The Thanksgiving Project Day 28: Free Day

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 28 and today's prompt is "free day."

Oh my goodness! I cannot believe today is the last day of The Thankful Project! I am so proud of myself for making it through the challenge. It wasn't always easy, but I stuck it out.

Today is a free-for-all. Since it is Thanksgiving Day, I want to reflect on this year as a whole. This year has been such an amazing year, and God has blessed me so much more than I deserve. A lot of things has happened. On New Year's Eve I found out I was pregnant. I started attending college. We found and purchased our SUV to travel around now that we have a baby. We went to Puerto Rico for the first time. We celebrated our first year being married ♥ We welcomed our precious little angel in August. My mom visited us--the last time we saw her was at the wedding.

We are going to some friends' house to celebrate Thanksgiving Day to enjoy great company and great food. I want to be thankful in advance for our friends who are hosting Thanksgiving this year. I am also thankful for all my family and friends.

I am also thankful for The Thankful Project--thank you Kenzie! The Thankful Project made me take the time to appreciate the fall season. It guided me to have a positive attitude each day. It pushed me to be intentionally thankful for the things I normally don't think about. The challenge has opened my eyes, by forcing me to recognize all the blessings I have. Being intentionally grateful this month has made me a happier individual. This month has been so amazing. Before The Thankful Project started, I made a conscious decision to have a positive mindset in life. The challenge was created at the perfect timing and it has definitely helped me establish that positivity.

Have a great thanksgiving everyone!

The Thanksgiving Project Day 27: A Simple Pleasure

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 27 and today's prompt is "a simple pleasure."

Take time to enjoy the little things in life. The warmth of hot chocolate on a cold, winter night. Gathering up around the bonfire with friends. Watching my daughter sleep peacefully. Spending time with friends at the bowling alley. Getting my nails done. Going out with my best friends downtown and having the best nights of our lives. These are the things, the moments, that I am thankful for and want to cherish.

Frienship, Love, Health, Energy, Enthusiasm, & Joy are the things that make life worth living.

What simple pleasures are you grateful for?

The Thanksgiving Project Day 26: Criticism You've Received

Oh yay! I am finally all caught up with the prompts on The Thankful Project. Took me long enough. I know I didn't do so great. I didn't think I would get behind, but I did. Though, I am glad that I'm not behind anymore, and I guess that's all that matters now. Two more days and it is Thanksgiving Day! woohoo! I cannot believe I've written 25 prompts already, and more importantly, I cannot believe that the challenge is almost over!

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 26 and today's prompt is "Criticism You've Received."

I thought about this prompt long and hard. Honestly, I cannot remember a lot of the criticisms I have received in my life. I think it's mainly because of how I take them. I don't really mind criticism. I try not to let them get to my heart or my head. If it's not true, I just disregard it. If it's true, I take it and learn from it.

I want to admit another thing about this criticism deal. I realized that I am my own biggest critic. Before anyone else has criticized me, I have already criticized myself. I have caused myself much sadness. I felt sad because I used to see myself as a loser, and I put myself down. I used to blame myself a lot for the things that are happening to me.

Well, there was one criticism that I will never forget. Someone told me that I will not succeed in life, that I would marry someone pathetic, and just keep popping babies. This person made me SO furious! I wanted to prove the person wrong so bad. After graduating high school, I made decisions with this criticism in mind. I summoned everything that I've got to make sure that I don't end up that way. I joined the military and moved away from all the people I knew. And look at me now, I am married to the most amazing guy and we have the most adorable baby girl. I have the best family-in-law. My husband and I own a Cadillac, a truck and a motorcycle. And I am going to school to finish my degree. Hah! Take that! I'd say I am pretty successful.

Do what you feel in your heart to be right--for you'll be criticize anyway. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

I learned that people will always have their own opinions about me, but it is always up to me to put it in perspective. I also learned to change the way I see myself. I learned that my perception of myself have a direct impact to reality. If you see yourself as a failure, then you will be a failure. It's amazing how our attitude can affect or change the situation at hand. I am thankful for criticisms from myself and others because they push me to be the best version of me.

What criticism are you thankful for?

The Thankful Project Day 25: Something You Know

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. This post is for Day 25 and the  prompt is "something you know."

If there is something I know, it would be that God exists. Now Now now...I know there are people out there who don't believe in God. That person might be you, and I guess that's okay. I am not here to lecture you what to do with your life. Plus, this is my blog and you're not about to tell me what to believe, or not believe, so shut your face. But seriously, if this "stuff" offends you, then look away and check back again tomorrow for a different post. Or don't come back at all, whichever pleases you.

I am thankful knowing that He exists for a lot of things. I know that I am not alone because God never leaves my side. I know that He watches over my family. I know that I can do things as long as I put my mind to it because God will not give me a burden I can't handle. I know that God loves me. Everything in my life exists because of God's goodness.

I'd rather live my life believing in God and discover at death that He does not exist rather than to live as an unbeliever who discovers at death that God is real.

What knowledge are you thankful for?

The Thankful Project Day 24: A Physical Trait You Have

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. This post is for Day 24 and the  prompt is "a physical trait you have."

Growing up, I found it so easy to give a compliment to another woman, yet so difficult to accept compliments from them. Whenever I received a compliment I blushed with embarassment, or felt slightly awkward because in my mind I was being put "on the spot."

I think this prompt is really valuable. I think it's good that one of the prompts on The Thankful Project is a physical trait we have because it forces us to be thankful for something in our OWN appearances, and appreciate what God has given us. Women often search and look at each other for beauty that we don't even look at ourselves to recognize the beauty within us.

People have complimented me on my eyes, my smile, my teeth, etc, but the physical trait that I am thankful for is my hair. My hair is naturally black but I have been dying it for as long as I can remember; it's not until this year that I have decided to keep it natural. I was looking at some pictures of my mother and friends, when I noticed that they have black hair in common. That moment is what caused me to embrace the actual color of my hair. This entire time I've been trying to look like someone I am not, when God has gifted me something special. I have this gorgeous, shiny, black hair. It's about time I should be grateful for it.

The Thankful Project Day 23: Something You've Seen

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. This post is for Day 23 and the  prompt is "something you've seen."

In April 2012, I went to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India with the USS Carl Vinson(a U.S. Naval aircraft carrier).  I have a few pictures for all of you to see. I am not going to talk about it too much. I am just going to let the pictures speak for themselves.

No, I am not thankful that there are people out there who are suffering, or are less fortunate than I am. On contrary, I feel for them. Having been to Chennai and seeing how people live there, made me see how blessed I truly am. I have learned to appreciate what I have. The trip to Chennai made me realize that there is always someone out there who wishes that they have what we have--things that we often take for granted.

If you keep your food in a refrigerator, keep your clothes in a closet, have a bed to sleep in, or have a roof over your head, you are richer than 75% of the world population. Appreciate what you have! 

Check out more pictures from Chennai:

**I did not take these photos. USS Carl Vinson photographers took them.** 
  Click here for the rest of the album.

The Thankful Project Day 22: An Expectation

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. This post is for Day 22 and the  prompt is "an expectation."

This prompt took a little longer than others to think about. What expectation am I thankful for anyway? It's weird to think of expectations as things to be thankful for because they are typically associated with negative things. I have a lot of expectations from friends, spouse, parents, houses, cars, etc. Who doesn't? I think what causes expectations to have a negative meaning is when they are unrealistic. We get disappointed when people fail to meet our expectations. Sometimes, I think, we have too high of an expectation from others. Our unrealistic expectations from people create this tension in our relationships that drives other people away from us. We get so butt-hurt sometimes when people fail to meet our expectations. But do we stop and think that perhaps people didn't intend to let us down? What if their best is just less than what we expect?

William Shakespeare once said, "Expectation is the root of all heartache." I think what he said is true because if we don't have any expectation then we will not be disappointed. Honestly, I think what screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how things are supposed to be. If we stop expecting and, for once, start living the life that is handed to us then maybe we will live a happier life. Without expectations, then we won't be anticipating for good things to happen before they actually occur. If we are not waiting, maybe we would be surprised and thankful when things actually turn out decent in our lives.

Even though I think expectations are bad, not all of them are. The expectations I am thankful for are the ones I expect of myself. I expect myself to do well in school, to be a good wife to my husband, a good mother for Maylee, and overall, the best person that I can be. These expectations push me to work harder for my goals, and not to settle for anything less. They help me be a better me. Without personal expectations, I probably wouldn't be where I am today.

What expectations are you thankful for?

The Thankful Project Day 21: Something That's Easy To Take For Granted

Be prepared for non-stop Thankful Project posts. Like two or three a day! Hey, I need to catch up, alriiight? I have been so busy with school work, but today was the last day of my class for this month. Woohoo! *dances around* Sad part is that my next class starts this Monday. Hardly any break! I am taking Spanish class for a month. How I am going to learn a new language while taking care of a 3-month baby beats me. Wish me luck! haha Oh my goodness guys, I just want the holiday break to start now! I need time away from school haha

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. This post is for Day 21 and the  prompt is "something that's easy to take for granted."

We humans are so busy. When we wake up, we start getting ready for the day ahead of us. We are so caught up with our daily routine that we often fail to see and value the blessings that are given to us. We often take for granted that we are able to get out of bed and do the things we do because God has blessed us with one more day on earth.

When was the last time you stopped what you are doing to thank God for the day? Has it been awhile? I used to take the present moment for granted but now I set aside a time to be grateful of my blessings. Before I go to bed, I make it a point to have a quiet moment and pray to God. I thank him for the day that I have been given and for blessing me with my family and friends.

If you are tired of living the same boring life, perhaps it is time to change your ways. It all starts with the attitude you face each day with. You'd be surprise how much a single positive thought can affect the day's outcome. Each morning, when you open your eyes, think only three things; Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

Stop wishing away the days, waiting for better ones ahead, and start enjoying your life. I know it may be hard to be thankful at times but all things are possible with God. Always believe something wonderful is going to happen. Even with all the ups and downs, never take a day for granted. Cherish the little things and hug the ones you love.

Don't take anything for granted and live each day to the fullest because you never know if it will become your last.

The Thankful Project Day 20: Something About Your Significant Other Or Best Friend

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. This post is for Day 20 and the  prompt is "something about your significant other or best friend."

When I joined Kenzie on this linkup, the first thing I did was look at the prompt so I could plan my post better. I originally wanted to talk about my husband on the first prompt because he is one of the people I am really thankful for. Then, I saw that there is a specific prompt for a significant other.

My significant other, also known as my husband, goes by Terry. Saying that my husband is "awesome" is an understatement. He is the most amazing man I have ever met in my entire life, hence, I married him! Terry has so many great characteristics. I feel like it is not right for me to be thankful of only one thing about him.

From the moment we started hanging out in Virginia, I already knew he is a keeper. What caught me to begin with is his spontaneous, and adventurous characteristics. He was always "down" to do things, even with short notice. We did a lot of random things that I definitely enjoyed--snowboarding, kayaking, paddle boating, to name a few.

Terry has outstanding family values. He is caring, loving, and thoughtful. He has a good sense of right and wrong. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do the right thing, even when I am not looking. I know that Terry will do anything to provide for our family, and make sure that everything will be alright. Even before we had Maylee, I knew he would make an awesome father--and I was right! I admire watching him interact with our daughter. I can see how much he loves her. He is an amazing role model to her.

I am thankful of his amazing characteristics because they make him who he is, and in some ways, make a part of who I am as well. He is definitely my better half, and I am so grateful for everything about him. I am truly blessed.

What are you thankful for in your significant other or best friend?

The Thankful Project Day 19: A Book

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 19 and today's prompt is "a book."

Let's see... This prompt is somewhat difficult because I haven't really been reading a lot lately. I'm kind of stumped on this one. I'm thankful for the bible but another book I am thankful for is The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. The author explains that people communicate in five different ways: Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, Quality Time or Physical Touch.

This book was recommended to me by my friend Rebecca. I am so grateful for this book because it has helped me identify and understand my husband's love language. Not that we were having miscommunication but it is so nice to know what love language he speaks because I can express my love for him more effectively.  Before this book, the love language idea never crossed my mind. I have always expressed my feelings for someone through my own love language or what I thought would please them. I found out my love languages are physical touch and quality time.

I recommend this book because it can help you assess your significant other's way of understanding that you love them, and it can also teach you some practical steps to showing that you truly love each other. Every chance I get, I recommend this book. I have two copies of it--one is paperback, the other is on my Kindle. I actually lent my paperback copy to a friend at the moment.

I read Kenzie's post on this prompt and I think I am going to try two of her recommendations: The Happy Project and 20 Something 20 Everything. They seem pretty interesting. I think they can help me grow as a person. I also added The Shack (recommended by Keizra) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (recommended by Jamie Lynn) on my list as well.

What book do you really enjoy? Is there a book you would recommend?
Please let me know by leaving a comment on this post. I would really appreciate it!

The Thankful Project Day 18: A Choice

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 18 and today's prompt is "a choice."

Life is all about making choices. We make choices EVERYDAY. Some are harder to make than others. I am notorious for being horrible at making choices. It's NOT that I make poor decisions. It's just that when I am faced with choices, I take forever to make one. I am too picky when it comes to things. If I was given two choices, I compare every single detail thoroughly. Then if you give me another variable, like picking colors, well, well, well, you better give me til the next day to pick. I am so indecisive and I am not proud of it.  :(

Enough bashing myself!

There is one choice I make everyday, and that is, to stay positive. I choose to welcome each day with a positive outlook in life because I got so tired of constantly dwelling on negative things. My life is not perfect, and I don't have the most positive people in my life, but I try to live my life in a way that it will yield a positive outcome. I don't have this positive attitude figured out. I am still learning everyday. When things happen, I try to focus on the good things, rather than the bad. When something is starting to get me mad, I try not to let it get me all worked up. I do some breathing exercises to relax me. When people talk to me about negative things, I encourage them to see and talk about the brighter side of the situation.

I am thankful for this choice because it allows me to live a happier and healthier lifestyle.

(This is a picture of the bouquet of roses my husband brought home last night "just because")

How about you, what choice (or choices) are you thankful for?

The Thankful Project Day 17: A Room

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 17 and today's prompt is "a room."

The room I am thankful for is our living room. It's not our permanent living room because we are only renting this condo. But I guess in a way it is ours because we make it our own. It is our "home." I am so grateful that we have it. Everything pretty much happens here. We watch our favorite T.V. shows, and movies in this room--oh, and I almost forgot about football! Since I don't have a craft room yet, this is where I also do my sewing, and all kinds of crafting. Not to mention, I also do my homework on the coffee table. Ok now, BEFORE YOU SAY ANYTHING, I know we don't sound too organized, but I LOVE OUR LIVING ROOM because it serves as a common room for our family (and friends when they come over). This is where the special moments for our first year as a family of three take place. The moments that occur in this room are so valuable because they make us who we are. I know that when we finally own a house, our living room there will be even more amazing because it will be our own and we will be making memories there too!

What room are you grateful for?

The Thankful Project Day 16: Something You Own

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 16 and today's prompt is "something you own."

I've owned my Canon Rebel T2i for a few years now. I just looked at Canon's website and I didn't know they are up to T5i already. I can't believe how long it's been since I purchased this baby! When I made the purchase I hardly knew anything about DSLR cameras--I still don't know everything, but I am more comfortable operating it. I have never owned a camera with as much buttons and knobs in my life!

I know it's not the newest, or most advanced DSLR out there and I'm not even gonna get into which is better, Canon or Nikon. I recognize you, Nikon owner! but I am grateful that I own this camera because I get to capture pictures of the people and things that mean a lot to me. I am thankful that I can take a picture of something precious and have something tangible to remember special moments with because those precious moments don't last forever.

When you photograph people in color you photograph their clothes but when you photograph people in B&W, you photograph their souls. -Ted Grant

The Thankful Project Day 15: An Annoyance

Thanksgiving Day is 2 weeks away. I can't believe we are already half way The Thankful Project challenge! I can't say it has been easy but it definitely has been gratifying. I don't acknowledge all the blessings that have been bestowed to me enough, and I am so glad that I joined Kenzie in this challenge.

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 15 and today's prompt is "an annoyance."

No marriage is perfect. I must admit that my husband gets on my nerves at times. Some days this is more true than others. For example, yesterday, our conversations were not going as smoothly as I would hope. Little things that he does can sometimes drive me nuts. Things like:

• not closing the shower curtain when he gets out of the shower
• leaving his socks laying around in the living room
• talking on the phone while driving!

He annoys me more than I ever thought possible, but even when this is true, I still want to spend every irritating minute with him. I'm sure I do plenty of things that gets on his nerves and drives him crazy, too. I can only guess a few things, like:

• being so indecisive(I'm notorious for this! I take forever to make one decision ugh)
• being a procrastinator(I wait last minute to do my homework)

I think the key to a strong marriage is loving your spouse even in those times when he isn't being lovable--or when he irritates you. Marriage is about letting little things go. My mother-in-law refers to it as "choosing your fights." It's about giving up your right in the heat of an argument. It's about forgiving another when they let you down.

I read something about marriage. It's called the Marriage Box. I'm not sure who the author is but this is what it said:

Most people get married believing a myth that marriage is a beautiful box full of all the thins they have longed for: companionship, intimacy, friendship, etc. The truth is that marriage at the start is an empty box. You must put something in before you can take anything out. There is no love in marriage. Love is in people. And people put love in marriage. There is no romance in marriage. You have to infuse it into your marriage. A couple must learn the art and form the habit of giving, loving, serving, praising, keeping the box full. If you take out more than you put in, the box will be empty.

Annoying as they can be, I am thankful that they exist at all because I have been blessed to have such a loving, thoughtful husband. Though not perfect, but I have someone to spend my life with through the good times and the bad. I am thankful because these aggravating things guided me to where I am today, and they are still guiding me to be a better wife as I can be. I am learning to be a more patient and kind person. The annoying little things get on my nerves, but that only means that I truly care. They give me the reason to hold on to what I have even tighter. They give me the reason to pull out some hidden strength to fight, to adapt, to hold on to what I have and cherish my husband more.

The Thankful Project Day 14: A Blessing

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 14 and today's prompt is "a blessing."

The blessing I am thankful for today is my family. I am so blessed to have such a caring, thoughtful & handsome husband, and a healthy, happy & beautiful baby girl. Thank you God for blessing me so much more than what I deserve.

The Thankful Project Day 13: An Ability

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 13 and today's prompt is "an ability."

I normally mention only one specific thing for each prompt, but I want to make an exception today. I am  so lucky for all my abilities, and I feel like talking about only one would be ungrateful of me. I want to take this time to give thanks to God for blessing me all the things I am capable of doing. Here is a list of some of the abilities I am grateful for:

• Hear
• Speak/Sing
• See
• Feel
• Taste
• Smell
• Paint/Draw
• Stand/Walk/Run
•  Reproduce a baby
• Take care of myself and others
• Play the flute

I am thankful for all these abilities. But I also want to focus on one specific ability, and that is, the ability to produce milk. Being a new mom(I say "new" because my daughter is only two and a half months old), I am grateful that my body is able to make milk. It feels amazing knowing that I can feed my daughter some milk that actually comes from my own body. Breastfeeding gives me the satisfaction knowing that I am providing everything she needs to grow healthy and strong. I get this weird but awesome feeling whenever I feed her. Our bond is getting stronger because I am breastfeeding her. I feel so much closer to Maylee knowing that I can provide for her hunger. I am grateful that I am able to breastfeed because she is learning to trust me by knowing that I am always there for her whenever she needs me. Also, breastfeeding helps me love my baby in such a way I never knew I could love. She looks up at me, and sometimes even smile, while nursing. That simple gesture instantly melts my heart every single time. Breastfeeding is so amazing, the feeling is so empowering!

What ability, or abilities, are you grateful for?

The Thankful Project Day 12: An Opportunity

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 12 and today's prompt is "an opportunity."

A few posts back, I told you guys about the job I was thankful for here. Today, I am going to tell you about opportunities I . I am thankful that I had the opportunity to serve my country and travel the world while in the Navy. Not everyone gets the chance to be accepted in the military so I find myself fortunate that I got the opportunity to do so.

When I was on my third year in high school, my senior friends graduated and joined the Navy, all I could think about was "that's not gonna be me." I never thought that I would be in the military. I've always seen myself as someone who would go to college right away and get a degree. Honestly, I felt like joining the military was a last-resort-kind-of-thing. You only join the military if you're not good enough to go to college, or if you have money issues.

But that's not how I feel now. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to serve  not only my country but the world too. It's such an amazing feeling to know that I contributed to numerous Naval Operation like for example:

• I assisted in Operation Unified Response, which was the relief effort to the earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010. 
• I am also proud to say that I was on the very aircraft carrier where the body of Osama bin Laden was disposed of in May 2011.

I am so grateful of all the opportunities the Navy presented me. Aside from serving the world, I also got the chance to travel numerous countries--Brazil, Peru, Malaysia, South Korea, India, Philippines, Hong Kong, Dubai, Australia to name a few. It was such an amazing journey, and I will be forever grateful for it.

What opportunity are you grateful for?

The Thankful Project Day 11: Something You Were Taught

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 11 and today's prompt is "something you were taught."

Before I start my post on today's prompt, I just want to say Happy Veteran's Day to all veterans and active duty military! We went to Chili's for dinner and got some free food. I'm so thankful that restaurants give a free meal for all veterans. It's an amazing feeling to know that people appreciate my service in the military <3 After dinner, we went to a drive-in movie theater and watched Thor 2.

Check out Maylee's outfit! Terry bought it for her. I love it :)

 Now, back to The Thanksgiving Project prompt! I was taught a lot of things, and, really, I am grateful for all of them. But if I was to choose a specific one, I'd say I am grateful that I was taught respect.  My parents and grandparents always talk to me about respecting my elders, but I learned more than that. I learned to respect myself too. I learned that I cannot always count on others to respect my feelings. Respecting other people doesn't guarantee that you will get respect back. I learned that you only have control over yourself and how you choose to be as a person. As for others, you can only choose to accept them or walk away. I am hoping that one day I will get to pass down what I have learned from people. I want to be Maylee's role model. I want her to learn about respect by me giving her respect. Us adults often demand respect from children but we don't show them any respect in return. I want my daughter to learn to treat others the way she wants to be treated, to show kindness and consideration, to like herself enough to be herself, and to accept others for who they are.

The Thankful Project Day 10: A Memory

I'm linking up with Kenzie at Chasing Happy for The Thankful Project. It's Day 10 and today's prompt is "a memory."

Before I begin with this prompt, I just want to say that I am really enjoying The Thankful Project! It's making me think of the blessings I should be grateful for. When I was younger, I didn't take the time to be grateful for a lot of things, so I am glad that The Thankful Project challenge was created.

It's hard for me to pick one specific memory to be thankful for today as I have plenty. I suppose, if anything, I want to be grateful for my childhood memories as a whole. These memories are so important to me because they remind me of my past, of how everything used to be. They are so vivid, so clear, it's like I get to relive my life. I am thankful for my memories because remembering them makes me appreciate what I have now more than ever. I love those random memories that make me smile no matter what is going on in my life right now.

Here are some pictures that remind me of my childhood:

Isn't it amazing how all it takes is one song to bring back a thousand memories?