About Me – Page 44

Categories: About Me

Unfinished Business

I was recently given three blog awards (and by recently I mean a month ago) by two extra special blog friends. And then I got caught up with the holiday season and end of the year recap posts and kept forgetting about the awards.

But I do have my faults and I love to brag and boast about my accomplishments. So, without further ado…

From Amanda at Teasingly Diverse:

I’m not sure what this award is about, other than the fact that it reminds me of fairies and mystical creatures, something I’m not familiar with at all.

The rules are as follows:
1. Put the logo on your blog/post.
2. Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
5. Remember to link to the person from whom your received your Splash award.
6. Have F~U~N

I’ll take the easy way out and give this award to my last five followers: Linda, Ashley, Barbetti, Stacie, and Michelle.

From Michelle at Things I Said and Meant to Say:

How adorable is this award, by the way? It’s so pink and cute and has cupcakes on it. LOVE!

The rules:
1. Copy the award image in your post.
2. List 10 things that make you happy, and try to do at least one of them today.
3. Then, tag 10 bloggers that make you happy! (I’ve got quite a long list over there on my left sidebar!)
4. For the 10 bloggers who get the award, link back to me and spread the happiness!

Ten things that make me happy:

1. My iPod Touch. I seriously underestimated how amazing this little piece of technology is. It’s a lot like having an iPhone…without the Internet coverage (I have to rely on wi-fi to get a connection), camera, or phone capabilities. But I still think it’s pretty great and it’s so much nicer than my crappy iPod shuffle that only held 137 songs. Pretty pathetic.

2. Old Navy. Not only do they have great, casual clothes but I bought a pair of size four skinny jeans there last week. Size four. I am not a size four. But in Old Navy land, I am. And that’s why I love them so much – they make me feel like a Skinny Person.

3. Blog comments. Seriously, I love them.

4. Blog followers. I love them, too!

5. Cleaning. My mom may laugh at this one, but it is true! I just have to be in the mood for it! When I get into the mood, I turn on some music and clean to my little heart’s content. It’s very relaxing, a good time-waster, and even helps to get some activity in! And the house always looks so much better when clean, don’t you agree?

6. Chocolate. I’ve probably eaten my body weight in chocolate in December. I lost any ability to resist it and I’ll admit I probably went a bit crazy. But a new year is upon us and I need to get back on track and lose this belly of mine. So I’m definitely drastically reducing my chocolate intake, which is going to be very hard and I really hope my body doesn’t go into shock.

7. My family. We had family come over to ring in the New Year and had such a fun time! We ate some good food, played games, laughed way too much, and just enjoyed each other’s company. And considering the fact that I’ve had two friends lose family members to cancer this month (one friend had her 12-year-old brother die while the other lost her father), it was so nice to see my grandma, healthy and happy this year. Last NYE, she was way too sick from chemotherapy to celebrate with us. We are so blessed that God gave us a “yes” when we prayed for healing for her.

8. Sleep. This four week break from school has been so nice! While I do still have to wake up at 5am for work, I have my afternoons and nights for myself. Lately, I’ve been getting off work at noon and I really haven’t been very productive over my break. I’ve been coming home to nap, fool around online, read. I haven’t been exercising or working on my novel at all. But it’s been nice to be a lazy bum. I only have one week left to do it!

9. Vera Bradley. It took me a few years to buy into this new style. I’ve been skeptical for a while, mainly because it seems people only buy one of her styles. But I went onto her website during the holiday season, looking for a gift for my sister-in-law and found a world of purses and accessories I had never seen before! I’ve ordered a laptop bag and a big tote for school, which I am so excited to get! And she has so many other cute things: wallets, binders, planners, eyeglass cases, beach bags, make-up bags… I don’t want to become one of those people who has all Vera Bradley stuff, but gosh, why not? They’re all so cute!

10. Goals. I love writing down goals, whether long-term or short-term. I love having something I need to achieve. It keeps life from becoming mundane and dry. And it always gives me something to push towards.

This award goes out to the following five people who make me smile: Chelsea, Courtney Rae, Amanda, Lauren, and Emily Jane.From Lauren at Her Silent Musings:

I’m supposed to name 5 things I like to do and give this award to 5 more bloggers.

1. Sleep.
2. Play “Sally’s Spa” on my iTouch. I’m addicted to this game now and it makes me feel like a little girl again.
3. Blog. Another addiction of mine. I love writing blogs, reading blogs, getting comments, giving comments, and every single blog friend I have made. This is such a fun community to belong to!
4. Watch football. Sadly, we just have 3 weeks of playoffs, the Pro-Bowl, and the Superbowl before it’s all over until August.
5. Starting the semester. By mid-semester, I’m so sick of everything to do with school but I love the newness of a new semester, new books, new classes, new school supplies, and a new schedule to get used to.

And to five bloggers that I seriously consider friends (and I hope you feel the same way. Otherwise, this is really awkward.): Amber, Nanny, Kaitlyn, Shalay and Sarah Lynn.

Categories: About Me

Reactivating a Fear

I was fifteen the first time I ever rode a roller coaster.

I had plenty of opportunities to ride one when I was younger. I lived less than a half hour away from a major theme park and went to Disney World at least once a year. My brother was riding roller coaster the minute he was tall enough. And my mom was happy to accompany him.

My dad, on the other hand, couldn’t stand them. He hated the way they turned his stomach so I was content to wait with him while my brother and my mom rode as many roller coasters as they could.

I went on a field trip when I was in ninth grade. My friends were all so excited to ride all the rides and I made my best friend promise to force me to go on a roller coaster. No matter what I did or said, I had to ride a roller coaster. I had to find out if I liked them. And I had to face one of my biggest fears.

So I did it. I rode the roller coaster. I was scared to death. I closed my eyes the entire time and I don’t think I breathed the entire time. At the end, I thought, “That’s it? It’s over?”

Truth was, I loved the roller coaster. It was so exhilarating and fun! I couldn’t believe I had wasted so many years being scared of something so exciting.

After riding that first roller coaster, I was hooked! I went on 3 more roller coasters after that and couldn’t wait to try out the coasters at Busch Gardens. I’m still not a big fan of drops, which is the main reason I haven’t tried Sheikra. I couldn’t handle that drop!

No, this isn’t a post about how I faced my fears, conquered it, and went on to face the rest of my fears. This post is about how I’ve seemed to reactivated my fears.

I don’t think it’s an irrational fear because I’m sure many people have the same problem: the fear of falling out of the roller coaster and plunging to my death.

A few years ago, I had gotten onto a coaster and strapped myself in. Well, I thought I had. When the technician came around to check my straps, I hadn’t. The belt hadn’t been clipped in. Of course, he fixed it and, obviously, I didn’t end up falling out and plunging to my death. But ever since then, I’ve had this fear of falling out of the coaster.

I spend my time waiting in line, not worrying about the twists and turns and drops on the ride but whether or not I will live to see the next day. When I get on a ride, I spend those 2 minutes or so, clipping in the buckle, pulling down the harness, and pulling on both like crazy to make sure they are keeping me nice and tight.

I make sure my heart is right with God. I ask Him to forgive me of all my sins and I barter with Him of everything I will do if I survive this ride.

Once the ride starts, my heart drops and my palms start sweating. It’s such an awful feeling, not knowing if something will happen to the ride and you’ll die. I know this is normal but it just gets me thinking, is it even really worth it? Is it worth it to worry and get scared to death like this for a 30-second ride?

Sometimes, I think not.

Categories: About Me

Out of Touch

This past weekend has really shown me how out of touch I am with my generation. On Saturday, I turn twenty-two years old. Laugh all you want, but twenty-two sounds so old to me. I don’t feel as if I act like a typical twenty-two-year-old nor do I look like one. (Evidenced by being asked if I needed a kid’s menu at a restaurant this past month.)

Granted, I may be stereotyping twentysomethings in this post but from what I’ve experienced and what I’ve had to deal with at school and work, this is the norm for people my age. I don’t feel as if I’m bucking the trend because I want to be different. I’m bucking the trend because the life of a normal twentysomething doesn’t resonate right with me.

Since I’ve been 21, I’ve had a total of two drinks. The first on my birthday, which I ended up hating. The second at a Christmas party, which I drank half of before succumbing to the glorious, refreshing taste of a Coke. I don’t like the taste of alcohol and I have no desire to experience true drunkenness and the awful effects of being hungover. Alcohol doesn’t need to be a part of my life to numb any pain or liven up any get-together. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.

I’ve never been to a club or a bar. Is there a part of me that wonders what they’re like? Sure. I’ve been asked to go out to these places before but I always turn those requests down. Am I missing out on much? I don’t think so. I don’t listen to much mainstream music, I’m a Christian music fan to the core. I’m also not much of a dancer. It’s just not me. I’m not the type of girl you’re going to see at these types of places. For a few Sundays, I went to Mugs and Jugs (a sports bar) with my dad and brother. It was loud and boisterous and I could not pay attention to the game. (So annoying!) I just didn’t like the environment. I felt out of place and irritated by the tipsy/drunk people around me.

I’m just a major homebody. I don’t like staying out all night. I would rather stay home on a Saturday night, eating pizza, playing board games, and watching Office reruns than going out on the town, dressed up to the nines, and just feeling uncomfortable all night. I like staying home. I like the comfort that is my home.

I’m not saying I don’t like to have fun, because I do. But I just don’t have this extroverted, bubbly personality where I would feel comfortable in some of these settings. I’m a really boring person and I like my life. I realize I do need to get out more and start living life larger. But I don’t think I’ll ever do it by going to a bar and I don’t believe I need alcohol to make my life exciting and fun.

It’s just who I am. A little out of touch with my generation, but still me.

Categories: About Me

A Formal Introduction

I realize I’ve never given a formal introduction to myself. Since I have some new followers, I thought it would be proper to give everyone some background info on me. (Because, you know, I’m just so cool!)

My name is Stephany and I live with my mom in Florida. My parents divorced when I was in fifth grade and since their divorce, my dad has been in and out of my life. As of November 2007, my dad decided he didn’t want any part of my life.

I’m a journalism student, hoping to graduate in December 2010. I spent 2 1/2 years as an elementary education student which I totally and completely loved. I loved the classes, I loved creating lesson plans, and I loved the kids. I felt totally at home with education peeps. The teaching part, though? I was pretty awful at it. I got bad marks all the time. All of my other student teaching friends got high marks on all their observations, but I consistently scored low. After failing my Final Internship in October 2008, I had some things to think about. A few weeks later, I decided education was not the route for me and changed my major to journalism.

I have a brother, who is 14 months older than me. We fought like cats and dogs, growing up. We were each other’s best friends and worst enemies. He started dating Jenny in September 2004. They moved in together in September 2005 and their son, Jovanny, was born on September 25, 2008. They are extraordinary parents and I know my nephew is being raised by the best people possible. They are young parents but they do a better job as parents and as partners than most older people I know.

I live close to my grandparents and cousins. I have family in Ohio, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, and California. I wouldn’t say we are a close family but I know I could count on every single one of them if I needed them. We rally behind one another in times of need. Always.

I’m currently working at a pre-school which is a fun but tiring job. I work with a great group of people. I work with the two-year-olds which is so much fun. Sure, it’s hectic and chaotic but it helps that I work with one of my best friends, as well as the best teacher in the center. We have a great time together and work so well together. Everything just flows.

I’m currently doing Weight Watchers, for the third time. My mom lost 80 pounds (and kept it off) using this program. I just want to be healthy and fit. And I want the other benefits: being skinny, feeling comfortable in my skin, looking hot. I want to lose about 35 pounds and I know it’s not going to be easy. But it will be worth it.

I grew up in a Christian environment. (Although my father wasn’t a Christian or a believer.) My grandparents led Children’s Church. I know the Truth. I believe in a holy and mighty God. And I believe I need God. I just haven’t been living that way for a while. I know I need to change and fall back in love with Jesus. I feel comfortable in the church environment and when I’m around other believers. I don’t feel comfortable in a bar or club. That’s not where my heart and passion lies. I just need a kick in the pants!

I have so many dreams for my life. I want to fall in love. I want to write a best-selling novel. I want to write for a magazine. I want to travel. I want to be a mother. I want to feel comfortable in my skin. I want my life to reflect Jesus.

Categories: About Me

Unfinished Business

So, the awesome Sarah Lynn from Postcards From Far Away has tagged me in a photo meme and given me an award. I haven’t yet written a post on either of these things so I thought I’d finally return the favor! (And plus, it’s Halloween and I have nothing to write about this holiday)

Photo Meme

Go to the first photo album on your computer.
Go to the 10th picture.
Post the picture and tell a story about it.
Tag 5 more people and let them know

So, I had to go to my third photo album since my first two didn’t have 10 pictures in them. This is a photo of my nephew at 8 months old. My mom and I had stopped by my brother’s apartment to spend some time with this butterball. I took him in his room when he was getting fussy and found this hat and it was such a photo op! I had to take a picture! How cute is he in this hat? I took this photo on my cell phone and kept it as my screensaver for months.

Five people to tag: Amber, Amy, Issa, Courtney, and Cassie

For this one, I have questions to answer. I’ll try to be somewhat interesting:

1. Where is your cell phone? It’s in my wallet in the living room.

2. Your hair? It’s in a messy, lopsided ponytail. And my bangs are at the stage where they’re too long to wear as bangs but too short to pull back with my ponytail so currently, they are annoying me to no end!

3. Your mother? My best friend and biggest support system.

4. Your father? Next month will mark 2 years I haven’t spoken to/seen him. I have no idea where he is now, or if he’s even alive.

5. Your favorite food? Publix subs rock my world! I would choose them over “fine food” any day!

6. Your dream last night? I had this really crazy dream that I had this class that I never attended. I went for the first 3 classes and then stopped going until the end of the semester. It felt so real that when I woke up, I reminded myself that it was just a dream and that I have attended that class the whole semester – before realizing I don’t even have that class!

7. Your favorite drink? Coke rules my life.

8. Your dream/goal? Become a published author, fall in love, get married, have some babies.

9. What room are you in? My bedroom.

10. Your hobby? Just one? Um…I’ll go with blogging.

11. Your fear? Dying, tragedy.

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Hm…hopefully everything I mentioned in my dreams/goals.

13. Where were you last night? I was at home because I’m COOL like that. I also carved a dreadful-looking pumpkin. Poor thing. He never had a chance.

14. Something you aren’t? A teacher. I know because I tried and failed miserably.

15. Muffins? I love them but only blueberry or double chocolate.

16. Wish list item? An iPod Touch. I see one and drool.

17. Where did you grow up? Around these here parts.

18. Last thing you did? Well, I just came back from a Target shopping trip. Fun, fun.

19. What are you wearing? Lounge pants and a t-shirt. I’m thinking of putting on some white pants and my Peyton Manning jersey to be Peyton Manning for Halloween. Weird.

20. Your TV? It’s off.

21. Your pets? Dutch, my mini-dachshund who is sleeping beside me. He’s going to be a pumpkin for Halloween!

22. Your friends? I don’t have many of those and yesterday I realized why I don’t want any. It’s just easier to be acquaintances and less hurtful.

24. Your mood? Happy.

25. Missing someone? Always.

26. Vehicle? Well, I drive a Mitsubishi Lancer that is in my mom’s name and she pays for. Sometimes, I even let her drive it herself!

27. Something you’re not wearing? Lipstick.

28. Your favorite store? Clothing-wise, Kohls. But Target fulfills all my other needs.

29. Your favorite color? Green.

30. When was the last time you laughed? Sometime today.

31. Last time you cried? I was so close to crying twice at work yesterday. People suck.

32. Your best friend? My best friend is my mom and yes, you should be jealous.

33. One place that I go over and over? Publix. I’m there almost every, single day.

34. One person who emails me regularly? Disqus?

35. Favorite place to eat? Carrabba’s.

Two people to pass on this award: Samantha and Christina