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?

Spring Break 2012, Part One.

Posted on by Christina Does It All
20

This week has one huge mix of awesomeness. My schedule is so hectic this semester that I’ve been taken aback by spring break. In a very good way. I can relax. I can sleep. I can go on adventures the moment I want to go on them. I can read a book that’s not school related. I don’t have any 14 hour days this week.  As the next couple of weeks are going to be especially intense due to an upcoming play and five-day a week rehearsals, I’m soaking all of this in and enjoying every little bit of it. Spring Break 2012, I love and cherish you.

Here are some favorite moments thus far:

Saturday:

Party at Jenn’s. Hot tubbin’ with the amigos.

Sunday:

Silent Disco with the best friend

Monday:

Relaxed. Tanned in my backyard with wine, a juicy read and my bathing suit. Heavenly.

Tuesday:

Peacocks in the park. I’ve lived in Austin all my life and am just now learning about Mayfield Park and its peacocks! Being a nanny definitely has its upsides.

Later Tuesday:

Miss Tessa scored free tickets to a concert at the rodeo. Being her best friend and all, I got a free ticket too. We actually had tickets to sit in this cool little dining area overlooking the concert, but as soon as the gates opened, we were rushing to the stadium to be as close as possible to a childhood dream. Our 12-year-old souls were giddy and giggly. We were watching DEMI LOVATO perform live. The preteens were screaming her name and the “WE LOVE YOU DEMIS!!!”, and we, respectively 22 and 23, screamed right along with them.

Wednesday:

Wings date at Pluckers with my Little (of Big Brothers Big Sisters) She’s 16 now and is about to get her first car. As I really am not familiar with South Austin and she’s forever giving me directions, Little is wanting to drive me around for our upcoming dates. Um. WHAT?! STOP GROWING BIGGER, LITTLE!!!

Friend Melody and I decided to check out some free SXSW events. Oh my goodness. I am glad we did this. We started out at a free venue. Free good music, free red wine (with refills!), free coconut milk ice-cream, and lots of fun people. When we left, I was already slightly tipsy and quite a happy girl.  As it was around 6 by then and I had planned on cooking dinner, we headed back to Melody’s car. This is where we were randomly invited into a social club by a couple of cool people sitting at a booth. Behind them was what appeared to be a quaint little house, with a ping-pong table in sight. And….what’s this…A PHOTO BOOTH! I told Melody about my hope of finding a photo booth earlier in the day. I had no idea what to expect from this social club (later I found out it was hosted by Puma) but was immediately sold. After playing with the photo booth, we made our way through the house and into the back. I was in love. Before me was what appeared to be a backyard but was actually paradise. The fake grass did not fool me. Actually it did. Melody had to tell me it wasn’t actually grass. Ahem. Besides the point. Before my eyes was a free open bar. A free t-shirt designing trailer. More free music. And SO many fun people to play with. The cute, albeit fake, yard-like setting gave the whole event a friendly and relaxed vibe. We hula-hooped. We danced. We talked to bands. We designed our own shirts. We took more photo-booth pictures. We socialized at a social club. I remember feeling that everything was just overwhelmingly and blissfully perfect. I am young and loved and living in Austin,Texas. What more could I possibly ask for?

Oh, you know. Just Dancing in an Enchanted Forest.

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I mentioned the other day that my friends and I are pretty much up for anything. I really did mean that. To the extreme of dancing in a forest with headphones and a bunch of awesome strangers. Last night, my best friend and I went to Austin’s Enchanted Forest to attend our first silent disco. What this means is that we went to an eclectic and gorgeous wooded area, lit up by disco balls and other pretty hanging accessories, and danced (and giggled) the night away. We were given headphones which digitally streamed the music the d.j.s were mixing up just feet away from us. If we took our headphones off, we could laugh at how silly everyone looked dancing to what appeared to be silence, and also enjoy the sound of the babbling brook. The whole experience was simply magical. And enchanting. Did you know ‘enchanted’ is one of my favorite words? So the Enchanted Forest was a lovely opportunity to be completely enchanted by the the perfect combination of nature, music and my fellow adventure-seekers.

I actually found out about this whole silent disco idea through an online meetup group, 20-something girlfriends. I applied to join this a while ago, and was pretty excited to get accepted. It’s all about meeting new people and going on new adventures. Two of my favorite things in life! I’d been meaning to go to a meetup for a while, but just hadn’t had the time. When I saw they were planning to go to a silent disco, I immediately fell in love with the idea. But I never thought I’d be able to find them in the crowd! We just happened to stumble upon a group of friendly girlies before it got too crowded, and I went with my inkling. “Are you…a girl’s meetup group?”  They were. And I’m so glad we found them. Tessa and I had a wonderful time dancing, chatting and laughing with our new girly pals. Did I mention yet how magical this night was? I blew bubbles. I danced with new friends. I participated in my city’s “Keep Austin Weird” slogan. I played with wind chimes. I drank Blue Moon beer beneath the moon. I danced beneath a disco ball in a forest with fun music in my ears. I watched people do cool tricks with lighted hula hoops. I saw and heard a giant Balinese Reyong (crazy-cool instrument) play it’s own music. I held hands and ooh-ed and ahh-ed at everything with my best girl friend. I got really muddy and felt at one with nature and people and stuff. I met awesome new folks and now have a really neat, new and odd experience under my belt. I currently have that afterglow that I always feel after a good adventure. It usually lasts just long enough to hold me over until I’m ready for my next new experience. So at least 24 hours or so.

I’m pretty adventure hungry. I get restless, adventure pangs pretty easily. Lucky for me, I have plenty of people and opportunities around that love to feed my appetite.

Tickled Pink.

Posted on by Christina Does It All
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I realize I use the word “happy” quite frequently in my blog, and I could see how this might get a little redundant and/or annoying. So I thought I’d spice it up a bit. I looked up synonyms for “happy” and my favorite was “Tickled Pink.” Yes. So I am feeling tickled pink today!

Life updates:

  •  While husband and I were on vacation, two girl friends and my brother took shifts taking care of my dogs. Brother even had to clean up some dog poo. I have the sweetest people in my life.
  • Had happy hour with a couple of buddies last night. Below is my “Hello, I am quite tipsy!” face:

  • Girls who look good at airports never cease to amaze me. I usually look either like a little boy or a half-awake monster. Sometimes a mixture of both. And then I see a chick with her hair curled, make-up applied and high heels on and I think, “I hate you.”, “Why!?!? “ and “You are my hero.”
  • I think maybe my apparent youthfulness attracts the elderly? Perhaps I remind them of their younger years? For whatever the reason, I get hit on by freakish amounts of slightly creepy old men. Bars, grocery stores, other states…No place is safe! San Diego was no exception. Husband and I walked into a bar, and almost instantly a dude around 70 starts doting over what a “pretty little thing” I am, that I am “just lovely” and other equally disturbing remarks. One of my biggest flaws is that I’m way too nice and I don’t know how to tell people to get lost. So Robby and I humor him and he buys us two drinks a piece. I’m glad I am able to use my powers for good.
  • My friend Priscilla, on missing me:
  • I missed a call from my husband today and texted him to see what was up. His response made my heart melt a bit. Okay, a lot.
  • One more class until my spring break officially begins! Fun plans are in the works. I’m lucky enough to have friends who, like me, are pretty much down for anything. The memories that come to mind make me smile. Parasailing with Priscilla. Hummer limo-riding and mini-road trips with Tessa.  Bikini car-wash and rain-dancing in a baseball field with Shannon. Jumping off of cliffs and participating in a nude lake with Emily. Indian reserves in New Mexico with Katie. Getting lost in Baltimore with Meg. Hiking in Colorado with the little brother. Painting houses in London with Bryant. Sharing giggles with Cierra in Paris. Riding bikes in San Diego with the hubby. Mechanical bull-riding with Crystal. Kayaking with Amber. Hosting an on-campus radio show with Becca. I could go on for hours, as everything I type leads me to another memory that brings yet another smile. Now I have a (mostly) open week  in which to make new grin-inducing memories! I love the feeling of having a countless amount of possibilities and so many loved ones by my side to explore them with.
  • I hope you’re tickled pink too!

Starting with Cayenne.

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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’

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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

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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.

Here’s to the good stuff.

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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!