It's been awhile...

Sorry for the gap in posts. I haven't been all that busy which leaves little, or nothing, to write about. Life is good. I like Memphis, still. I know in my last post I breifly mentioned moving. Well, Dustin finally made the decision. He wants to move.

We went to Nashville this weekend and drove separately so Dustin could work on the Saab. Well, while stopping at a small gas station on the way, he noticed the emblem on the hood was fading. Most of the bright blue has vanished from just one summer in the intense Memphis sun. Then, there are the cracking bumpers... this alone was enough to convince Dustin that he needs/wants an attached garage! So, Camden Grove Apartmetns, here we come!!! (And Mr. Bud --- you'll be home soon!)

As mentioned, we went to Nashville this weekend but I have been sick since Friday night. The Tennessee flu. It's powerful enough to deserve to be a sentence. Three children have died from it (not in my center) and 14% of the children from my center were out sick last week. I have stayed home the past two days - using sick time during this flu season. I hate the flu. I have lost the fever, but I still have the weakness and tiredness. My ears hurt. My tonsils hurts. My throat hurts. I hurt. I know I will be better soon, though, so no worries! I NEVER used to get sick this often ... but this has been a rough winter for me in the way of colds and the flu.

My parents were fortunate enough to escape the cold of Illinois last week and head to Miami. How unfair is THAT? Nevertheless, they REALLY needed to get out of that cold, windy, icy, stormy, bland state! They love warmth and water - so Miami was perfect. I know it was a great escape for my dad who tends to get Seasonal Affect Depression (Disorder) ... S.A.D. They had to board the kitties while they were gone though ....

The place they boarded Mr. Bud actually had the nerve to call him AGGRESSIVE. If you know the Mr. Bud you know that he does not have an aggressive bone in his body! The only time I have ever heard the cat HISS was when chased or provoked by the evil vacuum machine. (Also, a bath may prove to be a little too traumatic - but that only causes yells of desperation, no hissing or aggressiveness!) Now, he does not like to be caged up ... so he may have gotten cranky if they gave him NO attention! This is a cat who has seen 6 different veterinarians and has never once been called aggressive. These are vets that have cut him open, taken him apart, and changed his SEX! He did not hiss or fight them, even after the operations!!! I am so upset that my cat got no attention while away ... he should have been here with me and I would have taken care of him!

... On a new note ...

This coming Friday (Feb. 29) is the annual Unoffical Celebration at the University of Illinois. Last year I had to miss it because of work. This year, be prepared! I am coming back!!! It will never be the same as two years ago (it was in the lower 70s and sunny), but I know it will be a good time. So many people are coming back for the occasion and I cannot wait to see each and every person!!!

Finally, check the photo-of-the-day later this evening!!! I will finally be back!!! Are you ready?

First Day

I started my "new" job today! I use quotation marks because it's not a new job persay . . . I have done this job for the past year (and had classes for the past few years). I like the children so far, although they are testing me a little bit. I, being somewhat used to entering a classroom as a stranger, am used to children trying to learn how far they can push me. However, Graham kicks butt! He's a cute little three year old who did not test me ONCE! Blone hair, blue eyes and cute smile... I'm sure he's ROTTEN! ;)

I cannot wait to learn more about each of these children. I am very tired tonight, as I had gotten quite used to my January work schedule . . . working 8:30-12:00 was quite nice!

Then! I called Lori tonight and had a chance to "check" up on the old crew. I miss those guys a lot. And what's more precious than little Ava getting on the phone and saying brightly, "HI PEPPY!" I really love her... she melts my heart. If only I could be in two places at once, but alas, I cannot. I have others I need to call and I will .. Amber, Mom, Grandma ... I need to call you all!!!

I hope I get a photo up tonight. Other than that, I'm out. I'm tired. Love y'all!!! (OH! And if I start to develop a slight southern twang - I hope you don't mind. I'm fixin' to try not to... lol)

I made it!

this is an important day for me ... i realized something - although i don't know how long i've been there..

i made tbdc! ;) that's an awesome thing --- thanks todd. but for the 1000th time... it's stef - with an "F"... sheesh! STEFINE. STEF. but i'm happy with steph - it's toddbey.com!

today... we are going apartment hunting (kind of). we're not really hunting. we're checking out a place we really seem to BOTH like - and trust me, that's huge! it's a great price with a garage ... a garage! the 'stang will be safe!!! so we'll have to check it out ... here, you can check it out to! check out the pics and such - and let me know what YOU think. ... .maybe i'll take some pictures if they'll let me too! :)

but come on - a garage, pet friendly, private entry way, small yardage area ... nice! maybe we'll like it - maybe we won't! it all depends on the visit today.

we've also toyed around with the idea of a downtown apartment - i mean, how awesome will the festival in May be if we could just go HOME instead of a hotel!!! but the area surrounding downtown is not so great and there aren't the conviences there are in cordova and other surrounding memphis areas... so we don't know --- we'll see. but i like the idea of downtown still (and it's close to the river -which would really help my photo-of-the-day site and inspiration)!
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also - staying true to my "beliefs" ... GO KEVIN!!! You can make it back to back Daytona wins, right? Show the Hendrick organization that they CAN be stopped!!! (I feel like my NASCAR love will fit in much better down here - at least I hope so!)

It's been one week ...

First, let me apologize for going a week without posting ... It's been a long week and I must say that I have neglected this part of my life just a little. Is it sad that it became a part of my life? I don't know - I like to write, so I will say no.

The past week has been great. Last week, around this time actually, I arrived in Memphis. The car was fully loaded - stuffed with trashes and treasures! Things that I could NOT leave behind were all in my car! (I couldn't leave behind the Mr. Bud - but I unfortunately was forced to) I also had to leave behind my big pink stuffed elephant. He's cute ... but large. He missed his ride. Maybe next time.

It was funny really! Dustin had told me earlier last Saturday (around 12 or so) that he was "cleaning." I figured it wouldn't be much, but I still thought he might clean something! HA! I walked in and it was like a bomb of clothes had exploded across the apartment. Not to mention, he has about 3 or 4 months (at least) worth of daily newspapers strewn about the entry. (He's recently went to a Sunday only subscription ... probably a good idea!) But I was here ... finally. Without shedding a tear.

Then night came and it was time for bed. I cried then. I miss my mom and dad. They are amazing. I cannot believe they are so far away now! When I was in school - they were only an hour away - now they're 6 hours away. It's a totally different feel. I also do not feel at home yet. Memphis is not home... I am not a Memphian. Maybe someday ... but not yet. I still feel like a Farmersvillian to tell the truth. You know the Kenny Chesney song, "Back Where I Come From..." Well Kendal and I used to always put in "Farmersvillian" in place of "Tennessean" ... The irony! Now I'm a Tennesseean!!! I just don't feel like it yet...

I have cooked dinner for Dustin, went grocery shopping, done the dishes, washed the laundry, and organized (some). I hate to organize too much right away because we're contemplating a new apartment company, seein's how this dump decided to raise rent by 24/mo! It's only a 1 bed/1 bath place and they want 825/mo! They are nuts! We've researched a bit and have discovered that 2 beds/1 - 1.5 baths are actually cheaper. So yeah... we're thinking about a move!

Until then, I just sit and wait for Monday. I start my job then ... and I cannot wait. I saw the classroom on Tuesday and it seemed GREAT! The children were playing so nicely and quietly and the room was so perfect. It will be extremely different being in a classroom again - not to mention one that is separated from the rest of the classrooms! I do miss Ava quite a bit and think about her every day. I cannot believe it's been nearly two weeks since I last saw her pretty little face and smile. I bet she's talking even more than she was!!! Maybe even using the potty? I don't know ... but I love her and miss her like family. These three year olds I will be with will be great and I am positive I will fall in love (I do that easily). BUT, they will NEVER be Ava.

Keep an eye out for new photo-of-the-day stuff... I've slacked there too. I've been busy with adjustment - but soon! :) Ciao!!!

Less than 24 hours...

So, after 24 years together - I have less than 24 hours left with my parents as "roommates." I must say, I am quite sad. I've tried to hide it - and I think I've done a pretty good job at it. I have no reason to hide it, but I think I was trying to spare feelings for my mom and dad. I'm a daddy's girl and my mom is my best friend. If I was strong and excited, it would make them feel the same way! I now see that there is no logic behind that line reasoning because it probably made me seem as if I wasn't going to miss them. Over the past 24 years, we have been through so much together. They think that I've turned out to be an amazing person and I'm thrilled that I have made them proud. But seriously - they do not give themselves nearly enough credit. They say they weren't good people - but bad people don't raise good daughters! They have always been patient with me (and if they weren't patient, they probably had reason not to be!). They have always respected me and my personal space - and I am a very difficult person with everchanging boundaries - I mean, for 3-4 years, I would barely hug either one of them. Hugging still isn't big - but it's also no longer an ISSUE. It used to be an issue...

I am a very lucky girl. Even as I sit here, with so little time left, I watch both of them sound asleep on the couch and I miss them already. I'm still here - but I feel like I have already moved. So many memories come to mind when I look back. Most of my memories start in Illinois. I remember 9th street and Nora like yesterday. In Springfield, I became my dad's little slugger... we'd go outside and play catch together (although mostly I was chasing the ball because I couldn't catch and my dad was chasing the ball because I couldn't throw). I remember telling my third grade teacher that my dad would not ALLOW me to do my homework (that's why it wasn't even started...). They called my parents. I got in trouble ... But before school - if I was up and ready to go by 7am-ish, then I would get to go to Mel-o-Cream. Best donuts! Even better than Krispy Kreme ... Sometimes I even got McDonald's breakfast burritos.

Then, they made me move... I didn't so much mind once I got settled in. Nora Street. Farmersville. Kyle Harvey. He was my neighbor and my best friend ... we spent all of our time together. My parents loved him and his older sister - so I spent a lot of time there. When I was at home, we share our time with Chance - the best Lab in the world (at that time). This was the first all girl's sleepover, tent party I ever had ... and well, last. But I will NOT go into the embarrassing details - let's just say I referenced Adam and Eve to try and get out of trouble!

Then we moved again - to Studebaker Avenue. So many memories ... this is where I spent most of my years growing up. This is where my parents really began to shape who I am today. We had nearly all of our fights and disagreements in this house. We lost many best friends (animals) here. My parents allowed me to date for the first time while living in this house. I got my first curfew here and I got driven home after drinking WAY too much here ... I made new friends and became a little bit more "cool" here. But what is "cool?" MY PARENTS. They were cool. I got my first car here (and it was followed by many more). I had my first real relationship at this house and he was welcome at any time (until he "broke my heart."). Then - he wasn't welcome because my dad doesn't stand for the breakage of my heart ... what dad would? I left for college ... I came to visit ... Dustin came to visit ... a gun was brought out ... Dustin stuck around.

Now, we're back in Springfield - where it started 18 years ago. I wish could remember California - but I cannot. So for me, my memories with my parents begin and end in Springfield, Illinois. They don't end, but they do change from here on out ... now I will be visiting. I will not be "living" here. Tomorrow I leave and head for a new place - somewhere new and in uncharted territory. My parents will always be wonderful people and they will always be a part of my life - even if its from 400 miles away. Their opinions matter to me and their opinion of me will always remain the most important. I love them. When I think of them, I think of a song sung by Faith Hill...

Daddy take me with you
I promise I'll be good
Daddy, this is next time
And momma said I could

Sittin' in the front seat ridin' down town
An icecream cone
I'd wrap him around
My little finger
Tighter then my baby could

You can make a tear go a long long way
When you're daddy's little girl

Well he tightened my bike chain from 7 to 13
Taught me to drive when I was a wild thing
Reached and he prayed while I made some mistakes
That I wouldn't have made if I'd have done it his way

Now he hugs me when he sees me
We talk about the past
He tries to give me money
And I try and give it back

He's a book of advice
More then I need
The look in his eyes is saying to me
Let me help you all I can
While I'm still in this world
What will you do when you're daddy's gone
And you're daddy's little girl

I'll always be "daddy's little girl." ... And I know my tears will always work!!!

STILL sick ... But life goes on...

So ... this has been a crappy week. I got to spend ONE day with my best friend Ava. One lousy day! I shouldn't complain though - it is better than no days at all. It was also a great day, so I really can't be too upset. I know I will see her again - it's not "goodbye," it's "see ya soon!" I love that little princess ... she rocks! Have I mentioned how much she rocks before? Hmm... I'm sure it's come up in conversation.

However, today is Thursday - and I leave early afternoon on Saturday. As a result, I really need to get my butt in gear! I am going to make my mom help me - and she even brought me boxes from Zara's! Thanks for the help guys! ;) I will miss my weekly (sometimes only monthly) visits to the greatest body shop on earth! Those guys are just hilarious - and the way Mike always makes fun of me for not having a job ... :-p Why Mike makes my blog? I don't know ... don't ask! Anyway ... there are a lot of things I am going to miss ... but so many things lay ahead that I can't dwell on what I'll miss and instead I'm looking forward! Like I said ... it's NOT "goodbye!"

Off to pack!!! FOR REAL THIS TIME!!!

Today is Wednesday

I'm still sick. I was sick yesterday. I am sick today. The aches aren't AS bad as yesterday, but the throat (which I should mention was FINE yesterday) sounds like a miniature cat (or animal with claws) went down into my throat - uninvited - and scratched the heck out of it! I sound awful! I couldn't even yell at Kitten to get off of the counter ... stupid cat.

So ... with only two days left, I am too tired to pack! I tried and I was out of breath in just a few minutes. I'm so weak, my coughs are weak -meaning, nothing is working its way out and yet, I'm still pained by the effort of coughing. I want so badly to get all my things packed away and ready to move! I am so excited ... even after a night where tornadoes ravaged the state of Tennessee. But see, my guy is so great he even drove down the road to help Laura feel safe (she's a fellow torando-phobe!)! So I know that he will help comfort me if it should happen after I move down. Let us not forget either that Saturday's low temperature in Springfield is forecasted to be FOUR degrees. Memphis's? TWENTY NINE. That's a 25 degree difference - just in case you don't know your math ... So yea ... I think it's worth an extra tornado or two (but not three).

So, my list is this: I think it's pretty much accurate. Somewhere in there might be some extra work for the Springfield Bright Horizons (i.e. lesson planning) and making my mom help me pack. She's supposed to do that, right? I think so . . .

1. Pack
2. Laundry
3. Pack
4. Pack
5. Goodbye's... tears ... smiles ...
6. GAS IN CAR
7. MEMPHIS!

On that note ... with the energy I've stored up while sitting somewhere (and not coughing) I am going to start a load of laundry and pack! :)

The Weekend...

I have had the greatest weekend ... But Chicago is always like that. Dustin has some pretty spectacular friends, and each time I get to hang out in this group of wonderful people, I feel lucky. They are great friends and smart, successful people! What else could you ask for in a circle of friends? I also got to be around Leslie and Kathy - and that is ALWAYS wonderful! Before I start boring you with how wonderful my life is and how great my friends are, I will move on!

I am sure that many of you watched the Super Bowl. I have never been a fan of the New England Patriots. I do not know if I have any founded reasons - but I do feel they are an arrogrant team and whether or not they are cheaters, they will be known as such. It is hard to respect a team such as this - unless you have always been a fan. I am proud of those who stand behind a team despite trials and tribulations! I, however, am not a fan. I am not a fan of the New York Giants either - but! A team that can start a season at 0-2 start and turn around and squeeze into the playoffs and then remain nearly perfect throughout, winning and fighting the whole time, is team that will win my respect.

I also have to say that Eli Manning has been scrutinized and contrasted to Peyton so often, that I could not have been happier for his win against the Patriots last night. He is now a Super Bowl champion WITH his brother - cementing the fact that he is a football player, and one that will always be remembered ... he, the MVP and QB, brought down the best team in the country and humbled them. His defense stopped the most aggressive and highest scoring offense and by stop, I mean STOP. They scoffed at NYG's prediction of only 17 points - and instead, only scored 14.

It makes me happy to see a deserving team fight and win.

This has nothing to do with my move to Memphis and my moving adventures. So far, my blog has not really been filled with these sort of entries - and I do apologize. However, do not feel discouraged ... for come Saturday, I will finally be in Memphis. I will have moved there - and I will finally have new adventures.

For the first time in a whole month, I saw Dustin again. We have never had better conversations or understood each other so well. It was one of the best weekends together in a long time. He actually seems excited and happy. I have not really questioned his happiness or excitement, but I have not seen Dustin since the first of the year and could not see if he was truly happy to have this step in our relationship coming so fast. He was even willing to talk to me about making our apartment "home." Home. I cannot wait to make it home ... Someday I may even talk him into saving money to decorate and make it a little more inviting.

I know that I will always have a home in Springfield (and fortunately they move somewhere else someday), but I am excited for a new beginning. To start a "home" somewhere with someone is so incredible and so grown up! I'm growing up ... ;)

Speaking of growing up ... I am also going to try and do my taxes for the year! Woohoo ... maybe I'll get something in return?

BAKING!

I was a baking machine today ... You know what sucked? I was making cupcakes and before starting - I did not realize we only have one cupcake pan and it only has 6 cupcake holes... So! what could have taken 30 minutes --- took about 2 hours! Oh well ... they look and smell delicious ...

I also made my own buttercream frosting! It is very delicious, but I don't know what to do with the leftovers!!! :( It's so yummy, I hate to throw it out but we have no more butter (for the butter recipe cake mix). So..... I don't know what to do ... Maybe I'll just eat it! (Even if it will make me super sick!)

YUMMY cupcake time!!!

Winter Storm Warning

12.9 INCHES ... that's a big snowfall! I did not go to work today ... my dad said there was no way me and my little car would be safe out on the roads. By the looks of the roads 6.5 hours later, it was probably a wise choice to forgoe the money for today (even though I miss Ava like crazy... we had such a great week together!).

Dustin is on his way up as I type .... I don't think he realizes what I mean by 100% snow covered roads. In a few hours, he will either understand or the hard work of the snow plowers will get the roads under control. Either way, when he gets to Springfield - he will see an abundance of the white stuff he has missed while living in Memphis!

Time to go clean up around here now. My mom is coming home... she is sick. I hope she feels better soon ... ... ... It sucks to be sick!

Check out my photoblog later - I will have my photo from yesterday and my photo for today up soon! (You can guarantee one will be of the snowfall in some shape or form... I'd make a snowman - but it's poor packing snow...)