Please excuse my lack of posting

I wish I could get my schedule all figured out.
My work schedule is set but not regular so I haven't quite yet figured out how to schedule all the other parts of my life. Like exercise and errands and of course, blogging.

 But I'll figure it out. I suppose I could spend a whole lot of time catching you up on my first few weeks of work.  One week of computer training and then a week on the floor.
It has certainly been eventful. And quite good.
Thank goodness I like the career I chose!


Today I just want to talk about today. Its fall. And I couldn't be happier about it.
Needing a sweater, but still being able to wear flip flops.
PERFECT weather.

Clear blue skies. Windows down. Sunglasses on. Sunroof open. Awesomeness 

And I did some thrifting.
Found a couple new shirts.
Probably could have found more, but thrifting is a chore, and I honestly wasn't totally feeling up to the task today.
But more importantly I found what will become the essential piece of my Halloween costume.
What will I be you ask. Not telling hehe. Guess you will just have to wait and see!

And tonight I am having a serious craving for hummus and pita chips. I have hummus. And it is 10:00 pm at night..and I might go to the grocery store. Cause I'm having a serious pregnancy craving!!!!

So I Am Kinda Old

I know I know I'm not compared to many in terms of years.

However in terms of attitudes etc.  I am an OLD OLD lady!


Allow me to explain.

The other day I came home and listened to the "easy listening station" the whole way home.
And well--lets just say that all but the song they first played (Michael Jackson, which of course I liked) were songs that came out (and were super popular) while I was in high school.

They went to commercial right before I got home and played the next 3 songs they would be playing after the  commercial break.  Again all three songs I liked....and songs from my teenage years.


and I go to bed at 9:30 on Friday nights........


yeah I am most definitely old

hehehe

A Little Catch Up-Favorite Things Friday

Wow!  First week of work is done.  And first week of work wore me out!!!!

I've been terrible about blogging.....so I will like "back-blog" just a little.

Hope you don't mind.

But for now its FTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Usually I do a list but today...a list won't work.

Because today I want to talk about life.  And my favorite thing about life.  The fact that it truly never ends.

Last night one and old (not in age, in time known) friends had a beautiful baby boy.  She has experienced a great deal of heart break in her life and this healthy baby boy will be and is such a blessing for her.

A brand new life, perfect and pure has come.

And at the same time another is slipping away.

Many months ago I was able to help care for the sweetest pediatric cancer patient.  In the course of caring for him, I was also able to meet his family and become close to one of his brothers.  Time and circumstances have left me with very little contact with the family, however, I have been able to keep up with this sweet boy through a Facebook page they created.  He has fought a good fight, but his time is running short.
He has been such an inspiration and a blessing to all those who have had even just a little contact with him.  He has learned in his short time here what it takes the rest of us to learn in long lifetimes, if that.


And yet again, at the same time, another life is lost.

My family moved to St Louis 15 or so years ago and for almost that whole time, our family has been close to and taken care of a sweet older couple.  The husband of this couple has been sick for a very long time, and at the beginning of the year was put in hospice care.  Those first few weeks were considered a blessing.  It was always a wonder that he continued to live despite all the odds.  And now 9 months later, he has gone home to his Father in Heaven.


Its such a juxtaposition isn't it?
Life enters and life leaves-almost unceremoniously.

And before this gets too melancholy, please let me explain what my favorite thing about these three stories is.  The fact that in all three-new lives are beginning.  New lives in this life, new lives in the life to come.

What a beautiful thing is the Plan of Salvation-the Great Plan of Happiness.
There will be no end to the time we get to spend with the ones we love.
We get this life, so take advantage of it!
And we also get the next, so be excited for it!


My thoughts and prayers are with each player in these stories.  That their peace, and comfort-and most especially their joy, will be overflowing.



If you would like to know more about the Plan of Salvation, please feel free to ask via comments, or look at the information located at the following website: http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness

Theme Song Thursdays: Les Miserables

Ok....anyone else OBSESSED with the music from this musical?????

I have always enjoyed the score.  However, I was always less than pleased with the renditions I heard.  Some were good.  But none seemed GREAT.  And the music is GREAT.....so in my mind, it deserved GREAT renditions.

But for some reason tonight (aka last night YEAH for back blogging!) -I finally found the BEST renditions.  All my favorite songs done just how I think they should be done!!!!!!!!

And so I share them with you.......


These renditions were done for a 25th Anniversary concert and are seriously AMAHZING!!!!!!

Cast Love:
Nick Jonas- Marius  (I know what you are thinking, but my love for all things Jonas has nothing to do with my love for this cast!  I think he plays it very well!)

Katie Hall-Cosette

Lea Salonga- Fantine (Holy Cow this girl has some PIPES!!!)

Samantha Barks- Eponine  (seriously so excited this girl is going to still play Eponine in the movie cause for reals she is THE BOMB.COM!!!!!!!)

Ramin Karimloo- Enjolras (OMGSH!!!!!!  He is from Iran....which is cool.  Also BEAUTIFUL!  Also AMAHZING chops!!!!)

Norm Lewis- Javert (He made me LIKE Javert!!!!  Best voice!  My first thought was terrible-"He doesn't look like Javert AT ALL"  But I repent....he IS Javert!!!!!!!)

Alfie Boe-Jean Valjean  (OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!!!  This is not an easy part to play (much less sing!!!!)...but for reals- he pulled it off like it was nothing!  Amazing range!  Usually I am not partial to more operatic styles....but his....TOTALLY works!!!!

So if you have a few minutes....stay, listen, be moved!

If not pick your favorites and come back later for more.

You know you want to....and you know you will!!!!

One More Day.  Epic....Moving...that is all I can say

Oh Eponine...I'm so sorry he doesn't notice you!  But at least you sing amazingly!

On My Own

Shout out to Little Mia Jenkins who plays a LOVELY young Cosette

Castle on a Cloud

JONAS LOVE!!!!!!!  For reals though....very well sung.  And don't go away from this one....watch what they do.  It'll make you cry!!!!

Empty Chairs and Empty Tables

Wowie!  If you thought Susan Boyle rocked this song...hear her!!!!

I Dreamed a Dream

This one doesn't have the picture-sorry, but I had to give you the awesome score...and let you listen to JAVERT!   OH MY GOSH  CHOPS!!!!

Look Down/Prologue

Can't not do this one.  This is an amazingly hard part to play...the range you must have is unreal

But Jean Valjeans always pull it off!

Bring Him Home

Ramin Love!!!!!!  Plus this is like the anthem of the whole thing!

Inspiring!!!!!

So finally.......

Do You Hear the People Sing

Dear Boys--Which Number Are We On?

Who knows.....
Just a few today


dear mr pedestal
my bad.  i built you up pretty high in my head.  how on earth were you supposed to make it in real life.
i have this problem a lot.  i'm working on it
love
girl who thinks too much

dear birdie boy
disappointing.
love
me

dear ginger
i'll give you another chance.  maybe we can still be friends
love
girl who could use a friend

dear green polo shirt
interesting car choice.  wonder what my brother would think.
also....stop acting like you are too cool for school.  its off-putting
love
girl who will likely never work up the nerve to talk to you


I found this absolutely hysterical, even if it relates to my life in no way shape or form
tehehe

Source: lolsotrue.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Check out miss elise!!!!

http://www.theidearoom.net/2012/03/anatomy-of-a-great-date.html

We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop?

Remember when you were a kid and your biggest worry was like... if you'd get a bike for your birthday or if you'd get to eat cookies for breakfast. Being an adult: TOTALLY overrated. I mean seriously, don't be fooled by the hot shoes... and no parents anywhere telling you what to do. Being an adult is responsibility. Responsibility really does suck. Really, REALLY sucks. Adults have to be places and do things and earn a living and pay the rent. And if you're training to be a surgeon, holding a human heart in your hands... Hello! Talk about responsibility! Kinda makes bikes and cookies look really really good, doesn't it? The scariest part about responsibility... When you screw up and let it slip right through your fingers. Responsibility. It really does suck. Unfortunately once you get past the age of braces and training bras, responsibility doesn't go away. It can't be avoided. Either someone makes us face it or we suffer the consequences. And still, adulthood has its perks. I mean the shoes, , the no parents anywhere telling you what to do... That's pretty dang good. 

Today was my first day at the new job!

Which of course means lots and lots of orientation and information

401Ks ROTH accounts, benefits, PTO, Flex-time, Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance (this one just sounds morbid right!!!???)......OH BROTHER!!!!!

When did I suddenly become someone who has to worry about such things?

When I took my family finance class in my undergrad, needing to understand/know about/make decisions about seemed so far away.

And now it is here.

Ugggh.  How do I make it stop (but still keep the adult benefits....like cookies for breakfast and higher salaries)?????

Whistle a Happy Tune

Once upon a time I woke up with this song in my head

One might think "Hmmm wonder where that came from".  But I don't.  I mean I do find it a bit odd, since there was nothing yesterday or even in the past few weeks that would bring this song to the forefront of my mind.  HOWEVER... I know why I need something like this in my head today.

As many of you know, my move back home to St Louis has lead me to an investigation of the singles branch here (small church congregation made up of members ages 18-30, for the purpose of increased socializing and connecting with those in your age group).

With age and experience, I have learned that singles branches have underlying similarities-both positive and negative.  And so I entered this new phase with the hope that I would have a perfectly delightful experience...but with the realistic knowledge that it might be a little, well, bumpy.

This caution was unfortunately supported by...well a blatant lack of kindness and general friendliness.

Now please do not misunderstand me.  I do not think less of anyone in the branch!!!!!  (Heck I hardly know half of them!)
All I am saying is that "breaking in" to the branch is proving to be harder than I imagined.  They are very tight-knit (which is actually a very positive quality) and so, I must "break-in" so to speak, to allow myself to be a part of their group.

Suddenly I feel as though I am thrust back into high school.
High school me was shy, self-conscious, geeky/dorky/nerdy (not sure which definition I actually fell under, but, I never ran with the "cool kids"). I had average abilities and talents, a terrible sense of style and was generally lacking in anything even remotely related to confidence.

At the risk of sounding dramatic, I left for school a caterpillar and returned a butterfly (or at least a moth!)
Freshman year I figured out my style.  Sophomore year I learned how to be alone and on my own and be quite happy about it.  Junior and senior year I learned who Stephanie really was.  Under the kind wings of wonderful friends, roommates, and ward members, I was the real me.  I became more confident, out-going and self-assured.

And in one week at the branch-all that building almost seems completely torn down.
But today, I am whistling.  Though I am shaking in my shoes, completely unsure of myself and what to do, I will hold my head erect.
I won't allow myself to revert back.  I won't allow myself to afraid.
And fingers crossed.....it works out for me!!!!!!

Cloudy Days

A front came in Thursday night making it DELIGHTFULLY cool.  Fall is coming!!!!
The front brought a MEESLY amount of rain (the midwest is in SERIOUS drought mode....so we need a long soaking rain that lasts for DAYS!)
And apparently this rain, though it went away, did not feel like taking its bestie clouds with him.

I am of the strong opinion that if the weather is going to do something....it should COMMIT!
If you are going to be cold-snow.  If you are going to be cloudy-rain.  If you are going to be hot-be brilliantly sunny.

So I am annoyed with the clouds.  Loving the cool weather, but wishing it was cool and sunny

Confession Time

ok..I'm like UBER OBSESSED with this song.

Like I think it is AMAZHING  FOR REALS





I should probably be ashamed because it was originally a Gaga song....and its an American Idol cover....
Both facts are very unhipster...and therefore uncool....but who cares!!!??

I think the reason it is stuck in my head (besides the fact that I have played it at least 3 times in the past 10ish minutes!) is because it was in my nap dream.
I heard this song on my Pandora station right before afore mentioned nap.
And then in my dream I was a singer in a hipster little club...coming out on stage and turning to my band and saying "Lets give em a little taste of Nebraska, shall we boys?"  And then I am rockin out singing my lungs out.

Strange since that would likely NEVER EVER happen.  But hey....that is what dreams are for.

Point is....this is my song of the day.  If for no other reason than...well, I have been listening to it all day!

The Snuggle vs the Cuddle: A Theory

One of my favorite followers (aka Little Sister) and her roommates requested I pop this theory up...and since it is Theory Thursday..I thought I would oblige!!!!

(Side note: this is a slightly Mormon focused theory.  Though it is highly relevant in all situations and circumstances, it generally is not applicable in the non-Mormon realm of the world)

Many, if not most people use the terms snuggle and cuddle interchangeably.
But stop the presses ladies and gents: cause they are DIFFERENT.

Lets begin with definitions (from Dictionary.com):

Snuggle: to curl up closely or comfortably

Cuddle: to hold, hug tenderly

Now as we can see there is already a distinction.  Snuggling is casual and comfortable.  Cuddling has feelings and meaning.

Allow me to add another layer

Snuggle: to curl up closely or comfortably, with a close friend whom you care about, or a random stranger

Cuddle: to hold, hug tenderly, with someone you have committed feelings for

You see?  Its very simple.  

Cuddle=Commitment 

I shall provide some examples to further support this theory.

I had (well, have she isn't dead!) this friend who had (this one is had) an AMAHZING guy friend.  He was always there for her...really stellar.  Overtime while watching movies and hanging out at his place, they fell into a snuggling pattern.  Neither of them had anyone at the time, and they both appreciated his arm around her...esp at Halloween when they ran a scary movie marathon!  However, by the time Christmas rolled around, the activity began to change.  He was cuddling....wanting commitment of some sort (not dating or marriage or anything...just that they were more than friends or snuggle buddies).  But she was still snuggling.  And sadly enough.....she lost this friend.

So that is why it is so important to remember the difference!

If you want commitment...cuddle away!

If not....better stick to the snuggling.

Be Happy...Be Healthy!!!!!

My Current Project

I'm a crocheter.

NOT a knitter!
Many will accuse me of knitting.  But I feel knitting is for OLD people...and I am NOT old!

(this is a ridiculous generalization and only stems from the stereotypical granny knitting sweaters.  I do not wish to offend any young person who knits hahaha)

BUT...I digress

I crochet.  Quite a bit in fact.  I like to do it while I watch movies or listen to books on tape.  Most amusingly I enjoy crocheting while watching sporting events on TV.  (This generally causes a great deal of entertainment for my male sport watching companions throughout football season!)

Usually I make little blankets.  Baby or toddler sized.  I've made a few big ones in my life..but they are bulky and hard to work on after a while.  AND I get VERY bored with them.  Small blankets hold so many possibilities.  They are done in a couple of weeks (depending on the amount of free time I have).  They can be fun patterns (I have a book of over 100...I call it my bible hehe).  And they can be fun colors!!!!  A big blanket of bright pink and orange is weird...but a small one....quite fun and cute!


so you ask...what is the point of my telling you all this.  WELL....usually I give blankets to my pregnant friends (if you are reading this and are preggers...and would like a blanket please let me know!  hehe) But I have TONS right now.  And enough yarn for DOZENS more!!!!  And though I have many pregnant friends, some just aren't quite right.  I like them to fit the person I am giving them to, for them to be specifically made with someone in mind.

So what do I do with my surplus??  I have lots of time nowadays and lots of yarn...and lots of books and movies on my to read/watch list.

My mother suggested a great solution and I am now in an on-going partnership with a local women's shelter.

The women I am working with indicated that they have 40-50 residents at any given time and 20-25 of those are children.  Children who are in a terribly tumultuous time.  Children who are moving from place to place.  Children who could use not only some comfort, but something all their own.  Something they can take with them where ever they go.

I am telling you this not to toot my own horn and to say "look at how awesome and service-oriented I am".  I tell you this as an open invitation.
An invitation to serve.  Maybe not in my effort, but in your own!
This world can be a very dark place sometimes.  But we can make it just a little brighter.
And I plan to do it with blankets!



If you would like to be involved in any way with this effort (donations of blankets, yarn or funds) please comment below

friend zoned

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtb7f_lcvkQ&feature=player_embedded

Dear Boys-Of COURSE!!!

How can I not do a dear boys after this weekend??
First of potentially many trips to the Singles Branch here in good ol StL.

It was ummmmm lets say interesting.
But I won't get into that today.  That serious deep thought stuff is not what is on tap for today.
Nope today is for the superficial and utterly ridiculous!

READY????  GO!!!!

dear tall and lanky
hmmmmmm  I think that you are very interesting.  you have potential
love
girl on the back row who was staring at you

dear 23 year old
you sounded very nice and normal and funny.  but I wasn't facing the same way as you....so I didn't see your face!  how unfortunate!  I guess it will just be a guessing game until I figure out who you are
love
girl sitting next to you, but in the opposite direction

dear green polo shirt
AHHHH!!!  or EEEK  or some exclamation!  you are back in my life again my friend.  and until very very recently your name has been unknown to me.  however, now that I do know it....you will likely still forever be Green Polo Shirt.  if we ever get married (please don't be disturbed by my forwardness)  you MUST wear the/a green polo shirt for our engagement shots!!!
love
the girl who knows your name now

dear ginger
I KNOW YOU...from somewhere!  so next time I see you be prepared to give me a DETAILED life history.  cause I SWEAR I know you from SOMEWHERE.  also lets be friends...you seem quite nice and quite normal!
love
the girl who spent all afternoon Sunday trying to figure out how she knows you

dear medicine man
you are odd. kind and harmless.  but odd.  I predict that you shall be my first awkward and uncomfortable encounter.
love
girl who is not looking forward to her first AUE

dear birdie boy
way to fall off the face of the earth!  hello!  did you not get the memo about how we were supposed to chat and talk and visit and fall in love?  how is that going to happen if you disappear??
love
girl who is cranky with you

dear AP
WHAT THE WHAT???????  why did you suddenly show up in my dream last night?  and you gave me a hug??  the mountains of weirdness do not seem to end!!!!
love
girl who is legit weirded out

dear boys I ADORE
BOO BOO BOO BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!  Missin you
Lets hope an October trip works out!!!!
love
forever a 92nder wardie :)

dear boys in the branch
I am a little gun shy when it comes to singles branches...you must understand I have a sorted history.  however, I will be much more likely to get less shy if you are nice....and normal....and if I get the occasional date.  that is all
love
new branch member?????

Don't forget to check out Elise!!!!!!



Be Happy...Be Healthy!!!!!

Not Sure What to Write

I'm honestly not quite sure what to write today.  I want to be pithy and funny.  I want to make people laugh.

Because of what day it is...I feel like it is even more important to be funny.

Please don't misunderstand me.  I don't want to lessen the weight of this day.  The weight of the lives lost 11 years ago today.  The weight of the pain still felt by those who wake up everyday effected by that tragic morning.

But I don't want to let "them" win.  I want the lives lost to mean something.  I want the sacrifices of the men and women who were thrust into the deathly tendrils of  war to mean something.

It reminds me of one of my favorite lines from a great show in response to terrorism.

"Learn things. Be good to each other. Read the newspapers, go the movies, go to a party. Read a book. In the meantime, remember pluralism. You want to get these people? I mean, you really want to reach in and kill them where they live? Keep accepting more than one idea. Makes 'em absolutely crazy."

In short, the best way to beat "them"?  The best way to make the lives lost that day and ever since mean something?

Be Americans.  Accept people.  Use our liberty and freedom.  Live up to our privilege.  Appreciate what we have and the opportunities we have been given.

Listen to music from Glee...and then Joshua Radin.....and then Metallica.  Watch the news...and then a silly stupid sitcom....and then a crime drama.  Go for a run....eat a pizza....go get a cup of hot chocolate (or coffee if that is your persuasion).  Run errands to the grocery store, the bank and the doctor's office.  Call a friend, text your sister, email someone you haven't talked to in months.  Tweet, Facebook and Pin.
LIVE everyone LIVE.  Because you CAN!  Others can't.  And even if they can...they can't live the life you can.

That being said.  I don't have anything funny to say really.  Its not a particularly pithy day for me haha

So please, find something funny.  Find something entertaining.  Enjoy yourself today.

Because you are American.  And you are alive.


Be Happy...Be Healthy