I’ve never really thought that I was exceptionally good at anything. There’s plenty of things that I’m ok at, but nothing that really stands out as being exceptional. To date, I haven’t found one thing that just “came natural”. I’ve always had to work to be good at anything.

When I was a kid, my parents enrolled me in gymnastics and dance classes. I enjoyed it and was awarded a few medals in the competitions the school had, but my classmates always seemed to progress faster and easier than I did. While a few of the girls in my age went ahead to more advanced classes, I stayed in the same classes before moving on.

School was the same way. Although I rarely got less than a B, I always had to work, especially at math. I had a tutor that got me through my high school algebra classes and always had to study for science and history tests. In college, I put myself under great pressure to create amazing projects, while it seemed like some of my peers created them with ease.

In a lot of ways this bothers me. I guess I’m a little jealous of people that are naturally gifted. My whole life, I’ve felt like I have to fight tooth and nail to get results I’d be proud of. It would be nice if some things were just a bit easier.

But on the other hand, I feel like if things were easier, I’d stop fighting so hard to become better. I know that I’m very hard on myself; it’s a part of who I am. Whether it’s work related or personal, I’m always willing to learn how to become better. I try hard and even if I don’t like something, I’m dedicated to it. If things came naturally, would I have the same desire to try and improve myself?

If being exceptional means losing my desire and dedication to improve, I will stick with being just average.

Tags: being average, me

This weekend was packed full with football, old friends, and some good food!

Friday night Dave and I went to the Tampa Bay Storm game. If you haven’t been to an Arena football game, you should check it out! Non stop action and tons of fun. We had a great time and the Storm kicked ass! Afterward, we walked down the street to Channelside for dinner. It was great to get to spend time alone with Dave. With his new teaching job, he’s been so busy we barely get to see each other.

Saturday night we headed to a birthday dinner for my good friend Chris at the Cheesecake Factory. There was lots of food, laughs and of course, cheesecake! It was great to get together with some of my favorite people from college. Hopefully we’ll get to do it again soon!

Sunday was Dave’s Dad’s birthday. We went to Crazy Buffet, one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. I even got Dave’s Dad to try sushi! Fun times…and way to much food!

And now…pictures. These were my two favorites from the weekend.

Tori, Grant, Dave, me, Heather and Chris outside of Cheesecake Factory. Dave is actually smiling!

Chris, me and Grant. This describes us to the t. Grant’s being ridiculous, Chris is enabling it, and I’m about to pee my pants from laughing so hard. Yep, that’s us.

I hope everyone’s weekend was as awesome as mine! I can’t wait for Friday to get here!

Tags: arena football, birthdays, Cheesecake Factory, Crazy Buffet, friends, life, Tampa, Tampa Bay Storm

The other day I was browsing twitter and one of my friends asked if anyone spoke Spanish. I replied to her message saying I knew a ton of people that did and I would be able to help her translate some phrases. She sent me over the phrases, which I forwarded on to a Spanish speaking friend, and within a few hours she had what she needed.

At first, I was shocked she knew no one that spoke Spanish since I could easily name 10 people off the top of my head that are fluent in the language. Then I realized that this is more than likely one of those “Florida things”. There’s a lot of transplants in Florida. More than likely if you meet someone that lives here, they came from somewhere else. While a lot of people come from the northern states (NY, NJ, CT), there’s also a shitload of people that come from other countries, most of which speak Spanish.

Every area is known for something. When I lived in south Jersey it was things like Wawa and cheesesteaks. I think the only person I knew that spoke Spanish was my high school Spanish teacher. Living here, NOT speaking Spanish is almost a disadvantage. Along with Disney World and hurricanes, I think it’s safe to say that Florida is also known for the high amount of Spanish speaking people.

What are some things your area is known for?

Tags: daily, Florida, Spanish