Life of Positivity

To be honest, it's a total let down everytime I go online and the only thing I see are bad stuff that people say about other people. I try not to dwell so much on issues that I know has a solution, but no one would give a damn. So I thought maybe creating a more positive mood here on my blog might inspire a reader.

The environment is on fire with so much negativity, the next thing we might want to do is to avoid adding fuel to it. Pull the good from that same negative state instead. Let's set our pride and ego aside, remain grounded, be mindful of your surroundings and be a little sensitive towards others. Contribute something constructive. Be open to criticism and learn from those, be inspirational. Listen and don't over think. Help wholeheartedly, don't expect anything in return. Life is taken one day at a time so relax.

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With all the negativity circling the world let us counter that with a good deed each day or at least do things with a sincere, kind heart.

7 Years Ago, 7 Years After

7 years ago, I was placed in a position when and where I needed to do change for some reason that I felt I was underestimated. I thought that I must get out of my old self and start a new life as the very same person but much firmer. Firm. Why firm? I was known in my previous life as a happy- go- lucky or more of a carefree person. I used to be somebody whom you can throw stuff at and go head to head with and become the winner. With that, I chose to become firmer because being vulnerable is a weakness of mine. I don't fight back, I remain quiet at all times.

Like I said, I needed to make that change, and that change inspired me to let myself out of the box and share with everyone how I've become stronger, wiser and how parenthood played a big part in this new journey.

This month, Xtraordinarymom will turn 7 years old. The account was officially created in 2007 but the blog itself started running in 2008. Everything went so fast, so much stories was shared and so much memories were treasured.

The "true meaning" of blogging was a great factor to who I am now. I look at blogging as a form of self- expression "with or without readers". I make posts because this serves as my journal, an online journal more than a monetary resource or a  strategic way of getting a name out there. 

I stay at home 6 days in a week and maybe 18 hours a day. I am a full- time mother. I do everything myself, and my social life goes around some close friends but most of the time, my family. So imagine if I didn't have a close relationship with my siblings and my parents, plus the no. of hours and days I stay at home... that's nerve wracking! But thank God,  I'm still able to balance things out, that's when blogging will come in and also because I have a supportive family and a bunch of friends.

Blogging became the bridge on showing my true self and the changes I've made. I like it because I feel that I'm respected even more. Whatever is my approach here, that's exactly the very same individual you'll meet in person by the way.

As the years passed, I've made fewer articles. Life has become busier.

My children are growing and both me and my husband wanted to spend more time with our kids. In 2 years, I'll have a teenager and I am very excited to witness and experience that milestone with my son.

The next thing for me and my husband is to run a business of our own. We just thought that while we're young we should come up with something that will last beyond the corporate world. I've been quiet about it. We're aiming for 2 businesses. I've already started a pastry business some 3 months ago and I now have a bestseller. 3 months is a short period and it's still a small thing, but being able to come up with a food business on my own is something special I can grow it even more. The next is on its way.

6 months ago, my family have officially moved to our new home. 3 months ago, I started a business and still expanding. And in 2 years, I'll be entering a new phase in parenthood. My life has gone from- seriously? to- wow that's something! to- that's amazing!

Breathing A New Life

Heather Von St. James, a Mesothelioma Cancer Survivor is breathing a new life. Mesothelioma Cancer is an asbestos-related disease. A few months after giving birth to her baby girl, Heather was diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer. She didn't give up. Heather and her family sought for medication and made herself aware of the disease. Her attitude towards her medical condition was incredible.

"Don't give up, don't take death sentence as a diagnosis."

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Watch and share her story: Heather Von St. James Story

She fought with hope and a positive outlook both in her hands with her PURPOSE deep in her heart and soul. Family in her story, was a factor to her healing. Her family supported her all the way. Adjustments were made but it didn't serve as barrier. Heather won this fight, and her journey as mother, wife, a motivational example and as an inspiration continues.

"We operate from a place of hope and a place of living in the moment" - Heather

Heather's story inspired me to reach out to those undergoing not only challenges on their health and wellness but over-all, life's adversities. After learning about Heather's battle, it taught me to fear nothing and it even pushed me to hang on so tight to my sole purpose in life. Heather's story is proof that there's hope. That we should make ourselves aware. That fear will bring you nowhere. That we shouldn't stop doing what makes us complete. That we should take it one moment at a time and cherish each memory we make every day.

One of my fears as a mother is to pass at an early age. I don't fear death itself, it's really about the "what ifs". What if God suddenly decides to cut my life short. I want to be present and watch my children grow and mature. I want to grow old with the love of my life and both of us will be there for our children, for every milestone they'll make until they're ready to face the world on their own. Even if they're married, I want them to realize that I will always be there for them no matter what... and that's how I see my purpose in life.

Our "purpose in life" is being able to meet the reason what to live for., why we are here. For each day, I always see myself with my family. I look forward to this every single day of my life. It makes me happy, it makes me feel secure and loved.  They're my motivation to open myself and face reality as it is, they're my medicine to fight off negativity and they will always be my inspiration in everything I do.

Our PURPOSE is an instrument that brings out the greatness in each of us. It washes all the negativity away so we can clearly see the path to hope and better living. 

3's A Celebration 2014

My Birthday Celebration

Like the past years I've celebrated, I planned my birthday for 2014 to be simple. I'm happy to be able to spend my special day with the people I love. My supposedly "special day" turned into almost a week of fun. From a weekend lunch at YABU and dinner treat from my mom. My birthday lunch at Tender Bobs with my boys, birthday dinner with our good friend Ricky at City Buffet and my birthday celebration at Yakimix, all my favorite places to eat.

Prior to all of these, I gifted myself with a brand new induction cooker and range hood. A coffee machine to add will make everything fantastic. As you noticed, whatever I got as gifts are all going to our brand new condo.

I wait each year for my birthday because I truly feel that it's the best time to get anything or at least treat myself to whatever will make me and my family happy. Well, the "waiting part" has always been the most rewarding. I thank the Lord for such wonderful blessings.

 Christmas 2014

 As we all know, my family is set to move - in our new home. In between celebrations, from my birthday, my youngest son's 3rd birthday and the Holidays, we have been poured with so much new things to cherish. Like spending Christmas in our new condo. Even without furniture, we chose to spend both Christmas and New Years at our humble abode.

In 2013, after typhoon Yolanda, we felt like there's not much reason to celebrate. It was a bit depressing, the whole vibe, the feel of the season at that time was very sad. But the Holidays for 2014 turned amazing. In a way, we made up for what was lost during our 2013 celebration. We were also graced with the presence of some relatives from America. It was our first time to spend the Holiday Season with some loved ones from GA. It feels good, it feels extraordinary and exciting to be able to celebrate Christmas with people we don't often see.

Welcoming 2015!

2014 was a wonderful year. There were more easy times than tough ones. The year just started and blessings are already pouring in. I can't wait for what's in store in the next coming months. Here's to another great year, let's make more miracles happen 2015!

Starting The Year with A Prayer

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

If I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with Him

Forever and ever in the next.

Amen.

10 Years

I can't think of a better title to this post but the digits itself that marked another milestone in my life.  5 years ago, I was just day dreaming of the future with my other half. Where will we be on our 10th wedding anniversary? It's normal to think ahead and see yourself how you like it or the way you plan it.

I'm proud to say that in our 10 years as partners, all I can think about are happy memories. Sure, we had our down times, especially when we were still starting... And these turned as motivating factors that brought us to where we are at the moment. We are also surrounded by people who help us go through adversities--- our parents, our siblings and friends, the added colors to our rainbow. 

Thru certain situations, unforgettable moments, down to the most embarrassing experiences, together,  we've matured, we respect each other even more. We learned to meet in the middle when it comes to decision making. We shrug off anything that can cause an argument. We compromise and sacrifice. If there's another thing to be proud about, it's the fact that my husband and I work everything positively because we do things together. We're always together.

Because we know we have each other, we've learned not to look for contentment and happiness thru material things or live life around money.  But we still surprise each other in our own creative ways, just like what happened a few weeks back...

We didn't have a grand celebration for our 10th year, but my husband arranged lunch with a few people at Conti's. It was kinda a surprise for me too... and yes, I was shocked because I really thought that we're not going to prepare anything at all. We opted to keep things simple and discrete because we're presently preparing for something more important. So my husband reserved a function room, had food prepared and a short video presentation was shown. The video was composed of the times from the moment we got married up to the present with our 2 kids. 

10 years may look short and young but I gotta say... we feel that we've  lived and achieved more than the number of years that's indicated, or let's just say we're on the right track.

We have a 3rd grader.

We have a toddler who can say thank you and please...

We have a lovable Beagle named EMO.

We will be moving to our brand new place which is now our own to decorate.

We are planning to get an SUV and restore our old Honda Civic...

I can bake!
We travel as a family.

My husband's career is growing...

We both have white hair. lol! (now, that's aging)

We're all healthy.

What we did not have 10 years back, are the ones that make our life now beautiful everyday.

As we land on our 10th year being married and as we head towards our 14th year of being together, my husband and I both learned how to be flexible towards anything life will throw at us and will remain grateful and humbled for the small, simple moments that's given to us (forever...).

Power of A Prayer

For my fellow Filipinos...

We will get through this...

Bayanihan Spirit will prevail....

We will never leave any of our fellowmen who are in great need...

With a prayer, miracles will come and we will make it happen.

Live Now

It's one of those conversations I shared with my husband one fine Thursday morning while having breakfast...

Yesterday, he said: "how time flies so fast and so is life". 

So I jokingly replied: "Yeah, better not keep up with it or it's going to eat you alive". 

Then there was a pause. So I thought he was serious about it. 

Then I said, "You know what, don't get bothered by it. Live at the moment, do whatever is needed to be done, just go on with your daily life or routine." 

Then I got a smile and a nod which is a sign that I was able to ease out his thoughts.

You see, life itself is already complicated, we do all sorts in order to survive. The last thing I want for my family to do is to "keep up" with those complications. Like, technology, lifestyle, food and may it be just the over-all status of society. But if one can learn to dance around it, sway with it and make the most out of it, everything is going to be fine. It only becomes hopeless or dull or a nuisance if one will ask for more than what he or she can chew.

It's one of the things I hold onto everyday not only as a mother to 2 kids but also as a person, just plain me who stays at home 24/7. If you're going to look at it, I have nothing, but I don't find my status boring as if it ends there for me.

I push for whatever I can pull out with my fixed routine and I do get something positive in return. Simple things that makes me happy and where I can spread that same positive vibe to the people around me. Part of that was to be able to give my thoughts and share a new meaning when one notices that life just drives by so fast.

Thank God For A Blessed Week

Not only for the tasks I have accomplished for the past days, but also for the life that I enjoy with my family and for the days, weeks, months and years to come. I am thankful for those who love to share such inspiring words like this sweet prayer, it boosts us in becoming better Beings.

-source-

Make each day count, make your dreams happen, push forward, live at the moment and learn to take risks.

Happy weekend everyone!

Braided

Ever since I've grown my hair long again, one hairstyle I've been loving to wear especially on a hot day is braided. Braided hair isn't really damaging as long as you handle your strands lightly. A couple of months ago, I shared that I wanted a permed hair. I grabbed the inspiration for a permed hair when I saw the results after untangling my braided hair once, it was so nice.  It made me look different, like far different from having a straight hair.

Going back to perming. After having my hair assessed by 3 salons, I found out that with the length I have, it will most likely cost me 6K-9K with digital perming. The price alone, made me hold the decision to have my hair permed and will just go braided.

Last night, I went through braiding tutorials on Youtube. I got the tip from my sister Les who's very good at braiding and doing her own hairstyle.

1. Waterfall Braid

This waterfall braid I followed was from the bangs area. The result was really nice. It was very neat to look at, chic and it can be worn to formal events.

2. Fishtail Braid

I like the Fishtail Braid because it's really extraordinary to look at. I often see celebrities wear this kind of braid. The Fishtail like any other braid, can fit both casual and formal occasions. The results in my photo above didn't get the exact look from the tutorial, thicker bundles of hair were used. But I saw the difference from a regular braid. I love it!

With several other options to consider to get a different look on an ordinary day and aside from spending $200 just for a hair treatment, I look at braiding as a great choice for all seasons.  Summer is here, it's perfect to make us ladies look fresh.

An Inspiring Song On A Beautiful Sunday

Find Yourself: Brad Paisley

Listen to the song here:

Find Yourself: Brad Paisley

 When you find yourself

In some far off place
And it causes you to rethink some things
You start to sense that slowly
You're becoming someone else
And then you find yourself

When you make new friends in a brand new town
And you start to think about settlin' down
The things that would have been lost on you
Are now clear as a bell
And you find yourself
Yeah that's when you find yourself

Where you go through life
So sure of where you’re headin'
And you wind up lost and it's
The best thing that could have happened
‘Cause sometimes when you lose your way it's really just as well
Because you find yourself
Yeah that’s when you find yourself

When you meet the one
That you've been waitin' for
And she's everything that you want and more
You look at her and you finally start to live for some one else
And then you find yourself
That’s when you find yourself

When we go through life
So sure of where we're headin'
And we wind up lost and it's
The best thing that could have happened
‘Cause sometimes when you lose your way it's really just as well
Because you find yourself
Yeah that's when you find yourself

A ♥-ty Family Talk

Today, we were honored by another presence of a relative from America. Tita Lilay. She's my husband's Aunt from the Cruz's side. It's been years since her last visit. It was also my first time to meet her. Last December 2009, her daughter Grace came home, we had lunch together.

But before telling my story, let me share a wonderful blessing that has been gracing us since 2009. That would be our relatives, families and friends that's been visiting us from other countries. People we haven't seen for the longest time, people I personally haven't met yet but close to my heart and people whose been showing support and love even online just to make us feel that they care about us and they will always be there for us.

with Tita Lilay from the lovely State of California:

It will really be nice to visit San Fran once we get to travel America. Definitely we will do that. San Francisco has always been part of my husband's itinerary every time he'd go to the US. Aside from Georgia, the other half of the Cruz's resides in San Francisco. When others think that we're far apart from our loved ones... it's never really like that. Still, time grants everyone to come back home not just for us, but also to see what the Philippines has become.

Over breakfast at Café Adriatico, we were able to catch with some stories with Tita Lilay both old and new, good and bad. The highlight of our conversation was all about family. The last time she was with Dolf was when he was still single and mingling. A lot has changed. She was very happy and excited that Dolf and I met. It was truly an honor for me to be part of the family of course. On the serious side of our small talk, we all agreed that being able to have a family requires extreme sacrifice. For richer and for poorer. My husband shared that the moment he found out I was pregnant with Franky, he knew that he must work harder and he took pride of being "the dad" he has always been wanting to be and it was the time to aim higher. Right there and then, when Dolf was sharing that experience with Tita Lilay, I got teary-eyed (again).

Had to thank "The One" above again for giving Dolf to me. And sharing our story with another happy person like Tita Lilay was just amazing.

Life, it is a path full of adventures. It's up to us to find ways and alternatives to make the most out of it. For Dolf and me, we went through the normal process of having a family. My husband climb his way up. As for me, blooming from being a pregnant wife to becoming a mother was the loveliest thing life has given me.

Good Morning Neighbor!

Today is officially our second week in our new home. Of course, it took time to blend in the community. We were a bit shy, but everybody (our neighbors) were very helpful and hospitable. Back in our old condo, I think we were the only ones who never failed to greet everybody everyday. The rest, they were just too busy and too occupied. It's different this time around. Our new neighbors were very happy to help us go about some rules around the subdivision. They showed concern asking how are we doing. Most of all, it was very polite of them to greet us every morning, lunch and even at night.

Good Morning! Good Afternoon and Good Evening!

I never thought that "such wonderful neighbors" still exist. What an inspiring booster to start the day right and happy.

It's just great to be part of a good environment. A good environment for me is a place where people don't mind you but you know anytime you can approach them. A good environment is a place where intrigue (intriga, chismis) does not exist and are not even welcome. A good environment is a place where people respect privacy. A good environment is a place filled with simple people with simple minds. A good environment is a place where our children can play and just do their adventures.

-photo source-
A good environment is a state that makes a person happy, inspired and complete.

Mom's Fun Day!

I thought that it was just an ordinary school activity for Franky. I over slept, woke up late and I forgot to bring my camera. But lucky enough to find a perfect parking spot! :D

Mom's Fun Day is the school's way of paying tribute to all moms who poured so much time in support for their children in school.

The endless home notes, creative projects and joining other fun activities that binds the family at home and in school.The activity was exclusive for moms and the kids. Not a sight of a single dad around. And would you believe, none carried a camera too. We were all just having fun playing games, popping balloons, ate our snacks together. Franky and me enjoyed watching some intermission numbers from fellow moms and their kids. They danced and sang a song together.

We ended the activity as our children sang a song for us while they also handed out the Paper Roses they made. I was really touched. Again for a first time school mom, it made me teary-eyed. Maybe, crying will always be part of it. For every sweet gesture and for every achievement made by my little boy. Tears of Joy that is...

A Colorful Start

December 30, 2009 My husband took us to Manila Ocean Park and had dinner at the famous Harbor View Restaurant.

Even our view of the harbor was already pretty colorful.

It was a relaxing night and our moment to talk into details of our goals for 2010. Very excited on what's waiting for us...

Last time we witnessed some fireworks on New Year's Eve was 2 years back, welcoming 2007. Opening our arms in welcoming 2008, we decided to stay indoors, but we made it super memorable with my father-in-law. And with 2009, it rained hard. Looking back at the events that made news this past year, the rain that poured welcoming the 2009 was a sign that a great trial will come for the whole community. But with faith and hope we're all able to stand up once again and were able to celebrate the holiday season.

We Filipinos, "we never give up, we never let anything stand in our way to spoil our precious moments".

It took 2 years for us to finally watch some colorful fireworks. We gladly accept whatever is in store in this brand new year and the start of a new decade. Watching the fireworks made us feel that the years to come are going to be delightful.

It was very timely...

• Was able to watch fireworks--- more fireworks welcoming 2010 compared to the past years

• New Year

• New Decade

• New Chapter

Rizal Fireworks

Quezon City Fireworks

We're going to take this colorful celebration as a good sign. When or How it's going to be a good year? We'll never know... It's up to us to look at things positively. It's up to us to make it work. Hopeful that it will result to something good.

On the other side of our New Year's Eve celebration...

Since this color symbolizes both good and bad, we decided to wear clothes that has a hint of it. Over-all, this color possesses good. According to Henry Dreyfus, it is popularly felt that red, the color of blood and fire, represents life and vitality. Red also signifies the color of the sun: a symbol of energy, radiating its vitalizing life-force into human beings.

Before and After ending 2009, my family and I spent quality time together. We went to places in the city which we haven't visited yet.

January 1, 2010 After spending New Years at my parent's house, we went up to Antipolo and took Franky for some sightseeing.

Overlooking Manila--- Leaonardo's Antipolo City
Another colorful sight.

Welcoming 2010 shed some light that no matter how colorful or dull life may be, staying positive is key to everything. It's the strong force to enjoy a new year and a decade for us to fill with fulfillments.

Inspirations: Consistency Is A Gift

Please refer to these words:

Consistency- firmness, harmony, compatibility, holding together and a retaining form
Constant- faithful, persistent

So what did I learn from the last event I went to... Consistency in general is a gift.

Constant when it comes to relationships, constant purposes and reasons why you are present, constant on just being true to others and being yourself. With consistency and balance, we bring good vibes and positive thoughts. Be a friend to everybody.

"My life is a joy filled with love, fun and friendship all I need to do is stop all criticism, forgive, relax and be open."

"I am my own unique self - special, creative and wonderful"

Celebrating Sweet Nothing's First Blog Anniversary

Life continues. Stories of happy, sad, fun and Xtraordinary. As I was assessing my blog's survival for the past year, there is only one motivating factor behind it. The CHALLENGE of what my life has got to offer in order to share. Its all about life. Life, life, life. How colorful it is, how dull and bland it may be.

One thing that I totally forgot for the past 6 months though... the main purposes and reasons why I started blogging.

Theme: It's all about My Life's Purpose. Providing inspiration, learning from others, accepting adversities and making it as a strong point of starting all over again, opening up for change and simply releasing some thoughts that are worth sharing and maybe life changing. I am blessed with a life that most women enjoy. Some, they dream about, and others become very envious of.

Being a Mother and a Wife.

Just yesterday, I was aksed by a famiy and a friend. "So what's for you now"?

I answered: Where my husband goes, I'll trust, I'll follow and support him. Being a Mom and a wife is IT for me. There's nothing else IN for me. I am very satisfied with the life I have with my family. It's all about my family now...

Sweet Nothings will always be about our (my family's) Nothingness. The little but sweet nothings that makes our everyday extraordinary. Sometimes we don't see. It's just there, we all have it. It may be the smallest factor, reasons why we are happy. Sweet Nothings will stand with or without ads, EC, blog hops, and comments. With another year ahead of me, it is an opportunity to reflect on the old, create a happier set up, and for sharing new fairy tales, stories of love, laughter, sadness... whatever comes.

To my blogger friends and readers:

Thank you for the blessing of friendship, love, and inspiration. Thank you for the one of a kind experiences, the laughter, the "kilig" moments from your stories, learnings, and for the stories that define who you are.

Today, I choose to focus on Life's small gifts,
a touch, a smile, a fragrance.
Today, I choose the Good that Life has to offer.

0o0o
So how did I celebrate my first year?

My husband went on a 2- week leave from work. Everyday- from Monday, we were out loving our time. Enjoyed each other's company, danced around the kitchen together, brought our son to and from school together, made Franky's Halloween costume together. It was just all about being Extraordinarily together... everyday.

Plus, plus, plus

A 6-hour pampering in the new hair salon I just recently discovered. Hair treatment, foot massage, pedicure. Well, it's that time of the year when I pour time for myself. Might as well do it in celebration of my blog's first anniversary.

My little boy, happy to accompany me. Thanks to my husband who took care of everything

A New Beginning

I miss blogging...
I have been busy storing whatever is needed and looking over my family.
Finally we have water and constant electricity.
Car is still busted but my husband is having it fixed today.
Hopefully, our week will start right this time around.

The Dreamer Will Stop Dreaming In Her Dreams

This may be something negative on first impression...please read on.

"I am free of the past and the future. The moment I live in is now, with no history affecting my choices in the present".

If there is something greatly attaching me to this world... that would be my dreams. Its nothing negative on my part. I have been telling myself that for every dream, it will come in the right time, and live what is in the present.

I guess, I had a hard time stopping from dreaming... and I ended grasping for some breathing air, running after what I wanted (plans & goals). Whether it is for my family, myself or for others.

Over the weekend, I was awakened to stick with what is happening at the moment. And I will start to go through the week taking it step by step living each day fully. Once in a while we need to have a little enlightenment of what we used to have as a perspective in life. Well, I thank God for the life he has given me, and I'm able to take dreams as inspirations not as an aiming point. If it's really meant for me or for my family, why not, we will glady accept it with open arms.

Work and stress combined, makes us think beyond the life we have right now. And we exceed with the use of so much time, we drain our brains, and physically, we get exhausted. When in fact, if we were only thinking of the task to be finished that day, we should be excelling and preserving our strength for another successful day. Which will definitely, still contribute for a brighter future. We don't lose anything and we will still gain a lot.

Have a great week ahead!

Keeping An Open Mind

My batteries are low today...I don't know when I'll charge back. I enjoyed a cool weekend with my family. We went shopping for my new jacket, enjoyed a pan of pizza and a wonderful movie. But it seems like my brain isn't cooperating well. I think I enjoyed our weekend too much (hehehe!). I want to describe how our weekend went (like the usual), but no words are popping out at least to start it.

I'm making this blog instead.

You know what made my weekend exciting? I found a store that sells the DSLR Protector that I intend to buy on Ebay. So yehey! Because I hate making transactions online. I didn't buy it yet because I didn't bring my camera. And I already bought so much in one day.
The jacket alone, ate all of my cash (but it was a worthy buy). Its the only clothing my closet lack.
And to keep the blues away the whole week, I plan to go on some "Me Time" this week. Get a haircut, buy that cam protector, buy another jacket and some new clothes for my son. If not, ah well, I'll just save.

Hopefully by Friday, I'll be able to get my hands on some blogging money too.
More yehey! yehey!yehey!
And keeping an open mind will still make me a contented person, in case none of my plans will push through. Spending quality time with my family is good. Like really good.
So there, I ended up posting my affirmation for the week .