Category Archives: fun

Spring Break 2012, Part 2.

Posted on by Christina Does It All
24

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?

Starting with Cayenne.

Posted on by Christina Does It All
17

Today my husband randomly asked me, “Baby, if you had to pick one thing that you were jealous of about me, what would it be?”

I only paused to think for a second before replying, “Your ability to not give a shit.”  Seriously. It amazes me how relaxed he is, how he simply brushes things off his shoulder and has a smile on his face even at the most stressful of times. Sometimes I’d like to kill him for it, but most of the time, it has more of a calming effect on me.

Husband continued the conversation, much to my amusement. “Cool. If I had to pick one thing to be jealous of about you, it’d be your drive. But I guess you can’t really have drive and not give a shit…Guess that’s why we work so good together.”

I smiled and remembered the time a few days ago he told somebody that I was “stubborn,” “hard-headed” and that “She gets everything she wants.”  He was trying to play it off as if this was a nuisance, but his signature big-ass smile gave him away.

Husband knows all too well that if I really want and set my mind to something, dammit, it’s going to happen. (Whether this is more of a fault or a positive attribute is questionable.) But even though I am having the time of my life right now, I will admit that being so driven does sometimes get me in over my head. Right now, for instance. I’m currently taking 15 hours of course work, working part-time, mentoring, working out over three hours a week, rehearsing for a play, constantly diving headfirst into new projects+adventures and still attempting to be a decent wife, house-owner and friend. I love being busy and I’m hands down the happiest I’ve ever been, but I am often exhausted. Succeeding in life has never been a huge fear of mine, simply because I’m one of those crazies who would at least kill myself trying. The faith my husband, friends and family has in me doesn’t hurt either. But I am worried about breathing. Remembering to breathe. I kind of suck at that.

These are the moments when I have to act less like me and more like Robby. He’s great at remembering to breathe. So today I went to Home Depot. This is a very Robby thing to do! Yes. So I went to Home Depot and I bought a begonia and I bought a cayenne pepper plant. I’m going to start gardening. Or I’m going to try. I’d be lying if I said this had nothing to do with conquering a goal and getting something I want out of the deal. One of my new years resolutions is to start a new hobby. But this is something different for me. Something more calm and meditative. A hobby that will allow me to think, and enjoy my alone time and to breathe. Something that has the possibility to inspire and create without going a million miles an hour. I could hate it, It is very possibly one of my shorter-lived projects and I’ll more than likely kill every plant I attempt to grow. But I figure it’s worth a try. So here I am. Starting with cayenne. 

Smitten with San Diego

Posted on by Christina Does It All
25

I can’t even begin to describe how completely smitten I have become with San Diego. Where do I start?! I don’t know. But I shall try. In no particular order (I couldn’t pick a favorite if I tried!), here’s my San Diego Top 10:

1. Exploring the Gaslamp Quarter District,which included brunch and bottomless mimosas.

2. The Japanese Friendship Garden. I had the opportunity to feed and get my hand sucked on by a giant Koi fish. It felt like a rather powerful suction cup and I was giggling like a five-year old. A neat and slightly funny-feeling experience.

3. The beach. Well, Duh.

4. Balboa Park. Simply gorgeous.

5. Meeting up with husband’s Parallel Kingdom (a game he plays on his phone–I’m married to a very lovable nerd) buddies for lunch at the famous burger joint, Hodad’s. The burger was amazing (I got the Guido which had pastrami on top.Yummy!) and the company was amazing. One of Robby’s friends later messaged him saying, “Your wife is awesome.” Aw. I felt the same about them and it was cute to see husband so giddy about meeting new people.

6.Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Lighthouse. Absolutely breathtaking views.

7. Double Bike Riding through the quaint and adorable town of Coronado. I loved this so much. Husband and I were laughing the entire time we were pedaling. We knew we probably looked ridiculous and I think this made for an even better time. Our adventures always leave me with some of the most amusing and cherished memories.

8. Scrumptious lobster tacos at The Local Eatery and Drinking Hole and some of the best pizza of our lives in Little Italy. Okay, so that’s two different things but I’m trying to keep this list at 10, dammit! It’s not cheating if they’re both food. So there.


9. The perfect weather. The fun people. The dog-friendliness of the city. Driving around and exploring everything we possibly could within a 72 hour period. Oh-ing and Ah-ing over every little thing with the husband. The indescribably beautiful scenery. The nightlife (including free drinks a couple of times.) Palm trees. The cool wind in my face. Wearing my bikini before spring break. Free music in the park. I could go on and on but I’m definitely cheating now. I can’t help it! I’m in love.

10. Spending three full days in San Diego laughing,strolling,kissing,exploring,eating,drinking,playing and loving life with my favorite dude in the entire world. I’m pretty smitten with him too.

California Dreamin’

Posted on by Christina Does It All
21

I had a hard time sleeping last night due to my excitement.

And I won’t be sleeping at all tonight.

At 2:00 am this morning, husband and I will make our way to the San Antonio airport on our way to visit San Diego.

I love the process of getting ready for a trip almost as much as I love the actual trip. Well, okay, that’s a lie. But I still like it a lot.

The Googling of cheap eats and fun places to visit.

The buying and packing of clothes purchased solely for the trip.

The giddiness of knowing that very soon, I’ll wake up in a different time zone.

The memories of past vacations, rushing through airports, early mornings, late nights, sunny beaches, good food, cute cities, sight-seeing, exploring, fresh-brewed coffee, and looking out of hotel windows to see the view (or occasionally lack of.)

The breathtaking newness of it all. Waking up with the awareness that the day will be full of new adventures and new memories and new smells and new people and new grounds to tread on. The wonder of discovering said newness. There’s just something magical about going somewhere you’ve never been before, no?

The anticipating of doing all of these things with my partner in crime, aka Robby Boudreaux, aka husband-man. The joy of remembering we turn into wide-eyed, goofy kids again every time we step foot on unexplored grounds. The nice feelings I get knowing we get to do this all again in less than 24 hours.

It’s been an eight year dream of mine to visit California. I was convinced at 14 that I would grow up to be a famous Hollywood actress/American Idol judge/Ryan Seacrest’s beaming bride. (That last bit still perplexes even me.) Even when these adolescent dreams (thankfully) faded, my love for acting and the allure for this west coast state didn’t. Now, in the month of March, I have the opportunity to star in a university play while also visiting California with my favorite dude in the entire world. Best of both worlds! Teenage Christina couldn’t have dreamed up a better plan herself. (Clearly, since wedding Ryan Seacrest was part of the original plan….)

Beeritas and Bacon. Need I say more?

Posted on by Christina Does It All
24

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 by Christina Does It All
26

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!

“Super Saiyan, Jedi Sh*t.”

Posted on by Christina Does It All
16

I’ve had a really special, heart-warming, magical Valentine’s Day. I hope you did too!

My V-Day review:

Elijah, the four-year old dude I nanny, gave me a Star War’s Valentine. His handwriting is the sweetest.

Becca brought rose-shaped mini brownies to class for her and I to share. Delicious and pretty. I always love her treats.

I came home to Starbuck’s coffee and beautiful flowers from the hubby.

And then there were the date nights. I got three. (So far.)

Date night #1:

Husband and I went to see ‘The Vow.’  I’m not a huge movie person, and I’m especially not a huge mushy-gushy, romance movie person. But the moment I saw the commercial I told Robby we were going to see it for Valentine’s Day. I just knew I’d love it. And I did. Cheesy? Yes. But incredible cheese. I cried. Husband handed me a tissue. When his pizza came, he whispered to me, “I’ll share my pizza with you.”  Romance at it’s finest, y’all. And as we were driving home, the dude put the biggest smile on my face. If you’ve seen the commercials, you know Rachel McAdam’s character loses her memory due to a car crash. Channing Tatum’s character is the hubby trying to help her regain said lost memory. Driving back to the house, Robby informed me, “If that happened to you, you wouldn’t forget me.”  I think I laughed and asked why,or maybe he just rambled on by himself. “You couldn’t ever forget me. Our love is like…Super Saiyan, Jedi Shit.”  This is Robby combining Star Wars and Anime expressions to express his feelings about our relationship. My heart melted.

Date night #2:

Olive Garden. This is a sentimental restaurant for us because our first ever date was at an Olive Garden. (Before we went to shoot guns. Husband deserves a prize for best first date. Minus the first date awkwardness and jitters, it was perfect.) And chain restaurant as it may be, it’s among my favorite places to dine. It could be the nostalgia for our first date, but I think it maybe has more to do with the endless bread-sticks and chicken dumpling soup. Call me a romantic.

Date night #3:

Robby and I had an outdoorsy date planned for tonight, but I got back from my play rehearsal late and am pretty exhausted. We postponed planned third date for this weekend (Excited!) and headed to our local Sonic and bought Limeades instead. Once we got home, vodka was added to said Limeades. I currently feel like a rebellious teenager.

And now I get four dates in one week with my Super Saiyan, Jedi lover.

I’m a lucky, spoiled and right now slightly tipsy girl.

Word Vomit and Video Projects.

Posted on by Christina Does It All
25

As happy as I am lately, I’ve also sort of been a little stressed. School is sucking away a good amount of my time, Husband and I are planning an upcoming vacation, money is more or less nonexistent right now, and my theatre class, as much as I love it, is really pushing me a bit outside of my comfort zone. (And I have a pretty wide comfort zone!) I had nearly forgotten both the thrill and the terror of performing in front of a group of people. It’s especially intense going into class never knowing what or how exactly I’ll be performing. (Example: The other day I volunteered and was told I was to act as if I was at a laundromat. I had to fold laundry while simultaneously flirting and attempting to get the attention of a dude classmate. And I couldn’t talk. I’ve been married for over 2 years now. It’s been a while since I’ve purposely batted my eyelashes, and my attempting probably looked more like twitching. Hopefully sexy twitching?) The experience is in general exhilarating and I can feel that I’m growing from it.  But mixed with the hustle and bustle of life already, I approached this weekend feeling pretty drained and ready for a break. For me, the perfect idea of relaxing is spending lots of quality time with my pals and my hubby. Lucky for me, I received plenty of this. Two girls nights, a couple’s date night (At Applebees ((Told you I’m broke)), which is now called ‘Club Apple’ and has strobe lights after 9pm. I can’t stress to you enough how much this tickles me.) AND I got to help one of my closest friends unpack a little. We’re both pretty excited that she just moved three miles away from me and within walking distance from the house I nanny at.  Side note: How weird would it be if my boss unknowingly saw me cruising through her neighborhood on one of my off days? I texted her beforehand so she’d know I wasn’t stalking her family for fun on the weekends. Well y’all, this has been Christina’s word vomit of the day. See below for a few pictures of a fabulous weekend AND a video project a couple of girly friends and I are quite proud of. Ahem:So. Tessa, Melody and I decided to humor ourselves (and hopefully a few others) and make one of those “Shit Girls Say” parody videos. We spent hours last night making it, and I stayed up later than I should have to edit the clips. We had a blast making and writing it and I don’t think the final product is all too shabby either. So. Without further ado, I present to you, “Shit Girls Say (To Make Themselves Feel Better)” :

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

Posted on by Christina Does It All
21

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 by Christina Does It All
16

“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.