This is my journal after a year of good things. Sorry it's sideways! Kind of beat up... as it should be.
Day #5: August 5, 2011
Today was my last day of work. I SURVIVED. I didn't quit or play hooky or completely give up. I stuck it out, learned some things, and left feeling like I conquered something. They bought me a little cake and a cat balloon and told me how much they appreciated my work-- whatever I did, I did it.
Day #9: August 9, 2011
I went to drop off donation money for Christine Johnson's St. Baldrick's event- she is going to shave her head for cancer. When I got there, she asked me to come inside and showed me a framed drawing hanging on the wall. It was the pen and ink streetcar drawing that I did with Mr. Cummisky in tenth grade. I was so full of emotion that I could barely speak. I never knew where the drawing had gone after having been auctioned off. Christine introduced me to her parents, who seemed happy to meet "the girl who had done the drawing." I was just blown away by having the opportunity to see my art hanging up in someone else's house. I'm so grateful Christine took the time to show me it today.
Day #14: August 14, 2011
I decided to take my Mac to the Apple store because the battery was not holding a charge, and I wanted to get it fixed before schools tarted. The guy that looked at my computer was very nice, patient, and explanatory. The battery was supposed to cost $99, but because something was not in stock in the back, he gave me the new battery FOR FREE! He could have made me come back another day and pay, but he gave me a brand new battery free of charge (pun). I feel so blessed and grateful! Very thankful he was "assigned" to me.
Day #18: August 18, 2011
(excerpt- 4 year anniversary with Michael) I'm so blessed to be in a strong and lasting relationship with someone who turned out to be my best friend and is truly my other half. Sometimes I can't believe how much work it is, and sometimes I can't believe how easy and effortless it is. I am in LOVE with Michael Tran and his love and presence in my life is the best example of a "Good Thing" that I can think of.
Day #61: September 30, 2011
I'm home from Lafayette today! Because Michael is moving, I came in to help him pack, and thus discovered my "good thing": He has kept EVERY SINGLE note/letter/drawing I've ever given him. Every last scrap of paper, card, envelope, Post-It, the whole shebang. It floored me-- it was actually quite sweet. I couldn't believe (or remember) half the stuff we found. WOW.
Day #74: October 13, 2011
Today... was not a happy day. But I am learning to focus on the good things. Jessica, Shelsey, Richard and I got ice cream from Sidelines today after lunch and hung out by the swamp like we used to do when we were freshmen. (...) I am learning, and it's hard, but I hope this journal helps. Each day is a gift to be appreciated.
Day #80: October 19, 2011
This evening was incredible. Went to the SYTYCD season 8 tour- wow. The dances were breathtaking. I feel absolutely privileged to have seen them live. (...) And I met Melanie Moore! She was exactly like I imagined her to be, very human and real. I'm so happy I was able to go.
Day #90: October 29, 2011
Good day!! Sorely needed. Went to BR to meet up with Michael, Danny, Sarah, and Miles. Walked around the mall for about 3 hours with them; got my "Miles fix" (haven't seen him in so long!). Then Michael and I went caching, got our 300th cache. It was a gorgeous day. At Cracker Barrel for dinner- we paid for someone else's meal. It was genuine joy. I was so glad to have been away from Lafayette, to do NO work, to have fun, and to put another good deed out in the world.
Day #107: November 15, 2011
Today, I am thankful that my only stress is school-related. I am lucky and blessed to even be able to afford going to school and living in a nice apartment. I have my health, a family that loves me, the best boyfriend in the world, and friends that make me laugh. I may be stressed to the point of tears about school and projects, but that which brings me such sadness further emphasizes that which brings me joy.
Day #122: November 30, 2011
Today, I'm still grateful for friends who are generous and caring, who make me laugh through my pain. I am grateful to have nearby family and far away family who loves me. I am grateful to have a bed and an apartment to even be infested with bedbugs. And I'm grateful for my loving God who is here and with me even when I feel most alone.
Day #156: January 3, 2012
We made it to New York... and MET DARREN CRISS! We waited outside for 4.5 hours in 20 degree temperature. Darren was so sweet- he yelled for quiet and thanked everyone and then jumped around in excitement. I got to tell him congratulations. He also told Alyssa he was giving her a mental hug, and she got a great picture with him. We both got autographs. I am sooo happy for Alyssa. Very cold (and still shivering!) but quite an experience.
Day #249: April 5, 2012
There's a poetry blog on tumblr called "leaveyouapen" that I absolutely love. The guy is such a beautiful writer. He made a list of blogs that he recommended for people, and my blog was on it!!! I could barely believe it. I felt so honored to have ben noticed and promoted by my idol. I also wound up with several new followers because of it. I'm a little stunned.
Day #257: April 13, 2012
(excerpt... ;) ) NSAC IS FINALLY OVER!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so unbelievably exhausted and happy. After about 3 hours of sleep, we gave our presentation. It's over. I'm so proud of us.
Day #276: May 2, 2012
I woke up to discover that my favorite tumblr poet, leaveyouapen, reblogged my poem "Je te vois" last night. He said it was brilliant, beautifully written, and a "breath-taking late night read." Over the course of the day, people kept liking and reblogging it as well as my other poems. I think it's up to 43 notes now. I'm absolutely overwhelmed with joy and pride. I'm so happy to have been recognized. Getting reblogged by him was always a secret, unacknowledged goal of mine. :)
Day #294: May 20, 2012
Not sure what time it is-- we're somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean right now! So far we have had very smooth flights. We got a travel blessing from Fr. Jimmy yesterday. I'm grateful that everything is going well so far and am confident that God will deliver us safely. This will have to be a short entry- not much to say about today except lots of flying. Thankful the opportunity.
Day #298: May 24, 2012
We drove the Ring of Kerry today- saw sights more beautiful than I can comprehend. My camera can't capture everything my eyes saw. We also made it to Blarney and kissed the Blarney Stone- I'm so proud of myself for doing that. It was scary climbing up the spiral staircase and having to lean backwards to kiss it, but I'm glad I didn't let my fear stop me. Still amazed at this beautiful country and all that it has to offer.
Day #312: June 8, 2012
Michael and I went to visit Maw Maw today. We brought her Popeye's and ate dinner with her. She really enjoyed it; she was very chatty today (...) She says the first thing she does when she wakes up in the morning is to recite MY social security number! She's sharp. I love my Maw Maw!
Day #315: June 11, 2012
Angela Giffin got engaged!!! I'm so very excited and happy for it. I'm also quite honored that she stopped by to tell me in person. Her ring is absolutely gorgeous. I screamed quite a bit when she told/showed me, as did my mother when she heard the commotion. I'm so happy her moment has come. She truly deserves this happiness. I enjoyed hearing the story and seeing the pictures- just perfect. Today's good thing is dedicated to our friendship and her future!
Day #318: June 14, 2012
Had dinner with Michael, Nick, and their parents. I'm so stuffed with pho and eggrolls now. It's evenings like this that make me realize how grateful I am for my two families, and how blessed I am to be loved by both my parents and his. I'm so fortunate.
Day #321: June 17, 2012
Father's Day! Dad made ribs for us to enjoy at lunch. (...) I am SO grateful for my dad, who is truly an amazing father. I only hope that I show this appreciation as much as I feel it. I'm so blessed to have my dad and to have experienced life with him at my side. I treasure our relationship so much.
Day #335: July 1, 2012
My poem from the other day- "A Platonic Tale of Two Friends"- has gotten over 100 notes on tumblr. Triple digits. None of my original content posts have ever achieved anything like this before. It's outrageous. I hope that I can do something with this in the future. It has a featured tag and everything. I'm just feeling overwhelmed and grateful, but mostly humbled. I'm so glad I put myself out there. This is what makes me happy. This is what I feel I am meant to do.
Day #341: July 7, 2012
(excerpt) St. Jerome celebrated Fr. Jimmy's 50th birthday and 20th anniversary of his ordination today. I really enjoyed the event. I love the people of our parish. They have watched me grow up and have rooted for me in every aspect of my life, and have cheered for me and Michael the whole time. It's an honor to be part of this parish family.
Day #345: July 11, 2012
(excerpt) While leaving work, I gave a homeless man $5. He said the usual- "thank you, God bless, drive safe"- and then he said, "I love you!" I looked right back at him and said, "Well, I love you too!" And I meant it, and he knew it. The look on his face said it all.
Day #355: July 21, 2012
Spent the day with the Laurents. Saw 3rd Batman movie- awesome, of course. But the best part was, as always, the joy of seeing Miles. He walks freely now, knows so many words, and is so chattery and giggly. What an absolute godsend. So full of energy and life. I especially love when we all sit on his bedroom floor and Michael and I get to share the intimate moments before bedtime, making sure that love is the last thing he hears before he falls asleep.
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