Day 243- It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Today my mom and I finished putting up all the decorations around the house. Check out the results below.

Day 243- I'm Thankful For....

I'm thankful for the fact that I was able to fill up an entire month worth of things I'm thankful for.

Day 243- Traditions

Growing up my family did not have too many traditions when it came to the holidays. One that we do have is the day after Thanksgiving my mom and I decorate the house for Christmas. Unfortunately the last 9 years I have been working in retail, so I have had to work. Instead I told my mom her and my aunt could decorate. This year, however, I am not working in retail and only had to go to work for a few hours so I got to take part in the tradition. My mom and I didn't get everything done today, but we can and will finish tomorrow.


Day 243- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for not having to work in a retail store on Black Friday.

Day 242- Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!!

Day 242- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for holiday memories.

Day 241- Let The Holiday Begin

Today it was very quiet at work so I actually left right on time. I was expecting there to be a lot  of traffic on the way home, but there wasn't. It is a nice way to start the holiday. It's turning out better than I initially thought.

Now, off to get ready for friendsgiving!

Day 241- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for reasons to dress up. I don't get to do it too often so I love to take advantage of it when I can.

Day 240- Friendsgiving

Tomorrow a few friends and I are going to gather for "friendsgiving." This is basically Thanksgiving the day before, but with friends since we will all be with our families the actual day. It's a great way to spend the holiday with our extended loved ones because the truth is for most of us, our friends are family too.


Day 240- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for all the amazing people I get to call my friends.

Day 239- Straight To It

I don't have too much I want to write about tonight so I'm just going to go straight to the end.


Day 239- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for my parents. Their love and support through this entire process has been unbelievable. I don't know where I would be without them. When I think about them I think about a quote I once read. It goes, "You were born because one day you will be important to someone." My parents were definitely born for me because they are the most important people to me. I couldn't image having anyone else as parents but them.

Day 238- Quiet Afternoon

Spent a quiet afternoon working on my Thanksgiving day crafts with my mom. The best part, we finished! So now all that is left is the cooking, the setting of the table, and enjoying the day.

Day 238- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for quality time with my mom.

Day 237- Short Hair Don't Care

Decided it was time for a change so I made one. This change was exterior, but I thought it would be a good way to celebrate on the interior change I've made as well. So, today I went to the hair salon (with the free hair cut gift certificate I won from my nieces fundraiser) and cut about 6 inches off. Check out the results below!

Day 237- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for being a girl. Now I've never been a boy so I really can't compare the two, but I love being a girl. I love doing all the stereotypical girlie things like shopping, getting my hair and nails done, dressing up in pretty dresses and shoes, and playing with makeup. I also love the close bonds and friendships that only girls seem to have. Simply put, I'm thankful for being me.

Day 236- Break Routine

I'm someone who likes routine and consistency. I can adapt when there are changes, but I don't particularly enjoy it. Every night during the Monday thru Friday work week is the same. I wake up every morning around 6:45A.M., I get ready, and I leave by 7:20A.M. Once I'm at work each day is definitely different, but there are still things each day that are consistent. I go to lunch around the same time every day and I leave around the same time. Once I'm home every night is almost identical. I have dinner, take Tyson for a walk, take a shower, get my clothes and lunch ready for the next day, write my blog posting, watch some television, and got to bed between 10:00-11:00P.M. every night. It is predictable and the same, but I like it.

At least on the weekends I get some kind of change. I still wake up around the same time each morning, usually around 9:00 A.M., and I will walk Tyson and write my blog at some point in the day. So I still have some routine those days of the week as well. It is important though to break away from the constant every one in awhile. Without some kind of change things get stagnant and borderline depressing. By making a few simple changes it makes you more open to changes and new experiences. Because remember, every little counts and helps.

So tonight, instead of watching television after I finish with this post, I'm going to put on some music and work on finishing some of my Thanksgiving crafts.

Day 236- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for having a roof over my head. When ever there is a cold, windy, rainy night out like there is tonight I always think how lucky I am. I know tonight I will be sleeping in a warm bed in a warm house. I know not everyone has that.

Day 235- Moving Fast

Tonight when I was walking Tyson I was thinking how I still have so many more posts to write. In reality I only have 130 more days before I'm all done with this project. It seems both so far away, but so soon as well. It makes me want to look back and read some posts in the beginning to see how it all started and how I have come to the point I'm currently at because before I know it will be day 365.


Day 235- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for the fact that I got an education. I will like to one day go back to get my Master's Degree, but for now I'm glad I went and finished college. As cliche as it is, my education is one thing no one can take away from me.

Day 234- Sharing Information

A big help for me in getting some kind of control over my anxiety and depression was to learn and gain as much information on it as I could. There is so much science and fact behind anxiety and depression that it is impossible not to learn something about it if you want to. The more I was able to look at it from that perspective, a biological/scientific way, the more I was able to grasp and deal with it. As soon as I was able to understand exactly what my brain was doing and how it worked when I was in that mind frame, it made it less overwhelming. I believe it helped me to get through it.

Even though I feel like I have a much better grasp and understanding on my anxiety than I have in my past, I still like to learn as much as I can. Things are always changing and new discoveries are being made every day. Some infer nation I find are simply facts, others are articles that give me something to strive for. I want to share an article I saw online that pertains to the something to strive for category. It describes healthy habits mentally strong people have. I don't have all of them just yet, but I have made huge strides in some areas.

Enjoy!


Day 234- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for the occasional rainy day, both literally and metaphorically. They are opportunities to enjoy some quiet time, have some down time, reconnect with ourselves and others, and is a great time to recharge.  

Mentally strong people have healthy habits. They manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that set them up for success in life. Check out these things that mentally strong people don’t do so that you too can become more mentally strong.

1. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves

Mentally strong people don’t sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn’t always easy or fair.

2. They Don’t Give Away Their Power

They don’t allow others to control them, and they don’t give someone else power over them. They don’t say things like, “My boss makes me feel bad,” because they understand that they are in control over their own emotions and they have a choice in how they respond.

3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change

Mentally strong people don’t try to avoid change. Instead, they welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.

4. They Don’t Waste Energy on Things They Can’t Control

You won’t hear a mentally strong person complaining over lost luggage or traffic jams. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude.

5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone

Mentally strong people recognize that they don’t need to please everyone all the time. They’re not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary. They strive to be kind and fair, but can handle other people being upset if they didn’t make them happy.

6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks

They don’t take reckless or foolish risks, but don’t mind taking calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making a big decision, and they’re fully informed of the potential downsides before they take action.

7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past

Mentally strong people don’t waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what they’ve learned from it. However, they don’t constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.

8. They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over

Mentally strong people accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their past mistakes. As a result, they don’t keep repeating those mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future.

9. They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success

Mentally strong people can appreciate and celebrate other people’s success in life. They don’t grow jealous or feel cheated when others surpass them. Instead, they recognize that success comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success.

10. They Don’t Give Up After the First Failure

Mentally strong people don’t view failure as a reason to give up. Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and improve. They are willing to keep trying until they get it right.

11. They Don’t Fear Alone Time

Mentally strong people can tolerate being alone and they don’t fear silence. They aren’t afraid to be alone with their thoughts and they can use downtime to be productive. They enjoy their own company and aren’t dependent on others for companionship and entertainment all the time but instead can be happy alone.

12. They Don’t Feel the World Owes Them Anything

Mentally strong people don’t feel entitled to things in life. They weren’t born with a mentality that others would take care of them or that the world must give them something. Instead, they look for opportunities based on their own merits.

13. They Don’t Expect Immediate Results

Whether they are working on improving their health or getting a new business off the ground, mentally strong people don’t expect immediate results. Instead, they apply their skills and time to the best of their ability and understand that real change takes time.

Day 233- More Bucket List Items

I mentioned when I first posted my bucket list that some of the things on there I had done before, but put them on there because I wanted to do them again. Yesterday though, I decided to leave seeing Gavin Degraw on there because even though I didn't see him the other night, I had seen him before. So, I decided that since my bucket list are things I want to experience in my life and not just during this year long experience, I will cross off anything and everything I have done.

33.) See All Time Low in concert.
33.) See The Cab in concert.
33.) See Colbie Calliat in concert.
33.) See Dierks Bently in concert.
33.) See Fall Out Boy in concert.
33.) See New Found Glory in concert.
33.) See Phil Wickham in concert.
33.) See Senses Fail in concert.
33.) See Taking Back Sunday in concert.
85.) Go on a tour bus.
86.) Be Side Stage at a concert.
87.) Get backstage tickets to a concert.



Day 233- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for the internships I had and amazing friends I have who have made all those bucket list items possible.

Day 232- Not Like I Thought

Last night was the night that my friends and I went to The Grove to see the lighting of the tree. I wrote my post before we went and it didn't turn out how I thought. It was more crowded than I thought. We only got to see one person preform (it wasn't Gavin Degraw), and we hardly got any shopping in. Instead of being disappointed though, I looked at it as an adventure. I got to get out of town and go somewhere I don't normally go, I had a nice dinner with friends, and I did something I've never done before. I still found positives in a situation that didn't turn out how I initially thought. That to me proves it was a great night.

Oh, and even though I didn't see him last night, I'm keeping Gavin Degraw crossed off my bucket list since I have seen him before.


Day 232- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for my job. Even though today was a crazy and hectic day (in fact the last few weeks have been like that) I am still thankful for it. Even though it has become better, there are still many out there without jobs, or they are stuck in a job they don't like. I'm grateful to have a job where I get something different each day, I'm never board, and I truly enjoy everyone I work with. Not everyone can say that.

Day 231- Ignoring My Own Advice (Bucket List Item)

At the end of last month I mentioned how it is important to enjoy the moments in our present instead of jumping to the future. Well today, I'm flying past enjoying the Thanksgiving season and heading right into the Christmas season.

Today myself and 3 of my best girlfriends are going to go and celebrate Christmas today. We are heading to the Grove shopping in Hollywood to see the lighting of this outdoor malls Christmas tree. I guess you would say it is Los Angeles' version of the Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony in New York City. Tonight they will be lighting the tree, providing snow, having fireworks, and having a concert. The best part, it's all free.

My friends and I have decided to make a day of it and go shopping and eating dinner before. We know it will be crowded so we are making sure we go early. I'm also excited because I get to cross off an item on my bucket list as well. One of the artists performing is on my list. Now I saw him last Summer and he was amazing. I wasn't expecting that,which was refreshing. Kinda like a few others on my musicians bucket list, this guy will be on it all the time. He was just that good.

So even though I'm breaking my own advice by skipping forward, I will still enjoy this day for what it is and be fully present the entire time.

33.) See Gavin Degraw in concert.


Day 231- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for pasta. It is my favorite food and I could probably eat it every day. My favorite is ravioli and lasagne. Every since I was little I loved it. It will definitely be a staple in my life forever.

Day 230- Craft Day

This afternoon I spent it with 2 out of 3 of my nieces working on some Thanksgiving crafts. It didn't turn out as well as I thought, mostly because I still have quit a few crafts I want to do before Thanksgiving day. However, it was nice to spend a cold day inside with them.

Day 230- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for my nieces. I know I have written a few posts in the past about my nieces so I won't spend too much time repeating what I have said before. I will just reiterate that I love them, I love being their Auntie, and whether they realize it or not they have been a huge support for me these last few years. I will always feel indebted to them for just being them when that was what I needed the most. Love you girls!!

Day 229- Da Na Na Na Na Batman

The big story today is of how the entire city of San Francisco, CA turned into Gotham city to fulfill the wish of a 5 year-old boy who is currently in remission from leukemia. He is part of the Make a Wish Foundation, a foundation who grants wishes to kids with terminal illnesses. Miles Scott, known today simply has Batkid, wanted to be Batman for a day and save Gotham City. With the help of over 12,000 volunteers the Make a Wish Foundation and the city of San Francisco granted this little boys wish.

Not only did Miles save the city today, he was granted a key to the city and received a special message from the President of the United States. The fun started the night before when the bat signal was shown on the side of Miles hotel and the news casted a message from San Francisco police chief begging Batkid for his help. The city's newspaper, The San Francisco Chronicle, even released a special version of their paper today that was all about how Batkid saved Gotham. The paper passed out free versions of it at Union Station, but there was such a demand for it they a going to reissue special additions.

As I read the few stories on this little boys adventures today, I was crying my eyes out. In our world today, all we ever seem to hear about is negatives. I can't remember the last time I heard a news cast where there was nothing but murders, death, drugs, and people taking advantage of others. There are times I watch the news and think if anything good actually happened in the world. I wish we lived in a world where there were more stories of people coming together like they did today; stories of hope, happiness, and the kindness of man instead of the evil.

Below are two links to stories that not only explain but show the adventures of Batkid. Try not to cry.
Batkid story
Batkid photos 


Day 229- I'm Thankful for….

I'm thankful for the glimpses of the kindness and compassion of humans in a world that often seems like it is non-existent.    

Day 228- A New Purchase

Last night my mom and I went shopping and I bought a new purse. Tonight I actually had some time to transfer everything from my current purse to the new one. I know it's something small, but a new purse feels like a new change. It's refreshing.


Day 228- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for clothes. I'm not a shoes girl, a jewelry girl, a makeup girl, a purse girl, or a hair girl. I love clothes. I wish I had 10 closets in my house to fill with clothes. Instead I'll have to settle for 1 1/2.

Day 227- Weird Dreams

Ever since Friday I have not been sleeping very well. I keep having really weird dreams. I think it is because on Friday I saw 2 previews in the movie I went to see that were scary movies. Ever since then I have been having dreams that are either scary and stressful, or just plain odd. While I'm having them I feel stressed, but when I wake up they are so ridiculous and stupid.

Last night I dreamt I was in a really long line to get ice cream. An old co-worker of mine was working there. We were so busy talking that she forgot to give me my order. There were so many people I kept getting pushed out of the way and when I woke up I still didn't have my ice cream.

 I have no idea where I came up with that or what it means. My only thoughts are I dreamt of ice cream because I had some as a dessert last night. I also think there must be something I am wanting, but for some reason I can't get it because there are people in my way. I'm not sure what that is though. Maybe my dream tonight will give me that answer.


Day 227- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for movies. They transport us to another place. They allows to escape, dream, and connect for the few hours each time we watch them.

Day 226- Opportunity, Being Sexy, Life

Over the summer I was watching the Teen Choice Awards. I had initially watched it because I like the television show Glee and I knew they would be doing something special for Corey Monteith. What I did not expect was the speech given by Ashton Kutcher that evening. Simply put, it was amazing. I was reminded of it yesterday when he appeared on The Ellen Degeneres Show and he discussed it. I thought I would post it because it really is a great speech no matter what age you are.

Day 226- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for living in California. Tonight I took Tyson for a walk after dinner. It was warm enough outside that I had only a tank top, jeans, and a lightweight sweater on. Only in California could it be the middle of November and it is still warm enough outside to walk at night with no jacket on.

Day 225- Too Distracted

Tonight I didn't get home from work until a little after 6pm because I had errands to run. This means that I ate dinner later, took Tyson on a walk later, and got everything ready for tomorrow later. Now, Dancing with the Stars is on and I'm too distracted to give my full attention to writing this post. So instead I'm going to share a quote I found today that mad me smile.

Day 225- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for words. The power that words can provide are amazing. They can cause so much pain or can be the only thing that can bring comfort. Whether we speak them, write them, or read them, words are something that can change everything.

Day 224- You Knew It Was Coming

If you have read any of my other posts you knew this was eventually coming. so I'm just going to skip straight to the end of my post today.



Day 224- I'm Thankful For….


I'm thankful for my dog Tyson. Next month he will be 4 years-old, and I can't believe how fast that time has gone. I remember the day we got him clear as day still. He was 8 weeks old at that time. He was initially suppose to be my brother's dog, but at some point the bond Tyson and I formed made him mine.

Before Tyson I knew what love was. I knew I loved my parents, my brothers, and the rest of my family, but it was more of a concept than an actual feeling to me. It wasn't until we got Tyson that I finally felt love. I would compare it to the same kind of love between mother and child. A kind of unconditional love that can't be explained, you have to experience it.

Now I've never had a child and that comparison might be totally off. For me though, I think of my pet as my child for right now. Tyson sure has taught me things that children teach their parents. He has taught me how to have endless patience, taught me how to care for something that is extremely dependent on you, taught me  how to listen and figure out what is wrong when there are no words, taught me how to appreciate the simplest things in life, taught me that joy can come multiple times a day, taught me that there are bonds that can run deeper than ever imagined, taught me how to protect what is important to us, and taught me that loyalty to the ones who love us is the most important kind.

The one constant these past 2 years for me has been my family, and that includes Tyson. Cuddling up to him is one of the few things in this world that makes me feel the safest. I'm never alone as long as I have him because he is always right there when I need him. I know for a fact that I would have been much worse off if he wasn't around during this time in my life. He has definitely made me a dog person for the rest of my life.

Day 223- Personality Test

How many out there believe a lot in astrological charts, birth signs, horoscopes, personality tests, etc? I'm a Gemini and I can say that almost every single thing I have ever read involving personality traits of a Gemini are not accurate. There have been a few, but most of the time I have very few similarities. On the Chinese zodiac chart I am an ox, and again I have never read an ox description that matches up with me. My horoscopes never pan out and don't end up being true.

Yesterday, I saw online a game that mixes a personality test and matches the results with a character from Harry Potter. Being a huge Harry Potter fan, of course I took it. The personality test they had me take is known as the Myers-Briggs personality test. This test is a series of questions that determine physiological preferences in how people view the world and make decisions. The test is based on the idea that there are 4 different physiological functions that we use while experiencing the world. They are: sensation, intuition, feeling, and thinking. Out of these 4 sensations, there is often 1 that is dominate the majority of the time.

After taking the test, you will come up with one of the 16 different types of personality types. They present this as a series of 4 letters. In the series of letters one receives there could be an E (extroversion), I (introversion), S (sensing), N (intuition), T (thinking), F (feeling), J (judging), and P (perception). I took the test and ended up with ISFJ, which stands for introversion, sensing, feeling, and judging. Once you have been given your type, they provide a description, which has been the most accurate of me I have ever seen. It describes me as:

The Defender. Traditional, loyal, kind and observant of others. Value stability and cultural norms and are often consistent with work. Known for their kindness and willingness to go to any length to help those in need. Often fear change and try hard to maintain peace.

To me, that sounds 99.9% correct. Oh, and the Harry Potter character I'm most like-Neville Longbottom.

Day 223- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for hockey. My explanation, I'm Canadian. Enough said.

Day 222- A Much Needed Night Out

After the last three days at work, and especially after the hectic day today, a night out is exactly what I need. I'm going to dinner and then to see the movie Bad Grandpa with a friend of mine. This friend is someone who I have grown extremely close to through this process and who I can talk about anything with. It will be nice to just decompress and discuss this crazy week. Then hopefully, we will be laughing the remainder of the night.


Day 222- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for being able to have friends I have literally grown up with. They say that throughout our lives we have groups of friends for different parts of our lives. As we transition to different ages and stages of our lives, our groups of friends often change as well. That has definitely been true for me, but I have three friends in my life that I have known and been friends with for almost 25 years. Not only is that rare in general, it is also rare since I am only 28 years-old. The most amazing part is, even though over the years there have been times when we were not as close, or did not hangout as often, but we have always been there no matter what. We seem to always come back and stick around with and for each other.

Day 221- Here Comes A Short One

After the last two days at work I am completely exhausted. Plus I'm starting to get a headache. So unfortunately, this is going to be a very short post. I will probably be going to bed soon. So hopefully a good sleep will come and I'll be re-energized tomorrow.


Day 221- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for cheeseburgers. I'm not a huge meat fan and do not eat a lot of it. I do however, LOVE cheeseburgers. Being a California girl my favorite is In 'N' Out. Double, double with special sauce. Yummy!!!!

Day 220- Habits Of The Healthy

Today I saw online an article about 25 habits that people who are happy, healthy, and successful have. I'm not sure how accurate it is. Plus a lot of it is easier said then done. Either way I thought I would not only share the link to the article, but I thought I would share it below as well that it can be something to look at, work on, and serve as a reminder of all the things I do already that point me in the right direction.

Who among us doesn't want to be a happy, healthy and successful human being? Still, it can be easy to lose your way, which is why I've compiled a list of habits you can use to help reach your goals. 

So what is it about happy people that makes them the way they are? Below are just some of the ways they separate themselves from the rest of the crowd.

1. They don’t hold grudges.

2. They think outside of the box.

3. They go by a routine and make exercise a part of it. It takes practice to develop healthy habits and stick with them. Once you do, your internal foundation will be strong.

4. They have a supportive tribe, thereby not wasting time with negative or toxic people.

5. They don’t care about what other people think. Does a tiger lose sleep over the opinion of sheep?

6. They don’t people please.

7. They see difficult and challenging situations as opportunities for personal growth. 

8. They consider handling rejection a skill and are resilient.

9. They make time for themselves. Whether it’s getting eight hours of sleep every night, finding 15 minutes to read the newspaper in peace or an hour to go to the gym, they make it a priority — just like everything else. When you take care of yourself, you have a bigger impact on others.

10. They are spiritual. This doesn't necessarily mean religious. It could mean setting aside time for reflection through yoga or meditation.

11. They practice deep breathing.

12. They know there isn’t such a thing as “having it all,” and they’re happy about that. Wouldn’t the world be a boring place for them otherwise?

13. Fear doesn't hold them back. They're ready to take risks.

14. They know how to say “NO,” and don’t hold back. These people have learned to set boundaries. Plenty of them.

15. They learned a great deal from other people whom they admire. Either they had a great mentor, or they took note of how those they aspired to be like handled various situations.

16. They follow their inner guidance. Not only do they have a vision, but they follow it.

17. They give without expecting anything in return.

18. They aren't pretentious or conceited.

19. Passion is what drives them. They authentically believe in what they're doing.  

20. They don't complain.

21. They live by their core values in both their professional and personal lives.

22. They're happy to swim against the tide.

23. They finish what they start.

24. They don't compare themselves to other people.

25. They want you to succeed, too. 

Day 220- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for country music. As a kid my mom had Alan Jackson on cassette tape that we would listen to all the time in the car. Then most of my teenage and young adult years I did not care for country at all. About 4 years ago that changed when I discovered Taylor Swift. After I listened to her I started listening to other country artists and fell in love. Now I can't imagine life without it. Almost every concert I have been to these last few years has been country. It has become something that myself and my closest friends, my parents, and my nieces have bonded over. It is very hard for me to be in a bad mood if country music is.  

Day 219- Time Change Jetlag

Two days ago we changed our clocks back an hour. I have never been good at this. It always takes me at least a week to adjust. Last night I was in bed and asleep at 8:30 P.M. and I could probably go to be now if I wanted to. I know though if I ever want to function as a normal human again I am going to have to force myself to stay awake in order to get use to staying up a little later in the night.


Day 219- I'm thankful for….

I'm thankful for the internet. Without it I wouldn't be able to make this post write now. I know I could have chosen to write in a notebook, but the internet has allowed me to share this journey with others that I would not been able to do any other way.

Day 218- Collecting Leaves

I decided over the weekend that for Thanksgiving this year I want to make placemats and maybe a centerpiece to decorate the table with for dinner this year. I'm not sure yet what I want to do yet, but while taking Tyson for a walk every night I see tons of different leaves that have fallen to the ground. I've decided to start collecting all different shapes and sizes and see what I come up with.

It has actually been fun the last few nights doing this. It's like a new adventure for my mom and I. Maybe one night Tyson will even stet helping us. I know that is wishful thinking, but we already have a good pile going just after two nights. I'll have to take a picture and share the final result before I start creating.


Day 218- I'm Thankful For….

I'm thankful for my parents taking home movies when I was growing up. I love being able to look back and see all the ugly clothes I wore because it was the fashion, all the crazy plays the neighborhood kids and I would put on, the vacations we went on, what family members looked like when I was young, what I looked like when I was young, and all the events that happened that I may not remember as clearly as I get older.

I'm sure for some people looking back on old home movies can bring sadness, but for me they don't. They bring joy, happiness, and entertainment. Sometimes they also bring embarrassment, but I know that happens to everyone. I love every now and then just popping in an old VHS and simply watching.

Day 217- Is The Universe Friendly?

When I really want to write but I am stumped for inspiration I read a book I was given called Attitudes of Gratitude by M.J. Ryan. I have mentioned it before in past posts, but it really is a great book to get you to look at things in a different perspective. Every time I read it I not only start to examine my own perspectives, but I will reflect on different aspects of my life. I will either recognize the things I am grateful for, or the things I continue to need work on.

In the particular chapter I read today the author quotes another writer, Joan Borysenko. The quote states, "Einstein was asked what he thought the most important question was that a human being needed to answer. His reply was, 'Is the universe friendly or not?'" M.J. Ryan goes on to explain how depending on how we answer this question greatly impacts on if we are happy, joyful, and grateful or not.

Ryan describes it in this way. If we think the universe is friendly then we often believe that the universe is not out to get us, that it is on our side, that good things will find their way to us, and that if there are bumps and suffering they are there to teach us lessons and to help us grow. As a result, we are thankful and full of gratitude naturally. If we think the universe is unfriendly we believe that there is nothing but struggles ahead, that bad things are sent on purpose or completely random, there is nothing we can count on, and that we must prepare ourselves for the next crisis to appear. When this is our belief we are grateful on a day to day basis. We are only grateful when things are going well and in our favor.

Now even though I would say that I have become a much happier and positive person, my initial answer to the question Is the universe friendly? was no, it is not friendly. When I look at how Ryan explains both sides though, I have beliefs both in the yes outlook and no outlook. So does that mean I believe the universe is more like us and can simply be friendly one day and unfriendly the next?

I do believe that good things will come to all of us if we are open to them, and that bumps and suffering are there to teach us lessons and to help us grow. I also believe that it is important for us to prepare for the next crisis in life because there will be one. At some point we will have to deal with a crisis. It can be the loss of a love one, an unfavorable health diagnosis, financial issues, the end of a friendship/relationship, etc. If I didn't believe we had to prepare, then why else have I been working on gaining better coping skills and learning on what I need in order to live a positive functioning life?

I know Einstein was considered one of the greatest minds out there and I would be curious to see what his answer to that question was. I don't think it is a simple yes or no like Ryan explains it to be in her book. I think throughout life we will have a a different answer depending on where we are at, but I also think we have to consider a different answer. Maybe one day I will be able to say without any doubt that YES, the universe is friendly. Right now though, my answer is SOMETIMES.


Day 217- I'm Thankful For....

I'm thankful that in 1873 two men named Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss invented blue jeans. I think if these were not invented that a large majority of us would be walking around most days half naked.  In North America alone we are 39% of the worlds denim jean purchasers. Personally, I have over a dozen pair of jean pants and jean shorts in my closet right now. There was a time when it was considered inappropriate for women to wear jeans. I would not have survived then. For a girl who loves fashion, I am very thankful for jeans.

Day 216- Still Blown Away

For those of you who don't know, every time I log onto blogger to write my blog for the day the welcome screen shows how many views I have had on my blog overall. I can dig deeper and see exactly how many page views I've had in a day, a week,  a month, in which countries people who have viewed my blog live in, and even what kind of technology they are using to view my blog. I will admit overtime the number of blog views I have been getting has been slowing down, which is fine. The other day however, I logged on and saw that I had 63 page views in one day. I'm sure for some people they are thinking, "That's it?" For me, that was impressive. I haven't seen that many page views in one day for awhile.

Now, how many page views each day is not the reason behind why I am doing this. I never started this project with the idea on if it would only be considered a success if people were reading it, or if I got a certain number of page views. This project was for me and the success was going to be measured if I reached my goal as a result of it. That goal was becoming a happier, healthier version of myself. If I stopped this project today I would considered it a huge success and the 5,600+ page views I have gathered so far have been a bonus. They have been the motivation for me to keep going. They have been the support that have allowed me to open up, really look at myself, and have the courage to change.


Day 216- I'm Thankful For....

I'm thankful for my family. They have been the biggest support in this process for me. My parents, my brothers, my sister-in-law, my nieces, and all my family in Canada and Oregon has been unbelievable. I don't think I would have come this far without their love, support, and encouragement.

Day 215- November Challenge

It's a new month which means a new challenge on how to end my posts each day. I'm sure you could already guess what I am going to do, but in case you haven't here it is. November means it is the month of the Thanksgiving holiday. A tradition my family and I have is on Thanksgiving night before we start to eat we go around the table and say what we are thankful this past year. So, this month I will end each post with what I am thankful for.


Day 215- I'm Thankful For...

I am thankful for the beach. Growing up I hated the beach. Sand between my toes was something I couldn't stand. I'm not sure when the change happened, but beaches are now my happy place. It is almost impossible for me to not be in a good mood when I'm there. The sense of calm, peace, and warmth I feel when I'm there is something I can't explain. It doesn't matter, day or night, if I get an opportunity to be at the beach, I will take it.

The picture below is of the pier at my favorite beach ever, Huntington Beach. This pier is the one that is located at the end of Main Street, right along the Pacific Coast Highway. On my wall just above my bed I have 2 huge photos of this pier as something to look at and daydream with of my life when I finally get my own home in that area.