*Disclaimer: I am going to share some things about my personal opinions and experiences with bullying. I am not looking for your criticism or mean responses to what I say. If that is what you have to bring to the table, I politely ask you to excuse yourself from reading any further.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about bullying. A little over a week ago, a middle school boy a ways from where I live committed suicide. There are fuzzy details about the why, but the majority of reports are that this boy was gay and bullied for it. A very, very sad thing to happen, especially in the middle of the family and joy-heavy holiday season.
There is one thing that I would like to briefly touch on that is a little sensitive, and I hope I am able to adequately express myself without leaving anyone confused or angry.
Bullying is ugly. It is probably one of the most ugly and senseless things that has happened for all time. It sickens me that it is so prevalent in this time and that my little ones will grow up in the middle of this dark and evil trend. I am always upset when I hear about anyone, especially children, being pushed around, taunted, beaten-up, ridiculed, etc. I don't think that anyone deserves to be bullied regardless of sexual orientation, social status, skin color, disability, religion, beliefs, physical appearance, or quirks. The thing that makes me very sad and even frustrated at times, is that stories in the news about bullying are almost always centered around the fact that the victim was homosexual or a certain religion or a different ethnicity. Now, please hear me out before any of you go off on a rant and start to send me nasty messages. This bothers me because of what I said before: "I don't think that anyone deserves to be bullied regardless of sexual orientation, social status, skin color, disability, religion, beliefs, physical appearance, or quirks," IT IS NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE GAY OR JEWISH OR BLACK, ETC. I think that ALL victims of bullying need the same support and love as anyone else. They are all vulnerable. They are all scared. They are often alone. They are lost. They are frayed and on their last thread. They are already self-loathing. They all want just one person to see worth in them or to tell them one single redeeming thing about themselves. Making them feel that it only is a big deal or worth mentioning if they are bullied for being gay or of a certain religion or skin color is not okay. It is always a big deal, no matter what the cause for bullying is. I know that making something into scandal or a prejudice is some networks bread and butter, but ALL of it needs to stop. They are all God's Masterpieces and should be loved and treated accordingly.
As a person who was terribly picked-on and bullied, I understand very well what is going through the mind of a bullied child. This is why I am so bothered by the medias treatment of these cases and stories. Shouldn't they all get the same air time and page space? It is the worst thing to feel like no one cares or you have no place to turn or that your pain doesn't matter enough, especially when you are a helpless child. I was an excellent athlete, very smart, a kick-ass speller, musically able, and a fair artist, but none of those things mattered because on the outside I was different and awkward. I had every TV show and movie cliche for a picked-on kid: red hair, glasses, acne, Tomboy, was often the tallest girl and wore hand-me-down clothes from my brother (so I probably looked like a boy with a ponytail). I was taunted. I was pushed and shoved. I was told I had no friends. I was singled-out. I had my belongings taken, scattered, and stolen. I was called terrible names. I was even beaten-up a few times. Neighborhood girls told me I wasn't pretty enough and would humiliate me by always making me pretend to be the man in our make-believe. Classmate boys told me I was ugly, fat, or that I should go die.
I specifically remember picture day in the 6th grade where that exact thing happened: It was a few days after my 12th birthday and I was so excited to be wearing my brand new blue dress for pictures. Being excited to have my picture taken was a huge deal. I always had a hard time with pictures of any kind being taken of me because they would always make me cry (or at least make my eyes sting from holding back tears). I had been taunted and teased about my appearance so much growing up that I cried thinking that there would be another homely form of me preserved forever in an image. This day, however, I was not afraid of that. I had a new haircut that my mom had styled and curled for me that morning. I had also just had my ears pierced for my birthday and was wearing my birthstone studs that matched my dress perfectly. For the first time I was feeling pretty and like a little lady. I remember Mrs. Fairbanks calling my name to go to the photographer in the auditorium next. As I walked down the hallway, one of the boys from my class, Nick, was returning from having his pictures done. I hesitantly chanced a polite smile at him as he passed (he was historically nasty to me). He stopped and pushed me to the wall and said "Oh my gosh! Is that what you look like for pictures?? You're so ugly. Don't break the camera!" He laughed and continued his way to our classroom. I continued down the hall, trying to keep the tears in so I could do a nice school picture without red, puffy eyes for my mom. As soon as it was done, I went into the nearest girls bathroom and cried.
I think that the worst part of being bullied was that I never understood why it happened and didn't know what to do about it. I was too embarrassed to talk about it with friends because I was afraid of increasing the ridicule. I couldn't go to the teachers because nothing was really done the other times I tried. I didn't want to further burden my parents because they had their arms full with the six other kids in my family. I couldn't even go to my siblings because we were often at war with each other and sometimes they were the worst offenders, myself included.
I hate what has become of me from those years of fear: I have terrible social anxiety. I am awkward and struggle with friends. I can't see beauty in myself. I can't defend myself. I don't handle conflict very well. But the most significant problem is that I believe and am terrified that my children will also become victims and have nowhere to go for help or support. I am always trying to overcome these obstacles so that I can be a source of love and comfort for my kids, but only time will tell if I am successful.
Since it is the holiday season, here is my plea to anyone who reads this: Anyone and everyone could be a victim. Maybe it's not bullying. Maybe it's abuse. Maybe it's addiction. Maybe it's mental illness. Be loving. Be there. Be a comfort. Do not judge. Do not condemn. Do not skirt these sad ones in the store, or at the bank, or at events because you think it will be a little uncomfortable. Did Christ dodge people if it was uncomfortable? They are your family. They are your friends. They notice. They fell looked down upon. They feel the sting of rejection and being unwanted. It confirms what they have been told and made to believe; that they are broken, worthless, ugly, weird, stupid. Please, please, please, make the extra effort this season (and always, really) to reach out to those who may be hurting. To everyone. You never know who is deeply hurt or damaged. The simplest gesture of caring, kindness, love, and comfort may mean the life of someone. A hug, a call, a card, an email, cookies... You never know. Hey, if you believe in karma, how could it possibly do anything but good for you? ;) Please love and be kind and remember the tried and true thought: WWJD?
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
...Friends...?
***I apologize ahead of time for the less positive theme of this post and the one before. This blog is where I told myself I would let out some of my feelings in a calm and sensible and (hopefully) intelligent way and these posts are doing just that. A lot of these are simply me typing my thoughts as they come up. I promise that it won't always be this way. The content that these posts are about came up within the past short while and have prompted a lot of thinking.***
I have been thinking about friends a LOT lately. I realize that I am a terrible friend when it comes to keeping in touch. Seriously, I suck. There have been more efforts made as of late, but hardly anything has come of it. It's not completely my fault, though... So many of you have moved so far away and have families and chilluns like myself. Funny how they tend to turn their mommies into hermits...
Recently a college friend got married and had a reception in Bountiful. (Bountiful...why??? So far away.) Despite my best efforts, I was unable to attend the reception and felt quite terrible. Today I sent a congratulatory message to my friend and he responded "I was wondering if you'd be able to make it to the reception and was sad when you didn't, but I guess that's only fair cuz I didn't make it to yours either. :)" That thought never even came into my mind until he said it. I know that he was only joking, but it made me realize something that makes me quite sad: Some of the friendships I have are contingent upon how many brownie points I can earn with them. Whether it be showing up and bearing gifts to bridal showers or baby showers or weddings or birthday parties or concerts, what have you, if I missed one or more of these events, I was suddenly blacklisted and it was difficult to contact the person. Now, I understand how it feels to have your turn to have a big event and have high hopes of seeing your old friends come show support and wish you well as you did for them on their various days of awesome only to have those hopes dashed by the tiny trickle that shows up. My wedding reception was especially disappointing because I had invited basically every good friend I had made from pre-school up to college and very few made it. But I always gave those people the benefit of the doubt and figured that they had something come up, or they were strange like me and receptions made them sad, or it was too far away. Something simple like that. It made me sad, but not to the point that I would all but sever the ties with those people. It's such a trivial disappointment that it more or less just rolled off my back after a day or two.
What ever happened to being friends because of similar interests, values, backgrounds, or just simply liking them for who they are??
Aside from that, I also found that there are some "friends" who despite my increased efforts to reach out and help/talk to/catch-up have not only been blowing me off, but also spreading untruths and very hurtful things concerning myself and dear Mr. Fox. Now, I will take some tough words and have a little cry then move on, but I will not tolerate someone speaking ill of my loved ones, especially when it's false speculation and borne out of spite. No fly zone. There is simply no need for such nonsense in this world or in my life.
Maybe these conditional friendships I recently found are ones that I don't need to put so much work into anymore. The most lame thing of all this is that I still really care for these people and want to do everything I can to let them know that I'm there for them, even when they are unduly mean or upset with me. However, let's just be honest here, I can't afford to be really choosy *sarcasm* what with my overabundance of social life and throngs of friends at my door *end sarcasm.*
That last sad sentence moves into another thing that I have been dealing with for the past few years: I really have no friends in the flesh. I have short bursts of friendship online via facebook (as much as I dislike FB, it is the only thing keeping me in touch with so many people who are so far away now) and that's all good and fun when I'm stuck at home, but I haven't really gone out and spent time with actual friends in person for many, many months (yes, even before I was pregnant). There is the occasional brush with someone at a baby shower or bridal shower, but those are fleeting and you are usually there to give the attention to the guest of honor. I don't really count those as "hanging out" because it isn't something that you and another person set time aside for and made plans together. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that I really do not have a great ward for making friends. It is a "newly wed or nearly dead" ward that has many BYU or UVU couples and very young families. Since most, if not all, of these couples are students they are only around for a semester amount of time and then they are gone. Because of the extreme transient nature of the young couples, the older members more or less put themselves into a bubble and let it happen around them and are not into making young friends who will most likely be gone in a few short months. I honestly can't blame them because they are comfortable with how things always have been and don't have the time or energy to remember all the names of the youngsters who breeze in and out of the congregation. In addition to this, I am quite introverted and intimidated by nearly all of the young Sisters and have a difficult time strumming up the courage to get to know them. I'm almost 26 years old and I still have "popular/pretty/mean girl" anxiety like I had while growing up (I will elaborate on that more another time). Pathetic, I know, but that's how I roll.
So, what's a gal to do? I think this ward-specific problem will more or less be solved once we move into a house and are settled for a more permanent stay, but it's a real downer in the meantime. I know that getting married and having kids typically means the near-death of any social life or friendships that I may have, but I don't want that to happen. If I could have just one good girlfriend with whom I could bond and have girl time and be friends for years I would be soooooo happy.
Well, that was yet another installment of Stephannie's lameness. I hope any and all persons who just read this go out and get (maybe with THEIR friendsies!!) a favorite treat to cheer themselves up with... I know I am as soon as Mr. Fox and I get home from looking at houses tomorrow. That mood will for sure need a little sugar boost. =)
As always, thanks for reading the dribble (a British term as a nod to the 2012 London Olympics) I put up. ;) Lata.
I have been thinking about friends a LOT lately. I realize that I am a terrible friend when it comes to keeping in touch. Seriously, I suck. There have been more efforts made as of late, but hardly anything has come of it. It's not completely my fault, though... So many of you have moved so far away and have families and chilluns like myself. Funny how they tend to turn their mommies into hermits...
Recently a college friend got married and had a reception in Bountiful. (Bountiful...why??? So far away.) Despite my best efforts, I was unable to attend the reception and felt quite terrible. Today I sent a congratulatory message to my friend and he responded "I was wondering if you'd be able to make it to the reception and was sad when you didn't, but I guess that's only fair cuz I didn't make it to yours either. :)" That thought never even came into my mind until he said it. I know that he was only joking, but it made me realize something that makes me quite sad: Some of the friendships I have are contingent upon how many brownie points I can earn with them. Whether it be showing up and bearing gifts to bridal showers or baby showers or weddings or birthday parties or concerts, what have you, if I missed one or more of these events, I was suddenly blacklisted and it was difficult to contact the person. Now, I understand how it feels to have your turn to have a big event and have high hopes of seeing your old friends come show support and wish you well as you did for them on their various days of awesome only to have those hopes dashed by the tiny trickle that shows up. My wedding reception was especially disappointing because I had invited basically every good friend I had made from pre-school up to college and very few made it. But I always gave those people the benefit of the doubt and figured that they had something come up, or they were strange like me and receptions made them sad, or it was too far away. Something simple like that. It made me sad, but not to the point that I would all but sever the ties with those people. It's such a trivial disappointment that it more or less just rolled off my back after a day or two.
What ever happened to being friends because of similar interests, values, backgrounds, or just simply liking them for who they are??
Aside from that, I also found that there are some "friends" who despite my increased efforts to reach out and help/talk to/catch-up have not only been blowing me off, but also spreading untruths and very hurtful things concerning myself and dear Mr. Fox. Now, I will take some tough words and have a little cry then move on, but I will not tolerate someone speaking ill of my loved ones, especially when it's false speculation and borne out of spite. No fly zone. There is simply no need for such nonsense in this world or in my life.
Maybe these conditional friendships I recently found are ones that I don't need to put so much work into anymore. The most lame thing of all this is that I still really care for these people and want to do everything I can to let them know that I'm there for them, even when they are unduly mean or upset with me. However, let's just be honest here, I can't afford to be really choosy *sarcasm* what with my overabundance of social life and throngs of friends at my door *end sarcasm.*
That last sad sentence moves into another thing that I have been dealing with for the past few years: I really have no friends in the flesh. I have short bursts of friendship online via facebook (as much as I dislike FB, it is the only thing keeping me in touch with so many people who are so far away now) and that's all good and fun when I'm stuck at home, but I haven't really gone out and spent time with actual friends in person for many, many months (yes, even before I was pregnant). There is the occasional brush with someone at a baby shower or bridal shower, but those are fleeting and you are usually there to give the attention to the guest of honor. I don't really count those as "hanging out" because it isn't something that you and another person set time aside for and made plans together. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that I really do not have a great ward for making friends. It is a "newly wed or nearly dead" ward that has many BYU or UVU couples and very young families. Since most, if not all, of these couples are students they are only around for a semester amount of time and then they are gone. Because of the extreme transient nature of the young couples, the older members more or less put themselves into a bubble and let it happen around them and are not into making young friends who will most likely be gone in a few short months. I honestly can't blame them because they are comfortable with how things always have been and don't have the time or energy to remember all the names of the youngsters who breeze in and out of the congregation. In addition to this, I am quite introverted and intimidated by nearly all of the young Sisters and have a difficult time strumming up the courage to get to know them. I'm almost 26 years old and I still have "popular/pretty/mean girl" anxiety like I had while growing up (I will elaborate on that more another time). Pathetic, I know, but that's how I roll.
So, what's a gal to do? I think this ward-specific problem will more or less be solved once we move into a house and are settled for a more permanent stay, but it's a real downer in the meantime. I know that getting married and having kids typically means the near-death of any social life or friendships that I may have, but I don't want that to happen. If I could have just one good girlfriend with whom I could bond and have girl time and be friends for years I would be soooooo happy.
Well, that was yet another installment of Stephannie's lameness. I hope any and all persons who just read this go out and get (maybe with THEIR friendsies!!) a favorite treat to cheer themselves up with... I know I am as soon as Mr. Fox and I get home from looking at houses tomorrow. That mood will for sure need a little sugar boost. =)
As always, thanks for reading the dribble (a British term as a nod to the 2012 London Olympics) I put up. ;) Lata.
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Snowball
WARNING: This post is quite disjointed and the result of a lot of late night rambling and emotions. Read on at your own risk of boredom, confusion, or exasperation.
So, it has been nearly four months since my last post. Honestly, I marvel at the folks who do a worth-while and entertaining post DAILY. Masters of multitasking.
That brings me to what I was venting about to Fantastic Mr. Fox earlier this evening: my feelings of inadequacy and lack of utility. An important thing and disclaimer that my reader(s) needs to understand is that I have some problems (as do many, many people). Some of the biggest and most destructive problems are misplaced guilt, comparing myself to others, and extremely low self-esteem/image. The perfect storm for an evening ruined and pretty much all of what I'm about to delve into has something to do with these concepts.
As I mentioned, I have a very nasty habit of comparing myself to others. For as long as I have memory I have done this (yes, breaks hearts to think of a small 3-4 year old doing such a thing) and it has almost never been a good thing. I have many flaws and I am terrible at keeping the demons at bay who like to remind me of those flaws.
Since the day that Baby L. was born I have felt like a failure as a mother. Slightly melodramatic, yes. As I understand these feelings are pretty typical for first-time moms (especially when the PPD takes hold) because of the huge life-altering changes that are rapidly happening and usually fade as they get the hang of their new gig and the post-delivery hormones balance-out. Unfortunately, these feelings have not gone away for me. They have become less intense, but they still linger on a nearly daily basis. I tearfully told Mr. Fox tonight that it is because I love Baby L. so, so much and want to be the perfect mom and that he deserves the BEST momma in the universe, which obviously is not me. I do my best and I feel like I barely squeak by. To a spectator, I think I would appear to be doing just fine and have little to complain about, but to me, I am light years behind where I think I should be. I don't understand why it is so difficult for me to juggle caring for him and the rest of what is going on in my life, but it is and I beat myself up for it.
In addition to these feelings, it snowballed and I went on to apologize for the sad state of our 4x5 sq ft dark basement apartment (I jest about the dimensions, but only slightly...) and how it is not so beautifully decorated or is never fully clean and always has toys and dishes and laundry out of place. You would think that having such a small place would mean that it is very easy to keep neat and tidy, but you would be sorely mistaken. If anything, it makes it more difficult because there is nowhere to PUT anything. Everything is stashed hither and thither throughout the place and little grabbing hands pulls everything out faster than I am able to track. Before we had Baby L., we were already pushing the limits of space and were using one of John's (my father in-law who's basement apartment we live in) upstairs bedrooms for the excess and storage. We didn't (and still don't) by any means have tons of stuff or were in danger of becoming hoarders, but bring a little baby and all the necessities that come with that baby into the mix with a couple in a single bedroom dwelling and it quickly became a sardines in a can situation.
As the snowball that was this vent of feelings to Mr. Fox caught speed, I went on to express how I felt like I couldn't do anything that I enjoyed or needed to do because of the smallness of our place and the difficulty of caring for Baby L. in such a place. The designated living room serves as at least eight rooms: Living room, dining room, nursery, computer room/craft room, family room/play room, guest room (hide-a-bed in our couch), and dressing/hair/makeup room. We are currently on the hunt for a house, but it's very frustrating and emotionally draining and very time consuming. Add that to the 24/7 Baby L. and Fox Family duties, and The Nest is never going to revive.
I see my friends and family who are married and so happy and doing so well with beautiful homes, beautiful self, and effortlessly raising their babies and I can't help but think "What's wrong with me? Why am I unable to do it all?" I imagine that these are also very normal things to think to a degree, but it is almost obsessive with me and it drives me nuts. It always pops into my head when I see these people and their homes and their families.
I realize that it's not right to compare what you have with someone else because there are far too many life variables that lead you to where you are and where they are. I know it's irrational and not productive, but I still do it. I want to be better at everything: cooking, cleaning, raising my children, teaching, decorating, gaming, sewing, creating, singing, piano-ing, befriending, smiling, writing, exercising, church-ing... The list is endless. How do they do it??? I ask you honestly, HOW??
I so want to be the mom/wife/woman who does everything with so much grace and poise. Everyone sees that woman and knows she has it all together with a happy home, happy family, happy husband, happy friends, and happy self. Is it impossible? Maybe someday.
So, it has been nearly four months since my last post. Honestly, I marvel at the folks who do a worth-while and entertaining post DAILY. Masters of multitasking.
That brings me to what I was venting about to Fantastic Mr. Fox earlier this evening: my feelings of inadequacy and lack of utility. An important thing and disclaimer that my reader(s) needs to understand is that I have some problems (as do many, many people). Some of the biggest and most destructive problems are misplaced guilt, comparing myself to others, and extremely low self-esteem/image. The perfect storm for an evening ruined and pretty much all of what I'm about to delve into has something to do with these concepts.
As I mentioned, I have a very nasty habit of comparing myself to others. For as long as I have memory I have done this (yes, breaks hearts to think of a small 3-4 year old doing such a thing) and it has almost never been a good thing. I have many flaws and I am terrible at keeping the demons at bay who like to remind me of those flaws.
Since the day that Baby L. was born I have felt like a failure as a mother. Slightly melodramatic, yes. As I understand these feelings are pretty typical for first-time moms (especially when the PPD takes hold) because of the huge life-altering changes that are rapidly happening and usually fade as they get the hang of their new gig and the post-delivery hormones balance-out. Unfortunately, these feelings have not gone away for me. They have become less intense, but they still linger on a nearly daily basis. I tearfully told Mr. Fox tonight that it is because I love Baby L. so, so much and want to be the perfect mom and that he deserves the BEST momma in the universe, which obviously is not me. I do my best and I feel like I barely squeak by. To a spectator, I think I would appear to be doing just fine and have little to complain about, but to me, I am light years behind where I think I should be. I don't understand why it is so difficult for me to juggle caring for him and the rest of what is going on in my life, but it is and I beat myself up for it.
In addition to these feelings, it snowballed and I went on to apologize for the sad state of our 4x5 sq ft dark basement apartment (I jest about the dimensions, but only slightly...) and how it is not so beautifully decorated or is never fully clean and always has toys and dishes and laundry out of place. You would think that having such a small place would mean that it is very easy to keep neat and tidy, but you would be sorely mistaken. If anything, it makes it more difficult because there is nowhere to PUT anything. Everything is stashed hither and thither throughout the place and little grabbing hands pulls everything out faster than I am able to track. Before we had Baby L., we were already pushing the limits of space and were using one of John's (my father in-law who's basement apartment we live in) upstairs bedrooms for the excess and storage. We didn't (and still don't) by any means have tons of stuff or were in danger of becoming hoarders, but bring a little baby and all the necessities that come with that baby into the mix with a couple in a single bedroom dwelling and it quickly became a sardines in a can situation.
As the snowball that was this vent of feelings to Mr. Fox caught speed, I went on to express how I felt like I couldn't do anything that I enjoyed or needed to do because of the smallness of our place and the difficulty of caring for Baby L. in such a place. The designated living room serves as at least eight rooms: Living room, dining room, nursery, computer room/craft room, family room/play room, guest room (hide-a-bed in our couch), and dressing/hair/makeup room. We are currently on the hunt for a house, but it's very frustrating and emotionally draining and very time consuming. Add that to the 24/7 Baby L. and Fox Family duties, and The Nest is never going to revive.
I see my friends and family who are married and so happy and doing so well with beautiful homes, beautiful self, and effortlessly raising their babies and I can't help but think "What's wrong with me? Why am I unable to do it all?" I imagine that these are also very normal things to think to a degree, but it is almost obsessive with me and it drives me nuts. It always pops into my head when I see these people and their homes and their families.
I realize that it's not right to compare what you have with someone else because there are far too many life variables that lead you to where you are and where they are. I know it's irrational and not productive, but I still do it. I want to be better at everything: cooking, cleaning, raising my children, teaching, decorating, gaming, sewing, creating, singing, piano-ing, befriending, smiling, writing, exercising, church-ing... The list is endless. How do they do it??? I ask you honestly, HOW??
I so want to be the mom/wife/woman who does everything with so much grace and poise. Everyone sees that woman and knows she has it all together with a happy home, happy family, happy husband, happy friends, and happy self. Is it impossible? Maybe someday.
Monday, April 9, 2012
The Todd and his Vixen
As I sit here waiting for Baby L. to drift into his afternoon nap, I thought I would take this opportunity to give a little background on the Fox family and its members. Please bear with me as I am writing this on my tablet and expect many mistakes as a result. It is very likely that this will need to be done in two sittings. Here we go!
THE STEPH
THE STEPH
As I have touched on before, I am Stephannie. I am a little over 25 1/2 years old and have lived in Utah my entire life. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (you know, the Mormons) and love it. There are seven kids in my family and I am number two of the brood. I have one brother who is older, three brothers who are younger as well as two younger sisters. I love playing softball and basketball, World of Warcraft, most games, sewing, creatinfg, crafting, playing with Baby L., spending time with family and friends, playing or listening to music, reading, and doing anything with Fantastic Mr. Fox. I attended three years of college at Snow College and Utah State University where I majored in Psychology and Home and Family Studies and in the middle of all of that was trained and worked as a dental assistant.
MR. FOX
Fantastic Mr. Fox is my dear love and best friend. He also has lived in Utah all his life and was born in a house only three blocks from where we live now in Provo, Utah. We walk past it every week when we go on our walks and he tells stories of his childhood during the brief years that his family lived there. Mr. Fox is also the second child in his family, but he's the only boy with one older sister and three younger. He loves anything to do with plants and gardening, the outdoors, basketball, World of Warcraft (it's how we got to know each other so well, but that story may be for another time), Fable, Diablo, Warcraft, Pocket Tanks, can do many things with computers, playing with and loving Baby L, and spending time with his lovely wife. =) He is currently attending Utah Valley University where he is majoring in Computer Science and doing very well (I believe he has maintained a 4.0). When he's not doing homework, he's at work where he does support for a web hosting company only 5 minutes away from our house and comes home every day for lunch so he can see his little family. <3
THE TODD AND HIS VIXEN
We met at the end of April 2008 through my boyfriend at the time. We were at a special screening for the movie Iron Man a few days before it was released in theaters because my boyfriend had family who owned the local movie theater and allowed family members to invite friends to the test-run of the film reel to make sure that it had been assembled properly to be viewed by customers in a few days. Mr. Fox and this boyfriend worked together and became good friends, so naturally we all spent a lot of time together. Over the coming year we spent many hours together every week goofing-off and doing what best friends do. Since I was already in a relationship and he was best friends with the guy I was in a relationship with, everything between us was strictly platonic. It was a perfect way to get to know each other because no one was trying to impress anyone and we got to see what the other really was like.
It was nearly a year (from when we first met) before we started dating after I had been broken up from my boyfriend for a while. Our first date was March 28 when he took me to see Monsters vs. Aliens. We would go to dinner and movies, spend time talking at his house, hang out with his dad, play games, and even went to a session of General Conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake. The date we became "officially" boyfriend and girlfriend was April 8, 2009. We dated for a while before deciding that we were simply marvelous for each other and started planning for a future. Dating for four months, he "officially" proposed to me on August 1, 2009 at the place where we would be getting married: the Salt Lake Temple.
We became Mr. & Mrs. Fox on October 9, 2009 in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was the happiest day of our lives to finally be joined together as a new family. We have each had many painful and significant trials and struggles in our lives and had all but given up on ever being happy and whole. We found hope in each other when we were friends and had that hope realized when we became husband and wife. That enlivened us and gave us new life and purpose.We had found each other. In every way we had rescued and helped each other be better people and and grow closer to the Lord. We were first friends who cared, then we fell in love. For myself, who better to fall in love with than my hero and knight in shining armor? For him, who better to fall in love with than his damsel in distress? It was the first day of Eternity. =)
THE KIT
Baby L was born Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 7:36 AM in Orem, Utah. From when my water broke to when he emerged via forceps was roughly 4-5 hours. He decided to spare his mommy the 24+ hour labor that is typical with the delivery of the first child, but it was a catch-22 since everything progressed so quickly it was still very intense and painful. The original plan with his delivery was a natural labor and birth, but mitigating factors forced me to opt for an epidural after I was dilated to a nine. We were informed that Baby L was having alarming drops in his heart rate with the contractions and would need assistance being born ASAP with forceps.
We were able to experience discovering the gender of Baby L when he was born because we chose to not find out what we were having. It was a beautiful moment when I first saw our baby held up and I exclaimed to Mr. Fox "It's a boy! We have a boy!" I wish we had a picture of the look on Mr. Fox's face and mine when we saw our little BOY.
I love everything about Baby L. Everything. Despite the days that he doesn't allow me to sleep or screams in my face, I love him more and more. He's growing so fast that I can barely remember the days that he was so tiny and helpless. He now crawls at lightning speed and climbs stairs like he's been doing it for months and months. His vocabulary is always expanding and he will be standing on his on very soon, which will introduce a whole new level of mobility to him and a new level of babyproofing for us. =)
At this point that I am now typing this entry, Baby L is 10 months old today (coincidentally, it is also our 2 1/2 wedding anniversary). I am listening to him giggle and talk to himself in his bed as he is riding the good mood of just waking up from an afternoon nap.
Those squeals of delight are my cue to finish this entry for the day. I hope that I will be able to continue to share more about our family and daily life, but this must do for now.
Thanks for reading. Lata!
MR. FOX
Fantastic Mr. Fox is my dear love and best friend. He also has lived in Utah all his life and was born in a house only three blocks from where we live now in Provo, Utah. We walk past it every week when we go on our walks and he tells stories of his childhood during the brief years that his family lived there. Mr. Fox is also the second child in his family, but he's the only boy with one older sister and three younger. He loves anything to do with plants and gardening, the outdoors, basketball, World of Warcraft (it's how we got to know each other so well, but that story may be for another time), Fable, Diablo, Warcraft, Pocket Tanks, can do many things with computers, playing with and loving Baby L, and spending time with his lovely wife. =) He is currently attending Utah Valley University where he is majoring in Computer Science and doing very well (I believe he has maintained a 4.0). When he's not doing homework, he's at work where he does support for a web hosting company only 5 minutes away from our house and comes home every day for lunch so he can see his little family. <3
THE TODD AND HIS VIXEN
We met at the end of April 2008 through my boyfriend at the time. We were at a special screening for the movie Iron Man a few days before it was released in theaters because my boyfriend had family who owned the local movie theater and allowed family members to invite friends to the test-run of the film reel to make sure that it had been assembled properly to be viewed by customers in a few days. Mr. Fox and this boyfriend worked together and became good friends, so naturally we all spent a lot of time together. Over the coming year we spent many hours together every week goofing-off and doing what best friends do. Since I was already in a relationship and he was best friends with the guy I was in a relationship with, everything between us was strictly platonic. It was a perfect way to get to know each other because no one was trying to impress anyone and we got to see what the other really was like.
It was nearly a year (from when we first met) before we started dating after I had been broken up from my boyfriend for a while. Our first date was March 28 when he took me to see Monsters vs. Aliens. We would go to dinner and movies, spend time talking at his house, hang out with his dad, play games, and even went to a session of General Conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake. The date we became "officially" boyfriend and girlfriend was April 8, 2009. We dated for a while before deciding that we were simply marvelous for each other and started planning for a future. Dating for four months, he "officially" proposed to me on August 1, 2009 at the place where we would be getting married: the Salt Lake Temple.
We became Mr. & Mrs. Fox on October 9, 2009 in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was the happiest day of our lives to finally be joined together as a new family. We have each had many painful and significant trials and struggles in our lives and had all but given up on ever being happy and whole. We found hope in each other when we were friends and had that hope realized when we became husband and wife. That enlivened us and gave us new life and purpose.We had found each other. In every way we had rescued and helped each other be better people and and grow closer to the Lord. We were first friends who cared, then we fell in love. For myself, who better to fall in love with than my hero and knight in shining armor? For him, who better to fall in love with than his damsel in distress? It was the first day of Eternity. =)
THE KIT
Baby L was born Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 7:36 AM in Orem, Utah. From when my water broke to when he emerged via forceps was roughly 4-5 hours. He decided to spare his mommy the 24+ hour labor that is typical with the delivery of the first child, but it was a catch-22 since everything progressed so quickly it was still very intense and painful. The original plan with his delivery was a natural labor and birth, but mitigating factors forced me to opt for an epidural after I was dilated to a nine. We were informed that Baby L was having alarming drops in his heart rate with the contractions and would need assistance being born ASAP with forceps.
We were able to experience discovering the gender of Baby L when he was born because we chose to not find out what we were having. It was a beautiful moment when I first saw our baby held up and I exclaimed to Mr. Fox "It's a boy! We have a boy!" I wish we had a picture of the look on Mr. Fox's face and mine when we saw our little BOY.
I love everything about Baby L. Everything. Despite the days that he doesn't allow me to sleep or screams in my face, I love him more and more. He's growing so fast that I can barely remember the days that he was so tiny and helpless. He now crawls at lightning speed and climbs stairs like he's been doing it for months and months. His vocabulary is always expanding and he will be standing on his on very soon, which will introduce a whole new level of mobility to him and a new level of babyproofing for us. =)
At this point that I am now typing this entry, Baby L is 10 months old today (coincidentally, it is also our 2 1/2 wedding anniversary). I am listening to him giggle and talk to himself in his bed as he is riding the good mood of just waking up from an afternoon nap.
Those squeals of delight are my cue to finish this entry for the day. I hope that I will be able to continue to share more about our family and daily life, but this must do for now.
Thanks for reading. Lata!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Steph the Fox
Well, here is yet again another attempt to document and record my life and musings. Prolly will be a sad flop, but at least I am trying. ;) And who could pass an opportunity to have the blog name Says The Fox?? Not I, says the Fox, not I.
To start off, my name is Stephannie T. Fox (hence the awesome title AND one of my given nicknames StephTheFox). I have had the great fortune to marry a wonderful man and by doing so, gain one of the coolest (indisputable FACT) last names: FOX. I use this to every advantage. Some of you may know that I have declared my occupation as "Being a Foxy Momma," which aside from the fun use of my last name, only makes sense because I am what I am. *smirk*
I became an official Foxy Momma on June 9th, 2011 when my husband (henceforth known as Fantastic Mr. Fox) and myself brought to this world our first child little Baby L. He is, without a doubt Fantastic.
With that little nugget of information launched, I will just get right into what I was thinking of earlier as I was rocking Baby L. to sleep tonight.
I believe that people may choose to do, or read as the case may be, what they want and should gladly do so. Because of those same freedoms, I may type or write what I wish, which will usually happen. I do not say these things because I plan to be so edgy or controversial or offensive, but we all know, especially my fellow XX chromosome beings (ladies), that sometimes emotions, hormones, passion, what have you, gets in the way of tact or rational thought (and even sometimes grammar). I am very okay with being a woman who feels and has emotions and anyone who is not may be better off not continuing to patronize my blog. Just saying. =)
I do not write this to seek attention or to become a sensation because, quite frankly, I do not really care about attention outside of my home or family or close friends (or at all, really). I simply decided that this could be a good (and much needed) outlet for my thoughts, feelings, creativity, and occasional frustrations. This is already sounding too pessimistic, so I will stop this for now and continue with a lighthearted quiz to share a little more about myself with anyone who may be compelled to read on. :-) Let us all now go back to when we were 18 years old and did these things obsessively... ;)
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yes, actually. It is a long story. My mom wanted to name me Stephannie to name me after her mother who's name is Annie. It would have been my middle name, but this was nixed for a few reasons: 1. I would likely drop my middle name for my maiden name when I got married, so why bother with an extra name? Sad, but a fact of life for many ladies. 2. Stephanie Annie? A little redundant sounding. 3. It could have been Stephanie Ann, but once again, a little redundant. 4. It was somewhat of an "unofficial tradition" that the oldest daughter didn't get a middle name.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Cried out of love for Baby L. or Fantastic Mr. Fox: Today
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes, actually. I used to feel that my writing was cumbersome and boyish, but it has developed through the years as I have. It has unique flourish and a defined slant that comes from never being able to comfortably hold my writing tool the correct way that is taught, yet it is definitively feminine. The mix of cursive and print.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Italian Roast Beef or Chicken. Both have their times that they shine.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
As I mentioned before, I have Baby L. who is a few days away from being 10 months old. We plan to have many more after him. =)
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
If I'm being honest: Well, seeing as I don't actually like myself, I would find it difficult to want to be around a person like that. Typically I think that I have a sense of humor and can offer some fun conversation, but at the same time I feel that I am socially awkward and find it difficult to be around most people who I perceive to be more confident/beautiful/happy/talented/whole. I have sad days and I have glad days as any other person does. My sad days I prefer to have some quiet thoughtful time by myself and my glad days I want to laugh and enjoy company and activities. Hit and miss.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
I positively ooze with sarcasm.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Unless there is a strange fairy secretly removing tonsils, as far as I know I still have them.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Probably not. I would rather skydive or para glide.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Either Lucky Charms (or any generic equivalent) or Reeces Puffs.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
I rarely wear shoes that tie, but when I do, I do not typically untie them.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
In some ways yes and in some ways no. Physically: I was in my softball/basketball/marching band days, but now I am weaksauce. Mentally: Depends on the task at hand. Math = FAIL Emotionally: I waver.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Oh. So. Many. I do not have a favorite, but I have many loves.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Physically: The way they carry or present themselves (especially when they think no one is watching). Personality: How they speak of others.
15. RED OR PINK?
Red, but for Fantastic Mr. Fox, pink. He loves how beautiful and soft and feminine I look in pink. =)
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I have lately been trying very hard to view things as "half-full," but when speaking of myself it is empty every time, so I shall steer clear of this question for the sake of those who may be reading.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My oldest and dearest friends. Growing up and moving on is both wonderful and tough for us all.
18. WHAT IS THE PAUL MCKENNA TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
Whowhat?
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Just wearing my feet. Caucasian? ;)
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Shared a few Oreos with Baby L. =)
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The sound of the leaky bathtub faucet and Baby L.'s sweet sleep breathing and sighs.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Clear. Maybe eggplant. Perhaps the classic and ever useful black.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
New babies: their hair, their skin, their sweet breath, even the delicate smell that gently lingers on their blankets and clothes. Love. New rain on the asphalt or pavement. Fresh herbs. SoftSoap Brown Sugar Vanilla (DISCONTINUED!! Noo!), Nina by Nina Ricci, campfire, morning mountain air... So many. =)
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mom. Figuring out plans for Grandma's birthday weekend. =)
25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Mountain Hideaway. I could never live away from my beautiful Rocky Mountains. =)
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Mmmm... I do love watching anything in the Olympics. Other than that, softball, baseball, and basketball.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Red. Auburn/red, actually. I was strawberry blonde as a baby and it gradually darkened as I grew up, but it always stayed red. Natural and great.
28. EYE COLOR?
Green/hazel. Honestly, my eye color changes a lot so it's tough to pin it to one solid color.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Because I am quite blind, yes.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Many, many things: Chocolate strawberries, pickles, salad, anything Italian (cheese + tomato + pasta = LOVE), steak, chocolate, hamburgers, salmon, all berries, Madagascar Vanilla Vanilla cupcakes... the delicious never ends.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Both have their times that they shine.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
The Ten Commandments (Conference Weekend =P)
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Boring white t-shirt that I wear to bed.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer for the outdoors activities that come with it and Winter for the spirit and giving feeling that comes with the holidays.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs from friends and family, hugs AND kisses from my two Fantastic Fox men. =)
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Chocolate dipped strawberries. Always.
37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
I don't really do either (and need to), but since I'm a wimp I would have to say strength training. It's nice to be able to gradually work up.
38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Computer. It's nicer to watch things when I want with the ability to pause AND without pesky commercials. If I really need to have the TV viewing experience, the HDMI cable is my friend. =)
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Rereading the first Hunger Games.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Boring Dell logo. Fantastic Mr. Fox has a picture of a fox that his youngest sister drew and had made into a mouse pad for his birthday. Much more win.
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Off the top of my head, Fantastic Mr. Fox saying "I love you." and Baby L.'s squealing laughter.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Ummm... I'm not sure which is further between Washington DC and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, but one of those places would be it.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I can remember almost any birthday by date or person or number association. Also, I play the clarinet and piano and crochet, but those aren't really "special."
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Provo, Utah
48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
We live in the basement apartment of my father in-law's house which is an unattractive rust color. Thank you 1969.
49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
My dear car LuLu is maroon and Fantastic Mr. Fox's car is silver.
50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS?
I suppose so. It filled some time before I went to bed and I guess now some people know more or less some trivial things about me (assuming they made it this far before losing interest. Can't blame them with 50 questions!).
Well, there you have it, I guess. Congratulations on learning more about Steph the Fox. Now the real spectacle will be to see if I come back with another entry within the next six months.
To start off, my name is Stephannie T. Fox (hence the awesome title AND one of my given nicknames StephTheFox). I have had the great fortune to marry a wonderful man and by doing so, gain one of the coolest (indisputable FACT) last names: FOX. I use this to every advantage. Some of you may know that I have declared my occupation as "Being a Foxy Momma," which aside from the fun use of my last name, only makes sense because I am what I am. *smirk*
I became an official Foxy Momma on June 9th, 2011 when my husband (henceforth known as Fantastic Mr. Fox) and myself brought to this world our first child little Baby L. He is, without a doubt Fantastic.
With that little nugget of information launched, I will just get right into what I was thinking of earlier as I was rocking Baby L. to sleep tonight.
I believe that people may choose to do, or read as the case may be, what they want and should gladly do so. Because of those same freedoms, I may type or write what I wish, which will usually happen. I do not say these things because I plan to be so edgy or controversial or offensive, but we all know, especially my fellow XX chromosome beings (ladies), that sometimes emotions, hormones, passion, what have you, gets in the way of tact or rational thought (and even sometimes grammar). I am very okay with being a woman who feels and has emotions and anyone who is not may be better off not continuing to patronize my blog. Just saying. =)
I do not write this to seek attention or to become a sensation because, quite frankly, I do not really care about attention outside of my home or family or close friends (or at all, really). I simply decided that this could be a good (and much needed) outlet for my thoughts, feelings, creativity, and occasional frustrations. This is already sounding too pessimistic, so I will stop this for now and continue with a lighthearted quiz to share a little more about myself with anyone who may be compelled to read on. :-) Let us all now go back to when we were 18 years old and did these things obsessively... ;)
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yes, actually. It is a long story. My mom wanted to name me Stephannie to name me after her mother who's name is Annie. It would have been my middle name, but this was nixed for a few reasons: 1. I would likely drop my middle name for my maiden name when I got married, so why bother with an extra name? Sad, but a fact of life for many ladies. 2. Stephanie Annie? A little redundant sounding. 3. It could have been Stephanie Ann, but once again, a little redundant. 4. It was somewhat of an "unofficial tradition" that the oldest daughter didn't get a middle name.
So, with those reasons, my mom wanted to give me her mother's name in my first name. Dad stemmed that idea by reasoning that I would have to suffer the headache of always correcting people when they spell my name (which I do). My actual birth name is Stephanie, but after learning of this naming drama from my mother when I was 16, I decided to take my grandma's name as was originally intended and unofficially changed my name to Stephannie. I love that I can carry my grandma's name because she is so dear to me and that the spelling is unique without being far out ridiculous. So, for the past 9 1/2 years I have been Stephannie.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Cried out of love for Baby L. or Fantastic Mr. Fox: Today
Cried out of sadness: A few days ago. Sometimes life is tough living in a dark and lonely basement apartment.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes, actually. I used to feel that my writing was cumbersome and boyish, but it has developed through the years as I have. It has unique flourish and a defined slant that comes from never being able to comfortably hold my writing tool the correct way that is taught, yet it is definitively feminine. The mix of cursive and print.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Italian Roast Beef or Chicken. Both have their times that they shine.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
As I mentioned before, I have Baby L. who is a few days away from being 10 months old. We plan to have many more after him. =)
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
If I'm being honest: Well, seeing as I don't actually like myself, I would find it difficult to want to be around a person like that. Typically I think that I have a sense of humor and can offer some fun conversation, but at the same time I feel that I am socially awkward and find it difficult to be around most people who I perceive to be more confident/beautiful/happy/talented/whole. I have sad days and I have glad days as any other person does. My sad days I prefer to have some quiet thoughtful time by myself and my glad days I want to laugh and enjoy company and activities. Hit and miss.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
I positively ooze with sarcasm.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Unless there is a strange fairy secretly removing tonsils, as far as I know I still have them.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Probably not. I would rather skydive or para glide.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Either Lucky Charms (or any generic equivalent) or Reeces Puffs.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
I rarely wear shoes that tie, but when I do, I do not typically untie them.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
In some ways yes and in some ways no. Physically: I was in my softball/basketball/marching band days, but now I am weaksauce. Mentally: Depends on the task at hand. Math = FAIL Emotionally: I waver.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Oh. So. Many. I do not have a favorite, but I have many loves.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Physically: The way they carry or present themselves (especially when they think no one is watching). Personality: How they speak of others.
15. RED OR PINK?
Red, but for Fantastic Mr. Fox, pink. He loves how beautiful and soft and feminine I look in pink. =)
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I have lately been trying very hard to view things as "half-full," but when speaking of myself it is empty every time, so I shall steer clear of this question for the sake of those who may be reading.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My oldest and dearest friends. Growing up and moving on is both wonderful and tough for us all.
18. WHAT IS THE PAUL MCKENNA TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
Whowhat?
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Just wearing my feet. Caucasian? ;)
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Shared a few Oreos with Baby L. =)
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The sound of the leaky bathtub faucet and Baby L.'s sweet sleep breathing and sighs.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Clear. Maybe eggplant. Perhaps the classic and ever useful black.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
New babies: their hair, their skin, their sweet breath, even the delicate smell that gently lingers on their blankets and clothes. Love. New rain on the asphalt or pavement. Fresh herbs. SoftSoap Brown Sugar Vanilla (DISCONTINUED!! Noo!), Nina by Nina Ricci, campfire, morning mountain air... So many. =)
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mom. Figuring out plans for Grandma's birthday weekend. =)
25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Mountain Hideaway. I could never live away from my beautiful Rocky Mountains. =)
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Mmmm... I do love watching anything in the Olympics. Other than that, softball, baseball, and basketball.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Red. Auburn/red, actually. I was strawberry blonde as a baby and it gradually darkened as I grew up, but it always stayed red. Natural and great.
28. EYE COLOR?
Green/hazel. Honestly, my eye color changes a lot so it's tough to pin it to one solid color.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Because I am quite blind, yes.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Many, many things: Chocolate strawberries, pickles, salad, anything Italian (cheese + tomato + pasta = LOVE), steak, chocolate, hamburgers, salmon, all berries, Madagascar Vanilla Vanilla cupcakes... the delicious never ends.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Both have their times that they shine.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
The Ten Commandments (Conference Weekend =P)
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Boring white t-shirt that I wear to bed.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer for the outdoors activities that come with it and Winter for the spirit and giving feeling that comes with the holidays.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs from friends and family, hugs AND kisses from my two Fantastic Fox men. =)
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Chocolate dipped strawberries. Always.
37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
I don't really do either (and need to), but since I'm a wimp I would have to say strength training. It's nice to be able to gradually work up.
38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Computer. It's nicer to watch things when I want with the ability to pause AND without pesky commercials. If I really need to have the TV viewing experience, the HDMI cable is my friend. =)
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Rereading the first Hunger Games.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Boring Dell logo. Fantastic Mr. Fox has a picture of a fox that his youngest sister drew and had made into a mouse pad for his birthday. Much more win.
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Off the top of my head, Fantastic Mr. Fox saying "I love you." and Baby L.'s squealing laughter.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Ummm... I'm not sure which is further between Washington DC and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, but one of those places would be it.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I can remember almost any birthday by date or person or number association. Also, I play the clarinet and piano and crochet, but those aren't really "special."
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Provo, Utah
48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
We live in the basement apartment of my father in-law's house which is an unattractive rust color. Thank you 1969.
49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
My dear car LuLu is maroon and Fantastic Mr. Fox's car is silver.
50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS?
I suppose so. It filled some time before I went to bed and I guess now some people know more or less some trivial things about me (assuming they made it this far before losing interest. Can't blame them with 50 questions!).
Well, there you have it, I guess. Congratulations on learning more about Steph the Fox. Now the real spectacle will be to see if I come back with another entry within the next six months.
Thanks for reading. Lata!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)