What's next, an Oscar?

What made me happy today? What's next, an Oscar?
Well, today it was back to work after a nice trip to London. First thing I did, was go to the mail room, and check if there was mail in my in-tray. There was. But I had no idea of what was inside. It was a Christmas card from one of my managers, which covered me in golden glitter. And another award!
This time, I was awarded a certificate of excellence for my work on a project we managed to close 7 weeks prior to the estimates! If this keeps going, I might win an Oscar soon! Nah, just kidding :-)
And of course, it's Christmas eve. I'm not much of a Christmas person, but I love receiving/giving presents, good food, family and great company. It'll be a bit of a run around the country the next few days, but hey. It's worth it!
Happy Christmas or whatever you celebrate! Stay warm, stay safe, don't drink and drive, and happy holidays! What are you doing for Christmas?

You make me like charity!

What made me happy today? You make me like charity!
When I opened my mailbox today, I noticed a large white envelope. I rushed upstairs (and, of course, nearly tripped over my own feet while doing so), dropped my bag and coat on the nearest chair and tore open the envelope.
Why was I so excited about a big, white envelope? Usually, the mailman brings me bills or packages. This time however, he brought me the information about the child I will be sponsoring through Plan Belgium.
Plan International is an international charity, supporting children and their communities in the South. Plan Belgium is the local chapter. They do the same thing. You can easily register on their website, if you want to support a child yourself. PLan accepts one-time donations as well.
In Belgium, you can support a child for as little as €0.83 a day. €0.83, that's not even 40 old Belgian franks. €0.83 cents is basically almost the price of a can of soda from a vending machine. And I can do without a can of soda a day.
But for the child I will be supporting, that €0.83 can make all the difference in the world. The child I sponsor is a 5-year old Nepali girl. Plan will focus on different goals in each region, depending on the most critical needs in that region. These goals can be better healthcare, access to running and clean water, building schools, reducing child labor etc. And the €0.83 cents a day do not only help the child. They also help her family and community. If Plan decides to help build a new school, the whole town can use that school. And that's why I chose to do this. Because by spending a little bit less a day myself, I can help make a huge difference in someone else's life.
Plan provides regular updates about the child you're sponsoring, and the projects they're working on in the region. That way, you can see what's been done with your support. And it just makes me happy to know I may put a smile on someone's face!

Birthday shenanigans!

What made me happy today? Birthday shenanigans!
As you may remember, it was my birthday on Wednesday. And I have to say, I celebrated it thoroughly this year :-)
On Wednesday, my parents came over. I had asked them to give me socks as a birthday present, just so I could say: 'Master has given Dobby a sock. Master has presented Dobby with clothes. Dobby is free!' That made my mom look very confused. my dad, on the other hand, had this resigned look on his face, as if to say 'oh no, she's at it again'. After this we went for Mexican food. Yummie!
On Friday, I met up with my boyfriends. Together we went to his parents. They gave me a very lovely card. My boyfriend had gotten me 'Vader's little princess', a comic about Darth Vader raising princess Leia. We had seen that one in the window of a bookstore. I squee'd so much over it, which he took as a hint :-) Best birthday present! We had raclette, with actual Swiss cheese, bought during our vacation there. Then we had ice-cream! Nom!
Yesterday, my boyfriend and I met up with some other friends for sushi. It was delicious! After the sushi, we went for some drinks. We had some great conversations, and discussed some very varied topics, ranging from your average geekery to nuclear science and privacy laws. This is why I like my friends. But the bar we were at was very full and noisy, so around midnight I started thinking about going home. But just as I was about to get up, another friend came in. He had said he couldn't make it to my little party, as he was abroad for a conference. But after he landed, he decided to stop by and have a quick drink :-) Around 01.45 o'clock we all decided to go home.
I think that I have never celebrated my birthday as much as this year. And I have some great friends too!

You've got mail

What made me happy today? You've got mail!
As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, I passed my practical driver's exam on the first try. Yay me, I'm still super happy about it.
When I went to empty out my mailbox today, I noticed a bright red envelope between the rest of my mail. I immediately recognized my mom's handwriting. When I opened the envelope, I found this:

It was a card from my mom and dad congratulating me on getting my driver's license! That's also what it says: You have your driver's license! I like getting cards in the mail, and this one totally made my day :-)

Happy

What made me happy today? Being happy.
I'm happy. I'm tired, my feet hurt, but I'm happy.
I did a Red Cross volunteer shift yesterday. It was warm, so there was a lot of sweat, but it was pretty calm. It was also very nice to meet some new people, and to be able to help others.
Today, after way too little sleep, I went furniture shopping (yes, again) with my parents. Ikea on Saturday = hell. But it was a fruitful visit, new furniture was acquired. And it fit in dad's car too!
But over the past few weeks, I've been noticing that I'm a lot happier than I used to be. Is it because I'm making an effort to focus on the good things? Is it because the sun is finally shining? Is it because my life is great? Who knows...
All I know is that I'm happy. And that makes me happy :-)

Best parents ever, part 2

What made me happy today? The fact that I have the best parents ever :-)
I know, again. But it's true!
Today, I had to be in Genk for work. As my parents don't live far from there, we decided to meet. And we went looking at some furniture, which was fun. As odd as that may sound. Who knew that shopping for a bed with your parents could be such fun. My dad even found the perfect bed for me! A bunk bed shaped like a fire truck! Too bad it was too small...
After that we went and got a bite to eat, and talked some more. We had a lot of fun :-)
So yeah, I really do have the best parents!

Best parents ever!

What made me happy today? The fact that I have the best parents ever :-)
I wrote about it a few days ago. I get a lot of support from a lot of people and that makes me happy.
I'm very busy studying and learning to drive on the side. It's all going well, but right now all of this leaves me with very little time for chores. Good thing I have awesome parents! They are coming over tomorrow to pick up some laundry and bring me my favorite soup! Yes, my mom is making me my favorite soup. She asked me if I wanted any food when she called. And I said 'thanks, but no thanks'. So she asked me if I wanted some soup. And I almost didn't dare to ask for it, but I asked her if she could please make my favorite soup. She said that it wasn't a problem, she was going to the store any way. So tomorrow I'm getting my favorite, home-made by my mom soup! How great is that?
But it's not just because they offer to help me with my laundry and bring me food that they are great, it's because they always support me. They're always there for me. Always have been, and I hope they will continue to be here for a very long time.
Mom, dad, I know you're probably not reading this, but thank you for eveything you've ever done for me. I may not always have been the perfect daughter but I really, really love that you always supported me in everything!