Guys, the support you are demonstrating for my depression series is perhaps one of the most amazing things ever.
Thanks for reading such melancholy posts. I promise the story will end happily.
I’ve learned so much in the past 6 (or really, 24) years, and I’m ecstatic that I’m finally in a strong enough place to be able to share my experiences.
To each of you who have commented, tweeted or emailed to say that you relate – thank you for your thoughts and please know that life is beautiful and things will get better.
I’m pretty dang happy about a lot of things lately and I wanted to break up the somberness that is my blog this week with a quick post about 5 things that are making me happy right now.
1. The smell of fall.
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I am a self-proclaimed Fall hater. I love all things summer and sun. I don’t like pumpkin. I’m not a huge fan of the holidays. I’m a grump if the temps drop below 50 during the day. You get the picture.
But the smell of Fall is just… glorious. Every time I walk outside I can’t help but smile. The air is so crisp and fragrant. It just smells happy outside. I love it.
2. Realizing with shock and delight that I have an upcoming 3-day weekend!
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Monday is Columbus Day, and although I still find it disturbing that we still celebrate such a villanous character in this country (seriously, what IS that about?!), I’ll take the day off work.
This will make it much easier for me to catch up on running, sleeping, yogaing and TV watching this weekend. But I do not celebrate you Christopher Columbus.
3. Spontaneity.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m far too uptight. My dad and stepmom are in town tonight and I almost turned down a chance to go for dinner and drinks with them because of my scheduled run + Body Pump workout tonight.
Then I thought, What the hell am I doing? Is a workout really that much more important than family? Absolutely not!
Side note: Yes, I’m referring to the same dad as you’ve been reading about in the depression posts. We’re all better now. 
With time and forgiveness, things can always change for the better.
4. Shedding unnecessary burdens.
In an effort to make #3 possible, I’ve decided that I have to bid a temporary adieu to Body Pump.
I love the class, but the times it’s available at my gym just don’t meld well with my training schedule. Running 8-10 miles and then doing Body Pump is just too much strain on the body anyways, in my opinion.
So… I’ve stopped worrying about it and will just begin doing strength training on my own time.
I’ll definitely be returning to the class after the marathon though, and if it randomly fits into my schedule. It’s just too much fun!
5. New possibilities.
I’ve mentioned a few times that I’ve been job searching lately. Nothing has come of it yet, but for the first time in a long time I really do feel positive that I’ll find my place sooner rather than later.
I’m finally in the right mindset. I know that I’m worthy and capable of better things, I just have to fight for them!
Other than that, there are some other new things in my life that I’m enjoying. I’ll just leave it at that 
What are your 5 Happy Things?
<3 I am looking forward to more of the story… my father and I reunited a few years ago, and it has been pretty great (tearing up even typing that!)
I *LOVE* what fall smells like…
XO
O my! I’m soo like you. I too love summer and sun!! Guess I like it hot,hot,hot! Anyways, Iike the Fall, but dread it because then it…..WINTER!?*&%^ Also, I’m like you in the sense of I must follow my schedule. I’ve put running before things that I shouldn’t. I’ve learned it’s not as important. Family first! My 5 Happy Things:
1. Knowing Jesus loves me for me even when I fall.
2. My family who is my rock.
3. My job. I teach 17 little first graders.
4. My ability to run. I love running!!!
5. My health.
I wouldnt call BP fun, just convenient! Marathon training will be over soon and your life can become a little more spontaneous!
what a fun list and refreshing idea for a post! i love lists AND happy things. here are mine:
1. dogs, specifically mine, but any will do
2. the anticipation of winter. i get all tingly when i think about it. i love love love it.
3. the fact that today is noodle day and i conveniently planned a dinner involving noodles!
4. i brought back my old favorite combo: cottage cheese, garbanzos and ranch seasoning
5. 16 more minutes of work today. yipee!
LOVE YOU!
I was afraid people thought I was crazy for loving the “smell” of fall. I’m glad someone else gets it!
And I’m jealous of you kids that have Columbus day off. For reals.
1. I heart fall and all things winter and holidays so you’re going to have to put up with a very BUBBLY SIL in the coming months. Which you’ll thank me for
2. I do not get Hallmark Holidays or other doopy holidays off so I am jealous.
3. Um, hello, EVEN I AM skipping out on work early (was supposed to stay for another 40 minutes to get P-A-I-D more moola) but family ALWAYS WILL TRUMP EVERYTHING ELSE (except for maybe God). Can’t wait to see you at 6-ish I’m leaving now!!
4. I hate schedules and have been trying to keep my schedule more “fluid” so I can have more fun
5. You are effing fabulous and it’s okay that it took time to get here b/c look at all you’ve learned and grown on the way!!
Love you, Sissy
I love your 5 happy things and would agree with them all. But, we don’t have Columbus Day off so I can’t say that’s one of mine.
My 5 Happy things are (in no particular order):
1. Holidays – no brainer
2. My cat and horse here with me at school, they make the day that much brighter
3. Fitness/health
4. Michael. As corny as it sounds, I really love him and can’t believe I’ve found someone so perfect for me.
5. Baking.
I thinks you are so kind and genuine! I have followed your blog through a …. ahem fake blog sorry to say. Me and my gf’s at work started a unnecessary thing out of frustration for someone and I actually started to really enjoy blogging so this is the real me not 7 girls behind a fake name and account….weird right? Oh well you are a great person that comes through on your blog and congrats on your #4 I think that is your best one!!!
my fav 5 iss it was my best bday yesterday it continues tomorrow with HH with work friends it continues sat with my bday party hehehe and I had one the night before my bday with my bf’s fam
I also get to see my little sister this weekend … she had some stuff going on and it’s been heartbreaking on everyone but she will be around this weekend! I will stop there bc it’s more then I could ask for! xoxoxo I really do love your blog
What a cheery post! I also love the smell of fall…love, love love.
1. My home
2. My husband (gag, I know…but he makes me smiley)
3. Apples in the fall
4. Starbucks
5. Opening all the windows in my bedroom and sleeping in the crips, cool, fall air.
Aww! I love this:) My 5 happy things are this….
1. my beautiful 3 week old baby boy.
2. my incredible husband
3. fall foods
4. Pilates
5. and wine……whenever it is that I can finally have it!
Oh lord, my five things…
1. My fiance (and family!)
2. My health – I have a body that can do things!
3. Fleece Blankets
4. Relaxing on the couch with magazines
5. Candy Corn (As an edible decorating concept!)
Love this!
Im one of those people that loves all the seasons. I try and pick a favorite and wind up listing them all. The smell and colors of fall are amazing though. I love that crispness in the air.
I’m with you about loving summer and the sun. Although, I DO like pumpkin in the Fall obviously.
My 5 happy things:
1. I’m on vacation currently and hanging out with my awesome parents!
2. Yoga
3. Massages
4. My mom’s home cooked meals
5. French bulldogs
I love this post! I just shared five things of excitement on my blog too. But right now, here are things I’m happy about:
* Pittsburgh and my new life: I love it here
* Tonight is 80s night at a local bar, and I intend to dance the night away
* New friends that I am so blessed to meet
* An awesome date last night that went super well!
* The Senator is coming to our office today at work. That’s pretty crazy!
See! You can’t be a fall hater if you love the smell of it so much
My five happy things: running my first half this weekend (please don’t rain!!), cuddling with my puppy this morning (he is so damn cute), my heated seats in my new car, my first race expo this weekend AND the fact that I will drink a lot of wine after the race without worrying about whether or not I will be dehydrated. Yippee.
Way to go for missing BP for family!!! FAM is way more important than squats and lunges anyday! Im going to miss you until the marathon is over. Enjpy this last bit of training before the big day next month. You are going to rock those 26.2 miles sista!
5 Happy Things:
1) Long weekend this weekend (Thanksgiving!!!)
2) My best friend will be in town this weekend!
3) My birthday is next week, and I have a fun party planned.
4) We are visiting my mom this weekend
5) I love my job.