Stephany Writes

Categories: Best Of

2011: A Year in Review

January

  • My mom ran her first marathon. It took her a little over 7 hours but her training hit a major speed bump when she was hit by a car and had to take a few months of all exercise. I was also freezing and hungry and oh-so-tired (pulled an all-nighter the night before due to having to get to the marathon site by 3:30am!)
  • I began my last semester as an undergrad (and being able to take two English classes made me regret, just a little, not declaring an English major).
  • I went to my first eye appointment in 18 months to learn my right eye has a pretty bad case of astigmatism, which means contacts are not the best option for me for everyday wear.

February

  • I watched the Packers win the Superbowl! I was so, so happy for them.
  • I trained for a half-marathon (that I didn’t end up running. Surprise, surprise.)
  • My mom and I booked a cruise as my graduation present in May – our first!
  • I developed shingles which was terrifying. I honestly thought I was dying for a good three days. So. Much. Pain. I don’t wish this on anyone.
  • I was up to my eyeballs in homework and papers.

March

April

  • Set a 5K PR at Irongirl
  • Went on my first job interview
  • Crossed everything off my “To Graduate” list
  • Began to have Friday night Bible studies with my grandparents

May

  • Graduated from college with my Bachelor’s degree in Communications
  • Went on a life-changing, soul-affirming Carnival cruise to Grand Cayman and Cozumel
  • Applied, applied, applied for jobs

June

  • Suffered from vacation hangover
  • Joined a gym
  • Went on two interviews that led to nothing
  • Applied, applied, applied for jobs

July

  • Went on a mini-vacation to Orlando for my mom’s birthday
  • Was offered a job in the very field I wanted to get into: marketing. (And took it, obvs.)
  • Went on my first date in… years

August

  • I started my new job
  • I began a six-week intense boot camp class at my gym
  • My blog turned two

September

October

  • My life was forever changed when I ordered my first iPhone
  • My work ended one of their giveaways and I was able to be there for the drawing and the conference call when my bosses called the winner. It was incredible.

November

  • I attempted NaNoWriMo, though I quit after 10 days
  • Ran two 5K’s. Both were extremely hard but I finished both!
  • I met Amber!
  • My mom and I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time ever
  • We had our first #twookclub chat about The Scent of Rain and Lightning
  • I turned twenty-four

December

  • Attended my first jury summons — and was let go by 11am!
  • Celebrated Christmas in a small way, just my mom, brother, SIL, and nephew but it was absolutely perfect
  • Went on a horrible, blog-worthy first date

Looking back, 2011 was a year with ups and downs – months where a lot happened and quiet months of peace. I have changed so much over the past twelve months that I barely remember who that girl was who began 2011. There are parts of her that still exist in my life today, most especially as it relates to my health and anxiety. But honestly? This was a good year for me. I became a college graduate. I went on an amazing cruise. I started my first post-college job. And I began to test the waters of dating. Not the mention, I’ve developed quite a few close relationships with other bloggers.

I’m so excited to see where 2012 will take me. But I know I will need to put in a lot of work to be at the place I want to be this time next year. It’s going to be a bumpy road but I think I’m up for the challenge.

Categories: Best Of

The Top 10 Books I Read in 2011

At the beginning of the year, I made a goal to read 60 books this year. (At first, I set the bar at 100 books but didn’t want to rush myself through the books I was reading so I knocked it down.) I have never kept track of how many books I read in a year so it was a measuring tool for me. Turns out, I really like to read. As of right now, I’m at 69 books read and am close to finishing my 70th.

I’m pretty darn impressed with myself.

Sure, not all of them were of high literary quality and the majority of the books I read this year were romance novels, but it’s what I like to read.

I’m still not sure I want to set another book goal this year, because I don’t want to rush myself through books. I want to set some book challenges, though, which is something I’ve been thinking about for a while. One challenge I’m setting for myself is to read one non-fiction book a month. That may be enough for me, or I may want to challenge myself to something else. We shall see.

But by the end of 2011, I will have read 70 books this year. Some of them stand out to me as fantastic reads I wholly recommend. And here is the list:

10. Just Between You and Me by Jenny B. Jones (4 of 5 stars)
A faith-based book about a girl who is still dealing with the drowning death of her mother when she was a teenager and trying to let go of her fears of love and loss. There’s a romance intertwined with the story and I seriously could not put this book down. When I was at work, I was thinking about it. When I was driving home, I was pondering what would happen next. And when I finished it, I found myself melancholy that it was over and these characters were not a daily part of my life anymore. That, for me, is the stamp of a great book.

9. Miss Fortune by Sara Mills (5 of 5 stars)
Another faith-based book, this time set in the 1940s and a mystery. This tells the story of a woman private detective, still searching for her MIA fiance. She still loves him and knows in her heart he is alive. She teams up with FBI detective Jack who agrees to help her search for her fiance, in exchange for her help on a case. Full of action and adventure and a crazy ending that had me begging for more. (I did end up reading the second book which had another crazy ending but haven’t heard any mention of a third. The second book was released in 2009, so I find it strange there hasn’t been the third yet when the ending clearly showed there would be one.)

8. Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen (5 of 5 stars)
I reviewed this one on my blog but this book was my introduction to the world of Sarah Dessen and I am hooked. She’s an amazing storyteller and this book had me gripped from the beginning. It’s a story about friendship, but also a story about finding your own way apart from the way people perceive you. Full review here.

7. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (3 of 5 stars)
While I had some issues with this book, overall it was one of my best reads of 2011. Alice Lindgren was an utterly captivating character, someone I could closely identify with. (Well, until she became the First Lady!) I wrote an entire review of the book here.

6. Listen by Rene Gutteride (5 of 5 stars)
A thriller about a small town that gets hit with a website called Listen To Yourself, which puts private conversations between neighbors and families on a website for all to see. It brought up topics of censorship and whether you need to censor yourself in your own home, as well as the idea of how powerful words can be. Thoroughly enjoyed this novel and the twists and turns it took. And I honestly did not see the ending coming!

5. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner (5 of 5 stars)
I followed Jennifer Weiner on Twitter before I ever read a book by her. But I loved this one a lot and I really just love Weiner’s writing style. The main character was so likable and I was rooting for her throughout the entire book. You can read my review of this book here.

4. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
OK, cheating with this one but since every single one of these books would be on the list, it wouldn’t leave room for other books. I read this with a bunch of other bloggers for Summer of Harry which was an awesome experience. I had read the first two books when I was in middle school but it was Erin’s insistence that made me try them again. I am so glad I did. These books were amazing. The writing was fantastic and I couldn’t put these books down for anything. I’m pretty sure I’ll be making my way through these books again and again, but I’m still not over Fred’s death. It’s going to be a while.

3. Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen (4 of 5 stars)
This was the first book I read in 2011 and I loved it. It’s one of those books people either love or hate because I’ve seen both sides. I enjoyed the story so much and it gripped me from beginning to end. Another one I reviewed on this blog. Find it here.

2. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen (5 of 5 stars)
I could have sworn I had written a book review about this book but I did not, which is surprising as it was one of my favorite books this year. This is a YA-lit book about a girl named Macy who is still dealing with the unexpected death of her father. She has a boring job at the library and this summer, her boyfriend is going away. She ends up joining up with Wish Catering after meeting the group during an open house her mother had and found family and community. The love story between Macy and Wes was perfect and poignant and I loved every second of this book. It’s definitely one worth a read, and one I will be rereading again and again.

1. The Help by Katherin Stockett (5 of 5 stars)
I tried to write a review for this book after I had finished reading it but just couldn’t. It was one of those books that was so good and impacted me so much that I felt a review could not do it the justice it deserved. I actually watched the movie before reading the book and the movie was so darn fantastic that it made me itch to read the book. The book was even better. While I do think the movie is fantastic and stayed very true to the book itself, nothing compares to the written word in my opinion. I finished this book in late September and I still find myself missing the characters. Skeeter, Abilene, and Minnie are forever a part of my world and this is far and away one of the best books I have ever read.

What were some of your favorite reads this year?

Categories: Best Of

2010: A Year in Review

If I take a look back at my resolutions for 2010, this year would be a waste. I attempted to achieve them but didn’t even come close. Yet when I think of all I accomplished, whether I resolved to or not, I can’t help but think this was a pretty big year for me. It was a year fraught with sadness, challenges, excitement, and a lot of stepping out of my comfort zone.

In 2010, I…

  • Created a stunning 18-page magazine. This was by far my biggest challenge of the first four months of the year. I spent hours upon hours trying to make this magazine the best possible. I took days off work and asked big things of some special friends. I began with 18 blank pages in Adobe In Design (a program I previously had never heard of until January) and created a magazine I am fiercely proud of.
  • Watched my grandma conquer cancer for the second time. In January, my family was given heart-breaking news that my grandma’s colon cancer had returned. She battled another 12 rounds of chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free in October. Later, we found out that my grandma’s doctor thought this round of cancer would defeat her and also, that the type of cancer she got the second time around has a 2% survival rating. I would say God’s still in the miracle-making business, wouldn’t you?
  • Ended the relationship with my father. After close to 2 years of not speaking to each other, my father finally initiated contact via a Facebook message. I e-mailed him a letter, detailing all the ways he had hurt me in the past and how much I missed him and our relationship. His scathing reply back made me realize he was never going to change, he would never take responsibility for his actions, and it was time to end this volatile relationship. In June, I replied back with a much nastier e-mail. I had given myself 2 months to calm down from his reply but I had to make my feelings known, for probably the first time in my life. Losing a parent is heartbreaking, but losing a parent because they don’t want you in their life? I can’t even begin to explain the emotional toll it takes on a person. I’m still not even close to dealing with my feelings on this.
  • Played caretaker to my mom after she was hit by a car. The scariest day of my life happened on August 13, 2010, when my mom arrived home a mere 20 minutes after leaving for a run with blood on her face and all over her clothes. We spent 5 hours in the ER that morning and she emerged with 18 stitches above her right eyebrow, a broken left elbow, a sprained right thumb, severe abrasions on her knees, elbows, and palms, as well as multiple bruises. It was a long healing process, including her using a sling for 8 weeks, unable to work her second job for 10 weeks, and having to take 8 weeks off running (which totally messed with her marathon training). She is now back to normal, but will always have pain in her elbow if she uses it too much.
  • Had my first ER visit since I was eleven. August seemed to be the month of hospital visits for my family. While washing the dishes one afternoon, a glass broke and then sliced my thumb as I tried to throw it away. I spent about 2 hours in the ER getting x-rayed and then stitched up by the real Dr. McDreamy. (Seriously, I had some rather inappropriate dreams about him weeks after my visit.) But with that visit came a hefty $2,500 doctor bill.
  • Visited Orlando twice. I only took two vacations this year and they were both to Orlando, which is about 90 minutes from me. They were fun getaways, even if I did deal with a sprained ankle during one trip. And, in November, I visited Disney World for the first time since I was a kid!
  • Started running. I am still hesitant to call myself a runner, but I did take up this sport somewhat this year. Over the past few months, I’ve been running pretty consistently (2-3 times a week). It’s been a struggle most days but there’s no greater feeling of accomplishment than finishing a run or crossing a finish line.
  • Became a blogger. This blog is my pride and joy. It’s been the one place I can be real and honest. It’s become my mode of therapy as I write down my thoughts for the masses. I went through a lot of blogger crises as I try to figure out where I fit in this blogging culture, but I think personal blogging is where I belong. I don’t think I’ll ever give up on being completely honest and transparent about my feelings and I like that about me. It’s hard for me to be this honest in public, so these posts have been extremely cathartic for me. And the people I’ve met through blogging make it all worth it. I have big plans to meet a bunch of you this year, in some way or another.

2010 has been a big year for me, even if it hasn’t been the best year. I can’t wait to welcome 2011 because it’s going to be an amazing, full year with my mom running her first marathon, graduating college, and dealing with my anxiety and thoughts and feelings through therapy. And I’m excited to bring you all along for the ride!

Categories: Best Of

2009: A Year of Mediocrity

If I could sum up 2009 in one word it would be mediocrity.

2009 isn’t a year where that much happened. Nothing terrible or heartbreaking happened. Nothing incredible or exciting happened. I didn’t go anywhere on vacation. I didn’t meet the man of my dreams. No amazing opportunities passed my way.

Don’t get me wrong, some great things happened this year. Dutch, my adorable mini-daschund came to live with us and has become such an integral part of my life. After years of journaling online, I discovered this amazing world of blogging and in the later part of 2009, I have really tried to hone my skills as a blogger and have even developed a (very) small following.

I have spent 11 of these 12 months working at a wonderful job where I have gained amazing experiences, close friends, and an appreciation for work. I am hoping to spend most of 2010 at this job. It’s not my ideal job, or even a job close to the field where I want to work. But it is a job and I do love it.

My mom and I began the step to downsizing our budget and getting on our feet, regarding finances. We moved into a much smaller apartment where our rent is close to half what we were paying before. In March, my mom’s car will be paid off.

But it’s a year that’s been rife in mediocrity. I’ve attended school but haven’t come upon any amazing opportunities, either in writing or internships. (Until I was offered one in November, which I start in January.) I’m just amazed at how much other people in my program are doing. One of my classmates already has an internship lined up with Google! I’m hoping 2010 will be a year where I take advantage of more opportunities and try harder at school.

I’ve been mediocre in my attempts to lose weight and grow closer to God. I’ve been mediocre in my attempts to have a semblence of a social life. I’ve been mediocre in my finances. It feels as if I’ve been letting life pass me by, as cliche as that sounds. It’s such a boring and uninspiring way to live life.

I have high hopes for 2010. I’m not going to list resolutions this year. I never seem to achieve them or even keep track of what they are. I just list them, and forget about them by mid-January.

But I have very specific ideas of what I want out of 2010. And, sure, these may resemble what resolutions are. But I do see them as resolutions. I see them more of goals. I feel that they are so much more specific and closer to my heart than resolutions. (Plus, resolutions have such a negative connotation to them.)

In 2010, I am striving to…

  • Become a healthier person. I am constantly striving towards this goal. I think most people are. Nobody wants to live an unhealthy life. We just don’t have the tools or motivation to change. I have to find the motivation to change. I don’t like who I have become. I don’t like myself when I look in the mirror. And every time I watch The Biggest Loser’s finale show, it’s so bittersweet for me. I want to become them. I want to completely change my lifestyle from someone who eats food mainly high in fat and calories to someone who eats an array of healthy foods and exercises because I want to. It’s going to be hard, but I have a lot of people who motivate me!
  • Become a godlier woman. Yet another goal I am constantly striving towards. In 2009, I really fell off track and didn’t seek God in anything I did. Only when something awesome happened, did I sit there and thank Him. The funny thing I’ve noticed is how far the enemy has been when I haven’t been following God. Yet the minute I start seeking Him again, he’s back on the rampage and I’ve been getting attack after attack from him. But this is a goal I am seeking to the fullest. I want to a woman of God. I want to seek His face, and not just on Sundays.
  • Get in control of my finances. One of my big goals for 2010 is to pay off all of my credit cards and get rid of two of them. I have three right now. One is completely maxed out and the other two have probably $10 on each. I pay the minimum balance on the latter two every month and my minimum balance for the first is just insane. I’m a little embarrassed to even mention it. My goal is to use the majority of my income tax check to pay the first one off. And I want to use half of my paychecks to start paying off these credit cards. Once I can get in control of these, I can begin to start saving money and building my credit back up. And I think I’ll be a much happier, secure person if this can happen.

When I think of these three goals I have, I just imagine the woman I will be if I can achieve all three. I think that’s the image I’ll keep at the back of my mind – thinking of how happier and self-assured I could be if I could become a healthier, more godly girl who is control of her finances. I am so looking forward to 2010. I am looking forward to fresh, new starts. I am looking forward to completely transforming my life. I want to look back on this girl I was in 2009 and just know I’ll never be her again. 2010 is going to be different. I can feel it!

Categories: Best Of

2009: A Year in Review

It seems as if everyone else is reviewing this year in their own special way. I haven’t been too happy with 2009. It hasn’t been as heartbreaking as 2008 was but nothing special or exciting happened. It just happened.

January: I began school for what seemed like the second time, this time as a Journalism major. I was still busy on the job hunt. Dutch came into our lives and brightened every moment. The Dolphins went to the playoffs and lost in the first round to the Ravens. Obama was inaugurated. I got 2 blog comments on two separate blog posts and began discovering the world of blogging.


February: Just as I was discovering the world of blogging, my computer crashed. My mom and I hosted our fifth Superbowl and the Steelers won. I started working at a preschool, with infants. Since we had no money to fix our computer, much of my free time was spent at the library working on homework.


March: My mom and I tried out a new church, and ended up loving it. I caught a 24-hour bug that knocked me down for an entire day. We still were computer-less. One of my closest friends got married, and I was a bridesmaid for the very first time. I helped out in the two-year-old room at my work, and ended up loving it so much that the lead teacher in the room and I begged our director to keep me in there for good.

April: We bought a $117 plug for the computer, which ended up being the solution to the problem. I went to a Caregiver’s Celebration at work. I spent over 6 hours working on a project for one of my classes, and ended up getting an A+ on it. Classes ended for the semester, and I received 2 A’s in both classes. I moved from WordPress to BlogSpot and started the blog, Classy and Sassy. I also joined Twitter.


May: I began working with the two’s for good. I spent way too much money on my mother for Mother’s Day. (But she deserved it.) I switched from my close-to-dead Motorazr with no Internet capabilities to a beautiful Samsung Instinct, a touchscreen with amazing Internet capabilities.


June: Our computer crashed again, this time for good. I had to switch to glasses for good, when I threw my last pair of contacts out and didn’t have extra money to order new ones. I decided to keep the glasses.

July: My mom and I took my twin cousins to The Pier for the fireworks show on the Fourth of July. We gave my grandparents a 50th Anniversary party but ended up getting rained out. I also found out I would get a deferment until October 30th for my tuition and my Bright Futures scholarship had been reinstated.


August: Mom and I had a 5-day staycation at the beginning of August. We relaxed at home, mainly, and took a day trip to Orlando to go to Sea World. My mom and I started apartment hunting. My hours at work changed from 11am-6pm to 7am-1pm. I spent one paycheck this month paying off my tuition and the other on a new computer. Registered for classes for fall. I started this blog. I started fall semester.


September: My mom and I moved into our new, much less expensive apartment. I learned there was no “free” Internet connection. I had a three-way phone conversation with two lovely blog friends. I battled with school stress. I started to take blogging much more seriously. My nephew turned 1. I scheduled more in-person interviews this month than I ever have before. (Two.) I tried to lose weight.


October: I joined Weight Watchers, again. My grandma got a PET scan, which turned up clear, marking an entire year she’s been cancer-free. I debated between glasses or contacts, long hair or short hair, Spark People or Weight Watchers. We got Internet installed.


November: I started blogging through my years in school. I tried my hand at NaNoWriMo, and failed miserably. I was offered an internship for the next semester. I lost my cell phone. I had my eyebrows waxed for the first time in my life. I lost 5 pounds. I managed to run/walk in a 10K on Thanksgiving. I turned 22. I got my hair cut and colored for this first time since March and July, respectively.


December: I finished classes for fall semester, ending with 3 A’s and a B+. The internship I was offered was approved by my university. I decided to stop attending Weight Watchers until January. I bought tons of Christmas presents and actually had money to do it this year, as opposed to my jobless state last year. My mom bought me an iPod Touch for Christmas, among tons of other fun “toys”.


(via The Bobby Pin)