15 Reasons I'm Awesome

1. I'm a young and cool mom - Being 28, I am young, but I think I'm cool whether or not my kids think so! (But they do! My oldest always takes pride in the fact that I'm the youngest and coolest mom in the class. Woot!
   
2. I've been through a lot and survived it all - I've had a great life so far, I'm not going to complain, but I've been through a hell of a lot.  I was bullied all of my life, I lost close friends over stupid childish bullshit, I've been through a relationship that was abusive and that mentally messed me up for quite a while, I've been through abandonment by that same person when I was 6 months pregnant and have, so far, raised two beautiful children on my own.  Maybe it's not as much as some other people have been through, but I was in a state of extreme depression for quite a while but I overcame it and am bettering myself for it all now.  I hope that I can actually grow to love myself and my life more than I do now, I'd love to be a success story for myself and an inspiration to my girls.
   
3. I have two beautiful girls - That in itself is a reason that I am awesome.  My girls are my life and as much as I've been through, as much stress as I deal with and even though it's extremely difficult and exhausting to raise them on my own, I wouldn't change it for anything else.
   
4. I've come to love Disney and Nick Jr shows - Disney and Nick Jr. is all that's on in my house, at any given time.  As frustrating as it is, I've learned to love them!  I now find myself walking around singing the Sofia the First theme song or the Jake and the Neverland Pirates theme song.  There are times when I'm home alone, I turn on Austin and Ally or Good Luck Charlie...it's the mom syndrome, but I think I'm awesome for it.
   
5. It took a while, but I'm learning to choose my own battles.  I used to fly off the handle at the smallest thing my kids did.  Now I'm learning that some fights aren't worth fighting.  If my youngest wants to wear her Sofia the First dress to the mall, whatever, I'm cool with it!  If they decide to have a powder fight in the bathroom, it only takes a broom to sweep it up.  If my kids want to have a "camp out" in the living room instead of their rooms, go for it.  If they don't want to clean their room, there's a door that can be closed!  It feels so much better not to stress over every little thing that they do or don't do!
   
6. I'm currently making up for lost time with my sisters. I met my two sisters in 2003, since I was adopted.  From 2005-2011 we really didn't talk too much and rarely saw each other.  It wasn't until after my birth mother's sudden death that we realized that life isn't promised to anyone -- we see each other at least once a week now.  I love the fact that my two sisters and I have been making up for lost time.  They are honestly the best big sisters anyone can ever ask for; I love them like we were never separated. :)
   
7. I lie to my kids when needed.  I used to feel so bad about doing this but as I grew up, I realized it was an important skill to master.  "Mom, can we go to Toys R Us?" say my kids...  "Oh I'm sorry honey, Toys R Us is closed for renovations!"  I answer to them.  They ask me to drive past so they can see for themselves, because they've become wise to me.  So I drive past pretty fast so they don't notice the cars in the parking lot.   There's also this one -- "Can I have this (insert toy here)?"  They ask quite a bit at different stores.  "That's not for sale, see the sign? (Reads some bogus sign to say 'Not For Sale Yet')"  They then say they don't believe me and want me to ask the cashier.  So when I go to check out I say to the cashier, "Right? This isn't for sale for the next few weeks, correct?" (Followed by a wink to the cashier)  Usually this works out in my favor and the cashier understands what I'm trying to say. (If they're a mom! lol)  This has only backfired twice.
   
8. I'm going back to school.  Despite my girls, taking care of my mom and working two jobs, I've also been back in school for almost a year to get my Bachelors of Science in Business Management. (Specialization in Internet Marketing)  It's taking me longer than normal because of everything else going on in my life, but at least I'm going to eventually get my degree.  It gives me a sense of pride to know that I'm showing my girls that anything is possible.
   
9. I can entertain my kids on a budget of $20 or less.  Since we've been through the horrible slump of having no money, no TV, no internet, etc... I've learned to entertain my kids on a very limited budget.  If they ask for toys I tell them we can go to the dollar store and buy one or two toys each or tell them we'll go to Walmart and get something out of the change machines.  If they want ice cream, McDonalds has the $1.25 cones, we take walks to the park for fun or make our own crafts from things we have around the house.  Surprisingly, my mom still has a crap load of my toys from when I was a kid, we'll go up to the attic to bring a box down for them to find something new... I've gotten creative.
   
10. I can sense when there's trouble in the house.  My kids swear that I do have eyes in the back of my head or that I can hear something a mile away.  Over these past 7 years of being a mom, I know when there's trouble.  If it's too quiet I know something is going on, if there's too much giggling or whispering, I know it's time to check on my kids, if they leave me alone for an extended period of time, I know they're up to no good.  The funny part is, they think I'm psychic.
    
11. Showering can take less than 10 minutes.  Sometimes, in order to take an uninterrupted shower, it has to be less than 10 minutes.  I can set my kids up with coloring books, TV, toys, etc... but I know that in about 10 minutes they are going to be bored and want to bother me.   I've mastered the 10 minute mommy shower.
    
12. I can decipher "Olivia Language"  Olivia is 5 years old (going on 6) but she has a speech delay.  She was in speech therapy for quite a while and made great progress, but she still has problems sometimes and gets frustrated when what she wants to say doesn't come out the way she wants it to.  I've learned to decipher her Olivia Language and can translate to anyone who doesn't understand. :)
    
13. I can laugh at myself.  If  I fall in public or happen to leave my zipper open accidentally, or I do something embarrassing  I've learned to laugh at myself and crack my own joke.  I never used to be able to, but laughing is better than crying!
    
14. I have my nose pierced. For some reason, I feel like that makes me a bad ass! I also have a cartilage piercing -- oooo feel the bad-ass-ness radiating from me. lol
    
15. Despite my semi-low self confidence I can come up with 15 reasons why I'm awesome. Enough said!

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6 Random Facts About Myself - Writing Prompt

I'm a completely random person, I will definitely pop up with the weirdest comments, questions or statements in the middle of any given conversation.  (Even if it's not on-topic!)  Needless to say, I also love to share some random facts -- God knows, I have sooooo many random facts about myself!  So let's share a few! 

♥ I am obsessed with cell phone cases. For my iPhone 4 I had about 15-20 cell phone cases to use with my phone.  Some people ask me if I coordinated my case for every single outfit; I didn't.  I just enjoyed having a new look for my phone every so often when I felt like changing it.  Why do I love cell phone cases? I have absolutely no idea, but I do feel like your cell phone is an expression of who you are.

♥ I recently bought a Michael Kors purse and I love it. This is more of a confession.  Since 2006 I have been a Coach addict.  Every single year (either around Christmas or tax refund time) I would buy myself a new Coach purse.  I have a fairly large collection of Coach purses, wristlets, sunglasses, etc...  However I saw my sister with a Michael Kors purse and I fell in love with it.  So this year, when I got my tax refund, I went to the Michael Kors store and got myself a MK purse -- I love it.  Surprisingly, I haven't changed my purse in 4 months. (Rare for me!)

♥ I can't live without coffee.  I have to have at least one cup of coffee a day or you don't want to be around me.  I can be a crabby bitch when I don't have coffee.  I've been asked (too often) whether I prefer Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts coffee and I'm torn.  I purchase Starbucks coffee to use in my own coffee machine at home, I prefer the taste of their coffee to brew on my own.  Though I do think Dunkin Donuts turbo coffee does have a unique flavor that I do like.  I am obsessed with Starbucks Caramel Macchiatos, that's a fact.

♥ I used to work in retail.  When I was younger, I worked in retail for years.  My first job was at Stop & Shop as a front end cashier, before HS graduation I started work at Sears in their Electronics department -- I hated that job, it was solely commission and I quit once I realized how tough that was.  Next, I worked at Bath and Body Works and H&R Block (at the same time) for four years, seasonal.  In between I was a photographer at the Picture People until I broke my wrist in a car accident and couldn't hold the bulky camera while in a cast.  I also worked at Aeropostale, Apple Computers (at home), Sephora and the Coach store. (Sephora and the Coach store were dream jobs for me!!)  After that, I moved into working in corporate jobs doing Social Media and SEO coordination.  As much as I do love retail, I hate being on my feet all day...I now love helping companies with promotion via Social Media and Optimization, I don't see myself switching industries for a very long time.

♥ I've been blogging since 1999.  I first got into blogging when I was in 8th grade.  It was an old old old website with the neon colors, iFrames, my favorite musicians as "layouts", way too much personal information and the old "webcam" on the side of the page.  It was a typical teenage blog website.  I haven't stopped since 1999, even though my websites/blogs have changed quite a bit over the years.  I don't think I will ever stop blogging because I love the relationships I have made with other moms, bloggers and businesses over the years. 

♥ I am obsessed with shopping at Dots.  I think they have great quality clothes for amazing prices, especially with their coupons!  I don't think Dots is in every single state, it may only be on the east coast, but if there is a Dots in your area...shop there! :)

Blog courtesty of Mama Kat's Writing Prompts. :)

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100 Random Things About Me

I actually saw this on a few other blogs and it looked fun!  It's great to get to know the person behind the blog and the computer, so this is a good idea.  However, it was hard as hell to really think of 100 random things that people really don't know about me.  I hope I did a good job!  This is a great challenge!  I challenge other bloggers to do the same!

1. I was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey at a hospital that no longer exists.
2. At one month old (April 19th, 1985) I was adopted by my mom.
3. Age 18 was when I wanted to find my biological family, so I contacted the adoption agency.
4. June of 2003, I met my biological family. 
5. I had a sister who was adopted in 1984, her name is also Kristin. (Adopted name)
6. I have two older sisters, an older brother, and two nieces.
7. My first car was a 1987 Plymouth Reliant...the drivers door wouldnt open.
8. I have my certification in tax preparation.
9. Alayna was due on Halloween and Olivia was due on Christmas.
10. I went to Moore College of Art in Philadelphia PA on a full scholarship.
11. My natural hair color is dark brown, almost black.
12. in 1987, my father died of cancer.  I was 2 1\2.
13. I have lived in the same house all my life.  Just switched floors.
14. I was a figure skater for 16 years.  Solo & synchronized with Statue of Liberty skating club.
15. I battled post partum depression.
16. I have been blogging since 1999
17. My dream car is a Cadillac Escalade. (Or mustang, but that is too small for my kids)
18. French Fries and White Pizza are my weakness
19. Ruby Tuesday is my favorite restaurant
20. I love Juniors Red Velvet Cupcakes and Cheesecake
21. I live 20 minutes from Manhattan and find myself there often
22. Most of my friends, I have met online.
23. I am obsessed with Starbucks and go their daily. Even though I have a coffee maker.
24. I used to be a freelance mural artist
25. I sold some of my art work at charity auctions and art sales
26. When I was 15-19, I had my own webdesign company and had some good paying clients
27. I am also a jewelry designer
28. Bright colors are my favorite.  Especially pink, purple and turquoise.
29. When I was younger I wanted to live downtown in NYC in a very artsy neighborhood
30. Coach purses are my favorite. I buy one a year. (I save up!)
31. Ebay is an obsession of mine. I love getting things for cheap prices!
32. I bought my first pair of Uggs in December...and wondered why I waited so long!
33. I work from home for VIPdesk, but technically work for BlueFly through them.
34. Everyone around here calls me the "Coupon Queen..." even the cashiers at the stores.
35. Driving aimlessly for no reason is something that I love to do.
36. I had bad credit for years due to my own irresponsibilty.  I finally paid off most of my debt enough to get credit again. Now I pay my credit cards in advance of the due date.
37. I tried to play vollyball on a team...didnt last.  I'm not into sports.
38. My uncle had season tickets to the NY Giants for years.  I only went to the games for the hot dogs.
39. I love to go on road trips with my friends.  Usually once a year we go.
40. Buying cases for my phone is something that I feel is fun. I love my phone to have personality.
41. I do freelance writing on the side for extra money.
42. Texting is something I do way too often.  Most months I use 10,000+ text messages.
43. I have a Macbook, that's my baby.  I am in love with everything Apple.
44. As of yet, I have not gotten an iPad, but that is on my list of things to save for.
45. I have been only in two serious relationships in my entire life. (Even though I have had boyfriends)
46. My ex fiance was introduced to me through my sister and brother.
47. He cheated on me numerous times in our relationship and I found out through my birthmother.
48. I have no tolerance for liars, cheaters or guys who want to play games.
49. Most music I like is popular/Top 40.  However I love some artists that no one else likes.
50. I saw Spamalot on Broadway 155 times and Next to Normal on Broadway 120 times.
51. Rent is another one of my favorite shows.  I saw that on Broadway 13 times, and I am happy it's coming back!
52. Panda Express, in my opinion, is the best chinese place there is out there.
53. I have a Chevy Equinox, which I love.  I bought it July 2010
54. Before that, I had a blue Subaru Forester for 4.5 years.  I had so many issues with it.
55. I find myself fighting with Verizon Wireless every month.  It frustrates me.
56. When I write with a pen, the pen needs to have a cap and needs to be very dark ink. I cant write with a pen that is dying.
57. I hate writing with pencils.  It hurts my finger.  Though, I can draw with pencils.
58. I have been yo-yo dieting all my life. 
59. This time, I am determined to change my life.
60. When I work at H&R Block, I love to talk to the clients. I think it lightens the atmosphere.
61. I used to have so many CDs in my car, now I have everything on my iPod/iPhone.
62. I admit that I have an app obsession!!
63. I dye my hair more than I change my clothes. (Ok, not really, but close to it.)
64. My hair used to be naturally straight until I was in 7th grade.  Then it got naturally curly. (weird)
65. I hate how thick my hair is, but everyone else is jealous of my hair.
66. I have glasses, but I had contacts for the longest time.
67. I hate driving in the snow
68. Honestly, I have more clothes and purses than my closet can fit.
69. I spoil my girls.
70. I've wanted to try out for American Idol for a few years now.  I would just never have the nerve to.
71. This list of 100 Random Things about me is annoying me. lol
72. I want at least one more baby in the future.  Two more at the most. (I really want a boy!)
73. My daughter was one of the 20 pre schoolers out of 2000 accepted to a very prestegious school in Staten Island, NY. We couldn't afford it, but she wanted to try!
74. Olivia's dad is one of the most responsible and loving fathers in the world.  He treats both girls like his own and I appreciate that. I would get back together with him in a heartbeat.
75. I'm a little ashamed to admit that I love the Imagination Movers just as much as my daughter does. I take her to their concerts because it's fun for the both of us.
76. I find myself singing kids songs at random parts of the day.
77. My favorite band of all time is Hanson, and I am not ashamed to admit that. Been a fan for 14 years and counting.
78. I love to cook when I have time. 
79. Makeup is another one of my obsessions.  I have a huge makeup box full of tons of different kinds!
80. I don't have time to watch TV that much, but when I do I watch random crap I find on TV.
81. One day I hope to get married. 
82. Shoes are another one of my obsessions.
83. I love to dress up, but I never like how I look in certain dresses.
84. I never liked my name Kristin, so some of my friends call me Jess.
85. My girls are like my best friends.  Alayna and I hang out a lot and do a lot of girly stuff.  I can't wait until Olivia gets older so she can join us.
86. My room is bright pink and black.
87. My home office is in my room.
88. I love to blast any kind of music when I am getting ready in the morning.
89. When I have to wake up, I always hit the snooze button at least once!
90. I never drive the speed limit.  (But I don't speed either)
91. A lot of my friends live out of New Jersey.
92. As a child, I always wanted a Power Wheels, but my mom wouldn't get me one.
93. I get bored easily.
94. I want to move out of New Jersey someday.
95. I don't like Jersey Shore becuause I think they portray NJ in a bad way. We're not like that.
96. I love Jerseylicious...we're not like that, but those girls are awesome.
97. When I am at work, I can't stand those who are lazy and depend on me for everything.
98. Sleep is one of my favorite past-times.
99. I'm glad this 100 list is almost over.
100. My cell phone never leaves my pocket. It is attached to me. lol

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You'd be surprised to know...

THAT I USED TO BE SHY - (and still am around new people.)  I used to be terribly shy.  Hiding behind my mother shy, curling up into a proverbial ball whenever I had to talk to almost everyone.  Freezing up whenever I had to speak publicly or even out in class.

I USED TO LEAD A VERY HEALTHY LIFESTYLE - True!  Before I went away to college, I went on the Atkins diet and lost 80 pounds.  Even after I went to college and went off the diet, I went to the gym 5 days a week and ate healthy and vegetarian options at college.

I AM DEATHLY ALLERGIC TO BEE STINGS AND MOSQUITOS -  When I get stung by a bee I swell up and start to not be able to breathe.  As a child, it happened twice.  My allergist never gave me an eppi pen because she said that contact with bees doesn't happen to often.  Yeah. well, I'd rather be safe than sorry!  With mosquitos, I swell up in the area of the bite and it's alway too painful and red to the touch.  Alayna inherited my bee and mosquito allergies.

ALAYNA WAS AN 8LB 7OZ PREEMIE -  That's right.  I said preemie.  She was born at nearly 35 weeks because of my pre eclampsia and low fluid level.  Yes, my dates were 100% correct too.  She stayed in the hospital for over a month in the NICU because of feeding problems and digestive issues.  She was the biggest preemie there.  Her isolette neighbor was a 1lb 30 week preemie named Sophia.

IN 5TH GRADE I HAD A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN - It stemmed from verbal abuse (on me and another adopted student) from a teacher.  The breakdown was so bad.  I was put into counseling and my mom took me out of the school I was in. Unfortunately, my classmate didn't speak out about his verbal abuse until a year later.  No action was taken until then.  She was then suspended.

MY NATURAL HAIR COLOR IS ALMOST BLACK -  People actually find this shocking.  They tell me that I look natural as a blonde.  I think if I read between the lines, they're really saying I act like a blonde!! :D

I CAN SING - All my life I wanted to be a singer.  People tell me I have a great voice.  I had taken voice lessons for years and performed solos in High School many times.  Since kindergarten I have been in choirs and singing groups.  I just choose not to sing publicly anymore for many personal reasons.  A friend and I, in HS, had a singing group called necessity.  We performed at a few NJ schools.

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