About Me: A Semi-responsible Adult Introduces Herself

Hi, I’m Crystal Touchton (CuppaRex)! Welcome to my home base online.

 If you’ve read my homepage, you already know that I consider myself a lifelong learner, I’ve wanted to be a writer since childhood, and that I feel like finding the Indieweb Community has inspired me to turn this blog into something I’m proud of. You may have also noticed that I like to jump down rabbit holes, and I love to geek out on “weird” stuff sometimes, but the homepage doesn’t even begin to cover all of my interests or give you a full picture of who I am. 

“love one another; as I have loved you”

First and foremost, I am a Christian, but I’m not one of those “There’s no hate like Christian love” types. In fact, those types of “Christians” kept me away from God and the church for a long time. I believe in Jesus, and I do my best to love, to be kind, to forgive, to give grace. I blog about my faith over at Faith Beyond The Table if that’s something you’re interested in reading about. 

Me, Myself, and I Didn’t Do It… Probably

I wear many hats and I walk in a bunch of different shoes, or something like that. I’m a mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I’ve been married for 21 years to my person, and I have two boys, a teen, and an adult.  I homeschool the teen, but that chapter will soon come to a close. My life isn’t always perfect, but it’s a life worth living and sharing with those I love.

My personality is…I am…Can anyone ever really answer these types of questions in a way that accurately conveys who they really are? I am simply me.

On some days, that might mean I’m full of energy, happy, chaotic, fun, bouncing off the walls, and allowing my inner child to play freely. There are times when I freeze up and nap, or I rot on the couch, doomscrolling on social media or vegging out while Netflix plays one of my comfort shows. I could spend the day just vibing, or I can be laser-focused and do a deep dive into my latest obsession…er, I mean interest.

I can appear shy or quite reserved in person at first, but as my comfort level increases, my quirky, passionate, playful side shines a little brighter.

I haven’t always felt like I fit in. I’m not the type who follows the herd or someone who fits into one clique or another. I just like people because of who they are, and I don’t think you have to be just like someone else to enjoy thier company or find the relationship meaningful.

I like to color outside the lines figuratively, and maybe literally sometimes, if it fits my mood. I used to love coloring dogs and other animals pink, teal, and purple because who doesn’t want a little whimsy in their life? I don’t like to think inside the box or be put in certain boxes. In all honesty, I guess I can’t be filed neatly anywhere. (You’ll see more about that later when we discuss my interests and hobbies. Buckle up for that one.)

As I get older (I’m in my mid 40s currently), I find comfort and joy in the mundane (note to self: write a blog post titled “joy in the mundane”) like the routines of daily life, a hot cuppa something (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider…I’m an equal opportunity comfort beverage supporter), lighting candles on Friday evenings, or how peaceful early mornings are before the hustle and bustle of life begins.

I have also given myself permission to live a life that is meaningful to me, a life where I’m free to learn, grow, redefine, and refine. I am allowed to be serious, passionate, and playful. I’m free to change what doesn’t fit and hold onto what does, especially things that bring me joy or give me purpose. 

From Obsessions to Things I Kinda Like (and Everything In Between)

Things That Bring Me Joy

• Time with my loved ones, whether it’s doing something together, quietly sharing space as we all enjoy separate activities. Each person brings something special to the world, and they bring me joy simply by being part of my life.
• Conversations. In person, on the phone, over text – it doesn’t matter. Each one is a special moment spent in fellowship with another human, and that means something.  
• Early mornings spent with a hot cuppa coffee while reading, writing, watching a comfort show, or practicing my faith. 
• Floating in the ocean, weightless, at peace, in suspension. My body, encapsulated by the cool salt water, while the sun beats down on my head, infusing me with its warmth.
• Sunrises. The promise of a new day, open to possibilities, waiting for you to write your story. A fresh start. 
• The feel of a perfectly shaped coffee mug as it’s cupped in both hands. Warm. Cozy. Comfort. 

Doing All The Things

These are some of the activities I like doing in my spare time.  I do some of these things more often than others, but I enjoy each one. I’m sure I left something out because I do like to do all the things…sometimes.

• Practicing my faith
• Doing deep dives and jumping down rabbit holes about different topics.
• Information Gathering and Collecting
• Writing
• Reading
• Playing Minecraft
• Swimming
• Finding seashells
• Playing Cornhole
• Shooting Pool
• Lifting Weights
• Geocaching
• Walking
• Thrifting
• Watching Comfort TV Shows/Movies
• Cell Phone Photography
• Listening To Podcasts
• Working on my blog now that I’ve been reinspired. 
• And doing some of these things and other activities with my family

Some Interests from Days Gone By

These are interests that I’ve either let go of completely by choice, the season has passed naturally, or they’re things I haven’t done or been interested in for quite some time. Some of them may even end up back in rotation.  Don’t judge, you know you’ve got a list like this filed back in that big ole beautiful brain of yours. How about making your own list? 

• Skateboarding 
• Different Activities in 4-H
• Clogging
• Legos
• Junk Journals and Book Binding
• Knitting 
• Writing on Squidoo
• Drawing, collage, and other art.
• (More later, I know there’s a ton more)

Confessions…Er…Um…Fun Facts…Yeah, Fun Facts.

• My youngest son (who is a teen) nicknamed me T-Rex Arms because I’m short, and he picks on me about my height for fun. Now, I love cute T-rex items and have several different ones. And that’s also where the “Rex” in CuppaRex came from. 

• I love the beach more than any other place on earth and feel more at home in the ocean than on land. Being in the ocean is the most relaxing experience I’ve ever felt. 

• I am a reformed plant murderer. I didn’t mean to be a serial plant murderer, but boy, was I! My oldest son bought me a singing cactus, and I forgot to charge him, so I was even a fake plant murderer.  But those days are behind me. I have two plants currently that are doing very well: A spider plant named Miss. Muffet and an Aloe plant named Jimmy Buffet. Yes, I name my plants! 🙂 

Becoming Who I’m Becoming (a.k.a. Under Construction)

Like everyone else, I’m a work in progress. There have been so many changes in my life already, including those surrounding my faith, family, health, and other self-improvement areas like forming habits, ongoing education, and personal goals. 

The funny thing about self-improvement is that it’s not linear, and the pace and areas of improvement shift and change like the weather in Georgia, USA, where you can experience all four seasons in one day! (A lil hyperbole, but not by much.) 

Currently, I’m working on my health. I’m actively trying to lose weight by improving my eating habits and exercising. I might write more about this later, but I’m an obese woman in her mid 40’s and I know that I’m at a fork in the road where my health is concerned. I’m looking forward to reaching my goals of running a 5k and lifting weights consistently again after an injury. 

Now that our homeschooling years are winding down, I’m trying to focus more on earning a comfortable living, using the skills I’ve acquired over the last 15+ years while working from home. I am also continuing to learn and grow. I’m not sure where I’ll end up, but I’m enjoying the journey, and I’m open to future opportunities.

There are other areas I’m working on, but I can’t list everything out here. If I can leave you with one thought about self-improvement, it’s that you should take time to celebrate small wins, but don’t forget where you want to end up.

Whistle While I Work…You know The Rest Right?

I’ve been working from home for over 15 years. I have experimented with many types of income streams, and although not all of my adventures have been successful, I’ve continued to learn and grow my skillset over time. (More on that later.)

Not tired of me yet?  Let’s Connect!