Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Eight Days of Chanukah - The Cali Brenner-Epstein Version...

Sung to the tune of, "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

On the first day of Chanukah Laguna gave to me, a bungalow on Third Street.

On the second day of Chanukah Laguna gave to me, two flippy floppies and a bungalow on Third Street.

On the third day of Chanukah Laguna gave to me, three close airports, two flippy floppies, and a bungalow on Third Street.

On the fourth day of Chanukah Laguna gave to me, four fish tacos, three close airports, two flippy floppies, and a bungalow on Third Street. 

On the fifth day of Chanukah Laguna gave to me, five apartment rooms, four fish tacos, three close airports, two flippy floppies, and a bungalow on Third Street.

One the sixth day of Chanukah Laguna gave to me, six local mountains, five apartment rooms, four fish tacos, three close airports, two flippy floppies, and a bungalow on Third Street. 

On the seventh day of Chanukah Laguna gave to me, seven days of sunshine, six local mountains, five apartment rooms, four fish tacos, three close airports, two flippy floppies, and a bungalow on Third Street.

On the eighth day of Chanukah Laguna gave to me, eight months of summer, seven days of sunshine, six local mountains, five apartment rooms, four fish tacos, three close airports, two flippy floppies, and a bungalow on Third Street.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Scrunchy the Elephant

Meet Scrunchy... your typical Californian elephant.



He's pretty chill, as you can see by his demeanor and facial expression.  And his shoulders - he looks so relaxed!  The tusks look a little intimidating, but don't be scared.  It's all for show; he won't hurt you.  

Scrunchy recently moved to California, and not until he made the trek did he believe that the move was good for his health.  There's a lot of sunshine to warm his skin daily, sand to sift between his toes, and new sports that he could try.  He's really good at beach volleyball; the trunk helps in that department.  Paddleboarding - not so much.  (He doesn't really like talking about the paddleboarding experience, so you'd be better off not bringing it up.)  And he was doing these things all by himself, which reminded him how lonely he was.  If only Scrunchy had a friend. 

One day Scrunchy was walking down the street, enjoying a sbucks and a chocolate croissant, when something beautiful stopped him dead in his tracks.  Was this another California elephant sitting on the bench on Forest Avenue?  For all he knew, he was the only elephant living in this California town and was just starting to accept the fact that he may never find an elephant friend, confidant, or even a possible companion.  Scrunchy needed to explore the possibilities.  He knew he was a good looking bull, so he settled down and started flirting.  His job, at that moment, was to woo this beautiful piece of trunk. 
Who could turn down that flirty face?  Her name was Dolores, and my was she perfect for Scrunchy.  Scrunchy approached and ask her out.  And she said yes!  If Scrunchy had his way, he'd be jumping for joy...

...but this elephant had to keep his cool.  He knew that if he let it all show, Dolores would think he was such a dork!  So, he stayed fly.  They exchanged numbers and he told her he'd pick her up at 8.  And as he walked away, all Dolores could think was that she was the luckiest elephant in California!  I mean, who could say no to the cutest elephant in town...especially one with the cutest lil tush EVER!


The End.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

(10 Things that) I am thankful for:

The rest of this blog post needs to be prefaced with the following:

The list below is in no way inclusive of everything for which I am thankful.  This is a good sampling of the things that came to mind while writing this post.

1.  I am thankful for the fact that I have found the love of my life and have begun the next chapter with him in California.  We tell each other every day that we are so lucky - not only for having this opportunity and making it work but to be able to experience it with each other.  This experience is helping us build a strong foundation for our future...and we're loving every minute of it.

2.  I am thankful for knowing that even though I am far from the ones I love, specifically my family (including extended family and the friends that I consider to be family), I know that I am in their hearts and that they are constantly in mine.  Being far from everyone is hard, but I'm so thankful that just because I'm not around doesn't mean I'm any less loved. 

3.  I'm extremely thankful for my health.  I'm and the healthiest I've ever been in my entire life.  To follow up with that, I am so happy to be with someone who supports my endeavors to lead a healthy life.  Additionally, I'm thankful that I no longer have to pay for weight watchers.

4.  More so than my health, I'm thankful for my parents' health.  As I get older and realize how much I want them involved in my adult life and my future children's lives (NOT PREGGERS!), I'm appreciating the fact that something clicked and they are making an attempt to be proactive about their health.  I'm so proud of their progress - I really think it's going to prolong their lives. 

5.  I know this is lame, but I'm thankful for Facebook.  Wah wah wah... Before you all groan, here's my reasoning.  For someone who was never good at picking up a phone to call someone to catch up, Facebook allows me to keep in touch with everyone I miss - half the time it's like I'm with everyone.  It allows me to stay connected and follow everyone's lives.  Without it, I'd probably "fall off the face of the earth."

6.  I'm thankful for my friends.  Even though I'm not with most of them all the time and that 3000 miles is between us, every one of them means something to me.  I appreciate all the help with keeping in touch. 

7.  I'm thankful for all of the new friends I'm meeting in California.  Thank you for welcoming me and Scott with open arms and including us in your social activities.  I can only speak for myself, but it's made California feel more like home when I needed it to.

8.  I know this sounds wacky, but I'm thankful for my healthy debt.  I know, who says debt is healthy?  Well, in a place like Newport Beach, where materialistic things often determine the type of person you are, it puts things into perspective.  Live within your means, and things will work out.  It's a reminder to not overextend... that we can be happy without the excess and I believe that is how Scott and I are going to live our lives - and it's refreshing.

9.  I'm thankful for my hard work ethic and my persistence to always do my best.  Not trying to toot my own horn or ring my own bell, but if it weren't for this, I would be unemployed.  I'm thankful that I'm my biggest competition and I strive to be the best that I can be.  Most people who don't share the same character trait (or flaw) often become complacent.  I see the challenges as goals that I need to accomplish, and I like that about me.

10.  I'm so thankful that I get to put on a wedding dress before Thanksgiving 2012.  Next Thanksgiving, I will be Stephanie Epstein.  I can't wait to put on that amazing dress.  I can't wait for Scott to see me in it.  I can't wait to celebrate with everyone I love... I just can't wait!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Labor Day Staycation 2011!

Scott and I wanted to go away for Labor Day weekend on a hiking and mountain biking trip at either Sequoia National Park or Kings Canyon National Park.  After seeing how outrageous a hotel would cost, we decided we could do similar things (if not more) on a staycation - hiking, biking, swimming, sight seeing, etc. 

With our activities mapped out to span the three day weekend and the reservations booked for a date night dinner out, we decided to take it one step further and look for a place to stay while "visiting".  We logged into www.homeexchange.com and found the perfect place (http://www.homeexchange.com/show.php?id=198203) and guess what - IT WAS AVAILABLE!  Just three blocks from the beach and to the center of town, how could we pass it up? We jumped at the opportunity!  The couple who exchanged with us were lovely people... :)

We documented our three-day weekend with pictures.  And if you're lucky, when you come visit us, we'll turn our staycation into your dream vacation (yes, I'm now a sales-woman who really wants visitors... so plan your Laguna Beach trip TODAY!)

Friday Evening:
  • Brownie Lovebug Madness: Scott and I checked in after a hard day's work at Temple Bat Yahm where close to 140 people showed up to Shabbat Under the Stars - about 80 people attended Shabbat dinner (craziness!).  To celebrate, we baked some reduced guilt chocolate brownies from Trader Joes.  We each then ate one.  (No picture to document Brownie Lovebug Madness enjoyment.  Just picture a pan of brownies and me and scott eating one... on a plate with fat free whipped cream.)
Saturday
  • Woke at 8:00am and headed to The Wedge to watch the surfers/boogie boarders play in 20-25 ft waves off the coast of Newport Beach.  Due to the winter storm off the coast of Antarctica, massive waves were hitting soCal up the coast and we were told that waves like this don't come as often as you would think.   We had to take advantage of checking out the sights.  Waves like this make you scared to go into the water ever again.  But- look how gnarley that is!!  And yes, that is a boogie boarder riding the wave in the last picture.


  • Next staycation activity was the farmers market.  A bonus about home exchange is that there is a kitchen!  It was time to stock up on produce.  For a weekend all about us, it's perfect that we bought heart plums.  Not only are they delicious, but they're super cute since they are shaped liked hearts!  
  •  
  • Now it was time for a little bit of fun.  The afternoon's activity was mountain biking.  We took a Laguna Beach Transit bus up to the Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park at the Top of the World and rode around the sandy mountain bike/hiking trails.  What a different experience biking on sand!  Much harder than biking in Frick Park.  We stopped along the way to take pictures of the sights.  Scott is so happy that I do these things with him and that I enjoy it.  The smile plastered on his face the whole time was priceless.  It was nice to get away from the materialistic Orange County to be surrounded by nature.  The trails were almost completely empty. Sadly, we didn't come across any mountain lions.  I still want to see one - from afar, of course. 
  • After mountain biking, it was time for lunch and a little r&r.  What better place for some relaxation than Main Beach - only 3 blocks away.  It was a little chilly near the ocean so hoodies and sweatpants were acceptable attire at 4pm.  Needless to say, we didn't go into the water, but sitting by the ocean reading a magazine was just what we needed after the mountain biking
  • Then it was time to shower and to make dinner in our staycation home exchange kitchen.  The gadgets this couple have are so fun to play with - they must be getting married soon!  We had a lavish meal of meat, couscous, and asian broccoli with a side salad.  Delicious!
  • We completed Saturday with a trip to the best gelato shop in Laguna Beach and a movie on the couch.  Of course, I fell asleep before it was over - as always.
 Sunday
  • We are so lucky to know the people we know through my job!  I work with some FANTASTIC volunteers who make my job worth it.  One of my favorite volunteers, Adrienne (and her husband Neal) gave Scott and I their Anaheim Angels Club seat tickets for the 12:35pm game.  Scott has been talking about going to a game since we moved here.  The game itself was low scoring - but the people watching was great!  Thank you so much for allowing us to check something off our "California To-Do" list, Adrienne!
  •  Following the game, since we were so close to walmart, we went to pick up outdoor chairs to match that table that we bought with the Federation gift card I received before moving.  They match perfectly!  O, and the shiny thing in the background - we'll get to that...
  • After getting back from the chair purchase, we went to the FREE Laguna Beach tennis courts to work on our game.  Scott and I have recently picked up the sport.  We're not good.  My game improves everyday and Scott can pretty much beat me every game because he has a good serve.  Gotta love these free activities!
  • Sunday night was spent making a delicious homemade pizza and playing chess... Another game Scott likes to beat me in...and if you know me, you know I'm super competitive.  Scott and I don't play chess anymore.
Monday
  • On the one day when most of the country has off from work in honor of Labor Day, it rains in Laguna Beach.  It was extremely unusual.  See, I think I figured out why rain freaks Californians out...  Hear me out.  The reason is because unlike the east coast, Californians don't have to look at the weather multiple times a day to know "what it's like outside."  Everyday, the temperatures are pretty much the same.  Scott and I have discussed that the reason the meteorologists on the news are so ditzy and dress like hussies is because it's not hard to say "it's sunny and 72 today and will stay like this for the remainder of the week" and the news needs some entertainment value for people to tune in - even if that comes from hooker meteorologists.  Regardless, it's not that Californians freak out when it rains as much as they are just surprised that it's precipitating.  It's a huge shock to them that it's ACTUALLY raining since "that never happens here."   This somewhat foiled our plans to go to the beach - but it wasn't a waste of a day. 
  • We made a pact that by the end of the weekend, we were going to buy outdoor chairs AND buy a grill.  If we didn't go out to buy it due to lack of funds, we were never going to.  We don't want precious grilling hours to pass right by, so we bit the bullet and bought one.  That is the shiny thing in the picture above.  It was pretty much half off.  It's a beauty.  
  • After assembling the grill, it had cleared up and was time to go to the beach.  I took a little power nap while Scott read - in our hoodies since the winds hadn't died down from the Antarctic winter storm.  We spent about 2 hours there.
  • After showering and getting ready, we headed out for our fancy date night at one of our favorite local affordable places.  It was delicious and a great way to end our holiday staycation.  
All in all, if you haven't caught on, we live in a really great town in a pretty nice state where there's so much to do.  We got lucky with the Angels tickets and all of the activities we did were free.  In all honesty, we could have had a money-free weekend since we had food in the house and if we didn't want to buy chairs and the grill.  We are extremely lucky to be in a place that is so community-friendly ... and the location doesn't hurt... :)

miss you all.  promise to write more often.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Happy Anniversary, Stephanie and Laguna Beach!

Today marks my one month anniversary living in Laguna Beach, California, and let me tell you - it's been one hell of a month.  Here is a list of some things that have happened, things that we've done, and some reflections.  O, and there's a fun video for you to enjoy.
  
1.  The first week here was great, but sucky, all at the same time.  It was great because for the first time in my life, I got to sleep in later than Scott for multiple week days in a row.  That never happened in Pittsburgh.  It was great because I got to run errands, be productive, and get acclimated to living on California time and the idea of actually living on the west coast.  I'm sure you're asking, "Steph, what about ANY of this is sucky? I mean, I know you haven't mentioned going to the beach everyday, but I'm sure you did that too, you lucky duck!"  Well, to answer your hypothetical answer - it was actually sucky for that reason.  Little do you know that I occasionally banished myself from going to the beach until I got a job.  I was pretty much punishing myself for being unemployed.  Sick, huh?  I was making myself miserable and putting so much pressure on myself that I didn't enjoy all that the beach has to offer.  

2.  I haven't talked about my job yet, so I guess now would be a good time.  Here's some background information.  I landed on Tuesday night with no job and had been beating myself up for it.  I had been looking for jobs since November 2010 and didn't get anywhere.  I knew that looking for jobs was going to be my full time job until I got one.  Well, two days after, I found a job on jewishjobs.com and I applied to a job at a Reform synagogue in Newport Beach.  I got a call three hours later asking if I could come in for an interview the following day.  I went to the interview - it lasted 2 hours.  I got an email on Monday asking about a second interview.  I went to the second interview on Wednesday - it lasted 2 hours and I was offered the position.  Thursday I called and accepted the position which was to start on July 1.  Needless to say, I was in California for a week and a day and had an offer.  Not too shabby!  I am currently the Membership and Programming Coordinator at Temple Bat Yahm Reform congregation in Newport Beach, California.  

3.  I made the video below.  Take a look.

4.  I got a job so I needed to get a California drivers license.  In California, you have to take and pass the written test.  I studied.  I passed.  No.Shock.There.

5.  The answer to the "friend" question is "kinda."  We're working on making friends. 

6.  Scott has had 2 friends come visit him already.  I'm pulling in zero.  Hey friends, let's get on that!  COME VISIT ME!

7.  There is a bird that lives near our apartment that is dyslexic.  I swear.  Every night, when Scott and I are ready for sleep around 11:30pm, the bird wakes up and starts singing it's little (or big) head off.  When we wake up to pee at 3am - the bird is up, having a ball.  It's like we're sleeping in a rainforest.  Needless to say, we've gotten used to it.  If you come visit, there's nothing we can do with it, so deal with it. 

8.  Sucks to be on the west coast when everyone else is on the east coast.  Just so you know, there is like 2 hours total that we can talk during the day.  We can talk between 8:00 and 8:30am when I'm driving to work (but then you're working since it's only 11:00am) and when I leave work before I get home to do evening activities which is usually 5:30pm-7:00pm (8:30-10pm your time).  That's enough time to talk to one person a day.  BUMMER!

9.  Scott and I had to go register for engagement gifts as requested by our moms and it was the hardest thing we've ever had to do.  It wasn't fun AT ALL.  Good news is we're still engaged and we still love each other even though the 5 hours spent in Bed, Bath, and Beyond, not including the extra hour rearranging the registry on the website, was HELL.

10.  I'm so tan my feet are tan. I wear at least 15spf sunscreen as mandated by Scott, and my feet are more tan than my face.  I know Scott doesn't care if my feet get wrinkly but he wants my pretty punim to remain wrinkle free.  On a similar note, it's very hard to tell how old people are in California for two reasons: 1.  No one takes care of their skin and they are very wrinkly, and 2.  60 yr olds dress like hussies.  Put some damn clothes on, grandma.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The person wearing the Steelers hat doesn't always want to be your friend

This may be the longest blog title known to man.  But, it's true.  The person wearing the Steelers hat doesn't always want to be your friend.  Do you know what that tells me?  That tells me that the person isn't actually from Pittsburgh.  Hearing that I am from Pittsburgh should generate some sort of interest in being my friend if you are, in fact, a Pittsburgher.  Seeing that you don't give a shit shows me that you are from California, pretending to be a Steelers fan.  LIAR!

But really, who am I kidding?  I lived in Pittsburgh for eight years and wasn't really a Steelers fan.  Yay Eagles!

Here's my problem:

Laguna Beach is a vacation spot made famous by the MTV reality show (I have never watched it, so I wouldn't know... *crickets*....)  Ok, Ok, you got me.  I re-watched the entire first season the first 3 days I moved here.  Like I was saying, so many people from all over the country (and world) come to California, specifically Laguna Beach, that it's hard not to spot someone on any given day wearing a Steelers tshirt or a Phillies hat. 

The good news is that I found a solution to preventing the urge of wanting to approach anyone wearing Pittsburgh or Philadelphia sports paraphernalia - get some of my own!  That way, interested parties would approach ME and I would engage in some friendly conversations and make friends.  I know many of you would suggest that I refrain from wearing my Eagles jersey, as that may cause some backlash and I agree.  The Eagles stuff stays inside 468 Third St. Apt B.

I've decided to put a rant about California in every blog post - something funny I've realized about the state of California or Orange County.  Below is today's.

As if the people weren't posh enough in the OC, California cars are too good for car washes at the local gas station.  Cars in California are taken to Car Spas.  I'm not even joking.  There is no such thing as a car wash.  Let's say I needed to give Harlem a bath.  In Pittsburgh, I would either go to the drive-thru car wash at the Exxon station at Forbes and McKee on my way home from work, go to the car wash at the Get-Go in Aspinwall or by Century 3, or go to the place with the hose in Wilkinsburg during daylight hours.  No such place like that in California exists - at least I haven't driven past one yet.  Scott went yesterday and he had to wait  40 minutes to have his car cleaned.  I told him I would appreciate the attention to detail but I could understand how annoying that would be if you were under strict time restraints.  Not only does it take 40 minutes, but it costs an arm and a leg.  Nothing in California is cheap.  NOTHING!

PS, I feel like I'm 16 again!  I have to take the written test at the California DMV to get a California license.  I'm going tomorrow.  Wish me luck!!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Help me Help YOU be my friend

Time and distance separate people.  Knowing this, I’m going to do all that I can to remain in touch with everyone from 3,000 miles away.  I know that there are certain things I can do to remain a super friend, but I came up with a list of things for you to work on while we’re apart.  Below is a list of “suggestions” or “recommendations” for continuing our relationship.  I’m not going to say that they are “rules and regulations” since that would be a little too harsh (even though that probably sounds like something I would write – seems fitting with my slightly controlling, obsessive personality.)

Top 5 Ways to Remain Super Friends

1.  Call me:   If you need me call me, no matter where you are, no matter how far.  Yes, and thank you “Stepmom” for making that song popular a few years ago.  But, what they forgot in that o – so famous song was the set time limits, so let’s do that.  Remember that California is on Pacific time which is 3 hours behind Eastern time… at all times.  We’re not confusing like Arizona which sometimes is 2 hours behind and sometimes 3 hours behind.  So, to remain a super friend, call me… after 10am est.  I love you dearly, but I don’t need to know how annoying morning traffic patterns are in Pittsburgh.  Same goes for night time.  I ENCOURAGE you to drunk dial me – even though we’re all at that age where none of us really drink anymore.  Remember that 2am eastern is only 11pm pacific and Scott and I could always go for a good bedtime story.  Likewise, I am awake for those 1am feedings, my mommy and daddy friends.  I can’t carry a tune but maybe the strange voice over the phone is enough to hold your child’s attention while you make a bottle if your spouse is unwilling to wake up to help. 


2.  Don’t Ruin my Shows:  I feel like there is no need to elaborate on this, but be careful when posting tv climaxes to Facebook since primetime tv happens 3 hours later on the west coast.  I don’t want my primetime routine ruined, super friend.  It’s bad enough that I’m not watching the Today Show live every morning and that it says “previously recorded” on the screen the entire time (Bastards.)  I know this is a lot to ask, but if you wouldn’t mind posting “Spoiler Alert” before any TV status updates on Facebook, I’ll know to skip over it when I’m doing my rounds.  That would be a huge help, super friend.

3.  Visitors Welcome:  Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, we’re so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside.  I encourage you to schedule time to come out to visit me and Scott while we’re living in Laguna Beach.   If you loved us when we were in Pittsburgh/Philly, you’re going to love us even more when we live 3 blocks away from the beach – with the Pacific Ocean (which I’m sure most of you aren’t that familiar with.)  Scott and I are fully aware that some of you may be using us for our “beach house,” and we are happy to let it slide, super friend.   We just ask that you give us a heads up of at least 24 hours before you ring the bell (actually, I don’t think our bungalow has a bell, so maybe you’ll have to knock.)  In return, we won’t ask for anything but maybe some Pittsburgh treats that we can’t find in California.  Or, maybe you’ll treat us to delicious fro-yo one night.  I just said fro-yo, super friend.  That’s what they say in California instead of saying frozen yogurt.  It’s probably because Californians are so relaxed and chill and they don’t have enough motivation to say full words... haha just kidding, Cali.

4.  Keep me in the loop:  Just because I don’t live down the street, come to work every day, sign into gchat at 9am eastern time, or make unnecessary trips with you to the Waterfront twice a week doesn’t mean I don’t care about you and what’s going on in your life (or the life of others.)  I’m just as interested in the gossip as I was before, if not more!  So, if something interesting happens that is juicy and fun to talk about, may I suggest that you write it down so you can tell me at a later date and time?  I will happily purchase a notepad and pen that is small enough to fit in your purse and/or back pocket to carry around with you on a daily basis.  Or, maybe you can just buy it and send me the receipt and I’ll reimburse you for it so I don’t have to pay shipping costs for a notepad.  I never want to ask you “What’s been going on? What have I missed?” and you respond with “o, nothing much. Same old ish, different day.”  That, super friend, is not a good answer.  I need you to keep me connected.  So, be my eyes and ears and keep my up to speed with what’s going on in your neck of the woods.  DISCLAIMER:  If you choose to buy a notepad and would like to send me a receipt for reimbursement, please wait until I become employed again.  Thank you in advance.

5.  Read my blog:  Paperback, paper back, paper, back, writer, paperback writer, writer, writer.  OK, that song’s intro is not an easy song to type lyrics for AT ALL!!  I know that I’m not writing a book, so the song doesn’t really fit with the title, but I couldn’t think of another song and I’m secretly hoping that one day this blog can be put in book form and sell millions of copies so I don’t have to worry about being unemployed.  With that being said, I’m going to try my hardest to keep up with this blog and not forget about it.  Coming up with content shouldn’t be too hard, as I except to do a lot of new and interesting fun things while being in this new place with Scott.  If you notice that I’m slacking on the blog, I need you to be the super friend that you are and remind me that I’m due for an entry.  This is going to be the best way to keep up with my adventures.  Feel free to subscribe and comment – it makes me feel good that people are reading.  I’m not only doing this for me, but I’m doing this for you.

So, here we are, super friend.  I’m in the beautiful state of California with my love.  I would like to share with you a line from the text message I received yesterday during my travels from my awesome, beautiful older sister, which made me cry even though she said not to:

“Onward and upward little girl.  It’s time to go on life’s best adventure.  No tears, only good things are in store for you.  Smile and go… tomorrow is the first day of your new life.”

Monday, June 13, 2011

An interactive blog post

A list of some things I remember from Pittsburgh.  I hope some of this makes you laugh.  If you can think of any memories that I forgot (and I know some of you will), add them in your comments...

20th Floor Tower B
8th Floor Tower B
Scotty the Hot Dog Man
Getting lost dahntahn
THE OC in 21st Floor Lounge
11 Shots of Bankers Club (oy)
Pitt Football games
Random roadtrips to Ohio
Taco Salads at Eddies
Concerts at Laga
O Fries
PDE
Horrible costumes from the costume closets
Antoons
KFC late night biscuits
Marketplace/Seaside
Black Velvet
Smoregasm
Light Up Nights
19th Birthday on Ward Street
Horrible obsession with jager
FPC
PIST takes over Tremblant
"When I think about you I touch myself"
Falling asleep on toilets at PDM
Greek Sing(s)
Bid Nights at the Union
Movies in the park
My Bat Mitzvah video
37 minutes of my 21 birthday
Spring Break for old people
Oakland Avenue Halloween Party
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Boom Boom Room
Margharita Mamas Thursday night curfew
Porch sitting
Hookah on Atwood
Hookah @ Jackie's
Genes Place
Sunday night cartoons at Genes
Tuesday night G-door Karaoke
Geriatric power hour
Karaoke at Spice
Mr. Big "To Be With You"
Sorority Senior bar crawl
Mixers
Laying on Oakland avenue
Jumping on stage with the band at Peters
Halloweens at Kappa Sigma
All parties at Kappa Sigma
4 in 1 cake plate
SouthSide bar crawls
Dancing on the bar at Town Tavern
Boom Boom room
Red Lobster on McKnight Road
Birthright Israel!
Memorial Day weekends in Maryland
Vodka and Latkes x 3!
Milkbag
Mooooobies
Deck sitting
Brashear Street
Kennywood mullets
Ribfest
Food Chain
Ohiopyle
Passovers at the Farki's
Red Oak Cafe
Oakland Chinese buffet
Noon walks in Schenley
First Fridays
Surprise parties
The Fed

Monday, May 30, 2011

I still stalk my fiance on Facebook

I do.  And I have no shame.  He knows I do it.  He does it too - he just doesn't blog about it.  Actually, I've been told it's no longer stalking now that he is, in fact, my fiance.  I'm still going to refer to it as stalking since I believe it adds some sort of fun dynamic to our relationship.  So, I stalk my fiance on Facebook.  There's nothing there, he doesn't post anything exciting, but I stalk. 

Let me also tell you that he's one of the first to read these posts, so he is going to LOVE this intro. 

Last week was termed "Steph Week" at the Federation.  It was my last week employed...  I almost wrote "at the Federation" after "employed," but really, it doesn't matter since it's true regardless.  I am now... unemployed.  Before I talk about my unemployed future, I'll talk about my most recently employed week.

Monday wasn't anything special.  It was my last marketing meeting and my last supervision.  From the moment I began working at the Federation, I used both as platforms to talk about my feelings on a weekly basis.  My co-workers and supervisors always seemed invested in what I had to say.  Funny that the last time I had an audience, I didn't really have much to say.

Tuesday was my goodbye breakfast.  I told myself, and everyone, that I wasn't going to cry and I was fine.  Emily got up first to talk.  She kept it short and sweet so she wouldn't start crying.  Then Ellen spoke.  She also kept it short and sweet - no tears.  And then it was my turn.  Within the first few words, which I think were "I started working here when I was 22 as a professional staff member," I started crying.  I gave warning though.  I did say "Ok, I'm going to cry now" before I started.  I think most people appreciated the warning. 

Wednesday was my goodbye lunch.  A group of us went to Elbow Room for some grub.  As I was sitting there, I realized that Elbow Room was the first place that I went to on an outreach when I first started working at Federation.  Like everything else, it had to go full circle.

Thursday wasn't anything special, and then came Friday, my last day at work.  I was campaigning all week for a pajama day on Friday.  I thought I would give it a shot and even convinced people to join my campaign team.  Well, that didn't happen (no surprise there), but the next best thing happened... a jeans day.  I love jeans days.  Friday, I had my exit interview with the ceo, a last chance marketing meeting which ended in a song which made both me and marilyn cry, saying goodbye to those that wanted to say goodbye, and about 1.5 hrs of angry birds.  It was a great last day at work.  I couldn't have asked for a better last day.  I held it together too.  I didn't cry until I turned off my light.  The moment that it flicked off, I broke down.  

That brings me to now - the evening before the first day back to work after a three day weekend.  Everyone who has a job is dreading the return to work tomorrow.  I, on the other hand, am excited for tomorrow, when I will play with my nephew all day long.  I mean, why not?  He's cute and I have nothing time sensitive to do tomorrow.  So, I'm going to push everything off a day and I'm going to save Will and Shannon $30 by watching Holden tomorrow. 

Thought for the day:  Change is really hard.  Venturing away from familiarity is hard.  No one said that change is easy.  I'm moving across the country.  I have no job.  I HAVE NO JOB! I'm extremely nervous about not having a pay check.  Me being the rational individual that I am, I know that love and rainbows and pixie dust and fairies can't pay the bills.  They don't buy food and they don't make your car run... but, we'll make it work.

And, I'm beginning to understand that complacency is worse.  Where would I be in five years if Scott and I didn't make the decision to try something new?  Honestly, I can use the challenge.  

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

You ARE NOT going to believe this

Seriously.  You're not... unless you knew about it beforehand. (Long blog, it's worth the read.)

Let me set the scene for you.  Saturday afternoon, beautiful day in Pittsburgh, one of the last few weekends that I'm still going to be living in the Pittsburgh area.  The following is the day from my point of view...

I set my alarm for 7am on Saturday morning.  People don't do that 'just because', in case you are wondering.  Not on a Saturday. Shannon and I were participating in a 5k walk on the North Shore.  Tangent: Of course we decide that these types of community events are fun one week before I leave.  FANTASTIC! Boo.

By the time we finished the walk, it was about 10am.  Not only did we decide to go get breakfast at that point since I had only eaten a banana and Shannon only had a granola bar, but we decided that the place we absolutely had to go to was IHOP.  I hadn't been to the IHOP on the way to the Waterfront yet and obviously my life would not be complete unless I made a visit before I moved out of town.  Tangent: The last time I was in an IHOP, I was wee and I think I threw up in the dining room.  I didn't even make it to the bathroom.  You can ask Dr. Barry for the details, but I can't promise you he will remember.  It's safe to assume that this is the reason why I haven't been to an IHOP since.


So, we get Holden, the stroller and us into the car and I navigate Shannon to 376.  At that point, we're happy, we're laughing, we're driving in the hamster car on a gorgeous day and BAM! - stuck in a flippin' traffic jam.  At first, our response is, "aw man! This stinks!"  Then we get hungry and after 5 minutes of not moving, in addition to Shannon's road rage kicking in, our happy, fun moods turn sour.  We convinced ourselves it was the Raptor.  (Yes, like the dinosaur.)  At that point, Holden is the calmest one in the vehicle - and the reason is because he has an awesome obsession with his thumb.  Tangent:  I'm so excited that my nephew sucks his thumb.  It's seriously one of the cutest things I've ever seen in my entire life... next to the elephant butts at the San Diego Zoo and the little wee chipmunks that live in Schenley Park. 

Finally, Shannon, Holden and I make it to IHOP.  It is now 11am.  In my attempt to make a long story short, I'll skip all of the details about our IHOP trip except that Shannon and I received our order around noon and almost each ate 1.5 meals.  My plan for the day after breakfast was to go home, pack up a few boxes, shower, and get lunch with my two friends/co-workers, Heather and Marilyn.  They had asked me a few weeks ago to go out with them before I moved away.  We decided on Joe Mama's and we were meeting at 2:45pm.  Marilyn had asked if I wanted to carpool, I said sure.  She was picking me up at 2:30pm.  Fabulous.


Get in the car, drive to Oakland, park on Oakland Ave and walk into Joe Mamas.
Hostess says, "Yes, I just seated them upstairs.  Follow me."
We walk up the stairs, she points the the side room.
And I see people I know.  Hmm, that's weird.  
And then I realize that I know every single person in the room.
And then I hear them all scream "surprise."
And then I burst into tears. 


I'm not sure that's what typically happens when a group of people scream "Surprise!" but I couldn't do anything but cry.  Tangent:  It's been determined, since then, that I'm actually a pretty crier and it makes me cute and endearing.  Bonus points for Steph.


My friends threw me, and actually attended, a surprise going away party.  Supposedly, this surprise party has been in the works since Shannon was on Maternity Leave with Holden. To give you some perspective, she went back to work in March. 

My reaction and feelings on the subject:

Tangent:  I like to talk about my feelings.  If you don't want feelings, this is not a blog for you to read.  

I can't believe that I had no idea that this was actually happening.  I can't believe that Shannon spent all morning with me and didn't ruin the surprise at all.  In addition, I can't believe that she got home, picked up my brother with the cake, changed Holden and headed back to Oakland in such a short time.  I can't believe that I balled like a baby about having to leave Pittsburgh.  I can't believe that I have such awesome people in my life and I'm going to have to live without them being near me physically when I'm in California.  It's a hard concept to grasp - the leaving part - but I know that I will always have a home to come back to as long as my "Pittsburgh family" members are here. 

Tangent:  For those of you that were there, I completely forgot to say how excited I am to leave.  I'm so excited.  I'm going to be with Scott.  But when touching things like this happen, and I get worked up, words don't always come out the way I intend them to.  So yes, I'm extremely sad that I'm leaving the people that I've met and have grown to love dearly and if I could take you all with me, I would, but being with Scott right now is a top priority.   

 Lesson Learned:   I am loved.  Thank you for loving me.  And you are going to miss me, hands down.  Don't forget me.  And actually, I'm not that worried because I know I won't let you forget about me. 

But remember, while you're sad because you're going to miss one person - I'm missing everyone I'm leaving in Pittsburgh... and that's a lot of people. 

Friday, May 13, 2011

Every chapter must come to an end...

...and this has been one hell of a chapter.

It seems fitting to start at the beginning, even though it's often helpful to start at the end and work backwards.  I apologize if I jump around a bit, but just know that I'm trying my best to keep it in chronological order.

This chapter is titled, "Pittsburgh."  I arrived in Pittsburgh a little girl and I'm leaving Pittsburgh a semi-responsible, still extremely young woman.  That's right!  This girl got her big break outta here! (Attempt 1 at starting at the beginning - FAIL.)

Ok, attempt number 2 to start from the beginning:

I arrived in Pittsburgh in 2003 - 17 year old.  I came to Pittsburgh with my dad's name on my mac card.  I came to Pittsburgh to start college. I came to Pittsburgh to be a doctor.  I came to Pittsburgh knowing who I was as a person. 

ERRRR! WRONG!

Ok, my dad's name was on my mac card and I did want to be a doctor when I first started at Pitt.  I thought I knew who I was as a person, and I was actually comfortable with the person I had become, but in reality, I had no friggin' clue who I was.  4.5 years of meeting new people, trying new things, getting my heart broken, making mistakes, growing a pair and taking on the world.  Joined a sorority - never thought I'd do that.  Became the President of that sorority (bet you didn't think I'd even hold a leadership position.)  Graduated!  I stayed in Pittsburgh!  What?!  William says it's because I can't live in a place that he's never lived before, since I followed him out to Pittsburgh.  I got a job!  A real person's job.  A job where I was considered a "Professional."  This was when I was 23.  23 YEARS OLD and I had an assistant.  Poor Ann for having to deal with a kid who had no idea of what it meant to have an assistant.  And then they liked me so much that I was promoted!  Praised and promoted - in a job that I love... in a place that I love... with people that I absolutely adore.  What else could a girl want?!

Well, what does every girl want?  A boy.  Well, in November 2009, I got that too!  Scott, the love of my life, asked me out on a date and that date changed my life.  Fast forward to today.  I know exactly the type of person I am and love how I've turned out.  My own name is on my bank card and on all of my credit cards (that I'm proud to say I pay off all by myself.)  I finally have my great life and I have my sh*t together and now...

My "Pittsburgh" chapter must come to an end because Scott and I are moving to Laguna Beach, California!

That's right!  Actually, not completely.  He's already there.  He's made the move.  I, on the other hand,  will be moving in a few weeks so that we can start our lives together.  I forgot to mention a big part of this - he's my fiance!  We're getting married Sunday, September 2, 2012.  So not only are we going to be living in California, we have to start planning our wedding!

So, this entry is to set the scene.  Emotional reactions are soon to come.