A Year of Quincy.

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday Dear QUINCY!
Happy Birthday to You!!

In celebration of Quincy's first year of life...cue the photo montage of Quincy's first year. 

OOooOOohhh, little baby Quincy....here's the first picture I saw of him, when picking out which baby I wanted when my name FINALLY came up on the waiting list (I was on it for like 5 months).

Then, I drove to Fergus Falls to meet the breeder where I first saw my lil hedgie for the first time!! When driving away, I had a teeny tiny glimpse of what it's like to be a parent. 
I was thinking..."She trusts me with this lil guy? I have no idea what I'm doing!"

Quincy on the ride home for the first time!

Auntie Nicole had made a welcome home sign for him!

He has two of the best Aunties a hedgie could ever ask for. 

Auntie Dani and Auntie Nicole

First I was terrified of him and his spikes, but he and I quickly became bffs.

We like to play hide and seek.

And take glamour shots.

He even tried modeling for awhile.

Just kidding..but dang this would make me buy some OJ.


But he was too hard to work with.

He sometimes gets grumpy.


And then he had some weight issues.

Chunky hedgie.


He likes to take baths.

Aka, he hates them.

He likes to celebrate the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Merry Christmas!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

 And....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
To my little St. Patty's day baby, Quincy Patrick!

Birthday Kisses to Mr. Q!

 So...how is he celebrating his big day, you ask???

Chillin.

Many Colorful Dreams

During this particular time in my life I am living back at home because I have a job here (a dirty, manual labor job at that--and which has nothing to do with my degree). My friends are soon going back to their own college-towns. My boyfriend has left for an 8 month internship in North Carolina. Needless to say, my day-to-day life has temporarily lost its spark. However, for some reason for which I am extremely grateful, I still have inner happiness and hope. I have many idealistic thoughts and dreams, although they seem to be put on hold, at least for now. During this time, I will choose not to lose my inner spark, but instead to continue to delight in the many colorful dreams and hopes I hold inside.

photos from http://vi.sualize.us

Making A Happier Life

For a going away and graduation present from my boss at my work study job on campus, I got the book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff--and It's All Small Stuff". It's just a little book with a huge potential to change your life in some way or another. I love that it has short, simple suggestions on how to be less stressed and happier in your own well-being and in relationships with others.
Here are some examples I've read so far:
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Do something nice for someone else, and don't tell anyone about it.
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Don't interrupt others or finish their sentences.
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Let others have the glory.
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Allow yourself to be bored.
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Once a week, write a heartfelt letter.
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Smile at strangers, look into their eyes and say hello.
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Although these are simple concepts...think of how much difference they can make in your life and the life of those you come into contact with every day!
I challenge you to join me in practicing some of these little tips for "making a happier life!"!