25 things you may not know about ME!

1. I’m 30 minutes older than Niña.

2. I laugh easily. My kids tell me I could win a laughing contest. They will sometimes say “there’s mom laughing again.” If you want someone to laugh at your jokes, I’m the girl to tell them to.

3. Our family moved to the Philippines when I was 3 years old. When we were still in the Philippines, I was playing outside and a monkey had attacked me. I actually kind of remember it and is the only memory I have of living in the Philippines!

4. I grew up in a trailer with my 6 sisters and parents. It was a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom trailer. My parents stayed in one room and 7 of us girls slept in the other. If you’re wondering how 7 girls could sleep in one room… 2 girls on the top bunk, 2 girls on the bottom bunk, and 3 girls on a full size bed. So many great memories in tight spaces! My parents still live there, and we are celebrating Easter there this year!

5. I tore my ACL playing soccer in high school.

6. My favorite Starbucks drinks: 1) Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus or Mango Dragon Refresher (light on the ice, no berries because I don’t like it watered down and when the berries get all soggy in my drink). 2) Venti iced white mocha with sweet cream foam and extra caramel drizzle…(This is a once in awhile type of drinks. Look at the nutritional label, and you’ll see why. Plus, it’s about an $8-$9 drink. It’s so good though!)

7. I pretty much had to convince Blaine that we should have a 4th child. He was content with 3, but I was like oooooone more. Now here we are with our precious Mariah in our life!

8. I’m an outgoing introvert or an extroverted introvert. This is something people may not understand or be surprised since my job is being social… on social media. With my job, I can still at least be in my own personal bubble while being social. I do love meeting new people in real life and can be very social but I can only go through so much socializing. When I’m on, I’m on and will talk your ear off. Then there are times I just NEED my alone time. Then when I get some alone time to recharge, I’m ready to socialize again.

I don’t really love doing small talk and would prefer getting past it quickly to have more meaningful conversations and truly get to know people. Once we get to that point, it’s less about making conversation and more of authentic and genuine conversations with someone. I don’t like to be the center of attention or the one talking a lot when I’m with a group of people. I prefer not being the most popular person in the room. It actually may seem like I’m reserved and quiet, but I’m just over here truly taking in everything someone is saying. I’d rather be the one listening or asking questions because I’m legit curious about people’s life, stories, and experiences.

When there’s an event/party/gathering especially with people I don’t really know, I have to prep myself or get myself hyped up beforehand to get my socializing energy flowing. Then when I’m there, I’m having the time of my life! Then usually after the event/party/gathering, I am exhausted and need some alone time.

9. I don’t know how to swim.

10. I’m 38 years old and am still afraid of the dark.

11. My go-to shows to watch on tv are cooking shows. It’s funny because I don’t really do much of the cooking. Blaine does. I especially love Master Chef Junior. I cry almost every episode because a kid is usually crying at the end when they’re eliminated. Blaine has caught me crying while watching the cooking show and will look at me like I’m crazy…lol

12. I always cry when I see someone crying. It doesn’t matter if I know them or not.

13. I feel a sense of mom guilt almost daily.

14. I loved art and wanted to be an artist when I grew up. Then in high school, someone told me artists don’t make good money so I decided to put that passion aside. I wish I wouldn’t have listened to that person. My tip to all of you… if you have a passion, go for it! With passion and drive, amazing things happen!

15. All of my sisters and I were born with “Maria” as part of our first name. So on my birth certificate it says Maria Cecilia.

16. My favorite food is a Chipotle burrito bowl. I would have that everyday if I could.

17. My weakness: Desserts. (especially chocolate cake and scotcheroos)

18. I’m pretty frugal. If I actually spend money on something that isn’t on sale, that’s when you know I really want it.

19. I don’t like rewatching movies. I already know what happened in the movie so why watch it again “for fun.” 😉

20. My celebrity crush is Zac Efron.

21. One thing on my bucket list is to go back to the Philippines to see where my family grew up.

22. I don’t remember too many things when I was in elementary school, but one of the few things I do remember was my 1st grade teacher taping a girl’s hair to that girl’s face because she kept sucking on her hair. Yikes!

23. Sometimes I wonder how life would be as a mom without social media…

24. Favorite quote: Work hard. Kickass. Repeat.

25. I have a tattoo on my lower back. I remember Dylan when he was a little kid finding out that the tattoo does not come off. “So when you’re older, you’re going to be a grandma with a tattoo on your lower back?” I obviously didn’t think that far ahead when I got the tattoo. 😉

How many of these did you not know?!