Enough, already.

So here is a look at some of the random things going on in my life:

1. My car has been possessed by some sort of electrical problem-inducing force. Last night, while driving on a 6 lane, 45-mile an hour road (with traffic), my panic alarm went off. This would have been only slightly embarrassing, had I been able to turn it off. But alas, I was cruising down the road with lights and horn blaring, every attempt to thwart the noise useless. At the next stoplight I turned the car off, thinking that would obviously solve the problem, but no. Then I couldn't start the car again. So there I am, envisioning me (and Vanessa, who was forced into this situation by mistakenly getting in to the car with me) waiting for a tow truck in the center lane at a stoplight in one of the busiest intersections in Gainesville with my panic alarm blaring. Thankfully, turning the lights off, of all things, stopped the alarm. Who knew? Needless to say, jetta is at the [car] doctor this morning.

2. I went to Portland. And back. It's a long way across the U.S.

3. On an incredibly related note, I co-hosted a baby shower for Ashley this weekend - she's silly ("hello?... oh, Stephanie's here and she brought balloons"). If you ever envision yourself throwing her a surprise party, don't worry - you'll get away with it.

4. I've decided I am officially done with the b-man. He may not like it, but we will not be friends - at least not for a long, long time. Sorry.

5. My first softball game is on Friday (well, they actually played last Friday while I was gone, but this is MY first game. It should be noted that they lost last week. I think we all know why) - go Gator Aluminum!

6. I bought a nap blanket from Brookstone this weekend. I love it.

7. I leave for Kansas City on Sunday. And need to find a suite-type outfit before then. Tricky.

8. And finally, long live my hatred for #12.

Whoops.

Scratch #4.

Big news.

1. My paper was accepted by the journal I submitted to (most of you know this; I apologize for the redundancy).

2. I have a [real] matching couch and chair. I'm so adult.

3. 6-7 weeks until aunthood!

4. There is a distinct possibility that I have a crush. First one in roughly ten years (excluding Ecuador, of course).

And then it hits me:

I DO live in [rural] Florida! Gainesville is an oasis. If the South were a desert, Gainesville is a lush mirage. Most of the time, I forget this. I forget that I'm in the South. I forget I am in Florida, even. But yesterday, there was no escape. I found myself in Newberry, Florida - the Athena, Oregon of the South, I soon discovered. Oddly enough, I was there for softball practice. That's a whole different story. Anyway, after waiting for my captain in the town market parking lot (FANTASTIC people watching), I made my way to the city park and met 4 members of my team. Low and behold, I live in the South. These guys epitomize the South. Not even kidding. So much accent. So much camo. Even a can of snuff. I'm still reeling. What have I gotten myself into? This is certainly not what I had in mind when I signed up. Now don't get me wrong, all were very nice. Just so, so southern. Rural South, southern. To be fair, I'm sure these guys were thinking "who the hell is this girl", or something along those lines. It was a gentle clash of cultures. So I'll be spending the next 10 Friday nights with this group. It'll be good for me, right? Perhaps I'm secretly rural South at heart.

Crazy Florida.

I'd like to inform everyone that it is currently colder in Central Florida than in Portland (even being 3 hours later in the day). That's weird.

Teaser: I have a GREAT story for later; there's camo and chew involved.

Oh crap.

I dropped a stitch. It's 5 rows back. I'm going 70 stitches across. This does not make for a good time. I had been doing so good! Darn it!

For my loyal readers.

Answers to Stephanie's City Challenge (a disappointing show of participation, by the way):

1. Portland, Oregon
2. Sydney, Australia
3. Cuenca, Ecuador
4. Seattle, Washington
5. Guayaquil, Ecuador
6. Minneapolis, Minnesota
7. San Fransisco, California
8. New York, New York
9. Quito, Ecuador
10. Lima, Peru

I think I'm an addict.

Seriously. I've realized that I have a slightly addictive personality. That is, when I find something I like, I partake (at times in excess) until I tire of it. Quizno's, for example. Or black bean burritos with avocado. When I find a food that I like, I can eat it everyday (not even an exaggeration). This can go on for months (though I don't usually eat the same things every day because I am aware that variety is good for me. Every other day, though, is another story.) - it's been like this for as long as I remember. I also have reason to believe it may be hereditary, as I can picture T-dogg eating the same thing every afternoon of my childhood. It's not limited to food, however: knitting has recently reached addiction status, and seasons 1 and 2 of Alias have been there for almost a year. While I realize that worse addictions may exist, I wonder if my behavior is healthy and/or normal.

On a related note, I have started a new knitting project! I worked on it for hours yesterday (literally), but it's coming along beautifully. The most blog-worthy part about it is that the pattern was COMPLETELY wrong. I read it through, realized I could do it and started, but as I went along I thought to myself, "I don't think this will actually create the pattern it says it will. Hhhmmm." But as I'm new to knitting, I just figured I didn't know what I was talking about. O yee of little faith [in myself]! After a few rows I confirmed that whoever wrote out the pattern is an idiot and altered it to actually create the basket weave pattern. I'm a knitting prodigy. I can't get more detailed than that for now though, as it's a gift. I'll post a picture later on (so, so cute!).

I am thinking about joining a co-ed softball league this week. I haven't played softball in approximately 9 years; it could be an embarrassingly good time.

Random update: the National Immunization Conference is in 3 weeks! I present on March 7 - scary! I booked all of my travel arrangements today - I love to travel! Especially when I don't have to pay for it! Nice hotel + rental car + $50/day for food = awesome.

Goodbye OR, hello FL.

Sad news, all. I am being forced to surrender my Oregon residency. I had been attempting to hang on to it for as long as possible, but the time has come for me to part ways with the Oregon driver's license (and probably the license plate, too - though I'm bitter, as I just renewed my tags!). As of 10:00AM tomorrow I will be a Florida resident. So sad. So official. So... permanent sounding. But it's a sacrifice I am willing to make to join a local credit union. They better appreciate me. The best part about all of this is the ridiculous amount of license plates I have to choose from. Oregon has 4 or so. Florida has about 100. Seriously. I've lived here for 7 (8?) months and still see new ones. And that's just Gainesville. It's crazy. So the most exciting part of my day tomorrow may be obtaining a super fun license plate - that's right, the best part of my day. I also find this strange, that I will get only one plate. I currently have plates on both the front and rear of my car. Florida thinks this is too much, however, and only wants them in the rear. I feel this can make identification tricky. What's the rationale behind the single plate? Silly Florida. So I know everyone will be quivering in anticipation, but don't you worry - as soon as possible I'll post a pic of the new plate (I'm leaning toward the wildflower - Jetta will be so cute!).

Stephanie = safe.

By the way, all's well in Gainesville (for those who were worried). The tornadoes hit Lady Lake, in Lake county (the next county over), which is about an hour from here. I didn't even know what had happen until my dad called to check on me! Oops. The night before I had seen tornado watches on "the telly" and we had tons of thunder/lightening and flooding, but nothing hit here. I do appreciate everyone's concern, though :)

I heart interactive blogs.

It's Monday and I'm already pretty bored with my current work projects, so I have decided to create a blogging activity. I am so, so cool. Anyway, you know how much I love image surveys. You also know how much I love games. I am a game FANATIC. Seriously. Ask anyone. So anyway, I have decided to post pictures of my favorite cities (worldwide), in order, and would like my dedicated readers to attempt to identify them (via comment or email). Perhaps it doesn't sound too hard, but I plan on picking images that may stump you!. Again, I am so cool.

Here are the clues:
1. Any city listed is a city I have been to (lived/visited).
2. A past image-post may be helpful.

** Addendum - I have been informed that I may not have thought this through. For all you CHEATERS out there... you can only look at the pictures in the size they are (as shown below)!

Stephanie's favorite cities

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10.

Tomorrow, tomorrow...

I'm taking the day off tomorrow. It's been a rough week - coming in at 9, taking (somewhat ridiculously) long lunches, leaving when I'm out of stuff to do. It wears on a person.

I have to go to PT (shout out to PT-man, who does not read the blog), watch Judging Amy (high priority, obviously), go to the bank, go to the gym, and baby-sit. Even though the day is already planned (not the best kind of day off), I'm very excited by the prospect of a three-day weekend.

Academia has spoiled me in terms of holidays and vacation time. The numerous days off between November and January have ended abruptly - what do you mean no holidays until Memorial day?? That's just crazy. And so, my vacation days will soon be put to use - a trip to Dallas sometime soon, home to see the baby in April or May, for example, and to Baltimore for commencement (I think).

Sadly, my day off means no blogging until Monday - cross your fingers for an exciting weekend (to contrast with last night, when I cleaned my shower and closet). It's starting off right with knitting and Grey's Anatomy tonight; I sound like such a girl - how did this happen? Speaking of, the hairdresser told me I wasn't dressing like a girl when I got my hair cut - was that rude? I didn't strike me as so until later on. I digress. I will return on Monday with tales of wild evenings and fun, productive days.

As promised...

The best thing I heard all day:

"It's so nice to talk to someone I know who isn't creepy."

That's a compliment, right?

I love the bandwagon.

* Today I spent the entire day designing a survey about sex. My job rocks.

* Speaking of, #12 started his day off right.

* I feel insulted about the cream cheese/cheesecake comment on Ashley's blog. It hurts me. To reiterate: cream cheese = cheesecake = dessert! It does not belong on wheat-y, onion-y, non-sweet bagels. So there.

* I asked the B-man to give me more money today. He's buying a house, so he can afford it.

* I am knitting a kehole scarf! It is mossy green and lovely.

* "Amber" was very funny at tennis last night... she was not afraid to charge the net.

* I will be an aunt in approximately 10 weeks (that was sooo fast!)

* I am oddly excited about going to the gym tonight, except that I would rather go to the poker tournament, but feel I should be responsible.

* Florida is suprisingly cold this week (I know I sound wimpy).

* A tennis insructor had an Oregon State sweatshirt on last night... v. odd - I almost forgot where I was. Almost.

* I did my exit interview yesterday. Student loans are very, very horrible once you have to think about them. Better be worth it.

* I am strangely addicted to celery + red pepper hummus right now. I seriously cannot get enough of it. Do you think I have some sort of nutritional deficiency?

* Amber got a new car this weekend. I want to buy it.

* I wish Ashley wouldn't have shared her recipe for cheesecake cups with me (second cheesecake reference). I used almond instead of vanilla and am hooked. HOOKED.

* I get to baby-sit for bass-man-Dan this weekend - he has very cute babies.

* Tomorrow is February. FEBRUARY! Soon my brother will be "in his 30's" (even more than he already is).

* I don't want to do this anymore. Maybe I will go home... Charmed is on, you know.

Feel my wrath, V-day, feel my wrath.

I'm seeing Valentine's Day from an unfamiliar perspective this year: from that of a single person. Stupid Valentine's Day. Stupid Hallmark. Stupid love. Okay, maybe not love. But you get the drift. And while I feel silly admitting this, I feel I must be honest - I had hoped that by this stupid, made-up holiday I would have found someone [male] to share it with (even casually) . Stupid dating. Stupid Valentine's Day.

It's funny though, because it really has always been my least favorite "holiday" (I also have issues with Mother's, Father's, and Grandparent's Day). While in my foolishly long relationship I couldn't have cared less about February 14th. I still find it incredibly foolish that the retail industry must tell our society when to buy gifts for our loved ones; but this year I'm giving in - I want a valentine! And no, yours doesn't count, Ashley. And so I find myself irritated while shopping for shampoo at Target - stupid Valentine's display. Stupid pink and red candy everywhere. And I wonder why I don't have a date... :)

I was given a fantastic compliment a couple of weeks back by my fantastic Australian friend. He is also perplexed as to why I am not being courted right and left (hahaha...). He thinks it may relate to the sense of confidence I exude, which is "intimidating". Hhhmmmm. I appear confident? I do not feel very confident. Confusing. And so, to all those eligible suitors - I am not [overly] confident! I promise!

Stupid Valentine's Day.

Stephanie A. Irving...

MHS!

It's true, I persevered with the writing and managed to finish (just) before the deadline - hooray for not paying another $2000. But really, what's another $2000 at this point? Almost is much fun is that I also submitted the paper to a journal last week. That's right - I may be published in the upcoming months. Who would have thought? Anyone who is super interested in vaccine risk communication in the United States is more than welcome to read it (I'm not expecting a lot of takers).

What's supposed to fill my time, now that I don't have to... feel guilty about not writing? Well, I've come up with several options. First - knitting! I've wanted to learn for over a year; the time is right and there are people to help me along, so weekly knitting sessions are in the works! Yay! I am going to pick out some patterns today! I value any suggestions from Mrs. Brooke, as she is the resident expert in this area. Second, more tennis! Hooray! Now that I have my super sweet new racquet, I'm ready! Finally, the gym that I have been paying for and not utilizing for the last few weeks is calling my name. I am actually very excited to start going again, and take that as a good sign - I'll be there tonight!

Sadly enough, I do not have anything else remotely blogworthy to report... last week was filled with writing, and the weekend was rather boring (though in a good, relaxing way). I spent much of the time watching Alias, as I bought myself the second season as a reward for completing my Masters degree... I'm pretty wild.

Anyway, I'm back in the blogging world - I'll try to do better tomorrow.

If someone hands you money...

Smile, and say thank you.

This used to be my favorite saying, as there was some funny story behind it, but now I can't remember the story and cannot for the life of me figure out why I found it so amusing. Can anyone help me out here? I am giving myself ten minutes to blog, and then must write, write, write. Along with Ash's, my motivation has left the building (it's been gone for months, but we all knew that). I was supposed to write this weekend, but instead cleaned, baked, and watched waaay too many episodes of Alias (season 1). And though it was a fantastic time, I continue to feel guilty about it. I'm not quite sure why I seem to be sabotaging myself, but I am. IT ENDS TODAY! I plan to write my little heart out all day and send a decent draft to Dan before I head home. I can do it!

On a slightly more fun note, I cut my hair last night. First time since July 2005! I'm crazy! It's actually relatively short (chin length) - she even had to use a razor in the back. I really like it though, and feel much more "adult-ish". The only think I'm having a difficult time with are the side-sweep bangs, which I haven't had since 7th grade and are quite irritating (but so cute!).

I think the most interesting, blog-worthy thing about this week is my bird-poo story. That's right: bird poo. After not leaving the house on my productive Monday (see above), I left for work Tuesday morning to find that my car was COVERED in bird poo. I have never seen so much bird poo. None of it was there Sunday night, but it was RIDICULOUS by Tuesday morning. I parked in my normal spot, but discovered that my car had been targeted by a vicious, poo-filled flock of birds. Actually, I was told Tuesday night that "the robins are in town", whatever that means. I realized, though, that "in town" actually meant "living in the tree above your car". It's really, really yucky (and rather amusing, in a gross way). My Aussie friend even took a picture of it - if you're lucky I'll post it.

Time's almost up - happy Friday eve.

I shouldn't be the only one who gets to know.

#12's girlfriend had very, very enjoyable sex last night. Twice.

I feel like I live in hell. Or am being punished.

On a happier note, it's the Friday preceding a 3-day weekend (filled with writing fun).

Sorry.

Work is getting in the way of the blog. I did manage to make a 15 page table and write a VERY rough couple of sections for the paper, though. I found out today that the essay has to be approved by the 26th (by my two readers, not just Boss-man-Dan) in order for me not to pay for next term (what's another $2000 at this point?)... anyone think that can happen? Just to make me think it possible, I was told that since I'm writing for publication, the length limits are very flexible, meaning I probably only have to write this one paper instead of two. No one outside of my Hopkins buddies may understand any of this, but it's good for me to "talk" it through - sorry again.

So anyway, I may not blog much - if you need to hear stories about my crazy neighbors, give me a call.

And finally, go gators :)

A story most blog-worthy.

Last night I discovered that I live in the ghetto. Who knew? As I was finishing up with dinner we experienced a power outage. Okay, I thought, I can handle this. Though I do not own a flashlight (oops), I do have a plethora of candles and keep a lighter handy for occasions such as this (and for all the crack smoking). So I lit several candles and finished my dinner (very romantic). About this time I start hearing huge banging sounds outside. Gunshots? I don't think so. Then comes the screams. Now I start to worry. I recall the story of the woman in New York who was killed while all the people watched from their windows and didn't do anything. What to do, what to do? Now I can make out that she is definitely close and screaming for help. I decided to investigate further. Once on my back patio I find that others are also coming to her rescue (good job, neighbors!) - phew, the pressure's off. Even #12 (yes, he returned last night) was out there - two points for him (he's still WAY in the hole). So we discover it's the woman who lives kitty-corner to me - I can see her sliding glass doors from mine - and she is HYSTERICAL. She is screaming for help, saying that she's locked in her house, can't get out, her baby is crying and she doesn't know what to do. Hhmmm, I think - has the baby never cried before? And the power is out, yes, but I'm pretty sure that doesn't interfere with the locking mechanisms on our front and back doors (not that I'm an expert, but they are just regular deadbolts). Anyway, she is SCREAMING for help, telling us to call the police or kick in her glass door. Yep, seriously. Probably not the best idea with a baby inside, I'm thinking to myself, but okay. So one of the good samaritans concedes and calls 911 (911!) while others are using flashlights to look at her door/lock and figure out why she can't get out. While they communicate through the glass she is asked for her address to give to the police... and she doesn't know it! Seriously? I know for a fact that this woman has lived in these apartments at least as long as I have. Wow. So someone comes up with the address for the cops, who I'm sure are also shaking their heads in bewilderment, and the guys with the flashlight tell her to walk to her front door while they hold the light and try to get out that way (since she CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO UNLOCK HER BACK DOOR). After she moves the entryway closet out of the way and finds the front door she realizes that, what do you know, she can get out afterall. Wow. This was one of the craziest things I've ever seen. Who knew that my neighbors were so cool? So I walked back inside, shaking my head, and thought to myself, "this is going on the blog". You're welcome.