Happy songs

Do you have songs that instantly put you in a good mood? I do. I have a lot of these songs. I am very much about staying positive and upbeat, anyway I can. There's so much bad crap in the world, I don't want to add to it! A good attitude can get you a long way. So sometimes when I'm feeling down, to lighten up a bit and remind myself that life is mostly wonderful I'll jam out to some of my favorite pick me up tunes.

Let's go over a few of my favorites! We'll go with a top 5, although this is an ever evolving list. And yes, I realize the majority are shamelessly girly, but don't hate.

That's Not My Name by the Ting Tings. I love this song. It is my ultimate go to if I need to get pumped and excited about anything. I don't know where I first heard this song, I want to say it was while I was waiting tables... Regardless, I've played it a gazillion times (it's #6 on my top played songs ever on itunes) and it has yet to get old. It's so upbeat and fun and it makes me happy. And things that make me happy are okay in my book.

My Love by the Bird and the Bee. I guess there's something about a good beat and clapping that I just can't resist. This song is so fun, so lighthearted and sweet. And a blast to dance to. In your living room. Alone. In pjs. Not that I've ever done that of course, I've just heard rumors. Side note, I am not at all a fan of either of the previous two videos. Good songs, bad videos.

Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine. Clapping beats? Again? I guess I'm predictable. I love everything about Florence + the Machine. This song was my introduction the them and it's still one of my favorites. Singing to this in my car = happy place (for me, any other living creature present would be in hell and would probably tuck and roll out to save their ears). I like to joke that this is Sophie's theme song, the Dog Days Are Over.... get it? SO CLEVER, I KNOW.

No You Girls by Franz Ferdinand. Whoa a song sung by a male!? Congrats Franz Ferdinand, y'all are the only dudes on this list. I love this whole album, but this song (and Ulysses which is just about tied for this spot) is my favorite. This is gettin' ready to go out and do fun stuff music! Plus also a blast to solo-living-room-dance to.

Countdown by Beyonce. First, I love Beyonce, forever. Second, how freaking adorable is this video? I think there's even clapping. This song is extra cute and so fun. Makes me think of me and my boo and how crazy I about that fool (too corny?). There are so many of her songs that make me happy. Girlfriend's got it goin' on. If only I could dance like B!

Are you happier now? I sure am. Feel free to hate all of these songs, everyone has something different that makes them smile. Upbeat songs that make you want to sing and dance, that's my bread and butter. Making my world a happier place, one clap at a time.

Keeping that chin up

If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, I'm sure you're aware that lately life has been a little less than perfect lately. We moved to Austin weeks after returning from our honeymoon, and basically exhausted all our resources between the honeymoon, moving, and paying deposits on the new place. Then I had the hardest time ever finding a job. I decided to not transfer to Hooters down here in Austin because I badly wanted to depart from the company. Now, I see that as something kind of selfish and reckless of me. Although I was very ready to be done working there, it would have been a good income right away and we would not be in the situation we're in now (although Hooters is a black hole and I know I'd get sucked in for a while which is exactly why I didn't transfer). So I was unemployed for a month that I like to think of as my month of housewifery. And then I got pneumonia, which was stupid expensive. Thankfully I got the job at Coffee Bean, which has helped, but I'm not getting the hours I need and the pay is significantly less than what I was making at the hoot. Now that our new store is open I am hoping to get more hours.

Through all this Brendon has been unbelievably supportive and wonderful and just the best ever. He is amazing and I am so thankful for him. He is behind me no matter what, telling me it will be okay. And it will, I know it will. This is just a rough spot, we'll get through it and be stronger for it. And smarter.

We had it made in Denton, we just didn't know it. We blew money like crazy, going out all the time, shopping, doing god knows what else but definitely not saving. This was a reality check for sure. We've had to make major changes. We basically don't go out if it requires spending money. And if we do, we're smart about it. A matinee movie is our favorite date. We've found free things to do around Austin, unfortunately many of them are outside and it's hot as hades out there, but they're fun and help us to get to know our new city. We've gotten creative with cooking, and in the process have found some pretty dang good recipes to add to our repertoire. We spend a lot of time watching movies, hanging out on the couch, playing domino's or cards, etc. It's definitely not an exciting lifestyle, but I don't care. It's me, Brendon, and the cats. And we have fun. Sometimes we get down, but not for long. We're good at cheering each other up, if one of us is especially pouty the other will set them straight. We really have no room to gripe. We have a roof over our heads, food on the table, jobs, and each other. That's a lot more than so many people have. These past months have been eye opening and I think we're infinitely better for it. Live and learn y'all.

And since that was a little on the down side, I'll leave you with this photo that always makes me smile and laugh and be so grateful for this amazing life we lead.

Yep. Bringing it back. Dancing with Brendon is my favorite. We're both terrible dancers (if you were at the wedding, you know and I apologize for sorrily busted moves), but we have a blast doing it. I am thankful for this. Thankful for Brendon. Thankful for this crazy good life we have together and everyone who is a part of it. And thankful for the fantastic Led Zeppelin that I am listening to.