living.[off.key.]

k i n d n e s s

2012-01-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have lately been pondering the idea of kindness. It was Barbara Kingsolver who said, "What I want is so simple I almost can't say it: elementary kindness." When as a society did we shift from acts of kindness to acts of kindness to gain something in return? I almost feel that kind acts, that are sincere, are going extinct.

I am exhausted of hearing people's sarcastic or cutting remarks towards me or others. When I was a senior in high school one of my favorite teachers told me, "Sarcasm puts people on the defense. Any human being will shut down when sarcasm is thrown at them." For one of the first times in my life I saw this in my life. I had a sarcastic comment directed at me and I recognized myself shutting down. I instantly went quiet and chose to end all conversation. "To belittle, you have to be little." --Khalil Gibran.

I just wish there weren't people that shot down others dreams. I wish there were people who chose kindness before cruelty. I wish there were people who chose curiosity before judgement and love before hatred. "People shouldn't have to earn kindness. They should have to earn cruelty." --Maggie Stiefvater

My only new years resolution for 2012 is "to be someone who gives a damn." Define that as you wish but for me, I know being kind and seeing the humanity in others is part of that definition.

Have you seen my wallet?

2012-01-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

One afternoon, not too long ago, I went to go grab my wallet from my purse so I could buy lunch for my brother and I. I reached into my large purse and felt nothing. I assumed, that I must have left my wallet in my car over night like I had done so many other times. I went out to my car and to my dismay and shock my wallet was not in my car. I'm pretty sure I instantly started sweating and began to tear my house apart to find my wallet. After about an hour of looking everywhere I got the sinking feeling that my wallet was not in my house and I had left it somewhere during my shenanigans of the previous night. So like any normal human being, I resorted back to the days of my childhood when my Dad would say, "Well where do you last remember having it?" I instantly remembered the last place I had paid for anything was at a gas station. So my little brother and I jumped in the car and drove to the gas station all the way in South Salt Lake to see if I had by chance left my wallet there.

I walk in and was on the verge of tears thinking, if they don't have my wallet I am 100% screwed. I asked the cashier if they had seen a black wallet anywhere in their store from last night. He then said, what's your name? I replied, "Stefanie Royall." He then said, yes I have your wallet. Someone found it laying on the ground outside the door. I apologize for going through it, I was just trying to find a phone number or a place to reach you. Then I realized that you live just on the other side of the freeway from me and I was going to drop it off after I got off work." There is only one time, that I recall, being happier than I was in that moment. Nothing had been taken from my wallet, it was all in the same order I had left it.

I rely daily on the kindness of strangers. I love that there are still people in the world with honest hearts who are willing to help others out.

I believe

2011-12-27T21:48:00.002-07:00

I read this beautiful and comical quote by Neil Gamain where he stated all the things he believes in. As I read it I thought, if I had to write what I believe in, what would I say.

I believe in truths. My truth, your truth, a strangers truth. I believe everyone has their very own truth on how the world functions and how life is and should be and I believe every single bit of every single person's truth.

I believe in Christmas and not necessarily a large man in a red suit coming down my chimney, but the things that man represents. I believe Marilyn Monroe was one of the greatest woman in our history and that Lucille Ball was one of the funniest. I believe that one day the Jonbenet Ramsey's and the Susan Powell's of this world will receive justice. Whether it's in this life or another life, I'm not really sure.

I believe that knowledge is power and confidence is beauty. I believe that people are mostly good but our good intentions get tripped up along the way.

I believe that the teletubbies are the most morbid and disturbing children's show ever invented and wonder what kind of person would create such a thing.

I believe there is a direct correlation between drugs/alcohol and crime but without crime we wouldn't have reality tv like Jersey Shore or Dateline: To Catch a Predator, leaving many people on their Thursday or Friday night's completely bored.

I believe it's okay to lay in bed and do absolutely nothing all day for at least one day. Those who judge you just haven't done it before.

I believe in republican and conservative views yet I believe in a women's right to choose and equal right for every person. I believe that racism is ignorance and that people who are racist ultimately hinder their over all quality of life.

I believe that the greatest downfall of society is our emphasis on individualism and that if for at least two minutes every day, every single person cared about another person, this world would be a much better place.

I believe that life was easier when I was a child and that adults made it look a lot cooler than it is. I believe that my first two years of college made me permanently tired and that all the long drives back home made me remember why I won't ever leave the city again.

I believe in a merciful, powerful, and loving God. I believe that he sends angels to guide us and help us and that often times we are so preoccupied that we don't realize the help we receive.

I believe that most people love bad news and will share it at any chance they have. I believe it takes a really special person to share more good news than bad. I believe that hard work goes a lot further than more things in this life and that a conversation with an intelligent person is good for the soul.

I believe that if you have at least one good friend in life you're doing something right.

I believe in simple kindness and white lies to spare someones feelings. I believe that all human interactions can diminish or brighten each other's light.

I believe that life has it's ups and downs and that without an ability to laugh at yourself and at life you'll go utterly insane.

h a p p i n e s s

2011-12-16T23:33:00.001-07:00

"There's no 'y' in happiness; There is only an 'I'." --Pursuit of Happiness

In this quote from the movie The Pursuit of Happiness, Will Smith is merely correcting the spelling. Twist the words around and the saying is a lot more powerful. There is no why in happiness, there is only an I.

I am often asked by the residents at my work, "Why are you so happy all the time?" or "Why do you smile so much?" I always say, "I'm just happy to be alive I guess." I usually get a confused look as they ask, "Why?" I usually say some really sarcastic remark but tonight was different. The resident not only asked, "Why?" But he went on, saying, "Life isn't good. People die every day. There are people that can't feed their families because all they do is feed their habits. There's a lot of bad Stef. You hella dumb if you don't get that."

Without even batting an eye I said the first thing that came to my mind. I said, "There is a lot of bad and a lot of people have harder lives than I do. But I love my job, I love my school and I can think of at least a few people who give a damn about me." He stared at me for what felt like an eternity and said, "I guess it's up to me if I'm happy, huh?" He bumped my fist and went on acting unaffected by our conversation. I left work though, still reflecting. I am so blessed. I thank God for showing me grace when I did not deserve it. I thank my friends for caring for me at times when I was unable to care for them. I thank my family for being my life line. I thank all my teachers for showing me the importance of education. I'm thankful for the major I chose, because for one of the first times in my life I feel that I am exactly where I need to be. I thank my job for hiring me because it has been one of the most rewarding things I have been able to take part in. My heart is so full of gratitude and thanks because I realized,

I am the luckiest girl in the world.

p o o p

2011-12-12T20:46:00.002-07:00

This past weekend I went to Cedar City with my dear friend Jenna. We arrived in town and her boyfriend was still at work so we got the spare key and made ourselves at home. Jenna decided we should let her boyfriends dog, Jager (Yager), inside since he'd been outside most of the day.

If you have a weak stomach, I can assure you that you will not want to continue reading.

After we had been there for about 20 minutes I came walking down the hallway only to smell something that didn't smell quite right. As I neared the room I was staying in, it became all to apparent that I was smelling dog poop. I quickly went into my room and didn't see anything so I made my way into the next bedroom only to find poop scattered all over the floor. I instantly walked out and said, "Jenna, Jager pooped!" She instantly yelled his name and went to grab him to take him outside. Apparently though, Jenna is really scary because she scared the dog so badly he peed. Which in my disbelief of the situation, pointed out. As soon as Jenna got the dog outside, I offered selfishly to clean up the pee in the kitchen, knowing that if I cleaned it up there is no way in hell that I would have to clean up the poop too.

Slowly but surely, the house began to fill with that disgusting smell and I knew Jenna would need to get in there quickly and clean it up before the smell overwhelmed me so much that I wouldn't be able to sleep back there. I grabbed a garbage sack, turned it inside out, and piled paper towel after paper towel in the bottom of it so Jenna would barely have to feel it.

As Jenna started going down the hall, I yelled, "I'm going to record you!" But as I got closer and closer the smell overpowered my senses and I inexplicably dry heaved which lead to Jenna, dry heaving even harder, which lead to me dry heaving again, which lead to Jenna dry heaving yet again. It went on like this for quite some time before I removed myself from the situation and said, "I can't do it." As I waited far, far away from the scene of the crime I could hear Jenna dry heaving harder and harder until she came out and claimed, "I AM GOING TO THROW UP!" As we both started laughing and dry heaving, tears came streaming down our very red faces. Jenna cowboy'd up though and went back for the remnants she was unable to get on her first try. I decided to try to walk back with her to offer moral support but yet again, dry heaved so hard I was convinced I would puke. Without fail, Jenna dry heaved again and so on.

After it was all said and done and the dry heaves were over Jenna said to me, "I sent Greg (her boyfriend) a text that said, "Your dumb ass dog pooped all over the house."

someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me and all you're ever gonna be is mean. Why you gotta be so mean?

2011-12-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

I was sitting with a new hire at my work. I was to observe him and make sure he had been trained in areas he needed to be trained in and fix anything I saw that wasn't right. We had been sharing meaningless small talk when he asked me, "So are you in school?" I answered yes and told him that I was a social work major and that I'd be graduating in the spring. He then decided to share his opinion on people who have just barely graduated college and go into social work fields saying, "No offense or anything but...I think people who are 21, 22, 23 and have just barely graduated are too ignorant to work in this field. They need experience first before we should allow them to work." I looked at him with what I thought was my, did you really just say that? face but he must of thought it was my keep talking face because he kept going. "I just think these kids try to use theories to fix everything and you don't use theories, you go off of your experience." I then said, "Theories have their place and I think they're needed in social work fields and how do you expect us to get experience if you don't allow us to work?" He then said, "Theories don't have place when you're in the middle of a crisis though. And kids can get experience by working in other places where they get use to being around people."

I had to physically remove myself from the room and give myself a breather because he really hit a nerve with me.

I was one hundred percent shocked that someone could be so blatantly rude and ignorant. Just because you've been in a field for ten plus years doesn't mean you necessarily have the talent to be there and just because someone just graduated it doesn't mean they are incapable of being able to work in the field they graduated in.

Sir, please.

"I can see you years from now in a bar. Talking over a football game with that same big loud opinion but nobodies listening. Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things...All you are is mean."

r a c i s t

2011-12-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows a little girl, such as my little sister Ally who is ten, knows what Monster High dolls are. They are these monster barbie doll type toys, hence the name Monster High. If you want to actually see these dolls, click here.

The other night Ally was on the Monster High website designing a look alike Monster High doll. When I walked up behind her on the computer I noticed the skin of the doll she was designing was much darker than what her skin is. So without thinking I said, "Ally. Why is your skin black?" She looked at me and, as if it was a matter of fact, said, "I'm a wolf, you racist."

A ten year old left me speechless...

u n a w a r e

2011-12-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Each week in my practice class two people run a group. The group can be on anything and they have varied from building towers, describing what is happening in various pictures or choosing your top five values. The group for this past week was called "fear in a hat." We were all given a slip of paper and had to write, "I am most afraid of _________." Then we were to put them in a bag and everyone would draw out one paper, that wasn't theirs, and explain why someone would be afraid of what they wrote down.

We all drew out our papers and everyone began reading what their papers said. The first one stated, "I am most afraid of getting married and having it not work out." I wondered if I had taken the assignment too lightly but decided that not everyone would put something very personal in. Then we get to more slips of papers. Two of them said, "I am most afraid of failure." That's when I realized that I was unaware of the seriousness of the situation because they pulled my paper out and it read, "I am most afraid of opening my blinds and having someone looking back at me through the window." Every one laughed because they knew it was mine. Apparently I'm incapable of being serious when necessary.

That genuinely is a scary thing though, right? I would say more so than failure!

The Game of Life...

2011-11-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Earlier tonight my family decided to gather around the table after dinner and play The Game of Life. As many of you know, throughout the game of life, you draw cards for various aspects of life. For example, your career, salary, and house. Each of the cards consisting of houses you can have in your life vary from beach houses to tutor homes to mobile homes. All of us had picked our homes except for Ally, my ten-year-old sister. I had gotten the beautiful and most coveted Victorian home, Anne had gotten the Tutor home, Brent had regretfully chosen the mobile home, and my Mom had the log cabin.

Anne held out the remaining house cards for Ally to choose and Ally happened to pick the "split level" home. This home was a rambler style house but unfortunately had been affected by an earthquake and was split down the middle. Ally instantly burst into tears and ~~asked~~ begged my Mom to let her pick a new one. The next two she picked were the "Euell B. Milken Realty" (A farm house) and the "Sandwich Inn Reality" (apartments). She immediately started crying again and when my Mom asked, "What's wrong now?" She said, "I don't want to live in an apartment or a stupid farm house!"

The whole table erupted into laughter. Through tears of laughter my mom tried to tell her it was just a game but the fact that every other word was broken up by laughter did not help the situation.

r e f u g e

2011-11-10T22:18:00.000-07:00

"In order to live fully we may need to look deeply and respectfully at our own suffering and at the suffering of others. In the depths of every wound we have survived is the strength we need to live. The wisdom our wounds can offer us is a place of refuge. Finding this is not for the faint of heart. But then, neither is life." --Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. My Grandfather's Blessings

Everyone experiences their own spiritually, physically and emotionally taxing trials and tribulations in their lives. Is it possible to truly find refuge in these wounds that are so difficult to heal?

This quote from Eat, Pray, Love has been running through my mind these last few days. This quote, I believe, is the answer to the question stated above:

"A friend took me to the most amazing place the other day. It's called the Augusteum. Octavian Augustus built it to house his remains. When the barbarians came they trashed it a long with everything else. The great Augustus, Rome's first true great emperor. How could he have imagined that Rome, the whole world as far as he was concerned, would be in ruins. It's one of the quietest, loneliest places in Rome. The city has grown up around it over the centuries. It feels like a precious wound, a heartbreak you won't let go of because it hurts too good. We all want things to stay the same. Settle for living in misery because we're afraid of change, of things crumbling to ruins. Then I looked around at this place, at the chaos it has endured - the way it has been adapted, burned, pillaged and found a way to build itself back up again. And I was reassured, maybe my life hasn't been so chaotic, it's just the world that is, and the real trap is getting attached to any of it. Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation." --Eat Pray Love

It may take time to recognize the place of refuge out of ruin, but it is possible. My professor at school has said, "Self-awareness is what makes us human." Be aware of the strength you had to make it through various times of suffering and ruin. Then celebrate, because in that time of finding your strength, you also found refuge.

Red Heads.

2011-11-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm on Trax the other day riding up to class. I was attempting to read my book when two little girls caught my eye. Both of them had to be under the age of six. They both had bright blond hair that was done up perfectly. In spite of them looking perfectly, they were not acting perfectly. They were arguing, sticking their tongues out at each other, and hitting each other. They kept trying to get the attention of their mom so they could tell on each other, but their mom was completely engrossed in a conversation with her friend. Finally the younger girl smacked her older sister. I'm guessing it was pretty hard because she instantly turned red and her sweet smile instantly changed to a scowl. Without any hesitation she yelled, "You are acting like a red head!"

It took everything I had to not let my smile turn into a eruptions of laughter.

scary movies

2011-10-30T21:40:00.001-06:00

On the weekends, I work in the administration part of the building. I am usually alone, which doesn't scare me because I have control over everyone that comes in and out of this building. Last night though, a resident called up to control. I answered, "What do you need ______?" He then responded in a creepy voice, "Do you like scary movies?" Then laughed in the most evil laugh I have ever heard. I laughed at him and told him he was a creep and then hung up. But after that I checked over my shoulder every two seconds; certain that a killer was coming for me.

That's fairly likely, right?

I'm starting to think my sister showing me Scream when I was eight-years-old was not a good idea.

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-27T10:00:00.004-06:00

In the book/movie "My Sister's Keeper" Anna Fitzgerald says, "When I was a kid, my mother told me that I was a little piece of blue sky that came into this world cause she and dad loved me so much." Since I heard this quote I have searched for little pieces of blue skies. Whether it was the elementary that I volunteered at, my job now or the honor I have of saying I am an aunt to three adorable kids. When my nephew Jackson was born I wrote this post.

Today I am dedicating my Thankful Thursday post to those three kids. They bring so much joy and laughter to my life that I can't even imagine life without them anymore. Being Aunt Steffie is one of the best titles I have ever had in my life.

My beautiful, smart and wild niece, Quinn.

My sweet, smart and energetic nephew, Coy.

My smart, sweet, and handsome nephew, Jack.

"scoot your seat up!"

2011-10-26T20:46:00.001-06:00

When I was little my family would pile into our mini van and drive for the ten or so hours to San Diego. After a few hours in the car, it was inevitable that the five of us would start fighting. "She's starring at me! Zach won't scoot over! You're sitting on my stuff! Scoot your chair up!" Hearing and watching us fight, I'm sure was not humorous in the least to my parents. Today I had a taste of what those fights look like.

A group of my co-workers and I carpooled to a different facility to work at for the day. On our way home, we were all tired and hungry. One of the guys sitting in the back seat with me said, "It's so hot! Can we roll down the windows or something?" Then as everyone was rolling down the windows, he screamed. We all looked at him and realized he was trying to stand up because he had a cramp in his leg from being squished behind the driver seat. (He's at least 6'0) As everyone in the car began to ask him if he was okay he grabbed onto the driver seat and started shaking it with his hands yelling in his Cuban accent, "You are selfish! Scoot your seat up. Fix your seat!" My co-worker that was driving wasn't even fazed. He just yelled, "I'm driving!" Then scooted his seat up. . .

I have never seen a grown man throw a fit like that in the car. If kids are even remotely as funny as this was today, I won't even care if my kids fight in the car!

Something inside of me says that that's not okay

2011-10-22T18:36:00.000-06:00

Boys who send one worded texts.

Boys who send multiple texts, after they don't get a response from the first one.

Boys who ask you to do something every single day after you've already told them that you're busy all week.

Boys who can't make me laugh.

Boys who don't understand that I work 40 hours a week and am a full time student causing me to be very busy. If I like you, I'll make time for you.

Boys who talk about how tired they are after working 4 hours a day. Please read above.^

Boys who can't see past the physical appearance. Surprise, I'm much more than what I look like.

Boys who say they like you, when they know nothing about you. Please read above.^

Boys who don't remember ANYTHING you tell them and you end up having the same conversation with the same questions about the same things.

Boys who want to get married so bad they'll take whoever wants to first. If I pinned "Yes! I'll marry you!" to a tree, they'd probably date for a week and be engaged for four, making the entire time they knew each other less than two months because they want to get married that bad....

Boys who come across as desperate. ^

Boys who appear to have no friends.

Boys who think anyone who's not LDS (Mormon) is a bad person or "crazy."

Something inside of me says that these kind of boys are only going to annoy me more and more...

Where did the funny, nonjudgmental, independent and not needy, hard working, not desperate boys go?

Did they get extinct with the dinosaurs?

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-13T21:50:00.001-06:00

The other day I received a post on my facebook wall from my dear friend Kelly saying, "What ever happened to your "Thankful Thursdays?" Those inspired me to be more thankful..." This post made me wonder, Why did I stop doing that? Which brings me here, I'm going to start doing that again. My goal is just twice a month to do a "Thankful Thursday." To help remind me and perhaps everybody, that there are so many things to be thankful for.

Today I am thankful for the opportunity I have to get an education. There are so many people who aren't able to go to school and I am truly blessed for this opportunity. It is such a rare day when I don't thank God for allowing me to be a student at the University of Utah and to learn about something that totally fascinates me and helps me every single day. I have learned so much about human behavior, how to speak to people, how to fully listen, how to spot behaviors that very few people would notice and more importantly it has shown me so many different populations of people, I didn't even know existed. This one aspect of my life brings me fulfilment, inner peace, a sense of accomplishment and so much joy. I would be so ungrateful if I wasn't thankful for this.

What are you thankful for?

I'm going to give you a little advice....

2011-10-12T21:33:00.000-06:00

I had been at work for going on twelve hours and was worn out. I didn't mind being there but I was tired and ready to go home and kick up my feet. It was gym time for my section of residents and I was watching most of them play basketball. There were a few residents though, who were injured and not allowed to play and they were standing around me trying to engage me in conversation. Two particular residents started asking me about what I thought girls looked for in a guy. I'm always hesitant to answer a question, such as this one, because how can I really speak for every girl on the planet? So I said, "If you can just make a girl laugh, she'll at least be somewhat interested in you." I was then asked, "Is that the most important thing you look for Stef?" I told them yes. Then one of the residents said, "So you're not dating anyone right now because you haven't met anyone that makes you laugh?" I said, "Well you could say that." Then he said, "I bet I could guess what kind of guys keep asking you out. The ones with plaid shorts and polos. The ones that wear puka shell necklaces and send you one worded texts that say, "hey."" He then went on to say that he wanted to give me a little advice:

"If a guy ever texts you and just says "hey." That's when you put them in their place with, "If you want me to bring a little sunshine to your day you bes' be hollerin' at me using my name...shawty!"

I adore my job more than words can explain!

"you are just an answer to my prayers..."

2011-10-10T11:15:00.000-06:00

I don't normally work Monday mornings but my supervisor asked if I could and it just so happen to be fall break so I agreed. It had been a quiet morning, nothing out of the usual. Then the phone rang. I quickly answered, "__________ Youth Corrections. This is Stefanie, how can I help you?" I heard yelling and screaming from the other line but no response to my answer. "Hello?" Then a woman got on the phone and said,

"I don't think this is the number I wanted to call but I really need your help."

I quickly responded, "What can I do to help?" She then began to cry and said that she had adopted a teenage boy about two years ago and now he is sixteen. She said that she is now unable to control him. He has attacked her several times and a few nights ago attacked her while she was driving and then jumped out of the moving car and ran away. She said he finally came home this morning but is doing the same belligerent behavior and being completely disrespectful. She then went on to say, "I know it sounds weird but he is such a good kid. He just is a little misguided and has had a terrible childhood." (Lucky for her I say the same thing about people! "Everybody is good at heart.")As she told me this story I was frantically searching the books of phone numbers we have and the Juvenile Justice System website trying to find somewhere she could take him or someone that could help her. After I gave her four different phone numbers and addresses she began to cry again and said, "I called you on accident and all I know is you are just an answer to my prayers. I don't know what religion you are or what you believe in, but I believe in angels and you are one of my angels. Thank you so much. Thank you, Thank you!" I literally wanted to cry.

It's times like these that I remember why I love my major and my job. I am right where I belong :)

perhaps you're a bit picky...

2011-10-01T18:45:00.000-06:00

I went to lunch with an old friend the other day when we got onto the topic of ~~men~~ boys we've dated and relationships. After a few moments of laughing at all the crazy ones, the wanting to get married after the second date ones and the ones our friends should have never let us date she asked me a very serious question.

"What kind of guy are you looking for?"

I thought for a moment and then said, "Someone that can make me laugh, Tall and handsome, has the same values I have and wants the same things I want. Is my best friend and I can talk to him for hours like I would my best girlfriends. Someone I can eat in front of and not feel fat and someone I cry in front of and not feel stupid. Someone who puts God over me and has a strong testimony of the church. Someone I'm proud to show to my friends and family. Someone responsible with a strong work ethic. They have to like sports because they will not last in my family..."

She stared at my for what felt like an eternity, but in all reality was probably five seconds and then she said, "Damn girl, you're never getting married."

The sad thing is, I probably could have gone on a lot longer...

creepy, crawly, 8 legged critters

2011-09-30T00:37:00.000-06:00

Like I've said before, I work in youth corrections. To put it in simple terms it is like prison for kids because they have to be court ordered by a judge to be here. My work is located right next to a lake. If you can even call it that. I would consider it more of a swamp of sorts. As a result of this swamp being so close in proximity to the building we have all sorts of wild animals and insects in and around the facility. I have seen everything from beavers, foxes, feral cats and spiders; lots and lots of big spiders. One of my first grave yard shifts I ever worked there was 3 spiders that ran across the floor; I was too frightened to try and kill them so I grabbed paper cups and covered the spiders leaving a note that said,

"I am deathly afraid of spiders. There is a spider under that cup <-------- and under that cup ----------> and under that cup by the counter. Thanks, Stef."

As a result all the residents in this facility and staff know how scared I am of spiders. As I was sitting with the residents one day, one of them said, "Oh man! Come look how big this spider is." All of the boys ran over to it and I instantly screamed, "Just kill it." After it was successfully killed I looked at one of the residents and said, "Why do you guys have so many spiders?" Without any hesitation he said, "This ain't my house!"

"Do you need a ride?"

2011-09-19T00:05:00.037-06:00

I was on Trax when a woman and her three children stepped onto the train. They had clearly walked a bit to get to the train because sweat was on all of their faces. I watched them for a few minutes as the women got her children all settled and holding on to her legs or various railings to stay standing when the train started to move again. After a few minutes I asked her, "How old are your kids?" She informed me that they were all under the age of 5 and they were going to the clinic because her daughter had had the flu for going on three weeks now. I told her I was sorry and asked the little girl, "you're not feeling well?" She shook her head yes and rubbed her stomach. A few stops later, we all got off the train and I walked to my car. It was ninety-five degrees outside and as I went to take my cardigan off for the drive home I realized they were walking to the clinic that was at least ten blocks away. After a few seconds of thinking I called out and said, "Would you like a ride?" She thought for a moment, then said, "yes, please!" She got in the car and there was really no words exchanged until I got them to the clinic and dropped them off. She got out of the car and looked at me and said, "Thank you, thank you so much!" I said your welcome and smiled, she then reached in and grabbed my hand and said, "Thank you so much."

I can't recall a time when I've ever done something for someone that was so thankful or so full of gratitude after. I could see humility all of her face. It was a strange concept for me to grasp that whenever I need to go somewhere I know I can walk outside and hop in my car and go and that is something I take for granted every single day yet this women was so grateful for a ride for ten blocks to get out of the hot sun.

"You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." --Unknown

Jesus on a loud speaker.

2011-09-16T00:34:00.000-06:00

My new job is at youth corrections. Part of my shifts I sit in the control room and open doors and log what is happening during the shift. In our facility there is an intercom system. Buttons for this intercom system are near all the doors so I can click open the doors for staff walking through; but also all the residents have an intercom button in their room that when pressed, they are able to talk to me. When these buttons are pressed, a light comes on my computer screen and a whistling noise sounds off. It was really late and I was almost off work when I heard the whistle and looked to see who needed a door opened. To my surprise it was actually a resident wanting to talk to me. I picked up my phone and asked, "Hey! What do you need?" After a few silent seconds the resident replied, "Jesus, is that you?!? I've been waiting for you to answer my prayers for days now!"

I laughed so hard I couldn't even talk for a few seconds.

A few days later I was working a grave yard shift in control, yet again. When my computer whistled and I looked up to see the same resident had clicked his intercom button. I picked up the phone and said, "What do you want?" He then said, "I was just wondering if you were going to answer my prayers tonight, because if not I won't even kneel down."

I love my job.

inappropriate, ill-timed, bad form, out of line, etc...

2011-08-11T23:32:00.000-06:00

I recently have started attending a singles ward. Every fast Sunday this ward holds a "Break the Fast." Which is where we end our fasting for the day and eat dinner together as a ward. I had never been to Break the Fast before and thought it would be a fun way to get to know more people in the ward. I was having a really good time and feeling like I belonged to that ward for the first time. I had finished eating and I got up to go throw my plate and cup away in the garbage. As I stood up, somehow, the heel of my boot got caught in my purse strap and I tripped harder than I have ever tripped in front of a group of people before in my life. Luckily, I caught myself. Unfortunately, as I tripped my bad habit kicked in and I inexplicably said, "Oh, Shit!" As I stated before, this is a bad habit of mine and at first I didn't even know I had sworn in the church. I turned around, all embarrassed and as I saw my friends laughing, it hit me like a sack of rocks to the face what I had said. I instantly apologized to those around me who heard it, but it was too late. My true colors have been officially shown to the YSA 3rd ward.

Stacey Charter says it best, "There comes a time when you have to stand up and shout: This is me damn it! I look the way I look, think the way I think, feel the way I feel, love the way I love! I am a whole complex package. Take me... or leave me. Accept me - or walk away! Do not try to make me feel like less of a person, just because I don't fit your idea of who I should be and don't try to change me to fit your mold. If I need to change, I alone will make that decision. When you are strong enough to love yourself 100%, good and bad - you will be amazed at the opportunities that life presents you."

humanity

2011-08-10T22:20:00.000-06:00

It was Wayne Dyer who said, "Judgements prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances." Throughout my life I have been able to meet many different kinds of people. And as I drove home from work today I had an epiphany, if you will, about all these different kinds of people. I was once told by a professor down at Snow that, "you must always see the humanity in people." At 18 years old, I don't think I fully appreciated what that meant. Whether I have been working with children with learning disabilities, elderly people in a hospice and home care program or juvenile offenders there is one thing that all these different populations have in common. That is that they have "humanity" in them. They are people, doing the very best they can with the knowledge and resources they have. Once someone can see that and not just the old person sitting in front of them or the long list of criminal charges on their sheet it makes working with others a whole lot easier and ultimately makes you a better, more compassionate person.

verbal confrontations and snow cones

2011-08-03T22:45:00.000-06:00

The other night I drove the twenty minutes to Sandy to get a snow cone with my dear friend Jenna. As we pulled into the parking lot, I was instantly slowed down by a large white truck. As I patiently waited behind him to keep moving, he just stopped. Blocking all the parking spots near the snow cone shack. The parking lines are drawn vertically and he was parked horizontally over them. I was irritated and decided that it was a good time to just give him a parking ticket and move on. The one Jenna and I picked out for him was, "Couldn't decide which space to park in, huh?" As I walked towards his truck he looked at me and like the coward I am, I quickly gave up even trying to give him a parking ticket. So Jenna and I just got in line instead.

As we waited for this rude man to buy his snow cone he looks back at us and said, "I guess I couldn't decide which space I wanted." Then laughs. I politely but assertively say, while pointing my finger in the direction the spots are suppose to go, "Yeah the parking spots go this way, not that way." He then says, "I just got lazy I guess." Then without skipping a beat, I replied, "clearly..." He then shook his head at me like I was unreasonable.

I just wanted to be able to park in a reasonable distance and get a snow cone, sir. I didn't want a verbal confrontation with a space hog. People these days...

I. Am. Pathetic.

2011-07-29T18:51:00.000-06:00

Am I the girl who on her last day working at the job she hates, walked all the way to her car crying? And then to make matters even more pathetic, sat in her car and cried for a few more minutes before I could even pay the parking attendant?

Of course I am...

boys, boys, boys

2011-07-29T00:28:00.002-06:00

"Life was so much easier when my clothes didn't match and boys had cooties." --Unknown

My friend Katie told me that she was walking down the street the other day and saw an elderly man walking along the same sidewalk as her. He was just about to pass her and just like a classic black and white movie, he tipped his hat to her as he passed by. After relaying this story to me she said, "They just don't make em' like that anymore."

Isn't that the truth?

Like I said in one of my previous blogs, I don't even really like dating but having a guy treat you in a respectful manner would be amazing. I.e: open my car door for me, call when he says he'll call, etc. In the words of Tom Hank's friend in Sleepless in Seattle, I would throw a parade in his honor, if a boy would maybe take a page out of the elderly man's book and be respectful.

Now, I'm not writing this post to bash on men. I'm about as boy crazy as they come. I may be man-hating a little bit. But really, whose fault is that? I'm just saying, with the past few ~~men~~, boys I've dated the last year or so they are making me think that chivalry is dead.

Even Patti Stanger, the most well known match maker in the world agrees with me:
"So I already told you about a guy to avoid, let’s talk about a guy you should have stick around.

A consistent man, will call when he says and takes you out on a regular basis. Makes you feel great during courtship, calls just to check in and make sure you’re okay, He’s a keeper! And he’s going to make a great husband. Find him and hold on to him!" (http://www.pattistanger.net/)

Where did all the attractive, funny, polite, nice, kind, athletic boys go?

extraordinary

2011-07-27T15:15:00.000-06:00

A young girl, no more than a few months older than me passed away. Anyone who didn't know her, reading her obituary would be saddened that such a young life had been lost, but then quickly move on. I though, had the amazing opportunity to meet this young girls family and attend the services. There was so much love in the room. You could feel it wrap itself around you the minute you entered. There was a somber mood to the room and tears carelessly flowing down her loved ones faces.

My old room mate and best friend sang at the funeral, A Window To His Love.

"I want to be a window to his love. So when you look at me you will see him. I want to be so pure and clear that you won't even know I'm here. Because his love will shine brightly through me. . .A window to his love. A doorway to the truth. A bearer of the message he would have me bring to you. And with each passing day, I want to fade away. Till only he can be seen and I become a window to his love."

I left the services with tears flowing down my face and my heart breaking for this girls family. The world has truly lost an angel. I have never seen a room filled with so many people who care so deeply for one girl. This one girl brought laughter, light and love to all those around her. She truly was a window to his love. It is my prayer and hope that one day, I can have some of the same words said about me.

It is a tragedy that a person who is twenty-one years old has to leave this world. My heart goes out to the family and her closest friends and I pray that they will be comforted in their time of need. As I watched her mother and husband through most of the services my heart literally started breaking. I cannot imagine anything worse than the pain they must have been feeling.

During circumstances like these, it is nice to be reminded that a little kindness goes a long way. You never know the trials that one person is going through and how a small act of kindness could really help them push through the day. That's why I encourage anyone who reads this to go out and just smile at someone, hold the door open for them or pay them a compliment because you never know how difficult someones life is.

so long, farwell....

2011-07-24T11:18:00.000-06:00

"So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye...

I'm glad to go, I cannot tell a lie."

After four very long years, I finally gave my two weeks to Old ~~Navy~~ Slavery.

I can honestly say, I've never been a happier then I am right now. I am very blessed to have found a new job that I can love and that makes me feel good about myself.

After I gave my two weeks to my manager, I walked out to my car feeling so relieved and happy. Then the minute I stepped into my car, where no one could really see me, I started to cry. I caught myself and realized, it's because I've really grown to love the people I work with. They have made me laugh, made me feel sane when I feel like I'm about to lose it, comforted me when it's a bad day and have most importantly been 100% supportive of anything I've ever done.

So for that, I say thank you to all of you.

Then, I worked Thursday night where a customer yelled at me over a pair of sandals that she thought should have been cheaper.... "I swear all the other sandals back there were $5.49"

How quickly I was reminded of all the many reasons why I hate retail.

"all you are is mean and a liar and pathetic and alone in life and mean"

2011-07-07T16:44:00.000-06:00

I'm not much of a fan of dating. Not dating somebody, but just dating in general. I find going on first, second, and third dates very uncomfortable and awkward. I'm much more myself when I can do something with someone on almost a friend basis. No sitting across the table from each other wondering if I got food on my face and talking about what my favorite color is or why I chose my major. In spite of my hate of dating, I do still do it. It takes a pretty cute and charming man to get me to go out with him but occasionally one catches my eye and I go out of my comfort zone and see where things can go...

After meeting a certain young man and hanging out with him. I wasn't feeling interested. I couldn't carry a conversation with him and I just wasn't having fun. I genuinely tried to have conversations with him but for the first time in my life, I truly had absolutely not a word to say to somebody. So like a mature adult, I explained to him that I would be happy to be friends but dating would be out of the question. (I put it nicer though, obviously) So this homeboy, clearly got a little offended and being the return missionary he is, he decided to send me a, as I like to call it, a "Come to Jesus Message."

I would never offend someone as much as to put their personal writings to me on my blog, so I shall paraphrase for all of you. He explained that we were on different levels and that if I would work on myself spiritually he knows I would be on his level soon enough. He suggested I use the atonement and fix myself. Oh and not to mention he'll be waiting for my call when I get myself up to his super high spiritual level...

Initially when I read his message I was angry. I thought, how dare someone judge me? Then I took a step back and realized something very big. Why would I EVER want to date someone that dare sends me a message calling me to change myself? Shame on him...

I have three words for you. Check yourself sir.

**Just a friendly reminder: Boys who enter my life, whether they quickly leave or stay for awhile, whether they hurt me or make me smile. WILL end up on my blog.**

At least your hair looks cute...

2011-06-14T23:18:00.000-06:00

When I am hungry I become a completely different person. I am angry, irritable and everything in between. Unfortunately, I came to work hungry and my manager was quick to notice.

While I sat at my register my manager gave me some candy to hold me over and hopefully get me in a better mood. As a customer was walking up I threw an m&m in my mouth and quickly realized I couldn't chew it faster than she could get up there. As soon as I swallowed it I said, "I'm sorry for eating. I was just so hungry and it was putting me in a bad mood!" She then replied, "At least your hair looks cute!"

What does that have to do with anything??

a marriage, twelve kids, and a ranch

2011-06-13T10:57:00.000-06:00

I was walking through the mall I work at with a friend when an older man walked up to us and asked, "Do you know where Old Navy is?" My friend, Ashley, pointed in the direction and said, "Just keep walking that way and you'll see it." This is when, according to Ashley, I became to nice because I said, "We're actually headed that way too!" The old man then said, "Well, let's go then. Try to keep up." He started walking so fast and turned on his little radio to A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson.

As he went to cross the street a car was coming and he apparently was not concerned with his safety and walked right in front of it. He was literally two inches from the car hitting him and Ashley screamed. He then said, "We're okay. Keep coming. If you want me to, I'll chase down that car and beat them up for almost hitting us." We were disinclined to accept his offer and about at this point we realized he wasn't all the way there. Like, all the lights are on but nobody's home kind of thing.

After we walked into the store we left his side and tried to just keep to ourselves. Then I ran into him again and he said, "If I could speak better I would ask you to marry me." I just laughed and said, "Oh really now?" "Then he said, "If you marry me and give me twelve kids, I will give you my whole ranch." I told him it was a deal. . .

Looks like I'm getting married soon....

"you don't just leave the love of your life..."

2011-06-06T13:37:00.001-06:00

I had just shut my register light off and was about to go to my lunch break. It had been a long day so far and the thought of being able to get away from everybody for even just thirty minutes sounded amazing. As I was trying to make my escape from the front of the store to the back a man walked up to me and said, "Hey. Do you mind coming and helping me figure out what size my wife is? She can't talk and she's in a wheelchair but I can get her to stand up. Do you think you could help me?" I hate to say that I was kind of annoyed that I had been approached right before my break but I agreed and walked over.

His wife sat in the wheelchair with breathing and feeding tubes running all around her. I walked up to her and smiled and said hi. The man then said, "Come on Boo. Let's stand up so she can help us." She struggled to stand but I eyed her size a bit and said, she looks about a size 8 or 10. I said it might be best to look at the pants she had on now so we could figure out what size she was. She was wearing a size 9. I found an 10 in the capris she wanted and I said, "If you want to come up to register one, I'll ring you guys' up."

As I was ringing him up he started explaining to me his situation. When they were first married they discovered that she had m.s. Nobody really knew that she had it until she got pregnant and they lost the baby. Then he said, "she started deteriorating." Then a few short years later they got in a terrible car accident where she was so badly injured that the doctors said she would need to be taken care of the rest of her life. As the man's eyes filled with tears he said, "My family all told me to leave her for her family to take care of. That I needed to give up now because it's tiring taking care of somebody your whole life but I couldn't do that. You don't just leave the love of your life." My eyes instantly filled with tears as I attempted to say, "I am so sorry." He then looked at me and said, "A lot of people don't treat her like a real person. They don't think she's all the way there but she is. She understands. Thank you for being so nice to her."

As I walked past them to go on my lunch the woman looked over at me and made a noise so I looked over and she was pointing at me. I walked over and I said, "Is there something else you need?" She then waved her hand motioning for me to get closer to her and she gave me a hug.

Having worked retail for so long it becomes very easy to be very jaded. I regularly think to myself as a rude customer leaves my line, "I hate people." It's not until I encounter people like this adorable couple or the woman who's father was life flighted or the mom of four who I'm pretty sure comes shopping just to vent to me about her son who keeps getting in trouble in school; that my cynicism subsides and I can see the humanity in people. Everybody struggles and has difficulties. It is nice to know though that somebody, even if it is a stranger at a cash register, can see a person instead of all the struggles they have.

you look like a lollipop; real skinny body and a big head

2011-06-01T23:35:00.000-06:00

I was at work last night when the woman I was ringing up was giving me a weird look until she finally asked, "Are you in college?" I was elated to tell her yes and that I go to the U. Then our conversation took a very strange turn.

"I thought you were because you're just so skinny."

"Oh..."

"Do you eat?"

"I love food! you don't have to worry..."

"Well that's good."

I don't know if I should be flattered or upset...I feel like telling someone that their "so skinny" is like asking someone if their pregnant. You can say it to good friends but not some stranger ringing up your clearance sweaters.

"and there's doctors and lawyers and business executives..."

2011-05-18T22:48:00.000-06:00

I decided that the best way to save gas and become a little more eco-friendly would be to ride the train. I was unaware that the commute from downtown Salt Lake City to the suburbs of Salt Lake County would be like the song, "Little Boxes" By Malvina Reynolds.

"...And the people in the houses all went to the university where they were put in boxes and they came out all the same. And there's doctors and lawyers and business executives. And they're all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same..."

It was pouring rain while I waited for everyone at the stop to board the train. When I looked around all I saw was blue and white striped umbrellas with a few black ones in the mix. Until out of nowhere, just like a Travelers Insurance commercial a red umbrella popped up. It successfully boarded the train; as well as all the other umbrellas on the platform.

Then something changed. Within five minutes I was completely surrounded by Rolex watches and three piece suits. All these men looked exactly the same. I was surrounded. As we went from stop to stop, more of the suits came onto the train and surprisingly many of them knew each other..."Hey Jeff! It's good to see you!"

It was like a horror movie where the person is getting cornered by all of the scary zombies, but I was the person getting cornered by men in suits.

I kept to myself, only mildly eavesdropping on their seemingly boring conversations but then it came time to have to get off the train. There was two suits on the bench across from me and a suit next to me. So I grabbed my things and stood up saying, "Excuse me, I'm sorry." Then as the suit next to me made little attempt to let me through he sighed at me; Like a deep sigh just to express how inconvenient my exit from the train filled with suits was. Really sir? I'm sorry to inconvenience you and your suit. Next time I'll just stand like the elderly woman you let stand next to you instead of offering up your seat.

veinte uno, twenty-one, vingt-et-un, 21, etc

2011-05-14T14:12:00.000-06:00

Regardless of how you choose to say it, it still means 21. Which is how old I turned yesterday!!!

As I listened to my sister and brother-in-law sing a terrible (I say that with complete love) rendition of happy birthday to me over the phone, my eyes filled with tears and I truly realized how blessed I am to have such amazing friends and family.

The people who wished me a happy birthday didn't know it, but I was keeping note in my head of which birthday wishes were my favorite; aka: the ones that made me laugh or the ones that I just found very kind and sincere. Here were some of the best ones:

"happy birthday forester! I got some tiger's milk waiting at the ballpark for you. i hope you have a great day and laugh as much as you do everyday." --Chance F.

"Happy Birthday :) I was going to make a sexual joke about spanking or unwrapping a gift but I couldn't figure out how to word it without sounding like a creep. So I will just stick with happy birthday and you can pretend I said something funny..." --Brandon H.

"Did you know that intoxicated is another word for happy? Makes sense since you have turned 21 years of age. It hope it's an extraordinary day Stef! There's no excuse not to get the unicorn you've been wanting to get...go wild!! Love you Stef!" --Kelly J.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I wrote you a little rap... (Beat) Happy Birthday, it's better than earth day when they just plant trees and where tie dye shirts, eh? I can't believe that you're 21, all the strip clubs and vodka will sure be fun. (Beat) I hope today is the absolute best, finals week is over, put Chippendale's to the test. (beat) ...that's all I could come up with on short notice.... LOVE YOU!!!!!!" --Kelsey C.

"Happy birthday stefanie hope its a grand day for someone like you that has a grand personality! don't get into too much trouble now :)" --RJ T.

"I want you to do a few things. 1. Win hella money. 2. Have everyone call you Steffie. Ha. 3. Try and have the best day everrrr. 4. Remember who you are and what you stand for. If you forget, refer to your profile picture. 5. Be performance." --Spencer R.

"happy happy bday. Every time I'm being a phattie I say "It's beach season, not eat season." and then I laugh really hard while I eat disgusting amounts of junk food. hahaha aka I like blog stalking you a lot." --Anne D.

The Latest News

2011-05-03T22:41:00.000-06:00

It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said: "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

Since the news that the U.S Military had killed Osama Bin Laden, I have been deeply disturbed by the attitudes and behaviors of my fellow Americans. I feel there is a "partying attitude" and quite frankly I find it morbid. Many people have justified the partying attitude by saying, "Terrorists do it on the news all the time." I want to ask though, is that an excuse? Shouldn't we conduct ourselves in a way that is better than the worst we have seen in humanity?

Yes, I do believe the world is a little safer now; but he is still a human being. I find it repulsive that people would celebrate. You are acting no better than he or his followers did.

I'm not looking to start a debate or an argument in any way, shape, or form. But I hope this opens just one persons eyes and makes them want to behave in a way that can only exemplify class

Cats and Dogs

2011-04-30T10:00:00.002-06:00

The last few days I have had parents coming in and buying this shirt for their daughters. The last four parents who have bought this shirt have said the exact same thing, "I asked her if she wanted a different shirt but she insisted on this one. So I guess we'll just buy it." Some of them have even asked their daughters again, "Now Hannah, are you sure you want this shirt?"

My work has done a phenomenal job at finding ugly shirts that kids love, even if it means no adult in their right mind could even close one eye and think it was cute...

Mike the Homeless Man

2011-04-27T23:36:00.000-06:00

When I first moved back to Salt Lake and started taking the Trax train to school my dear friend Jenna warned me, "Whenever you have to transfer from the Salt Lake train to the Sandy train, don't get off at the first stop, get off at the second one because a lot of creepy people hang out around there." For some odd reason, I decided not to listen to this bit of advice when I got off the train at the first stop and waited for the Sandy train.

As I was waiting for my train I heard a weird noise behind me. When I looked behind me all I saw was a man who was as clearly homeless as he was creepy. I gave him my polite closed-mouth smile and turned back around. That's when he decided to walk up to me.

He chatted with me for awhile until the train came when I was able to get lost in the crowd. Unfortunately, I was so preoccupied with losing the company of the first homless man that I was completely unaware that I had sat across from another homeless man. He looked at me, then at his tethered book, then back at me and said as he stuck his hand out for me to shake, "I'm Mike! What's your name?" I hesitantly shook his hand and said, "I'm Stefanie." He began talking to me about Mormons and how he loves Salt Lake City because the people are friendly and the women are beautiful. By now we were nearing my stop so I went to pull my keys out which thanks to my Mom has pepper spray on them. He looked at my keys, then with a serious look on his face he said, "Am I scaring you?" I shook my head and laughed a little. He then moved from his seat across from me and sat next to me and said, "Am I scaring you now?" He continued to ask me this question as he inched closer and closer to my face. Finally, I'm assuming he'd reached his creep level for the day and moved back away.

We got to my stop and I said, "It was nice to meet you." Then I walked away, that's when I turned around and saw him following. He said, "Do you live close to here?" I said, No and rambled off a random street that was nowhere near that stop. He then sat on the platform watching me until I got to my car.

I don't want to say I was scared but....

After relaying this story back to my Mom she said, "Tim Bundy killed nice people like you!" She then proceeded to ramble off names of serial killers from the last fifty years and told me that I can't be nice to "dangerous" people...

It's beach season, not eat season

2011-04-08T17:39:00.001-06:00

It was late Wednesday night when I opened my fridge and realized I was completely out of my Slim Fast shakes. An instant panic ran over me as I was trying to decide what I was going to do for breakfast tomorrow. Then, I heard, what I'm assuming was my dieting conscience say, "It's beach season, not eat season." So I cowboy'd up and I ran to my local Walmart to buy some shakes so I would be able eat breakfast.

Since it was so late, the greeter at the main doors of the Walmart had to check receipts for anything that wasn't in a bag. Unfortunately, my slim fast carton was not in a sack and she asked to check my receipt. All of a sudden, I see her eyes look at the Slim Fast, look at me, and then back to the Slim Fast. This is when she says, "Why are you drinking that for anyways? What are you like a size 4?" I was quick to correct her and I said, "I'm a size 6." She made a noise that if I were to type it would look like this, "pfft!" Then she said, "that doesn't even make sense, go get your money back." By now I realized this Walmart greeter was wearing khakis and I got scared, because we all know what kind of people wear khakis. (Click here if you haven't been fully warned about these kinds of people) So, I quickly made my way to the exit as she kept saying, "You're too skinny for slim fast!." All I could yell back at her was, "It's beach season! You don't understand!"

"I just hugged the man who stole my phone."

2011-03-28T21:59:00.000-06:00

From Left to Right: *Me, Sarah, and Natalya*

Friday night I decided to drive the hour and a half and go to Snow College so I could go to the neon stomp that they were having. Sarah, Natalya and I got all dressed up and went with every intention of having a good time. Somewhere in the time that we were shakin' it and fist pumping my phone disappeared. Once I had realized that my phone had fallen out of my pocket we all scoured the dance floor and the area around the building looking for it. After awhile of looking we couldn't find it anywhere and I surely wasn't going to let that ruin my night, so just periodically Sarah would call my phone to see if anyone had picked it up or if we could see it lighting up on the floor.

Once the dance had ended I still hadn't found my phone and started searching like a mad woman for it. Sarah was literally blowing up my phone so I figured if anyone had it they would have to hear, "Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone. I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run..." But nothing...I tried to call T-mobile customer support and ironically, to report that your phone was stolen and to deactivate the service you have to do it during their business hours starting at 5 a.m.

****

I woke up around nine and went back to where the dance was and asked if anyone had turned in a phone. Unfortunately no. After looking forever I came back to my old apartment and called T-mobile to have them deactivate my phone and report it stolen. Literally, ten minutes after I deactivated my service. Sarah's phone starts ringing. She looks at her phone, looks at me and then says, "Stef you're calling me." So she answers it and a man said, "Hey this is Brandon I just found this phone outside when I left football practice." So we instantly jumped in my car and drove to his house. I jumped out my car and took of running towards him and said, "Thank you! Thank you!" Can I give you a hug?" He reluctantly let me hug him while Natalya yelled, "I love honest people!"

Once we got back I started looking through my phone and realized the person who had taken my phone had programed their numbers into my phone. "Mom, Coach Decall, Coach Anderson, Dom, Zac, etc." Then later on I realized this "Honest phone finder" had taken a picture ON MY PHONE! The man who had returned my phone was actually the one who stole it...

Natalya, Sarah and I realized that once I deactivated my phone he probably got scared and thought he was going to get caught. Hence, the phone call. After we had put all the pieces together we sat there for a moment and then it hit me...

I hugged the man who stole my phone!!

I hope he learned his lesson once he saw how happy a little honesty can make someone. Hopefully, from here on out he will be, as Madelaine from Loss Prevention at my work says, "a pillar of integrity."

B i r d s

2011-03-22T23:16:00.000-06:00

When I was young, I was especially fond of birds. I had parakeets named Kiwi, Kiwi II and Blueberry; then I had a pet dove named Lonnie. Some where in between the time that Lonnie died and now, I grew deathly afraid of birds.

I just think birds are unpredictable and I'm never quite sure what they are capable of. Which is clearly demonstrated below.

So, I was driving to work when this one bird who had so obviously lost his damn mind started flying right into my windshield. I closed my eyes and let out a little scream and then I heard a THUD!

I hurry and looked in my rear view mirror and

all I saw was feathers...

I feel like a bird killer

Absolute Love

2011-03-18T00:28:00.000-06:00

I found this quote on my co-workers facebook and I thought it was worth sharing:

"The problem is that we have this idea that we are going to get absolute love from imperfect humans. Once we relinquish that idea there becomes a lot more space for accepting the fallibility of the person." --J Wellwood

"I haven't had anyone to talk to all day..."

2011-03-13T13:55:00.000-06:00

Many times the things that happen to me at work or school are quite humorous. Other times though, I am touched by the goodness of the people I get the privilege to associate with; even if it is for just a few minutes while they are in my register line.

This past Saturday was the St. Patrick's day parade in Salt Lake City. The parade route is on the street that runs directly in front of my work. The mall told our store to plan on ten thousand people to be in the area to watch the parade. Needless to say, we were very busy.

When our store is that busy it becomes increasingly difficult to become personable with the people who come into your register line. It's more of a "Hi, how's it going. Your total is. Have a nice day." kind of engagement. For some reason though, my interaction with this specific customer was different on this very busy day.

She entered my register line and you could see exhaustion running all down her face. I said, "Hi how are you doing today?" For a moment there was no answer. So I looked up and saw she had tears in her eyes and she said, "I'm doing okay. My Dad was just life flighted up here three days ago. He was driving to work and started acting strange and luckily his friend got the car to stop and called an ambulance. When they took him to the hospital they found he had a cancerous tumor growing in his brain and they needed to life flight him up here to Salt Lake. We only had thirty minutes to pack our things and get up here. They did the surgery and it went well but he hasn't woken up and it's been three days." By this time, I was completely choked up. She went on and explained that she had only brought three days worth of clothes and that's why she was buying all these clothes for her and her mom. She then told me, "My mom was just life flighted up here last week for a blood clot in her arm. When it rains, it pours. I'm sorry that I'm dumping this all on you, I just haven't had anyone to talk to all day." After talking with her for a few more minutes, her transaction had ended. I then asked her if I could come around and give her a hug and she said she'd love one. Afterwards, I sent her on her way and wished her the best of luck.

Since this encounter with this struggling stranger I've been thinking about her a lot. It's interesting that after speaking to someone in such horrible circumstances your love for life is renewed. Hopefully, through the hard times of others we can learn to band together and help each other out just a little bit. Because we all need a little help sometimes; even if it is just a listening ear from a cashier in a retail store.

What the dog!

2011-03-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was driving eastbound on Interstate 80 with my friend Natalya. In Utah, the speed limits are more like a suggestion; so even though the speed limit sign says, "65 mph" everyone was going about 75 miles per hour. Within a few short seconds of passing the state street exit, a few people driving a little ways ahead of me slammed on their breaks. There's no way there is traffic on a Saturday morning! So I started slowing down a bit, luckily, because the car directly in front of me swerved to the complete opposite side of the highway almost hitting another car and then I saw the direct result of all the break lights. A DOG WAS RUNNING DOWN THE HIGHWAY!

I hit my breaks and turned my wheel a little to the left and luckily avoided him. Natalya asked, "Should we call the police and let them know?" So like the good law abiding citizens we are, we called the police.

As we drove away in complete shock about what we just saw Natalya says, "I wonder how the highway patrolmen train for that? Do they have like a simulated dog they chase around?"

that's something I know not to do II

2011-02-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I was down at Snow College I would choose a crush for every single class. You know, a boy that caught my eye...I wouldn't necessarily talk to them but they gave me motivation to look cute and it was fun to come home to my room mates and say, "My diversity crush talked to me today!"

When I first got to the U this semester I thought they must be having a cute boy drought. I wasn't seeing any boys whatsoever to pick for my crush. That was until I got to my last class on Tuesday's and found my social work crush.

So I never really talked to my social work(sw) crush but last Tuesday I talked to him a bit and I was feeling pretty cool. After class ended I walked down to the little commons area and opened up my back pack to find my keys. I couldn't find them anywhere. I instantly panicked. My stomach had dropped and I had tears in my eyes. Had I really lost my keys? And as you would guess my sw crush came down while I'm rummaging through my bag. I pulled myself together and pushed the tears out of my eyes and eventually confessed to him that I had lost my keys. He was actually pretty nice about it and offered to watch my back pack while I ran up to our class to find my keys. They weren't up there. So I run back down stairs and call my Dad and he tells me to make sure I didn't lock them in my car. I instantly tell my sw crush that I'm not that stupid to lock my keys in my car but I head out there anyway. When I get out there I realize that my stereo is blasting, my keys are in the ignition and my car is running. I was MORTIFIED! My car had been running for the last three hours. I'm such an idiot.

I went back inside and informed my sw crush what had happened and he was actually pretty nice about it and didn't make fun of me too bad. I won't lie, if the roles were reversed I would not have let him live that down.

I drove to work with my ears burning from embarrassment...

That is definitely not one of my finest hours...

customers make me want to lash out irrationally

2011-02-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

At my work we've experienced a lot of strange/peculiar/crazy people. My co-workers and I have heard it all, from being called Nazi's to people complimenting our butts. Now I would like to say that we don't really get crazy people in my work on weekdays but I would be lying.

Last Tuesday two men came into my store and they were kind of obnoxious. As they started making their way up to the registers my manager warned me over the walkie, "There's two guys coming up and they smell like alcohol. . ."

I really wanted them to leave my line because not only did they smell like alcohol but they thought they were so funny and kept calling me sweetheart. So I was rushing to ring them up and like the friendly cashier I am, I asked, "Did you find everything okay?"

One of the guys replies, "Yes, because I think I just found my future wife." Then winks at me.

Ew...

Valentines Day

2011-02-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not the type of girl who enjoys Valentines Day. I feel like if it was a real holiday the post office would be closed. So I treated it just like any other mundane Monday. I will say though that I found this quote on one of my dear friends Facebook pages and I think it should have been the motto for Valentines Day 2011:

"There are easier things in life than trying to find a nice guy...like nailing jelly to a tree for example."

So Helpful

2011-02-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

Many of you know I've been job hunting. I have asked many people for suggestions and I got answers like: work the corner, sell an organ, Vegas, and Hot Dog on a Stick. I have to admit when I asked for some suggestions I wasn't really looking for answers like that. I tell everybody I just want to wear a pencil skirt and sit behind a desk and greet people. You know, receptionist style. Luckily though, my Mom has been very helpful in my conquest to find a new job. She has searched the newspaper in the help wanted ads, found websites that post new jobs in Salt Lake and so much more. So, I don't know if she has exhausted all her venues to find good places to work or what. But I got this text from her this afternoon:

"Btw, Hogle Zoo is hiring."

Hmmmm. A few thoughts ran across my mind. Some of them being, I don't even like dogs jumping on me why would I want to play with monkeys? Bugs scare me. I run away from butterflies, so that rules out the insect house. My gag reflex is extremely high. Elephant poop? I dry heave just thinking about it. Lastly, I think these zoo workers make minimum wage and they have to wear Khaki pants. We all know that khakis are abrasive. And if I'm going to make minimum wage I'd at least like to wear a pencil skirt. . .

measuring

2011-01-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

I was working in the fitting room Saturday afternoon when a man walked in with a British accent and asked me, "Would you mind measuring me for a pair of trousers." I didn't mind measuring his waist, that's not awkward...but then it came to the length. So I said, "Would you mind holding this up to your pants so I can measure you?" He was disinclined to accept my request and said, "Oh no dear, you're just fine. For those of you who don't know how to measure the length of pants, take a look at this video.

Here at Old Navy Gateway we have wonderful customer service :)

that's something I know not to do

2011-01-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

In the few days I've been a student at the University of Utah, I've learned a lot things. For instance, you actually have to work when you go to school. This is no Snow College. I've learned how to print a paper on their crazy printing system and I've learned that riding Trax is eco-friendly and full of blog stories. The most important lesson I learned though, is not one of the things I listed above. It is from what happened in my Communications in the Helping Process class:

Professor: "Okay I want each of you to say two things that are strengths or things that are unique about yourselves."

It got to me and I was kind of panicking because I wasn't entirely sure what I could say so I said this, which I now realize was probably a mistake...

"I'm Stefanie Royall and I wear my emotions on my sleeve because I don't think there is anything unprofessional about being human and...I'm a BYU fan."

I got yelled at and boo'd by the entire class!!!

Saying you are a BYU fan while in a University of Utah class is something I know not to do now.

social work

2011-01-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

Professor: "So, we're going to go around the room and I want each of you to stand up and say why you chose social work for your major."

Student #1: "I want to be a clinical psychologist and social work seemed like the best route to get there."

Student #2: "My Dad was a social worker so it's what I grew up with and it fascinates me."

Me: "I want to change the world." :)

10:00 on Monday

2011-01-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

The other day when I was driving to work, this thought came into my mind: "If I rammed into this cement barrier would I be injured enough that I could miss work for the next few days?"

After having reached this point of insanity where I was willing to physically hurt myself to avoid the Old Slavery; I realized that if I don't get a permanent break or cut down to a "weekend shift here and there" I will completely lose every ounce of sanity I have...

So I started applying for jobs.

At the time and day listed above I have a job interview! Yes, boys and girls, you have read this correctly. I have a job interview! It's the ideal job for me and it would work perfect, absolutely perfect, with my school schedule! So I am hoping and praying that I get this job!

Wish me luck!

Love.Love.Love.

a l o n e

2011-01-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I am a Bachelor fiend. I get so excited on Mondays for the new episode I can barely concentrate on work or school. It is a rare occasion when you can learn something on a reality t.v. show such as this one. But in the first episode of this season, Brad was speaking with one of the girls and she said, "Something my mom always told me is, It's better to be alone than to be with someone and wish you were alone."

That is the best thing I've heard in a very long time. It is a lesson I learned this past summer and finally have a saying to go with it. Thank you Bachelor for enriching my life.

let there be light

2011-01-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

The last time I decorated my room I was 14. It was pretty cute for a 14 year old but the older I got the more I realized how heinous the neon pink walls were and how pathetic my wall "dedicated to cheer" was. So I decided it was time for, in the words of Ally, a "grown up girl room." I have moved across the hall to the biggest room down stairs and have a completely blank canvas to work with. So I chose gray, hot pink and black with some zebra print for my theme. I'm painting my walls, "Dolphin Fin" by Behr and I'm going to have little accents of hot pink every where and of course, some zebra! So I was at my new favorite store, Hobby Lobby with my sister when we found this lamp. I instantly fell in love...

Khaki's

2011-01-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

NOTICE: from here on out I will most likely refer to my job as the Old Slavery. Due to the recent letter that was posted saying we couldn't bad talk Old Navy or it's employees on a public venue. Who knew that this blog was reason enough to get fired? :)

I was in the back section of women's, trying to hide from my manager who kept assigning "fun" projects for us to do and I was ~~eavesdropping~~ listening to a customers conversation with her friend. It went something like this:

Customer one: I really want some khaki's for work. I am so sick of wearing black slacks.

Friend: Some of the meanest people I know wear khakis. I just find something really abrasive about khakis. So I don't think you should get some...

I had no idea that "mean" or "abrasive" people had a specific pair of pants they wore. This probably could of saved me a lot of grief with professors, church leaders, friends, customers, etc.

Here's to a New Year!

2011-01-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

If you're over the age of 16, you know that most the plans you make will fall through and things won't turn out how you thought they should. Fortunately, through your own personal experiences you'll soon learn that while things may not turn out how you expected, they will turn out better than you could of imagined.

I'm hoping 2011, will be the second part: things will turn out better than I can even imagine.

My theme for New Years Eve 2010 was, "2010 can suck it." While some of you are reading this thinking how inappropriate it is to say that, I mean it. So stop being surprised and read on.

2010 went from okay to bad to terrible in a complete hurry. While it would be easy to focus on the negative of 2010 (because there is a a lot of negative) I am choosing to let go of the bad and look at the lessons learned:

Things will happen in your life that you can't stop. But that's no reason to shut out the world. There's a purpose for the good and for the bad.
Have hope.
Don't wallow in self pity. Mrs. V. once told me, "I would love to sit on the couch and just cry with you but we can't do that. Life is to be lived. There is someone out there that needs you that you're neglecting because you're focusing too much on yourself."
Trying to think logically is foolish for me. If I just follow my heart, I'll never go wrong.
There are people who will come into your life and will inevitable bring you down. Disengage from those people, they're no good for you. You deserve to surround yourself with people who see the good in you, embrace it and help you strive to be better.
People will be mean, sometimes intentionally and something unintentionally. Most of the time they are speaking out of anger or hurt. Just remember, you are better than the criticism they ignorantly throw out at you.
No matter what happens in life, God is good.

These lessons take some people years to learn. I am blessed and truly honored to have been able to have trials that have helped me learn so much. I hope and pray that 2011 will be filled with joy and happiness and that Heavenly Father will guide my life in the right direction so each year can be filled with more joy and more happiness.

"It's a new year. A new beginning. And things will change." --Taylor Swift

Santa Claus

2010-12-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

I was driving to work and was kind of in a hurry. As I neared the car in front of me their license plate caught my eye: "Mr. Claus" As I went into the left lane to pass them, I looked towards them only to see the jolly old St. Nick and his wife driving down the 215.

Later on as I was at work a man who was not dressed as Santa Claus but had a resemblance to his bright red cheeks, his big belly and long white beard came into my register line. The first thing he said was, "Merry Christmas! Would you like some candy?" I declined at first but he laid down a piece of candy on the counter for me. He was buying piles and piles of gloves and when I asked who they were all for he winked and said, "for all my elves."

Sir, I'm pretty sure you are the real Santa Claus.

Oh, you crazy Salt Lake City-ians, I have missed you.

chapter ending...

2010-12-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

"You're gonna miss this. You're gonna want this back. You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast. These are some good times. So take a good look around. You may not know it now, but you're gonna miss this." --You're gonna miss this by Trace Adkins

After 2 1/2 short years it's time to move on. I'm closing a chapter of my life. In the song quoted up above Trace Adkins says, "You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast." Isn't that the truth? I've had a lot of lessons learned, met some amazing people, and experienced college to the fullest. My heart is so full of gratitude that I could come here to one of the most amazing places in Utah and be able to call many of these people my friends. It's going to be incredibly tough to leave this place.

Some of my favorite memories:

The icing fight with Annie

Leaving a note and cookies for Trina.

Bringing the couch into the breezeway to eat cereal every night

Driving to Richfield for Wingers with Annie and Kelsey and singing Crush by David Archuleta the entire time.

The huge hole in the wall from Isaac, Nate and Mike.

Irish Dancing with Emily.

Emery County Trips :)

The stray dog Kelly brought into our apartment. Brittany, Kelly and I tried so long to take pictures with him.

Climbing the water tower with Shay and Brandee.

Delivering food to that random stranger with Kels, Britt and Kelly.

Shopping trip to Provo with Britt

Going to the temple and crying over boys. haha

Popping all of Katelyn's Balloons when she got asked to some random dance

Shehawing

The Puppy Chow fight with Brittany and Lindsey

Cheering with Shakell for Brittany taking her test

Tuesday Toast

Donut Thursday on Wednesday with Darrick and Sarah

Hot Tubbing at Snow Gardens

Having Gary save me after passing out at the football game

Pranking the Lion House

Flouring People with Klary and Talya

Burger King runs with Brook

Driving around Provo with Kels singing Don't Stop Believin' by the Glee Cast

Talking in our crazy voices for hours

Dance parties for hours in our kitchen

"Air humping orange croquet"

All my kids I tutored

Getting shots with Klary

Taking pictures of Roy with Talya

Lola dating Toby

Stealing the kick ball from the street and Kelsey seat belting it in

After staying up all night and then going to class, coming home and watching Salina t.v. with Britt

Bowling with Skyler

Getting pulled over dressed as Hannah Montana

Stats with Jan Cragun

Going to Richfield with Sarah

getting sssshh'd in the library and yelling, "go to the third floor!"

oh my, every single day has a memory for me to laugh or cry at. I will never forget Snow and all the good people I have been privileged enough to get to know...

you are braver than you believe ♥

2010-12-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

In all fairy tales there is a hero. In fairy tales the hero is brave, fearless and everything in between. They fight a long battle and at the end of the story they are happy, they're with the ones they love and no wrong can happen again. This small part of the entire story is something that has fascinated me. We all dream of when we're going to be the hero. When that small piece of bravery will sink in and we'll be able to end our stories with a, "and they lived happily ever after."

I think most of us live with the fear that we won't ever get this chance of bravery or fearlessness; but I'm here to tell you that you've already been a hero. You are the hero of your own story: "I believe that it is worthwhile to remember that you are the hero of your own story… and so is everyone else on the planet. Billions of hero's, fighting their own personal battles and creating their own mythology each and every day."

Being a hero isn't slaying dragons, it isn't conquering a town, it isn't even making a lot of money.

I think being able to finally pull yourself away from a relationship that isn't good anymore even though you know it'll hurt is heroic. Getting hurt and then finding strength from it is a way to be a hero. Believing in love even when it seems like it's not out there is heroic. To be a hero you laugh at your mistakes, move on and try harder the next time around. Being a hero is being able to change your attitude so your circumstances don't overcome you. Being a hero is being brave enough to try something new but still being scared to death. Being a hero is dancing to your own music and not being controlled by anybody around you. Being a hero is being as you as you can be and not allowing that to change.

So, try something new, finally give someone that over-due apology, fall head over heels in love and have no inhibitions, stop fearing the unknown and remember that we're all fighting battles hoping that we'll be able to say, "And I lived happily ever after"

We're all the heroes of our own stories. It was once said by a dear friend, "there are moments in our lives where small acts are heroic."

the break-up

2010-12-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

“It really changed my life. When we split up, something changed, permanently, in me. My heart sort of broke that day, and it will never be the same.”

It's been 3 1/2 months and I finally feel like I can just let it go. I finally feel like I can talk about it without getting that lump in the back of my throat. I'm not entirely sure why I chose to share my story through this venue but my hope is that someone, anyone, will read this and find strength from it if they are in the same situation I found myself in just a few months ago.

3 1/2 months ago I broke up with the person I thought I was going to marry. We dated for about five months and by the end of the second month I was convinced that within a year or so I would be living my happily ever after with him. Heavenly Father had another plan for me though. I began praying for guidance with our relationship and started really praying to know if he was the right person for me to be with and vice versa. I got my answer and it was not what I wanted to hear. So I ignored it. I thought maybe it was just my mind, that I was just scared to grow up, etc. So, I continued to pray hoping I'd get a different answer but to no avail. Since I had gotten an answer and didn't change according to it; I changed. He never did.

I'm reminded of a story I was told right after we broke up, "An old man and his wife are walking out to his truck. He opens the door for his wife like he had done all the years they've known each other and walked around to get in on his side. As he climbed into the truck she asked, "Why don't we sit by each other anymore? We use to not be able to go a second without being close to one another." The old man looked at his wife and said, "I never moved."

Now, it's a difficult thing to go from being with someone you think you'll marry to being absolutely alone. One thing many people have failed to remember is that just because I did the breaking up, it doesn't mean I wasn't still hurt. It was a very difficult thing for me to do because I know he is such a good guy. He comes from an amazing family who I absolutely grew to adore and that only made it harder. I do believe though, that we will both find people who can make us way happier than we ever could of made each other. I really believe that.

It was Marilyn Monroe who said, "I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

One thing that has been very hard to work through is I know I hurt him and his family. He didn't see it coming at all, in fact nobody did. In Taylor Swift's "Back to December" song she says, "So this is me swallowing my pride standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night."

So, to him and his family: I am sorry. I am sorry for hurting you. That was not my intentions at all. I do want you to know though, that I know I made the right decision and I am fully at peace with it. I think the world of you and your family and wish you guys the best.

So this is me letting go. I'm tired of feeling bad for a decision I know is right, I'm tired of having to explain myself, I'm just tired of hanging on to this.

I'm moving on.

they can't be serious...

2010-11-27T23:29:00.000-07:00

It's black Friday and in the two short hours I'd been working I had already reached my wits end. I was exhausted from all the chaos and commotion and was ecstatic to be sitting down for my first break of my shift. As I sit at our break room table, contemplating how happy I'd be if someone caught the whole building on fire, and eating stale m&m's, this poster catches my eye:

Now, I'd like to say that I'd rather slit my wrists and do push ups in salt water but that seems a bit extreme. . .

Old Slavery

2010-11-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

The first and only job I have ever had is at a little old place called Old Navy. If you are still blatantly unaware of the fact that "Old Navy" is just a code name for insane asylum then prepare yourself now because in a matter of seconds you will become painfully aware of where I have chosen to make myself a living.

Example 1: Our name tags went from saying "Stefanie: Having fun since 2007" to "Stefanie! I'm here to help!" now they say, "The gift of: Stefanie." Does that not sound like I'm ho'in myself around the Old Navy?

Example 2: Each manager has a few hours a day where they LOD (Leader on duty). So when they take over they get on the walkie and say something like: "Hey this is so and so and I'm your LOD for the next few hours." Instead my manager today says, "Hey this is ______ and I'm your LOD for the rest of the night. If there's anything I can do to make your stay at Old Navy a little more comfortable just let me know." (I adore the people I work with! They are all hilarious which helps keep us all somewhat sane.)

Example 3: "Do you guys not have a fitting room?"

"Pardon?"

"Do you guys not have a fitting room?"

"No, we all strip down in the middle of the store. Don't be shy."

"Do you see that BIG, red ~~arrow>~~ that says fitting room?

"Oh yeah! Sorry"

yeah, you should be sorry. . ."Oh no worries EVERYBODY does that :)"

Example 4: "Are your mannequins for sale?"

No they are not for sale. What are you wanting to do with a mannequin?

Need I say more?

Example 5: "I can help whoever is next over here!"

Customer: "over where?"

What do you mean over where? You follow the blue lit up 5 with yet again another red ~~arrow>~~...

"Okay mam, you're going to go to the Texaco station, take a right. Go five and a half miles south-east until you see a guy in a yellow poncho his name is hank...that's where you go. And you have ten minutes to get there or we take your" clothes.

Please, let's get real.

Make a Difference

2010-11-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

An old man was walking along the beach at dawn when he noticed a young man ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea. Finally catching up to the young man, the older man asked, "why are you doing this?" The young man replied, "If the starfish are left until morning they will dry up and die."

The old man replied, "The beach goes on for miles and there is millions of starfish. You can't make a difference."

As the old man walked away the young man looked at the star fish in his hand and said, "I make a difference to this one."

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know. The only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." -- Albert Schweitzer

life.

2010-11-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.

I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.

I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.

I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.

I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.

I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." --Marjorie Pay Hinckley

The Delta Boys

2010-11-11T00:12:00.000-07:00

My second year at Snow I met some boys who upon meeting them I didn't realize they would change my life; but somehow each one of them found a special place in my heart. These boys I speak of are the Delta Boys: Nick, Jacob and Justin.

As many of you know, I am leaving Snow College after this semester. Earlier this evening, Nick and Jacob were just at my apartment and right when they were about to walk out the door I got a lump in my throat, my test started tightening up and I was fighting so hard not to cry. As I looked at these boys I realized once I leave I probably won't see these boys for awhile. This is a hard thing to accept for me.

These boys have made me laugh hysterically causing me to fall to the floor. They have given me the best advice I could ever ask for. They have willingly come and given priesthood blessings to me and my room-mates. They have listened to my tangents or my rants when I'm "fuming angry." These boys have changed me for the better.

I'm forever grateful for the Delta Boys. I love them more than they will ever know and have so much gratitude for them. So thank you Delta Boys for changing my life, being some of the best friends I could have ever asked for, and helping me get through college. You boys hold a special place in my heart.

Justin, Jacob & Nick

Jacob, Nick, Justin

Nick :)

**These pictures are courtesy of Nick's facebook page**

bsw

2010-11-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

"Stop thinking in terms of limitations and start thinking in terms of possibilities." --Terry Josephson

When I went in for my meeting with one of the advisers in the department she kept telling me how hard it was to get into this program. She said many people have to apply two or three times. That me not having a certain class could really limit my chances. My "little" amount (300 +) of volunteer hours wasn't sufficient and I should consider taking a semester to get more volunteer hours. That many people who don't make it in simply drop out because there is no point in school if you are not in this program. Oh and not to mention they only accept 35 people every semester so it's very competitive.

Needless to say, I left that meeting feeling so inferior and feeling like I had zero chance of getting into this program. I applied anyways and I worked day and night on my resume and personal statement. Everything else was out of my hands. I kept telling myself though, if I can just do my best on these then that is all that matters.

After weeks of not hearing anything from the program I slowly started thinking that I didn't really have a chance of getting in. I accepted my defeat. I chalked it up to a good learning experience and prepared to change my major from Social Work to Sociology.

Then I got a phone call from my beautiful Mom:

"We have a letter from the Social work department at the U." I quickly told her to open it, "Stefanie Royall, we would like to congratulate you for your acceptance into the Bachelors of Social Work Program."

The joy and gratitude that filled my heart was unreal. I got in on my first try!!!

So starting January 2011 I will be a student in the Bachelors of Social Work Program at the University of Utah!

I am soooo happy. Dreams do come true.

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." --Eleanor Roosevelt

family

2010-11-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I absolutely adore my family? It is a rare day when I don't thank Heavenly Father for giving me such an amazing family. More pictures to come <3

In stake conference today one of the speakers said, "I am so lucky that Heavenly Father hand picked my family for me because they are my rock and my everything." I would have to say I feel exactly the same way.

Here's to you Natalya Parkes

2010-11-05T01:00:00.000-06:00

You'll often hear me saying, "she/he is one of my best friends." Natalya Parkes is one of those best friends. We met in a class down here at Snow and the first time we hung out we just clicked. It was like I had been friends with her forever. She's been there since day one and I consider her one of the biggest blessings in my life. She has been a shoulder to cry on, a prankster to get in trouble with, a listening ear, someone I can laugh with until we fall down, someone who has taught me not to care what people think, one of the most loyal friends I've ever had and above all, I'm myself with her, I'm as real as it gets because I know without a doubt not a negative comment or judgement will come out of her mouth.

Natalya Parkes, you make my life better simply by being my friend.

Thank you.

Here's to you Natalya Parkes.

humankind: be both.

2010-11-05T00:33:00.000-06:00

You know those days where you have so much on your mind that by the end of the day you're just as tired as if you had run a marathon? You are thinking about anything and everything and not a thought passes through that you don't give your full concentration to?

It's been one of those days.

Why do people have to be mean? What does someone get out of tearing someone down? Does it truly make someone feel better to humiliate another?

I find these things to be very frustrating. I have said it before and I'm sticking to it now, the power of simple kindness can change your life. Someone showing that they care will stay with you forever. Here's a story:

I bore my testimony in church this past Sunday. I talked mostly about having people in your life that help you recognize your light and the power of the atonement. In my testimony I spoke of the song, "Innocent." Part of the lyrics say, "It's alright, just wait and see. Your string of lights is still bright to me. Who you are is not what you did. You're still an innocent."

After the meeting ended Anna Peterson, my neighbor and friend, walked up to me and didn't say a word; she just hugged me. Afterwards I was so choked up I could barely mutter a thank you. This is the epitome of simple kindness. This whole week I've reflected on that gesture and my heart is so full of gratitude for it.

"Dear Baby, I hope someday somebody wants to hold you for 20 minutes straight and that's all they do. They don't pull away. They don't look at your face. They don't try to kiss you. All they do is wrap you up in their arms and hold on tight, without an ounce of selfishness in it." --The Waitress (2007)

Challenge for the next week: Do something for someone without an "ounce of selfishness in it."

crayons...

2010-11-03T19:43:00.000-06:00

"Life is like a box of crayons. Most people are the 8-color boxes, but what you're really looking for are the 64-color boxes with the sharpeners on the back. I fancy myself to be a 64-color box, though I've got a few missing. It's ok though, because I've got some more vibrant colors like periwinkle at my disposal. I have a bit of a problem though in that I can only meet the 8-color boxes. Does anyone else have that problem? I mean there are so many different colors of life, of feeling, of articulation.. so when I meet someone who's an 8-color type.. I'm like, "hey boy, magenta!" and he's like, "oh, you mean purple!" and he goes off on his purple thing, and I'm like, "no - I want magenta!""

Newspaper

2010-10-28T11:45:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, I'm quite the push over. When the newspaper guy came to my apartment door at the beginning of the semester and asked if I wanted to subscribe, I originally said no. Sadly though, he talked me into it. Do I read the newspaper? No. Does any of my room-mates read the newspaper? No. Since we've gotten the paper does it just stack up in the front room, untouched? Yes.

So we decided to put all the newspaper to good use:

Yes, you are looking at what you think you're looking at. We successfully layered some football players door with tons and tons of newspaper. It was so heavy and as you can see took so much duct tape to hang up.

So when they had to leave, they would open the door and see the Deseret News.

The best part? They were in the front room the entire time we did this.

everybody's lookin' for love

2010-10-27T15:19:00.000-06:00

So Sarah, Natalya, Klary and myself decided we'd lend people a little bit of advice in regards to love. We took notes to the boys basketball team and the football team and left them hanging on their door. We also doorbell ditched them in the process to make it a little more exciting. These notes said something along the lines of:

"Let go of your inhibitions before you dry up like a prune."

"You walk a fine line between romanticism and sex appeal. Don't be afraid to take the plunge, you might surprise yourself."

"You are a sexual magnet attracting men from all four corners of the world. Pace yourself."

Did we get chased? yes.

Was it hilarious? yes.

Will it probably happen again? most likely.

We just want to help the love life of some Snow College Badgers.

I think it's broken. . .

2010-10-25T13:26:00.000-06:00

So I'm that girl who breaks everything. . .

No, I'm not clumsy. . .

I just break weird things: like my room-mates plate, and the library hole punch and parts of people's houses.

So, the other night after dropping off my sister I decided I was going to stop and get gas so I wouldn't have to do it on Sunday. I pulled up to the Sinclair, a little nervous, because I'm in the WVC; pronounced dub v c. If you're not gangster/hard core enough to know what this place is, it's West Valley City.

I start doing my normal routine of getting gas just like every other normal person: paying, putting in my zip code, hitting credit, then choosing my type of gas. When I pull the pump out, this huge plastic thing falls on the floor, there is this black rubbery thing around the nozzle and this huge spring that is incredibly hot to the touch. So I instantly get embarrassed and start panicking...

I had already put my card in so I switching pumps is out of the question. So I just started dismantling these objects on the nozzle. Once I pumped my gas I put the nozzle back into the pump and all of a sudden this horrendous beeping starts and the screen says, "pump error. please shut down"

I got my receipt and jumped in the car and left....

what was I suppose to do? I was in a panic.

The Boys of Fall

2010-10-22T21:00:00.000-06:00

"Country music to me is heartfelt music that speaks to the common man. It is about rela life stories with rather simple melodies that the average person can follow. Country music should speak directly and simply about the highs and lows of lfe. Something that anyone can relate to." --George Jones

This.Is.Amazing.

awhile ago...

2010-10-16T10:25:00.000-06:00

Okay, so my dear friend Ashley that I cheered with in high school introduced me to the marvelous task of driving with my knees while eating cereal. Who knew that you could accomplish so many things at once? Driving, getting to your destination, eating, getting full, etc! It's a fabulous thing.

So during the summer I was working 30-40 hours a week so work consumed my life. One particular morning, I was running late for work and poured myself a bowl of cereal, jumped in the car and got on the freeway. I was listening to the morning show on 97.1 and it just so happens that they wanted to have people call in and talk about the craziest thing you've ever seen someone do in a car...

All of a sudden I hear this guy say, "You guys will never believe this, there is a girl right next to me eating cereal!" So I look over to see a guy in the car next to me, on the phone, pointing at me and laughing. So I throw my cereal down and hurry and speed off! Danger boy says to the caller, "That is so dangerous! How is that even possible! Save your cheerios for home!"

Okay Danger boy, it's very possible. I do it almost every morning...

And they were frosted cheerios.

you're acting weird...

2010-10-05T11:59:00.000-06:00

So I'm driving from my parent's house to my apartment and I realize this car is right even with me as we're rounding the point of the mountain. This is something that really bothers me so I try to speed up but they stay even with me...

Finally I look over and this guy with this huge Santa Clause beard is smiling at me and waves. He then proceeds to speed up and the back of his window says, "Baby on board."

What is wrong with the world?

um, why would you say that?

2010-10-05T11:53:00.000-06:00

I'm Stefanie Royall.

Sometimes I don't act my age

I cuss.

Sometimes I'm selfish.

Yes, I miss institute and save all the institute numbers as "Don't answer this."

I'm out of control.

I don't handle stress well.

I wear my emotions on my sleeve.

I trust too quickly.

I am ~~mildly~~ very dependent on my parents.

But, in spite of that....

I care about people.

I want to help people.

I love my family so much.

I appreciate the humor in life.

I'm as loyal as they come.

I want everyone to be happy.

I believe all things spiritual (not religious) can unite us.

I want to be kind.

So in the words of my girl Marilyn, "I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at me worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

In the words of my fabulous mom: "I'm so sick of mean, judging people."

Check yourself Mary...

"the only one who could have cast the first stone, didn't..."

2010-10-05T10:43:00.000-06:00

Just a thought:

In the General Relief Society Broadcast President Monson relayed this story:

"A young couple, Lisa and John, moved into a new neighborhood. One morning while they were eating breakfast, Lisa looked out the window and watched her next-door neighbor hanging out her wash.

"That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t know how to get clothes clean!”

John looked on but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, Lisa would make the same comments.

A few weeks later Lisa was surprised to glance out her window and see a nice, clean wash hanging in her neighbor’s yard. She said to her husband, “Look, John—she’s finally learned how to wash correctly! I wonder how she did it.”

John replied, “Well, dear, I have the answer for you. You’ll be interested to know that I got up early this morning and washed our windows!” "

For some reason this story has weighed heavily on my mind. I have applied to get into the BSW program at the University of Utah and I had to write a personal statement. One line that I wrote not even thinking much about it at the time was, "Instead of saying people get what they deserve we should be saying they're doing the best they can."

A great lesson I've been taught in the last few years is that instead of judging someone, you should just love them. Because when they reach their rock bottom, they'll remember that through it all, someone cared.

So the challenge for the week is: See the good in everybody and instead of judging them for what they're not, remind yourself that they're doing the best they can.

we're going to uncity-fy you...

2010-09-30T12:28:00.000-06:00

This weekend was so fun! Ally came down to good ol' Sanpete County and hung out with Sarah and I. We went four wheeling, horse back riding, hiking, etc. We even visited the famous Big Rock Candy Mountain. Ally claims she could live in the country because she doesn't even mind the smell of horses. For now, I'm going to stick with Salt Lake ♥ But this weekend was great nonetheless

i'm actually from charleston...

2010-09-28T15:22:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday night my room-mate and I decided we wanted to watch Sweet Home Alabama. As you're probably guessing, it made us start speaking in southern accents. Unfortunately, I don't know when to stop apparently because now a ton of people think I'm from South Carolina and constantly comment on "how cute my accent is." Want to hear my bio?

Stefanie Royall from Charleston, South Carolina

I went to North Charleston High School. Go cougars!

Grew up on Empire Street.

I moved to Salt Lake in the middle of my senior year because my Dad got a job in the jail here.

I miss South Carolina.

I say "real nice" about everything.

Whenever people try to talk like me I say, "Are you makin fun of me?"

The hard part about all of this is this particular night I became friends with a boy from Bathe, England and a boy from Australia. It's very hard to keep up a fake accent when someone has a real one around you.

Now it's particularly difficult to remember who I've lied to. So, Sarah is constantly hitting my arm saying, "This boy knows you with an accent." So I quickly smile and say, "Hi! how are you doin?" :)

Thankful Thursday

2010-09-23T15:29:00.000-06:00

So for those of you who don't know, I'm currently getting my stuff together so I can apply to get into the B.S.W. program at the University of Utah. So today, I'm thankful Thursday for the insane support of my family! They have been nothing but supportive through it all. Reading and re-reading my paper and resume and getting their friends to read it. I am so grateful that I have such an amazing support group! I absolutely love my family. I would be so lost without them!

elementary to junior high

2010-09-19T23:07:00.000-06:00

You know that feeling when you leave elementary and you take your first step into junior high? Isn't it weird how that scary feeling creeps back up into your life? You get half way through junior high and you think, I will never have to feel that way again. But in all actuality you are just fooling yourself; because it's the same feeling when you leave junior high to go to high school. It's the same feeling when you go from high school to college and unfortunately it's the same feeling when you transfer from snow college to the university of utah.

It's always so easy to talk about your plans. When they are actually put into action that's when it starts getting scary. I currently go to a school where the campus is not even a block wide, the teachers live about three blocks away and say, "if I don't answer my cell phone just swing by the house" and there are only 3,500 students at the school. That's pretty close to the size of my high school. So going from high school to college didn't seem scary. Today, I came home for the weekend and saw my acceptance letter to the U sitting on the counter. . .

It feels so real now.

And I am absolutely terrified. . .

"Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will..." --Hope Floats

"Inhale, breathe steady, exhale like you're ready, if you're ready or not..."

2010-09-19T18:23:00.000-06:00

About a month ago I went and saw Eat, Pray, Love. Within the first seconds of seeing the preview for it I instantly knew that was a movie I ~~wanted~~ needed to see. In the movie Liz (Julia Roberts) goes to an old building in Rome. She says, "A friend took me to the most amazing place the other day. It's called the Augusteum. Octavian Augustus built it to house his remains. When the barbarians came they trashed it along with everything else. The great Augustus, Rome's first true great emperor. How could he have imagined that Rome, the whole world as far as he was concerned, would be in ruins. It's one of the quietest, loneliest places in Rome. The city has grown up around it over the centuries. It feels like a precious wound, a heartbreak you won't let go of because it hurts too good. We all want things to stay the same. Settle for living in misery because we're afraid of change, of things crumbling to ruins. Then I looked at around to this place, at the chaos it has endured - the way it has been adapted, burned, pillaged and found a way to build itself back up again. And I was reassured, maybe my life hasn't been so chaotic, it's just the world that is, and the real trap is getting attached to any of it. Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation."

Many times people, places and experiences force you to look at your life and say, "something needs to change. This is not the life I was looking for." After seeing Eat, Pray, Love, as cheesy as that sounds, it kind of inspired me.

I'm sick of being a people pleaser. I'm sick of fearing that I'll hurt someone's feelings or not say exactly what they want to hear and sugar coating it. I'm sick of making everyone happy before myself. Call me selfish, but it's time I focus on myself and do the things that make me come alive. The thing is I'm very happy right now with my circumstances, environment, etc. But I want to be fully in love with life. How many people can say they are in love with life? I don't know if many can...I want to be one of the few.

"Balance is not letting anyone love you less than you love yourself."

This will be an interesting couple of months...

I'm excited ♥

Week in Review

2010-09-17T11:34:00.000-06:00

This week I:

Jumped up and down on that couch yelling, "He won! He won!" After Justin Bieber won a VMA for Best New Artist.

Got in trouble in my Geography class for listening to Justin Bieber too loud. . . Yeah, I'm in college.

The next morning danced all the way to class to his song, "Baby." When a boy walked by and said, "Justin Bieber is gay." I just lost all self control and said, "You're gay! You're just jealous because Justin Bieber is so good looking!"

When I was asked, "You name is Liz, right?" All I said back was, "Heaven's no." Then walked away without even telling them my name.

Made the decision that I'm not white. So when asked on applications if I'm Caucasian, Asian, African American, etc. I'm going to check "other" and write tan. Thank you Jersey Shore for changing my life.

I danced in my footie pajamas for a complete stranger

Offended a girl in my Social Psychology class because I JOKINGLY said "If I flash a boob can I get an 'A' on my test?" I know mom, that is so inappropriate.

I rode my razor scooter to class alone and ran into the whole basketball team. Where one of my friends said, "Stef, why are you riding that scooter?" I'm a child at heart.

I hiked to the S with the science department and was called a science nerd...

Went to the funnest baseball game I've ever been to. All the girls in the stand sang the entire time. Songs from Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, etc. Made me so happy.

Although this week seems so minuscule to everyone reading this. I'm so grateful for it. This week has been rough but amazing at the same time. I am so happy.

"I love life. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing." --Agatha Christie

serious?

2010-09-12T23:31:00.001-06:00

I'm sick of people asking why.

I'm sick of people telling me I'm wrong. When in all actuality you're in the wrong for not respecting my decision.

I'm sick of people telling me to fix my mistake. It never was, never has been, and never will be a mistake.

I'm sick of people saying "I don't understand." . . . You probably never will and quite frankly, I don't give a damn.

I'm really sick of people anticipating the day it will go back to how it use to be.

I've got news for all you people...

It won't. . .

Back off.

With a little love and a lot of bitterness,

Stefanie Royall

you're being followed

2010-09-07T20:47:00.000-06:00

I was walking to the gsc (greenwood student center) this afternoon and I was just in my own world; just completely consumed by my own thoughts and not really focusing on anyone or anything I passed. I had one head phone in listening to "never alone" by Lady Antebellum and I don't want to say I was being paranoid but I kept thinking that if someone came running up behind me I probably wouldn't hear them. So all of a sudden I hear someone quicken their step behind me so naturally, I quicken mine. They kept walking faster and faster and I was truly getting freaked out. Keep in mind it's noon, I had no reason to be scared. So finally after being in a Grandma power walk for a few seconds and debating if I should just burst into a full out run; I flipped my head around to see the a man in a black ski mask! No not really, it was just one of my friends and he looks at my like I'm completely insane and says, "Whoa! don't worry, I'm not trying to rob you Stef."

I'm so foolish ~~sometimes~~ most days.

Never Alone

2010-09-07T00:05:00.000-06:00

"May the angels protect you. Troubles neglect you. And heaven accept you when it's time to go home. May you always have plenty, your glass never empty and know in your belly you're never alone. May your tears come from laughing, you find friends worth having with every year passing they mean more than gold. May you win but stay humble. Smile more than grumble and know when you stumble you're never alone. Never alone. never alone. I'll be in every beat of your heart when you face the unknown. Where ever you fly this isn't goodbye. My love will follow you, stay with you, baby you're never alone. Well I have to be honest, as much as I want it, I'm not gonna promise the cold winds won't blow. So when hard times have found you and your fear surrounds you wrap my love around you. You're never alone. Never alone. never alone. I'll be in every beat of your heart when you face the unknown. Where ever you fly this isn't goodbye. My love will follow you, stay with you, baby you're never alone. . ." --Never Alone By Lady Antebellum

I really wish life would stop throwing me curve balls or at least give a mitt to catch them.

Ash Mcbash and Stu Adventures

2010-08-24T18:51:00.001-06:00

My really good friend Ashley moved to DC and joined the Navy right after high school. I hadn't seen her in two years. So after our cheer reunion we decided we'd get together Saturday morning and have an adventure. It was soooo fun. I miss this girl! She's so great and has been a very good friend to me since we left high school. ♥

our purchases from Sally's

We were really mauling over a hat purchase...

Stepped over the red movie theatre fence to take a picture with the cardboard cut outs...

We're rebels.

Cheer Reunion ♥

2010-08-24T18:36:00.001-06:00

My junior year of cheer was absolutely amazing. If I could go back, I probably would. So last Friday we had a little cheer reunion with everyone from the 06'-07' Taylorsville Cheer Squad. It was AMAZING to see everyone. It's weird how we're all growing up and moving on; but when we're all together we all just instantly click. It's great.

Ash and I haven't changed a bit...bahahaha

The team ♥

Miss these guys...

legitimate

2010-08-24T18:24:00.000-06:00

So my name is Stefanie but most everyone calls me bad ass...

I went WAKEBOARDING for the first time last week :) At first, I was totally not going to do it because I was terrified...but I decided to cowboy up and live a little...

Yes ma'am...I am plugging my nose I don't know how to hold my breath without doing that.

Almost up...

I know...right?

I had a blasty blast! Shoot, I can't wait until I can do it again!

The Same

2010-08-15T20:41:00.000-06:00

Someone has the same secret as me...

Post Secrets ♥

Whip it

2010-08-09T23:43:00.000-06:00

One of these hats need to be on my head, pronto...

I want one so bad.

867-5309

2010-08-09T23:23:00.000-06:00

I'm at work and I get these three guys in my line who are those people who think that just because you're wearing a name tag that gives them the right to say your name at the end of every sentence. I hate that. Don't call me by name if you don't know me...

I hurry and ring them up because their buggin, bad. When a few seconds after they leave one of them comes back and says,

"I just refuse to leave here without your number."

I reply back, "Oh, sorry! I have a boyfriend."

He says, "Oh, no! totally friendly, I'm not looking for anything."

After thinking for about a second I say, "801-867-5309." :)

"Jenny, Jenny, you're the girl for me. You don't know me but you make me so happy. I tried to call you before but I lost my nerve. I tried my imagination, but I was disturbed. Jenny, I got your number, I need to make you mine. Jenny, don't change your number,8-6-7-5-3-0-9, 8-6-7-5-3-0-9..."

Things I Learned in California

2010-08-04T15:04:00.001-06:00

1. If the wind is blowing at about 50 mph and you grab hold of the beach umbrella, you might fly away just like Mary Poppins

2. Getting buried in sand is never a good idea.

3. Racing someone on dry sand is one of the most impossible tasks. It hurts your leg muscles like the dickens.

4. Sitting on a horse that goes in circles gets you nowhere.

5. June gloom was in July for 2010. Who knew it could be overcast every day in sunny California.

6. Apparently you're not suppose to feed the birds. Nobody told me that before I gave a seagull a piece of my sandwich.

7. Sitting at a dead stop on the freeway for 30 minutes is normal

8. Getting your flip flop stuck in the wood boards of the pier will cause distress...

9. It's not hard to be epic when everywhere you turn there is a mural or a fence that has graffiti on it. Your only job is to stand there.

10. Last but not least, during my week in California I saw a woman driving with a chicken on her lap. A woman with two parrots in her car and a man riding a bike with a bunny in his basket. I don't know if this qualifies you for the car pool lane. But it's something to look into. I learned though that your car ride never has to be boring if you have a rodent, a farm animal or an exotic bird with you.

I'd rather play Bongo Beat

2010-08-04T14:46:00.000-06:00

My family was in San Diego, California for a little over a week. One of the days we decided to go to Mission Beach. While we were walking along the board walk Ally asked, "can I play that game?" It is the game you see in the picture below called 'Bongo Beat'. The point of the game is to hit the little circles that pop up and every time you hit one of those your monkey above moves. Whoever has their monkey reach the top first wins. So you need a minimum of 3 players. My dad said he'd play with her and Zach and I didn't want to. We did rock, paper, scissors and I won so Zach had to play. Now, you think that's the end of the story but Karma came and gave me a round house kick...big time.

So after eating lunch Ally asks if she can ride the carousel. My parents said someone needed to go with her and my mom volunteered me. Saying, "Since you didn't play the game with them earlier you have to go." So I bucked up and got in line...oh wait, there wasn't one because we were the ONLY ones on the carousel. Slowly but surely the music came on and we started going around. I was so embarrassed that we were the only ones on there.
Upon waiting for the carousel to start I asked, "Does this horse make my butt look big?" I swear it looked huge...My mom said, no. But she's my mom so she has to say that.

Slowly the embarrassment kicks in. And every time I went by my family I said, "I'm embarrassed! I'd rather play bongo beat! Get me off!"

"I'd rather play bongo beat."

So embarrassing.

83401

2010-08-04T14:39:00.000-06:00

A few weekends ago I got to go up to Idaho and see Braden. First off all, I had so much fun! I went with him and his family to their cabin in Island Park. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL up there. Not to mention I have never had so much fun with one family in my entire life. I don't know if I've ever laughed as hard as I did up there. I love love love the Jenkins Family.

Braden and I at the Falls!
Braden and I went to dinner with two of his buddies he's going to Iraq with and their wives. They were so much fun. Luckily, Mike and Trevor approved of me. haha! But you can't see Jess and Mike very well because the waiter taking our picture had some serious issues with the camera.

All of the Jenkins except for Tom! This was right before we went to float the river! It was so cold but then got so warm! It was a blast! Left to right: Keynan, Jason, Brittany, Braden, Valerie, Me, Amy, Janece, Ashley and Sara!

I'm so lucky to know this family!

He is We♥

2010-07-02T00:12:00.000-06:00

A few months back my room-mate Sarah introduced me to the group 'He is We.' I instantly fell in love with their lyrics and sound. They're amazing. So when I got a text from Jenna telling me about the show they were putting on here in Salt Lake of course I agreed to go. The show was FANTASTIC! Like one of the best ones I've ever been to. I had sooooo much fun!

Me, Jenna and Kylee going to the show!

He is We ♥ Jenna and I while they were playing. It was really hot in there!

This is when she sang one of their more popular songs,"Happily Ever After". I'm still in awe of how good they were! It was so great!

Polls

2010-07-01T23:51:00.000-06:00

On June 22, 2010 I was a poll worker. I repeat, a poll worker, not a pole worker. No, I was not stripping, I was doing elections. I had to get there at six a.m and I was there until eight-thirty p.m. It was a long day, but the money was good and the company was even better.

I worked with Hal, Diane and Missy. I really liked everyone I got to work with but Hal and I seemed to be friends right off the bat.

Hal was born on 11/22/33. One of the rarest birthdays in the world (at least that's what he tells me). We clicked quickly and talked pretty much the entire time. Before meeting him he had a conversation with Diane that went a little like this:

Hal: I tried calling you last night and you didn't answer. I even left a voice mail. I hate that.

Diane: *smiles* I know, I hate it too.

Hal: No, I really hate that.

He made me laugh right off the bat and I even picked up his little saying of, "I hate that." He is easily one of the best people I have ever met. One hour we didn't have any voters and after sitting in silence because all of us were reading he looked at me and said, "Stef, whatever you do in life. Make sure you're happy. I have based my entire life on that and there hasn't been a moment where I have looked back and regretted anything." He is definitely someone I'll remember.

The day went by slowly but we got some interesting people. One specific guy kept howling. Like a wolf whenever we said anything he liked. It was really awkward but it took everything I had not to laugh right out loud everytime he did it. After he left, Hal and Missy look at me and in unison they said, "Well he was different."

All in all, I really really really enjoyed myself. So much in fact that I'm doing it again this coming November :)

slow me down

2010-06-23T22:55:00.000-06:00

I love finding songs that can say exactly how I feel...

Currently, this is how I feel. So I am ~~extremely~~ mildly obsessed with this song.