My Vintage Life

What's For Dinner?

2012-09-12T19:12:00.004-07:00

What's For Dinner?

What's for dinner? The question asked across this great country every day. As a kid I remember asking that question and being so happy when I was told we were having something like spaghetti. Being that Dan and I wake up extremely early and I don't get off until seven our evenings always revolve around dinner. Unfortunately for us we were out of everything and are really trying to cut back on the fast food. It is tasty, but, come one there are like a bizillion calories in it, it's expensive and really bad for you. Our solution trek out to the grocery store.

We decided to go to a local grocery store and not the big box, soul sucking, power houses like Walmart or Target. Of course you pay more for these smaller stores, but, at least your helping the community and you get a better selection of meats and produce.

In my fantasy land, I would be June Cleaver waiting for my family with a nice pot roast and a homemade chocolate cake with that fifties dreamy smile plastered on my face. My hair would be perfect as would my makeup and I would have loving set my table for the perfect family dinner. As this is 2012 and I am not a housewife- one, because it isn't the fifties, two people have to work to maintain a household these days and two, I would probably go berzurk and blow up my town from boredom. We each got to choose our own dinners. I got a frozen pasta thing which was surprisingly tasty and Dan made himself chili dogs. Ah yes, we are that modern family aren't we?

Tomorrow we will make our lasagna, something we tried to do tonight but were too tired to wait for that thing to cook. We'll cuddle on the couch, watch movies and wait for Friday.

Love and Din,

Steph

I'm Back So Here's Whats Been Going On!

2012-09-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

Back To Blogging

So this is what's been going on, I still haven't gotten internet fully restored to my house. Not because I can't afford it but because I am moving soon and don't feel like having people come out hook up only to have to disconnect it and have more people come out in a month. I have figured out that I can use Wi-Fi from my phone to my computer... isn't technology fun? I have also disconnect my satellite too because when I move we are going to bundle cable and internet together, so for the next month I am going to be really bored. That or I will catch up on the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. My mother got me reading them and I am completely hooked!

My job is going good but still really frustrating at times. I really want a job in an office in the next year, I mean I actually like this job as a whole but getting screamed at by irate and unrational customers get's a little tired. Ya dig what I mean? I've also paid off two bills, I am working really really hard to make all my payments on time and get completely out of debt. Which is frick fracking hard to do!

Dan and I also know when we are getting married, so we are starting to try and get in shape. I am thinking of joining Weight Watchers, so if you have any advice of this program please comment below...

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm back. Happy to start my daily blogging again!

Love and Daily Humdrum-

Stephanie

Barnes & Noble

2012-08-04T10:00:00.003-07:00

Barnes & Noble

My safe haven, my escape, a comfort zone if you will. I've always loved bookstores, we didn't have any in the town I grew up in so when we went to bigger cities that had a Books-A-Million or a Barnes & Noble I would insist that we go in. It was more important than shopping for clothes, I had to go stock up on books and I was always, after being in the store for over an hour, being rushed to just pick something already so we could go home! Nothing has changed, and, what with my internet still being on the fritz I am enjoying the WiFi at the Starbucks in the Barnes & Noble down the road from my home.

With my laptop in hand and the other cradling an iced latte I ask you does it get better than this? Coffee, books and internet. I still won't be able to update my blog daily but since I've remember a little thing called WiFi hopefully you'll be hearing from me more often!

Love and Lattes:

Stephanie

Blogging Downtime

2012-08-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

I wish I looked this glamorous in a bathing suit!

Traveling with "The Four Hats' Crew"

I have so much to catch up on. Our internet has been down at home and being that we were leaving for a vacation we weren't all hell bent on fixing it. But it will be fixed on Friday so I can return to the regular world of blogging! (sigh of relief)

Dan and I at the Peabody in Memphis, TN

me and my tree at the zoo!

Our vacation went fantastic and I should have caught up on some blogs then, but, what with trying to cram in as much as each day could hold then eating a big meal and drinking an adult beverage, well, I just didn't feel like busting out the old laptop and trying to think creatively! The first day I found a Sand Dollar at a sandbar that we went to. I've spend many-a vacation time, not mention living in Florida, looking for one of those damn things and I finally found one! It was the perfect way to kick off a South Florida vacation! Then we tried to go to the zoo but a tropical storm blew in and we decided that wasn't a good idea, so we spent the rest of the day at Bayside Market and eating!. We went back to the zoo the next day and had a great time! You can rent bicycle cars that fit up to six people in them and feed the giraffes! Mike kept trying to run people over in our car! Some of the people in my opinion needed to get ran over! Feeding the giraffes is always my highlight of that zoo! Really how many times in your life have you got to feed a giraffe?

Raww!

Look at that tongue!

He was trying to steal my lettuce!!

Next on the agenda was Universal Islands of Adventure to visit Hogsmead and Hogwarts. My inner Harry Potter nerd went crazy! Butterbeers, owls, castles and chocolate frogs- I didn't know which way to go! We also saw comic book hero's, comic strip characters, Dr. Sues Land and stopped by Jurassic Park. The River ride scared the life out of me. I mean you know that log rides have a drop but this one has a DROP!!! I wish I had bought the picture because the face I was making was priceless!

Hogwarts Express!

Yap! That's what the cold Butterbeer will do to ya!

Me and Chad waiting to go into Olivander's Wand Shop. It was raining which felt great after the humid day!

Mike, always keeping people laughing!

After that we were pretty tired and spent the rest of the time beaching it. We were also there during the kick off of lobster season and we ate a lobster feast! Oh man I would walk back to South Florida for more of those delectable little morsels!

The guys on South Beach!

South beach!

Then, like all wonderful things in the world, good things come to an end- it was time to pack out bags and leave. So sad to see our time there come to an end. Plus, I wish that our family lived a little bit closer. We only get to see them once a year if we're lucky. Which really sucks!

The way back was not that great. No longer were we on the vacation high, just exhausted from six days of running ourselves ragged. I really don't know how Dan did it because he drove most of the trip while the rest of us selfishly slept. We stopped in Memphis for the best barbecue I have ever eaten. Rendezvous. Do yourself a favor if you ever find yourself in Memphis stop by. Your taste buds won't be disappointed! We also went by the National Civil Rights Museum where Dr. Martin Luther King was shot, Sun Studios and The Peabody Hotel. I hope to be going back to Memphis this year for a long weekend I would like to see all these things again and have more time to actually appreciate it!

Now we are just trying to get back into our routines, which is never easy when you've been somewhere great. We are busy planning a new vacation and dreaming of more vacation time away from our jobs and Oklahoma!

The Four Hats' Crew

Love and blogging,

Stephanie and the rest of The Four Hats Crew

Rainshowers and Carwashes

2012-07-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

Rainshowers and Carwashes

Well the internet hasn't been working at my house, probably won't be for sometime- but I am getting my oil changed at the moment and they have free wi-fi so thought I would jot down a fast little entry.

Dan is about to start his new schedule so we got to spend the day together today! Always fun! So we decided to get the car a much needed oil change, really, I can't remember the last time it was done which is horrible to admit. Where we go will wash your car along with the oil change. They wipe down and vaccuum the inside, clean and Rain-ex the out and try to get all the bugs I terminated on the interstate! It's a little more pricey but it beats the hell out of sitting in some dirty mechanics office with a girly calender on the wall... ladies you know what I am talking about! The place that we go has a cafe inside so you can get something to drink and they have little gift items there too!

The only thing that kinda stinks is the fact that everytime I go and get this done it starts raining! Which in this drought I am NOT going to complain! We need it like none other, I mean the grass is becoming crunchy and leaves are starting to fall off the trees. It did this last year and our fall wasn't as pretty as it should have been. So far though we haven't hit the 116 that was our boiling point last summer so that's good!

Here's hoping my car stays clean for a little while and my internet get's to working soon!

Love and carwashes!

Stephanie

Um, Like Why Are You Dressed Like That?

2012-07-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Um, Like Why Are You Dressed Like That?

This is one of the only pictures that I have with my "Rosie" it was the first time I ever did it. My hair was also in pin curls...

As most of my friends know, my style is a little different. I love all things vintage, I love rockabilly styles, old cars, cat eyed eyeliner and love love love old school vinyl. Nothing sounds better than a record, just my opinion- but I think most people would agree! I usually wear my hair in the Rosie the riveter style, with as I said earlier cat eyeliner. I try to find things that have a vintage yet modern feel to them. The point of this entry is, this is my style: why do strangers feel the need to stare and comment on it?

I can handle stares and I love the compliments, which believe it or not I get a lot of when I rock the vintage look. What I don't understand is comments like this:

1. Are you going to a costume party? Um, no. How rude is that? I may not even be dressed up that much and people have asked this. Once I was just buying Ruby Roo (A matte lipstick by MAC) and the sales person asked that! I just glared at her and said no I just like the vintage look.

2. How do you get your headscarf to stay on. This I don't mind, because, they aren't being mean- they actually like my style! But, after the twentieth time someone has asked you this it's like well, thanks for the questions and compliments, but I didn't really come in here to give your a hair and makeup tutorial! Now if you don't mind I would like to continue to do my shopping in peace with out you pointing at me with your girlfriends and asking me more questions! Truthfully though, this one I don't mind all that much.

I can never get my wings to go out that much! Takes so much practice!

3. You do know it's 2012 not 1947. No shit, I had no idea that while walking around blogging on a laptop and carrying around my cell phone it wasn't 2012. I'm not delusional, I'm eccentric... I guess, if you want to label it! I know there is no way my opinionated sort of feminist self could ever be in the 40's and 50's, even if I do think things may have been better than. Manner's wise that is, plus, families seemed to care for each other.

Oh, I want this car so bad!!!

4. Is your hair supposed to look like that? That one stung, but, I still wont change who I am. Why should I and why should I look like everyone else? Where is the fun in that?

5. So, where do you find all this stuff you where? Thrift stores, Ebay and webstores... Then I get asked, Eww you wear old stuff? Yeah, and it still looks fab and in good condition. Let's see if that Hollister or Gap brand crap your wearing looks this good in fifty years. (By the way, I like both of those brands, but, they seem to fall apart fast!)

So if you see someone that may not look like the norm, please don't stare and don't judge! We just happen to have better fashion sense than you! Totally kidding... I just mean not everyone is the same, some of us follow our own stars and want to do something a little different then the average person. For me I think that vintage clothes look better and they fit better too. They were made when women relished their curves, they embraced their femininity. And, although women have always wanted to look their best, starving themselves wasn't a part of the plan. I hate most designers today, because they are making clothes for these women that are six feet something and weigh eighty pounds. Clothes today are horrible they stretch out in all the wrong places, looks sloppy, lumpy and are unflattering!

Working on these measurements! LOL!

Love and Rockabilly forever,

Stephanie

Small Town U.S.A.

2012-06-30T19:59:00.001-07:00

Small Town U.S.A.

I live in Tulsa, OK which isn't the biggest city in the US... it is a city but has a small town feel to it. Anyways, I heard about a festival in one of the outer suburbs called- hang on to your hats- The Bixby Corn Festival. I can't make this stuff up! But I heard that it was pretty fun so I thought I would go and have a looksey. First of all it wasn't as hillbilly as it sounded. It was a bunch of craft booths and food venders, then tonight a little carnival. Dan and I don't ride carnival rides. Well, we don't ride very many rides carnival or not, so there wasn't a point in going back.

It would have been more enjoyable if it wasn't 105 outside. This heat needs to build up a good thunderstorm, its so hot out! A good storm needs to come and cool it off. I can handle heat up to about 98 degrees, however, once we get well into the hundreds I'm hiding inside with the A/C blasting! They were handing out fans and bottled water, which was pretty nice because usually most places take advantage of heat and make you pay five dollars a bottle or some nonesense like that.

We did find a new burger joint which was featured in Southern Living. It's no Weber's but it was a very close second. The burger it's self was very tasty but I had to deduct points for the fries. Weber's has home cut french fries and these were the crinkle cut frozen kind. I love french fries and the homemade kind will always trump the frozen, if any of you reading own a hamburger joint cut the frozen crap and go back to the original!

We then wandered outside where I saw a sign for friend green tomatoes. I love some good friend green tomatoes, yeah I know, I'm country leave me alone. Can't help it, I was raised in a little bity town in Oklahoma. Good soul food is what I was raised on, but I digress.I knew that I would be eating them so I only got the baby burger at the cafe. These were horrible. I was so disappointed! They were deep fried and they served them with ranch... ew! First of all, I hate ranch and second I like mine fried in a pan preferably a cast iron pan but never deep fried!

Of course I had to add some Fried Green Tomatoes Clips!

So, this brings me to the last portion of the blog. My dinner. You know I went home and made fried green tomatoes the right way. They were so delicious and I was too excited to eat them to take a photo. The right way shouldn't be majorly coated in flour you should be able to see a little of the tomato skin. I can still taste them and I am going to have to go hunt more down because even Dan who hates, hates, hates tomatoes had to say they were tasty!

Love and Small Town Fun,

Stephanie

I Love The 80's

2012-06-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

I Love the 80's

As we all know by now I love things from the 40's and 50's, but, that's not all! Being that I was born in the 80's I love all things 80's... even that big awful hair. So I thought I would write a little about that crazy decade when crack attacked, AIDS became something we learned about in kindergarten and people drove Gremlins. Not to mention wacky shows like Alf, Growing Pains and Night Court.

I don't know why, but, this was outside a movie theater here in Tulsa.

Let me get to the shows and movies that I still watch even though it's 2012! Starting with the top of the list: The Golden Girls. I like nothing more then kicking back and watching Sophia's one lined zinger's. Picture this, I always watch them while I do housework and especially while I am folding laundry. I've been watching this show since I was about six years old. First I started watching it with my Nana, then my cousin cemented it. I've been watching it ever since. But I digress, as Sophia would say.

Next I watch Designing Women, because this reminds me of my mom. She always liked that show and although I was too little for it to hold my interest when it was originally syndicated, I do remember it being on. Thanks to T.V. or DVD I have the first season and am working on building the rest into my DVD collection.

I found out this house is in Little Rock, AR

If you're talking about the 80's and the sitcoms you know the last one that should be mentioned. The Cosby Show. I don't have any season on DVD, yet. (That's about to change, thanks to my new job and my love for spending hours on end browsing Ebay!) I love the Cos, I have ever album that he recorded on vinyl. My dad used to repeat the jokes to me when I was a kid and always seemed to be asking for a story. He said that when he was a kid he had all those albums, after he passed I made it a personal mission to find each one and add it to my own collection.

I don't just relish the sitcoms but the movies too! Although I thought I would just post the pictures as I've spoke about a few of them before. If your bored on Netflix I highly recommend them! The highlighted ones are: ET, The Land Before Time, Mystic Pizza, Steel Magnolia's and Nine to Five.

By the way I watched The Land Before Time a few months ago and bawled through the whole damn movie. Seriously- I remember my mom telling me she wouldn't rent that movie for me anymore if I cried when watched it. Guess twenty some odd years later I still didn't get that memo!

Like Totally hoped you enjoyed this awesome blog post,

Stephanie

Out Of My Mind

2012-06-29T11:27:00.001-07:00

"Out Of My Mind"

Blame it on my mother and grandmother for reading to me for endless hours. Books entertain me more than movies or sitcoms. I love movies, most of which started out as a book, but, really does the movie ever compare to the book?- all most never. As one of my posts which was written from a very sarcastic view point will tell you I love books, libraries and coffee scented book stores. I'll wonder for hours at a time in a bookstore if you let me.

Today, I read "Out Of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper. My mom gave this to me about a month ago and because I had so many library books coming in I've just gotten to read it. I think originally my sister ordered it by mistake, so it's written for a young adult reader. It only took about an hour and half of my time to finish, but, this was one of those books that once you start you finish. Period. It begins with a young girl with cerebral palsy narrating the story about how she has a photographic memory but can't utter a syllable of a word to let anyone know how smart she is. Finally she is given a computer which talks for her and she starts earning real grades in school.

It's well written and gives you the view point of someone living with a handicap. That these handicapped kids are still kids. Aching to be played with, talked to and just basically treated like their normal.peers. It also gives the insight to that golden rule, do not judge a book by its cover. You never know what people are going through and what they are capable of. Something I know every person on this planet is guilty of.

This book is relatable. Everyone wants to feel excepted, everyone wants to know they have a friend outside of the people that have to love you- like your family. I'll admit it, I got so into this book I cried when feeling the frustration of the narrator. We should all be thankful that we're normal and not have live with such a challenging disability.

For those of you that read to your kids, keep it up. Nothing is better than opening a book and getting this into a story or to be transported to a new world, time or way of thinking. I love hearing the stories of me as child begging my Nana to read. Always the same stories and while the other grand-kids would run away and play I would sit still and listen to the story. Now that I'm an adult we all share good books that we can't put down and I look forward to reading to my kids.

Love and written words,

Stephanie

Fourth of July Picnic

2012-06-27T19:56:00.001-07:00

Fourth of July Picnics

For some reason when I think of the Fourth of July, images of WWII posters come to my mind, well that and an apple pie. I think of the movie Pearl Harbor and dream of a time when people were truly patriotic. Every year on the Fourth I dress like Rosie the Riveter, handkerchief and all! I usually spend the day with my family, cooking out, playing games and swimming.

This year I get the good fortune of working on our nation's birthday, we don't even get time and a half for it either. That's okay I will still dress up and we're having a pot luck that day, I know have to figure out what I'm going to bring with me. Between you and me, though, I'd rather have the cash, but I digress.

I get off work at seven so I will get to see the fireworks, last year Dan and I laid a blanket outside and watch the fireworks in the neighborhood- I am hoping we get to do that again. I'm sure Oscar isn't looking forward to it though. I've never seen a dog that likes the Fourth, it must be scary for them- all these booms and sparks all over the place. If I was a dog I would run for the hills!

For this entry I thought I would try and find the most vintage-y patriotic poster's I could. But, I couldn't help but putting these last few in. I was in the ninth grade when Sept. 11 happened the in 2011 I got to go to New York and stand there at ground zero. Even all these years later, there is still a quite hush that falls across those few blocks. This was our generations Pearl Harbor, it did spark a fan of patriotism that fanned across our country. I just wish it didn't take something so devastating for us to remember why our country is so great.

So tell me whats your Patriotic Fourth of July traditions?

Love and Apple Pies,

Stephanie

AAARGH!!!! List of Grievances Part I

2012-06-26T20:02:00.001-07:00

AAARGH!! List of Grievances Part I

1. When you go to the restroom and the stalls are off centered. Like, the toilet is up against the wall and you basically have to sit sideways because the other side of has so much room you could practically roll out a yoga mat and do some downward facing dog. Okay, please know this is majorly sarcastic, please, please, please don't ever do yoga in the restroom!! Eww. Eww. Eww.

2. When you have to explain your jokes. If you have to do this then it's no longer funny!

3. People that speak in acronyms. Saying LOL or ASAP out loud just is the extreme of laziness... they are only supposed to be used when writing. You know a short little note, but, LOL said out loud makes you look like an idiot. Why not just actually laugh out loud instead? It obviously wasn't that funny if you didn't really laugh! Just my opinion here...

4. Week nights when I know I should be going to sleep but I just can't seem to make myself, then, I turn around on the weekends and I can't wait to go to bed. Why is that? Or you constantly push snooze through the week and on the weekends when you actually can sleep in your wake right up with no alarm or anything?

5. People that take FORRREVVERRR to make a right hand turn! Ugh, I just want to honk at those people but I don't. One of these days I will though, road-rage thy name is Stephanie!

My Seasonal Bipolar Disorder

2012-06-26T19:12:00.002-07:00

My Seasonal Bipolar Disorder

This is just my quirky self coming out, but, in the dead of winter I am bursting for the summer sunshine and green grass. I want to go outside and watch a baseball game and eat snow-cones, go to the lake and go fishing or just looking for that summer rain shower that I love so much. No matter the season my most favorite weather is a gray and drizzly day, I just want to curl up and read a good book on days like those!

Then when it reaches summer and we are having the 103 degree days that we're experiencing now (real temp feeling was 111, yikes!), I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. I want to carve pumpkins on crisp autumn days and toast marshmallows by an open fire. I actually feel like those days when I was cooped up inside my house while a blizzard was raging outside wasn't so bad.

It's really only in extreme weather when I start itching for a change of temperature. It also doesn't really help that the A/C unit in my office started to malfunction and I was sweating like a pig for the last three hours of work. I ruined a page of notes fanning myself, but I digress. To try and beat the heat I like to imagine myself on top of a snowy mountain making snow angels! Just rolling in the snow like a dog rolls in grass, ahhh, yes that thought is like biting into a York Peppermint Patty. Refreshing!

I really love Autumn and would probably be happy to walk around looking at pretty foliage, drinking apple cider and putting out scary Halloween decorations for most of the year. Spring time isn't really my thing, probably because I suffer from extreme allergies and Spring time pollen is a mortal enemy of mine! Although, who doesn't love seeing the world wake up from it's winter's nap? It is very pretty and reassuring.

So, does anyone else suffer from Seasonal Bipolar Disorder or is it just me that thinks the grass is greener on the other side?

Love and Air Conditioners,

Stephanie

Dime Store Floozy

2012-06-25T21:05:00.001-07:00

Dime Store Floozy

I titled this entry after watching 9 to 5 and hearing Dolly saying everyone thought she was a "Dime Store Floozy" that saying makes me laugh every time I hear it!

I am an oddity. Maybe it's because I was raised and not just allowed to do anything and everything I wanted. Don't get me wrong I did plenty of things I wasn't supposed too. I know everyone does things in their teenage years that they cringe to think of later on in life... but I digress. Aren't you supposed to learn from those things? What I am talking about this time is the fact that I was raised to carry myself with a certain class and mannerism. I was always taught, manner's matter and the worst thing was for someone to think bad about you. Granted I don't always care as much about other people's feelings as I should. I can come across blunt and sarcastic or so I thought until recently.

In all the jobs I have had and all the classes at college I have taken, one thing I have noticed is people around my age love to talk about the things they have done. The people they sleep with, how wasted they got and how much weed they smoked. They go in detail on the size and technique the man they were with had, how easy the girl was and so on. This stuff doesn't offend me, when I feel I get to know someone personally I open up more too. I just don't broadcast my personal life to everyone. Until people get to know me, I am reserved, quite and sometimes shy. I have no idea why because I used to be the extreme opposite. However, lately I feel like I am turning into an adult which is good, right? You're supposed to grow up and get over those silly things you did as a teenage, aren't you?

Which brings me to my next questions: How is someone supposed to make friends, when they are out of touch with the things people their own age do? I have lots of people that I can chat with and even go out for coffee with but close friends, those are very limited. I don't know if I push people away or they just don't want to be my friend, but, I have nothing in common with most of the people I come in contact with. They talk about sex, drinking and other things. Most of the time I have no idea what they're talking about (for instance I had no idea a car was called a whip) which is embarrassing to admit. I sometimes worry that I act like a little old lady, it's true most of the people that I really connect with are forty and up. At two different jobs I made friends with a sixty year old lady and a fifty year old lady. They were so nice and I absolutely loved their company, chatting with them made the days go by so much faster!

I guess it's really my own fault, I just enjoy doing things like playing cards, reading, watching T.V. and spending time with my family. I do drink but it's very rare (when I do it's wine and I usually end up drinking the bottle because it's so tasty!) I don't smoke or do drugs and I listen to 50's and 60's pop music. I want to drive a 56 Belaire not a 2012 Camero... guess I was just born in the wrong generation.

Maybe this whole vintage thinking has started to become an obsession?

Does anyone else ever feel like this? Like you just don't fit in and it's hard to make a new friends?

Love and quirky people,

Stephanie

Money Money Money... Moneeeeyyyyy!!

2012-06-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Money, Savings and Loans

If any of you know me personally you'll know that saving money has never been my strong point. I try really hard but then I end up spending money when I shouldn't. Call me irresponsible, greedy or just plain stupid, but, I actually have been trying much harder to save the all mighty dollar now that I have a job.

I just thought this was cute!

What is it about the green, coins, dough, Benjamin's- or any other word you want to call it? Why are some people brilliantly frugal and can manage there money like none other and some of us, just buy then regret it? Now I've gotten better, but, stores like Walmart and Target still get me. I get in there and think about all the things I need and buy way too much. I know that these stores are designed that way... that's why they make so much damn money- cause you walk in there for one thing and walk out with twenty items you couldn't live without.

Still have a hard time buying everything for my home and not spending every dime I have!

Now that I am wanting a new car, house and other grown-up crap I realize how horrible my spending has been. I had a great job, and, had started saving but then I, like most people around the country, lost my job and depleted my savings. I'm starting from scratch- actually worse because I have medical bills and other bills that I got majorly behind on. Now I must dig my way out of debt and start all over again. I'm not really sure why I feel the need to put this out on my blog for all the world to see. I mean it's really personal and this is sort of the thing that I tend to keep to myself. Who really wants to tell people, oh, yeah I can't buy that I don't have the credit or the money at the moment? But maybe, just maybe, by putting this out here it will drive me to stay on target and keep squirling (love that term even though I am sure it isn't actually a word!) my money away for a rainy day and the little starter house I've been dreaming of.

So let me know, do you have any words of encouragement on saving money and still paying bills??

Love and Mullah,

Stephanie

Khakis and Dress Pants

2012-06-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Khakis and Dress Pants

My work has been keeping me pretty busy so doing a daily blog isn't going so well. I like the job, and, seem to be picking it up slowly but steadily. Although if any of my colleagues are reading this they may beg to differ. Week days are okay, until about five o'clock then all hell breaks lose. People are getting off work so that's there chance to call in and take care of whatever issues they may be having. The mornings and afternoons aren't too bad, sometimes steady but really it's just busy work and a crossword puzzle or two.

As much as I like it though, I can see that it will be a repetitive job. Sunday, jeans... get to be casual. Every other weekday, khakis or black pants. Get up do the left over dishes, walk the dog wear the khakis. Come home, make dinner, watch t.v. and read until falling asleep. Wake up put on black dress pants, walk dog, watch morning new shows, go to work. Come home for lunch, walk dog, eat soup and salad, go back to work, come home, bring home dinner, watch t.v., take bath, read until falling asleep. Wake up, wear khakis, walk dog, go to work, come home for lunch, walk dog, go back to work, come home play with dog, argue about dinner, watch t.v., paint, go to sleep. This will be my life for the next few years. How exciting.

Really though the thought that gets me through my day, is knowing I come home to Daniel and Oscar. I know, I know, excuse you while you vomit from the sweetness of that sentiment, but, it's true. While I am sitting at work, listening to a person that keeps breaking there recliner because they're too fat to sit in it in the first place, I just keep thinking- five more hours and I get to be with my best friend. Four more hours to go and I can go laugh and talk with someone that truly wants me to be there and loves my company. Three more hours and I'm out of here.

I'm not sure what's clicked, but, for the first time I don't want to leave my job. Sure, I'd rather be at home with Dan but that isn't reality. Reality is everyone has to work. Everyone has to do something, and, when I wasn't working I was bored out of my mind. Bring home a paycheck really helps too. I got my first paycheck today. I forgot how satisfying it is to know that you earned that money and for the time being you will have your bills paid and food in you fridge.

Love and paychecks,

Stephanie

Birthday Weekends

2012-06-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

Birthday Weekend of Fun

This weekend is the weekend before my before, I turn 26 tomorrow, so my Mom and Sister drove up here to see me. It was such a fun weekend. First we went to Weber's for Burgers and guess who we ran into there? Oh, you'll never get it so I will just tell you... Bill Hader from SNL and many movies. He was such a nice guy. We just asked, "Are you Bill Hader?" and he was, then he saw my sister playing with her phone and he asked if we wanted to take a picture with him. Well, hell yeah we did!!! Dan and I watch SNL just to watch some of Hader's characters. In fact right now being that I went to work today and wanted to get comfy am wearing Dan's Stefan shirt.

Then we walked down Brookside and went to Purple Glaze which is a place you can paint pottery and they fire it in the kiln for you. I think I may have created a monster in my mom because now she is addicted to this! I get to pick up our goodies on Tuesday so I will probably post some pictures when I go and get them. The first night mom and I both painted salt and pepper shakers and spoon rests. Dan and Sarah painted vases and we made a mug for Fathers Day. The next day we realized that it would be a great idea for Grandfathers as well. So we packed ourselves back into the car and went back for more fun. Dan made a coaster and mom made a picture frame.

Our original plane was to go to the lake but since mom didn't want to tow her boat up here and there wasn't any to rent we made new plans. I know how much we all love to go watch Broadway plays and I remember that Jersey Boys were playing so I suggested it and it was the hit of the weekend. If you have never seen this play I highly suggest it. It is the story of Franky Valli and The Four Seasons. It was a soundtrack that will have you singing along to all of the hits and colorful dialog that kept us laughing! If I had the money I would go back again, I loved it!!

As with most fun weekends they go to fast and you wonder where the time went. I love spending time with my family and really how many people can honestly say that? I've had such a good twenty fifth year I can't wait to see wait twenty six has to offer.

Love and Birthday cake,

Stephanie

Luke, I'm Your Father...

2012-06-10T19:01:00.002-07:00

"Luke I'm Your Father"

As I am an honorary geek, I thought it best to put it out here on my blogger account. No, I am not a Trekkie (spelling) or any other dopey word. But I wonder, what is it about this series that draws everyone in? I remember watching it on the big screen when they re-released it in the 90's. My mom took me and a friend to go watch it and I thought "A New Hope" was the best movie ever.

I only like the 70's four through six, I've watched all of them. My brother was obsessed with them, and, spent most of his time talking like Jar Jar Binx. Don't know if I spelled that right either. These movies are an American Institution. The movies just wont die though. Seriously, how many movie's can you name that still draw people in after thirty plus years? Not many. But here we are and here they are. Being re-released on Blue-Ray, being watched for the first time by a kid that just wants to be a Jedi and no matter how old you are anything like an old wrapping paper tube becomes a light saber.

Characters like Hans and Chewey still are they dynamic duo of the century. Who doesn't want a seven foot tall big hairy looking dog to be your side kick? Do any of you have a movie or television series that you love? Do you still here catch phrases like, "It's a trap!", "Luke I'm Your Father" or "That's No Moon It's A Space Station" or whatever you show's catch phrases mean.

Love and Light-Sabers,

Stephanie Sky-walker

Date With Danny

2012-06-08T18:35:00.001-07:00

Date With Danny

Right now because Dan is still in training he has weekends off, he also gets off relatively early because he gets up at the crack of dawn. So when he got home today I was ready for an adventure, also, because I've been trying to be ultra good on eating healthy I wanted a cheeseburger. Lol! Isn't that always the way? You've done good all week so you crave the worst thing possible for yourself! I did get the baby burger, Danny and I shared the fries- but I had to get a regular Pepsi! My very own Weber's Special... this is my place and it was jumping today. I love to see that, an independent eatery getting a piece of the metaphorical pie. I like the big chains as much as the next guy, but, when the little guy does it better there is something almost whimsical about that.

Anyways, this isn't about food (regretfully) this is about my perfect afternoon with Dan. For those of you that aren't familiar with Tulsa their is a shopping center, really an outside mall if you will, that is in the center of Tulsa. It's called Utica Square. It looks like it's set in a park and you just want to wander around soaking up the feel good vibes it sends out. I of course went strait for Starbucks because I am sucker for an iced latte.

If your planning on visiting the Tulsa area I recommend coming to Utica Square even if you don't like shopping there is pretty landscaping and wood carvings that are nice to look at. They have great eateries too. Yes, they have things like Olive Garden and PF Changs for you people that don't like to try new things! (Just Kidding) But they also have independently owned restaurants too! The outside eating areas are so nice because they're covered with ivy growing over the awning and they have ceiling fans to circulate the air. Trust me Tulsa, OK gets the ass end of weather stick. We can go from being buried under three feet of snow to a summer that reaches 112. Seriously people, expect anything in this area. I've told Dan when I get my first check I am going to one of these restaurants because they look like so much fun to go eat at.

For you shoppers out there, they have a grab bag of stores. The Gap, Chicos, Mrs. Jacksons, Saks Fifth Avenue, Potter Barn and much more! I don't really shop that much but I like to window shop. I get so many ideas from walking around places like these. It was a great afternoon and hopefully we can do something else fun tomorrow!

Love and Lattes,

Stephanie

This is the happiest dog in the world... rolling in the grass under my bench! Just look at those eyes!

It's Friday!!!

2012-06-08T09:02:00.001-07:00

First Week on the Job!

With my first week of work out of the way, I thought I would just do a re-cap of my week. You have no idea how... grateful I am to have this job. I still have lot's to learn but I am trying really hard to do my best.

My first day, I was nervous but didn't let it get to me. Second day I went to orientation and learned more about the company and of course went threw more training, by the third and the fourth I am starting to get the hang of things. I am now taking calls with someone listening on the extension and coaching me on what to say and what to do with the computer screens. It's really the most laid back customer service job I've ever had, unless you count the six months I worked at Dillard's. I would probably still be at Dillard's if they would ever give their customer service people raises. Seriously you could work there for ten years and they wouldn't give you a raise. How stupid is that? I do miss that discount though!

Now that I have Friday and Saturday off I am looking around my house to all the stuff that has piled up. You know when I wasn't working my house was spic-and-span. Didn't matter if I didn't do the dishes after diner I would have all day the next day to take care of that... now I come home cook and don't want to do those dishes because I've worked all day. I swear if we get our bills back in order, I will be hiring a housekeeper. I hate cleaning! Sometimes when I'm in the mood I do actually like it but when you have a full time job, cleaning seems to be like another full time job you don't get paid for.

I kinda just put this in because i think I may bake a cake later tonight... I good marble cake with thick chocolate frosting. Yum!!

I guess I should get off my computer and actually tackle the items on my to-do list I've been putting off this week.

Love and House Chores,

Stephanie

Just Another Day at the Office

2012-06-05T17:58:00.004-07:00

Just Another Day at the Office

So I've been at my job now for two days, I like it a lot. The world of customer service is something everyone should experience once. Really, some people do need to work these jobs just so they would know that screaming at someone does not make your order come in faster, cursing someone does not make you t.v. service come back and it certainly does not make anyone want to help you in a timely matter.

As of yet I haven't heard anything too crazy, I got worse when I worked for a collections company but since I've worked various call center jobs I know the people taking the call aren't the problem. It's the companies policy. I know it's frustrating when the rep spouts off policy jargon and gives you an I don't care attitude. Trust me it's not personal, you're probably like that person 50th phone call and they have been beat to death by stupid people that can't use common sense to figure their own problems out.

But you have no idea how happy I am to be working a real job again. If you've ever been without a job for any period of time then you can understand how frustrating it can be to watch your spouse go and work their ass off and all you can do is clean and cook. If we were in the position for me to stay at home and cook and clean I would probably take it, just because I love my house being clean... like super clean! It's almost impossible for me to keep up with it when I work full time. But alas, this isn't the fifties and everyone has to work.

I am really hoping this job turns into somewhat off a career. That I can actually stay here and work someway to a manager position. I promise to keep everyone posted through out the good days and the bad days! Gonna relax and watch some America's Got Talent and read a book.

Love and 9-5 jobs:

Stephanie

It's Started With A Book

2012-06-03T18:35:00.002-07:00

It Started With A Book

I don't really know why but I blame J.K. Rowling, why can I not stop reading books of magic and mystical creatures that are meant for a younger audience? Harry Potter is an obsession and I think I am going to get some kind of quote in honor of a book and movie taking up more than a decade of my life. Seriously people we are the Potter Generation... well I am on the outer cusp of the Potter Generation, but, people like my little brother that were like ten when the first movie came out and have literally grown up reading and watching these movies- they, they are the Potter Generation.

Then came Twilight, the sparkly vampires. I've read them and watched each movie as well. They don't hold a candle to the Potter series. The plots good- the writing atrocious. Plus it gave us Kristen Stewart and all her lower lip biting glory, for that I will always blame you Stephenie Meyer for unleashing this emotionless sour puss on main stream pop culture. Yeah I said it and so did a million other tabloids.

Seriously lets call a girl that blows off college and wants to get married at the age of sixteen a roll model. Being that she gets pregnant at the age of eighteen I think she should be the next character on Teen Mom. I like my vampires sucking the blood of humans not being "vegetarians" and knocked up teenage girls. While I'm on the subject how does the physics of this work? I mean the guy is dead, one, would think he would lack the blood flow to a specific area to make this possible.

Now there are books like Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and Jane and the Damned. Classics with a twist, I just read the Jane and the Damned book. Was with it all the way until the end. Ugh the end just pissed me off to no end, I literally (forgive me public library) threw it on the ground and walked off. Don't you just hate books like that? You get to the end of the book and everything is going great, you've been enjoying the hours spent reading this authors hard work and you're like, yes, well done I've found a new author I may just go out and find more of their work then- BAM! Sorry, do not pass go do not collect 200 dollars. This book just crashed and burned.

I guess I am just going to wait and see what else J.K. Rowling rolls out, a little part of me is hoping that this grown up book has something to do with Potter. Perhaps a more in depth prequel?

Oh, I realize I could add The Hungers Games to this little rant, but, I found them to be well written and gave us something else to read about besides spirits of the under world. So there ya go. But for me it will always be Harry Potter- Always...

Love and Tween Reading Lists For All:

Stephanie

Dreaming of a Dream House

2012-06-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of a Dream House

I love this house, it's from the movie Practical Magic. I'd live there!

This looks like a real life fairy tale cottage.

Outside of Practical Magic house... still love it!

A couple of weeks ago I wrote an entry about houses and how I hope to build my own on day, so I thought I would post another entry about recent pictures that I've found on this subject. Yes, I will say it up front most of my idea come from movies... like if I struck it rich one day with the lotto I would find Nancy Meyers and have her make a house for me. Seriously, have you seen her set designs they are beautiful!!!

Any house I have I want a screened in porch or sunroom... couldn't you image playing Scrabble or Gin Rummy on a rainy day?

I like this one the most!

But I love the black woodwork of this one.

One thing that is important to me is that I have little touches that make the house mine. I love vintage inspirations, so I think having a panel or two of stained glass windows somewhere is a must. I think I would put it in the kitchen or an office or even a bathroom. Big windows are also a must, once upon a time I cleaned houses for a living and the best house I ever cleaned was a 70 year old house that had original bathroom octagon tiles and huge huge windows! I was cleaning it in late spring, (you know the time when it rains every two or three days?) anyways everything was so green this house and the greenery reminded me of Twilight. Don't judge me, the first one was the best one. So yeah, my home should I get my way will have lots of natural lights and vintage touches!

I found this on Pinterest, I would love this in my home!

I am firm believer of the whole concept of the kitchen being the heart of a home. I love cooking and baking, not to mention drinking so the kitchen is my sanctuary. I love having friends over and cooking for them. Don't know why, maybe it's because all my friends are having kids and they can cook for their families and I don't so I just cook meals for my friends instead? Not sure but I love having people over and sharing a meal with them. So here's some pictures of what I would call heaven...

I like the Earthy qualities of this picture.

But love the white in this one... I think this will always have to be a dream because Dan doesn't like white that much. Sad face.

I think you may be noticing a them going one... I love white porcelain sinks!!

This one really is the best though!!

The other important part to a house is the bathrooms. Mainly the master bath, I don't so much care about the other ones. Now we see I have no children yet, right? I'm completely selfish... just kidding! Even in my bathrooms I want big windows and lots of natural light, guess I better live out in the middle of no where so random people don't see me naked! LOL!! Although when we went to New York there where huge windows in there and I really could care less if someone was watching me while I showered!

Now that I've been introduced to Pinterest I've found so many awesome pictures that I would add to my own house. So I thought I would share with you... enjoy and tell me what'cha think!

Love and Dream Homes for everyone!

Stephanie

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

2012-05-31T09:40:00.001-07:00

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

So I've finally gotten a job! Yay me!! It's for a furniture store and I will not be in sales, which, makes me happy. I will be in the office and customer service department and I can't wait! I get benefits and a discount on furniture, just so happens I kind of need to replace my living room couches. The one's we got when we first moved to Tulsa were on the cheaper side and have filled their purpose.

Anyways, I start on Monday and how am I going to spend the next four days of off time? Laying around and working on my summer reading list, catching up on sitcoms or working on my tan? Nope, I am going to clean this house from top to bottom and organize everything I can. Yes, I know fifties housewife much... Shut up! I like things clean and right now after us being gone and me letting things pile up it needs a good scrubbing. I swear when we move and our bills are back in order I am calling a house cleaner because I am soo sick of cleaning, I really hate it!

Pardon the French, but, this sort of sums up my attitude today!

After looking up pictures for this entry, I started thinking about how different things were in the fifties to today. Women were just expected to do all the housework and pretend like it was fun. How did they do it? I would be the biggest bitch all the time, how dare you tell me I can't work and because you're a man you're better than me!!! Yes, the gloves would be off and the claws would be out!

Yeah, I would just like to see someone try this on me. The results would not be pretty!

This didn't have anything to do with cleaning, but, look their are olives, celery and something else floating in this Jell-o Mold. That's just nasty!

I saw this ad in a movie once. I wonder if the people that made it knew that in 2012 we would still be looking at it?

Yeah, this lady does NOT look happy!

Just look at some of these ads, they are beyond ridiculous. Then I started looking at the ads today, the majority of cleaning ads feature a woman cleaning up after kids and a clumsy husband. So have things really changed? Do men still want us in our kitchens playing the part of a short order cook?

Sometimes I wish I could be like Samantha, wiggle my nose and my house is clean!

Well I have to actually go check some things off of my to do list!

Love and Fifties Cleaning To All,

Steph

The Breakfast of Champions

2012-05-30T08:36:00.003-07:00

Breakfast of Champions

So I've had this one picture that I intended to put with my camping blog entries, but, somehow forgot about. I thought I would just make one now.

Danny grilling bacon!

Oh yeah, this was amazing!! Could really go for more of that right now!

It's funny how when you're on vacation everything is great- and then you come back and your life starts again and all you can think about is going back on vacation to run away from the day to day pains in the ass you have to deal with each and everyday. So today as my stomach growls trying to get my attention that food needs to be eaten and quick I think of the breakfasts on the lake, oh yeah we would get up and go run our lines and come back and eat the best food ever. Why is it around water, food just tastes better?

I have 51 more days to go and then I leave for Florida and I get another vacation! I am dreaming of Cuban food in Little Havana, of pizza at Hollywood Boardwalk and of Ju Pina my favorite soda in the world. One you can not find in Tulsa, OK by the way. Once Target had two two liters shipped to them by mistake, we scared one of the employees as we ran up to here like two crack addicts looking for their next fix, asking (more like shouting) where more of these sodas were. She of course didn't know and really just wanted us to stop screaming in her face, so we bought them both and tried to savor them as long as possible, which in turn turned out to be about a day.

Well I am off to go finish the laundry we went through on our trip and clean up the rest of the house too!

Love and Camp Food,

Steph

"Redneck Yacht Club"

2012-05-28T14:48:00.001-07:00

“Redneck Yacht Club”

All right, this is a when in Rome kind of moment, but whatev. There is a place on Broken Bow Lake known as Jet Boat Cove. Jet Boats get out a race and everyone goes out and watches. This was Dan’s favorite place, probably because there was lots of beer and float time. This is most defiantly the “Redneck Yacht Club” because you just pull up, get your cooler out and have some fun.

Watching the boats is really entertaining, but, it’s really the socializing with everyone that makes it fun! I tried to write all this down last night while everything was fresh in my head but I was so tired I just couldn’t make a coherent sentence! So this is just going to sum up the weekend.

Yes, we did get some fish even though our bait was on the small side. The first day we got one blue, two channel and one flat-head… but the flat-head was too small and had to be let go. He literally got off the hook and will live to swim another day. I was so excited when I reached down into the water and grabbed the line and something was fighting me! Yes! That’s what I wanted!

We went back and moved our traps to try and get bigger perch, although we did get some bigger perch we still didn’t get the one’s I was hoping for. I mean you can’t go swimming at the bank without having those damn fish biting your legs but we couldn’t get the big ones to swim into the trap for anything! How is that possible?

Although this morning we ended up with a really good sized flat-head… which is why we went through the trouble!! There was also a baby-baby flat-head on there and a channel cat. So it wasn’t too shabby, I mean we really aren’t that serious about it. But I have seven bags of fresh fish in my freezer and will be making it soon enough. I can’t wait-because fresh fish or fresh anything is the best!

No one felt like tubing much because it was so freaking rough this weekend. We had such big gusts of wind you couldn’t keep your plate on the table even with food on it, it even broke our awning! So floating and tubing weren’t that fun, sure you could go in a cove but it was so covered with people that when you fell off the tube you kept wondering when one of them were going to hit you! The term sitting duck was going through my mind many times.

It’s funny how much you take something for granted when it’s always in your reach. When I was a teenage, wanting to get out of that town so bad I could taste it, I couldn’t understand why anyone would drive several hours to come to Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Now that I live in Tulsa, I understand this lake is gorgeous! When I was there I was a Bald Eagle, several deer, a crane, countless fish and when baiting on of the lines at night an owl decided to talk to us. My step-dad Brad can mimic an owl call and this owl was a chatty Cathy. Of course Oscar could not understand what in the hell was in that woods making so much noise!

The weekend went to fast, as almost all fun weekends do. I hope to go back soon, before the Oklahoma heat has us all suffering so much you can only stay inside! The next time we go I think we will float the river, which will be fun because I haven’t done it since I was about fourteen and Dan has never gone. It’s the perfect thing to do when the lake warms up and it’s no longer refreshing!

Now I have to go unpack and decide if I want to make this fish tonight!

Love and Memorial Day fun,
Steph