10 Things I Bet You Never Knew About Me

It’s been a minute since I’ve done a more personal post, and this time, it’s a super fun one at that: If you’ve ever wondered what I’m really like in real life, this one’s for you!

I was a Systems Engineering major for the first 3 years of my college career.

Many of you know that my background is in economics and finance, and you’re totally right on that! However, I initially started out learning to write code that controls electrical things like robots and Segways. I decided to switch because I knew I wanted to build my own business when I graduated (blogging) and knew having an understanding of how the market works would be extremely beneficial. I took the language skills with me (HTML, C++) and applied them to be completely self-sufficient on the design of my blog site! I’m super glad I got the best of both worlds and was able to use them both to build my career.

I’m an introvert.

You’d likely think the opposite given my professional career in technology sales/blogging, theater background, and group fitness experience, however, I couldn’t be any more opposite of extroverts. I truly love what I do and love spending time with those I love, but need more alone time than most to unwind after. Social hangovers are a real thing.

I was a collegiate cheerleader.

This one gets a “wait, WHATTT” by pretty much everyone who finds this out. I’ll give it to you: it’s a pretty fair assumption, and you’re not wrong for being confused by my signature RBF. Here’s why though: I love to perform, whether it’s singing, teaching group fitness, or theater, and I do a complete 180 from my usually stoic demeanor.

My first concert was George Strait.

Yep: between my love of grunge/metal/punk bands and personal style, you’d never guess I listen to country, much less go to shows. That said, I sure freaking do. I have an appreciation for every genre of music for the most part. The first concert I ever went to was George Strait when I was in second grade. We had front row tickets, and he gave me his pick at the end of the last song!

My biggest pet peeve is ignorance.

I’ve always been a super curious learner and reader, and pretty independent as a result (blame the introvert in me), so it’s always been a challenge for me to understand why others might not do their research before they boldly give advice or ignore another person’s point of view flat out. My parents always taught us to welcome and listen to both sides of a debate, as you need to in order to make an informed decision on where you stand. How I react to ignorance is a weakness of mine that I’m working on, and Eileen from RHOBH said it best: “I’ve learned that not everyone lives by the same values, and it’s something I need to take into consideration.” You can’t force others to see your point of view, but you can change the way you respond.

I can’t consume anything mint flavored.

Seriously. I have no idea why. My body just rejects it. That goes for toothpaste too, I use a bubble gum Hello Kitty one or that infamous blue sh*t by Colgate we had as kids. SERIOUSLY.

My guilty food pleasure is Taco Bell.

You’d likely not expect it given my fancy foodie/drink tendencies, and I couldn’t care less if people judge, because DAMN. A giant meal from TB just DOES it for me every now and then. Not sorry.

I love, love, LOVE a good horror/psychological thriller movie.

Call me a crazy person, but I share the same sentiments as Juno in the movie, Juno: “I love a good violent slasher movie.” Maybe it’s the far-fetched storyline or insane special effects makeup (swoon), but either way, they’re just my fave.

Kim Kardashian complimented me on my jeans once, while waiting for a table at the Hard Rock Hotel.

True story. I died: I was waiting for brunch with two of my guy co-workers in San Diego, and…yeah. I’ll never forget those crazy blinged out True Religions, they were 2009 in a nutshell. I remember hearing a girl’s voice behind me say “OMG your jeans are SO CUTE” and when I turned around, I had a mini panic attack internally, haha! Oddly enough, I was the cool one out of my group, thanking her, while my two guy friends stood with their mouths open.

Jenna Marbles is my spirit animal.

Would you ever guess?? It was her YouTube channel that inspired me back in the day to think about crafting my own creative space and turning it into a career that I loved. She’s just SO real, and smart as f*%k to boot, and I admire that. Her unconventional approach to becoming successful is inspiring and resonates with my own professional journey over the years. It was refreshing to see a wierd AF kindred spirit out there killing it yet remaining true to herself and values. If you’ve never checked out her channel, you MUST. I’ll leave you with two of my faves: one serious, and one hilarious AF.

Photo by Christine of Christine Hanks Photography

Makeup by Elisia at Sephora Embarcadero Center