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......