Oh Monday, you sneaky little bugger.
I don’t know about you guys, but I definitely wouldn’t object to having an extra day inserted between Saturday and Sunday. The weekend always seems to pass by way too quickly… I mean, wasn’t I just at work? And now you’re telling me that I have to go in again? I kid, I kid. Well, not about the extra day bit – I want that – but I don’t really mind Mondays. You can’t change ’em, so you might as well make the most of ’em, right? Right. I mean, isn’t that kind of what life’s all about? The attitude with which you approach things? You can be a Negative Nancy (my apologies to anyone named Nancy) and focus on the aspects of your life that might be slightly further away from your ideal; OR, you can do your best to find the good in every.single.day, because it’s always there, even if some days make it harder to see than others.
A cloudy day, a headache, a zit on your chin, rush hour traffic, jeans that feel like they shrank overnight – little things that add up to chip away at your happiness. But what about that smile from a stranger? That text from a friend? That delicious cup of coffee? What about that time where it’s just you doing what you love, whether it be running, reading, napping, or painting your nails? Are you missing out on fully enjoying those because you’re too busy focusing on the negatives? Life will always be a mix of good and bad, but it’s how you handle that mix that makes all the difference.
On that note, it’s been a while since I joined up with the lovely Diva’s MIMM, so I figured that I’d share some quick highlights from this past weekend because it was kind of a good one. There were flowers for me ;)…
Cake for Dad…
Good food for everyone…
Tears shed over the final episode of Gossip Girl…
Hidden treasures found on evening walks…
(although it kind of looks like the picture perfect scene for a horror movie to start)
Aaaaaand decent progress made in Candy Crush…
Yessiree, it was a good one. But it’s time for me to head in to work, so I’ll leave you with this…
Happy Monday, friends!
. – . – . – .
What kind of job are you going in to on Monday mornings?
What’s good in your life right now?
And for my fellow Candy Crush addicts… what level are you on?!
I am glad you joined in today beauty! 🙂
The cake for dad looks amazing! Did you make it? YUM! Hope he had a great fathers day!
Great quotes too <3
I love those quotes. In fact, I pinned both of them awhile back because I agree whole heartedly with their sentiment.
Are those the same flowers as before, or are those new flowers? The plot thickens.
Those are new flowers 🙂 And I’m really starting to feel like I’m going to have to spill the beans soon 😯
it’s all about our thought process, yes? Where we place our thoughts, good or bad. Good can overcome any bad, amen!
I was just talking to my mom about this the other day. How I can get so glum about silly things, instead of focusing on what I DO have and all the blessings in my life. My problems are so trivial compared to others. My friends sister just came down with a disease that has left her completely paralyzed. 28 years old and paralyzed by something she had NO control over. And Im upset about my life?! psh!! Focusing on the good is so important!
Sorry to hear about your friend’s sister, girl 🙁 Those kind of things definitely put things into perspective…
I don’t have a job; I’m not old enough and school is out
I got back from Canada and will soon be going to mountain biking camp
Love the positivity 🙂 Not always easy but crucial to living a life fear from fear! I’m definitely a work in progress but I’ve been trying to incorporate time for gratitude each day and I swear it makes a huge difference.
Happy Monday!
The cake and meal you made look bellissimo! I have been and will be off fishing with papa in the wee hours of the morning! It’s messy but it’s a nice opportunity to spend time with him 😉 he is getting frail so he will have to stop work soon- it’s a hard thing for him to admit and come to terms with. Lucas is in my life- this is a very good thing. Vegemite is in my life too- another good thing ;)- Also a pantry full of tomato passata and sauce 😉 A renewed vigor to work a hard as I possibly can and fight for the injustice and inequality of the world has re-entered my blood stream- a very, very good thing. May I ask (please forgive me if you have previously mentioned it!) what you do for work? 🙂 Your outlook on Mondays is beautiful Amanda- have a happy one 😉 xo Sophia
I’m glad to hear that you have so much good in your life right now, beautiful lady <3 Right now I do managerial work for the family business, buuuuuut I'm currently working on a career change. I'll be sharing more soon, but mum's the word for now 🙂
I would be so happy to have another weekend day too! 🙂 Make that happen and I’ll owe you forever and ever! That bench doesn’t even look real – how adorable! Hope you sat and rested there! 🙂 Happy Monday, for sure!
I’m a sales and marketing coordinator for a branch office of a broker dealer blahblahblahblah….
Trying to decide on a new career but FIRST buying a condo — which has been bringing lots of blood sweat and tears lately.
Thanks for the reminder about all the ups.
PS- Level 34.
That’s the route I went as well, although I didn’t exactly plan it that way. And don’t stress, lady… I know buying/moving can be super hectic, but it’ll all turn out just fine in the end. You’ll see <3
I’m on level 65 now and I’ve been stuck for a week now! I wish I could play it constantly since its so addicting. I heard the levels go up to around 300!! Lots more playing to go.
Ah so addicted to candy crush! Super stuck on level 65
Oooh more pretty flowers for you this weekend <3 Once I started realizing that Mondays were inevitable, I actually started hating them less 🙂 I don't mind my job, I think it is just the lack of the flexible schedule that I mind! The summer sun and long days are the highlight of my life right now. I would be completely content in life if everyday could have 16+ hours of daylight 🙂
The extra sun (and warmth!!) is definitely a beautiful thing. My only complaint is that it makes it so much harder to go to sleep at a decent time…
I just started Candy Crush last night and I love it! I think I’m on level 12 or 13, but I played it for almost 20 minutes straight which is quite impressive for me since I usually can’t take games for more than 5 minutes. Happy Monday!
I was off today, yay! But im usually up early at 530 am heading to the hospital to work! That flower is so beautiful too, I love my garden 🙂
I think that casseroles almost always = good. There is just something so cozy and comforting about them :).
What an inspiring post! Even though Monday is halfway over, it still brought a smile to my face. A few good things about my Monday:
It’s sunny and 80
We have fresh nectarines
Sex and the City is on for 2 hours
Oh the little things! Have a great day!
I am a stay at home mom during the day and I work evenings. So Monday means spending time with my little ones alone. Sometimes it can be very lonely and overwhelming but do realize that I am very lucky to have them.
I am very happy with everything in my life right now. I’m super happy today! I’m getting stronger both mentally and physically every day, I love myself more everyday, I’ve learned to be happy and positive as much as I possible can, my running is getting better and I have a goal that isn’t weight related, and it seems my money problems are coming to an end. Positivity and law of attraction really works!
Awwr girl! Reading that seriously made me break out in a huge smile. I’m so happy for you 😀
I work at a tutoring center at my grad school, so that’s what i go into on Mondays in the summer. On Mondays during the school year, I don’t do anything 😛 What’s good in my life is running, new friends, and hockey tonight 😀
This is a such a positive post for a Monday! I love the quote at the beginning, so true. That cake looks pretty darn yummy too! I actually had to work all weekend at my second job because Father’s Day is my holiday to cover and now I’m back to work again! Friday can’t come soon enough! But, I am grateful to have a job, of course. Oh, and I do ultrasounds for a living! 🙂
I guess I need to practice this a little.
I have nooo idea what level I’m on Candy Crush because MY PHONE DIED while I was just playing it. Now I have to wait for the booger to charge so I can keep feeding my addiction! More flowers, I see 😉
Monday mornings (through Friday mornings, of course!) I go into work for a Senate committee. Love it. Always interesting stuff going on. But I’m not a morning person, so I’m always in a fog until about 10am regardless of whether I had coffee or not!
And actually, lots of things are good in my life now. I’m adjusting to life in a new city, have a boy in my life who’s the sweetest ever, and eating huge breakfasts at IHOP at 11pm. Life is good when you’re not worrying about stupid things!
A new boy?! Eeee! I couldn’t be happier for you, girl! Keeping my fingers crossed 😀
Thanks girl for this post! I needed it today after a weekend of overindulging I was kind of feeling guilty this morning. I took a step back & told myself there is SO much to be thankful for today…a job I love, strength for a good workout, a day with my nephew later. Looks like your weekend had plenty of greatness in it 🙂 Happy Monday!
You know I love me some hidden nature treasures! That bench is adorable, despite the slight horror movie look hahaha. HELL yes, attitude is everything. I plan to make my Monday amazing by having a huge smile all day, no matter what going on or what I feel!
Confession: I thought of you when I saw it 😀 Hope you’re having that amazing Monday!!
Yay optimism!! I’m with you on searching out the little things to make you happy, even on a day where that’s particularly difficult. Currently making me happy – two more weeks to go before we get a long weekend 😉 And mooooore flowers? Lucky lady!
Oh, and that wooden bench? I think I see Freddy lurking back there 😉
And job: summer admin assistant at an insurance agency. Not particularly glamourous, but it means I can pay for tuition in the Fall (and HLS in September! :-D)
Two more weeks?… Two more weeks! Ha! I can’t believe I completely forgot about Canada Day. And YES to working to pay for trips! I think registration already opened? I see a text chat in the imminent future…
Amen girl…I know one of the biggest things I struggle with is letting the little things get me down and add up to something bigger than they are. Not necessary, however, and sucks the fun and joy out of everything in life. Better than I used to be but I’d still like to get better with it. It looks like you received some beautiful flowers this weekend and had a lovely family celebration 🙂 I hope your week gets off to a great start, girl!
I love how sometimes a simple smile from a fried or stranger can turn your day around 🙂 my flowers are blooming and it makes my happy seeing and smelling them, lilies always smell so good! Monday mornings are always rough but I always make sure to have an extra good cup of coffee to make up for it! Today’s coffee was macadamia nut flavored with coconut milk. So good.
Seriously, why can’t all weekends be 3-day weekends?!?!?
And I LOVE Gossip Girl. I was obsessed with the books and then even more obsessed with the TV show. So good.
Girl, you must have read my mind or something because I’m working on a happiness post as we speak (god willing…it’ll be posted this week)! Weird!!!
Anyway, the rose is gorgeous, the cake looks deeelicious and that bench is beautiful, but definitely looks like it could be the set for a horror movie!
Happy Monday! 🙂
One of my favorite quotes is “happiness is a choice.” Every time I get upset/frustrated/cranky, I always think of that. Lovely weekend, for sure! I love that bench – so cute!
SO GLAD I’m not the only one who cried at the GG season finale! IT WAS SO PERFECT gahhh. Anyway, love this post – it’s such a good point, when you only focus on the negative things (which most of the time are truly insignificant), you don’t get to enjoy the positives. I’m lucky enough to have a job/career path where I literally can’t imagine doing anything else, but I’ve absolutely had lackluster jobs before (and getting up on mondays for high school or an 8am physics class, obviously not the most fun a girl’s ever had LOL) and….mondays don’t have to suck! You can focus on how good it feels to be productive, the cute business-professional outfit you’re wearing that maybe you bought at a weekend sale, or just that you can’t wait for a beer after you’re done at 5!
It was! I was so happy with the way all the characters ended up, and the whole “who is Gossip Girl” and the reasoning behind it was pretty well done as well. Now I just need another show to become obsessed with…
I hear ya… those weekends just FLY by while the work week ticks by so slowly! Rawr. Lots of marvelousness in your day, that cake looks delish and that flower is beautiful!
Job: teaching summer school. Which is… eh. Some days awesome, some days tiring. So it goes…
It’s so important to find that good in the day. Sometimes it’s hard and sometimes it’s not. For you, this weekend seemed like it was more good than bad and that’s awesome. I mean, cake and family and gossip girl and candy crush? How could it not be!! Mondays aren’t my favorite but I don’t hate them as much as some people. It’s the start of a new week and we all get a fresh start. If that isn’t marvelous, I don’t know what is.
I don’t think you ever told us what the first round of flowers was for? (Or if you did, this may be a tad awkward.) Eek! I want to know!
Also, I’ve officially decided that you need to come over and bake for me. Because I don’t think I have the patience to bake as much as you do, and I’m pretty sure anything you bake will taste so much better than anything I bake. (Aka, that cake. Please send that to me ASAP.) 😉
😆 I still haven’t said, and it’ll be a while yet before I spill the beans (sowwy!!). But I’d be more than happy to come over and bake! I would honestly love to bake more than I already do, but it’s not always easy to get through the goodies!
As you might know I’m all about finding those sparks and tidbits of happiness in every day instead of focussing on the negatives all of the time. In that spirit: yes, my past weekend was a drag and the next weeks will continue to be stressful. But during these past days more than ever I was reminded again how amazingly supportive my family is. Especially during those nasty times I make myself notice even the smallest happy things more intensely: smelling some flowers, my morning walks in the gorgeous sunshine. All of that is good in my life right now and will likely continue to be good :).
Happy Monday, Amanda!
P.S.: I’ll need to resist the urge to try Candy Crush until this semester’s over but your regular mentions make it hard ;).
😆 Sorry… I’ll try to cut back, but it’s kind of hard when it’s become such a prominent thing…
Yeahhh I love this post- it’s the little things in life that can make me the biggest difference overall! I’m actually one of those weirdos who doesn’t hate on Mondays! Sure I would love a longer weekend but I like that Mondays can set a positive tone for the rest of the week. ..and it’s almost like a temporary clean slate. A few good things about my Monday:
*Waking up and actually feeling refreshed
*Working out with a buddy
*Receiving positive feedback
*Reaching home just as it starts to downpour outside
And now to more important things: what is that cake?? It looks in-sayne!
It’s homemade Black Forest 😀 Chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, and whipped cream. And yes… it’s insanely good…
I pinned that last quote a while ago – it always makes me take a second to think about the little things in during the day that can make it all better! I FINALLY beat 89 last night in candy crush…I really don’t know how people are up to the 100 somethings!
I do… it’s because Candy Crush is a taker over-er of lives that sucks you in until your only objective is to get through a level. Gah! I’m currently waiting to unlock more quests and it’s kind of been agony.
I spend my weekend days in a hospital as a research coordinator. Things can be boring at times, but when I reflect on the greater good that comes from the research we do, I am reminded of the importance of the menial tasks. What’s good in my life? There are many good things, but today I think the best is being able to listen to some incredible TED talks while I get my work done.
Love this. I totally agree in finding the good in everyday. Even every instance. Sometimes, it will be really hard to do, but as long as we have family, friends, food, a roof over our head; well we’re pretty blessed.
I totally agree that it’s how you handle the mix of good and bad. I admit, I’m not alwaysss the best, but it’s something I’m working on. At least being able to be grateful of a few things every single day.
And I’d say your highlights from the weekend look pretty awesome:)
Okay, I really think I need to try Candy Crush! I’m scared I’ll get addicted though haha.
I love that first quote, it’s just so true. and when everything else is going wrong in a day or you wake up in a bad mood, there’s always that cup of coffee that will be good. I’m at work now, I work at a hedge fund. and as for candy crush,-sooo i may have found an itunes gift card in my wallet that I hadnt used yet, sooo I may have used it to pay for more lives… and then my boyfriend and i got into a really competitive race, so i kept buying lives… and now im on level 70. i refuse to give that game any more money, and i dont think i can even look at it today.
Haha! I refuse to give money to that game because I know it’ll be the beginning of the end for me. Right now I’m waiting to finish another quest to unlock more levels. And is it sad that I’m actually going back to replay -old- levels so I can get my fix?!
My belly is good. haha Totally jealous of your dad’s cake. You can make me one any time! 😉