August 31, 2014- Treats

List your 5 favorite treats.

When I think of treats I think of junk food. So here are my favorites.

1.) Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

2.) Homemade No Bake Cheesecake

3.) Bar-B-Que Potato Chips

4.) French Fries

5.) Cheeseburgers

August 30, 2014- Healthy Foods

List your 5 favorite healthy foods.

1.) Avocados

2.) Cashews

3.) Brown Rice

4.) Tomatoes

5.) Pineapple

August 29, 2014- No Post

Too stuffed to walk inside to get my computer and look up the question of the day. So instead, I'll just say I had a nice day at work, a yummy dinner with a good friend, and came home to a happy puppy. Today was a good day. 

August 28, 2014- Hello Moon

How would you describe the moon to someone who could not see it?

The moon is high above in the area known as the sky. It's over 200, 000 miles away which is very far. It has different phases, which means throughout the month it is a different shape. Sometimes the shape is small and curved, Other times it is large and round. It usually only can be seen at night time, but sometimes it can seen in the morning. The moon rotates around the Earth and we only have one (some planets have multiple). Depending on where it is located it can affect things like the ocean. Sometimes, it passes by the sun making something known as an eclipse, which makes seem to disappear. No matter where you are in the world, you can see….and it is amazing and beautiful.

August 27, 2014- Ed Sheeran

Don't have time to write tonight. I was given free tickets to go see Ed Sheeran tonight in Los Angeles, so I'm making it a girls night with my sister-in-law, mom, and aunt. Should be a fun time!!

August 26, 2014- Lesson Learned

A lesson I learnt this week was…

This past week I was giving advice to a co-worker and I was kind of surprised by myself. I learnt that I can actually give good advice.

 We were discussing how there are times we think that we can handle a situation. We are the ones who make the decision and we are the ones who have to deal with the results.  However, sometimes the way that we deal with a situation is not by handling it ourselves, but for asking for help. We do not handle it on our own like we think we will. I let my co-worker know though, that handling the situation ourselves is asking for help. We realize the situation is too much for us, so we ask for help. Asking for help is not handling something ourselves, it is handling a situation in a mature and proper way by asking for help.  

August 25, 2014- Smell

Describe a memorable sensory experience from your day today. It might be a strong smell, taste or feel that has stuck in your mind. Describe what it makes you think of.

Today I had to get new post it notes from the supply closet. For whatever reason they have a very distinct smell. To me, it always reminds me of an operating room because it has a gas/new plastic smell. That is the best way I can describe it. It's not just me either. I asked one of my co-workers to smell them as well and she stated they smell very sterile. I told her they remind me of an operating room and she agreed.

As soon as I smell the post it notes I picture 2 things. The first is an operating room. I see all the operating tools and the giant bright lights. I also can see a few doctors in their full operating uniform. After picturing that I immediately picture the holding area for surgery. Anyone who has had surgery before knows they have you wait first. It is very similar to an emergency room except everyone there is waiting for surgery. 

I'm not sure why, but every time I get a new pack of post it notes this is what I smell. It's so distinct to me and has that specific smell. I'm sure I will never forget it. The sterile, gas filled smell of an operating room is ever embedded in my brain. 

August 24, 2014- Embarrassed

What were you embarrassed about growing up as a teenager? Does it still embarrass you? Why/why not?

I can't remember an exact thing that embarrassed me as a teenager. I think because I have very little shame that I don't get embarrassed easily. When you grew up like I did, seeing doctors constantly and having to always answer personal questions, you learn to be very open. I'm sure the occasional trip up the stairs, the accidental passing of gas, the pronouncing something wrong, your parents telling a story that doesn't shed you in the best light, etc. were all things I got embarrassed about. And yes, all these things would probably still embarrass me today.

There is very few things that would happen that would cause me to be so embarrassed I wouldn't be able to get over it. The probability of something happening to us that hasn't or wouldn't happen to someone else as well is low. We all have moments that cause our cheeks to turn red and make us want to hind under a rock, but that's life. There is nothing that could happen embarrassment wise that won't be forgotten shortly after. So as cliche as it is, just grin and move on because I'm sure those people you get embarrassed in front of and by will do the same thing.

August 23, 2014- Another Name

If you had to choose another name for yourself, what would it be?

The type of names I like are unisex names, names that can be for either a boy or girl. Some of my favorites are: Jordan, Riley, Quinn, Hayden, Peyton, and Ryan. Out of all of them though Jordan, Riley and Quinn have been my favorites for awhile. If I could pick my name it would be some combination of these names.

August 22, 2014- Goals

My three goals for this week are …

This next week my 3 goals are:

1.) Not to get lost when I go to the Ed Sheeran concert on Wednesday. He is playing at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. Every time I go down there I always park in the same area. This time, I was given free parking in an area I've never parked at or know where it is. One of the things that really stresses me out is driving and not knowing exactly where I'm going.

2.) To update my job board at work. Things have become busy and I haven't had time to get to it. I like it because whether it's myself or anyone else who walks into my departments office, they can see exactly all the projects we have going on. It helps to keep me and the rest of the staff organized.

3.) Smile every day. This past week I haven't felt too great and been nervous about my dog Tyson who had surgery this week. I know smiling is the best way to shake off stress and sadness, so now that Tyson's surgery went well, it's time to remember to smile.

August 21, 2014- First Thought

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning?

When I woke this morning my first thought was, "Wow, I slept all night." The last few nights I have not been sleeping very well. I haven't been feeling too well and I think it was because I was subconsciously worrying about Tyson, who had surgery today. The surgery went well and Tyson was a very good boy. So hopefully that means I will be sleeping well tonight too.

August 20, 2014- No Post

No post today because I haven't felt too great today. I have a nervous stomach because Tyson is having surgery tomorrow. I've come a long way, but still have a few more steps to go when it comes to my "baby" Tyson. 

August 19, 2014- I Made Them Smile

I made someone smile this past week, when…

I made multiple smile. I actually try to not only make myself smile each day, but someone else. I know on Saturday, my dad was floating on a raft in the pool. I snuck up behind him, jumped in, and get him soaked. He didn't smile at first, but my mom watching did. From there I kept jumping in, pushing him towards the waterfall, and eventually got him laughing. It turned into a fun memory I think we will both have for awhile.

August 18, 2014- Loyalty

Color, paint or collage this page in the colour you think best embodies loyalty. What colour represents loyalty to you? Why?

For me, when I think of loyalty I think of the color blue. I think it is because when I think of loyalty I think of soldiers when they are in their uniforms. I mostly think marines and air force because the majority of people I know in the military are in those branches. They both have very distinct blues in them. You always hear when it comes to military the loyalty they feel for one another and for their countries. That's why I automatically think a dark blue when I think of loyalty.

Marines

Air Force

August 17, 2014- Vegetable Garden

If you decided to make a vegetable patch, what vegetables would you plant?

If you already have one, what can be found there? What would you like to add to it?

I actually planted my first vegetable garden this year. I planted tomatoes (both cherry and big beef), lettuce, peppers, green beans, and cucumbers. The green beans did not grow well at all. I also only got one cucumber. The peppers have grown alright, and the lettuce was good at the start but has not done too well lately. My tomatoes have done really well.

Next year I'm still up in the air if I want to do vegetables again or fruit. If I do vegetables I would do tomatoes and lettuce again. I would want to try maybe carrots or broccoli. Those are all my favorite vegetables. If I do fruit I want to try grapes, strawberries, watermelon, and blueberries. Those would be my ideal gardens.

August 16, 2014- Made Me Smile

Write down a moment that made you smile today.

Today my mom and I went to get pedicures. While we were there one of the woman who worked there had her son there with her. His mom walked towards the back, which was where we were. He walked right up to his mom and complained that he was hungry. He asked if she could take him to go get food. In typical Southern California fashion his exact words were, "I want In 'N' Out." It made me smile because anyone who is from Southern California knows that when you have a hunger, In 'N' Out is one of the go to foods, no matter your  age.

August 15, 2014- I Believe In

3 things I believe in are…

I believe in the importance of family, the power of kindness, and loving yourself in order to love another.

August 14, 2014- 10 Years

10 years from now, I see my best friend…

This prompt is kind of hard for me because I don't necessarily think I have just one best friend. I feel like I have 6 friends that I would consider my best friends, and since each relationship is unique I can't pick just one. I do know what I think we will all be doing though. All these people I consider my best friends will all be in their mid to late 30s ten years from now. So I picture all of us, including myself, working and married or in a committed relationship. I see 4 out of the 6 having children by then. I also see 4 out out the 6 living in Southern California, while the other 2 will be in Canada. I do picture all of us healthy, happy, and still friends. 

August 13, 2014- Brave

Describe a time when you were brave.

A lot of times when I do things that could be considered brave, I don't necessarily think of them as brave. They often are things I feel like I HAVE to do, so I just do them. I don't think, I do. That is how I've always been.

I have had a total of 13+ surgeries. They haven't been little surgeries either. I've had 2 open heart surgeries, one of which my heart would not start and they had to use electrical paddles to "bring me back." I have also had surgery on my spine and very willing agreed to at the last minute to be the first patient in America to have a new procedure used to close up the incision. I know these 3 surgeries specifically most would describe as moments of bravery. Sure I was scared and sure I cried, but I went through with them because I felt like I HAD to. Being anything but "brave" was what I had to do.

The last time I can say I was truly brave was just over a year ago. I was starting my other blog discussing my issues with anxiety and depression. I knew I wanted to share my story and hopefully help others. One way I did this was by opening up on my social media sites, giving a tiny bit of information on what I was doing, and telling people where to find my blog. After I shared this my mom read it. She said it was really brave opening up like that. I didn't even think of it like that. Again, to me, it was what I felt I HAD to do. I wanted to help so I had to open up. It wasn't brave in my eyes, it was just something I did.

So I guess for me, bravery is just something I do. It's just who I am. I don't think about it. I just am.

August 12, 2014- Go Right Now

Today stick a photo or image in of a place you’d love to go to right now.

This waterfall on the Na Pali Coast on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

August 11, 2014- Today

Today my favorites are...

Favorite food: Any kind of pasta or pizza

Favorite band/song: Taylor Swift/ "Sparks Fly" by Taylor Swift

Favorite book: "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer

Favorite movie: Almost Famous

Favorite hobbie: Hangout with my dog

Favorite saying: "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Favorite thing to do on a Sunday: Go to church and spend time with my family

August 10, 2014- 5 Years Ago

Five years ago my favorites were...

Favorite food: Any type of pasta

Favorite band/song: All Time Low/ "Weightless" by All Time Low

Favorite book: The Twilight Saga Books

Favorite movie: 500 Days of Summer

Favorite hobbie: Reading

Favorite saying: You were born because you are going to be important to someone

Favorite thing to do on a Sunday: Working at Pacsun with all my best friends at the time.

August 9, 2014- Winter

The best thing about Winter is…

Last night I spontaneously went to the movies with a friend, which is why I didn't make a post last night. My friend and I went to go see the movie Step Up: All In. Minus the first one, he and I have gone to see all these movies. We don't go expecting to see amazing acting or a compelling story line. We go to see amazing dancing. This movie definitely had it. It was nice to go out last night and have a fun evening.

That is one thing in winter that you can't always do. Living in California we tend to still have nice winters. Snow storms and freezing cold weather is not common here. It does get cold enough though for my favorite thing about winter, warm and comfy sweaters. Over sized is my favorite style. I have quite a few in my closet and can't wait to bust them out and wear them in a few months.

August 7, 2014- Color

Paint or color in your page in a color that represents how you’re feeling today.

Light Purple- Because I'm very tired today and that color reminds me of my room and is very calming to me. Plus purple is one of my favorite colors.

August 6, 2014- Put A Smile On Your Face

Today was a looooooong day. I knew when I was driving home I needed to make sure I took the extra effort to put a smile on my face. I did that in 2 videos that I will share with you now.

August 5, 2014- Grow Up Anywhere

As a child, if you could have grown up anywhere in the world, where would you have chosen?

Growing up it was just me and my brothers, and the kids in the neighborhood. There were a few other kids who were like family because our moms were friends since before we were born. Other than that, I didn't grow up with any family. If I could have grown up or lived anywhere I would have wanted to grow in Montreal, Canada near my mom's family. I wouldn't have minded growing up near my dad's family, but all my consigns on that side are much older. My cousins on my mom's side are closer to my age. Also, their family is extremely close and do a lot of things together like holidays, dinners, and simply hanging out. As much as I loved growing up in California and still love it here, it would have been fun having family around as a child.

August 4, 2014- Nature vs. Nurture

Do you believe in Nature vs. Nurture? What do you think has more influence?

I definitely believe more in nature has a much bigger affect than nurture. Now don't get me wrong, nurture definitely has a huge part in who we become and are, but there are some things that are just how they are. I look at it simply in my own family. Myself and my younger brother have the same parents, we were raised the same way, and we are extremely different.

The most obvious difference in what my brother and I have naturally is physical. I could eat McDonald's every day for the rest of my life and still be rail thin. I would be extremely unhealthy, but my weight probably wouldn't fluctuate too much. My brother on the other hand has to watch his weight. I also am VERY clean and organized while my brother is clean, just not on the same level as me. The thing is we both grew up with my neat freak mother and he did not take after her like I did. I must naturally have that in me. My brother has amazing hand-eye coordination which is why he is so good at many sports, while I am not very good because my hand-eye coordination is pretty bad.

I definitely think nurture has a lot to do with who we become, but ultimately it is what we do naturally that wins out most of the time. We can always change the things we do naturally we don't like, but it is always a little bit more difficult than something less natural to us. To me, nature beats nurture. 

August 3, 2014- How I Live

Do you like to live alone or with people? Why?

I have never lived alone. When I was younger I lived with my parents and two brothers. Currently I live with my parents, younger brother, and our family dog. I don't really know what it like to live alone. In fact, I think I have ever only spent maybe one or two nights completely alone in my life. As a result, I don't really think I ever want to live alone. I'm sure it would be good for me. It will help test my independence and it may be something I really like. However, with always living with people I'm sure that is how I will always like to live. 

August 2, 2014- Mythical Creature

If you could choose one mythical creature to exist, what would it be?

Sorry for no post last. I was out having the most fun I've had in a long time. One of my brother's best friends got married last night. My brother was even the best man and gave an AMAZING best man speech. Easily the best speech of the night. My whole family went and had a great time. 

It is funny that the question tonight is about which mythical creature I would want to exist because last night in the wedding a huge part of it and them was Harry Potter. The bride is obsessed with the book series. they incorporated the unbreakable vow into their ceremony and even had their very own goblet of fires goblets to drink out of. In the third Harry Potter book there is a creature known as a hippogriff and named Buckbeak. He is half bird, half horse. These animals are known to be very affectionate and loyal to people who treated them with kindness and respect. With these traits, and the fact that I am amazed by birds, I would like this mythical creature to exist.