My Summer Bucket List

I know that summer doesn't technically start until the 21st but here in Texas things get hot pretty quickly. Though, I admit we've been having a really wet spring and they say that summer will be wetter than normal as well. But for those days and weekends when the sun is shining, the birds are tweeting, and the pools are way too crowded - here are some things I want to do to enjoy those UV rays (with sunscreen of course).


1.) Go to Canyon or Medina Lake.  
I definitely want to take the babies to the lake. Boyboy loves getting in the water when he's hot and I know that Belle would looove it if we gave her the chance. With all of her fuzzyfur it'd be a great way for her to cool down as well. Plus, I haven't been to a lake in years. I cannot even remember the last time I have. So hopefully we can grab some friends, plan a picnic, and have a fun day.

2.) Visit the Botanical Gardens.
It's been a few years since I last went to the Botanical Gardens but I've been wanting to go back. The flowers and plants look so much brighter in the summer and even though there are usually more people milling about, the grounds are spacious enough that you're not getting crowded or being hurried along.

3.) Go to an art museum.
John and I have never been to any art museums together. I haven't been to one in town since a field trip in middle school I think. We have a few art museums and on certain days they even have free admission.

4.) Go on a picnic.
This one may coincide with #1 but I don't think I've ever been on a proper picnic. I'm not sure how I'd like it with the bugs and stuff but what better way to find out? We can make some sandwiches, buy bags of chips, bring some drinks and just sit and watch the world go round.

5.) Raspa Fest. 
Raspas are the Mexican version of snow cones. The only difference is the ice. In snow cones or shaved ice, the ice is shaved thinly to where it's delicate and snow-like. In raspas, the ice is usually crushed to chips. They are still smothered in delicious syrup but if you really want to get crazy you can add candy, ice cream, or even pickles. Yes pickles. Don't ask.

6.) Go to a show.
It's been a while since John or I have been to a show. I don't know what groups are coming down but I like shows more than super crowded concerts. Maybe one of my weird banjo players will hit up one of our venues.

7.) Go toobing. 
I don't know why but here when you float in an inner tube, drinking beer we call it toobing. I have never, in my life, been toobing which is like the weirdest thing to say because as soon as you turn legal drinking age you spend at least one summer doing it. I dunno...I've just never gotten around to it?


So what are you summer plans? Do you have a bucket list of things you want to do to take advantage of the longer days and warmer nights?

Things I've Crossed Off My Bucket List

I recently discovered this little website gem called Bucketlist.

It lets you digitally make, add, & cross off things from your bucket list! As soon as I saw it I was hooked. I was on it for an hour just adding, adding, adding!

You can browse their different categories for ideas on your own goals. You can see those that are most popular, or pick something you'd want to learn, or add a place you want to visit.

It was while browsing through these lists that I discovered how absolutely lucky and grateful I am to my parents and all the things that I've ALREADY done. It's always fun making and crossing things off your own list but it's a feeling of gratitude when you know you've been fortunate enough to do something that someone else is right now only dreaming about.

At the age of 26 I have done all of these wonderful things.


I have

• Visited Roswell, New Mexico
• Visited New Orelans, Louisiana
• Visited New York City, New York
• Visited San Diego, California
• Visted New Jersey
• Visited Mexico
• Gambled in Las Vegas
• Vacationed at Disney World
• Eaten at the James Beard Foundation
• Started a Blog
• Adopted a Dog(s)
• Graduated High School
• Been Fishing
• Been on a Rollercoaster
• Been to a Rock Concert
• Been to an Orchestra Concert
• Seen a Play
• Seen a Stand Up Comedian
• Seen a Ballet
• Seen a Magician
• Seen the Statue of Liberty
• Seen the Twin Towers (Before 9/11)
• Seen a Broadway Show
• Danced at a Club
• Made a Cake from Scratch
• Realized the dangers of the Long Island Iced Tea
• Lived on My Own
• Lived in a Dorm
• Gotten my First Job
• Ridden in a Helicopter
• Ridden an Elephant
• Swam with beluga whales
• Gotten a Tattoo
• Dyed my Hair a Crazy Color
• Passed my Driving Test

If you have a Bucketlist why don't you add me? What things have you crossed off your bucket list?

Couple's Bucket List

Before I was with John I would make a big deal of getting alone time when it came to me and my boyfriends. Even now I need some alone time, but I don't need as much of it as I did before. I genuninely enjoy his company. I find that any event is ultimately better when we both take part in it.

Which led us to start a Bucket List that we both contributed to. Things like getting my sleeve done and cooking more are still on my personal bucket list but this one is nothing but adventures we both want to do and can both participate in.


So here it is, so far, in no particular order.

• Go to a stand up comedy show. 
• Skydive.
• Snorkel.
• Zip line.
• Rock climb.
• Visit Disney World.
• Spelunking.
• Take a volunteer vacation.
• Swim in jellyfish lake. 

• Visit all the city/state bars in San Antonio.
• Chicago
• Vegas
• Miami
• Boston
• London Sub & Pub

• Go to all SA brewies
• Freetail
• Blue Star
• Ranger Creek
• Alamo
• Saint Ides
• The Granary
• Busted Sandal
• Branchline

• Visit all seven continents.
• South America
• Asia
• Africa
• Europe
• Antarctica 
• North America

• Visit All 50 States.
• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Montana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Michigan
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Dakota
• North Carolina
• Nevada
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

I'm sure this list will just get longer and longer as we get older and maybe we don't do all of them but it's so fun to plan and have fun goals to look forward to - together.


Do you have a couple's bucket list? Do you have some suggestions we should add to ours?

San Diego Day 1

You can read about our road trip to San Diego here.

Because we arrived so early on Saturday we basically had the full day to explore. P has some family and family-friends who live in San Diego. They were gracious enough to let us stay with them for the week. They had also taken some days off of work to give us the grand tour and boy, did they deliver.

The first thing we did when we arrived was head over to Seaport Village.

Via traceybjenkins flickr

Actually, let me preface everything by saying that in San Antonio the heat is pretty much unbearable. We don't "do" things in the summer. I mean, you get your few crazies who want skin cancer and heat stroke and will run at noon but the most of us only run from one air-conditioned place to the next. It's stupid hot here. And humid. It's like being in a sauna and opening the oven door when you're baking cookies. Seriously. It's gross. No amount of deodorant or number of showers will keep you fresh and clean for more than a few minutes. So if you want people to go to your outdoor activities they better be in the morning, in the night, or in the fall.

We don't hike here. We don't walk to the grocery store. We don't picnic outside for lunch. These things can be done, but they usually only happen in March and November.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way you can fully appreciate our love for the weather in San Diego. It was absolutely perfect. I don't think it ever got above 85 when we were there. And there is this always constant breeze cooling you off and leaving you refreshed. It was amazing. We understood why people were out walking their dogs at one in the afternoon or why hiking is such a big amusement there.

Walking around Seaport Village and taking in all the attractions was just the icing on the cake that was the weather. I mean, they would ask us if we were OK or if we needed a break and both John and I were like "Are you crazy? We can do this all day! We love hiking/walking/running/being sporty."


We found a man who was part wizard/part rock balancer.

And the cutest cow couch.

They also have a bunch of ships that you can tour.

It may sound crazy but we actually got sea sick just from being on them for about an hour. Even though they're docked you can feel them swaying with the water and when you go out onto the top deck you can see the buildings on land swaying too. One of the ships, Surprise, was actually a real ship that was redone for movies. You may recognize it from Master and Commander.

Via 20th Century Fox 

After Seaport we went to La Jolla to see the tide-pools.

And my favorite! The seals!!!

Then we stayed to watch the sunset...only the clouds weren't cooperating. But it was still beautiful.

Roadtrippin' - San Antonio to San Diego

One of the best things about being with someone are the times you both get to experience something together that neither one of you had done before. Last week, John and I got to experience San Diego together for the first time and it was awesome.

One of John's friends, P, was moving to California so he needed friends to help make the drive out there with him. The three of us would take turns driving whenever one was getting too tired or sleepy so that we could drive nonstop and arrive within the next day.

We left on Friday at around 5:00pm (CST) and drove straight through, stopping only for gas and restroom breaks. John and I ended up driving the overnight shifts where we would take turns switching every three to four hours or so. I'm sure you've heard that Everything is Bigger in Texas but Texas itself is HUGE! It took us about 8 hours to reach El Paso! Which is just the tip of Texas.

Via Google Maps 

By the time we entered New Mexico it was dark and cool. We stopped at a rest stop to stretch our legs for a bit and were shocked to find it so windy out there! And because we were in the middle of nowhere you were able to see thousands of stars and the faint outline of the Milky Way.

Because it was dark out we weren't able to see much of the scenery but that was OK with us because New Mexico and Arizona looks a lot like this (at least the parts we drove through).

Which is to say - dry, desolate, boring. 

But then morning came and we reached the tip of Arizona where we were happy and coffee-ed up enough to take pictures with dinosaurs.

And a giant reptile of some kind.

Photo credit to P

We eventually reached California and stopped on the side of the road like the tourists we are to take a picture.

Photo credit to P 

All in all, we made it in a bit under 18 hours! We arrived in San Diego on Saturday at about 10am (PST). Even without going over the speed limit. Cruise control and Red Bull were life savers.

Total miles traveled: 1,275
Number of Red Bulls drunk: 2
Number of cups of coffee drunk: 2
Restroom breaks: 8?
Number of tumbleweeds seen: 0
Number of Border Patrol stops: 2
Things I can cross off my 2014 bucket list: 1
Happiness of finally arriving at our destination: infinite

BYOB Painting Class

What's better than drinking beer while painting? Drinking beer, painting, and doing it with John and Mum!

The Royal Canvas Painting Parlor, is a painting parlor, party center, and classroom. They have summer camps for kids and painting classes for adults.

We all signed up to take a class together. Mum and I have no artistic painting abilities whatsoever but we thought that it would fun to do because everyone does the same painting. They set up white canvases on easels and they trace the outlines of whatever painting you're going to be doing.

We signed up to do Fiesta San Antonio which looked like this:

The teacher guides you through the entire process telling you which colors come first, what colors to mix, what brushes to use, and any other helpful tips they think you need.

It was a really fun experience even if we didn't end up totally in love with our finished products. Impressionism just isn't our thing but we definitely want to go back and try our hand at something else.

The class itself was really laid back. There were mostly women but the teacher did say that the men tend to go quicker by not over-thinking. You bring your own beverages but they provide the wine glasses and small plates, if you need them. They played some Sinatra and Michael Buble type music in the background.

Our class was two hours long and the teacher did a good job of keeping everyone on track and moving forward. They do have some 3 hour classes, kid's summer camps, and teen classes as well.

What's really interesting is that even though you're told what to do and more-or-less what colors to use, is how they all come out different! Here are what ours ended up looking like:

Mum's. 

John's. 

Mine. 

So I guess I'm an arteest now.

Kayaking Adventure

I think I've mentioned before that my Da is kind of an outdoorsy, nature man. So for his birthday I bought him some tickets to go kayaking on the San Antonio River. Well, John and I wanted to try it too so I bought us all tickets and today we finally got to try it out.

I bought the tickets off of Groupon but the company is called Texas Pack and Paddle. The lady who does the tours was super nice and friendly. Her sons help out on the weekends too, taking pictures or watching over phones, wallets, and purses.

Texas Pack & Paddle

We arrived at the meeting place, donned some life jackets, and learned how to hold the paddles. Though we were a pretty big group of 15 only John and I had never been on a kayak before.

The day was cloudy and misty which was actually perfect because it can get damnhot here and I'd rather paddle in cloudy humidity than sunny humidity.


Once in and situated I got the hang of the paddling pretty easily. I was aware that one of my arms is way stronger than the other though because I had to work extra hard to keep my kayak going in a straight line.

The tour was from 9am to 11am but paddling the entire length of the way took only a little more than an hour. But we all were going at a pretty leisurely pace.

We saw some snakes swimming in the water and some ducks. The ducks, though cute, posed the biggest problem because they startled John which caused him to fall out of his kayak!

This was me trying to take a picture of the little duck family but when I heard a splash and a plop I moved...so my picture came out blurry. Unfortunately I didn't get a shot of John in the water or trying to get back on his kayak. Buttttt, it was hilarious.

The paddling length was about 1.5 roundtrip but it was still a lot of fun. It turns out that you can paddle that area anytime, 24 hours! John and I would love to get one but for now I think we'll have to keep renting them out.

The enemy! 

So, that's one more thing I can cross off my bucket list!

My Lyra Experience

I can already cross one thing off of my 2014 Bucket List - Doing something new but out of my comfort zone. 

What did I do, you ask. Well I tried out a Lyra class. 

Lyra, or aerial hoop, is basically a metal hula hoop that dangles from the ceiling for the intent of doing acrobatics on it. 

Jodie Urias via Circus Girl Magazine

Christina Performing on the Lyra with Circus Du Soleil (Via)

Now, you may not know this but I am insanely clumsy, totally klutzy, and not at all graceful or athletic, but I really wanted to try this class.

I signed up at a place called Soft Sensuous Moves, which offers Ladies Only sensual exercise and fitness classes including aerial yoga, lyra, and pole aerobics. 

I admit that I was a bit intimidated at first, especially arriving in my old, shitty workout pants and a plain T-shirt but once I went in and saw women of all different sizes and shapes I became more comfortable.

The class caps at 8 so it's a very hands-on, intimate class. Only one girl had ever tried the class before so the rest of us were a bit hesitant but excited to try it out.

The teacher was a petite woman who has nine years of aerial experience. She was very thorough and very helpful. She made the hardest of things look insanely easy and she looked super sexy doing it all. While the rest of us tried to struggle through the motions she'd remind us to -smile! - and we'd try through our grimaces. 

We learned how to get on and off the lyra, how to pose on it, how to turn on it and various other things. It was really a lot of fun.

I was most definitely the worse person in the class. I am not at all flexible and it was kind of a challenge trying to put my leg so far up just to get it in the hoop. The teacher had me stand on a yoga block! 

Though most women don't focus on upper body strength, with the lyra it's definitely needed. My arms, shoulders and back were sore the next day. In hindsight I realized that I probably should have gotten in a good stretch before. 

But despite being the worse person in class and looking like a complete and total idiot - I had a lot of fun. My hands were raw and red, my hips hurt from trying to balance on the hoop, my arms ached, and yet I really want to do it again. 

I'm going to do some push-ups, try to attempt a pull-up, and try getting through the first rung on the monkey bars as practice so that the next time I do it I'll be able to dazzle everyone with my strength and flexibility. 

I hope that in just a few short weeks you'll be able to hire me for your weddings and parties. 

Original Photo Via

Totally kidding on that. 

2014 Bucket List

So, every year I make a bucket list of things I want to do within the year. Nothing like resolutions, just fun stuff that I haven't done before or fun things I want to do again.

Last year's bucket list looked like this:

• Finish my sleeve. 
• Take a road trip.   -- John and I went to Roswell, New Mexico! 
• Cook dinner for friends.
• Karaoke bar.
• Wink at a stranger.
• Waste a night playing pool.
• Go kayaking.
• Weld something.
• Finish paying off my student loans.
• Go somewhere new. 

So, 2013 wasn't that great of a Bucket List year. That's the way things go some times. I don't feel bad about it. I think I did plenty of great things in 2013 that you can see here. 

This year my 2014 list looks something like this. 

Well, wouldn't you know that two months into 2014 and I've already done one thing on the list! What did I do? 

It's called Lyra and tomorrow I'll write a whole post dedicated to my experience. 

Rock Climbing Redux @ Reimer's Ranch!

This weekend I went with my dad to Reimer's Ranch Park out in Travis County so that we could use the Christmas gift I gave him.

San Antonio to Travis County 

My dad is a outdoorsy kind of guy and having been to Enchanted Rock on a rock climbing trip with Rock About I decided to get him that for Christmas.

So we woke up at the butt crack of dawn to start our drive to somewhere west of Austin. We got some coffee, a potato and egg taco, and some gas then we hit the road.

We arrived to Reimer's Ranch at about 8:30, so we had about 30 minutes to get situated with our helmets, harnesses and shoes.

At about 9:00 the teaching part of the class started and we learned RED IS DEAD and the double 8 knot (which is obviously not the correct term). After all those safety procedures we hiked to our location and started climbing.

I like this picture because it makes me look like I know what I'm doing.

My dad was so much better than I was. 

My dad belaying. 

After our day of climbing we stopped in Blanco because it looked like they were having a farmer's market. However, they were all packing up by the time we got there.

We walked around their one downtown block. 

Thus ended our rock climbing adventure.

Beluga Whaling

Wet-suits are not flattering. 

2013: Checklist

Everyone likes to make New Year's resolutions. I do. Every year. Get organized, get fit, stop being mental. None of them ever get done. So instead I'm going to make a list of things I want to do this year.
In no particular order.

Things I Hope to Do in 2013

• Finish my sleeve. 
• Take a road trip.
• Cook dinner for friends.
• Karaoke bar.
• Wink at a stranger.
• Waste a night playing pool.
• Go kayaking.
• Weld something.
• Finish paying off my student loans.
• Go somewhere new. 

2012: In Hindsight

Things I Did in 2012

• Saw Les Miserables on stage at the Majestic. And it was indescribably amazing. 
• Got my first professional massage. Only slightly awkward.
• Took a belly-dancing class. 
• Went to four BJ's Brewhouse Beer Dinners. Lots and lots of tasty food and beer. 
• Went rock climbing and realized a false sense of security does wonders. 
• Went to, and got drunk at, SXSW.
• Seriously got into video games.
• Got my first credit card. 
• Went to three different breweries: Shiner, Abita, and Ranger Creek.

Stay alive no matter what occurs! 

• Saw The Last of the Mohicans on the big screen. Which I advise everyone to do, if possible. It just doesn't compare to seeing it on TV. 
• Been at my job for one year, a personal record. 
• Went to Dallas, as per tradition.
• Broke up twice.
• Visited New Orleans for the first time. 

Photo Credit

• Changed my name.
• Went out for drinks with work buddies for the first time ever.
• Went to my first legit Halloween party. 

• Saw the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Robert Earl Keen. 
• Made new friends and rekindled old friendships. 
• Went to my first legit New Years Eve party.
• More or less finally learned how to listen to myself.