Martin Seligman is the founder of positive psychology, a relatively new form of psychology which focuses on the things that make people positive thinkers and generally more happy. Before you go and think that this is the cure all for the Debbie Downers of America, realize that this is not happiology. You will not wake up one day and be miraculously happier than the day before. Rather, positive psychology looks at ways in which we can improve our own lives, discover our own strengths and then put these strengths into practice, thus making our lives more fulfilling. My favorite quote regarding positive psychology is from Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar in his book Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment; he says, "Rather than feeling despondent because we have not yet reached the point of perfect happiness, rather than squandering our energy trying to gauge how happy we are, we need to recognize that happiness is an unlimited resource and then focus on ways in which we can attain more of it. Becoming happier is a lifelong pursuit." Within his book (and no it's NOT a self help book) Ben-Shahar suggests activities that can be done to increase happy experiences and appreciate the the things you have. One of the most meaningful activities for me consisted of keeping a journal for 21 days and in it writing at LEAST five things you are grateful for each day. It can be something as simple as "I'm grateful for that awesome chicken Parmesan I had for dinner" or it can be something meaningful like, "I'm grateful for having such a wonderful and loving family who will always stick beside me through thick and thin".

I found this exercise to be a real eye opener to how fortunate I am in life, so I was blown away when I found out one of my friends had a speaker at work that described this entire process to her and her coworkers. Because of this, we have collectively decided to all keep our own gratitude journals. I encourage you all to do the same! I'll start with my five for the day. Remember, they can be anything that has made you appreciate your life, your friends & family, or yourself!

1. I am incredibly grateful for getting into the ABA masters' program @ USF
2. I'm grateful for my wonderful friends, who make my life so full of happiness and joy :)
3. I'm grateful for my bad ass parents who have always had faith in my ability to succeed
4. I'm grateful that I sometimes under estimate myself because when things end up working out perfectly, I'm even more excited!
5. I'm grateful that I live in such a diverse community which enables me to be around some of the most creative minds imaginable


Your turn!!

I've avoided writing another entry for fear of getting my hopes up. About 3 months ago I applied to the Applied Behavior Analysis Masters' Program at USF. We after week went by and after 9 weeks had past since the applications were due, I was tired of waiting and ready for a response: accepted or rejected, I wanted to know. I sent an email to the admissions lady and received a letter that broke my little heart in half. The school was only accepting 9 out of 95 applications and I had been placed on the wait list. Oh hell no bitches. We all know I don't take the prospect of rejection well, so I wasn't about to take this lying down. I wrote back asking if I could come in for an interview or if I could write another letter. I pointed out how passionate I was about the program and was in no way about to give up. Two days past by with no word, when I received a call from the head of the department, Dr. Ray Miltenberg, who gave me an impromptu phone interview. Apparently, I did a good job at convincing him that USF was the place for me because I was bumped up to the #1 person on the waiting list. If any of those 9 accepted students chose not to fill their spot, it was mine.

I waited patiently for another two days, racking my brains for things I could do if I DIDN'T get into the school.

At exactly 2pm today I pulled into my drive way with the music blasting, when I received the best phone call of my whole damn life! I got into the program!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!

I am now the newest student in the Applied Behavior Analysis Masters' Program at the University of South Florida!!!

 

And now it is time to party! :)

Well, well, well El Jay... So we meet again my friend! You've lasted through the days of myspace & facebook. I'm back bitches.

I feel like a giddy little 12 year old. I usually have the balding, old, fat, lazy, drugged out, toothless and unemployed men attracted to me, but for once.... There is this guy. He's amazing. He's really sweet, intellegent and personable.... And not to mention he's drop dead sexy. I hate the word sexy but damn it, he is! That's all I wanted to say, really.

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. meh. Pretty much sums up how I feel. Now off to sleep.

I think I had a good year :)

[x] stayed single
[x] got kissed
[x] kissed someone new
[x] made out
[x] made out in a car
[ ] kissed in the snow
[x] kissed in the rain
[ ] had my heart broken
[ ] broke someone else's heart
[x] had a stalker
[x] lost a friend
[ had a good relationship with someone
[ ] questioned my sexual orientation
[ ] came out of my closet
[ ] got pregnant
[ ] had an abortion
[ ] got married
[ ] had a divorce
[x] kissed someone of the same sex
[x] met someone that I will never forget
[ ] did something I regret
[ ] lost my true love
[ ] lost faith in love
[ ] kissed under mistletoe
[ ] got a promotion
[x] got a pay raise
[x] changed jobs
[ ] lost my job
[x] quit my job
[ ] dated a coworker
[ ] dated my boss
[ ] dated my boss's son/daughter
[ ] got fired from my job
[ ] got straight A's
[x] met a teacher who I became friends with
[ ] met a teacher who I really hate
[x] found the subject I love
[ ] failed a class
[xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] cut class
[xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] skipped school
[ ] got in a fight with a classmate
[x] did something I was proud of
[x] discovered a new talent
[x] proved myself an idiot
[x] embarrassed myself in front of the class
[ ] fell in love with a teacher
[x] was involved in something that I will never forget
[x] wrote a poem
[ ] ran a mile
[x] listened to music I couldn't stand
[x] double dipped
[ ] skinny dipped
[ ] went to a sleepover
[ ] went to camp
[x] threw a surprise party
[x] laughed till I cried
[ ] laughed till I peed my pants
[x] flirted shamelessly
[ ] visited a foreign country
[ ] visited a foreign province
[ ] cooked a disastrous meal
[x] lost something important to me
[x] got a gift I love
[x] realized something new about myself
[ ] went on a diet
[ ] tried to gain weight
[x] dyed my hair
[ ] came close to losing my life
[x] someone close to me died
[x] went to a wild party
[x] drank alcohol
[x] drank alcohol underage
[x] got drunk
[ ] got arrested
[x] read a great book
[x] saw a great movie
[ ] saw a movie so scary that it made me cry
[ ] saw a favorite band live
[ ] did something that I want to tell everyone
[x] experienced something new
[x] made new friends
[x] found out who your real friends are
[x] lied to your parents
[x] snuck out
[ ] got in trouble with police
[ ] kissed in a pool
[x] kissed under the stars
[x] smoked
[x] did illegal drugs
[x] got wasted
[x] went to a party
[x] had the time of your life
[x] danced
[ ] fell out of love
[x] had a crush on someone
[ ] changed your sexual preference
[x] swam in a pool
[ ] made a snowman
[ ] went snowboarding
[ ] went skiing
[x] went sledding
[x] slept in past 2pm
[x] held someones hand that you care about
[x] got wasted in a public place
[ ] got wasted in Mexico
[x] told someone you like them as more than a friend
[x] gone on vacation
[x] gone on vacation with a friend
[x] driven a car
[ ] played strip poker
[x] danced in the rain
[x] got in a car accident
[ ] seen someone get in a car accident
[ ] got in a fist fight
[x] laughed until you couldn't breathe
[X] had an amazing year
[x] missed someone
[ ] got hit by a car
[ ] sent someone to the hospital
[x] got a new pet
[x] enjoyed this year overall

I was looking on facebook today and to my great dismay, my childhood crush has gotten fat. I had a crush on him allllll through middle school and into high school. He looks like a beached whale now. I was very upset. Next, I looked for other people that I went to high school with to see what they look like now. I found one of the most popular girls from my year and as shallow as this may seem, I was glad to see that she bloated up a bit as well. I feel bad for getting such gratitude out of others misfortunes, but that bitch deserves it all. She used to make fun of people that were on the chubby side, so I'm glad to see karma bite her in the ass. Then I looked at her pictures, which included many of the usual faces from high school. I swear, they all went to college and got fat together. I couldn't help but laugh.

That's all for now, but I really am upset that the first crush got fat.

So, I was hoping to get my splint off today, but instead I came home with a pink cast. Fuckin' hell. SOMEHOW (....definitely not from playing softball, lol) I managed to move the top bone out of line. WAY out of line. Check it out:




The month from hell keeps getting worse. Fucking October....

Since school start I've had a cat, hermit crab, and two fish die. I've gotten pretty damn sick, and then broken my thumb. After loosing 3 games in a row for softball (yes fans, that makes the llamas 0-3), some of us headed over to Allstars for a Losers Streak Drink. Since I am not of legal age to drink, I sipped on water. After a fun time, I proceeded to leave--only to find that my CD player AND bag with approximately $350 cash (along with all of my credit/debit cards) was stolen.



....Make me feel better, I dare you.

What a day. I've spent my entire day on my back porch, computer in reaching distance, cigarette in hand. I know that must sound awful doing absolutely nothing all day, but hear me out on this one. Three of my pets have died within a week of each other, so I'm upset about that... Not so much for the fish or the crab, but Milo. Blah blah blah. As I mentioned before, one of the security guards at school is dying of cancer, more stress. And finally, school starts on Wednesday, so why SHOULD I do anything at all? Because as soon as school starts, I won't have this opportunity. And for these reasons, I enjoy my time of solitude and nothingness because it's going to be a whole other ball game next week.

Since learning about the death of my beloved cat Milo, I have also learned that my only surviving hermit crab died, my fish Richard Simmons has died, and worst of all, my favorite security guard at school, John, has cancer in his liver. Doctors are unable to opporate because there is so much and it is so deep, so I'm praying for a miracle for him. Please do the same. He's an amazing man, and he had just gotten back in touch with a girlfriend of his from long ago. He's had a trying life, loosing both his son and wife in a car accident and he does not deserve this. Please keep John in your prayers.

I got home yesterday to find out some awful news. My Milo, my favorite cat EVER and best pet possible, had been missing for over a week. Which in turn, means that she has died after 13 and a half wonderful years. I miss her more than anything else right now. She was amazing. She was always the last one I saw before I went to sleep, and the first face to greet me the next morning. She was mine, and I was her's and we belonged to each other. I love her more than ever; I just wish I could have said goodbye.

Milo- Queen of the Universe
January 1, 1993 - August 15, 2006

A lot of crying, Dennys, a flat tire, three fuzzy navels, and a mapped out roadtrip, and things begin to look brighter. Now to elaborate:

Crying:
Last night. Dana and I both did it... A LOT.

Dennys:
At three AM we went to Dennys where momma Gail convinced us that the world fucking sucks, but we should make the best of it and have a good time. We love Mamma Gail!

Then today...
Flat Tire:
Dana and I were about to go to Barnes and Noble around noon today when Dana noticed she had a flat. We went to the gas station to fill it up, where a really nice country bumpkin gave us his air thing so we could fill it up for free. Then he found the nail that was in her tire. We then proceeded to the tire place, where we harrassed the guys at the front and read J14 (the modern day Bop or BB magazine) out loud to bother them. We were successful. Then they hit on us. It was bound to happen. Unattractive guys are drawn to Dana and I like flies to a cows ass.

Three Fuzzy Navels:
... I took a nap and when I woke up I was craving food. I was unsuccessful with that because the fresh filet of tuna that I bought wasn't so fresh anymore. I wanted to create something I could enjoy, so I opted for an alcoholic beverage. I made enough for two the first time, so I felt it neccesary to consume both... I just made a third to quench my thirst. Also, this way I will be cheap at allstars :)

FINALLY! THE ROAD TRIP!
Dana and I had originally planned to go to New Jersey, but after our encounter with the country bumpkin at the gas station, we decided it would be more fun to take a road trip to see her parents in Texas. We're going to see the Britney Spears Museum, amonst other things on our trip. I think the biggest arm chair is on the way too, so we'll stop to see that :) If you have any crazy pit stops we should make, let me know! My dad didn't want me to go at first, but I pulled the whole "I'M TWENTY" line, so we made a compromise. I can go, as long as my parents pay for a hotel room for us to stay at on our way.... I don't see how this isn't a win win situation for me, but it's all gravy :)

And for all of these reasons and more, I am a happy camper :)

Am I NOT good enough? Jesus Christ. I'm a nice, half way decent looking girl that is intellegent and likes to have fun. WHY is it then that he's "hanging out" with one of my friends. She asks me tonight, "so... Do you mind if I hang out with him?" and I had to think for a minute who "him" was. Of course, I said "oh no, it's fine... I don't think he likes me anyway". But seriously, wtf. She says she has a bit of crush on him and ya'll know me, I don't have the ability to be a bitch to my friends, but damn does that sting like a bee. I think I really actually like this guy because he's not like allll of the other dumb shits that try to pick me up or that I've liked recently. So I don't mention it to him and he goes on, gives me a kiss goodnight, covers my ass from some weird guy, and all is gravy. But when I get home and I sit and think I wonder. I haven't got a chance. Why? Because I'm a good, nice girl. Guess no man is attracked to that. End of story.

I never update this, and it makes me feel as though I've committed a sin against the LJ Gods... So I shall fill out a survey, and feel a bit better about myself. LOL

Name Four Things That You Wish You Had:
Money. A Vacation Planned. Heidi Klum's body (lol, dana remember lunch time). Owen Wilson?

Name Four Scents You Love:
My coconut milk mango candle, clinque happy perfume, orange blossoms, peaches


Name Four Things You Did Today:
1. Went to lunch with Dana at Friday's,
2. Talked about how we never see anyone from the bar at public and then BAM! our server is a friend of ours from the bar,
3. Cleaned my room
4. Watched I SPY (gotta love Owen...)

What is your current relationship status?
True Love For Sale

What is your sexual orientation?
Straight

What sort of people do you like, as far as what their interests are in life?
I like all types of people, as long as they are relatively nice, humerous, outgoing, but understand when to stop and be respectful.


What physical traits do you look for in a potential interest?
Eyes, TEETH and smile, and of course, my favorite body part: ASS.

What kind of fashion-sense attracts you?
I prefer the All American, but I go for anyone that makes me laugh and is fairly attractive... I'M NOT GONNA LIE!

What kind of hair style do you find attractive on a potential mate?
Shaggy. Like Owen Wilson. Just look at Owen Wilson. THAT is what I want. COME ON BOYS!

What is the usual age range you look at?
I've noticed lately that I tend to go for guys that are a bit older than me. No, not OLD just a few years older... Unless you're Owen Wilson. I can handle a 17 year age difference for him...

What traits turn you off?
Arrogance.

Do you prefer to date various people or do you pretty much fall into monogamous relationships quickly?
I don't know how to answer this... I've been single for almost two years, and I've gone on a few "dates", but I wouldn't call it dating persay... Make your own judgements, I don't care. I'm a good girl.

Are you afraid to ask people out on dates?
I don't think I'm afraid, I just don't do it.

If you're single right now, do you wish you were in a relationship?
Sometimes, but I don't think I'm ready for one right this moment

What are the positive points about being single?
Flirt shamelessly
Get free drinks (lots of them)
More girl time
No "prior obligations"

What are the negative points about being single?
You don't have that someone that cares about you the way someone does when they're in a relationship.

When single, do you often find yourself longing for companionship?
Yeah, but I've got amazing friends, so I don't mind :)

How well do you handle rejection?
I SUCK at rejection! I get rejected and I just think there must be something wrong with me, or that I'm never going to find anyone, blah blah blah.


Do you think it's better to look for love or let it find you?
I think love will find you. If you go looking for it, you're going to end up in a lot of relationships that suck ass because you expect more than what you recieve.

What's the longest relationship you've ever been in?
Two years, Eight Months.

Do you think couples should spend a very large amount of time together or space things out a tad?
I think it depends on the couple: how long they've been together and what makes them feel best. I always enjoyed having personal space, but I'd hang out with my boyfriend everyday too.

Have you ever found yourself worrying about commitment?
nope

When involved with a person, do you try to think about the here and now or do you often think of the future?
Mostly here and now, sometimes I wonder about the future

How do you prefer to handle disagreements?
Scream louder than him to get my point across. But really you just have to listen and talk things out.

How do you feel when your mate is mad at you and won't tell you why?
I just get my feelings hurt

Do you have a crush right now? Do they know?
Not so much.

What's the longest period of time you've ever had a crush?
Oh fuck.... 6 or so years

Have you ever confessed your feelings to a crush?
Yeah, ironically he moved to another state. LOL

Do you tell a lot of people when you have a crush?
I tell EVERYONE but the guy.

Has someone who had a crush on you ever confessed to you?
Yeah, but 9 times out of 10, it's that really creepy guy hanging out at the gas station that you're scared to look at because you know he's undressing you with his eyes.

How do you feel about long-distance relationships?
They suck. It's hard as hell, but if you're committed, it just might work.

Have you ever pined for someone when you're not around them?
Yeah

Would you get involved with someone if they had a child already?
No. I love kids, but I'm not old enough to deal with that!

What would you do if you got pregnant while in a relationship?
I can't answer that question because I'm not in the situation. It's a lot easier to take a side when you're not pregant, but things can change.

How big of an issue to you is your mate's ethnicity?
Not really an issue. Glen was brasilian, so I'm not biased.

In a potential mate, how important is intelligence to you?
I'm not asking for the smartest guy in the world, but I want someone knowledgable. A person I can carry a real conversation with.

In a potential mate, how important is a sense of humor to you?
Near the very top. I need laughter.

What makes your heart flutter and brings a big cheesy smile to your face?
A big hug and kiss on the cheek from that one that you really like

What was your first kiss like?
I WAS SO UNPREPARED! This boy that I had just met shoved his tounge down my throat when I was in 7th grade! I was mortified and felt so dirty for the rest of the night!

What part of a person's body do you find most attractive?
Eyes, butt, shoulders

What's the first thing you look at when you look at someone you're attracted to?
Face

How important are the looks of a mate's face to you?
Give me pretty eyes and a great smile, and I'm golden. Oh, you can throw in a big nose too.

How important are the looks of a mate's body to you?
...I would like him to look good. Good to me might differ from your opinion, so in the end, we're all happy :)

When you kiss someone for the first time, is it usually you who initiates it or the other?
Probably the other because I'm a pussy when it comes to that type of stuff.

Have you ever casually made out with someone who you weren't seriously involved with?
Yeah

Were you single at the time?
Yes

What are your ticklish areas?
My thighs

Have you ever turned down an offer for sex?
LoL, yeah... I feel like such a bitch, but no thanks... If I don't want to, I'm not going to.

How much do you think sex changes a relationship?
A lot

On a scale from 1 to 10 [10 being the highest] how would you rate your sexual attractiveness?
7?

How do you feel about casual sex?
Bad idea.

Would you stay with a lover if the love stopped but the sex was still enjoyable?
No

Would you stay with a lover if the sex stopped/got boring but there was still love?
Same response as Becca, yes, but the sex wouldn't stop.

Do you believe in love?
Of course

Do you believe in love at first sight?
No. That's attraction. You can't love someone without knowing who they are. I don't care if you had a "cosmic connection" or could just "feel that this was the one" blah blah blah. You just wanted to jump their bones when you saw them.

Has someone ever told you they loved you?
Yes

Have you ever told someone you loved them and meant it?
Yes

Have you ever told someone you loved them and not meant it?
Nope

Have you ever been married?
Well... There was this one time in Vegas when I was 14....

How do you feel about marriage?
Eventually

If you're currently not married, do you foresee yourself ever tying the knot?
HELL YES! I'm getting my damn dream wedding with the flowers and the bridesmaids and my DRESS! DON'T FUCK WITH MY WEDDING BITCHES! :)

Do you plan on having children someday?
Later. I want children... Bad. I've got that whole mommy drive going, but I'm in no way ready to have a child right now. So, eventually, yes.

Have you ever had your heart broken?
Nope

Have you ever been dumped?
Yep

Have you ever dumped someone?
YES!

Has a romantic companion ever made you cry?
Yeah, in good and bad ways. I'm a cry baby, what can I say?

Have you ever made a romantic companion cry?
Yeah, several times... Breaking up. LoL

Have you ever been unfaithful?
Nope

Have you ever been cheated on?
Probably

Have you ever learned an important lesson as a result of a break up?
DON'T GET ATTACHED! It hurts more when you let go.

Have you ever gotten back together with someone after breaking up?
Glen and I used to break up every two months or so... Wait about a day and then get back together. It was... fun.

Did it work?
Na, we were too young for anything to work, silly!

Have you ever broken up with someone and remained friends afterward?
Yeah!

Have you ever broken up with someone and become bitter enemies?
We were bitter on and off for about a year, but now all is gravy. He's got a new (crazy) girlfriend, so he doesn't have time to be bitter with me, he's too busy arguing with her :)

Have you ever broken up with someone and lost touch?
GLEN! hahahaha, he lives in Canada though. It's kind of hard to stay in touch. I see him maybe once a year.

Have you ever longed to get back together with someone?
NO!

So. My kitten Rufus, that cute adorable little boy... He went to the vet today and left with the new name Molly. Turns out my cat is a girl, which still doesn't explain the large BALLS!

SO MY BOY IS A GIRL, but I really think she's a hermaphrodite....

I bought 6 new fish today. One already died. And I think one of the little mean angel fish my dad bought me is about to croke too. Sad story, really, because I take good care of my fish. I think The one angel fish and the dead fish got into a spat and that's why one is dead and the other isn't doing too well. I pose this theory because over the past few days I have seen how agressive the angel fish are towards my other fish, so it does not come as a suprise. This theory is supported because Dan, the fish man, at PetCo said so.

Dana and I had dinner at the Village Inn... I haven't decided if that was a good idea or not. The food was good, but I'm feeling sick now. We hit up Allstars for a while, saw my hubby, it was fun. Then we left and now we're home.

I'm going to sleep!

Love Love!
Morgan

PS- T minus 24 hours until Dana's 21st Birthday. HOORAY FOR DANA!

February 10th is Dana and my anniversary. Yes, it has been almost one year and one half since Dana and I have been BFF!! HOORAHHH... The end.

xoxo*mo

PS- August 10th is our year and a half anniversary, so we're throwing a "DANA AND MORGAN KICK ASS" Party.

I've come to the conclusion that I am scared of men. Not boys, or men that act like boys, but those fabulous creatures that we, straight females (and gay males), adore so very much. But it's not so much your average "man". It's any man that I am attracted to. I can chat and flirt and be myself with any guy that I am not attracted to and can easily deal with wonderfully, BUT as soon as a guy that I like shows up, suddenly I am shy and timid like I was when I was, oh say... 13 years old. Most of you, if not all of you, did not know me when I was 13, but it's been a bitch to get past that phase. Anyway, I have come to this conclusion based on my current situation. I have met a really nice guy (not a boy) and I actually like him, but I'm so fucking shy around him. I have to have a few drinks in me before I can actually be myself; after that I'm good to go and am sweet, and charming, and flirty, but otherwise I am shy and reserved. Yeah, I know "Morgan? Reserved? WTF?!?" But that's what happens to moi. I think all and all what it comes down to is that I have this fear that guys like me because they see me as one person, but if they actually hang out with me they won't be attracted anymore. I think I'm a nice girl and a fun person, but my self esteem sucks ass. The end.

Someone hit my car and I am sad. Luckily, it's underneath my front left light at the bottom where it begins to curve under, so the average eye will not notice it. I think it's been there for about a week and I just now noticed it... good times.


Hope everyone had a happy 4th :)



....PS- Fuck North Korea.