The 100 Day Project on Insta | #100dayswithnessa

19 April 2016

challenge

The 100 Day Project on Insta | #100dayswithnessa

Hi, guys! With my last exam quickly approaching, I'm getting more and more excited for the summer! I think I'm just more excited to just sit on my porch and enjoy the weather while finally catching up on my reading list.While taking a break from studying, I was on instagram and found a fun little challenge that starts TODAY! And, in that instance, I decided to join in! So, from what I've gathered, Elle Luna is hosting The 100 Day Project where you basically share photos for 100 days of whatever theme you like.

She shared the rules/details to the challenge on her instagram, as shown in the photo above. I've also written them down below for you to follow along!

1. Choose your action.
2. Repeat this action for the next 100 days, and take photos!
3. Choose a unique hashtag for your project.
4. Have fun! The project starts on April 19, and finishes on July 27, 2016!

Since it is my first year participating in the 100 Day Project, I decided to keep it simple and share whatever my phone points towards. So the "unique" hashtag I've chose is... #100dayswithnessa. 

Are you joining in The 100 Day Project?? What's your hashtag?

Follow

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Easiest Person To Buy Gifts

04 December 2013

31 days

Easiest Person To Buy Gifts

I am continuing to challenge myself by blogging everyday with Christmas themed post until Christmas Day! Today, I decided to talk about who I find the easiest person to buy gifts for this year!
Shopping, shopping, shopping… It can both be the greatest side activity or the worst experience ever! Especially when it comes to Christmas shopping, oh man do you need A LOT of time to prepare and go shopping just for one person.  Don't get me wrong, shopping for some people MAY be a little easier in comparison to others.  Today, I am going to talk about who I find is the easiest person to buy!
When I say "Easiest Person to Buy", I basically mean who is the easiest person to shop for.  In all honestly, I find this topic extremely hard, a… so I really had to think about who falls into this category...
I mean, I guess I could talk about my parents as they explicitly tell my sister and I what they want… but then again buying them gifts isn't financially easy without the other parents' help.  For instance, my dad wants a new television for his room.. Ha I don't even work.  My mom is going to have to help me on that one.
But, if I am referring to this year alone, I guess the easiest person to buy a gift for is my sister.  

My mother and I recently went Black Friday shopping bought her own Macbook Pro, so that she doesn't have to constantly be using mine.  Because of that, it hit me with the idea to just purchase her a red shell case, and matching red keyboard cover for her Macbook.  Since I was purchasing this online from eBay, I decided to buy a 3 for 1 deal which comes with the screen protector.  

[Source]

Other than that… it is NEVER easy for me to purchase a gift for anyone.  Everyone is so complicated with their wants and desires, and so there is either a huge range of possibilities to buy someone, or there is absolutely nothing someone will want.
Other than that, I am really thinking about getting her own set of lotion from Victoria Secret.  She keeps using my lotion thinking I don't notice.  So I found this gift option they are currently selling at Victoria Secret! I think this would be great for any girl actually, especially how it comes with a makeup bag. 

[Source]

Oh boy, I really hope she doesn't see this blog post (I guess that's why I have yet to tell her about my blog!)
Christmas shopping stresses me out financially and emotionally… Help!  If you have any ideas (or already know for what you are buying for your sister) let me know, perhaps you can lend me some more ideas!
Who is your easiest person to buy a Christmas gift this year?

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Favourite Christmas Songs

02 December 2013

31 days

Favourite Christmas Songs

Now that it is December, you're probably listening to the overplaying use of Christmas carols and songs on almost every radio station.  Lol, if you are anything like my mom, you're probably blasting the music at home while doing house work… So since everyone is already exposed to the many Christmas songs already playing practically everywhere, today's blog prompt won't be too much of a challenge.
I'm a 90s girl, growing up listening to Backstreet Boys, N'sync, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and much others.  So you could already imagine what is my favourite christmas song from the list of artists above.
These are two big songs that isn't probably played as often as it should, but never the less, I provided the youtube videos below so you can enjoy my favourite Christmas songs!
All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey 

My Only Wish (This Year) - Britney Spears

Christmas songs can either annoy the crap out of you, or bring you into the Christmas spirit! As for me, I can decorate my house just by singing and dancing along to these two songs alone! What are some of your favourite Christmas songs? Let me know!

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Favourite Part of the Holidays

01 December 2013

31 days

Favourite Part of the Holidays

Well its finally here, December 1st! Exactly 24 more days until Christmas.  I'm so excited! For the rest of the month, I've decided to try and blog everyday (if I can), but make it Christmas related.  For example, today I will be talking about my favourite part of the holidays! If you're wondering what I will be talking about after Christmas, well I hopefully (if I have time) talk about my goals for 2014 and perhaps some favourite memories of 2013!

Shall I being? 

My favourite part of the holidays is the time I get to spend with my family.  No one really takes the time to realize how much time you really don't get to spend quality time with them.  We are ALL either to busy with school, work or other things that we forget to spend time with the family.   They are a huge part of our lives, and I think just having the weeks off from school and work is the perfect way to just spend the time with them.
In addition to spending time with the family, I love having Christmas parties with my cousins and other aunts and uncles.  That is honestly the best just finally catching up with all my cousins, all of us being in the same room and just laughing around.  I love my cousins, and I just love their company.
As much as everyone makes the holidays just about Christmas, I really do think we need to take the time to spend time with our families.  Yeah I know its the Christmas break and all and you want to spend A LOT of time partying with friends.  But I really do thinking that family quality time is important and a great bonding experience!
Lots of love,

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Abs and Squat Challenge!

30 November 2013

30days

Abs and Squat Challenge!

Tomorrow is the first day of  December, and all I am thinking about is how excited I am for the winter break! If you're like me, you're probably just excited to be with friends and family, receive and give a lot of gifts, and just eat all the food family will prepare! This is the best part of the year!

But, if you know me… I am very conscious about my body, especially when it comes to my weight! Before entering university, people would tell me that usually anyone can gain up to 20 pounds because of the stress and irregular sleeping patterns the uni life entails.  Its crazy, and I was definitely not going to allow this for my body.

So when it came to my first year… I ended up going to the gym towards the end of the year, but I went everyday in the summer.  So my goal to maintain my weight throughout the year was a little successful, but my workout schedule started to die down as summer began and the new school started…

Now that it is the Christmas break, and I will mostly be home studying for exams and just keep warm from the cold outside.  I decided that I will continue to cut down on the fatty foods, and attempt to eat healthier instead of constantly going out to dinner with Jay (sorry babe!)

In addition to that, I will be participating in the ab and squat challenge that I found on www.30dayfitnesschallenges.com.  If you would like to join me, let me know if you're keep up with this! I know it will be hard since its December, but I have to start somewhere right!

Good Luck!

Hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

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The Thankful Project: A Simple Pleasure

28 November 2013

30days

The Thankful Project: A Simple Pleasure

Wow can you believe that November is almost over?  December is right around the corner.. meaning EXAM Time! yikes!  As much as I would love to talk about exam (yeah I actually don't), I think its time for another thankful prompt hosted by Kenzie from Chasing Happy.

Day 27: A Prompt About "A Simple Pleasure"

As some of you already know, I live in Canada and the only way you know winter is here is when it is COLD, snowing and when it is cold.  Believe me, as pretty as it may look, the snow is not something you want your car to get stuck in when you're in the rush to get somewhere… 

Anyways, I think today it is appropriate to be thankful for the snow today.  Last night it snowed, and for the first time this season, waking up to the sight of snow was just so beautiful.  My favourite things to see during the winter is the snow laying on the tree branches! It's like looking at a life size post card! It is so beautiful, and the cold is just an added bonus for reasons to cuddle with your loved one.  

As much as I do not like the cold, I cannot lie… I love the snow - especially when its fluffy and white!  Just being around the fire with family, and spending quality time indoors with the people you care about, is definitely something I am thankful during the winter season!

Catch up on my previous posts (that I have yet to catch up on…)

Day 24: A prompt about a physical trait Day 20: A prompt about a significant other Day 19: A prompt about a book Day 18: A prompt about a choice - find the rest by going through my archive!
Thanks for stopping by!

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The Thankful Project: A Book

19 November 2013

30 days

The Thankful Project: A Book

Day 19: A Prompt About "A Book"; hosted by Kenzie from Chasing Happy

For today's prompt, I decided to pick a book that I am currently reading to make my thankful post more meaningful.  So today, I am thankful for Righteous Dopefiend by Philippe Bourgois and Jeff Schoenberg.
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I am currently reading this book for my Socio Anthropology class; so as you could imagine, this book takes an anthropological approach to do an ethnic study of the daily struggles of survival of homeless people with a physical and emotional addiction to heroin.
Although I do not live in the states, this book is based off a group of people who live in San Francisco, I think this is a great read for anyone to look into the day-to-day lives of those who are homeless.
I have yet to finished reading this book as I am currently on chapter 7, but just by reading the stories of the lives of different people just makes me so thankful for the life I have.
People usually take for granted the homes that we will in and the food that we eat, and just reading this ethnographic study is a great wake up call that I shouldn't be taking my life, and every thing in it for granted.
I am just thankful that this book is opening my eyes to also see that homeless addicts do actually have feelings and their own social lives.  It's astonishing to me that they are just like us, the only difference is that they are either doing heroin or crack, and struggling to keep up with their daily demands.
Ultimately, I have learned so much by reading this book - stuff about what life is like on the other side based on the researchers spending 12 years with these group of people.
I've said it many times already, but I am thankful that this book has found its way into my hands and mind for me to be really appreciative and thankful for what I have - parents, food, and a home.

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The Thankful Project: A Choice

18 November 2013

30 days

The Thankful Project: A Choice

I know yesterday I didn't make a post about yesterday's prompt, but I had a good reason that I choose not to share until the time is appropriate…
But on the bright side… Tomorrow is my birthday!

Day 18: A Prompt About "A Choice"

This one I had to think long and hard for… I really wanted to make this prompt meaningful by actually reflecting on my choices and what I am thankful for… and I've come to a conclusion for what I am to talk about today.
I am thankful for choosing the school I currently go to - University of Toronto - Mississauga.  If you are wondering how this is a "choice" that I am thankful for, it is because two years ago when I was applying for universities, I have to admit I was pretty scared of the entire process.  I didn't know what programs to apply for and what universities to apply into.  I was especially nervous about not getting accepted anywhere...
Eventually after a few weeks after my application went through, I got accepted to York University.  As excited as I was, there were stories going around about this school not being the greatest, and that basically it was a "shitty" school. (NOTE: Others words, not mine).
Then a few months later, to everyone's surprise, I got accepted into University of Toronto.  UofT currently ranks #14 in the world, and #1 in Canada. (For more info, please visit this website: http://news.utoronto.ca/tags/rankings).
So knowing the statistics of this school, you could imagine how many parents living in Canada would LOVE to have their children attending this school… so I was extremely happy I had the honour of being accepted to such a prestigious school.
Now back to the present, I am currently in my second year of university and I am just so thankful to be apart of a community that takes education seriously.  I am just honestly thankful that I have the opportunity to receive an education.  Therefore, this choice of choosing to accept the offer at studying at this school, is what I am thankful for today.  

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The Thankful Project: Something I Own

16 November 2013

30 days

The Thankful Project: Something I Own

Today's post is a combination of my retirement last night in the Air Cadet Program and the today's thankful project prompt.  Warning there are pictures and a lot of words written… but it means a lot you're taking the time to read it! Thank you

Day 16: A Prompt About "Something I Own"; hosted by Kenzie from chasing happy

I think today's prompt is perfect as it ties into the events of last night that  I wanted to blog about.  So without further ado … This is something I am thankful I own.

These are my Warrant Officer First Class Badges that I earned and received last year.  I am so thankful for this promotion because throughout not only the past year, but my 7 years in the cadet program, I have honestly learnt so much about myself as an independent woman.  I used to be so shy and timid, and now I am able to stand in front a crowd to talk, teach, or even cry (in the case of last night).
I am absolutely so thankful to have had the opportunity to be the WO1 of 700 David Hornell V.C Squadron and serve as a role model and inspiration for not only all the younger recruits and cadets; but the females in the cadet program.
After receiving my 3rd bar for my Air Cadet Service Medal, and my cadet retiree pin last night, it was such an honour for me to hand over my drill cane to my sister, who last night was just promoted as the next Warrant Officer First Class.  As weird as it is to have the sister take over from the sister in this position, I didn't mind because if the officers knew I could do a great job with the squadron, I am absolutely sure they are 100% confident in my sister as well.  

To my surprise, after "handing" over my Chief title to my sister (my successor), she and a group of friends surprised me with a song they made to one of my favourite song What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction.  Once I figure out how to add videos from the video camera, I will definitely post about it later on! But for now here are some pictures of the pictures they gave me as well as signatures about it and the group of friends who sang to me in the front of the squadron.

That was just amazing; and after crying from the surprise of roses and chocolates they gave me, I was saying my speech.  And before I knew it, I was an emotional wreck.  I tried very hard not to cry, but it was hard because this is something I have been apart of since I was 12 years old.  I spent 1/3 of my life here in this program giving my all… and you just wouldn't understand how thankful I am that I was forced 7 years ago by my parents to join.  It is just amazing how much I accomplished and how much I did for this family in just 7 years.

And after my speech, just like that, the new Squadron Warrant Officer took over and gave me my final march past… It is definitely different being on the other side of this march past.  But it was amazing and I am thankful for these cadets appreciating all the work I've done.

 After the march past, my CO gave me the honour and privilege to promote my sister to Warrant Officer First Class… something no one will ever whiteness - A sister promoting her own sister to follow into her footstep.

So end off this thankful post; my badges are so valuable to me as there can only be ONE WO1 in each squadron.  That is a something I am so thankful for, having the faith and the encouragement from the staff of Officers and the cadets themselves.  Those badges that I received symbolized the amount of work and heart I put into this squadron in just 7 years.
I guess the only reason why I cried so much last night was because saying good-bye and letting go is the hardest part of this whole thing.  So I wish them the best of luck, and I really hope they don't stress my sister out too much… the officers kept emphasizing to her how she has huge shoes to fill.
Although many Officers congratulated me on having the best annual they've ever seen since the 60s, I know my sister will do a much better job than me and I will always be here to support her and help her when she needs to… but thats because we will in the same house so I won't be able to ignore her. JOKING!

 Have a great weekend everyone! Thanks for reading!

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The Thankful Project: An Annoyance

15 November 2013

30 days

The Thankful Project: An Annoyance

Today's prompt I think is very difficult… What is an annoyance in my life that I am thankful for? hmm… I could talk about my sister, but that wouldn't be too nice as I was thankful for her being in my life in yesterday's post…

Day 15: A Prompt About "An Annoyance"; hosted by Kenzie from chasing happy

I've thought long and hard about this one… and I figured it out. Why not talk about the annoyance that is right in front of me!!  That's right, I am talking about my Macbook Pro.

Lately, it has been such an annoyance and a use inconvenience to use my laptop.  Macbook pros can usually last up to 8 hours without charging, and that was the primary reason why I spent all my hardworking money on this laptop.  There aren't a lot of outlets available at my University in the classes, so I figured charge this laptop once and easily use it in class.

But literally just a few days ago, when I was charging it, it said it would take around 14 hours to charge! And I knew that was for sure WRONG.  It should take like the most 2 hours if I am using my laptop at the same time while it is charging.  Anyways, it has gotten worst… when I was in class with a battery of 79% my laptop shut down, and I couldn't turn it back on.

Now, my poor baby won't even turn on unless the charger is connected to the laptop and an outlet… and onto of this, its not even charging when it is plugged in. It says: "Battery is not charging" but "Power source: Power Adapter"…. are you kidding me. 

Going back to the thankful part of this whole situation… The reason I am writing about my laptop being an annoyance because I should actually be thankful that I have a laptop.  Like I was thinking about it today and in all honestly I am just happy that I didn't lose any of my files and I am able to essentially still use my laptop for my classes and for personal use.

So when it come to the laptop charger accidentally falling off, I do get annoyed as the entire laptop shuts down… but I am just glad that I have my warranty left and I am extremely happy I didn't lose my important files that I have on here… Thank you Jesus!

Jay bought me the pink Macbook cover and keyboard cover!

Going to the apple store soon to get it checked out… wish me luck! and happy Friday!

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The Thankful Project: A Blessing

14 November 2013

30 days

The Thankful Project: A Blessing

Count your blessings is something I definitely live by.  It is something that we all tend to forget to do because we are all just so preoccupied with just having everything go in a specific direction.  Then all we are left with is disappointment, which ultimately leads us into complaining about almost everything.

Day 14: A Prompt About "A Blessing"; hosted by Kenzi from chasing happy

A blessing that I don't say too often is someone who is definitely close to me, and is just more than my best friend.  Today, I am thankful for my sister, Ashley.  Even though people often mistake her for being the elder sister, she is my little sister and it is such a blessing to have someone like her in my life.

We may look like, and often talk very similar to one another, but we are very different in almost every way possible.  She is a blessing in my life, because if she was never born, I'd probably be very lonely at home without her.

She is someone who will always 100% have my back, even when I am wrong; and I can honestly say that I love being there for her when she asks for my advice.  We listen to each other, we advise each other, and most importantly, we just joke around with each other.  Although we may have disagreements here and there, she is my best friend and I am so thankful my parents brought her into my life when I was just a 1 year old.

What blessing are you thankful for today?

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The Thankful Project: An Ability

13 November 2013

30 days

The Thankful Project: An Ability

Being apart of The Thankful Project is actually making me excited to blog everyday… I guess what I'm trying to say is that this project is actually helping me realize all the things do I endure everyday and how I am usually ungrateful for the most part.. I'm one to tell people that we should all count our blessings, but I never realized its the simple things that we should be most thankful for.

Day 13: A Prompt About "An Ability"; hosted by chasing happy 

We all have multiple abilities to do almost anything… So the question is, what ability am I thankful for today? I am thankful that I have the ability to love and care for anyone and everything.  Before you go on and think that this is a lame answer, allow me to explain. 

There are many people in our world who are either cruel or selfish (sometimes both).  Unfortunately, there are many of us who have to experience the hurt and pain from others we would expect love from. There are also times when we feel alone and like no one understands us… I know what this is like.  

Learning from my horrific past that you would not believe, I am just grateful that I have the ability to love.  In a sense, having the ability to love and care for others just makes me even more thankful that I am not letting my past ruin my present and my future.  For me, taking my experiences and changing it into something positive I can share with others is honestly one of the best feelings in the world.  

Being there for others when they have no one, just reminds me that just because I was hurt before, doesn't mean I have to hurt others.  Once you've come to really know me, you'll realize that is just who I am… someone who will always put others before herself.  

And in all honesty, I am not ashamed of this.  I am just glad I am the type of person to be there for others… Because let's face it, we all know what it is like to need someone, but to be left alone.  Therefore, having this ability to love and care for others brings joy into my life knowing that I am making a difference, not just in my day, but in someone else's day.

Be kind to one another!

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The Thankful Project: An Opportunity

12 November 2013

30 days

The Thankful Project: An Opportunity

Today I am joining The Thankful Project .  As you've probably read in a lot of my posts, being grateful for the many things I have in my life is extremely important to me.  I feel that it is the act of being thankful is what pushes us to become true followers of God, especially if we are thankful for what others have done for us.

Day 12: A Prompt About "An Opportunity"; hosted by Kenzie from chasing happy.

For me, anything that has ever been offered to me is an opportunity.  Just last Friday, I was recently approached by a former officer in my squadron, asking me to join her squadron once I've retired as Warrant Officer First Class.
If you are just tuning into my blog, I am currently the Warrant Officer First Class at 700 David Hornell V.C Squadron, and that itself being promoted to the highest rank a cadet can receive, is an opportunity of itself.  By taking on this huge task, I was privileged and honoured to be apart of a squadron that had almost 230 cadets.  With this opportunity, I've learnt so much about myself, where I was able to improve my interpersonal skills and leadership skills.
On top of that, I've learned how to share my knowledge and experiences with younger cadets who one day aspire to reach the rank that I have.  Being in this position has also led me to meet amazing Officers and many different politicians who remember me as "the girl who took over 700".  It was just amazing.
Now, as my 19th birthday is quickly approaching, I am unfortunately forced to retire from the cadet program as the cadet program is for youths aging from 12-19.
However, my plans for after I retire (this Friday), is to return back into the program, but on the other side - a CIC Officer.  Going back to what I was saying in the beginning of this blog post, one of my previous officers offered me a position at her new squadron.
At first I was kind of reluctant to leave my squadron that I've been apart of for 7 years, but I never let opportunities go to waste.  Actually, last night I went to visit their squadron to look around to see how things were and to get a general vibe of the squadron.
From what I've seen, there is so much potential with the cadets in this squadron.  Regardless of how far this new squadron is, I can actually see the officers utilizing my skills for better use.  Inside of staying at my squadron, and becoming an officer without pay, and with a made-up position, I think this new squadron could benefit more with me...
So relating all of this heavy information back to the thankful project, I am actually thankful that my previous officer WANTED me and invited me to her squadron.  I am thankful that she recognizes my skills and has a vision of how to utilize my skills appropriately that can benefit others.  I am just thankful she has the best interest of my skills sets to not to be "put into waste".
I will be signing the papers next Monday, and I will officially become a part of a new Squadron.  Just letting go and going out of my comfort zone I think will be great learning experience... Maybe I'll learn something new about myself, or about the cadet program by working with a totally new group.
Happy Tuesday!

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