Top 10 of 2010: what am I gonna do when the best part of me was always you [the script]

Moment #6 in my Top 10 of 2010: July 4th in the Mountains

What a glorious 4th it was...I liked crossing off so many items on my summer list. Plus, the company wasn't so bad. I also miss the days when blog posts warranted 8 comments. Just sayin'.

REEEEEEEEEEEEpost:

7.09.2010

A 4th in the Mountains: A Photo Documentary

My first July 4th in the mountains. 

Enjoy the photos, memories, stories.

It's a condensed, yet detailed, account of our cabin trip.

I even marked 8 items off of my Summer Wish List.

Our inaugural dinner at the cabin Friday night. Chad's excited.

Summer Wish List: Spend a wknd at the cabin in the mtns.

Nothing like watching the sunset in 60 degree temperatures in July.

That's the mountains for you.

Summer Wish List: Go to high places and watch beautiful sunsets

Our new friend Becca Payton. She's too funny.

And extremely smart.

And those homemade lemon bars were da bomb!

I tried to hold the sun for you J-Phil.

Alex McWilkins

That smile looks mischevious.

My new best friend, the outdoor shower.
What a view! What an awesome shower!
Nothing like bathing outdoors to help you commune with nature.
No worries...it was hidden from the house view,
although I kept yelling at Lacey Jean through the window-
'I'm naked in the wild! I'm naked in the wild!'
Can I get one of these in my new apartment? JK.
It wasn't on my summer list before, but it's been added.
Summer Wish List: Enjoy a shower outdoors at dusk over a mountain range

Lacey Jean and her cute self. 

I do believe this was right before we started playing Catchphrase.

Possible pant peeing may or may not have occurred due to hysterical laughing.

I couldn't get enough of those sunsets.

I feel like I need to mark that off my list like 3 times.

Our 4th feast at our pretty outdoor table we ate at all weekend long.

I feel like that constitues to a picnic since they're both outdoor dining.

Summer Wish List: Go on more picnics

I think I need to put more hugs with Chad on my wish list.
C-Phil. Like J-Phil.

We were decked out in our red and white (and blue jeans/shorts).

That watermelon from Earth Fare was oh-so-delish.

I just loved watching Lacey's face across the dinner table.

Summer Wish List: Eat lots of watermelon. 

We headed up the hill behind the cabin to the very top of the mountain to watch the sunset one last night, and shoot off fireworks while enjoying a bonfire. Lacey Jean needs to be down there in that pit helping...

The back view from the hill, to the right of that was the view of Asheville's twinkling lights from afar. It was magical to see nothing but blackness and distant lights when the sun went down. I thought this resembled something from a British countryside (I would know how? I've never been to Britian. Just a guess).

So the boys requested that we find any dead grass on the hill to help with the bonfire. 

Guess who found the most dead grass possible?

This girl.

I was pretty proud of my efforts, as you can see...

I even sampled AC/DC's 'Big Balls' and made up my own lyrics,

"But who's got the biggest dead grass pile of them all?" 

(maybe going three days without cell phone access or internet service brings out my inner dweeb)

Our last sunset of the trip.

I thoroughly enjoyed Chad's plea every night,

"Mr. Sun, please come back! Just for a few minutes!"

He didn't want the sunset to end either.

We might have benefited from Mattie Poo's experience in firestarting if he had been there. Chad and Alex worked hard, and after a good 45 minutes we had a roaring bonfire. Well, roaring might be an embellishment. It was perfect though. It was below 60 degrees in the dark (which was glorious considering it was July!) so the fire kept us all warm and cozy. I loved the peace of sitting up there, smelling like bonfire smoke, and gazing up at the stars in the complete peace and quiet (the moon was in the cycle where it's out in the day, not night). Well, I loved it until almost 1 a.m. when I thought I was getting attacked by a mountain creature that made clicking noises in my ear. I gladly, and quickly, took my city girl self back to the cabin. (Chad said it was probably a bat, but I claim it was man-eating)

Summer Wish List: Go to a bonfire with a few good friends and tunes

Stargaze on a quilt for hours

Chad was a rockstar and bought us fireworks to enjoy.

They were short lived but they were spectacular. 

Pretty colors, loud booms, and ooohs and aahhhhs.

That's all you really need on the 4th.

Summer Wish List: Hold hands with someone while watching fireworks

This trip just got better and better. Even though we were sad to leave on Monday, on the trail down we came across a quaint and beautiful creek next to the gravel road. Quick, I thought! Wading! We stopped and I waded for a few minutes in the very cold, yet refreshing clear waters of the mountains. I haven't waded in the mountains in years and years. I guess the last time I waded period was with J-Phil in Standing Stone National Park in May 2007. 

Summer Wish List: Wade in a cold-watered creek

Then it was off to enjoy our scenic ride home. I love East Tennessee. It's gorgeous and untouched in so many ways. That was the best 4th I've had in a looooong time. Thanks to all the amazing people who made it happen.

8 thoughts:

Jessica said...

i love this. look at you checking things off your summer list. i want to do all those things. you have a fun life!

July 09, 2010 1:22 PM   

Kristen said...

sounds beautiful, lovely! really, really wonderful.

July 09, 2010 6:14 PM   

Amelia said...

looks like so much fun! i want to be friends with your new friends!

July 10, 2010 3:04 PM   

Bridget said...

Out door shower. I feel naked just typing that!

July 10, 2010 4:06 PM   

Anonymous said...

I likey a lotta :)

I REALLY like that I was the one holding your hand during the fireworks!! HAHA!!

What a wonderful way to document that weekend. Thank you for being awesome and creative.

July 11, 2010 10:14 PM   

Jessica said...

bridget, you're funny and cute!

stephanie, i can totally envision you in an outdoor shower. i mean really envision you! lol! thank you franklin:)

July 14, 2010 2:12 AM   

TefMarie said...

You are welcome my dear!! :) I love that closeness...

July 14, 2010 12:01 PM   

Jess said...

I totally feel like I was there. I love this blog.
I love seeing "J-Phil" written in your blogs.. :)

July 23, 2010 1:05 AM  

Top 10 of 2010: keep my feet on the ground, my head in the clouds [matisyahu]

No REEEEEEEEEEEEEEpost today (I know those get rather lengthy). So today I'll just simply tell you 2 of my top moments of 2010.

#8 Todd asking me to be the President of the Christian Student Center this year. That's big time. I don't know if I've done everything needed for the fall semester, but spring semester is a whole new game. I plan on being focused and strong. And I'm gonna rock people's worlds (more than I already do, naturally).

#7 Becoming a work out beast. It took a while to get the ball rolling, and I have been a slacker for the past month or so, but just finally becoming comfortable with myself to get to the gym, was a big deal. Then there was sweet Melvin, who helped me out every step of the way. I loved doing exercises with him in the private studio, and then laughing about something ridiculous for 10 minutes in-between. Then I started going by myself. I'm not going to lie, I don't like gyms. Still really don't. But to get up the motivation and willingness to keep it up on my own was a big step for me. Granted, like I said, I've been slackin' the past month, but after this weekend, it's back to cardio and core-exercises. My body hasn't changed as much as I want it to, but I feel good about where this is headed...This is the face Melvin usually gave me when I was 'actin' a fool' between exercises. We had good times.

Top 10 of 2010: she's a maneater [nelly furtado]

I'm writing this at 1:15am Wednesday morning.

Tonight I spent the evening in Maryville with a few friends and played 'Sing Star' (think Guitar hero with a microphone). And boy was it amazing. I felt care-free and laughed loud and didn't let anything worry my pretty little head for a few hours.

Driving home after midnight on a quiet Kingston Pike, it hit me. Tonight I was me and it was a perfect moment, and it wasn't conditional, it was real. I seem to have had a lot of these lately. Everything hasn't been roses and ponies, but it's been real, and I've relished in the realness of it all. I don't feel dull and I don't feel lacking.

Laura Hawk told me she liked my wavy hair, and my pink sweater, and my long lashes, and she said I had it going on. For the first time in a long time, I said 'Thanks' instead  of 'No, I don't.' Because I felt it too. My wavy hair WAS hot, and my pink sweater made my skin look warm, and my lashes looked longer than normal. I forgot how good owning it was. [no more of that weak girl this summer, Amelia]


So, how does that play into our Top 10 of 2010? Well, it's not so much a moment as much as it is a life change. I came across the post below from April of this year...and I realize everything I longed for in that post has come true. I've had more perfect moments as of late, and I enjoy this life God gave me. Praise God for hearing my heart's longings and blessing me with 'a smile that reaches my eyes.'

So #9...Gettin' IT back!

Because this is where I was...

4.20.2010

Perfect Moments

5 thoughts:

Amelia said...

growing up really sucks.

it seems harder and harder to be like we were then.

even matt is so much more of a "grown up" now. that's REALLY depressing.

i've been listening to nelly furtado a lot lately too! it makes me think of riding in your car around germantown with our feet out the window. cuz we were cool like that.

April 20, 2010 11:21 PM   

Hannah said...

what a BEAUTIFUL post.
i love love love this!
i relate so much to these words, i think that is why i love it so.
you put into words so many feelings i have and can't verbalize.
weird, but i'm serious.
should i pour my heart out on here?
how do we get back to that place of open mouthed smiles???
you put it back on me today.
thank you!

April 21, 2010 9:12 AM   

Jessica said...

Amelia said it...growing up sucks! Sometimes I almost feel
panicky when I realize how close to 30 I am. It's not because I'm not looking forward to 30. It's because it's farther away from how old I feel. And I don't want to be one of those people trying to look and act younger than I am. I worry about that with my clothing choices now. But at the same time I don't want to be a fuddy dud. Mostly though, I'm just afraid of all of the responsibilities brought on by getting older. Life isn't so carefree is the bottom line for us. We have bills, a home, a job...all things that anchor you (which is good), but it changes you too (which is scary). It takes away that freedom of youth, but it gives you something else. I guess I'm stuck in the in-between right now is the thing. I'm still trying to figure out what that something else is.

April 21, 2010 12:53 PM   

J-Fred said...

I totally feel the same way sometimes, Steph.

Like right now, I am super excited to go home and see my family and friends, but then I remember all of my friends have grown up, moved away, gotten married, etc. I am happy we are all in good places in our lives, but everyone in a while I do long for the good ol' days riding around town, looking for trouble, lol.

Nevertheless, we have all of thos fabu memories and we still have plenty time to make more. Let's make a plan to make a few when I get there!

Love and miss you lots! And still super proud that you are hangin' tough in Knox!

April 22, 2010 8:50 AM   

Kristen said...

I love you and I love your thoughts. <3

April 22, 2010 2:05 PM  

Top 10 of 2010: you should go and get your own [kid cudi]

Number 10!

We'll start with a memory from the first of the year, REEEEEEEEEEEEEEpost:

1.12.2010

"Tell me Michael...Am I in a mob?"

(My title comes from Andy Bernard and the first episode of 'The Office' this season.
I tweaked it for my own personal use.)



Me?
In a Mob?

So as many of you heard, or rather many of you probably didn't hear because you don't pay attention to college football like I do, UT's head coach, Lane Kiffin, gave up on us after only 14 months and accepted the head coaching position at USC (southern Cal).

At the beginning of the season, the motto in Knoxville was "Ride the Lane Train."
People had welcomed him with open arms.
He was going to be our Savior...our new blood.
He was going to rebound us from complete disaster
(or what you might call one bad season).

I was never fully on the 'Lane Train.'
I liked him, but something was off.

It turns out he was shady.

Within a couple of hours, many UT fans were blindsided by breaking reports on ESPN.COM to a short press conference in which Lane confirmed he was leaving the Volunteer state.

It's a good thing Lane got out when he did. We watched the local news at 9 p.m. to hear the over-analysis of the situation and one journalist reported via phone that a mob was moving across campus. Mary Beth and I kinda scoffed and thought 'really?" But within a few minutes we were in one accord on our way to campus to see what the fuss was. We kidded on the way that we were mob-hunting and actually thought we wouldn't find anything.

We were wrong.

After arriving on campus we drove past the Rock...a huge rock on a main corner of the campus that students can paint anything on. I'll just say it didn't show Kiffin any love. There was a group of about 25 people milling around taking pictures with it. People had turned quickly!

We continued our drive and passed by the athletic building where all the media was camped out. As we slowly made our way past,
we looked between buildings and there it was.

A MOB!

A mob of people.
Heads for as far as the eye could see.
Angry fists pumping the air.

We immediately started screaming. We had to go see what was up.
We found a parking spot by the rock, mingled with the throng of people.
Cars full of people drove by, screaming and honking.
People ran across streets in search of the action.

We waited a few minutes and then headed down towards the mob.
We just wanted to people watch. See what reaction people had.
We smelled smoke, and saw fire.

They were burning mattresses. When in doubt, burn your bed.
People were walking back down the street with stories about people burning everything in sight, you could hear 'Rocky Top' in a chorus of voices in the background.

We stayed a safe distance away and then you heard people scream.
And they ran.

"Tear Gas!"

Mary Beth and I ran.
Cop cars were approaching.
People were still headed towards the mob.

The mob stopped. We stopped.
We turned...and the mob had formed again, overcoming cop cars.
Singing 'Hey Hey Hey Goodbye.'
One guy crowd surfed...I think he must have burned his shirt in the fire,
because he wasn't wearing it.

I thought to myself...
"My toes are cold.
I guess my feet aren't as flip-flop winter friendly as they once were.
Oh, and this mob thing is wild!"

Mary Beth and I watched in awe. Soon the mob moved back towards the center of the street. More fire sparked. More smoke up in the air.
The burning had started again.

We camped out on the top of some steps and made friends with an independent journalist. He said he was in the locker room when Kiffin told the team.
He said it wasn't pretty.

The fire trucks pulled up but couldn't get in. This is one time I was more excited by the events than I was by the firetruck.

I called my friend Daniel. He had been there from the start.
He said to get out because the SWAT team was on its way.
Mary Beth and I started our walk back to the car.

I was pumped. It's amazing what adrenaline does to you, just by watching other pumped up people. We couldn't believe we had experienced a crazy night on campus. We were a part of history, and a part of the inside story,
the stuff you wouldn't see on the news.

BTW, tomorrow is the first day of classes.

Let's see how many people make it to class.

And if you're still reading, and don't understand why everybody has their panties in a wad, it's because Kiffin has left us high and dry, without not only a head coach but half of the assistant coaches as well, just weeks before National Signing Day, causing many of our football recruits to change their mind on coming to UT, meaning it's going to be a while before our football program regroups, meaning I may not be a student here with student-discounted tickets when we finally get back to being in the top 10.

That's a lot people!

AND...

For all you haters out there,
Phil Fulmer never would have done this to us.
That's why I cried when I met him.

(for the record...I don't condone being part of a mob,
I do condone watching others as they do it though!)

3 thoughts:

Jessica said... 

 

I miss America...and mobsters.

January 13, 2010 6:01 AM  

 

Cameron and Rachel said... 

 

So you saw first hand fist pumping and it's wasn't Jersey Shores...huh?

January 13, 2010 6:36 PM  

 

Jessica said... 

 

this is a GREAT college story. you will never be without a smashing ice breaker at parties. love it! love you!

January 15, 2010 2:01 PM  

and it's coming closer [kings of leon]

Just this week I've discovered my true love for Kings of Leon (Somewhere in America, Amelia probably just threw up in her mouth a little bit). I had downloaded their 'Only By Night' album last year sometime, but never really listened to it in its entirety. This past Saturday night, Hannah had fallen asleep on her couch to a repeat of Saturday Night Live. I was trying to read before bed, and I went to switch it off when Kings of Leon came on as the musical guest. I got lost in a trance watching them perform 'Pyro' off their new album, and decided to give them another chance. I've loved listening to their old album, and perhaps will spend my Hastings gift card to buy their new one. The video above is the song that has been on repeat on my iTunes for now.

All of that, and this post is really about the end of the year. 2010 is almost done. And every year we say the same cliche small talk, 'hard to believe, it passed by so fast!' But it is and it did. I was determined to make 2010 a spectacular year. Despite some setbacks and dreary days, I really think it was rather grand, don't you? 

We should do a year-in-review. And by we, I mean me of course, but I feel like with some of you reading about my daily life, it really has become a 'we.' So 2010...well, how about 10 top moments of this past year? That's better than 2,010 top moments. You can thank me later. {I told Cousin Hannah we should make 2,011 resolutions for the new year...I was kinda serious about it}

Most of these moments have been documented right here on this very blog! Shock and awe! So you'll be treated to a REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEpost if possible. I'll start posting my top 10 later today. I hope you enjoy it.

don't let it go away, this feeling has got to stay [no doubt]

I love surprises.

I love laughing loudly & smiling 'til it meets my eyes.

I love seeing old friends.

I love Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte.

I love it when old friends surprise me with Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte and then we sit around and smile and laugh loudly. [it doesn't happen often enough]

Maybe this week will hold something of the sort...wishful thinking.

{hinty hint hint}

come back when you can [barcelona]

I've been full of thoughts and blog topics for the past month but today is a blank.

I feel like I've been so cracked out on blogs, fbook, and twitter for the past couple of months, especially as of late.

Naturally, I am pondering an electronic media break.You know I do like breaks.

And my toes are abnormally cold today, maybe it's because I painted them for the first time in 2 months and I don't want to cover them. They're now hot pink and the color makes me long for swimming under the summer sun.

I had a really nice Christmas. It was nicer than nice, it was quaint, and white, and totally East Tennessee.

I think I'm going to work on my scrapbook this week.

And I'm going to stop letting myself be distracted by 'what ifs' and just settle for taking life as is.

This time next week it will be 2011. I rang in the New Year by myself last year, and I kinda liked it. I may do it again this NYE. Just be chill and reflective and grateful.

But for now, I'm going to organize and straighten this little one-bedroom abode I call home. I'm not sure what it is I love about this apartment so much, but I would rather sit here and soak up the coziness than be out and about. And the snow outside just magnifies that feeling.

Here's to a refreshingly rejuvenating week!

Merry Christmas and a Ho!Ho!Ho!

For your viewing pleasure:


A collection of Christmas-themed pictures from various cities and years...

Maryville 2007

Memphis 2007

Atlanta 2008

Atlanta 2008

Asheville 2009

Knox 2010

Merry Christmas from Knoxville!

An Open Letter to Santa [last-minute Christmas Eve wish]

Dear Santa,

Before you say anything, I really feel like you should allow me to state my case. I know we may not always see eye-to-eye on this whole nice/naughty bit, but I really think, given the circumstances, I've been a rather nice girl this year. And before you discredit my case, let's look at a couple of arguments.

First off, I haven't been a vengeful driver this year, although I have stuck my tongue out at a few people. And that one lady deserved the death stare and the slight scare that I might follow her home. She needed to recognize the importance of 'Shelby County' on the license plate. People from Memphis don't play. But I digress...So all that to say, I have been a somewhat calm and relaxed partaker of the road systems here in Tennessee. Just don't count rush hour, interstate travel, or any days that fall around the 16th of the month. And I think out-of-the-state travel should be completely 'off the records' in this instance. It's hard to stay calm sometimes when you don't know your way around (you know what I'm talking about, Mr. C).

On a positive note, I have been very diligent in writing people cards this year. I am whole-heartedly trying to keep the Post Office afloat with this one. I even gave away some free stamps to a fellow post-office consumer, and allowed someone to skip me in line, all with a smile. I think these are shining examples of my generosity and overall kindness. Ok, and as for that lady I honked at at the mail boxes, well really, I don't think the drop-box is where you should organize your coupons...I was just being helpful to those patrons waiting in line behind me. Again with the nitpicking of my driving skills...no, it's not a theme, don't say that.

As for the grades. I did very well. There were the occasional skips....um, ok....sometimes frequent (better?) missed classes. But really, waking up at 5:45am and hearing a loud thunderstorm outside your window usually doesn't encourage the whole 'getting-up' process. I mean, that only happened like two times. I am still working on a valid reason for the other umpteen skips...I'll get back to you, but I can assure you they're legit. I don't see you trekking across the ginormous campus of Tennessee either, you take the lazy way out and use a sleigh. Sorry, I got heated for a second. But Santa, really though, I didn't get any Fs and I passed my classes, so why should we worry about those things now? I've always been a crunch time girl anyhow. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.

And about that one thing, that one....er....two times. Well, chalk it up to learning a life lesson. I'm smarter and wiser now. Doesn't that count for something? You can't expect me to be on point 24/7/365. I'm trying over here.

Santa, sure I have a little bit of what you might call a 'temper' problem sometimes, and I can be quite lazy, something I'm not very proud of, but I have a tender heart. And I just wanted to write you this special letter and see if you'd help me out. See, I'm not going to Memphis for Christmas this year. Long story, various reasons, but the important thing is I'm okay with it. But that doesn't mean Christmas won't be different this year. I've spent 27 Christmases with my family back home, and this is the first one I'll be in a new city with new surroundings and new traditions. I know I chose this, but that doesn't mean it was an easy decision. I'm not worried about me so much, as I am about my family. So I just wanted to ask you a favor.

Santa, will you take care of my Granny and Papaw? They're getting old lately, and it just seemed to happen over night. One day I was the kid and they were taking care of me, and the next, they need people to help take care of them. That's something that can be hard to swallow, especially when I'm not around all the time. Santa, I pray that you will help them feel healthy and strong and child-like this Christmas. Give Papaw some Hillshire Farms (you know he likes it more than the average human) and Granny something warm (she tends to stay cold, and this winter is supposed to be frigid).I'd greatly appreciate it.

Next on the list is Ashley, aka Mrs. Garner. She and I have been through good times and bad (we're sisters after all). She's going to be a mom for the very first time in less than 3 weeks (Lord-willing). We don't always see eye-to-eye on things, but Santa, I wish for nothing more this Christmas than her happiness with Baby Kirby and Dave. I wish that you would give her baby Kirby early (nothing like a good tax-break) and fill her heart with so much love that she feels like she is going to burst. She always wants the best for me, and I know I can disappoint her, but I ask that you won't disappoint her or baby Kirby with the love they have for each other. She's going to be a mom. A MOM! I'd say she'll do a good job, she is a school-teacher after all, and she acted like my mom growing up (she still can...ok, I'm sorry, back to the subject at hand). I ask that baby Kirby will be the best Christmas gift this year to all of us. And that he will be born healthy and with a full head of hair (I kinda think that would be funny). And for Dave, well, he is an Alabama fan and I'm sure he has a hatred of Auburn that is innately instilled in him. I suppose for Christmas, I'll ask for him an Auburn loss in the BCS National Championship Bowl Game. But if they win, that's okay too Santa. We are pro-SEC after all.

Then there's my parents. They are good people. If anybody deserves a Christmas miracle, it's them. They're sad that I won't be home for the holidays, but they've been really supportive, given the circumstances. I'm proud of them for letting me grow up. I don't have kids but I would think that would be one of the hardest things to do. Santa, this Christmas I ask that they will find joy in the little things and jolly in the big things. They need a little touch of happiness. I also ask that they won't be too sad about my absence in front of the tree and next to Dad at the dinner table. Maybe if you could just make this Christmas a little easier on them, that's all they would need. They love me more than I deserve sometimes. And they don't always understand me...and I know I don't always try and understand them. But we love each other. So Santa, just help us not to forget that.

And put something extra in the stockings of Mom and Ashley. They do a good job making sure Papaw and Granny are taken care of.

I think that's all my wishes. Wait, what? 'What about me' you ask.

Well Santa, I know I can be selfish, especially in Christmases past. I like to think of it as the youngest child syndrome, but I know I can change it. Christmas in the recent years has turned into one of my most highly-anticipated holidays and yet, the actual day results in the most unenjoyable letdowns. I think it's due to the transition of being a child at Christmas to an adult. And something about Christmases as of late brings out all the ugly negativity in me that can lie dormant all year round. I don't have a husband to spend the day snuggled up with. I don't have the joy of children and watching them excitedly rip open presents as if it were their last Christmas. I haven't had much money to buy presents for others, which really does bring the most joy. And I've been stuck in this transition for so long that it's taken me a while to appreciate Christmas beyond the presents and wrapping and selfish desires.

Well Santa I've grown up this year. This is the first year I'm okay with not having any wrapped presents under the tree. I'm okay with not making an extensive Christmas Wish List. I'm okay with being somewhere else on Christmas.

That's because I know I'm blessed with family and friends and Jesus Christ. Santa, I promise to enjoy my moments with loved ones a little more if you'll give them to me. I promise to appreciate the small or large gestures of love I receive from my most intimate contacts if you'll continue to grant them to me throughout the year. Santa, I promise to get my priorities in order, and learn from life's tough lessons if you'll just give me time to do so. I promise to stop being lazy and making excuses if you just allow me to see the strength I already have.

So that's all I want for Christmas. Well that and some new fuzzy pink slippers, a kiss under the mistletoe, and Versace 'Bright Crystal' perfume. Just kidding, well not really...but a girl can dream, right?

Santa, thanks for understanding. You're a swell of a guy. I really think we can work this Christmas wish list out. And I might even leave milk and cookies out for you if you're lucky. It's Almond Milk, hope that's okay. Um, this really isn't the time to get picky on me, big guy. Merry Christmas!

Love,
Your most favorite Stephanie in the whole wide world
TA DA!

I got 200 posts, and Electronic Santa ain't one! [jay-z...modified]

This is my 200th post.

I feel like I should get an award. It wasn't too long ago, I was doing my 100th post. And at the rate we're going, 300 won't be too far behind.

I know I've posted once already today, but I just wanted to share my favorite holiday commercial this year:

This song is addicting. 

And those dancing kids--Wow. 

They got it going on.

I think I just found a project for Cousin Hannah and me tonight. Now all we need is a robot, gold jumpsuits, and break-dancing skillz. Oh, and a light up disco floor. Hmm...maybe TARGET has all these items and more!? 

p.s. Because Target is so balla, you can get the song for free, along with many other modern holiday tunes at Target's website.

A Very Merry Christmas Eve Eve

Today is Christmas Eve Eve, or Christmas Eve squared for the gangstas. I whole-heartedly believe this should be its own holiday. I remember as a kid going to the mall with a friend on Christmas Eve Eve and experiencing all the hustle and bustle of the season. It seemed that this day held more excitement than the actual Christmas Eve. Ever since the date has always seemed magical. Let's face it, Christmas Eve is almost as big as Christmas Day. So celebrating Christmas Eve Eve as the last day of anticipation is the way to go.

In celebration, Cousin Hannah and I are going to have a slumber party at my apartment tonight. I'm entitling it 'A Very Merry Christmas Eve Eve.' Kinda catchy, if I do say so myself.

I predict that it will be filled with Christmas movies, sugar cookies, hot cocoa, caroling, and laying by the glow of the Christmas lights. 

Hence, it will be the perfect evening. 

It seemed that I got into the Christmas Spirit early this year, and then it kinda fizzled out. I am anxious to renew it this evening, with just 1 more day until Christmas. I hope you have splendid plans for this very merry day.

On a side note: this email made me laugh out loud (you know I don't like 'LOL') yesterday.

On Wed, Dec 22, 2010 at 1:28 PM, Matthew Crowe <> wrote:

Stephanie,

Being gridlocked in traffic I have little more to do than notice car tags. I just saw a lexus crossover with the tag OHMYSTARZ. I tried to take a pic to send but it sped off:-( Thought it would be good for you...that, or GANGSTA.

Sent from my iPhone

learning to breathe [switchfoot]

I'll let you guess which one she is.

I was reading through my journal from this past fall. In October, I wrote about my trip to Montgomery to see Amelia & Cortezy. I came across where Amelia and I talked life, and she told me 'to do something I never thought I could/would do.'

I had forgotten about her challenge.

Now to decide what that something will be...

hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over, hey now, hey now, when the world comes in...[crowded house]

Today I feel on my game.

I haven't felt that in a while.

And it feels good.

It's been a day of surprises and good things coming my way.

I've been reminded that I'm loved, wanted, worth it.

And I feel hot.

I feel like 2011 is going to be my year.

I feel unstoppable.

And maybe that's because I am.

look after you [the fray]

One day, I will kiss a boy to this song. 

A cute one.
After we run through the rain at night.
And my hair won't be frizzy, not one bit.
And our skin will glisten.

And it will be magical. 

And he'll look after me.

Today I'm in a daydreamer mood.
Sue me.

Nothing Else Compares.

*I came across this 'draft' of a post from Sept 2009 when I was going through old posts tonight. I never published it, not sure why, but figured it was worth the read. It's about my love for coldplay. What else is new?

Upon stumbling on acoustic recordings of Coldplay's "Clocks," "In My Place," and "Shiver," I was reminded of how in love I am with Chris Martin and his band of merrymen. Coldplay just speaks volumes to me. I never grow tired or weary of their music, lyrics, or British accents.

I have been privileged to see them twice within the past 9 months. The first time was in Atlanta on 11/11/08. Bridget (my bff) and I were treated to the best concert experience of a lifetime. I didn't want to spend all my time taking pictures or video, simply because I just wanted to close my eyes, hear C. Martin's beautiful falsetto and haunting melodies, and free fall.

That night was one of the best nights of my life. I still remember every detail like it was yesterday. We sat beside a nice looking boy named Vince Fabra. Listen to him say 'There it is!' at 1:27. I didn't even know the boy and within 30 minutes we were hugging because coldplay has that effect on people. It was good night.

I think about that evening and remember Bridget's endless smile and Amelia's generosity in driving all the way to ATL from Montgomery just to watch her kids so we could go to the show. And driving home after midnight with a McDs sweet tea and the sunroof open. Glorious, glorious, glorious.  


Bridget and I talked it up so much that we went to see them with Amelia in tow August 2009. It was good, but it just wasn't the same. We kept apologizing to Amelia for the inept show, and she was like 'I think it's good.' She had no idea of how mind-blowing it could be. Coldplay spoiled us that cold November evening in downtown Atlanta and I don't think it can ever be topped. No matter how hard they try.

Sit back. Listen. Smile. And shiver.
And totally ignore me screaming 'OHMYSTARS' every 5 seconds.
Listening to that makes me hope I don't sound like that in real life. Yuck.
 
p.s. One regret--not holding the camera still. And singing and sounding like a fool in the background. Maybe that's two regrets. Oh well.

'Ooohh, Vietnam. I hear it's lovely' [Michael Scott]

Remember that extra final I took last week? The one in Phonetics? Where I wasn't sure I'd know anything because I didn't even comprehend the class while in it? (Read HERE for a refresher).

Well, my professor emailed me back today.

The magic letter is..........C! I got a C in the class. That is really, really, really exciting for me.

I am aware that I am bragging about a C. But it's a C...in Phonetics. I feel like I played my poker face that whole semester, because everything was over my head and I didn't get any of it. And now I have a C. I think that's pretty good for a class I didn't comprehend.

And to think, I wasn't even going to try and make up the final...and then Lacey kept encouraging me to do it. What would it hurt, right? So I owe Lacey Jean some coffee. And a hug. And maybe another hug. But I know she'll be happy with the grade.

So what does this mean? That hopefully I will just be taking 18 hours in the fall, not 21.

TA.
DA.
to that.

It's rainy and icy and cold and snowy and wintry here in Knox this week. Note: It's not winter yet. I am going to be that person that complains about the weather...but really Autumn? You let me down a little bit. I could have used a tad bit more of the cool days and cold nights. I say that, but now that it's almost winter and Christmas I should just embrace the frigid air. There's nothing worse than a Christmas that's 65 degrees.

I decided to stay in Knox this Christmas. Maybe it will be a white Christmas and I'll see snow-topped mountains from my balcony. Then I'll play Bing and all will feel right in the world.

Pray for my friend Sam who will be traveling back from the U.S.S.R. in a couple of days after spending a semester there studying abroad. Pray for safe travels and a lack of reverse culture shock.

P.S. These two have been my best friends for the past week. They make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Tristan makes fun of me, and he says 'Oh, the Creek. Enjoy life down there on the creek.' Punk.

I was going to post a full cast picture of 'The Office: Season 5' but once I saw Dwight Schrute's 'dummy' face from the episode 'Stress Relief,' I couldn't pass it up.

David Wallace:	Can you tell me why you had to cut the face off the dummy.
Dwight Schrute:	I didn't think it was very realistic in the movie, and it turns out, it's pretty realistic.
David Wallace:	We had to pay for it. It cost us thirty-five hundred dollars.
Michael Scott:	Five thousand three hundred dollars for a dummy? Ok. Look. This is why we have training. We start with the dummy and learn from our mistakes and now Dwight knows, not to cut the face off a real person.