2012 Highlights

My Cousin Gary got married this year. It was such a fun day!

Seeing Breaking Dawn 2 with my bestie, Jil and Kenz

Teaching these 5 darling penquins

Judging Little Miss Grantsville with Julee and Heather

Reconnecting with old friends - Emily

Playing mom to these 2 girlies for a weekend

Grizzly Game with Allison and Cody

Being adopted into my Second Family - love these 3 people more than they'll ever know

Eating Frog Legs at the State Fair

Attending Swiss Days

Dog sitting these 2 cute things

Brand new nephews (Amos and Eli)

Realizing that these two incredible women (my sis and mom) will always be my very best friends

A much needed Vegas trip with my Chi!

New cousins (Riley)

The best birthday a girl could ask for (Thanks Lish and Jil)

Double water skiing with my sister - my fav

Another new cousin (Keian)

Making new friends!

Service and Performing Tour in Ecuador - an experience I would not trade for the world

Hot Cocoa, Laughs and Supportive friends (with Julia and Lizzy)

Live United Service Project

CitiCreek Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Big Band Night with Josh

Freaky Fridays

Drive-In Movies with Family

Thanksgiving

Being Part of Synergy

Deer Hunting with my Papa

Questions Questions Questions

Age: 30 (and proud to be)

Bedsize: Queen (would buy a King I think if I could) 

Chores that you hate: Dishes are the worst

Dogs:  I want a yorkie or a porky

Essential start to your day:  Big glass of water, stretching

Favorite color: Pinka nd Black

Gold or Silver:  Silver

Height: 5 feet/2 inches (almost)

Instruments you play: Um, I sing... :)

Job title: Leasing Consultant, Dance Instructor, Photographer, Child Care Assistant, Sales

Kids: Someday

Live: Salt Lake City, Utah

Mother's Name: Carol (Second Moms Include: Janet, Cynthia, Lorna, Laura, Cindy, Jewel, Sean)

Nicknames: Chip, Shorty, Skit, Sacajaweewa, Scraps

Overnight hospital stays: Mmmm, one or two

Pet peeves:  When people don't answer you, people who are late, blinkers left on when they aren't turning

Quote from a movie or tv show:  "I'm scared of everything. I'm scared of what I saw. I'm scared of what I did, of who I am.... and most of all, I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you."

Right or Lefty: Righty.

Siblings: Older Sister, Younger Brother

Time you wake up:  Between 5am and 7am

Underwear:  Do I wear them? Yes

Vegetable you hate:  Peas

What makes you run late: Long showers, music cuz I dance and sing to it

X-Rays You've Had:  Teeth, Head, Back, Knees, Wrist

Yummy food you make:  All food I make is yummy - haha 

Zoo Animal:  Giraffe, Rhinos, Monkeys

Starting Fresh

I've changed my photography business name from Wood Photography to Photos By Stephanie. I'd love for you to follow my photography blog as well. www.photosbystephanieut.blogspot.com

Thank you!

happiness.

Have you ever had one of those days that is equally awesome and sucks at the same time?

Well, that's my day today.
Amazing breakfast, Tummy ache.
Lots of laughs at work, A migraine is coming.
It's friday, Feel sick. Rehearsal, Feel sick.
Accomplished something I've been working on forever, Can't share it with the person who I want to share it with the most...

You know, one of those days.

So I saw a picture of a huge pink gerber daisy pop up on my computer and I couldn't help but smile -- So I wanted to make a list of things that can always make me happy...

-The color pink
-Gerber daisies
-My neices
-Childrens laughter
-Dancing (in any way, shape or form)
-Photography
-Mountains
-Rain/Thunder storms
-Writing
-Singing
-Making music with friends
-My Dad
-When my mom is proud of me
-My grandma
-Swings and Slides
-Bridges
-Watermelon
-Drinking the milk after eating cereal
-Chocolate Milk
-Camp fires
-Playing in Water
-Shooting stars
-Baggy sweats
-Naps
-Baby Animals
-Snuggling
-Making wishes on stars, in wells, blowing eyelashes and dandelions and birthday candles
-Slippers
-Hearing from a good friend
-Compliments
-Warm cookies with milk
-Foot Pictures
-Pinky Promises
-Yummy drinks
-Goo-losh
-Checking things off my bucket list
-Looking at scrapbooks
-Listening to music
-Hot Showers
-Reading
-Lady Bugs
-Rainbows
-The smell of lavender
-The smell of sage
-Boating
-4wheeling
-Camping
-Hunting
-Thinking about being a mom one day
-Partner Dancing/Lifts
-Watching movies
-Popcorn
-Vampires

That was fun! Make a list of your own!

If I could, I would.. .. ..

In July, I had the opportunity to go to Ecuador for 2 weeks. I cannot begin to describe in words how it changed me.

If I could, I would go back today.
If I could, I would stay for MUCH longer than two weeks.
If I could, I would visit every school, orphanage, womens center, etc until I have helped as many people as I could.
If I could, I would bring toys and braclets and gum to the children.
If I could, I would bring my passions of dance, singing, photography and love to the people in Ecuador.
If I could, I would bare my heart and soul and do everything in my power to help them in any way needed.
If I could, I would.. .. ..

Me Encanta Ecuador!

Tank

 

They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I
attempted to settle in to my new life h...

ere, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes and a sealed letter from his previous owner.

See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too.
Maybe we were too much alike.

I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice."
____________ _________ _________ _________

To Whomever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. He knew something was different.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hoards them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't
matter where you throw them, he'll bound after them, so be careful. Don't do it by any roads.

Next, commands. Reggie knows the obvious ones ---"sit," "stay," "come," "heel."

He knows hand signals, too: He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He's up on his shots. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. It's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you...His name's not Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. But if someone is reading this ... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. His real name is "Tank." Because, that is what I drive.

I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. You see, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with .. and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter ... in the "event" ... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my CO is a dog-guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family, too, and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he
loved me.

If I have to give up Tank to keep those terrible people from coming to the US I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.

Thank you,

Paul Mallory
____________ _________ _________ _______

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure, I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver
Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.

The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.

"C'mere boy."

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered.

His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my
face into his scruff and hugged him.

"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek.

"So whatdaya say we play some ball?" His ears perked again.

"Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?"


Tank tore from my hands and disappeared into the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

Instantly Fell in Love

Meet Athena! She is a Rottweiler/Lab mix. I have had the opportunity to dog sit this beautiful girl for a little over a week now and I adore her. I get to be her adoptive mom until January 2013. She is not quite a year old. She is crazy, hyper and not trained at all. But she is also sweet, loving and so playful. I've had my ups and downs with her as I try to train her and help her be the best dog she can be. She's had me laughing so hard my stomach hurts. She's had my in tears with frustration. And she's had me feeling like I am the best dog owner ever. She looks me right in the eyes. She burrows her sweet head into me when she's in a lovey mood or when she's in trouble. And she snuggles right against me when I am sick -- she even sat right next to the toilet when I was sick the other day. She's incredible. She had not been trained much at all and in just over a week, I've taught her to sit, lay, stay (she's working on it) and to get and stay in her kennel. We are working hard on "Come" and having her always go potty outside. I seriously am in love with this baby girl. I know it may seem weird to some, but I think I need her in my life right now.

I am also dog-sitting Athena's brother. His name is Zeus. He is a Chihuahua/Yorkie mix. He's pretty hilarious. Zeus is calm and kinda lays around a lot. My favorite thing about Zeus is that he likes to sleep under the covers and right up against me. Cute little guy...

Days Like These

When your weekend includes organizing messes you've had for months, long drives in the mountains, Swiss Days, dinner in Park City, a new outfit, hanging out with your brother, a BBQ with some of the best people you know, seeing Batman (and falling asleep on your friends lap), going to an outdoor theater with your family, picnic at Wheeler Farm, pizza with 4 of the cutest boys I know, etc etc etc...

You realize how GOOD life is.

There are so many bad things around me. So much anxiety. So many things to manage. So much heartache. But when you look back on a weekend like this last one - you can see the light through the darkness, feel the warmth through the cold and realize that you are BLESSED.

I am amazed at the love, the friendship, the peace I have at times in my life. And those are the things that push me through the ugly, bad and stressful.

So my goal is to remember those little things that truly make my entire heart and soul smile. I'll close my eyes and remember the sound of children's laughter. I'll take a few deep breaths and smell the movie popcorn or the crisp mountain air. I'll think back and remember the taste of slow smoked BBQ. Listening to someone's voice singing as we dance in the parking lot. A random text or message that makes your day.. .. ..

I challenge my friends and family who may read this to do the same -- Find those things that always light you up and keep them in your back pocket for a day you may need a little pick me up -- remember how many reasons you have to smile.

Xoxo

Therapy

I love to write. I write in a journal. I write stories. I write poetry. I write song lyrics. I love to write letters and cards and notes. I love to hand-write things as well as writing with a keyboard. Basically, writing is like therapy for me.

I've always loved to write. . . since I was really little. In high school, I was fortunate enough to meet someone who helped build my confidence enough to share my writing. I applied to be a part of the literary magazine and was accepted and then served as an editor the next year. I was also part of the literary magazine at SUU. I also was fortunate enough to publish a book of poetry. But life gets busy and writing started to become something that I only did when I was camping or had extra time (which was never). But about 5 years ago, I found someone who again pushed me to start writing again. And I cannot express my love for writing... I will never stop again. It helps me SO much!

I found this poem online today and it pushed every single "love for writing" button I have in my heart, soul and mind. I plan to write for the remainder of the evening. I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I did. (I am not sure who the author is.)



i don't like

the memories
because the tears
come easily;
and once again i break
my promise
to myself for this day.

                                    it's a constant battle.

a war between
remembering          and forgetting.

A New Year, A New Beginning, A New Me

It was suggested to me that with all the changes and new things in my life that I should blog. After some humming and ha-ing... I decided to give it a go. I hope to be able to talk about anything that comes to mind and get people feedback in positive ways. I believe we are all fighting our own battles and that we should be able to be kind and loving and helpful to one another. Writing has always been therapeutic for me and I am hoping that through my release in words, I may be able to help my friends and family too.

On my first post, I'd like to share an article I read about how it is much harder to be kind than it is to be clever. Something about this article really clicked with me. How much better would the world be if we focused on being kind to one another instead of trying to out-wit one another.

Enjoy!

It's More Important to Be Kind than Clever

by Bill Taylor 

 

One of the more heart-warming stories to zoom around the Internet lately involves a young man, his dying grandmother, and a bowl of clam chowder from Panera Bread. It's a little story that offers big lessons about service, brands, and the human side of business — a story that underscores why efficiency should never come at the expense of humanity.

The story, as told in AdWeek, goes like this: Brandon Cook, from Wilton, New Hampshire, was visiting his grandmother in the hospital. Terribly ill with cancer, she complained to her grandson that she desperately wanted a bowl of soup, and that the hospital's soup was inedible (she used saltier language). If only she could get a bowl of her favorite clam chowder from Panera Bread! Trouble was, Panera only sells clam chowder on Friday. So Brandon called the nearby Panera and talked to store manager Suzanne Fortier. Not only did Sue make clam chowder specially for Brandon's grandmother, she included a box of cookies as a gift from the staff.
It was a small act of kindness that would not normally make headlines. Except that Brandon told the story on his Facebook page, and Brandon's mother, Gail Cook, retold the story on Panera's fan page. The rest, as they say, is social-media history. Gail's post generated 500,000 (and counting) "likes" and more than 22,000 comments on Panera's Facebook page. Panera, meanwhile, got something that no amount of traditional advertising can buy — a genuine sense of affiliation and appreciation from customers around the world.
Marketing types have latched on to this story as an example of the power of social media and "virtual word-of-mouth" to boost a company's reputation. But I see the reaction to Sue Fortier's gesture as an example of something else — the hunger among customers, employees, and all of us to engage with companies on more than just dollars-and-cents terms. In a world that is being reshaped by the relentless advance of technology, what stands out are acts of compassion and connection that remind us what it means to be human.
As I read the story of Brandon and his grandmother, I thought back to a lecture delivered two years ago by Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com, to the graduating seniors of my alma mater, Princeton University. Bezos is nothing if not a master of technology — he has built his company, and his fortune, on the rise of the Internet and his own intellect. But he spoke that day not about computing power or brainpower, but about his grandmother — and what he learned when he made her cry.
Even as a 10-year-old boy, it turns out, Bezos had a steel-trap mind and a passion for crunching numbers. During a summer road trip with his grandparents, young Jeff got fed up with his grandmother's smoking in the car — and decided to do something about it. From the backseat, he calculated how many cigarettes per day his grandmother smoked, how many puffs she took per cigarette, the health risk of each puff, and announced to her with great fanfare, "You've taken nine years off your life!"
Bezos's calculations may have been accurate — but the reaction was not what he expected. His grandmother burst into tears. His grandfather pulled the car off to the side of the road and asked young Jeff to step out. And then his grandfather taught a lesson that this now-billionaire decided to share the with the Class of 2010: "My grandfather looked at me, and after a bit of silence, he gently and calmly said, 'Jeff, one day you'll understand that it's harder to be kind than clever.'"
That's a lesson I wish more businesspeople understood — a lesson that is reinforced by the reaction to this simple act of kindness at Panera Bread. Indeed, I experienced something similar not so long ago, and found it striking enough to devote an HBR blog post to the experience. In my post, I told the story of my father, his search for a new car, a health emergency that took place in the middle of that search — and a couple of extraordinary (and truly human) gestures by an auto dealer that put him at ease and won his loyalty.
"What is it about business that makes it so hard to be kind?" I asked at the time. "And what kind of businesspeople have we become when small acts of kindness feel so rare?"
That's what's really striking about the Panera Bread story — not that Suzanne Fortier went out of her way to do something nice for a sick grandmother, but that her simple gesture attracted such global attention and acclaim.
So by all means, encourage your people to embrace technology, get great at business analytics, and otherwise ramp up the efficiency of everything they do. But just make sure all their efficiency doesn't come at the expense of their humanity. Small gestures can send big signals about who we are, what we care about, and why people should want to affiliate with us. It's harder (and more important) to be kind than clever.