Conquering the Adult Playground of America

Many of you know that I recently took a trip to Las Vegas at the beginning of July. Me and two friends from college (let's call them Sasha and Ivy because those were the fake names we donned while there....mine was Harley in case you were curious) packed up and flew out for five days. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. It was a new place after all and nicknamed "sin city" for a reason -- an adult playground where most anything goes and is accepted behavior. But, I can say with confidence that I had an amazing time, experienced things that I'll never forget, and would love to go back again someday. Before I get into the details, was there anything that happened in Vegas that stayed in Vegas? Yes. It was wonderful and exciting and no regrets and that is what I will say about that.

Being in our early twenties, the one thing we wanted to experience was the nightclub scene and experience we did.....EVERY night. We went to small clubs and huge clubs and clubs with lounging couches and even had a V.I.P. experience on our last night there at the Playboy Club at the Palms Hotel. I met so many different kinds of people from all over the world. We were stuck on a double-decker bus with two native (and handsome-as-hell) French men who taught us a bit of french, partied with two girls from England whose word for drunk was "pissed", a hilarious cab driver from Virginia and two older ladies from New Hampshire who we met in the pool with their big hats and jewelry who officially labeled themselves our "Vegas grandmas" and were two of the funniest and most genuine people I have met. Oh....and the MEN in Vegas........they are something else......I swear. One man offered to be our pimps and help us make money, I had a man bluntly say this exact phrase to me -- "You have beautiful eyes. Want to f*** in the elevator?" When I politely declined his offer, he counteroffered with "How about a hand job? Or a feel?" Another man I danced with at the club told me I made him hot and he wanted to "marinate" me if I'd come by his hotel room.....no joke...marinate? Like you marinate meat before you cook it? Had to chuckle at that one so good thing it was loud and dark in the club.

You need to come to Vegas with an open mind and heart and not take anything too seriously. It's about coming to the party and making it fun. You meet some doozies and may have an offensive remark thrown your way once in a while and if you let it get to you, you will have a miserable time. But if you can throw the remark back in a whitty, humorous way or brush it off or laugh it down, then you will fit in just fine. For every gross or preverted person you might meet, there are 10 or 20 good people you will run into. Well, this is Part I of three blogs I will be doing about Vegas. There's so many subjects to talk about, it hard to fit them in to one blog. My next blog will talk about being a girl in Vegas because being a girl in Vegas is GREAT and being a guy in Vegas SUCKS. I'll tell you why next time!
Later dayz,
Steph

Having a Passion for Hauntings

So, me and a very good friend of mine Emily recently took a trip down to Decatur, IL to attend the Lucky 13 Haunting Conference. It is basically a gathering of paranormal groups, investigators, and paranormal fans like me and Em who come together and talk about the paranormal. They had different speakers on many different subjects (one of them sex...go figure!) and lots of stories to tell. We were unable to get onto any of the sold out haunting tours that were happening, but it was still something to experience. Best of all, I was able to meet with Troy Taylor. He's like the king of paranormal. He's traveled all over the country holding investigations and has written over 60 books on the subect. And to my deligtful surprise, he is one of the most down-to-earth and coolest people to talk to. By coincidence, he was staying in the same hotel as us and came into the bar where we chatted a bit. I met so many different paranormal groups..ordinary people/friends who get together and check out haunted places. I met the owner of the Bartonville insane asylum that me and Em toured together back in November. We bounced back and forth our own stories of our haunted experiences and it was excited to have people who have a passion for this as much (and sometimes more!) than I do. I've loved learning about hauntings since I was a kid in front of the television watching "Unsolved Mysteries" while others were tuning into "Party of Five." To do this for a living would be such an experience -- to travel and meet people and hear their stories and try to get them some validation. We had groups with techology galore, others with matching T-shirts, and little ole me and Em, who probably looked outta place, but we soon got comfortable with the atmosphere. There was one other highlight of our weekend and that was the reading we signed up for with the famed psychic Ken Berg. Though I will not say what he told Em (in case she'd rather keep that to herself), I will share some things he saw for me:


1. I will be taking an exciting trip within the next two months and will have a great time

2. There is a change of residence within the next year

3. I will be getting more responsibility at my job but I will not hold that job or stay on that job path by the next year

4. No sudden deaths or health problems within my family for the next year.

5. I will be a mom someday -- he is saying 3 kids

6. I have a fear of rejection

7. A relationship dynamic will change within the next three months

8. I really hold back with men and should put myself out there more. The results will be good if I do.

I think that was the gist of it. I was kinda unprepared because he does a tarot card reading and then you can ask him questions. I would like to do it again and have questions prepared. I would like to learn more about what areas he thinks I would be good at with a career (since I'm stuck on that right now). I know maybe I shouldn't rely on a psychic to find that out but another opinion wouldn't hurt. He had some good insights with not only me but on Em as well. Wouldn't mind doing it again sometime. He's back in October. :)

I've attached a couple articles that explains more about the various speakers and activities that happened over the weekend. He does a really good job at reporting the details of the events and tells it better and with a better memory than I have.
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977718294
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977718310

If you are interested in coming with me on future endeavors, I get the ideas from this great website. They have overnight excursions, haunted tours, conferences, and other events. Take a look and let me know if you want to go! Visit http://www.prairieghosts.com/
Later Dayz,

Steph

The Plague

I think a plague has swept through my family. Since Wednesday, I have been sick with the stomach flu and it horrendously sucks. Today hasn't been as bad as the other days but I can't eat much still (which, on a positive note, has resulted in me losing 5 lbs in 4 days). I tried to be productive today and start cleaning out the garage for my birthday party next weekend but once I got inside I couldn't hold a glass of water because both of my arms were shaking so bad....weird? I started laughing at myself because what else could I do except wallow in self pity or laugh? So I started seeing how much water I could hold without spilling for entertainment. I have not been out of the house much except to mull around the yard a bit for the past three days. Cabin fever will start to take hold and soon you will find me huddled in a corner with my shaking hands.......nice thought.
My brother and dad both have fevers, my grandma was in the hospital for a bit this morning with flu-like symptoms, and numerous cousins have it or are just getting over it. I hate this. I hate this. I hate this. I want food to taste good again and want to be able to go farther than my driveway. I've started to make plans for next week in hopes that this illness will leave. I do have a new-found love for Canada Dry Ginger Ale that seems to calm down my stomach. I'm pretty healthy most of the time and haven't been this sick in a LONG time so it just seems to literally STOP my life and I hate my life to stop with something I can't control. But that is just it...just keep taking the medicine, resting, drinking the liquids, etc. is what is in my power to do so I guess there's no use complaining much more about it.....and keep laughing at my shakiness. I just want this to go away.........
Steph

All Good Things Must Come To An End

I know that nothing lives forever (materially anyway), but it's hard not to think that they do. You think the job you have and that you've had for so long will never go away until one day after 20-some years, they pop into your office with a pink slip. The television show that kept you glued to the tv one night a week with new seasons and episodes will come to an end (with a hopefully good conclusion instead of a dreaded cancellation that leaves you hanging). The book series that kept your nose in the book will have its last written word (R.I.P. Harry Potter!). I'm okay with things coming to an end as long as their ending is dignified and not stolen from them. I can accept changes that must occur and are probably a good thing. So things like retirement, or quitting a job (when they are on your terms), or a television show whose contracts are up, or graduating, or moving, or finishing a series of books........but I was upset on Friday when I woke up at 9am to hear that the Kathy & Judy Radio Show on 720AM -- WGN was cancelled -- suddenly and without warning. The day they announced it at 9am was the last broadcast. It was a shock not only to their audience but also other radio hosts throughout the day that knew nothing of this.

I know it was a radio talk show and some people might think I'm a bit too sentimental to get too worked up over this, but this is what I know. I know that these two women had been on from 9am-12pm on WGN radio for over 20 years and at the time of the cancellation, still had 9 months left on their contract. Being both in their 60's now, it was safe to assume that after these 9 months, they would not renew their contract and would have retired. My parents listened to these women and I use to groan when they turned them on because I felt radio was only good for the music until the day I had my own car. No good song was on and I tuned in and listened to the entire broadcast. In those three hours, these 2 women could me me laugh, entertain me, inform me, and open my mind. Since then, on my way to work or school in the morning, I would turn to the station and learn something new. They had "speak your peace" where callers had 30 seconds to gripe about anything, Sex Thursday talks, serious discussion, funny discussion, and the list goes on. They encouraged callers and had such a charisma with each other that you couldn't help but want to be a "girlfriend" (what they called their listeners). They did not deserve this sudden drop. Their last broadcast was a recollection of their best times but it felt too short....unprepared. If they could have finished up their broadcast at the end of their last 9 months, there would have been no surprises. The end would be smooth and full of celebration and best of all....dignified. This move on WGN was shameful and disgraceful and....although I'll probably regret this later because this is usually not me....but deep down I'm hoping that whatever they are replacing them with or whatever new strategy they have (their reasoning for doing this) crashes and burns.....
Sorry this post was kinda negative.....on a good note, I feel a storm coming on....I love storms...
Later Dayz,
Stephanie

Don't Dip the Sandals in the Lemonade

If you are wondering about the title of this blog, the two images I think of when summer is mentioned are flip flops and a tall, iced glass of lemonade. This is my first week of having no work. I'm liking it now but I know by next week, unless I get busy fast, I'm gonna hate it. I like work and the satisfaction it gives me and the routine I have. No, that does not mean I'm totally against spontaneity (in fact, it is a must), but I like knowing what my next day is going to be like -- at least on outline of what it is going to be like. I'm a planner...and I like plans. Summer jobs have dramatically dropped off and it shows in the classifieds with very few jobs (much less summer jobs) to choose from. I do mow a lawn for $30 a week, will do a rare fill-in at the Mary Kay office, and will pray that my textbooks will sell on Half.com (I've sold one!!). I have saved up a good amount of money in case this summer was a jobless summer that would let me travel and bit and maybe work on some personal growth. I've already started this week with summer plans:

• I cleaned out the room, brought up the summer clothes, tied up loose ends at work, and caught up on emails, got my car fixed ($675 later for full brake replacement...ugh), almost got graduation cards mailed out, mom's birthday.....and all that jazz
• Became the designated house cleaner since my parents do not charge me rent or make me buy groceries. If I'm not rushing off to work, I better make this house my work, so I make sure to pick up, vaccuum, and unload/reload dishwasher each day among other little things so show my appreciation

And I've started filling up the calendar with events, travel, and things that I hope to cross off my life list or continue things that I have started and quit:

1. I am heading to Decatur, IL with my friend Emily to attend a Haunting Conference. I'm so lucky to have a friend that is as much into haunted places and the paranormal as I am. We are staying two days, taking a haunted tour, participating in a seance, and meeting some haunted book authors!
2. Las Vegas Here I Come -- and you thought I wasn't spontaneous enough! Within two days of being invited by my friend Traci, I had my flight booked. Do I know what we are going to do? Nope. Where we are staying? Nope. But I'm excited!
3. Weddings -- One in July and one in August of an old roommate and a co-worker of mine which leads me to....
4. Getting in shape!! I have started and quit so many times and I always have the excuse of not having enough time....NO MORE! I've been doing pretty good actually. The bad thing is I walked a lot at work and didn't have much time to eat a lot and that might pose a problem.
5. Turning 23!! On June 13th
6. Cooking -- I am forcing myself to learn to cook meals and be better....this will be tough because I do not find cooking enjoyable yet but hopefully I will get motivated....I need to watch Ratatouille....that always gets me motivated
7. GNO -- Otherwise known as the Girls Night Out that me, my mom, and my aunt have traditionally done for the past four years. We take 3 or four days and head to different places....Shippsewana, IN (Amish country), Galena, Gurnee, etc.
   
8. Horseback Riding -- My life list has learning to gallop and canter a horse. Found a stable at a reasonable price. Will go there the 1st week of June and sign up!
9. READING -- Have wanted to read all the classics that have never made it into my hands. Oh, and I've started a Book Club. Wanted to follow through with that as well
10. Scrapbook and writing -- starting with keeping up this blog and starting to turn the pictures and cards and letters and ticket stubs into something that isn't a pile or a box.
11. Love -- don't want to touch this one too much....I know what the situation is....It's in a very uncertain zone right now and I'm afraid to push it one way or another just yet....so having a bit of faith that circumstances will change somehow before summer is up

Pheww.....wow.....let summer begin!
Steph

Where Have All The Signs Gone?

It is getting nearer and nearer to the end of my first year as an event coordinator. I'm technically a graduate assistant meaning my pay is really crappy but I do get my grad school paid for. I actually really enjoy my job, am learning more and more, getting more responsibility, and love the people I work with. The bad news is that this position is not a summer position, so from May 18th to August 31st, I am unemployed and am not taking any classes. So from going to being really really busy to having nothing......is going to be a change and it's making me a little nervous. I have some summer plans including a couple weddings, two small road trips, my birthday (23!), a concert, etc. But I really do not like the prospect of being unemployed -- I feel so....unaccomplished...lazy...bored. And I like having a schedule. I'm not the free-spirited person that I wish I was (I'm so envious of you people) who can get up with no particular plans and have the best day. My internship and job searches have yielded nothing so far but now that my graduate class is over as of this week, I can devote more time to it.

I do have enough money saved up to get by for the next three months, but somehow I want this summer to be different. I recently read a book called "When They Were 22...." It is a collection of very short biographies (a page or two) about famous people (singers, authors, actors, Noble Prize Winners) and how their life changed when they were 22. I feel as if this job and other factors in my life have changed me in the past year -- I feel older, more independent, and growing into my own. Not saying I still have a lot to learn and a lot to experience. But I feel like this summer should be different. I'm hoping for a sign because my future seems so unclear right now -- but maybe I need the break from the university (among other things......) to stretch myself a bit. Sometimes I feel like my life is too small..........like the town I grew up in....

Where's My Bro-mance?

I just got done watching an episode of "House" on Fox tonight and had to blog about this. I love the "bro-mance" (a recent term where the relationship between to men can go beyond the high-fives to an actual deep relationship without one wanting to jump into bed with the other) between House and Wilson on this series -- in fact, I'm downright jealous of it. They bounce off one another, banter back and forth, can dish it back as easily as they can receive it, anticipate each other's moves and motives, pull the pranks, show up at each other's doorstep in the early AM and can be flat-out honest with each other. The synergy between these two is amazing to watch and can be just as envious. I know this is a television show with writers manipulating the characters and their relationships with each other to their whims but that doesn't deter the jealousy much. I can't remember a time in my life where I was "that" close to anyone and I think to have that kind of person in your life would be truly comforting. You wouldn't be embarrassed to call them at 3am or burst into tears in front of them or be afraid to call them out on something. I do have many great people in my life who I love to be around and maybe......... someday, some of those relationships will go deeper than I could imagine and I can have a sis-mance of my own. Haha....bro-mance does sound better, doesn't it? Until next time!

Get Out the Bats and Gloves

Every day I drive past this small town which houses an area of three baseball diamonds. And from now until the middle of summer, when I drive past I will always see either a baseball practice or game happening. I love it because the sport of baseball is something that is sentimental to me. It was a part of my childhood since I started playing softball in the 4th grade and continued until my last year in high school. There's just something about playing on the summer nights.....its starting to cool off from the hot day, the endless supply of gatorade bottles line the bench, and it's much less political than high school sports. I miss it and watching those kids play as I drive by makes me miss it more. There are memories there of games and teammates and after-game ice cream runs and practices and the coaches that meant more to you than you know. I want to get out of my car and tell those kids to let loose and not worry and enjoy every game and not let one bad moment ruin their entire game because sooner than later you become the person driving by and reminiscing. And hopefully one day, I can be my kid's coach or at least the parent dragging around my fold-up chair and extra gatorade bottle. I will revel in those days. I

Things I Learned at the South Side Irish Parade

For those of you who don't know what the South Side Irish Parade is, let me fill you in. The Sunday before St. Patrick's Day is designated as the South Side Irish Parade that takes place down Western Avenue on the South Side of Chicago. It consists of a parade featuring all things Irish including kilted-men playing bagpipes, curly-haired Irish dancers, and lots of knitted Aran sweaters and there is lots and LOTS of green. Plus, it is about the only day and place where you can witness a parent pulling their child in those little red wagons along with a 24 pack of beer. And this is the one day that it is absolutely OK to drink in the morning, afternoon, and night. So in the Irish spirit, let me share with you what I've learned from being a part of this momentous event.

1. Wear Green -- there are boas and hats and shirts and tuxedos.....get in the spirit!
2. If you are taking the train, get in the first or last car -- everyone congregates in the middle
3. Even if you aren't Irish, you are allowed to be and say that you are on this day
4. If you are a Cubs fan, be a Cubs fan on the inside -- you are on the South Side.....
5. Wear comfortable shoes -- You will walk (or stumble or crawl..) everywhere!
6. Be an excellent maneuverer -- the crowds at this parade and at the bars are worse than Black Friday shopping
7. Tip the bartender -- they are working their butt off...show some appreciation
8. Apologize and Forgive -- If you spill your drink on someone or bump into them or anything that could start a fight...apologize and offer amends. The battle or fight isn't worth it and the most people usually get is some blood splatters, bruises, and get thrown out of the bar that they just paid a $10 cover to get into. And if you are the person who gets bumped into or spilt on, ...forgive and move on. Another way to put it -- If you are a mean drunk, don't bother coming.
9. Do watch some of the parade -- the Irish dancers are fun to watch and the bagpipe players really show off the Irish culture with music
10. Meet People! Everyone around you is most likely there for the same reason you are....to celebrate and have a good time. Talk to people. Laugh with them. Drink with them. They are your best friends for that day. Be joyful and be happy.

I'd Rather Fight With You...

Valentine's Day is approaching sooner than later. As a single girl, I will battle the onslaught of depressive and lonely thoughts that attempt to weave its way into my mind. But on this day, maybe I'll try to celebrate the fact of love itself, and that it is out there and it causes great things to happen to people, between people, and among people. And what celebrates the many different kinds of love than the portrayal of it in movies. Romantic movies have kept women's dreams alive that they will find their match, or the man they are dishing on will finally take a hint and make a move, or the troubled relationships will work through the rough spots. So here is a tribute to some of my favorite romantic quotes in Cinema. So get ready for some lov'n!



Movie Quotes Baby! My Fave!

"I'd rather fight with you than make love to anyone else" -- The Wedding Date

I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." -- When Harry Met Sally

"I love that you get cold when it's seventy degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend a day with you I can still smell your perfume on my clothes, and I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night."
-- When Harry Met Sally

"I am just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her." -- Notting Hill

There are only four questions of value in life. What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made of? What is worth living for? What is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same. Only love."
-- Don Juan DeMarco

"I know what it is not to feel like your in the room until he looks at you or touches your hand or even makes a joke at your expense, just to let everyone know... you're with him. You're his." -- P.S. I Love You

"If you can promise me anything, promise me that whenever you're sad, or unsure, or you lose complete faith, that you'll try to see yourself through my eyes. Thank you for the honor of being my wife. I'm a man with no regrets. How lucky am I. You made my life, Holly. But I'm just one chapter in yours. There'll be more. I promise. So here it comes, the big one. Don't be afraid to fall in love again. Watch out for that signal, when life as you know it ends." -- P.S. I Love You

"Here's looking at you kid." -- Casablanca

"What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary." -- It's a Wonderful Life

"I'm going to miss your lips and everything attached to them." -- Elizabethtown

"Just tell me you love me and get it over with!" -- Elizabethtown

"Kim: It must have been awful when they told you whose house it was.
Edward: I knew it was Jim's house.
Kim: You... you did?
Edward: Yes.
Kim: ...Well, then why'd you do it?
Edward: Because you asked me to." -- Edward Scissorhands

"Iris, if you were a melody... I used only the good notes." -- The Holiday

"These years that I have been in love have been the darkest days of my life. All because I've been cursed by being in love with a man who does not and will not love me back...........And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. And you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade." -- The Holiday (because sometimes love means to let go and look ahead)

"Bridget: Wait a minute... nice boys don't kiss like that.
Mark Darcy: Oh, yes, they fucking do." -- Bridget Jones Diary

"No. I like you very much. Just as you are." -- Bridget Jones Diary

"Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it. I wish I knew how to quit you." -- Brokeback Mountain

"I will not leave Cold Mountain. My last thread of courage is to wait... for you." -- Cold Mountain

" I love you more than all the words in all the books in all the world. " -- Why Did I Get Married

"Ever Mine. Every Thine. Ever Ours." -- Sex and The City

"Look, in my opinion, the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you, the right person is still going to think the sun shines out your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with." -- Juno

"We need a witness to our lives. There's a billion people on the planet... I mean, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you're promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things... all of it, all of the time, every day. You're saying 'Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness'." -- Shall We Dance

"What a pain in the ass you are. And it's true: you're not young, you're not new, and you do make people laugh. And me? I'm still with you because you make me laugh. So you know what I got to do? I got to sell my plot in Key Biscayne so I can get one next to you in that shithole Los Copa, so I never miss a laugh." -- The Birdcage

"They say when you meet the love of your life, time stops. And that's true." -- Big Fish

"Sandra Templeton....I love you and I will marry you!" -- Big Fish

"We saved each other." -- Nights in Rodanthe

Wow, that was a lot. You probably knew a few of these and maybe some that you didn't. These were moments in the movie that I stopped and thought "wow, I never thought of it like that" or "Awww..." or it was a moment in the movie that stuck with me or resinated through me even after I've turned the movie off. Credit to amazing writers who give us hope. And hope is a good thing. Until next time!
Steph

It Really is a Small World....

So after spending five years on my university's campus as an undergrad and now working there while obtaining my grad degree, I didn't think that my home life had any connection to the university. I went there knowing no one -- students or faculty -- and many had never even heard of my town.....until today. Today I found out that a teacher, who had a meeting with a co-worker of mine, knew that small town of mine. In fact, her father had taught at that school -- had taught me. He was one of my favorite, most memorable teachers in school. After he retired when I was in high school, I found out that his young granddaughter contracted a rare illness and died very suddenly. Although I didn't know the family personally, I still remember her name and how upset I was that something so tragic could happen to someone so young and happen to the granddaughter of someone who was so genuine and had such a down-to-earth enlightened view of life. That really stuck with me......so here comes the revelation that had eluded me for the past five years. On my campus is a tree. I have past this tree so many times without a second glance but I don't think I can do that anymore. I found out today that this particular tree was dedicated to the memory of that little girl. I guess it really is a small world and we are all just a a couple connections away from each other. And, honestly, I don't think I'd want it any other way.
Until Next Time......

You Need To Go....

This past weekend, I went to a wake. I have always felt an obligation to go to wakes, even if I only knew a surviving family member, and I now stand firm in that you should, if at all possible, attend them. I really did not know the man who died. He was the father of my uncle and I remember very little about him except a few snippets from when I was a kid. My parents debated whether we should drive the hour and a half to go but I felt that we needed to be there....and I was right. As much as I wanted to be there to pay my respects to the man who had died, I especially wanted to be there for my uncle, who just lost his father, and my aunt, who lost her father-in-law, and my younger cousins, who have lost their grandpa. It is just as important to be there for the people who are still living as it is for the person who died. And it seems I am not the only person who feels this way because after I hugged my uncle and saw his tears and felt my own tears, he said something that will always stay with me. He said "it is times like this where you find out who really loves you."

So even if you feel uncomfortable and are debating whether to make the trip.......make the trip. You have no idea how much just showing up will mean to that surviving person. And even if you can't quite find the right words to say and all that comes out is a meager "I'm sorry" and a hug, that is really all it takes. Because everything else that you may have wanted to say or that you believe should have been said is being said. It is being said by your presence there. By showing up, you are saying "I'm here because I love you and I want to help honor the life of someone you love. You are important to me and your pain and sorrow are mine as well. I will always be here for you." It doesn't need to be spoken. In fact, sometimes it is the silence and the "just knowing" that makes the bond even stronger. So just be there. You never know what an impact you may have.
Until Next Time!

Stephanie

The New Loves

So 2008 definitely brought some new loves into my life. Let me count the ways.....

1. Trying out new restaurants -- So the picky, only-want-to-eat-at-this-or-that-place person has turned a 180. I now love discovering new places and trying new foods and taking in the new atmospheres. Among the little treasures I have found include Obee's in Ottawa, Savannah's in Sandwich, Eastern Europe in Romeoville, and The Cove in Morris.

2. Winchester Chimes -- the tune takes me back to my grandma's huge, old house where the clock (which took up half of the wall) chimed the same tune on the hour. That house was my heaven until my grandparents decided to move into something smaller and sold it in 2004. I never knew what the chime was until I was in a small resale shop and heard it again. There on a shelf, was a small clock that chimed the same tune. The clock now sits on my shelf.

3. Chess -- a game that before this year I had given up even attempting to learn. But with a little patience on the part of a couple of good friends, I have a new-found love for the classic game of war. Mind-warping, extremely frustrating at times, but by the end, you will probably find me smiling. Plus, there's nothing wrong with exercising the brain a bit with strategically planning your moves and anticipating your opponents. #1 Plan: Don't Die.

4. Over Easy Eggs -- Was always a scrambled eggs girl until I found the delicious combo of dipping my toast into the runny yolk of the egg. Um, orgasm in my mouth!

5. Wrapping Christmas Presents -- after years of crappy wrapping, I finally have straighter edges (not perfect....cutting is not my fortay), nice folds, curly ribbons, and not so much tape. I applaud myself this year!

6. Batman -- I have always been a Batman-loving girl before people even thought about "Batman Begins" or the "Dark Knight." After riding the bus home from school, Batman: The Animated Series was on at 4pm and I did not miss it as a grade-schooler. So, imagine my glee at finding out the entire series was released on DVD seasons. Throughout 2008, I purchased them and now own all of the seasons.

7. Sherlock Holmes -- Always knew who he was and what he did but never really delved into his world. I'm loving Sir Arthur Doyle's much aclaimed character and his historic adventures.

8. Tic Tac Chill Mints -- they are my addiction -- my cocaine.

9. Thin Mint Shots -- Peppermint Snaupps with a bit of chocolate syrup and you have a delightful new shot with all of its alcoholy-goodness.

10. "Homework" -- No, not the school kind. I learned about doing your "homework" from Scott Smith who runs a "Motivation to Move" website and also has a "Daily Boost" podcast that I listen to. His idea of "homework" is to sit down once a week and just reflect on your life -- where you are at, who you are, what you value, where you want to go, who you want to be, and what kinds of things you do to get there. You just jot this stuff down and answer the question -- am I where I want to be? Am I who I want to be? You may just jot down some stuff you want to improve on or do in the coming week. Self-reflection is a good thing.

11. Podcasts -- I had an iPod for 2 years before I discovered what podcasts were. These free audio and video "casts" have enough subjects for everybody. I have subscribed to the "Kathy and Judy" podcast which plays highlights from their popular radio show, a podcast to teach me spanish, one to show me how the play the piano, one that has interviews with paranormal researchers, and one that plays Joel Osteen's preaching. Variety right? With thousands of podcasts, you can find what you are looking for.

12. Work -- No matter what the work is, if you have awesome people working alongside you, you will love your job. That's my theory. Tested and proved.

13. Flossing -- my whole mouth just feels cleaner afterward

14. A Bit of Faith -- Believing that everything happens for a reason. I happened upon the concept while an undergrad in college but I have fully grasped it and am holding on tight.

New Beginning

I bet you are wondering what "It Happens" is all about. What is "it"? Well, it is life. Life happens. Whether we want it to or not. It does not stop for any one. It doesn't slow down or speed up. It keeps its own pace. So we need to make the most of it. We acknowledge that it's happening and we make the most of it. We should enjoy it. I have always wanted to do a blog but have put it off. So, I have finally gotten my act together and created two blogs. You can find my other blog "Inspirational Madness" under my profile. I encourage you to read, comment, or email me at it.happens247@gmail.com.

2009 has already started off with some new beginnings in people's lives. I recently attended M&R's wedding right after the new year. Two people starting off the new year as a wife/husband and ready to tackle life together. After trekking off on their honeymoon, they are moving clear across the country to the east coast to begin a whole new life in Maryland. Then, I celebrated with friends when a former roommate of mine, J, moved into her first place outside of home -- her first apartment with her boyfriend. She is switching out her need for ramen noodles and jeans to frying pans, towels, and a place to finally call her own. When I met her at the door with a house-warming bottle of wine in hand, I could see her excitement at how she has built this new part of her life. I don't think I have ever been so proud or happy for her. This year is her year of new beginnings. And finally, while we were out celebrating, J's friend had stopped by to announce that her boyfriend had proposed to her. She whipped out a bottle of champagne and showed off the ring. This is their new beginning. And......it's only been......what.....two weeks! One new proposal, one marriage, and one new home to start out the new year. If January is going to be like this, I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for the people in my life!


Later Dayz,

Stephanie