To Be or Not To Be

For quite some time I have not been feeling like myself.  For example: I hesitate before I post something on Facebook or Instagram because it might offend someone or in terms of expressing myself as well.  But let’s face IT IS EXHAUSTING!!!  Yes there are certain things for certain moments; it’s totally understandable.  But either I’m too bold or there are just too many sensible people out there.  Someone once asked me to describe myself and these were my answers:

Sociable, Energetic, Ambitious, Bold,

Funny, Motivational, Giving, Loving,

Sentimental, Strong, Fearless, Overprotective,

Intelligent, Wild, and Unforgiving

I know for a fact that I have to work on the Unforgiving one because I admit it I don’t take revenge because I do believe in Karma but I will not forgive when I get hurt.  Now I have had to control myself from several postings because I have been objectified, deleted from social media and even judged.

And it is until today that I will continue to be me.  No more trying to control, no more making believe, I will be what truly defines me.  I will simply be me without being afraid of being judged. 

A little reminder to all of you that are afraid of being yourself simply remember that when you stop thinking of what people would say about you, when you follow your bliss, and do what you love, you begin to align with happiness and peace. Connect with your true nature and allow your real self shine with all its glory.

It’s never too late to start over.  If you weren’t happy with yesterday, try something different today.  Don’t stay stuck and do better.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.  Being Puerto Rican we celebrate Columbus Day or Día de la Raza which is celebrated the second Monday of October. 

Although I was born in Brooklyn, New York; I consider myself to be fully Puerto Rican.  Being latina is more than just saying that I’m Puerto Rican, it’s my heritage, my island, my culture;  I just wanted to show you a little piece of where I am in pictures. 

Bomba y Plena: are defining musical sounds of the Afro-Puerto Rican population.

 Noche de San Juan (The Night of Fire) is a festival celebrated on June 23rd, a magical night that welcomes the summer season.  Myth is that at midnight you swim in the ocean to purify your soul.  Best part is the parties during the night at the beach. 

 Just look at this beautiful beach

Arroz con Dulce (Coconut Rice Pudding) - This dessert is typically made during Christmas.  It is made out of rice, coconut milk, cinnamon and raisins and it is to die for.

Puerto Rican Artisans

And here's a picture of my grandfather Ploughing with a team of Oxens.  Today is his 7th Anniversary since he passed away.  This is one of my favorite pictures of him.   

And lets not forget our famous actors and singers: JLo, Marc Anthony, Benicio del Toro, Zoe Saldana, Ricky Martin, Roselyn Sanchez & Luis Guzman.  Their are many more just mentions a couple.

October Goals

To me October is one of my favorite and sad months. On October my amazing Queen my mother was born and unfortunately my grandfather (her dad) passed away the day before her birthday.  And only God knows how much I miss him.  He was the one that would give me all the love in the world besides my parents.  He simply adored me and I adored him even more.  And Lord knows how my heart broke into pieces seeing my mother suffered the way she did.  Especially because a year later my grandmother (her mom) decided to let herself go as well. But despite the fact of all this sadness during this month I’m glad I still have my queen to say happy birthday too and to express all the love I have for her. 

I have included 31 October goals hoping to complete each one of them.  It has been something I’ve been thinking these past days regarding setting short term goals each month. 

1. Send my mom a care package with her birthday gift and some goodies.

2. Send arrangement flowers to my grandparent’s grave.
3. Get Knela groomed.
4. Start meal prepping.

5. Begin shopping for Christmas gifts.
6. Do an all house clean up.
7. Go to a pumpkin patch.
8. Buy someone sunflowers.
9. Walk on a breast cancer awareness marathon.
10. Exercise at least 3 times a week.
11. Go zip lining with Jules.

12. Begin my day with prayer.

13. Buy some pumpkin scented candles.

14. Go to a haunted theme park.
15. Send my husband a care package 
16. Start my first shutterfly book (Fort Bragg, NC)

17. Dye my hair completely black.
18. Buy a coat for the winter.
19. Try not to eat dinner outside for this whole month.
20. Write my cousin an encouragement letter (he’s in a rehab program).
21. Rock some brown and burgundy lipsticks and nail polishes.22. Begin a list of people I’ll send Christmas cards too.

23. Try and blog a Pinterest recipe.
24. Start a financial planning (thanks to Elena from Baby Ridley Bump).
25. Do a DIY Fall project.
26. Buy candies just in case I have kids knock on my door the 31st.

27. Switch out my closet for Fall, organize my jewelry and donate clothes I haven’t worn.
28. Schedule doctor’s appointments and make sure to go to each one.
29. Stick to my skin care routine. 
30. Try doing some pumpkin spice French macaroons.
31. Celebrate Halloween.

So those are my goals for October! How about you all? Any big goals this month?

One Month Down

Today is the first day of fall.  I’m so excited to see those beautiful trees change their colors and for some chilly weather.

I can’t believe a month has already passed since my hubs went to Fort Huachuca, Arizona.  It has not been easy as I thought it would be.  Not only do I miss him but all the not so good things that have happened to me in this month.  For instance:

1. My tire from my Highlander had a nail on it.
2. I have to guys living upstairs from me and I stomp like horses after midnight, litter down the balcony and urine down to my balcony.  (Where is the maturity???)(And yes I went to complain)
3. We pay for reserved parking and every time I get home there is someone on my parking spot.
4. And to top it off they cut my gas because apparently they never changed it to my name.  So now I have to wait 2-3 days.

 I really have to laugh now because what else can I do right!!! Despite the fact of all these negative details I really have to give a special thank you to my dearest friend Jules. Military life is not easy; you meet people that you know eventually you might not even see again because we move so many times.  But I am truly grateful because I have met a special woman. This lady has seen me at my worst for the past 2 years.  We moved to Fort Bragg on the same month, same year.  And we started working together and been friends ever since.  She helped me lose weight, she has listened to every stupidity I might say lol, she’s cried with me during my infertility treatments and til this day she always offers herself for any situation I may have.  I thought I would never make friends here but God has truly blessed me with her.

My sexy blondie

If you read my blog you might have seen I created a 4 month bucket list so here’s a little update on how it has gone so far.

4 Month Bucket List:

Begin working on our PCS Checklist

Diet

Exercising

Return to my part time job at Express

Girls Night Out with the girls

Go to Church

Go to Puerto Rico in December

Go to the Movies Alone

Grow My Blog

Hiking at Cape Fear River Trail

Jogging

Photography Lessons

Road trip to Georgia

Road trip to Virginia

Surprise hubs for Thanksgiving Day (if it’s possible)

Take Knela to the dog park

Try a new restaurant

Yoga

One month down 3 more to go.  But for now I'm just excited for the fall, pumpkins, holiday's and creating memories for when we have to move.  Yes, we are PCS'ing in January and I will not mention which will be his new duty station until we find out if for a fact it will not be changed.

Happy Autumn Everyone xoxo