Being Thankful for 2020

Many of you probably clicked on this post simply out of curiosity. After all, this year has been horrendous. I, out of all people, should know. And yet, I can't help but be thankful. No, not because Thanksgiving is here and I am required to be. Not even just because I'm a Christian, though that is a great enough reason. But rather, because for all the bad it has brought, I'm finding the silver linings. I think each of should look back and see those slivers of good. They are tiny rays of hope in the darkness. 

Feeling my way in the dark

More than once this year, I have felt alone. I had that feeling of being in a room filled with people, but having no voice. Being invisible. All the while, talking and sharing in whatever was going on with those around me. It wasn't always like that though. 

Before the pandemic forced us all into our own corners to cower, another event happened. Something that changed me. In a big way. I used to be comfortable speaking about any topic with any person. After this one event, however, that changed. Now, I'm cautious. Now I have moments of walking on eggshells. Sure, I slip up. But I have gotten back to being the one that tries to listen more and speak less. Unless I am around someone I really trust and who can handle me as I am, I try to keep my opinions, or voice, to myself. As the world has continued to changed, I have seen how so many people have an opinion, but are so against allowing others to have their opinions. When did we become people who thought our ways of thinking were the only way to think? When did we start laughing at others, just because they see things differently? I might not be able to speak my mind. I might not be able to share my life with most of the people I know, even family. But I can listen. And try to support those I cross paths with. I won't be another voice adding to the din. Instead, I'm working to be a voice of encouragement.

Beauty in the pain

I'm no stranger to pain. I've dealt with it for years. And I will deal with it until I die. 2020 has just been a year that took it to a whole new level. I've had 2 surgeries dealing with my faulty gallbladder (that was finally removed). Then there were the 3 wisdom teeth that led to dry socket - how can 1 tooth's' absence hurt SO much?! An ovarian cyst formed - I thought for sure my appendix was killing me. And of course there is the worsening of my spinal issues. 

 

But there is something beautiful about all this. No, I don't wear rose colored glasses and see the cup forever half full. I'm very much a realist. I just look for good in the bad things so that I don't slump into a mental abyss of darkness. Years of practice, people. The beauty I see, is that I'm learning to handle more of it. Little by little, I'm thankful for these moments of pain. They are helping me become more empathetic to others. Less of an intolerant grouch when it flares. 

This year, I have made a wonderful friend in pain. A young woman, like me, who shares in the daily grind of suffering. Different cause, but the similar trials of getting through the day. I can be completely honest. I can tell her when I'm struggling. I can open up and voice my frustrations. As she can too. And we completely understand each other. I'm thankful for this. Before this year, the only person I knew that understood me like that was my Nana. When I talk to her, I don't have to say, "I'm fine." Because we both know, I'm not. As a matter of fact, we laugh about people asking stupid questions. "How are you doing today?"  Here is a hint, folks. Stop asking, "How are you?" If what we have is chronic, skip the part that we have to fake a smile for. Or if you can't skip the small talk, and we answer with, "I'm good/fine/okay", PLEASE, do NOT respond with, "I'm so glad you are getting better!" News flash - I AM NEVER GETTING BETTER! What I have, is for life. And that is okay! I have good days. Where I can literally roll out of bed and get on with the day. For me, personally speaking, that means my pain is what I rate as a level 6 or under. If I show up to be around others, my levels have to be somewhere in that ballpark - often with the use of pills. A moderate day is a level 7, and I will struggle to stand while cooking dinner. Anything above a level 8, means I will be stationary for the majority of the day. I'd rather go thirsty than walk to the kitchen for water. This is what life is like for those like me. We find others like us who understand, truly understand, and we feel strengthened. It isn't pity. It isn't sympathy. It is genuine understanding. And it is beautiful. I'm not alone. 

Seeing truth amid the lies

This last one is harder for me. I grew up in a close, but large family. I was surrounded by people. And while I'm more of an introvert at heart, I have extrovert tendencies when I get comfortable around people. One characteristic of mine, is to be loyal. I call it a blessing and curse. A blessing in that I will remain loyal to, and be there for, anyone I form a close relationship with. A curse in that I have a knack for being hurt the hardest by those I am most loyal to. This year, I took a heavy hit. I still have a relationship with certain people, but I can never trust them to be completely open and honest. Nor can I feel comfortable in being myself around them. I know their personality, their habits and the damage they are capable of causing without even knowing they are doing it. They smile and chat and act like everything is just fine. That nothing has changed. Under the surface, however, they would have to be fools to believe that is the case. 

So this year has taught me another lesson I'm grateful for. Be loving and interactive, but keep enough distance to stay safe. I don't want to alienate myself and my family, but I will be cautious of what others say and do. Relationships always come with the risk of being burned. But choosing to abstain completely from them, causes a great deal of loneliness. It can be a difficult choice to make. I have chosen to toughen up as well as clam up. I can't shut the door completely, but that doesn't mean I have to give them fuel for their fires against me. And if they say something that hurts, I need to let it roll off my back. 

I have 2 pillars for strength

I think of the Bible story of Samson, standing between two pillars. Well, there are 2 that hold me up. Physically and emotionally speaking, my husband has been my stronghold. I couldn't get through all this without him. And I couldn't be more thankful for him. My second chance at a happy life came with him. And I will never be the same. 

More importantly, however, and spiritually speaking, I have God. And even if everything else was taken from me, He is all I need to get through every heartbreak, every trial, every disappointment and all the pain this life throws my way.  I wake up with prayers for strength to endure the day. I fall asleep praying for peace, safety, and grace for those in my life. And I thank God for the trials. That little by little, He is molding me and making me into something new. Something better. Something closer to Him.

These things are that I am thankful for. No matter how bad things might get, I'm going to look for the good it serves. There is always a silver lining. And a purpose to what is happening. What is one bad thing that happened to you that you found the good of?

Always Being Thankful

Being thankful isn't easy. Especially in a first world country where everything is about being easy, being convenient, and being our way. We don't want to slow down for others. We might not remember our manners. We expect to get what we are given. We think we are deserving of it. Until things go wrong. 

The only time we make a big deal of being thankful, seems to be on Thanksgiving Day. Why is this? Why do we hold our thanks until November of every year? Do we forget that we have so much to be thankful for the rest of the year? I think I do at times. I forget, especially when things start going downhill. And I need reminders. 

So what am I thankful for? All year around! Not just this month. Here is my list. 

1. My family. My husband and 4 children mean everything to me. They are the reason I get up every morning (even when I don't feel ready to). They put a smile on my face. They help me to see things differently. And my husband is the most amazing man ever. His love is unconditional and unexpected in so many ways. 
   
2. My other family. I have blood relatives, relatives by marriage and relatives that I have adopted as family because we just do. My parents, siblings, and Nana S are important to me. They are the people who know me best. My husbands family has also become as close as the family I was born into. They are kind and giving and always there. 
3. My friends. I don't have to be close and know every detail of every part of their life, but when we need each other, we are there for each other. My friends know, or should know, that if ever they had a need - I am here to help in whatever way I can. 
4. Having a home. I rent. Its small. I can't truly decorate it to be me. And since the developers cut so many corners, we have a lot of issues. But I can afford it. Its in a decent neighborhood. My kids go to a school that is nice and is only 5 minutes from home. I feel safe here. And I'm not sleeping with a knife on the bedside table anymore. 
5. We don't go hungry. I've lived in a hotel before. I've had peanut butter sandwiches or ramen every day. I hope that I never have to go back to that life. And I am thankful we are not in that life now. We might need government assistance, but my kids eat well. And its not the same meal daily. 
6. We have clothes. Decent ones too. Yes, my shoes are slowly growing ventilation shafts in them. No, we don't wear name brands unless someone gave them us. But they are not dirty, have no holes in them, not ripped. We don't look like bums. And that is all that matters to me. 
7. We are healthy. Okay, more so my kids and husband right now, but none of us are dying or needing trips to the hospital. A simple cold or allergies is always better than anything else that they could have. 
8. We have electricity. How often are you glad you have electricity? Do you take it for granted? During hurricane seasons, we never knew when or if the power would go out. A sort of panic comes over people when they find that the lights won't come on. How about having heat in the winter and cold air in the summer? Do you ever think about how fortunate we are to have these things? 
9. Clean drinking water. I can drink water straight from the sink or from a water bottle any time I feel like it. It is at my fingertips. Not everyone in the world has that luxury. Yes, it can be a luxury. 
10. My own vehicle. It can be a piece of crap sometimes. It has a cracked windshield at the moment. Could definitely use a washing... And I'm still making payments on it. But I can take it from point A to point B when I need to. I don't have to memorize bus schedules, walk all the time, or bum rides from others. I have a sense of independence. 
11. Freedom of religion. I might not be as devout as I once was, but I have the right and freedom to read my Bible whenever I choose. No one tells me when to pray. No one tells me what to believe. I can read and follow God myself. 
12. The internet. I will be the first to say how evil it can be. But there are good things about it too. And even more so when it is right at my fingertips. I can look up things I have questions about. I can find recipes when meals are stale in the house. Gift ideas are abundant when my creative juices are not flowing freely. I can keep up with family and friends whenever and quickly. 
13. Netflix. No matter how many movies I have physically, sometimes I need a break to find something new. Even when I can't afford to buy or rent something. Netflix is overflowing with things to watch. Especially when I can't sleep at 2, 3 or 4 AM... 
14. My ability to read. In this digital age, we often keep it simple. We go for memes and pictures. We watch videos. But do you know how privileged we are to be able to read? Be it an email, article, or even an online book. Heck, be old school and read a real book with a cover and paper pages for a change! And be thankful that you learned how to read. Reading takes me to other places. It lets me escape. Or gives me useful information on the past, current and future happenings. 
     
    What are you thankful for? Did I miss something else on my list? Tell me in the comments below!

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Kikkoman House Party!

*I was sent the party pack from House Party on the behalf of Kikkoman for the sole purpose of sharing the word on brining, breading and using Kikkoman products for the upcoming holidays. I was not paid for my comments. They are my honest opinions. The items sent were shared with family and friends.* 

Thanksgiving is around the corner. And that means it is time to consider your menu. House Party is working with Kikkoman to get the word out on some yummy options you might want to consider adding to your spread. 

Have you considered a turkey brine instead of roasting it? When done right (and not like I did last year in a hurry), it brings out the moist, juicy flavors you and your guests crave. Or how about adding some crunch? There are recipes around the world that include Panko to coat a dish and add the munchiness (making up words here) to your table. 

I absolutely love the Kikkoman brand. They have so much more than just Panko or Soy Sauce.

I've been using the soy sauce to make my favorite dish, Korean Beef. But I have been eying other recipes that use their products. Like the Teriyaki sauce to make Teriyaki Meatballs. Mmm I don't always stick with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. I like to branch out and make other things. This year, Thanksgiving will be a little different. We are having it the weekend before the actual Thanksgiving Day. For starters, my three oldest kids will be with their dad for this years celebration week. In addition to that, my mother and sister in laws are flying to have Thanksgiving Day with my brother-in-law in California since he is a Marine and won't make it home this year. So instead of having a huge party, we had a dinner night with my mom and sister in law.

I made Koren Beef. We made mini egg rolls, mini cream cheese rangoons, postickers and rice. It was fun to be cooking together and then to dive in. 
After coming back home, I made some of the meatballs I mentioned.

The recipe had come with my party pack.

It was a huge hit! 2/3 kids fell in love with them. They actually begged me to make them again the next night.

They had tried it with fried rice, now they wanted them with spaghetti. Unfortunately, I had steaks cooking in the crock pot for the next nights dinner so they would have to wait another night. Who knew that teriyaki would be such a hit?! 
Here is the recipe I used:
Teriyaki Meatballs 
I handed out the party favors to friends and family. We LOVED the cute bottles of soy sauce with Hello Kitty pink designs on them.

I think that was definitely a big attraction. They pour so easy too! I went to the store for the Panko breadcrumbs. Normally, our store brand is cheaper. However, I found that Kikkoman was cheaper by a good .20!

On top of that, they come in resealable bags. This is great when you want the freshness to last a while longer. 

Overall, I love the Kikkoman products. They are easy to use, taste great, are a great price and found locally, and they know how to throw a great party! What would be your favorite part? What product would you like to try? Or have you tried?

Kikkoman House Party

I love hosting House Parties. You never quite know what to expect. Granted, this time around, my party was a bit farther delayed than we originally planned. My daughter decided to come when we least expected. So I took the turkey, brined in Teriyaki sauce instead of soy, to my future in-laws house for Thanksgiving.

I've never brined a turkey. I've always had the traditional kind. But I'm always up for trying something new. And that's what we did. Granted, with every new trial, comes the first time mistakes. My turkey came out a little dried.

And I suppose that with teriyaki sauce, you need more of it than the soy to truly taste it.
They sent recipes, shirts, coupons for free products, and an oven mitt.

The recipe they sent for the soy brined turkey is here.

As I mentioned, my turkey wasn't as beautiful or juicy. But you have to test it out differently to get it right. My suggestion if you decide to do something other than the recipe, go bigger.

We purchased a 9lb Butterball turkey. I got a 10 ounce bottle of Kikkoman Teriyaki sauce, and threw in the spices with water to my largest pot.

Granted I used half that amount of teriyaki sauce. And therein lies my mistake.

We could barely taste it. Scratch that, couldn't taste it at all.

We found that there are way more Kikkoman products than we originally thought.

More than just soy sauces.

I'm actually considering trying another recipe. I'll tweak it a bit. But I'd like to try a teriyaki turkey one day.

As for the party. I enjoyed the time we shared and the thoughts that were put into words about the turkey. Brining was nothing new to them. But soy and teriyaki was. Adding more flavor next time would be advisable to make this a more successful event. And having more options about shirt sizes wouldn't be a bad idea either. We only had large and extra large shirts, sadly. But the coupons I passed around were appreciated. Everyone got the chance to get their own Kikkoman products to try for free. What can be better than that?

My opinions voiced here are my own. I was sponsored in trying and hosting this party. I was not paid or otherwise told what to say.

Kikkoman House Party review coming soon!

I was recently chosen by House Party to sponsor a Kikkoman review, giveaway and party! As such, they sent my party pack today. I received a bunch of shirts, an oven mitt, recipe books, and coupons for Kikkoman products. I'm quite thrilled to test this product out when making Thanksgiving dinner this year. Providing my baby is born early enough to allow me to do so...

I will say that I'm disappointed in the shirt sizes. All I have to offer my guests will be Large and Extra Large.

Aside from being pregnant, that's not even my size.
The recipe books have a variety of entrée and side dishes that I'm dying to try out. I just have to go get a turkey... So who else is hungry?! And who thinks a brined turkey in Kikkoman sauce sounds yummy?