick and was fascinating to view with Doris and Adam as we discussed the objects we saw in this unusual picture.  Click here for more info. on the artist and his work.

Day 43:

This day was FULL of happy moments but the most noteworthy one was probably that not only did I lasso Adam at the Buffalo Bill Museum but he put a circle around my left ring finger and lassoed me after mass that evening.  Hehe.

Day 44:

On this day, we went to the Botanical Gardens outside Denver.  While many flowers were not in bloom, it was still a pretty day trip!  This is the view we had as Adam and I sat beneath some of the trees at a picnic table as we recalled details from his proposal the night before so I could journal them.  What a peaceful and serene spot to reflect on the exciting new turn in events this was.


Day 45: 

Onward and upward!  This happy moment was as we flew back to NC on Tuesday afternoon to eagerly share the news with my family and NC friends as they attended graduation events later that week.


Day 46:

Adam and I enjoyed dining out at several restaurants in downtown Greensboro during a Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tour tonight.  One of my favorite places was Dame's Chicken and Waffles.  This restaurant didn't need to serve syrup with their waffles for they were already deliciously moist and came with schmears (scrumptious flavored butter).  My stomach is about to growl thinking of all the delicious food we ate during this food tour.

Day 47:

 

Tonight's happy moment came when my six year old niece performed her rendition of "Let It Go" from the movie, "Frozen".  What a star!!


Day 48:
The long awaited graduation day happened on this 48th day of the 100 Happy Day Challenge.  Here I am with my parents and my advisor.  I certainly wouldn't have made it through the last four years without their support!

Day 49:

Today was such a special one since it was my farewell to NC and when I said goodbye to some of my dearest friends, both those from school and those from church.  We spent the day at Childress Winery in Lexington, NC then made it back to High Point for my last mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary where we bumped into Father Vince and shared our big news before mass.  He returned afterwards and gave Marci, Jim, Adam, and me a special blessing.  We are so fortunate to have such a caring pastor who gives of himself so selflessly.  I hope to find someone as exceptional as he in Ohio!  After mass we headed out to Bistro B in Kernersville, one of my favorite wine bars in the Triad, and enjoyed a final meal and bottle of wine.  If you go, be sure to ask for extras of the bread and oil (oh so yummy!).

Day 50:
Today marks the halfway mark of the 100 Happy Day Challenge and is also the day that Adam flies back to California (boohoo).  Before taking him to the airport, I surprised him with a tour at Mendenhall Plantation in Jamestown, NC.  It was pretty cool hearing about the Quakers from Pennsylvania and their ties to this historical landmark.  We also toured North Carolina's first medical school which is also housed on the grounds.  This picture also contains something else that makes me happy....one of my favorite of Adam's shirts.  ;) 

Day 51:

On this day, I leave NC for the time being.  I will be splitting my time this summer between PA and OH as I prepare for the move to OH on August 1st.  I am excited about the transitions that are ahead of me but oh how I will miss this little guy (and his siblings and parents).  Braden Brien's facial expressions have brought many a smile to my face.


Day 52:

On this Tuesday, my first back in PA, I couldn't help but reminisce and realize that exactly two weeks ago, I was in Colorado reunited with one of my dearest friends from NC!  This picture was taken in Breckenridge as we window shopped and wandered around the cute ski town.


Day 53:

So today is Friday, not Wednesday, but I was late in turning the pages of this inspirational calendar.  When I read this message all I could think was, "Indeed!!"
Day 54:
This morning found me in my old church in York, PA.  I had been a member of this church from 2007 to 2010 and was where I got involved with volunteering, attending Adoration, coaching cheerleading at York Catholic HS, and began to attend Young Adult events out in Lancaster.  It's good to go back home every now and then! 

Day 55:

As I embark on this summer of transitions and maybe a little stress.....today's happy moment came when I mediated and prayed using these words.  If God takes care of the sparrows, and we know He does, then what do I have to worry about anyway?!

Day 56:
My family from Pittsburgh arrived tonight in anticipation of my nephew, Benjamin's, baptism tomorrow afternoon.  The last time I saw my goddaughter, Sadie Jo, was in September at HER baptism.  She has grown so much but still has her lovely smile and giggle!

Today's other happy moment came when I purchased my wedding gown (and rehearsal dress)!  On a whim, Mom and I had gone to the bridal shop to browse less than an hour before they closed and within minutes I had the two dresses I would end up buying in hand.  It's so funny to think that we had walked over the threshold of the store at 2:15pm and were checked out by 2:50pm.  SO exciting but I will not be sharing any pictures of those precious purchases just yet.  Those pictures will come after the wedding...much to my Dad's and Adam's chagrin.  =)