[Mike] It is as difficult for me to talk about the things I am proud of, as it is for me to talk about my faults. Although, after working on this blog for a little while I have noticed that I do have a lot to be proud of.

Humor. 

I have always loved the silly or outrageous over-the-top comedy stuff in the various media

There is just a thrill I get from seeing something really silly, or even better making a stupid joke. The best thing of all though is when I get to make others laugh. I have always noticed the power of humor to lighten up practically any situation.

A well-timed joke, or even teasing somebody if done in the right way can be very endearing as well as hilarious. I think that having a laugh is one of the greatest things about being human. It can actually help you cope with serious situations or even help soothe anxiety induced situations. 

I could hardly think of a situation that hasn't been a topic on some sort of comedy movie or TV show or funny story. (Mostly the Simpsons)

Since I watch so much TV, whenever a situation occurs that reminds me of a TV show or movie I can't help throwing in a quote or a joke.

I have lightened up several situations by throwing in a time our favorite TV characters were in the same situation. The ability to laugh, and laugh at oneself is essential to me and if that makes me immature, well then I guess I'm immature. Fart! I hope I never lose that.

Courage

The word courage has been co-opted by so many different things, I'm almost hesitant to use that word because it feels cheesy.

It reminds me of one of those inspirational posters with a stock photo of a guy climbing a mountain with just the word courage underneath, and maybe a short quote. Or like social media post from your aunt or that free spirit person in your life. You know, a sunset photo with an inspiring word in faux-brush lettering with some sort of quote underneath that cryptically hints at something that might be going on this lost soul's life? But I digress.

I don't feel like any of my actions have been particularly courageous on their own. Creating posts for this blog and telling more of my stories has made me realize that I have been through more than I thought. I have been impressed with what I have been able to accomplish despite having anxiety. 

Anxiety and depression make everything feel so much harder. You know what you have to do, and what you want to do but for one reason or another, the anxiety or depression makes it very difficult. When I didn't understand that that's what was happening to me, I attributed it to being lazy or another character flaw. It made me feel really down on myself. 

So I would gather the courage to study harder or to face challenges or to accomplish great things. Then I would get a fear, or get down for whatever reason, and I would lose focus. It was terrible thinking that I'm just a bad person who can't help being lazy, instead of coping with something. It gave me comfort to know that I could do things if I actually tried though.

While anxiety or depression makes it hard to overcome things, it is also very satisfying when I do accomplish something. You know that you had to try harder for whatever it is that you accomplished.

I still need more courage though. Courage to find not just a career but a purpose and stick with it. Courage to make myself more available to social situations. I know it may not seem like it, but when I look back, I know it's taken a tremendous amount of courage to accomplish what I have. I'm glad to know I have a well of it to call upon. When I have to.

Resourcefulness

The thing I'm most proud of is my resourcefulness. I have always been able to use my imagination and the things I have around me to get whatever I had on my mind done. 

From fixing things, designing things, and inventing things I'll probably never build, I just love imagining the possibilities. From the movies I like, to the science podcasts I listen to; possibilities are the most intriguing thing to me. 

Lately, I have been doing fairly complex things like car repair, or website design, or writing. Most of these things are things I have no experience in, just a need to fix something cheaply, or a want to think about how my stories relate to where I want my life to go. 

Of course, it isn't easy. It takes hours of reading DIY posts, watching YouTube videos and figuring out what you have what and what you need. Whatever the topic is you're interested in. The result is more than just practical or satisfying there is a personal sense of accomplishment 

For instance when we make a car repair, not only am I happy that we saved so much money, but it just feels great to have done it ourselves. No need to go crying to the mechanic. 

This blog was supposed to be just a portfolio site for Crystal. But when we started sharing stories and thinking of the possibilities I was hooked. For two months now I've been researching topics and website design, marketing everything. All because I had an interest. I wondered if I could do it. 

To stay curious and interested in things might not seem important but the little things you learn, all find their way back into your life at some point. I am most proud of my ability to be resourceful what I have. To stay thoughtful and curious and to always keep evolving with the knowledge that I gained. Thanks for reading! -Mike

[Crystal] What are 3 things about your personality that you are proud of?

#1 Fun-loving. The ability to laugh or find humor in almost every situation is so important to me. Life's too short to be super serious and if you can't find a reason to have fun and enjoy every moment, then what the heck's the point?! I giggle while saying "happy hump day" every Wednesday, I enjoy random cat videos or Family Feud bloopers on YouTube, and Mike and I often talk in pure Simpsons quotes and puns just to give each other a good laugh! We live for being goofy, shouldn't we all? 

#2 Optimistic. I always see the best in people - sometimes to a fault. But if we can't envision one another as the very best, then aren't we just setting one another up to fail? Reach for the stars, anything is possible, and don't give up on your dreams! Perhaps that's why I never give up on my own creative side, even if it's a non-profitable hobby. I love photography, and blogging now and I will continue to persue these creative endevours to the best of my ability for always!   

#3 Reliable. I'm a very hard worker, just ask anyone in or outside of work. Everyday I go in knowing at least 100 people will rely on me for a speedy answer and I hate to disappoint. I take "Performance Beyond Expectations" to heart and truly care about my customers, friends and family and would hope that any of them may say at any given point "Wow Crystal, thanks for always being so reliable!" Sometimes I spread myself a little thin and have to remind myself - I am only one person. I would like to be there for everyone all of the time. But the reality is - I AM only one person and there are only 24 hours in a day. As much as I would like to help, I am currently working on balance. Training my new employees, handling the day to day, delegating what can't be done alone and learning new things to better myself. All can be done, just one reliable step at a time! 

Thanks for reading, 

Crystal Olguin

August 21, 2017