Caleb tagged me (on facebook) to write 25 things about myself. I tagged a couple people, but you don't have to do it... I tagged you because I included you in my 25 statements or used an inside joke. So here goes!
1. I feel egotistical writing this.
2. I'm a nerd at times... I like learning things, especially when they're literary. For example, I'm reading a book entitled, "The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way." Can't get much nerdier than that! Well, unless you write programming code stuff. =)
3. Contrary to most people's impressions, I am actually an introvert. Perhaps an extroverted introvert, but an introvert nontheless. I just figured this out in the past 2 years or so.
4. I love to read. I usually have about 4 books going at a time.
5. Though I enjoy watching certain TV shows and some sports, I do not plan on having a TV when I move out. I think I could use my time more productively than staring at a screen for hours.
6. My family didn't have a TV until I was 15 or so. Perhaps that is why I do not feel compelled to have one.
7. In the 1930s (or so), my grandpa and his brother would ride the trolley to both the Rose Bowl and the Coluseum (sp??) to watch USC and UCLA football games. It finally got too expensive to go to both, so they had to pick one: they chose USC. My grandpa started getting season tickets in the '60s, and, with the exception of 1 or 2 years, we have been going ever since. My dad, my aunts, my cousins, and my sisters and I have all grown up going to USC football games. None of us have ever attended the school.
8. I played basketball in HS, and my nick name "Bulldog" and "Pit Bull." (I wonder where the expression "nick name" came from..?)
9. After my freshman year, I loved college. I wish I could do it over again. I was actually really kinda depressed and in shock on graduation day while everyone else was celebrating.
10. I was my mom's doctor's first baby born in 1987. I still have the cool little shirt that they gave me.
11. Though I am the oldest child, I am the shortest.
12. I am also the only one with red hair, though both sides of the family are rife with redheads.
13. My California-born grandmother and her younger sister rode the train by themselves all the way from N. Michigan/Canada to Southern California when their family tried to immigrate. The rest of their family got stuck at the border because they were Canadian and there was an issue with their visas. My grandma was 16 at the time, and had to live with relatives for about a year before her family caught up with them. [Ok, so this wasn't about me, but it's an interesting fact about my family.]
14. At first glance, my sisters and I look very different from our cousins. We are pale, blue-eyed people, while they are dark because they are half Mexican. Upon closer look, there are a lot of family resemblances. Unfortunately, dark skin isn't one of them, though distinctive noses is. =)
15. I would really like to be spontaneous, but I'm not. I'm working on it, though! Santa Barbara, anyone??
16. I have a pretty darn awesome best friend. Our current project is attempting to master "The Books" for our sister's basketball games. Oh, and just experiencing LIFE! I am SO thankful for her, and am glad she moved back, at least for awhile.
17. I would like to move to WA, and I am half-seriously contemplating it. There are three main factors involved in this move: (1) How my current job pans out, (2) if I can find a job/living situation in WA, (3) if I have enough monetary resources to, in fact, move.
18. My next "daring" activity is to go skydiving. Some of my friends have gone, and they said it was AMAZING. So I hope to go within the next 6 months.
19. I've been going to the gym with my friend Janessa for the last month or two. It's been super fun, and she's a great workout buddy! Though my legs are currently sore from the stairs machine she made me go on...
20. Though I have lived in Southern California for all my life (except 4 school years), I don't know how to surf. I do know how to wakeboard and almost know how to snowboard, despite the lack of (good) lakes and snow in this region.
21. I tend to hurt myself when trying things for the first time. I banged up my knee badly while attempting longboarding (it still bothers me, though it's been about 3 years). I also bruised my legs when jumping off a 40-50 foot bridge; they were black and blue for about 2 weeks. Some guy ran me down on the slopes during my first weekend snowboarding. Perhaps I shouldn't try skydiving...
22. My heritage is evident: Irish red hair, and the Scottish pairing of ginormous calves and small ankles and feet.
23. When I was in HS and my friend was in college, we wanted to streak our hair blue. Personally, I'm glad we didn't. =) Well, I guess I should say that I'm glad *I* didn't.
24. I love photos, and plan to have TONS when I get my own place.
25. My newest goal is to paint. I did it once in college, and it was SO great. I have recently been needing to release some stress, and I think that's a good way to do so.
Showing posts with label Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Me. Show all posts
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday, May 12, 2008
Reflections of a College Graduate
Sorry it's been so long since I have last blogged. In my defense, I have been rather busy (until last week, anyway).
I graduated college. Though I am glad to be done with group projects and quizzes and pointless busy work, I will miss learning with my peers and reading interesting things and most of all...
...my friends. I made some fantastic friends over these four years. Together we have experienced, learned, discussed, exercised, laughed, cried, traveled, gone on midnight WinCo chocolate runs, frozen at the bonfires on The Patio, drank more coffee than I'm sure is healthy, loved, and laughed some more. We have shared each other's burdens... rejoiced when they rejoiced, wept when they wept, supported when life was rough, encouraged when circumstances seemed overwhelming or confusing, shared in anticipation and enthusiasm when an exciting opportunity came along. We discussed our homework with each other (those darn dialogue papers!). We shared what we had discovered in our personal lives. We created memories.
And in one day, it concludes. A whirwind of preparation and activity. Statements of "I can't believe I'm graduating!"... "This is SO WEIRD!"... "I look like a fat cow in this gown."... "Can you believe it?!? We made it, friend! We're graduating!" float around room where we line up. Then we walk down that graduation aisle to sounds of Pomp and Circumstance (or whatever the heck that song is called), and the roar of applause, and the snapping of cameras. Each graduate takes the seemingly unending walk across the stage to receive his or her diploma. We turn our tassles, and walk back down the aisle to more applause and more camera flashes.
We are college graduates!
The whole day is a blur. Surreal. I try to comprehend where the past 4 years have gone, what has happened that day, entertain guests from out of town. I try to live in the moment, enjoy what's happening. But I'm not quite sure what's happening. I walk in a fog.
I go to Red Robin one last time with my fellow graduates. We go back to campus for a bonfire on The Patio, hanging out, being friends. We ask about future plans. We promise to keep in touch.
Together, we have conquered homework and projects and success and defeat. We have spent 4 years together, building friendships.
This day is joyful.... we have made it to another milestone! Life awaits us, options are unlimited, we are unfettered by anything (except student loans), the world is ours for the taking. What freedom! What joy! What opportunity!
And I hold back the tears.
...my friends. I made some fantastic friends over these four years. Together we have experienced, learned, discussed, exercised, laughed, cried, traveled, gone on midnight WinCo chocolate runs, frozen at the bonfires on The Patio, drank more coffee than I'm sure is healthy, loved, and laughed some more. We have shared each other's burdens... rejoiced when they rejoiced, wept when they wept, supported when life was rough, encouraged when circumstances seemed overwhelming or confusing, shared in anticipation and enthusiasm when an exciting opportunity came along. We discussed our homework with each other (those darn dialogue papers!). We shared what we had discovered in our personal lives. We created memories.
And in one day, it concludes. A whirwind of preparation and activity. Statements of "I can't believe I'm graduating!"... "This is SO WEIRD!"... "I look like a fat cow in this gown."... "Can you believe it?!? We made it, friend! We're graduating!" float around room where we line up. Then we walk down that graduation aisle to sounds of Pomp and Circumstance (or whatever the heck that song is called), and the roar of applause, and the snapping of cameras. Each graduate takes the seemingly unending walk across the stage to receive his or her diploma. We turn our tassles, and walk back down the aisle to more applause and more camera flashes.
We are college graduates!
The whole day is a blur. Surreal. I try to comprehend where the past 4 years have gone, what has happened that day, entertain guests from out of town. I try to live in the moment, enjoy what's happening. But I'm not quite sure what's happening. I walk in a fog.
I go to Red Robin one last time with my fellow graduates. We go back to campus for a bonfire on The Patio, hanging out, being friends. We ask about future plans. We promise to keep in touch.
Together, we have conquered homework and projects and success and defeat. We have spent 4 years together, building friendships.
This day is joyful.... we have made it to another milestone! Life awaits us, options are unlimited, we are unfettered by anything (except student loans), the world is ours for the taking. What freedom! What joy! What opportunity!
And I hold back the tears.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Up Close and Personal
I'm pretty sure every teen's mother has told them this. Or maybe it was just mine. But whenever I wanted to do something that "everyone else" was doing, my mom would respond, "If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you jump off too?" To which I eventually replied, "Yes. Because if I didn't I obviously wouldn't have any friends left." So there.
But now I can legitimately and truthfully answer a resounding, "YES. Yes, if all my friends jumped off a bridge, I would jump off that bridge too."
I jumped off a bridge yesterday. I honestly can't believe I did so because I'm scared of heights and don't really like jumping off things. Especially things that are 30-40 feet off the ground. Maybe my subconscious was dreading finals. Who knows. But I did it!
Unfortunately, it didn't go as planned. I really shouldn't try feats like this. Some of you may remember the time I "fell" off a skateboard while going down a large hill and landed on my knee, and was barely able to walk a few days later. In fact, some of my friends had to carry me up the stairs one time (thank you, I am forever indebted-- if it were not for you, I might still be in the cafeteria at HL).
This time, I leaped off the bridge (after only 1 false start) and began my rapid descent. I suddenly got freaked out and started waving my arms, which propelled me slightly backwards. Right before I hit the icy waters below, I remembered that I should point my toes. This is where the "unfortunately" kicks in. I landed in the water in a sitting position. I, of course, mentally panic as I realize I've hit the water the wrong way. I had visions of Joni Ericson Tada floating through my mind.
"Maybe I'm paralyzed!!" I frantically thought as I swam to the surface. I quickly realized the ridiculousness of this thought, and instantly calmed, though I continued swimming rapidly. Have I mentioned how cold it was? It was difficult to breathe, and my arms were numb as I swam quickly toward the rock on which everyone else was standing.
My friends were concerned, and asked if I was ok. I assured them I was, though I was thinking, in a very intellectual fashion, "OUCH and COLD." Though it stung, I didn't think my legs were going to be too bad. As we walked back to the car about 20-30 minutes later, however, I realized that this was not going to be a pretty sight. Every step hurt.
As the evening progressed, my legs turned more and more black and blue. The bruising still continues to spread down my leg. Honestly though, it's a pretty good battle wound, definitely the best I've ever had. I just hope it stays above my knees because I am wearing a pretty knee-length dress on Thurday for Sr. Banquet, and, vainly, I do not want black and blue blotches on my legs.
So that was my adventure. I finished my last classes of my undergraduate career, and then jumped off a bridge. Awesome.
This is my friend Karissa jumping off the bridge. She was uninjured. I am the one on the bridge; this was Karissa's second jump, and I was not about to go again. Though I actually did contemplate it... =)
Left leg. Right leg.
But now I can legitimately and truthfully answer a resounding, "YES. Yes, if all my friends jumped off a bridge, I would jump off that bridge too."
I jumped off a bridge yesterday. I honestly can't believe I did so because I'm scared of heights and don't really like jumping off things. Especially things that are 30-40 feet off the ground. Maybe my subconscious was dreading finals. Who knows. But I did it!
Unfortunately, it didn't go as planned. I really shouldn't try feats like this. Some of you may remember the time I "fell" off a skateboard while going down a large hill and landed on my knee, and was barely able to walk a few days later. In fact, some of my friends had to carry me up the stairs one time (thank you, I am forever indebted-- if it were not for you, I might still be in the cafeteria at HL).
This time, I leaped off the bridge (after only 1 false start) and began my rapid descent. I suddenly got freaked out and started waving my arms, which propelled me slightly backwards. Right before I hit the icy waters below, I remembered that I should point my toes. This is where the "unfortunately" kicks in. I landed in the water in a sitting position. I, of course, mentally panic as I realize I've hit the water the wrong way. I had visions of Joni Ericson Tada floating through my mind.
"Maybe I'm paralyzed!!" I frantically thought as I swam to the surface. I quickly realized the ridiculousness of this thought, and instantly calmed, though I continued swimming rapidly. Have I mentioned how cold it was? It was difficult to breathe, and my arms were numb as I swam quickly toward the rock on which everyone else was standing.
My friends were concerned, and asked if I was ok. I assured them I was, though I was thinking, in a very intellectual fashion, "OUCH and COLD." Though it stung, I didn't think my legs were going to be too bad. As we walked back to the car about 20-30 minutes later, however, I realized that this was not going to be a pretty sight. Every step hurt.
As the evening progressed, my legs turned more and more black and blue. The bruising still continues to spread down my leg. Honestly though, it's a pretty good battle wound, definitely the best I've ever had. I just hope it stays above my knees because I am wearing a pretty knee-length dress on Thurday for Sr. Banquet, and, vainly, I do not want black and blue blotches on my legs.
So that was my adventure. I finished my last classes of my undergraduate career, and then jumped off a bridge. Awesome.
This is my friend Karissa jumping off the bridge. She was uninjured. I am the one on the bridge; this was Karissa's second jump, and I was not about to go again. Though I actually did contemplate it... =)
Left leg. Right leg.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
3 more reasons I do not want to move to Southern California
1. It took me 1 hour to go 30 miles.
2. The sky is not often visible through the layer of smog.
3. Movies cost $10.50.
2. The sky is not often visible through the layer of smog.
3. Movies cost $10.50.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
A brief summary
Last semester of senior year: exciting, yet anxiety-producing. I am definitely looking forward to graduating... I feel like I will have accomplished something. But-- then what? Good question.
I just want to travel. All this job, responsibility thing... overrated. Though the whole steady income thing sounds nice. Right now, every time I get a paycheck, my bank account practically doubles, haha. How about someone support me? I could be a non-profit.
I should work for the Red Cross. Travel to various countries to help those who have been impacted by distasters or other external influences.
I'm totally sick of school, though. Senioritis has definitely kicked in. Every semester I say that I have a ton to read; without question, this semester is requiring the most reading. By the end the semester, I will have read 6 or 7 entire books. The shortest by far is 130 pages.
This semester has been nice, though, in that I have been able to go places on the weekends. I went to Colorado for a few days with my church group; though it was painful falling down the Rockies in an attempt to snowboard, I had a good time, and hope to snowboard again soon. I also went to the SF area to see some friends as well as my sister. Hopefully I can go again this coming weekend. It's really nice to get off campus, as well as get to know my Red Bluff friends during the car rides.
Because I'm in my last semester and realizing that opportunities for a lot of fun things might soon be coming to a hiatus (did I use that word correctly??), I am trying to take advantage of the times when I can go places, even at the expense of my homework. Which is fine. I'm graduating with honors, so who cares about this semester, as long as I don't fail anything this semester. Which I'm not.
So yeah. I've been learning a lot about myself, a lot I didn't really want to know. I'm realizing my brokeness as a human being. Painful. But necessary.
So that's my life! Cheerful. haha. OH! Accomplishment for Stephanie! I now know how to drive stick shift! Go me! I actually really enjoy it, and whenever I get a new car, I will probably get a manual. Unless I live in the big city and will be stuck in traffic. That's no fun anyway, and even less so with having to press the clutch in and out every 10 seconds. Anyway, I have further decided that I enjoy the Jeep/small SUV things over a car. I attribute this affinity to the fact that I learned to drive a van and consequently feel rather vulnerable and small in a car. Plus, getting a larger vehicle might help compensate for my small stature. Only downside: gas mileage. But I got gas here for less than $3.00 per gallon last week! I was pretty excited.
Well, speaking of doing things at the expense of homework...
I just want to travel. All this job, responsibility thing... overrated. Though the whole steady income thing sounds nice. Right now, every time I get a paycheck, my bank account practically doubles, haha. How about someone support me? I could be a non-profit.
I should work for the Red Cross. Travel to various countries to help those who have been impacted by distasters or other external influences.
I'm totally sick of school, though. Senioritis has definitely kicked in. Every semester I say that I have a ton to read; without question, this semester is requiring the most reading. By the end the semester, I will have read 6 or 7 entire books. The shortest by far is 130 pages.
This semester has been nice, though, in that I have been able to go places on the weekends. I went to Colorado for a few days with my church group; though it was painful falling down the Rockies in an attempt to snowboard, I had a good time, and hope to snowboard again soon. I also went to the SF area to see some friends as well as my sister. Hopefully I can go again this coming weekend. It's really nice to get off campus, as well as get to know my Red Bluff friends during the car rides.
Because I'm in my last semester and realizing that opportunities for a lot of fun things might soon be coming to a hiatus (did I use that word correctly??), I am trying to take advantage of the times when I can go places, even at the expense of my homework. Which is fine. I'm graduating with honors, so who cares about this semester, as long as I don't fail anything this semester. Which I'm not.
So yeah. I've been learning a lot about myself, a lot I didn't really want to know. I'm realizing my brokeness as a human being. Painful. But necessary.
So that's my life! Cheerful. haha. OH! Accomplishment for Stephanie! I now know how to drive stick shift! Go me! I actually really enjoy it, and whenever I get a new car, I will probably get a manual. Unless I live in the big city and will be stuck in traffic. That's no fun anyway, and even less so with having to press the clutch in and out every 10 seconds. Anyway, I have further decided that I enjoy the Jeep/small SUV things over a car. I attribute this affinity to the fact that I learned to drive a van and consequently feel rather vulnerable and small in a car. Plus, getting a larger vehicle might help compensate for my small stature. Only downside: gas mileage. But I got gas here for less than $3.00 per gallon last week! I was pretty excited.
Well, speaking of doing things at the expense of homework...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Back Again
Well, here I am at school again. Many of my friends live on my side of the hall, so there has been much yelling and laughing and a general good time. Don't worry, we'll study... until we get senioritis! =)
I talked w/ my will-be supervisor for my internship today and we set up an appoinment to meet on Tuesday. SO EXCITED! My friend Shelby, who works at this program, called later this evening to talk about it. I will be working with her team which consists of her and a retirement-age guy (didn't get his name). Her team partner has been in the social work field for a long time and loves to train young people to do social work right! So he's really excited that I get to intern there, as is Shelby. And he's a Christian, so that's cool too. I've worked with Shelby for class projects and we kinda co-led the Social Action Committee; she started it, I was president the semester she was gone to D.C. for a semester "abroad", and then I helped her once she got back. So we've worked together quite a bit, and it usually goes pretty well. I just hope and pray that this internship goes well and that I learn a lot! It sounds like I will.
The week/end before I came down to school my family spent in Idaho and Washington. I enjoyed seeing my extended family again; I only see them once or twice a year. I got to see my new little cousin, Preston, who is about 5 months old and quite active- he wouldn't stay still. Wanting to stand, wanting to sit... JUST BE CUTE AND SIT HERE!!! Haha.
My immediate family then went over to Seattle area to see friends there. I spent a couple days with Katy, which was tons of fun. We had some good H2H's, and I really learned a lot about myself through these conversations. It was good to see everyone at HL- I love my church family!
Because of some of these conversations with Katy, as well as a couple I've had here at school, I desire to make some changes in my life. I hope that this year will be a time of encouragement, a time of growth, a time of fun, a time of learning, a time to make opinions my own, a time of a stronger relationship with God. Though this summer was boring in many ways, I can see how it worked out for good. I did a lot more thinking about me, and who I want to become. I have come back to school a different person, one with different priorities and goals. I definitely don't have things figured out yet; on the contrary, I have many questions, and I am certain more will arise through my studies! But my attitude toward these questions have changed. My attitude in general has changed. Hopefully for the better!
I talked w/ my will-be supervisor for my internship today and we set up an appoinment to meet on Tuesday. SO EXCITED! My friend Shelby, who works at this program, called later this evening to talk about it. I will be working with her team which consists of her and a retirement-age guy (didn't get his name). Her team partner has been in the social work field for a long time and loves to train young people to do social work right! So he's really excited that I get to intern there, as is Shelby. And he's a Christian, so that's cool too. I've worked with Shelby for class projects and we kinda co-led the Social Action Committee; she started it, I was president the semester she was gone to D.C. for a semester "abroad", and then I helped her once she got back. So we've worked together quite a bit, and it usually goes pretty well. I just hope and pray that this internship goes well and that I learn a lot! It sounds like I will.
The week/end before I came down to school my family spent in Idaho and Washington. I enjoyed seeing my extended family again; I only see them once or twice a year. I got to see my new little cousin, Preston, who is about 5 months old and quite active- he wouldn't stay still. Wanting to stand, wanting to sit... JUST BE CUTE AND SIT HERE!!! Haha.
My immediate family then went over to Seattle area to see friends there. I spent a couple days with Katy, which was tons of fun. We had some good H2H's, and I really learned a lot about myself through these conversations. It was good to see everyone at HL- I love my church family!
Because of some of these conversations with Katy, as well as a couple I've had here at school, I desire to make some changes in my life. I hope that this year will be a time of encouragement, a time of growth, a time of fun, a time of learning, a time to make opinions my own, a time of a stronger relationship with God. Though this summer was boring in many ways, I can see how it worked out for good. I did a lot more thinking about me, and who I want to become. I have come back to school a different person, one with different priorities and goals. I definitely don't have things figured out yet; on the contrary, I have many questions, and I am certain more will arise through my studies! But my attitude toward these questions have changed. My attitude in general has changed. Hopefully for the better!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Arg
I have recently discovered something about myself. It really bothers me when my friends are upset. Now don't get me wrong, I think it's totally ok that they are sad or upset or whatever; in fact, I encourage that. What bugs me is that I can't fix it. I just want to make it better!
In reading this over, it sounds so cliche, but it's true. (Almost) Nothing makes me sadder than when someone's having a bad day and I can do nothing about it.
Hugs all around!
In reading this over, it sounds so cliche, but it's true. (Almost) Nothing makes me sadder than when someone's having a bad day and I can do nothing about it.
Hugs all around!
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