All About Me >>> 50 "Stephanie-isms"

So I was tagged to write 8 interesting things about myself; however, as I thought about it, I had way more than 8 I wanted to include, so I thought I would do 50. Not that I am super INTERESTING, but I do realize I have many funny quirks and the more I list the quirkier I find I am. So here goes.



1. I love Reality TV....American Idol, America's Next Top Model, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, the Bachelor, etc.

2. I have become accustomed to having crickets in my house, and as much as I hate finding them and dealing with them, I find myself talking to them and feeling bad when I kill them.

3. I love cleaning the kitchen and putting all the dishes into the dishwasher, but hate unloading it....so the dishes often will remain clean in the dishwasher until I pull them out to use them again.

4. I have an obsession of popping zits and peeling off sunburned skin (Chip hates it when I try to pop his, and I haven't had any sunburns to peel this summer, but I am fascinated by peeling others sunburned skin off --- especially when I get the BIG flakes that keep on peeling)

5. I love doing makeup, but hate doing my hair.

6. I have gotten into designing ballroom dresses....even though I don't dance anymore...so Kimmy will have lots of new designs to choose from.

7. I have gotten into eating food that is included in the PH Miracle ---- and love all the avocados I get to eat .

8. I like having a french manicure, but hate actually getting it done and all the stuff that gets trapped underneath them.

9. I have started drinking a ton of WATER each day, but have to put lemon and lime slices into it (lucky for me they are on sale at the grocery store)

10. It takes me hours to find everything at the grocery store, even when I have a list, and yet I prefer cooking to going out to eat -- although now I don't have a lot time for this.

11. I used to go to bed each night without washing my face..... but now if I don't use my Mac towelettes and follow my 20 minute routine, I can't fall asleep.

12. I often come up with my OWN WORDS and invent my own little phrases (of which Chip loves to make fun of)

13. I have a big closet, and yet I always just DROP my clothes on the floor on my side of the bed....Sorry Chip. (It drives him bonkers)

14. I love to sing at the top of my lungs while driving in my car.....and the great part is I think to myself I sound as good as the singer.

15. I love the Harry Potter books, but I don't care for the movies.

16. Fall weather in Utah is my very favorite season - the changing leaves, crisp cold air, back to school, and football season

17. I can always incorporate treats into my YW lesson somehow, and almost always have an object lesson each week (I love my calling as Mia Maid Advisor)

18. I secretly always wished I was of a different ETHNIC background, as I always wanted the beautiful olive tan skin.

19. I have started doing Hip Hop Abs and look forward each day to my workouts and cool dance moves I am picking up.

20. I am actually really sad not to be returning to BYU this fall for more school and to reunite with all of our friends (as if 7 years weren't enough). I am really going to miss it.

21. I am TERRIFIED of snakes.

22. I can go to the same restaurants over and over again. Out here in Charlotte it is Panera; back in Utah it is Costa Vida. I never get sick of the food there.

23. I am always thinking of new businesses I could start or ways I could make more money doing things I enjoy more than just accounting stuff.

24. I love icecream, and no matter how healthy I can be, I could never cut ice cream all the way out of my diet.

25. I love fruits and veggies, and now eat spinach salad at least once a day from Harris Teeters, the "POSH" grocery store out here that is like a restaurant.

26. I like doing laundry, but hate ironing and putting the clothes away.

27. I enjoy decorating the house, and yet am so picky I seem to have so many ideas I talk about doing, and then can't choose which one I want to use and so it takes a long time before I do anything.

28. I have come to love cooking, except when I have to use chicken. I hate touching raw chicken at all cuz it just grosses me out.

29. I have an ice machine at work that produces the little cubed kind you get at many restaurants, which is my favorite thing to munch on ---- however, I learned chewing on ice all the time is actually a form of a disease called pica. (Could be worse) :)

30. I love all sports, especially basketball and tennis. This past year I was ranked 211 in the NCAA tournament challenge out of millions of people who put a bracket together.....it all went downhill for me when NC lost. Still, it was pretty cool. (I was 99.8% accurate up until then)

31. I accidentally mistook the bishop for Chip and was rubbing his back and cuddling up to him from behind until I saw Chip sitting in a chair across the room and became totally mortified about what I had done (will never live this down)

32. I love North Carolina and can't imagine living anywhere else right now, and yet every once in awhile I still get homesick for good ole Provo and my Utah friends.

33. I watch E news and am always keeping up to date with what is going on in Hollywood, and although I shouldn't care, I find myself getting riled up about certain things.

34. I finished a master's degree in accounting, and yet would love to go back to beauty school.

35. I love having my hair brushed and played with, and used to trick the kids I babysat into having a contest to see who could brush it the best.

36. When I go to the movies, no matter how full I am I always want to get popcorn --- I love the smell and the salty buttery flavor it is, and it helps me stay awake throughout the movie.

37. Whenever Chip and I go to restaurants, I always have to ask him what I should get for my meal because I can't choose on my own!

38. I seem to get into a dance mode whenever I vacuum --- so it takes a lot longer to get the job done.

39. I hate shaving, but love the smooth feel of shaved legs in my sheets.

40. No matter how hot it is, I always have to have a blanket when watching TV and falling asleep.

41. About once a month I get into a mode where I start to compose my own piano piece, but I always only end up getting the intro done before I get stuck :(

42. I love dark rooms and watching tv in the dark, but am still sometimes scared of the dark.

43. Overcast days always seem to put me in a GOOD mood and give me energy (go figure!)

44. When I discover a new song I like, I can listen to it over and over on repeat without ever getting sick of it

45. I have a problem that when I go shopping, if I find something I like, I can't choose which color to get so I have to get the same shirt in all the colors. (Trying to change this)

46. I have the greatest family and also in-laws.... right now Chip and I are arguing over where to spend Christmas....but i want to spend it with his family, and he wants to go to mine (guess it is good we love each others family so much)

47. My dream vacation is to go to Italy...maybe someday!

48. I fall asleep in every movie I watch - both in the theatre and at home.

49. I love rollercoasters, broadway plays, and sushi.

50. Hot dogs and strawberry sundaes at costco are simply DELICIOUS!!!!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!!

So today was packed with fun --first, I went white water rafting for work (and got to count it as hours worked), and then the best part being the girls night out we had going to the show Hairspray. Of all 12 plays I went to in NY last summer, it was my favorite, and so I had pretty high expectations for it. And it delivered.....although the live dancing will always be better, and Haley Duff can play a bratty mean girl better than the cute girl on the movie, seeing John Travolta dressed as the mom and dance around in the movie definitely brought on the laughs, and between the couple making out next to us on one side, and two 16 year old dudes sitting on the other side laughing harder at all the jokes than anyone else in the theatre, I was definitely entertained. The music is a must have sound track, and if you are ever feeling down it is a show that can definitely put a smile on your face. Also, below are the totally awesome hair pieces we got the weekend it came out, and yes, I did bring them into the theatre so we could all wear them after this fantastic movie!!! Girls night out is definitely going to become a weekly tradition for us.

Carolina, Me, Meg, and Sarah

Sweet hats, and poses!!!

These headpieces attracted many a comment and stares from all who passed by!

STEPHANIE

First day of work

So you know how from the time you were little your mom always took your picture on the first day of school each year on the front porch. Well, to carry on that tradition, since I was feeling nostaglic about not having any more of these awkward moments you just put up with to put that big smile on your mother's face and get out the door, Chip decided I should have a picture on my first day of work. So here it went, and hey, it was even in front of the door (although not the green one where all the other ones were at my parents). The day went great, however, and I am so excited to be back working again and feel blessed to have found the "perfect" job for me ---- as perfect as any job can be, that is. It has been a great summer of just lounging around the house, and is nice to now have a reason to get up and get ready for the day. Business woman, here I come......for now at least...!!!

First day of work!

STEPHANIE

Inside the house.....Featured room 1....welcome to the dining room

I have decided to highlight one room of our house each day....partly because all the rooms are not decorated, partly because some rooms are messy, and partly because I figure you don't want to see a ton of pictures all at once of each room in our house. The dining room is where we eat all our meals, as the breakfast nook has not been decorated yet, and is where we entertain our weekly guests (Chip invites someone every Sunday for dinner). We love the high square table we bought from Beth and Jordan, as well as the fruit bowl my grandparents brought back from guatamala (Chip originally made fun of it and yet it was his idea to put it on display). Also, I had plans of storing all of Chip's Van Gogh paintings in the attic, and yet with his persuasion realized how perfectly it did fit the room. And so, it is our only wall hanging at the moment. We are still looking for another piece for the other wall, as well as something for the two little nooks you will see. Enjoy the tour.

This view is from the kitchen, and shows the beauitful arches that make up all the entrances, and features the one painting we have in there.

This is from the living room, and also has an arch entrance, and shows the other wall we need to fill and one of the little nooks (indented) that also needs something --- any ideas or tips on what to do there would be happily accepted.

A closer view of the tall black table, beautiful crown molding on the wall, and once again, the painting. I am also thinking of hanging some long drapes in the two corners by the window.

A close view of our table decorations (notice the fruit). I loved the bright colors of the placemats and used my Culinary Craft experience to help with the napkin design, and it was because of these the colors were decided on for this room.

One more shot of our great table, which came with 8 chairs --- yeah!!!

We are super happy with this room, and it feels bright and cheery. Stay tuned for featured room 2 tomorrow.

STEPHANIE

Little Treasures

So today, after waking up from my 12 hour night's sleep and saying bye to Chip as he left for work, I came out into the family room to do what I normally do each morning --- check my email and watch the morning news. However, when I went to turn on the TV I saw exactly what you see -- a piece of paper taped to the TV, with my name on it. I guess Chip knows my ritual all to well too, as he put it in the one place I would be sure to see it.

I picked it up, not knowing what to expect to find written inside, but knowing what probably should be written --- I haven't been feeling to well lately and have been a little cranky and not so easy to get along with, as well as failing to do some of the jobs that need to be done around the house; thus, what it should have said was something to the effect of being happier and asking if at least a few of the items could be done before he returned home from his long day at work.

However, what it did say was how sorry he was I wasn't feeling well, and then telling me everything he appreciates that I do get done and loves about me. It was a very TENDER moment reading it, and yet put the biggest smile on my face. Although I woke up feeling sick and like I couldn't do much today, I all of a sudden had a surge of energy and felt like I was on top of the world. I am so grateful for a husband who knows me so well and is so patient with me when I am less than easy to get along with. I am so lucky and hope he knows how much I love him. This was the best present . What a TREASURE to me and a great start to my day.

STEPHANIE

OUTSIDE OUR HOME

Right outside our house we have a beautiful little park area with an Arbour. At first Chip was skeptical of the whole thing, but after numerous hours of workers sweating in the sun, he agreed it turned out quite nicely. The pictures below show a little of the beauty of it, as well as my attempt to take some artsy pictures of the flowers. I am glad the area is there, and once the grass comes out it will be perfect. (the hay you see is covering the grass seed so the birds won't eat it --- a new thing I learned from moving here).

THE LOVELY ARBOUR...A VIEW FROM OUR TOP PORCH!

A CLOSER LOOK OF THE PATH

A CUTE BENCH UNDERNEATH THE ARBOUR...THERE ARE 2 OF THEM.

A FEW PHOTOS OF THE BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS.....MY ARTSY ATTEMPT

ANOTHER VIEW

Now, for the outside pictures of our house. We love the red door, the red top, and the double porches. Now the grass is in it has turned into quite the cute little home. Also, the cute little lantern puts off an amazing amount of light at night. All we need now are some neighbors to fill up these empty houses next door.

OUR FIRST HOME.....WE LOVE IT!!!

WE HAVE A LITTLE STEP DOWN TO OUR LOWER PORCH

A VIEW OF ALL THE PORCHES...I LOVE THE WHITE PORCHES

Up and running...

So the reason for this title is I am just figuring out how this works, and after being inspired from some of my friends am trying to get my creative juices flowing and get our site up and running. It is a nice way to keep in touch with everyone, as well as keeping a journal for us of what is going on in our lives. I am not one who is artsy at all when it comes to this, so any tips from those who seem to be experts, such as SHE SHE would definitely be welcomed. But anyhow, a quick rundown of what we have been up to this past week.



Yesterday was packed with many exciting things. First, we went to a baptism for some new converts in our ward. Aqueesha (mom), Jalen (10), and Jasmine (9), were all baptized yesterday. Chip gave a talk and it was a very touching experience. As my first convert baptism, I didn't know what to expect and was surprised at how much emotion and touched I was to be in attendance. It was truly a blessing and a beatiful family. Funny thing was, noone brought any towels for them, so after they were all baptized they were waiting in the dressing room until we found some. Since Chip and I live right across the street I dashed home to get some, only to come back and find someone had been called and already there. Other than that, it was flawless and they looked beautiful. Below is a picture of Jalen, Jasmine, and their younger brother with the two missionaries right after the baptism.

Elder Robbins, Elder Hovermale, Jalen, Jasmine, and younger brother

After the baptism, we rushed back to finish up what we had started earlier that day.....buying our new car. After months of debating which car to get, and trying to find the car that fit our color requirements, we finally bought the exact car we both wanted. A black 2007 Nissan Altima with charcoal interior. It is the smoothest riding car I have ever owned, and I am very excited because Chip said it was mine to drive to work each day. Wahoo!!!

At the dealership, getting the license plate put on

Chip ready to take our new ride to church

Me, a proud new owner of our new car

A little peak at the inside...more later...

After we got done buying the car, we rushed to the ward potluck dinner for a few minutes before heading out to a luau celebration with some of our ward friends, where many people had come over from Hawaii to be a part of the program. Dancers from the polynesian cultural center in Hawaii put on a show, including the world champion fire dancer. It was an awesome experience, with great food, including a delicious watermelon coconut drink....one of Chip's new favorites!

The world champion firedancer in action!!!

It was a full day, and also included a match of early morning tennis and a trip to Costco --- always a lengthy and enjoyable experience. (Costco is about 1/2 hour away from us, so we don't go as much as we used to). After the luau we headed back home, tired and worn out from our day. However, I had found out I was teaching the entire YW -- beehives, mia maids, and laurels, and so had to finish up my lesson and make a few adjustments. I was the only leader in the YW today. Thus, it was a little stressful, but I made it through. For now, that is all.... but hopefully I will be back with more soon. I am liking playing around with this fun webpage. I promise to improve.

Stephanie