Category Archives: husband

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.

Good Lookin’ Numbers

Posted on by Christina Does It All
21

Some Good Lookin’ Numbers (Mixed with pictures of past few days):

1.$3,000 direct deposited for tax return today.

2. 1 month until my play. I go to rehearsals exhausted and somehow leave feeling excited and glowing. I’ve missed acting.

3. Eight days until hubby and I are in San Diego.

4. 10/10 on my first Mass Media History and Theory exam. I was happy about it but didn’t think too much of this grade until Monday. Professor announced something like, “So I think only one other person has ever made a perfect grade in my class. But one of your classmates made a 100% on this exam….”  It took a second for me to register and when I did I gave a little gasp/clap without thinking. He meant me! Professor then smiled and pointed my way. “You obviously all know who that is now…” Class then gave me a round of applause. Embarrassingly proud moment in my life.

5. Almost 4,000 views (In just a few weeks!) on the video a couple of girly friends and I made, Shit Girls Say (To Make Themselves Feel Better.)

6. One really sexy husband.

“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.

Life>Naps

Posted on by Christina Does It All
23

I am simultaneously exhausted and ecstatic.

Firstly, let me just announce, I GOT A ROLE IN THE SCHOOL PLAY! I still can’t really believe it. I’ll be playing a bitchy/smart-ass waitress in one of the 5 ten-minute shorts Concordia is performing this semester. This may or may not have to do with the fact that  I auditioned as a bitchy/smart-ass McDonald’s employee. This particular play involves a chick who has been sucked into an alternate reality where she can’t get anything she asks for. The entire play is in a restaurant setting. Needless to say, I have a bunch of fun/humorous lines and I probably would have picked this role if I could have myself. I’m excited beyond belief but also preparing to make some sacrifices. The first being that I can’t spend Valentines Day with my hubby due to rehearsals and that a lot of other free time will now be sucked away (Shit starts getting really real the week of my birthday.) But right now, I’m kind of on a natural high and have decided it will all be more than worth it. At the same time, I’m pretty tempted to fall asleep on my keyboard right now. Trying to take on the world is kind of tiring sometimes. But a good kind of tiring.

Secondly, husband’s birthday is today. He’s 29! My friends and I threw a little surprise party for him on Saturday. And when I say my friends and I, I mostly mean my friends. I spent the day with Robby’s family (Who spoiled us with cupcakes and stuff) and babysat that night, so I was short on time. Katie was more than happy to let me use her place, and Tessa bought cake and balloons (which she wouldn’t let me pay her back for.) Both of these dear girl friends prepared festivities and made everything look party-ready and perfect. They even wrote some of Robby’s token sayings all over the balloons. (IE; “F***ing A!”) Husband, being consistently late to everything (One of the reasons I may kill him before he’s 30…),showed up an hour late.  My group of friends and I sat in the dark for 60 minutes, talking and giggling and once, accidentally surprising the wrong peeps. We had a blast waiting for my tardy dude to show up.

Last night, my friend Priscilla surprised me with a carton of ice-cream and we had a girl’s night of wine, dramatic tv shows and chocolate chip cookie dough ice-cream.

Today at my nanny job, I accidentally fed the two year old artichoke dip. No chips included. I thought it was pasta. Afterward,I brought hubby home some presents, studied and did my 4 days a week ab-workout routine. The boy and I just got home from Mexican-food (His favorite) date night.

Life is really good. I need a nap. But naps can wait. Life cannot! Now excuse me, while I watch a movie with the birthday boy and hopefully do not drool on him whilst snoring.

Vacations,Dandelions,Little Jeans and Liking Life.

Posted on by Christina Does It All
20

“Up in the mountains, Down by the ocean,

Where, it don’t matter

As long as we’re going somewhere together;

I’ve got a quarter,

Heads Carolina, Tails California”

It’s official! Husband and I are going on vacation at the very beginning of March! As we’re on an extremely tight budget, I’ve been scoping out the best deals online for about a week now. By this I mean I’ve been obsessively searching for (practically page refreshing, but not quite) airline tickets on the internet. I didn’t really care where we went, as long as we found ticket prices under 200 dollars a pop. I actually loved the spontaneity and excitement of knowing we were going somewhere together soon, but not yet knowing where. Last night I finally made a decision when I found a deal I just couldn’t pass up. So Guess what, Guess what, Guess what? March 1st, I fulfill an eight year long dream of visiting California. I can’t put into words how giddy I am. But I shall try. Right now. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! <<< There you go. That’s a tiny part of my giddiness put onto a computer. I feel like a kid on Christmas right now (Or really, just me on Christmas.) San Diego, here we come!

Other giddy moments lately:

  •  Finding and blowing/wishing on dandelions with the littles ones I nanny. Being around kids so much really helps keep in tact the magic of life.
  • Date night with my boy.
  • A fellow classmate/new friend did the sweetest thing for me yesterday. She knew I hadn’t bought my book yet and that we have an upcoming test. I planned on just studying notes and googling terms. Last night after class, she walked up to me and handed me her book. I was confused. “Won’t you need this to study?” She responded with a shrug, said she already studied and I could give it back to her on Tuesday. I gave her a hug and left the classroom feeling heart-warmed and relieved. No googling terms for me this weekend!
  • My friend Becca and I share a class together, and have taken to writing one another notes this week. Above you can see the page we filled up with random doodles and words. I love sharing a class with this chick. Not only does she make the time fly faster, but she has taken to bringing me random treats to class. Candy, Girl-Scout cookies and once even a whole meal. I have sweet friends.
  • The above picture is me trying on a pair of size 5′s. That were too big for me. I did a happy dance in the dressing room. I haven’t been in the size 3 arena since I was a teenager. I’m doing another little happy dance right now, just thinking about it.
  • I really like life right now. Life seems to really like me right now too. Hopefully that doesn’t change anytime soon.
  • What have you been liking about life lately?

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.

The beauty of being a grown-up

Posted on by Christina Does It All
21

Life has been getting hectic again lately. A happy hectic, but still hectic. School is back in full swing, my hours at work have gone up since last semester, and lots of fun plans,projects and adventures are already in the works for this year. Husband and I are planning a vacation for somewhere between our two birthdays (February and March), my friend Becca and I are planning a trip for May (We just made it final by virtually pinky promising) and I’m introducing husband to a slew of northern states while simultaneously visiting my best friend sometime in July. That’s three vacations in 6 months time! My friends love to tease me and inform me that I’m always going on a new vacation, but I can’t help it. I get major ants in my pants after three or more months of no traveling. I’m going on a little over three months now, and the antsy-ness has officially arrived. So I’m excited, super excited, but also a bit overwhelmed trying to get finances together while also readjusting myself to a busy day-to-day schedule. Luckily, I have a lot of lovelies in my life who melt away any little bit of stress I may have.

There is not much I adore more in this world than time with my girls. They are a constant source of inspiration, laughter, love, relaxation and joy. This past weekend was no exception. I was able to see a few of my favorite ladies for four days straight. Hot-tubbing and a sleepover at Jenn’s place. Sharing a bed with and cuddling up to my best friend Tessa, who also was sweet enough to buy me brunch the next day. (Cuddling and free food the next morning? Wouldn’t she make a perfect boyfriend?) Listening to live music, strolling through quaint book-stores and making fun of ugly ducks at the park with Melody and, again, my best friend Tessa. Drinks and giggles with Brooke and Emily for happy hour. A pizza buffet and retail therapy with my Little (of Big Brothers Big Sisters), who is growing up too fast and doing so quite gracefully. What I’m getting at is….Oh thank goodness for the ladies in my life. Sometimes I just break into smile thinking about them, our memories and how lucky I am to have stumbled across some of the most amazing chicks on the planet. How cool is it that I get to journey through life and explore the world with the greatest girls in the world?

Pictures help the words come to life: 

Tessa and I were talking on Sunday, and I mentioned that I’ve always liked being an adult better than I liked being a kid. I had a really sheltered childhood, and I’ve always loved and have been completely exhilarated by the freedom of adulthood. Later that same day, my best friend wrapped my thoughts up perfectly by saying something like, “We can do whatever we want. We can do anything.” That,in a nutshell, is exactly what I find absolutely spectacular about being a grown-up.The excitement of making new experiences, meeting new people and doing these things whenever I want to. The beauty and wonder and spontaneity of endless possibilities. The fact that I get to explore these endless possibilities with amazing people by my side just makes life that much more beautiful.