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.

Hello, Twenty-Three.

Spring Break 2012, Part 2.

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Christina Does It All

Oh my goodness. Contented sigh goes here. I have had such a lovely and eventful and refreshing and exciting Spring Break. If you missed it, here’s part one: Spring Break 2012, Part One.

Here’s my “I’m so happy that I look like I’m about to eat the camera” face.

And here’s Part Two:

Saturday-

My friend Emily and I are always in cahoots thinking up new adventures. We’ve made sushi, jumped off of cliffs,water-tubed,mini road-tripped and swam in nothing but our birthday suits at a nude lake together. So when I went to her in pursuit of a weekend adventure, I knew we’d figure something out. When she came up with the camping idea I immediately agreed. It’s a new years resolution of mine, and laughing with friends by a campfire just sounded amazing. It was. We rounded up a small group and met up in Georgetown, a city about 30 minutes from Austin. What followed was a night of smores and hot-dog making, girly gossip and giggles,chatting and story-sharing around a fire, classy Four Loko drinking, peeing in the woods, and teasing the boys for taking way too long to get our tent assembled. Sleeping on the ground without enough blankets was even kind of nice,as I had my best friend and hubby on either side of me for extra body heat. The morning after, Tessa and I laughed about how sleepy we looked and Emily had juice boxes and coffee cake ready for breakfast. Before leaving, husband and I walked hand-in-hand to the nearby lake. We made the kind of small talk that lovers do and took in the beauty of the moment together. The whole experience was a really neat one. There’s just something about the mixture of nature and loved ones that makes me feel extra warm and fuzzy.

Sunday:

Sunday night, I had the exciting chance to be part of a live audience for America’s Got Talent. I just so happened to stumble upon first come, first serve free online tickets. Husband, Patrick and Taylor joined this small dream come true of mine. You may know that my childhood fantasy was to be a judge on American Idol. Well,this wasn’t quite the same. But the audience is known as the “Fourth Judge” and can help someone get to the next round by fist pumping while simultaneously screaming “Vegas” (where the talent will go for the next round) in a repetitive fashion. I made sure to take full advantage of my humble judging opportunity. I also made sure to take full advantage of the free stuff that was being thrown out. When dude with the microphone and free glowing rings appeared, I jumped up and down until said dude reacted, “Hey, girl in the black dress!” It took me a moment to realize he was talking to me and I eventually responded with something intelligent like, “This girl in the black dress!?” I was only slightly embarrassed knowing that many eyes were on me during my moment of obliviousness, but more happy that I received my glowing ring and was talked to by dude with the microphone. I was also pretty giddy being in the same building as judges Sharon Osbourne and host Nick Cannon. Not to mention the talent was amazing (and the lack of was sometimes hilarious and other times a little heartbreaking.) Oh. Did I mention I got to see Nick Cannon in a bikini? Yummy. I highly suggest you watch the auditions that will be airing in May. If only to see almost naked Cannon again (and at the slight chance of seeing myself) I’ll definitely be tuning in.

Cameras and phones weren’t allowed inside, but here’s a couple of pictures we took downtown afterwards. You can see me and Taylor’s glowing rings:

As crazy as the new few weeks will be, I’m prepared for and actually even looking forward to them. This last week has left me full of new memories and ready to take on even the most insane of schedules. Thank-you, Spring Break. Thank-you.

Hey, y’all. How was your Spring Break?

Beeritas and Bacon. Need I say more?

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Christina Does It All

I never plan on making so many posts about my weekends. It kind of just ends up this way. Lately, I’ve felt inspired by so many different things and have a whole slew of post ideas accumulating in my brain. But these ideas kind of stay on the back burner due to my busy schedule and wonderful weekends. It’s extremely necessary that you know about my wonderful weekends! Right?! Right. I also think that reviewing the good times on a Monday helps to keep me satisfied and energized until the next Friday. So, here’s the current weekend highlights and joys:

Friday:

I have one class on Fridays– Mass Media History and Theory. Before leaving said class on Friday, my professor asked me if I would consider taking a managerial position within the radio department of our university next year. I was honored he asked, and it would look great on a resume and count for free credits. Yes, sir, I’ll definitely consider.

Saturday:

Margaritas and lots of laughs with some favorites.

The above picture screams, “Hi, I’m 12 years old and excitedly enjoying my first beerita!” This isn’t too far off. I’m 22 and excitedly enjoying my first beerita!

My sexy date for the night.

My main squeeze.

Sunday:

Sushi Date with Jenn and Emily= Two dates in two days with two of my favorite girls.

And later that evening……(Drumroll, please….)

I had the amazing experience of attending my first ever Bacon Party.Yes! A party full of bacon! A black tie event in honor of BACON! So I got to dress up all fancy (I choose red, in honor of bacon.) and fill my tummy with with bacon-y (That should be a word. Why is it not?! Does the dictionary not realize the importance of bacon?!) goodness. We’re talking bacon deviled eggs,candied bacon,bacon-loaded potato salad, bacon cupcakes, bacon brownies, bacon and bleu cheese cheesecake, honey-nutella-peanut-butter-banana-bacon sandwiches (‘Elvis sandwiches,’ for short.) and every other bacon indulgence your heart or tummy could ask for. Instead of chips and dip, there was bacon strips and dip. For a few short hours,I lived in a perfect world. A world full of friends, laughter and bacon.

Here’s to the good stuff.

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Christina Does It All

Favorite moments this week:

(Collage by my lovely friend Becca)

Becca buying me food/happy hour and Tessa, later that night, buying me drinks downtown. I have super sweet friends who thankfully don’t let me use, “I’m broke” as an excuse to not hang out with them.

Speaking of Becca. In our shared religious course, she mistook the word “incense” for “incest” during lecture. Thus, instead of hearing “All kinds of incense” in the church, she heard “All kinds of incest” in the church. Add the fact that my professor seemed really excited about this fact and Becca’s initial look of confusion and disgust, we ended up giggling uncontrollably for approximately five minutes in the back of the classroom.

New neighbors close to hubby and my age. They were outside today when I started my run and invited us over for “Beer and video games” sometime. Hubby may have found his neighborhood soul mates.

Receiving a really sweet secondhand compliment. Best friend Tessa informed me that our mutual buddy Brooks told her that there was just something about me that others are drawn to. Made me smile. It’s always good to know that people are talking good about you behind your back.

Going out with my best girly friend, a dude friend I haven’t seen in years and a new dude friend last night.

Funny/awkward moment of the night:I mentioned to new friend Scott that I was taller than him. He didn’t like this comment and set out to prove me wrong. We came across a group of women who I believe were celebrating a bachelorette party. Scott promptly asked who was taller. The consensus was that he was taller but that I was way hotter. Before walking off, one lady (or maybe it was two?) told new friend Scott, “She’s fine. You better treat her right.” Err. They thought new friend Scott was my lover Scott. After said amusingly awkward conversation, new friend Scott went around to other groups asking not who was taller, but who was hotter. I definitely won. Hee.

Dancing on stage at a dueling piano bar. Though I have no dancing abilities whatsoever and I was still much too sober to be dancing on a stage, I had a blast.

Best dude friend Bryant messaging me pictures of our mutual girl crush, Selena Gomez. (No, We’re not quite pedophiles. She’s 19! And he started it.)

Upcoming fun weekend plans with my amazing hubby and wonderful friends.

I’m going to San Diego in two weeks!
So. Here’s to free happy hours, girl crushes, dancing on stages, upcoming vacations, being the hotter partner of a fake couple, new friends, old friends, the bestest of girl friends and all of the other good stuff, lovely moments and exciting adventures in between. Cheers,y’all!

“It’s a heart.” and other happy things.

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Christina Does It All

I may be kind of delirious right now. Yesterday I left for work at 8:30 am and didn’t get home from school and then rehearsals until almost 10 (pm.) Yawn.

Things keeping me happy to be awake:

I came home after a long day on Tuesday to find wine,my favorite candy bar and mini Kit-Kats in the shape of a heart. Just to clear up any confusion, husband even wrote a note pointing to the Kit-Kats that read, “It’s a heart.”

As excited as I am for Valentine’s Day and the treats that come with it, these little impromptu surprises not attached to any holiday are even more special to me.

Speaking of my dude. We were celebrating his birthday at a friend’s house last week when Lauren, a girl I know from high-school, and I started chatting. She made me smile and blush a bunch when she said that Robby and I give her hope for this matrimony stuff and that we were what marriage should be like. Friends who really love each other. She then admitted to ‘stalking’ and loving every single one of my blogs. I was pleasantly surprised. I love being stalked by cool people! This conversation also enunciated two opinions I already have:

1. My marriage really is the bee’s knees.

2. Girls? We’re all stalkers. Establishing this mutual understanding really makes for lovely conversations.

-Hubby and I are going to San Diego in three weeks! Confession: I found such a great deal on tickets but was so broke at the time that I only bought one ticket to San Diego. I just got finished buying the second one, and I managed to get Robby and I on the same flights and everything. There was a small chance that I was booking it solo to California. Glad to for sure be bringing my dude along now.

What I do at work:

For those of you who may be just tuning in, I’m not a killer motorcyclist. I’m a nanny.

Friend Deesh flattering me:

Friend Katie flattering me whilst making a funny:
3,000 dollars in tax returns. Being a broke college student does have its upsides.

Receiving my script and also finding out that I get to work with a professional actor. Our short play (“The Philadelphia”) is meant to consist of two males and one female. However, so many more girls tried out that our professor was going to make do with an all female cast. I think she knew a lot of the humor would be lost without the two males, so she worked it out and found the professional for one male role. I’ll be the only girl in this particular skit, working with two amazing dude actors. I don’t know whether to be more nervous or excited. Let’s go with excited. Yes. Excited is a good summary to explain how life has me feeling lately. And sleepy. And nervous. And busy. But mostly excited.

In case of a city wide blackout, I’m your girl.

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Christina Does It All

A couple of weeks back, a guy friend of mine posted this on my facebook:

“Your effing neverending happiness could power New York City for 24 whole hours in the event of a blackout.”

I’m not sure how I was supposed to take this, but I was both tickled and pleased. I love that friends know all too well and can tease me about my freakish amounts of joy. It’s something I’m proud of, because I feel I choose it. To be happy. To see the good over the bad. To love the rain. To plan trips when broke, knowing the memories will one day compensate for said brokeness. To take a long run when I’m feeling extra stressed. To catch some of the silly things I fuss about–A bad hair day, too much homework, a messy house–and know that this is what others would kill to complain about. To be thankful for my youth, knowing it’ll probably go by faster than I want it to. To laugh as much as possible. To focus on the little details that make life spectacular: The smell of a new book, Hour long talks with girl friends, Hot showers, Pretty skies, The first sip of my glass of merlot, The taste of a fresh-baked, Husband-made cookie, Holding hands with someone I love, The candy a friend brings me to class, Hearing my dog snoring, Long kisses, Sweet words, Random treats, The gift cards left over from Christmas that support date night on a really,really,really tight budget. It’s things like this that give me the potential to power New York City in the event of a black-out. (Ha-ha.)

At the same time, I won’t lie and say that the extra goodness life throws my way doesn’t maybe help out said happiness. This weekend for example. Chilling downtown and cruising in a Hummer limo with my best friend and other cool peeps. Neat, unforgettable experiences like this may indeed aid in some extra boosts of happy power. Ahem:Not to mention, the calmer joy of catching up with loved ones I haven’t seen in much too long….

I definitely have my occasional grumpy days. My sad days. My mad days. But more than all of these combined, I have good days. Great days. Loved,bright, wonderful days. And the bad days I do have are me being blessed and spoiled enough to complain about my silly first world problems. The fact is, life is good, and I’d be stupid not to choose happiness. I know that my positive feelings probably never will be enough to power any sort of city in case of black-out, but that’s okay. Right now, I’m watching the sun set from my window and I’m about to go get all fancied up for gift-card date night with the husband. And I couldn’t be happier.

2012, I think maybe I love you already.

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Christina Does It All

“Follow me and everything is all right, I’ll be the one to tuck you in at night; And if you wanna leave, I can guarantee, you won’t find nobody else like me.”

Hello there and Happy New Year! I had a wonderful,safe,fun and slightly crazy night spent with friends at a local bar and later back at my very own house. My friends like my house. I like that my friends like my house. Because I like my friends and my house. (And the alchoholic goodies that friends bring along to my house.) You know those moments when you just feel completely wrapped up in happiness? And, you kind of just think to yourself, “This is perfect. I am happy.” I had one of those moments. Friends and I were sitting right next to a live band at the bar, and we were all drinking, laughing and singing along to a great rendition of Uncle Kracker’s, “Follow me.” I’m young and alive and surrounded by sexy,wonderful people who love me. I’m starting a new year with a new dress, splendid folks and so many great plans and ideas already in mind. To top it all off and as luck would have it, I had just found a sparkly New Years hat to celebrate with. I just looked at all of the faces around me, and mixed with the music and the atmosphere and life in general, I just felt like jumping up and down out of pure joy. But sitting there basking in the glow and taking it all in was just as great.

Pictures of a, as my friend Melody put it, “crazy fun time.”

As most of you probably gather, my friends mean the world to me. One of my resolutions (That list coming soon) for 2012 is to be as good to my loved ones as they are to me. My best friend Tessa left me feeling like I’m off to a pretty good start a couple of days ago. She blog-commented,

“And Christina, you’re absolutely beautiful. I love that you’re my best friend. My mom said the other day, “you really found a rare one with Christina. She seems to be a really good friend”. Indeed!”

If I was more of a crier, I would have cried. Instead, I just felt really heart-warmed and blessed. Ringing in the New Year with her and so many other of my closest friends seems to be a good sign for the rest of 2012. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for me.

Frienbs?

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Christina Does It All

Lookit all my goodies, y’all. An adorable little bracelet from the four year old dude I nanny. A nice bottle of sparkling moscato from his parents. Lotion, cookies (that melt in my mouth, I must add) and a Target gift-card from my lovely Katie. Leftover cupcakes from Sunday’s festivities. 18 white roses from my hubby dude. And all this before it was even Christmas week! I think I might be kinda spoiled. Not just by presents but also by the presence of so many wonderful peeps I have around me. Since my Christmas break started, I’ve been able to bask in all of the happiness and joy my loved ones and other people in general bring to my life. To further explain, here’s an outline of my past few days:

Thursday night:

I was studying for my last final when I got a text from my best girlfriend asking if she could come over for a bit. Well,duh. We tested out her mom’s Christmas gift, watched a marathon of The Biggest Loser and she asked me how to make meatballs. I don’t think I’ve ever taught anyone how to cook anything before, so the fact that she trusted me even on one of the easiest of recipes is still quite a big deal. We also decided we should have weekly get together’s involving marathons of The Biggest Loser. It felt pretty perfect doing absolutely nothing with my best friend.

Friday afternoon:

I went to my friend Emily’s, and she had homemade baked macaroni and cheese waiting for me. (See? Spoiled.) She also let me delve into her scrap booking supplies, and we were both tickled at how horrible I was at being crafty. Below, you can probably see where some of our giggle fits came from:

If you’re still confused by my air-headed ways, I was attempting to spell “friends.” The stamps confused me, so it came out, “Frienbs.”

Friday evening:

Husband brought home my beautiful roses and we had a date night at the most delicious hole-in-the-wall restaurant. I’m usually not a fan of Mexican food, but Jardin Corona is on par with Italian and sushi for me. This is a big deal.

Friday night:

Tessa and I decided last minute to go to my friend Becca’s Christmas party. I’m so glad we did. The whole night,or what I recall of it, was a blast. Highlights:

Being lost in the parking lot for 30 minutes with Tessa. We were cold and jogging around awkwardly and climbing on gates and cracking up laughing and, as always, having a blast together.
Becca, who was tipsy when we arrived, introducing me to everyone as, “This is Christina. She’s lost 30 pounds.” Later on in the night, Becca and a friend of hers were talking about another girl who got jealous easily. Becca responded with something along the lines of, “That’s stupid. I go places with Christina and she knows everyone, and that doesn’t make me mad.” Ha. Despite our many happy hours, I rarely see this girl intoxicated. It was fun.
Some random dude hitting on me by telling me I was too young to be married and that I should instead be with him. When I rejected him, he told me I could inform my husband that he had a good girl. Basically he was telling me that anyone who had the will-power to reject him was obviously a keeper. I found this more amusing than annoying. Douche bags are entertaining.
Cynthia, who I’ve met once before, telling me I looked like I weighed 100 pounds. I do not weigh 100 pounds. But I still thoroughly enjoyed the compliment.
Meeting new,exciting, fun people who made me laugh hysterically all night.
Being surrounded by a couple of the ladies who I love the most in this world.

Saturday night:

This past summer, I went out on a whim and posted an ad on craiglist looking for a nannying job. The family I found turned out to be so much more amazing than I ever hoped for, and they’ve turned into much more than just a summer nanny job. They feel more like family to me now. I’m visiting them this week and the plan is to nanny for them again this summer. (Because I have another permanent job right now, I’m going to speak to both mommies and attempt to combine the two. Five kids+One me= Taking on a new adventure?) In the meantime, Gwen and her family have definitely helped open doors for convenient, heart-warming and fun part-time jobs. I was hired for my current job because of Gwen talking me up on the phone for over half an hour. Saturday night, I babysat for a 6 month old little dude who is the son of one of Gwen’s friends. This is the same night that both ladies were at a work Christmas party. When I got home from babysitting, I was tickled to have received these new comments on facebook:

The frequent babysitter card deal actually isn’t such a bad idea….

Sunday night:

Shannon hosted a small tacky-Christmas sweater party at my house. A few friends and family members came over and enjoyed a game of perverted Apples to Apples, alcoholic eggnog, ugly clothes and lots of laughs and holiday cheerfulness. As excited as I am for the new year and all of the opportunities and adventures I already see in store, I am definitely soaking up the rest of an already amazing 2011. This partly means enjoying the heck out of all of this/these happiness, food, festivities, excitement, adventures, fun and frienbs. Er….I mean friends.

Being right here.

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Christina Does It All

Yesterday I received this note on a paper I wrote for Intro to Counseling:

“This paper ‘set the bar’ for the rest of the class. Way to go!”

I received 17 out of 15 possible points.

I’ve done really great in school since I’ve started. I’ve never failed a class and I rarely make anything lower than a B. Looking back on blogs from just a few of years ago, it shocks me how little faith I had in myself. I pretended college didn’t mean much to me, but I know now that this wasn’t truly the issue. I didn’t believe that I had the intelligence to go to a four year university.

In a year and a half, I’ll be the first female to ever graduate college in my family. Partly because of this, college was never something that I was really encouraged to do. I was never discouraged from going to college, so I guess you could say my parents were supportive either way. I understand this. My dad has been extremely successful without a college education. He never pushed college on me, because he believed I’d be fine without it. In a way, this was a relief. I’m not so good at doing things when I feel they’re being forced on me. At the same time, never being given that extra push hindered me. A college education started to intimidate me. I was never really told that I should, which in turn didn’t make me think that I actually could.

It took some friendly pushes from other loved ones (My best friend and her mommy to name a couple that really stand out) to really show me that I had the initiative, determination, intelligence and strength to strive for more than an associates degree.

Looking back, where I’m at now still sometimes amazes me. I never in a kabazillion years imagined I would be where I am at 22 years of age. So many of the wishes I wistfully hoped for but never actually expected have come true now. I’ve made them come true. But as I’ve gained confidence over the past couple of years, I am constantly striving for more and more and more. My goals are ten times what they were two years ago, and the rate at which I accomplish them at least the same. This is good and all, but it’s also put me in a place where I fail to notice how far I’ve come. I all too often dismiss where I’m at in my journey to get where I’m going.

And I’m at a pretty damn good place right now. I’m a house-owner. I’m also the owner of a pretty wonderful husband (Ha.) I’m able to travel frequently. I have a job that I love and that helps pay the bills. I’m getting closer and closer to graduating. I make good grades. I’m able to try new things and go on lots of adventures. I’m constantly surrounded by people who love me.

It hasn’t been until recently that I realized I deserve all of this. I’m not just lucky. I work really hard. I study my ass off. I sometimes spread my time thin with projects and extracurricular activities. I make (mostly) good decisions. I try (though I’m sure I occasionally fail) to be the best and kindest person I can be.

I know that I’ve been my toughest critic. People often see me as this super-confident,outgoing (sometimes slightly insanely so) girl. But there was a time in my life where I was all kinds of insecure, shy and awkward. The moment I began having the tiniest bit of faith in myself, all of that started changing. I’m confident now not because I think I’m the greatest thing to ever exist but because I have to be. (Confident, not the greatest thing to ever exist.) Believing in myself has gotten me here; To doing what I thought I couldn’t do and then some. I’ve raised my own bar. And I’m proud of that. As great as getting there will someday feel, looking back has shown me just how amazing being right here really is.

Christina Does It All

Doing it all, One blog at a time.

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