Stephany Writes

Categories: Recurring Series

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 22)



1. What does your work out schedule look like?

Currently, it’s just been running. I try to sneak in 3 days of running a week and recently, I started back on the Couch to 5K program, which means I’m trying even harder to get 3 days of running a week in. Because of my school schedule, having to find time to schedule interviews, my internship, homework, and having a semblance of a life, it’s really hard to find time to exercise the 5 days a week I would like.

2. What is your favorite machine to use at the gym?

I don’t belong to a gym right now. As far as cardio goes, my favorite piece of equipment is the elliptical because it doesn’t kill my arches as much as the treadmill does. And for strength-training? There’s one piece of equipment I liked, but I can’t remember the name for it. It works your thighs and calves and you basically push a big piece of metal up with your feet? Does anybody know what I’m talking about?

3. What is your favorite class to take at the gym?

If there was any reason for me to join a gym, it would be to take Spinning classes. I absolutely love Spinning classes and it’s really the one thing I would have to have a gym membership for. I love how tough it is and what a great workout it gives you. I would join a gym simply for this purpose.

4. Where do you shop for work out gear and clothing?

Mainly, Target or Sports Authority. I tend to buy cheaper clothing because I just can’t fathom spending $50 on a pair of pants I’m just going to sweat in. Although, lately, I see what a difference the good stuff makes to helping with sweat and chafing issues. And since I now have a Fit2Run membership (which means 10% off all purchases), I’ll probably head on over there for most of my needs now!

5. If you can’t go to the gym, do you have a favorite outdoor activity?

Running and walking are probably my most favorite outdoor activities. Running is cheap (well, until you factor in special shoes and gear. But let’s think simple for a minute.) and such a great, full-body exercise.

6. What about a favorite work out DVD? If so, please share!

Anything by Jillian Michaels. She is such an amazing trainer and much nicer in her videos. (Although, I think I would do better if she was screaming at me.) The 30-Day Shred is great as is No More Trouble Zones and Yoga Meltdown. They all totally work you to the brink and I think everyone can keep using them and get a good work out. I have sweat pouring off my body in every one of her workouts.

7. Are you more active now or when you were in high school?

Psht, now. High school? I barely did anything that didn’t involve laughing with friends, homework, and sleeping.

8. How has your diet/working out philosophy changed since high school?

I don’t think it’s necessarily changed, but I am doing more about my health now. I always wanted to be more healthy, work out more, and feel confident with my body. But I never had the courage to change it. And once I lost 20 pounds during my freshman year, I realized I could and that’s what keep me going, even though those 20 pounds have come back (with a few friends). But I know I can do it. I know I can change my life. I just have to implement it!

9. What do you do while working out (i.e., daydream, read, listen to music, gab with a friend)?

When I’m running, it’s usually listening to music and imagining what I’m going to write for my DailyMile recap. And also performing music videos to the songs playing on my iPod. When I’m at my apartment gym on a piece of equipment, I usually bring a magazine or book to read while working out.

10. What working out resolution would you like to make with yourself this year?

Well, I have two. I want to run one race a month. I’m sticking with 5K’s for now but eventually, want to move up to 10K’s and half-marathons. And I want to be able to run an entire 5K in under 30 minutes.

What about you guys? What’s your working out resolution right now?

Ten on Tuesday is run by Roots & Rings. Check out her blog for more answers. (And for cute pictures of her adorable baby boy.)
Categories: Recurring Series

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 21)



1. What keeps you up at night (figuratively)?

Nothing really keeps me up at night, but it’s more about things that make me wake up earlier than I want to, worrying. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to sleep in on the weekends but I wake up around 7, worrying about a paper I have to write or a magazine I need to design or something that needs to get done that day. I really hate when that happens!

2. What keeps you up at night (literally)?

Oh, nothing. I’m asleep within 5 minutes of my head hitting the pillow. Although I could say that watching TV or reading a book sometimes keeps me up past my bedtime, which is supposed to be 9:30. But as for having trouble falling asleep? I have no problems in that area which is something I’m extremely grateful for after struggling with insomnia for a year in 6th grade. Insomnia is the worst!

3. Where do you want to go in life (figuratively)?

Obviously, like everyone, I want to be successful and happy. My ideas of both have slowly been transforming to the point that I don’t necessarily think I need to settle down and start a family in the near future. I want to reach outside the box, move away, and explore this great big world first. Be it in social media, writing, marketing, or whatever. I just want to feel fulfilled.

4. Where do you want to go in life (literally)?

I’m not exactly sure. I know I’m going to have to move away, perhaps to another state. I know I’m going to have to leave everything I know and love to grow as a person. It scares me to death. I don’t like to think about it. But it will happen. I’m not a big fan of city life so I’d like something much slower-paced. But not too slow!

5. Have you ever bitten off more than you could chew (figuratively)?

Of course. I think it’s just a human trait to take on more than we can handle. I do it all the time but I do feel like I’m getting better at managing my priorities. Also, I’m a big fan of the word “no.” I can say it easily.

6. Have you ever bitten off more than you could chew (literally)?

Yes. Not such a fun feeling.

7. Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence (figuratively)?

We think it is. It’s like the old saying goes, we always want what we can’t have. In some cases, it might well be. But I think, in most instances, it isn’t and I’m sitting in the exact place I need to be.

8. Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence (literally)?

No, it’s actually not. The apartment homes next door to us are not as well-kept as ours. We actually looked at an apartment there and the landlord told us, “It’s pretty safe here. Once you get inside and lock the door, you’re fine.” …And what about those 2-3 minutes of getting into the apartment?

9. If you can’t stand the heat, do you get out of the kitchen (figuratively)?

Always. I’m not a big fan of confrontation and I usually choose to walk away from arguments. Now, this is totally different when it comes to my mom and my brother. I have no problem arguing with them – loudly. My arguments with my brother can be pretty epic.

10. If you can’t stand the heat, do you get out of the kitchen (literally)?

Well, no. First of all, we’ve had an open kitchen for as long as I can remember so it never gets too hot in our kitchen. And secondly, if it gets too hot, I know my food is almost done! Right? Right. But I barely ever cook anything too complicated so this never happens to me.

Link up at R&R if you complete these questions!
Categories: Recurring Series

50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind, Part 5

Check out Parts 1-4 here.

21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

We used to have a little girl at my preschool who was this absolute free spirit. She had a million pieces of clothing with The Little Mermaid and she would wear at least one piece every day. She never matched. She was a friend to everyone and never had a bad word to say to anyone. She marched to the beat of her own drum. And other teachers at my center thought she was a little loopy and weird. I think she was just plain awesome. (I keep talking about her in past tense, but she’s fine. She’s just in kindergarten now!)

To answer your question, a joyful simpleton. Maybe this girl wasn’t the smartest child we had but she has the most amazing spirit about her. Absolute light and joy and happiness. If we could all be more like her, this world would be a better place.

22. Why are you, you?

Nature and nurture. Part of it is my past experiences, part of it is what my parents have taught me, some of it is my own morals and values that I’ve learned on my own. It makes me unique and unlike anybody else I’ll ever encounter. And I’m trying to accept that.

23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
Yes and no. There are times when I think I can be a great friend, someone who is thoughtful and compassionate. And sometimes, not so much. I try my best, though, and I think I’m pretty fun to be around.

24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

Both have the potential for heartbreak. On the one hand, it’s heartbreaking when a good friend moves away because your relationship is forever altered. You don’t keep that same level of closeness, as much as you try. But on the other hand, when you lose touch with a good friend but it’s just circumstances or misunderstandings, that can be just as heartbreaking. With this, you have the potential to keep your friendship but you just can’t. I would think the latter option is worse because you’re losing a friendship that you shouldn’t be losing. With the former, you can still maintain the friendship, but it might not be as close as before.

25. What are you most grateful for?
My family. I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I wouldn’t be myself without them. I need them. They have taught me so much about life, love, and faith. I can’t wait to begin building a family of my own, but for now, they are the ones I depend on and need.
Categories: Recurring Series

Weekend Recap

This weekend was jam-packed with shopping, family time, and new experiences. It was a busy one, but one of those weekends that you need every once in a while. I love my weekends where I don’t do much but catch up on sleep and laze around the house, but it’s also nice to actually do something on the weekend!

In bullet format:

  • I started my weekend at 10:30am on Friday, which is earlier than I normally get off work. But I was happy since it meant I could go home and start on a paper I have due on Wednesday. (Of course, I spent the majority of the time online window shopping, but we just won’t talk about that.)
  • Since my poor dog, Dutch, hadn’t been feeling well for the past few days, we scheduled a vet appointment at 2 p.m. on Friday. On Wednesday night, he started acting really funny. He didn’t eat, didn’t want to be around anyone, and would whimper when we picked him up. He started feeling better towards the latter part of the week, but we took him in any way to make sure it wasn’t something serious. And we found out he had a slight fever! Poor thing, it was 103.6 and a normal temperature for a dog is 102, so he was sent home with antibiotics to bring it down. He did get a regular check-up and blood work done, all of which turned out fine. We’ll be going back next week to get his shots done, but he has had lots of cuddle time this weekend! It’s just so sad when your pet is sick.
  • On Saturday morning, my mom and I made a trip to International Mall in Tampa to get new running shoes! I was extremely happy with my purchase and I have a post to write on my experience with that. Because it was an experience!
  • The afternoon and evening were spent celebrating my nephew’s 2nd birthday! I cannot even believe this little bug is already two. Where did the years go? I still remember him as this sleepy newborn…and now he’s a rambunctious, hilarious two-year-old. It was a blast hanging out with him and being silly for a day. He’s the best kid you could ever hang out with.
  • On Sunday morning, my mom and I woke up bright and early to join a running group for a run in Tampa. The place we ran was unbelievably beautiful and filled with runners, walkers, bikers, and rollerbladers. I really wish we had a place like that near us. It was also my mom’s first time running since her accident and she did pretty well! I can’t wait until she gets into the swing of things again, since it’s her absolute favorite thing to do. It’s going to take a while, especially being away for over 6 weeks and dealing with a broken elbow, but she’s a trooper! She is still planning on running the Disney Marathon in January, although she will have to adjust her training schedule a lot to account for this.
  • Sunday afternoon and evening were spent watching football and finishing up a novel I’d been reading for weeks. (It took forever for this book to get interesting!)
  • I disconnected this weekend. Not as crazy as I did during my week-long media fast earlier this year, but I wasn’t as connected as I usually am. It felt refreshing to not need to be so attached, even if it did feel a little weird to open up Twitter and see all these conversations that I had no idea about. Still, it’s definitely something I want to keep doing.
  • The week ahead is going to be busy with two very long days on Wednesday and Thursday, but I’m prepared for it. Somewhat.
Categories: Recurring Series

50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind, Part 4

Before I begin Part 4 of this series, I want to talk about an exciting opportunity that has come my way involving CSN Stores! I’ve been given the chance to review a product for them, but can’t tell you much more yet – so keep your eyes peeled! In case you’re wondering what CSN Stores is, they are an online retailer with over 200 stores. (That’s one giant shopping mall if I do say so myself!) Redoing your bedroom? They have everything from nightstands to shoe racks! I would definitely take a peek over there, but beware: it’s a little addicting!

Onto the questions! Check out previous installments here.


16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
Simple – because we are all different. What makes me happy doesn’t make everyone happy. Spending an entire Sunday watching football makes me happy – for others, this is torture. Reading, writing, and playing board games make me happy but for you, it might be golfing, fishing, and going to bars. We all have our own likes and dislikes and the trick is surrounding ourselves with people who have some of the same hobbies as us, but also make us broaden our horizons and find new hobbies through them.
17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
I really want to be able to run a 5K in under 30 minutes. I think this is one of my biggest goals right now, especially since it means I would cut 15 minutes off my time. And that would be an incredible feat. I would feel amazing! What’s holding me back? Not having proper running shoes (remedying that this weekend!), not being consistent at exercise, and not believing in myself. When I tell myself it’s too hard, I’m losing the mental game – and we all know running is 90% a mental game. The day I cross the finish line and the clock hasn’t hit 30 minutes will be the best day of my life.
18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
I’m holding onto a lot of things I need to let go of. Insecurity, weight, past experiences, doubt. I want to be able to let go of the past and start trusting in myself. I let things my dad has said and done to me affect me and really, pave my path. I believe in the lies he said about me and it causes me to doubt that anyone could ever like me or that I’m meaningful. While I know he’s wrong, it’s hard to let go of it when you hear lies again and again during your formative years from the one man you should be able to trust.
If I could afford it, I would see a therapist because there are issues that I haven’t dealt with, mainly because I don’t want to and because they are ingrained so deeply in my core that it’s going to take some work to get them out. I’m beginning to realize what I’m doing to myself, but it’s definitely a work in progress.
(And wow, didn’t mean to make this so deep and personal. But there it is.)
19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
Gosh, I have no idea. I know I wouldn’t like a fast-paced city life like NYC or Chicago. I’m not afraid to say that I like the suburbs and I like the calmness of small-town life! I absolutely adore the city I live in and would gladly live here forever. But if I had to choose somewhere else, I would probably choose Georgia. Mainly, because I could raise my kids there and they would have the cutest Southern accents.
20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
I only press it once. Although I’ll usually press it multiple times if the light isn’t lit. But no, it doesn’t make the elevator go faster, just makes you look impatient.