Plans & friends & summer and COFFEE!

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Christina Does It All

It’s officially my summer break.

I’m in the works of planning so many fun things for the next few months. Trips, new experiences, quality time with the people I love. Etc,etc,etc. I’m feeling super spontaneous lately. This could be dangerous. Or just really awesome.

Husband purchased our tickets to spend almost a WEEK in Florida with his family in June. It’ll be our longest vacation since our honeymoon in Cancun and my first time ever in Florida. That will be two new states this year by June! Not too shabby. I’m pretty giddy. GIDDY!<<See?

Happiness and two cups of Starbucks Dark Roast and this is the kind of blog post you end up with.

I’m platonically (Is that not a word? Why is there a red squiggly line below it? Screw you, red squiggly.) smitten with my girl friends and all of the time spent with them. Just in the past week: A girls day out and mini road-trip with Tessa,Priscilla and Jennifer. A girls night in with Kaitlyn, Chelsea and Tessa. Happy hour with Amanda and Becca. Getting to know Hannah and Rachel better over pizza and story-telling and hysterical laughter and taking pictures in a circular formation whilst laying on the floor. Aren’t girls great? We are. We’re so great.

I think after my pilates/jog routine today, I’ll go find a pool, read a book and catch some sun.

Yay!

My excitement for life and friends and vacations and spontaneity and no more homework is kind of bubbling over into this here post. The coffee and my naturally hyper personality may not be helping either.

Searching For Life’s Surprises

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Christina Does It All

One more final until school is out for summer. So soon until I can start accomplishing my long list of summer fun! Until then, I’m still glowing from last weekend’s pre-summer adventure.

Saturday afternoon, three girl friends and I set out on a mini-road trip to Wimberley, Texas. I had made reservations (isn’t that grown up of me?) to a winery. Getting there was half the fun though. We did a lot of turning around, a little bit of gossiping and a whole bunch of giggling and chatting. One of my resolutions for the year is to explore more of Texas, and being with girls I adore has got to be one of the best ways to accomplish this. Not to mention, the Texas Hill Country is absolutely gorgeous. I always forget how much of my own state I haven’t explored until I’m actually exploring my own state. Between the scenery and the laughter, I was already feeling quite content by the time we arrived at our destination of Wimberley Valley Wineries. If I was content on the drive there, I was giddy upon driving up to the location. The weather was sunny and breezy, people were outside sipping on wine and there were barrels of wine in view. We joked about taking one and running, but instead decided upon walking inside. Originally,we were going to participate in a 20 dollar wine class, but came to the mutual group decision of doing the 5 dollar wine tasting and spending the leftover money on, well, more wine. We all kept commenting on how neat the experience was, even as it was happening. The girls helping us out were fun and around our same age, making the experience that much more enjoyable. We all stood at the bar, perusing our menu and enjoying each other’s company, excited about which wine we’d taste next. Among my choices were blueberry wine, chocolate wine, and a port that was over 28 years old and tasted of strong coffee and cream. The girls and I eventually decided on sharing a bottle of sweet red and wine slushies, and we made our way to the outside porch. There, we felt the breeze in our hair and giggled and chatted some more. Eventually we explored our surroundings and petted (pet? pat?) some ponies. It kind of felt like we had been transported to paradise. Wine and pretty greenery and perfect weather and people that I love and PONIES–Doesn’t get much better than that. Unless, of course, you also have wine slushies. Did I mention we had wine slushies?

I love this picture. Doesn’t it look like the horse is posing?

Cheers!

Our wine baby. We named him Piccolo.

We ended a perfect and magical day by attempting to find a place to eat. It was kind of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, searching for a suitable place. The first place was closed. The second,we were seated, only to find that this choice was a bit out of our price range. Luckily, everyone in Wimberley is rather friendly and as we started to walk out, our waiter caught us and suggested other eats. To our relief, waiter dude told us this happened all the time. You don’t expect quaint little cafes in Wimberley to cost big bucks! The third place was just right. It was a small and adorable cafe, where I feasted on the best chicken fried chicken and green beans of my life and our waiter rapped for us. Yes. He rapped for us. I was not expecting to find a rap artist up in Wimberley, but there you have it. Life is full of surprises. Searching for them just so happens to be one of my favorite things to do.

Reflecting and Planning.

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Christina Does It All

This month has been wonderfully different for me. The month of March was the busiest,craziest and best month of the year thus far. April has, in comparison, felt like a relaxing and much-deserved break. But I’ve mentioned lately that I really suck at relaxing. I’m trying to train myself to not be this way. So, this month I’ve read books, sipped on lots of coffee and wine, sunbathed with my dogs, spent quality time with the hubby and my family, talked to a university adviser, changed my major to multi in Comm and Psych, tried out my first yoga class, made my first chilled avocado soup, saw a live play instead of being in one, and have nurtured both new and old friendships. Still pretty productive, but in a much calmer way than I’m accustomed to. Because I get restless so easily, I really have had to remind myself that I needed that. Finals are next week. I’m in-between jobs right now but have two starting up in May. I have an adventure-filled, busy weekend (and summer) ahead of me. More than anything, this month has given me the opportunity to reflect and prepare for all of the great stuff up ahead. This week, more than most, has me excited about what I’ve accomplished this year and what is soon to come. A few examples:

The month of March: I was in a university play, became a Sweat Pink Ambassador for Fit Approach, went to my first silent disco, partied at a social club for SXSW, saw a live viewing of America’s Got Talent, vacationed in San Diego, went camping, turned 23, felt overwhelmingly loved at my surprise party and made some truly incredible new friendships.

What I’m currently excited about:

I love love love being A Fit Approach Sweat Pink Ambassador, and it’s only just begun. I recently sent in my Fitness A-ha! moment and am excited to see that blog soon on their website. I love sporting my Fit Approach tank, and have already given out a few pink shoelaces (You want a pair? Lemme know!) More than anything, I am overwhelmed and so stoked (Yes, I said stoked.) about the huge and amazing community of wonderful ladies I’ve found. These chicks are inspiring and encouraging and oh-so fun, and I’ve never before felt so connected to the blogging world. I love checking my email to see so many new messages from a lovely group of like-minded girlies. I’m honored to be a part of it all, and can’t wait to get to know everyone even more and to see all the neat things that will come from being a Sweat Pink Ambassador.
My dude friend Ryan and I have been planning a web show for a while now. We’ve purchased the website, thought up a name and made the video intro. He called me up the other day saying he was about to get the funds to buy a camera and all that other fancy tech stuff I know nothing about. I was getting a little antsy and am so thrilled that Conversation with the Nation will actually start up soon. I have a good feeling and can’t wait to show y’all the first episode!
Whilst on the phone with Ryan, he had another question for me. Some of y’all may remember I was the news-girl in a semi-popular and perverted podcast called Your Uncle’s Lap? “An awkward yet safe place to be.”? Well. That podcast ended a while ago, and Ryan and another dude are about to start up another one. He asked me if I’d be the third and full-time member. Shucks! Looks like a I may even get paid this time around. To my relief, he also mentioned that it’d be more appropriate of a podcast, and that I’d have a lot more of a say as a full-time member. Hopefully this means we can come up with a name that I’m not terrified of putting on a future resume.
Vacations! Friends and I are trying to scrap together the funds for a vacation in the next month or so, Husband and I are planning on going to Florida with his family in June and I’m visiting my best friend Meggie in Maryland, probably late July-early August. I also really want to visit my friend Katie in New Mexico and hopefully Meg is okay with road-tripping to at least one or two other states when I visit. I’m kind of a travel whore,y’all. I hope you catch that this means I just really love lots of vacations, and not that I’m sleeping with random men every time I leave the state. Because I’m definitely not. Just thought I’d clarify.

Thanks,Life.

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Christina Does It All

Dear Life,

Thanks for being really good to me. Thanks for the friends and experiences you bring my way. & Thanks for these recent favorite moments too:

I knocked off a New Years resolution and accomplished a goal by finally trying yoga out for the first time. When my buddies and I first walked into Black Swan Yoga (the only donation based yoga in Austin!), we were taken aback a little bit. It was really hot. Still, we put our mats down and got situated. People in the room were doing things like the splits and wearing fancy work-out gear (I, myself, was quite sophisticated in my husband’s torn up Hanes shirt), but we pressed on. This was supposed to be beginners yoga after all. Before the class started, I got up to use the bathroom and, as usual, started chatting with a stranger. I asked her if she’d done this before. She had. I told her it was my first time. She warned me that this class was probably the hardest. This confused me. It’s a beginners class! I told the two girlies I was with, and upon asking an instructor, we found out this was the much more advanced and fast-paced sweaty yoga. We more or less ran downstairs to where the beginners yoga had just started. It was nice actually being told to slow down,relax and take deep breaths for an hour. I’m not very good at doing any of those things by myself, so instruction was much appreciated. I loved it, and am happy to say I’ve found another adventure partner in crime in my lovely new friend Amanda.
Friday night drinks with Becca. She paid for me, claiming that it was a birthday present. This girl. She already bought me birthday breakfast, birthday mimosas, birthday bellinis and a birthday cheesecake. Also, my birthday was close to a month ago. I may have mentioned lately that I’m a little spoiled?
Seeing and catching up with the best dude friend. Six years of best friendship later, and we still argue like brother and sister every time we see each other. (Or text…or talk on the phone….)
Party at my place with both new and old friends. I am blessed to have some amazing people in my life, who don’t even mind my BYOB rule.
Date night with the hubby, which consisted of being sucked into a really perverted nursery rhyme. No, really. We went to go see “Humpty”, a play at The Vortex in downtown Austin. The location is appropriately named as I immediately felt like I’d been sucked into another universe upon entering. Outside, there were hula hoops and Foosball tables and other fun activities. It was kind of like a big playground for grown ups. Walking inside, we found ourselves in the Butterfly Bar, a cozy and hip little area. I was then greeted by Mother Gus (Equivalent to Mother Goose.) Above you can see that her bosom put my little bosom to shame. Robby and I were handed play info and our tickets, which were to my delight, playing cards. I got a six of diamonds! Ahem. I’m easily amused. By the time we were ushered into the room where the actual stage was, I was already delighted with the whole experience. It only got better, as we got up close and personal to the stage and the talent was enthralling. Recently being in a school production really left me so much more appreciative and captivated by all of the hard-work and details that had been put into this play. OH! On my potty break, I found a real life kitty chilling in the bar area. Sir Spalding Diddles was his name. This was my first time to ever pet an actor. I won’t go into more detail, in the chance that you live in Austin and want to be a part of a perverted nursery rhyme too. But I will say, oh my goodness, I love my city. Where else could I go to a yard-bar-play,get a picture with Mother Goose AND pet a kitty actor named Sir Spalding Diddles?!

In conclusion, Life. Keep up the good work. I’ll keep up my part of the bargain by seeking out new experiences and loving on the people you’ve given me on a daily basis.

Love,Christina

The Moments In Between.

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Christina Does It All

Note: This was partly written last night.

Husband and I are currently sitting in our living room. He’s watching “The Office” reruns and I’m drinking a glass of wine. We’re giggling and making small talk. Earlier, he smoked boudin on the grill and I sat on our back porch finishing up a really juicy read. In a few minutes, we’ll go to bed, snuggle up and go to sleep. This is the norm for the hubby and I, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Over the years I’ve come to adore the simplicity of our relationship. Where I thrive on thrills and adventures,this is my calm. I am constantly going, going, going and rarely breathing. Husband is where I’ve found a place to rest and take a breath. When it comes to life, I’m all about the butterflies and the excitement and the nonstop fun. As an ENFP personality type, that’s just who I am. I love the big stuff and have just gotten to a point where I can enjoy the little things too. But it’s always been different with Robby. The dude proposed to me in our laundry room. (Our first long make-out session was in a laundry room.) Our wedding, though beautiful, was never something I was really concerned about planning at nineteen and twenty years old. We kind of forgot to have a housewarming party when we purchased our first home. The moments that many couples expect and plan for years are the ones that have come and gone pleasantly but, by choice, more quietly for us.

Where the dude and I have always shone is within our smaller moments. I’ve had my fill of the big-drama-filled-tear-inducing-butterflies-like-crazy love stuff and it really wasn’t my cup of tea. With Robby, the butterflies are there but they don’t hurt my tummy so much. Our “drama” doesn’t go past silly quarrels that are over as quickly as they start. I’ve learned to seek out my high intensities and rushes from life and living it, and to find peace and comfort in the romance I have with my hubby. Five minute phone calls throughout the day. His admitting to having a nightmare and scooting closer to me in the middle of the night. Christmas morning with his family and Easter evening with mine. Chuckling at something silly our dogs or my brother recently did. Me falling asleep on the couch and him gently nudging me awake, plugging in my phone and bringing a glass of water to the dresser nearest my bed. Our inability to not act like children while on vacations together. One of us doing something sappy and the other smiling and saying, “You are soooo in love with me.” Putting our feet together and saying “Foot sex!” Jokes that only we understand the punch line to. Saying sweet nothings in each others ear, except instead of mushy words, literally saying “Sweet nothings.” And then giggling. Every-time. Our enormous collection of “Remember whens.” and the laughter that accompanies these.

In previous years, I’d often pick fights in hopes of intensifying our relationship. I more often than not found that I was fighting by myself. Robby was just not what I was used to. I was used to relationships being a forlorn bundle of sad emotions. He was sweet and gentle and patient and understanding. He still is. What’s changed is that this is now what I crave. Cuddles and surprise kisses and late night movies and strolling through new cities hand-in-hand. His listening ear and welcoming smile. The moments after the wedding and before the babies. Those moments that many plan for years and anticipate for lifetimes…..Well, I’m glad to have had some and look forward to others. But what I’ve come to love and cherish the most are all of our moments in between.

The Simplest Of Things

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Christina Does It All

Husband and I are currently on quite a tight budget. As I’m hoping to purchase a vacation in the next few weeks (Not to mention planning at least two more before the summer is over), I’m doing my best to spend even less money. This has me really marveling over how far the littlest things go. I think being short on funds makes it easier for me to seek out and enjoy the simplest of stuff, and realize that sometimes, those are the best and most smile-inducing of things after all.

Some simple pleasures I’m enjoying lately:

Iced coffee and bargain books
Smiles from strangers
Becca and I eating brunch and drinking $1 mimosas and bellinis outside at Taverna Austin. Chatting with somebody I love whilst enjoying a beautiful day downtown…I couldn’t think of a more perfect Saturday. Oh. Not to mention, Miss Becca surprised me by paying for my meal and calling it a late birthday present. Never mind that she had brought me a Vanilla Bean cheesecake to class just days before. I feel the need to use a hash tag at this moment even though I still dislike Twitter. Ahem. #Spoiled.
Uncle’s 60th surprise birthday party, spent at a beautiful bed and breakfast on acres of land. What followed was a night of karaoke,a little too much drinking, arm-wrestling matches,teary-eyed speeches, trampoline jumping and the sharing of many embarrassing family stories. I may be a Boudreaux now, but no doubt about it, I will also always, always be a Cirotto.
Tanning in my bra in my backyard. This indulgence of mine reminds me of how wonderful it is to be a house-owner. You know. Being able to have super classy moments like this in private.
Being inspired by my fellow blogger and friend Deviant Tart to make a chilled avocado soup recipe. It came out delicious, though I must confess, much less healthy than her’s.
Wine.
My husband. Because he’s sweet and funny and cute and so good to me. Being quite in love with him is also a plus.
Free time to read and sleep and cuddle and do absolutely nothing, if I so choose.
My best friend and I playing Draw Something together. It’s a great way to connect and giggle whilst being hundreds of miles apart. Here’s my favorite of her’s so far (She even made sure her drawing of me was showing its stomach. She knows me too well.) :
Discovering and obsessing over new music. Have you heard the cheesy and fun, “Call me Maybe”? It’s cute and all, but does Carly Rae Jepsen absolutely no justice. It’s hard for me to tell others about the music I love, because lyrics are pretty sacred to me. I treat them like my journal that I no longer keep. But I somehow managed to tell my two best girl-friends and now I will tell you. I have three steps. 1. Go to YouTube. 2. Search Carly Rae Jepsen (‘Bucket’, ‘Tug of War’ and ‘Curiosity’ are my current favorites, but they’re all amazing.) 3. Proceed to fall in love. 4. Thank me later.
Catching up with friends (One who now lives in New Mexico. Poop! ((Poop is our word. We use it for both good and bad and happy and sad things. Her being so far way from me=Bad and Sad.))) whom I haven’t seen in far too long.
Easter with the family. Cute kitchen appliance gifts from my mom and dad sending me home with a bag of food from the kitchen pantry.
Life. I truly do believe that it is what you make it, and gosh darn-it, I am doing my very best everyday to make it as worthwhile as possible.

Top Ten…Uh…Twelve Moments Lately.

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Christina Does It All

I was attempting to only make a top 10, but life has been too damn good lately so I had to make it twelve! As far as complaints go, I suppose that’s a good one to have.

Top 10 12 moments lately:

1. Birthday presents in the mail from my beloved Katie. She bought gifts perfect for me, which also means perfect for any five year old, and I can’t wait to play with them. I’ve been lucky enough thus far in life to keep most of my friends in my nearby area. I was a little bit heartbroken when this girl recently moved to New Mexico. I forgot that one of the upsides is more mail! (And another is cheap vacations.)

2. Husband had attended the invited dress rehearsal for my play but had also said he’d come on Saturday night. His car picked this night not to start. I received this text before the play: Dude makes it hard to stay mad at him. He walked to the liquor store to buy drinks for the cast party that night and to Randalls to get me flowers. It took him an hour to get there and back. I think he may love me a little bit, y’all.
3. The play. It went amazingly and put butterflies in my stomach and I smile just thinking about it. Performing and everything leading up to that moment were experiences of a lifetime. I‘m just going to pretend I‘m accepting an Oscar and give a cheesy speech: “I am so thankful to my director for giving me a role, my cast-mates for being wonderful and former Christina for getting over her fear of trying out.”
- 4. Cast party at my place after the play. I’m kind of in love with my former cast, y’all. Especially the girlies. I love the start of new girl friendships. They’re romantic and infatuating in a purely platonic way. I don’t know if that makes sense or not, but ‘tis how I feel.
- 5 Receiving my shoelaces,sweet note and tank top from Fit Approach. I am officially a Sweat Pink Ambassador and am beyond thrilled to have been given this opportunity.
- 6.Belated birthday text from my skeptically sweet dude friend Ryan. Made me laugh and smile.
7. My guy friends have a tendency to develop dude crushes on my husband. TJ was no exception. Saturday night, shortly after meeting my hubby, he confessed to loving Robby and our relationship. He also expressed his want to become our “third wheel” and move into our house, or even on top of our roof. He’s since taken on a faux-creeper role. Yesterday in our shared theatre class I was in hysterics from laughing so hard. Our professor instructed the class to each write down two pieces of dialogue and one location for others to act out. Three people were acting out a scene when they pulled out what was, unbeknownst to me, TJ’s piece of dialogue. An oblivious class-mate then had to read and act out, “Don’t call him Rob! His name is Robby. My dad’s name is Rob!” This is a pet peeve of mine. The fact that my husband and dad (and grandpa and father-in-law) all share the same name is creepy enough. I don’t need them sharing nicknames too! But I had forgotten until this moment that I had tipsily yelled at TJ for doing such on Saturday night, and was amusingly taken aback to hear what irks me being quoted. I would tell you what TJ’S choice of location on his piece of paper was, but in the off chance I have a serial-killer stalker, I’ll refrain. I wouldn’t want them knowing my home address.
8.Drinks and tanning with Priscilla. Finally having time to relax again.
9. Becca bringing me fries to class. I technically don’t eat fast food anymore (since January!) but it’d be rude to turn down a gift, eh!?
- 10.Being featured on my university’s home page.
- 11. Upcoming vacation planning with friends. (Excited!)
- 12: Quote from cast-mate/ new friend Rachel: “You’re bad-ass. All week Hannah and I have been saying, ‘That Christina girl. She’s so bad-ass.’” Aw. This is the same way I currently feel about life and all of the people in it. I feel like I’m constantly on a natural high just from being alive. And that’s pretty bad-ass.

Opening Night

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Christina Does It All

Last night was opening night of my university’s collection of short plays, All in the Timing. As most of you know, I was cast in the short play The Philadelphia as a very sassy waitress. Rehearsing for hours a day the past two weeks has been exhausting and fantastic. Each day kind of runs into the next and I have time for nothing else, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m having the time of my life. I’ve spent more time with my fellow cast lately than I have with my hubby, and they’ve very quickly found a big place in my heart. We spend our time in the Green Room dancing and giggling and coloring and game-playing and having deep conversations, all whilst trying not to be too loud. (But usually failing and getting scolded by our stage manager.) We have ridiculously hilarious chats and a slew of cast inside jokes. We’re comfortable enough to grab each others boobies. (The girls, that is.) I get giddy and excited seeing faces that I saw only twelve hours previous. I feel like I’ve added members to my family. If you can’t tell, I’m pretty smitten with life and my cast members as of late. I adore them and I love our play and all that’s been put into it. Opening night was exhilarating and heart-palpitating and it went wonderfully. The feeling of being on stage, making others think and laugh and feel is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The team-work involved with this production is just as amazing. I’ve been tucking many moments this week into my conscious book of memories, and I know I’ll probably be coming back to them for decades to come.

There’s two more nights of performances left. I can’t wait to spend more time with my cast family and get up on that stage again tonight.

Wish us luck?!

One more thing: I’d also like to mention that I have the most patient and lovely director a gal could ask for. She went out and bought all of the cast flowers last night. Each came with a really sweet note and every flower was unique from the next. Neely (director lady) mentioned that she had fun picking each out, and we decided she did so to fit each of our personalities. I’m not sure what my flower was, but it was pink and wild-looking. I love it. I jokingly asked a fellow cast mate what this said about my personality. We laughed and she responded with something like, “I don’t know. It’s like…..RAAWRR! HAPPY!!!!” Yep. That pretty much sums me up, I think.

I don’t need to make a birthday wish.

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Christina Does It All

Golly gee my heart is full, y’all. Either I got really lucky or I must be doing something right to be this incredibly and overwhelmingly loved.

My birthday weekend:

Friday-

I walked in the door after a long play rehearsal to find that my house was spotless and squeaky clean. My husband then appeared and told me he had to show me something outside. Then he told me he had made me dinner and it was out there. I was only half suspicious and half looking for a steak in the tree when I noticed all of the pretty lights hanging everywhere. Before I even had time to take all of that in, out jumps a large group of loved ones and I hear one loud “SURPRISE!!!!” I was all smiles and half in shock whilst receiving hugs and greetings from both new and old friends. I had told my husband I wanted a “surprise” party, but never really planned on it being a surprise. This month has just been way too busy for me, and I knew I couldn’t plan it myself. But he and my best friend Tessa just went above and beyond. They put a private event on facebook inviting friends over, and made the date one that I never expected a party on. Husband cleaned the house and even gave out mopping duties to our friend Patrick. Tessa hung up lights in the backyard so that it would resemble the silent disco we’d recently attended and loved. Priscilla made me a beautiful cake which I wanted to stare at all night rather than eat. So many loved ones showed up just to make sure my night was special, and their happiness from seeing me so happy made me even happier. At midnight I was serenaded with the birthday song and was told to make a wish while blowing out my candles. I don’t think I really have anything to wish for. I already have it all.

I was in such a state of excited shock that I didn’t get pictures of more than half of the people there. I did snap a few good ones though:

Above is my best friend/party-planner/ light-hanger/the chick I’d date if I liked girls.

Saturday-

I woke up early for play rehearsals and when I arrived, was greeted with homemade cupcakes made by my fellow actor and friend Kaitlyn. On each cupcake was a letter, and all together they read “Happy Birthday CCB” (my initials) I was serenaded with the birthday song once more and showered with birthday greetings and love from the cast.

I came home pretty exhausted (Obviously, I didn’t get much sleep the night before.) to happily find that my best friend was still at my house. Well, actually she was in my backyard suntanning and painting her nails with her massive collection of polish. (She spends the night prepared.) I spent the next couple of hours sunbathing, painting my nails and receiving a large bottle of wine from the best friend.

I ended the evening by receiving presents from the hubby and going on a sushi date.

Sunday-

Husband and I went to my parent’s. My mom made me some adorable presents she found ideas for on Pinterest and a Butterfinger cake she found on a blog. (This crafty/baking gene has completely skipped me.) My dad cooked me a delicious Italian dinner. After all of the festivities, we sat on the porch and just talked while my little brother and sister played in the backyard. My mom complained that I was too skinny and my dad complained that I was too liberal. After not seeing my parents for a few months, this was welcomed complaining.

If I had to make a birthday wish, it’d be that those in my life would just stay put. Lucky for me, they don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. So maybe I’ll just wish that all of these sweets don’t make me diabetic. Yeah. Let’s go with that.

Twenty-Three Good Things

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Christina Does It All

This week has surprised me by being so great. I was prepared for a whirlwind of busy scrambling and craziness, which has also been the case. It’s crunch time. Between work, upcoming finals and rehearsing for a play until 10 pm most nights this week and next, I am somewhat delirious right now. But the good kind of delirious. So many people, reminders and occurrences have made me smile and have kept me giddy this week. In fact, the whole month of March has been the best and most eventful of the year thus far. Maybe this is the universe reminding me that I turn twenty-three tomorrow. I never have trouble remembering my birthday, but this week it’s been in the very back of my mind. It’ll occasionally come back to the front and I’ll remind a few people so they can know for me. Before I forget again, I thought I’d put a list together in honor of my twenty-third year here on earth. They’ve been good ones and I have so much to be grateful for.

Twenty-Three Good Things :

A letter from a friend. I love snail-mail.
A blogger friend telling me that I was a “Sassy little spitfire..merrooww” Um. How could this comment not make me smile?
An email from the marketing coordinator at Fit Approach, saying that they “Adore” my blog and asking if I’d be willing to contribute content to theirs. Email went on to ask if I’d be interested in becoming a “Sweat Pink Ambassador”, which would involve inspiring others and finding “a whole network of motivating, inspiring, well-connected people like yourself.” Sheesh. They sure know how to flatter a girl. And yes, I most definitely am interested.
Early birthday presents.
Text from a friend letting me know a present is in the mail.
Though I am young, I usually don’t like turning another year older as this does mean eventually getting old. I’m actually really excited about turning twenty-three. I feel like the way it sounds matches how I feel about life right now. Eager. Happy. Ready. Fun. A little more grown-up. It actually surprises me that I still have seven years (and a day) until I turn thirty. I think because my hubby’s twenty-nine, I often feel that I am close to the same. It always makes me happy to remember that I am not quite that elderly yet. (Ha.)
My Keurig is among the best presents I’ve ever received. It was a wedding gift, and has now aided in 2.5 years of bliss. If you’re wondering, A Keurig is a machine in which you insert a little coffee pod and push a a little button and out comes a little cup of coffee! In other words, it’s a coffee addict’s dear and beloved friend. But it’s an expensive friend. Those little pods don’t mess around. So when I received Starbucks coffee grounds as a birthday present, I decided to buy myself a little present. A refillable coffee pod! It was a little like waking up on Christmas this morning knowing I’d get to test it out. The verdict=Yum.
My friends, who never cease to amaze me with how wonderful they are to me.
A very cute birthday card.
Anticipating birthday plans and treats.
Making new friends.
Family.
Forgiving and being forgiven.
My little brother, who turned 20 last week. I’m incredibly proud of him and the selfless,sweet, wonderful dude he’s turned out to be. I’m about to get all teary-eyed just writing this.
My husband, who still often surprises me by how much he loves me and all that he does for me.
My dogs. I sometimes tell my husband I can’t imagine loving my kids any more than I love my dogs. This sounds absolutely horrible and I know deep down it’s not true, but man, I REALLY love my dogs.
A sweet message from a new friend: “… I have yet to meet someone who is as much of an adventure buff as me. It’s so refreshing to meet someone like you!” Aw. Shucks.
Sleeping in until 9:15 this morning.
Play is next week! Since there are a total of six different short plays, we’ve all been rehearsing separately up until this week. It’s so much fun now that we’re all together. I love the comradery and sense of togetherness that is brought along with a full cast. Not to mention, watching everyone perform is awesome. I am completely blown away by the talent that I have the chance to work with and feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of it all.
My university. This semester more than ever. Maybe it’s practically living there because of this play or maybe it’s the knowledge that I’ll be graduating in a year. Maybe it’s that I’ve found a lot of my determination and self-assurance there. Whatever the reason, I am absolutely smitten with Concordia. The campus is beautiful, my professors are wonderful, my fellow students and friends make me happy and the couches in Building B are super comfortable. It just feels like home.
Did I mention yet how grateful I am for coffee this week? And every other week too? But especially this week? I love coffee. COFFEE!!!!! If you can’t tell, I’m on my second cup of Italian Roast as we speak. Or as I write. Whatever.
Being alive. The ability I have to smell,taste, breathe, feel, travel, talk, laugh,love and be loved.
I noticed the other day that I’m more confident than I’ve ever been before. I’m proud of myself and of what I’ve accomplished. But more than what I’ve accomplished, I’m proud of the steps and chances I’ve taken to accomplish what I have (or even haven’t.) I’ve realized I don’t always have to strive for perfection or hide all of my insecurities. People will love me anyway. I can love me anyway. I’m able to laugh at myself, and this has actually served in making me feel more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve come a long way in a few short years, and have found so many great people, opportunities and even my own potential along the way. I’m excited and ready to live and do and see so much more. I’m just in a really good place right now. And it feels like a perfect time to say hello to twenty-three.