• About
    • Penny
    • Hank
    • Juju
  • Contact
  • How To Start A Blog
  • Make Money Blogging
    • How To Make $40K Your First Year Blogging
    • Making Sense Of Affiliate Marketing
    • How To Monetize A Food Blog
    • Food Blogger Pro
  • Blogging Tips
    • Blogging Resources
    • Recommended Blogging Tools
    • Blogging Tips
      • More Quick Blogging Tips
    • How To Increase Blog Traffic
      • SEO For Health Blogging
      • External SEO Tips
      • On Site SEO Tips
    • Blogging Action Plan
      • Deciding Why You Blog
      • Types of Health Blogs
      • Important WordPress Settings
      • Blog Security
      • WordPress Plugins
      • WordPress Themes
  • Shop
    • Planner Favorites
    • Fitness Favorites
    • Kitchen Tools
    • Blogging Books

A Merry Life

Healthy Living & Budgeting Blog | Health, Wealth & Everything Else

  • Budgeting
  • Finances
  • Fitness
  • Food
  • Family Life
  • YouTube

Chasing Happiness

January 27, 2011 by Mary

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for details.

I’ll be honest and say that not much has happened this week. We had to move again and I’ve reacted very poorly to the move. I’ve learned environment affects me a lot – both physically and mentally – and this move wasn’t a positive one. I slipped back into not getting dressed or caring about how I looked and felt and generally just felt really down. I know I need to stop this and pick myself up again before I slip into a worse state so that’s what I’ll be trying to do over the next few days.

I wish I could feel like I did in this photo every day. I’m a bit sad that the euphoria of finishing the triathlon didn’t last longer. But at least I had a day and a half of joy. And I know that I can get that back and this move is only temporary. So I have to focus on that and not let circumstances of my situation drag me down. I am stronger than that. Much, much stronger. I just need to remember that and act on it.

So. I’ll start getting dressed again. And wearing makeup because that surprisingly makes me happy. And I think I’m going to buy myself flowers. And I’m going to stop stressing over things I can’t control. And there may even be a new furry addition to our family soon! *yay* I will chase and indulge in the things that make me happy.

Today one of the things that makes me happy is going through the google searches that land on my blog. And the ways people spell the blog name. And the things they buy from Amazon via my links. I took a mini blog audit today based on the last month and discovered some fun/happy/interesting things!

Funny Google Searches That Landed on A Merry Life

“baked cauliflower as seen on t.v.” – Everything on my blog is as seen on t.v.

“better to eat almond or have almond butter” – Do both!

“how to check a healthy pig” – Well, first you…

“bodyfit muscle men” – Should I start blogging about this?

“catholic nuns live the longest” – Do they really? I had no idea!

“help mary” – Help me!

“goodbye, going merry. it was a wonderful journey with you so far!” – Goodbye.

“happy people is a healty people” – YES.

Favorite Search Misspellings of A Merry Life

a meery life

a marry life

amerry

marrylife

a merie life blog

Awesome Things People Bought Via My Amazon Link (That I Want To Buy Too!)

The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling: Build the Strength, Skills, and Confidence to Ride as Far as You Want(will for sure buy this… seems perfect reading for some of our upcoming adventures!)

Coleman Red Canyon 17-Foot by 10-Foot 8-Person Modified Dome Tent

Self (1-year)

This Is Why You’re Fat (And How to Get Thin Forever): Eat More, Cheat More, Lose More–and Keep the Weight Off

Hydryx Workout Towel

Yes, looking through what other people bought made me happy. It also really, really made me want to go shopping. I’ve got some gift cards for Amazon thanks to using Swagbucks for my search engine, but I’m really going to try to save them for buying a new camera lens. I bought all my family’s Christmas presents with my Swagbucks gift cards so I’m basically starting over. But just looking at stuff made me want to go spend what I had! I must stay off Amazon. ;)

That was fun.

I’m off to chase happiness. ;) Have a great weekend!

Filed Under: Merriness


« How To Make Mashed Cauliflower
Beginner Triathlon Training Resources »

Comments

  1. Sheri says

    January 27, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    I’m sorry to hear your down and had to move again. Moving is no fun! Try to reflect on all the positives that are going on around you. This too shall pass.

  2. The Merry says

    January 27, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    I get a lot of searches for pictures of a dog biting a woman. Scary, the things some people search for. Hope you catch up with happiness soon!

    • Mary says

      January 27, 2011 at 8:26 pm

      Yikes! That’s weird. I never would have thought people would search for that.

  3. Patrick says

    January 27, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    A furry addition huh, how fun is that! Sure sounds like you know the things you can do to pit a smile on your face; enjoy doing them & smile!

    • Mary says

      January 27, 2011 at 9:16 pm

      Yep. I’m hoping it happens soon! No details until then…. ;)

  4. Nicole, RD says

    January 27, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    Hugs! I hate moving too. I don’t cope well with change at all, whatsoever. Hang in there and yep, be good to you!

  5. AndrewENZ says

    January 27, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    Whereabouts are you guys living now?

    • Mary says

      January 27, 2011 at 9:17 pm

      Still in Papatoetoe, back in a house that is damp and moldy and I’m allergic to… :)

  6. michelle says

    January 27, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    I totally get what you’re saying about the let down, and change. I was starting my prac rotation at the hospital last week. my pants are tight, it is a crazy ward and there was candy in big bowls waiting to be inhaled. I inhaled for about 2 hours. What i realised, is that when things change around me, how I stop stressing is by food relief. It’s interesting to objectivley look at yourself. I also don’t think that you can chase happiness. I think it’s a choice to be happy where you are and surround yourself with happy inducing things. It’s right there…that’s what I’ve discovered.

    • Mary says

      January 27, 2011 at 9:19 pm

      Food relief has been a way I’ve stopped stressing lately too. I haven’t enjoyed it though.

      You can chase happiness when you are down/depressed. I think you don’t have it so you have to find/chase it. Mostly that’s within yourself and choosing to be happy, but it’s just semantics. As someone who deals with a lot of emotional changes and stuff that I can’t control because of my internal workings, chasing happiness is appropriate sometimes.

  7. andi says

    January 27, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    I just love that pic of you and I can’t wait to see pics of your furry friend.

  8. Lisa says

    January 27, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    A harmonious environment makes a huge difference. If you start to feel down–remember how you KICKED ASS on your tri!!!

  9. Sana says

    January 28, 2011 at 12:26 am

    Make/ buy your own happiness!

  10. Cilla says

    January 28, 2011 at 12:27 am

    I’ve always found moving very stressful, both physically and mentally.
    I hope you find the smilies again soon :)

  11. M says

    January 28, 2011 at 7:28 am

    Mary
    I am hoping you find a job soon-I really think that will make a hige difference to your
    daily mood(but that is just a stranger’s random opinion! :)

    It is tough finding a job overseas I know. Could you even look into babysitting in the neighborhood or something like that that would pay you directly “on the side”?
    Or even a part time waitressing gig?

    have you thought of returning to US for a while ? It’s unfortunate that living with your love coincides with losing yourself a little and having some down times.You are obviously such a great and smart young woman and have so many reasons to
    have an awesome life experience.Thanks for your honesty-we all have things we are going through. Don’t forget you have hundreds of readers around the world thinking you’re awesome and wishing for your peace and happiness!

    Take care! Carpe diem!

    • Mary says

      January 28, 2011 at 2:26 pm

      Hey M!

      A job would be nice. Your opinion is the same as mine. Babysitting would be awesome and I have done that since I was like 11. I don’t know anyone with kids who needs a babysitter though, since people in the area I live in tend to live with several generations of family together and there is never a need for an outside babysitter. That’s just the cultural aspect of where I’m living. I know in other parts of the city it’s not like that, but I don’t have transportation there really.

      I have thought about returning to the US. It would be easier for me to find work (even the waitressing and babysitting kinds of jobs you mentioned). I actually might be leaving sooner than I thought for a number of reasons, but it might be helpful overall. I think going back would help me feel better (and not be sick!), let me earn and save some money, get things worked out with the wedding, and then plan better for living in NZ again. This may happen, it may not, I’m not 100% sure yet but it’s looking likely.

      Thanks!

  12. angelika says

    January 28, 2011 at 9:01 am

    I’m sorry you are feeling down. :( BOO. But I will tell you I have FIVE “furry friends” and they make me happy. Very very happy…especially when I am feeling down. Hopefully you do get a furry friend soon! :)

  13. Meg says

    January 28, 2011 at 9:12 am

    Hey! I just found your blog thanks to Katy Widrick! Congrats on your recent race, that’s awesome! You actually inspired me to finally sign up for a tri instead of just talking about it. I like your bike and saw your post on when you bought it, but was wondering if you have any advice on what to look for when I buy my bike. I want it to be sufficient for a tri, but I also want it for everyday commuting and exercise and of course budget friendly! I guess my questions are, is yours a hybrid and how did it work out for your tri? Thanks!

    • Mary says

      January 28, 2011 at 2:16 pm

      I do have a hybrid bike. It’s not quite a road bike, not quite a mountain bike, definitely not a racing bike. It was perfectly fine for my tri. I passed a lot of people and kept up a good pace even in the rain. Honestly my bike was the least expensive one I could find here. In the beginning you really don’t need a fancy/expensive bike – just something that you feel comfortable riding. If you are going to be commuting a lot (I ride my bike EVERYWHERE) then a hybrid works fine. A road bike might be *slightly* better for that but a hybrid works well too.

  14. MOM says

    January 28, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    The only one who can pick you up is YOU! I love you more than anything but I can’t and no one else can but You can I know you Mary you have the resolve to do anything you set your mind to, do not let a place or house or anything take your happiness from you, the only way that can happen is if you give it to them. I know it is not easy sometimes but life is just that way, but life is beautiful and so are you, get up and get out! It is always better outside looking at the beauty in the world and knowing you are blessed and so many would give so much to just have one day in your shoes.
    Love you
    MOM

    • Mary says

      January 28, 2011 at 2:17 pm

      Thanks. I know I’m the one in charge here and I’ll eventually figure out how to not let all this crap affect me. I’ve got a plan, no worries!

  15. Stef says

    January 28, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    Hey gurl :D

    Just know that whatever u’re feeling is temporary..and you’ll be back in your happy place soon :) just…keep trying to do something to make yourself feel better… (makeup helps me too..the price tag doesn’t :(

    We’re all so proud of u :)

    • Mary says

      January 28, 2011 at 2:18 pm

      Hehe. Makeup does help me but you are right about the price tag. In New Zealand even cheap makeup is expensive. I don’t know what I’ll do when I run out of my stuff!

      Thank you. :)

  16. merri says

    January 28, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    Oh you moved again? That’s why you get to get a pet. Cat or dog? Getting a pet is exciting!! Post photos! :) Well, it sounds like things are stressful but the fact that you’ve been writing through them is a good sign and hope things look up soon in your housing department. My cat always made me feel better when I was sad or sick.

    • Mary says

      January 28, 2011 at 9:29 pm

      Yeah we just moved back to where we were before, which isn’t good for me but overall I guess it was the only option. And we can get a cat so that’s a good thing. I will post photos when we get one!

  17. Jack Sh*t says

    January 28, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    You don’t wanna know what people search for to get to MY blog…

    • Mary says

      January 28, 2011 at 9:28 pm

      LOL, I can only imagine. Mine are pretty tame usually. ;)

  18. Halee says

    January 28, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    Lots to say… but first… what is this google search thing that lands on your blog?

    Second… winter is only a couple of months down the road and if you’re in a (damp, cold) home you’re not happy in now, you’re going to be positively miserable soon (and you already know how miserable Auckland winters are). So although moving sucks the big fat kumara, maybe you need to move again?

    Third, I totally get how hard it is to be happy. Why is it such a mission?!!!

    • Mary says

      January 28, 2011 at 9:34 pm

      Hey Halee!

      When people search for stuff on google.com sometimes the results lead them to my page.

      I think I’m actually going to go back to the US before winter. Auckland winters with cold and rain are not something I want to stick out in this house. I might just go back to the US and then move back when we get married. It’s not ideal but it’s my current plan. So moving again before I go back isn’t worth it. I can stick it out a couple months.

      Happiness is supposed to be simple. But for me it feels much less so. I’m trying tho!

      • Mary says

        January 29, 2011 at 1:38 am

        Yeah, summer is much better. It’s super hot where I’m from but I much prefer that to cold rain.

        No he isn’t. He is actually still in school so it will be a while.

  19. Diana @ frontyardfoodie says

    January 28, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    I’ve been feeling sort of down myself. So I feel you. I’m changing my viewpoint on food and exercise and I’m going to love it. My self esteem is rising as we speak!

  20. Chris says

    January 29, 2011 at 1:52 am

    lifes full of ups and downs, your doing great and should be proud of all you have accomplished. On the eating front, with my crazy schedule running the 4 kids around to after school activities and my 6 and 9 year olds fondness of Taco Bell I found the pounds started adding up from this weekly routine. I just read this article at lose5pounds.com and I nor my kids will EVER be eating at Taco Bell again…So disgusting, but a good motivator. I’m sure they are not the only fast food joint serving up bug parts…Yuck!

  21. Jody - Fit at 53 says

    January 29, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Sorry abut the move… I have moved a lot & I hate it! Hoping things look up & that “new addition” helps! :-)

Trackbacks

  1. Tweets that mention Chasing Happiness -- Topsy.com says:
    January 27, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mary Thompson and Chris Langdon, robyn878. robyn878 said: Chasing Happiness: I’ll be honest and say that not much has happened this week. We had to move again and I’ve re… http://bit.ly/eHNoIL […]

mary Welcome to my journey to improve my health, wealth, and everything in-between!
Join me as I learn and share helpful tips and tricks I find along the way.
  • Bloglovin
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • YouTube
Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

Popular Posts

weight loss gift ideas healthy chocolate protein pancake recipe how to start a blog how to make money blogging

Search

Recent Posts

  • Whole30 Reflections 1 Year Later + Recipes I’m Loving
  • 10 Reasons To Get Out Of Debt
  • July 2019 Online Income Report
  • Should You Go on Vacation While Paying Off Debt?
  • How Much YouTube Paid Me For 2 Million Views

Top Posts & Pages

  • Apartment Essentials For Single Ladies
  • Diet Tips For People With Kidney Stones
  • Baby Shower Brunch Food & Drink Ideas
  • DIY White Painted Dresser
  • The Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad Review
  • Chocolate Protein Oatmeal Pancake Recipe
  • 50 Fitness Motivation Quotes For Your Motivation Board
  • How to Deodorize Smelly Shoes
  • Weight Loss Motivation Quotes
  • Kale & Mozzarella Chicken Burgers (Burgers by AmyLu) Review

Categories

Disclosure!

Note: Affiliate links may pop up on the site when I'm recommending something. They are free for you to use, but they help support me by giving me a small commission of any sales. It's like leaving a tip for good service while buying something you'd purchase anyway. Thank you for supporting A Merry Life!

Copyright © 2022 · A Merry Life - Healthy Living & Weight Loss Blog. Tasteful Theme by Restored 316 Designs

A Merry Life (amerrylife.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Copyright © 2022 · Tasteful Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in