Looks like somebody has a case of "the Mondays"

So Dan left today. ::insert big, pouty, sad face here:: I guess I can’t be too upset; a. because sooner or later, I will end up in that region as well. And b. I got one of my birthday presents yesterday! Dan did SO good, it was amazing actually.

I had told him that my friend Daniela had this starfish necklace and I always wanted one like it. He said the first store he went into it was right in front of him! Ha! Exactly what I wanted! It is so pretty, I love it. :) And word is- he has sent me something to mother’s house, so I will have something to open on my birthday- yeah, I know, I have an awesome boyfriend, be jealous.

Downtown Shenanigans

The other day, Dan and I decided it would be nice to take Rocky for a walk downtown after dinner. It was- again- an unusually cool evening and it was very nice. We wanted to get a few pictures of the Battleship and a lady even offered to take our picture. So I decide (I don’t know why I did this, but nevertheless) to hook Rocky’s leash to a pole so we can get our picture. As the lady is about to snap a picture, an innocent jogger (with headphones) passes by, well Rocky didn’t approve, so hear I am, screaming, apologizing to the runner, as the picture is being taken. And Dan, keeping perfect form; thanks for the concern honey :).


I’m just happy the guy didn’t kick my dog, lord I wonder about myself sometimes. I can’t help but laugh at this picture every time I see it. Its just SO funny. But here is a good picture from that night, along with a few of the Battleship.

This is the Cape fear Bridge (it's a draw bridge, which totaly freaks me out), I use this every time I go up to see Dan. I have never seen it open though. On the left side of the picture would be water street, part of downtown.
And heres the Battleship, as seen from across the River. Sunset in the background.

Paddle Party Pictures

Ok, i got all the pictures up. Now, if i can get the right link up for you all to veiw them... hmmm. ok well, try to click here, and let me know if it works. you don't have to sign up for shutterfly, you can just go stright to "veiw pictures" but if you sign up, i think you can order pictures. im not sure, let me know what happens.

Paddle Party

Dan’s paddle party was a huge success. I ended up only bringing cheese and crackers, and that was gone within an hour- so go me. We started out at a local bar- “Buddys”. See the whole point of the party was to present Dan and Chad with paddles, well the paddles didn’t arrive until like 11:30 or Midnight, they were on there way from Indiana (Josh, the guy that made the paddles, was doing a work-up there, and was on his way back into town that night, and basically came straight to the party). We pretty much dominated the outside of the bar, which was fun. Everyone got a little loud, slightly crazy, and Chad got sick. But never the less, it was a good start to the party.
The paddles arrived and we headed back to the house. They started the ceremony with Dan. Now I always knew my boyfriend was freakin’ awesome, I didn’t need anyone to tell me that, but you should have seen the love Dan got from these guys. Dan is a total badass and apparently, someone that all the “new-guys” need to look up to, and strive to become. The stories and praises he received were awesome; of course, Dan will never brag about that, and is completely humble (which tends to aggravate me). But these guys really look up to Dan, and they’re all really close, and truly an awesome bunch of guys. They then got to Chad’s as well, and everyone really looks up to him too.
It was an all-together successful night, and I was so proud of MY boyfriend (which really isn’t anything new) and was really happy to be a part of that. I want to get some better pictures up, but my computer is just not working with me. The picture on the top, to the left, is all of the radio recon guys that were there, that was about 3/4 of the people there. the picture in the middle to the right is of Dan, Dan, Chad and Mike. the the one on the bottom left is of Stretch, me and Dan. I promise ill have more up soon.

For Gams

Ok, here ya go mom. Rocky was in the mood to be especially cute when I told him the picture was for gams. I'll get some more up for ya soon. So last night Dan and I decided to try a new place to eat. We went to The Little Dipper on Front Street. It’s a little fondue place. It was pretty cool, neither one of us had ever had fondue so that was fun. I wanted dessert (a chocolate fondue! Yum!), but we were both really stuffed. As we were walking around downtown, we asked each other, first, “why don’t we do this more often?” yesterday evening was unusually cool outside (very nice), so it made for a nice walk. And second, “why didn’t we bring the camera? Our moms are going to get really angry with us!” we both laughed at that. But rest assured mom and Bertie, we are both going to make a conscious effort to bring the camera along more, and get more pictures! Promise!

The Yoders, and other recent events

From what I have seen so far- Dan has a pretty awesome family. Yesterday I received a comment on my blog from Rhonda, Dan’s cousin, who, by the way is a blogger herself. Bertie has passed on my blog link and she was the first to respond. She has even written a special post just for me, which is pretty cool. They seem like a fun bunch, and not the type to hesitate when it comes to jokes, or an all around good time. Looks like I’ll fit in well. Please go and check out her blog, The Natives are Getting Restless.

So yesterday was Dan’s last official day at Camp Lejeune. He’s been going through the motions of “checking out” for about 3 or 4 weeks and it was nice to finally have it done. Well for him at least, now he has 2 weeks vacation, nice huh? Yesterday Dan was such a champ, he walked around the entire mall with me, even humoring me going into some of the girly shops like bath and body works, he did however complain that is nose was burning, that was pretty much the only complaint I got out of him. Dan and I will be split up for my birthday, which is a real bummer, but it's nothing we aren't used to, we were really split for his birthday back in October (which is when he didn’t get his birthday packages until a month after his birthday! Another blog completely). So he was trying to get some ideas as to what I might want as a gift (sweetheart!). On the bright side I will be home with my family (and my nephew!) and friends so I’m really excited about that! Also, when I return home this time, I will be emptying out my storage shed, and moving all my stuff up with me!! I’m SO excited to get my stuff back; it’s been boxed up for 2 YEARS! I can’t believe it’s been that long. And I’m sure my tenants will enjoy having the luxury of using the ENTIRE property. Ha!

I’m looking forward to this weekend. Dan and Chad are having there “paddle party” (no spanking is involved, don't worry- I thought the same thing), so not only will it be a roaring good time and a chance for me to get some really good dirt on Dan from some of his really good friends; it will also be a chance for me to be ::slightly:: domestic. I say slightly because Dan has made it clear to me, that sobriety will not be at the top of anyone’s list at this particular type of party and that most won’t care as to what they are eating. But I thought it would be cool to do just a few little things, like maybe my Nanas bacon wrapped crackers (not sure if those will actually make it to the party, as they are one of my favorite snacks) or maybe cheese balls or something. Be sure to look for that blog on Monday or Tuesday.

And lastly, for mom, I have not forgotten about your request. I have not yet posted anything about puppy dog (not much of a puppy anymore, he’s 4!) and, I am sorry mother, but don’t worry, I will get a good post up for you soon, complete with pictures, and if I can figure it out, maybe even a movie clip or 2.

A Good Old Fashioned...

So I arrive on set (I still can’t believe I’m saying that) and it’s so cool. My first stop is this big tent (which by the way is air-conditioned- crazy) where we check in and hang out until we go to wardrobe. I end up meeting this really cool chick, Janna, and we kinda stick together all night. We go to wardrobe and I end up wearing my black Sloppy Joes tank top complete with hook and eye clasps all the way down the front, my jean skirt, white platform flip-flops and my hair in pigtails with big red scrunchies. It was horrible. Funny thing is, I didn’t have to buy anything, all that stuff was mine(except for the scrunchies). Should I be worried about that? Anyway, from wardrobe, we walk down the street to the house were the movie takes place. It’s ok, it’s supposed to be a house in the Hamptons, but I don’t think it would pass for it- whatever, they didn’t ask me (but should have!). So we get placed around the pool, and we are told to dance and look like we are having a good time- but not to make ANY noise, because the microphones are SUPER sensitive. It was really funny, and I met some cool people between “takes”. And it was really cool, because I ended up being on set with some of the people from Saturday Night Live (they are making the film, so it should be pretty funny). However, I have to say, none of the “actors” look like they do on T.V., in real life, I didn’t recognize any of them until people explained there prior rolls to me.
About 10 “takes” into it, I asked Janna what the title meant, I said “I don’t get it, a good old fashioned... what?” here I was thinking a good old fashioned, ya know, like the drink. Oh no, she fires back with “A Good Old Fashion Orgy” WHAT?!?!?!? Oh my LORD! What have I gotten myself into? I couldn’t help but laugh, I told her I had no idea that was what it was, and she laughed too. But just to make it clear- I kept my clothes on (duh) and none of those scenes were filmed that night.
So we are around the pool, filming the same scene for about 2 hours, then we break. We are all kinda hanging out, and then they "cut" about ½ of the extras. And at first I was a little annoyed that I didn’t get cut, you see, you get paid for 8 hours weather your there for 1 hour or 8 hours, then after 8 you get paid more and so on. But then I started thinking, “hey, they want me in more of the movie” HA! How cool is that?! So we go film another scene on the other side of the house, and I do a walk by!!! I walk right by the camera!! I get my 2 seconds of fame! Ha! it was so cool. If you see this movie when it comes out, there is a scene with a girl in bright yellow pants with a guitar on her back, with a guy that rides up on a motorcycle, if it makes in to the final cut of the movie, that’s the part that I walk by the camera! So look for me!
THEN they end for the night (around 3:30am) and they said they wanted everyone who was just in that scene to come back on Monday and Tuesday! They wanted me back! Ha! But I couldn’t because it conflicted with work, and $56 just isn’t enough to blow off my day job. Oh well. This was defiantly one of the coolest things I have done in a really long time. Sorry I didn’t get any pictures, no cameras were allowed on set. I was talking to one of the other extras and he said they are always doing this kinda stuff, and that all I need to do is check up on casting websites. Dan had a rough night the night before; he had to watch a guy that was put on suicide watch. So needless to say, he did not have the energy to stay up until 3:30am, dressed like white trash, fake dancing around a pool. But he said it would be a fun thing to do on weekends, and little extra cash too! Not too shabby.

Hollywood of the East Coast

I just received a phone call, and I have been asked to be an extra in a movie this weekend! I am SO excited! It’s being filmed in Hampstead at a big swanky house for a "house party" scene. However, I have been given specific, detailed instructions, to come dressed as white trash. Interesting. (white trash, big swanky house? I don’t get it, not yet at least) I was told to bring people, who would want to be extras as well, and I invited Dan, but I don’t think he’s a fan of the acting thing, we’ll see. I don’t know who is filming; the title of the movie is something like “A Good Old Fashioned”? I think? I’m not too sure. But I’m getting paid! (like $60) I’ll get more information and let you know how it goes; hopefully I’ll get some pictures to post!

Deep Sea

A couple months back my co-worker Chrissy wanted to know if I would join her on a deep-sea fishing trip. One of our co-workers, Ricky Holden, is a charter boat captain and goes out on weekends; he’s been fishing his whole life. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. You see, I’ve been on boats since I was 2 months old, and been around fishing since before I was born, so I was very excited at the chance to get back out on the water. I wanted to bring Dan too of course, and him being a Marine and all, he enjoys a boat ride too. Plus, this would be his first experience “ocean fishing” as he calls it. Sunday we all (Me, Dan, Chrissy, Cat, and Chad {Dan’s Roommate}) meet down in Southport and hopped on the boat. Let’s get one thing straight, the Atlantic is much MUCH different from the Gulf of Mexico. I used to get upset when people would say that to me, but it’s the truth. Dan and I both got sea sick, which took us all by surprise, mother didn’t even believe me at first. But we still had fun, we both love being around fishing and we were troopers, no complaining from us, so as not to spoil everyone else’s time. And truly, I think we both had a good time. However next time I will listen to mother (yes I said it, ok?) and take anti-nausea pills, and 2nd I will go out on a bigger boat. Ricky’s is only 26 feet. A lesson learned, but like I keep saying, as well that ends well. And besides, we ended up walking away with most of the fish, Cat let Dan, Chad, and I, and Chrissy split it all up. It was defiantly a learning experience, so it wasn’t all-bad.

May 2008

It was a good month, with my sisters first mothers day and me deciding to pick up a new 2nd job. Saltworks was all well and good, but I could only work weekends, and I wasn’t working many at that. So I looked around and finally landed at Pier 1. I love this store. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to work here and I get what discount? 25%?!? Oh my. But in all actuality I’m doing very well, I haven’t bought ANYTHING, and I am showing a ridiculous amount of self-control. I also leave my purse in my car when I go into work, to minimize temptation.

Also Dan’s parents came into town. Yes of course, I was nervous, but as it got closer, it turned into excitement. I mean honestly- look at Dan, and how awesome he is, the people that raised him are sure to be just as awesome. And of course, they are. I had a really fun time with Dan’s mom (Bertie) we walked around the cotton exchange (a little shopping plaza almost identical to Tin City) while Dan and his father (Paul) toured the Battleship (I toured it when dad was in town). Afterwards we headed up to Surf City (where Dan lives with his 2 roommates, {other} Dan and Chad) where Bertie cooked (and had a spinach and strawberry salad that I’m STILL talking about!) and we all just kinda hung out for a bit. They stayed in town for a little less than a week, and I had a great time while they were here. And word on the street is they had a pretty good time too!

First quarter 2008

Well 2008 was off with a bang, I celebrated at a local club called Level 5, and had an absolute blast with my friends Lisa and Lena. And still was able to send a "happy new year" to Dan, in my own creative way.






In January I simultaneously got the most wicked case of bronchitis these lungs have ever seen, and got surprised by my father. I was so happy to see my dad and I really had a good time. You see, dad has been working on Elevators for 25+ years, and one day decided to drop a 1,000+ lb piston on his foot. So needless to say, he had a little time off from work. Despite his shattered foot, dad insisted we tour the Battleship (USS North Carolina that is Docked here in Wilmington) which is about a 2 hour walk through little hall ways and up and down stairs, but it didn’t phase dad at all, basically it had something to do with history, so I don’t even think he realized he had a shattered foot. The on the 21st the most amazing, wonderful, beautiful, (can I fit any more adjectives into this sentence?) little man came into the world. My nephew Noah. I love him more than I ever knew i could. Soon after he was born, dad made a surprise trip to Naples to meet Noah, he knocked on Janet’s door and asked if Noah could come out and play, needless to say, Janet was happy to see him.







February was pretty much uneventful, except for the constant sheer anticipation of March and Dan’s return home from Iraq. I made him a nifty sign that he would see from the busses as he drove in (this is a regular occurrence when people return to the states). It was so nice, bright green, with blue lettering and sparkles! Who doesn’t love sparkles! I worked SO hard on it, I even got it laminated. But the night before Dan got home there was a really bad storm, and the sign blew away, along with a good portion of the other signs that had been hung on the fence. The sign was nowhere to be found, I was so mad. At least I got a picture of it.

Dan went home to Kansas to visit with his family and friends, also to pick up his mustang that his father and he re-painted (it turned out SO nice!) .



In April Dan and I headed for Florida. This was Dan’s first time to Florida and the first time I would meet Noah. I instantly fell in love with my nephew and just couldn’t get enough of him. I really enjoyed spending time with my family, and was very happy to introduce Dan to everyone. We all took Noah to the beach for the first time, and Dan had his first look at the gulf. I got to see a ton of friends and introduce them to Dan as well. While in Florida, Dan and I hit up Key West via the Key West express. We rented bicycles and rode around the island, stopping at the Hemingway house, the southernmost point, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and we ate at Sloppy Joes. All in all it was a good trip, and it was hard for me to say goodbye to my family and Noah, but Dan was really great, and drove most of the way home.





On a sadder note, right as we hit the pine ridge road exit ramp onto I-75, I received a phone call from my boss telling me that my co-worker, and dear friend Wayne, had been killed in a motorcycle accident. If ever there was someone who went before they should have, it was Wayne. He was that friend who was always there to help when you needed it. He saved me many times; when Beth and I moved into our apartment, he was there with his truck and trailer, when my car acted up, he fixed it, no questions asked. He coached hockey for all ages and was well known around town. There were no strangers when Wayne was around, and he had everyone’s back, especially his son’s Nathan (19) and Devon (15). I have never seen anything like Wayne’s funeral, it was standing room only and after the first 3 hours of the viewing, the line that was still wrapped around the funeral home had to be sent away, because the funeral home couldn’t stay open any later. He will be truly missed.

Summer 2007 and beyond

First of all-

I had my birthday 7/7/07,

how cool is that?!?!

::Stephanie's thought process inside her head:: ya know what sounds like a good idea? moving 800+ miles away from home to a state where you only really know 1 person, and only kinda sorta know another person, who by the way, you will be living with. and said 1 person who you really know will be 1 1/2 hours away from you. YES! where do I sign up?

Well my car couldn't drive fast enough (actually it could, i got a speeding ticket in South Carolina), I was so excited for a new adventure, New faces, New people.

So there I was in a new town, Wilmington, NC, a new roomate, Beth and starting my job hunt. I started off with a job at a local diner called Saltworks. It is a landmark restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. To the left is a picture of the sign that is at the beginging of I-40 (technically the end), it takes you clear accross the states to Cali. Why dont we have one of these in Naples on I-75? I think this is just cool!






At the end of July I met Dan. He is one of the coolest people I know. Sadly, 2 days later, he had to hop a plane for Iraq, and wouldn't return until March. However we were both very good at keeping in touch, we e-mailed almost everyday, and he called on occasion. I'll get to more of Dan in a little bit.




In August I started my job at Qualified Contractors Inc., a world wide construction-staffing company based out of Wilmington. I met some really great people at QCI and the company really takes care of its employees. For Thanksgiving they gave each of the office employees a Honey Baked ham, and a pre-cooked turkey. For Christmas we got a bonus (no big deal for most, but this was my first, true, post-college Christmas bonus) and a Christmas party unlike most. It was a 2-day ordeal at The Shell Island Resort on Wrightsville beach (right next to Wilmington). During the day, we sat through company meetings about the past year. On the first night, the company paid for dinner at "The Blue Water" (a very upscale restaurant) and an open bar, my date (Beth) and I had a great time. In the picture here you can see one of my colleges Joe Kemp in the background, with the typical QCI demeanor. The second night consisted of a "booze cruise" with dinner as well; my date that night was Lisa.





September was a fun month as well. I went to see Dave Mathews Band in Raleigh at Walnut creek, with Tim, Olivia and Wayne (from QCI) and my friend Ryan.




October was really busy, my friend Ashley was moving from Naples to NY and stopped by Wilmington as a 1/2 way point. And then my Nana and Aunt Donna came to see me! I was so happy to be visited by family! Plus they brought up a lot of great stuff that I wasn't able to bring up when I first moved. Thanks again guys! I also spent Halloween with some people from work, which ended up being a really fun night!

On to November, I had my wisdom teeth removed, which actually was the most pleasant surgical experience I’ve ever had. I'd take that again over cavities any day. Also went to the state fair in Raleigh, talk about a confidence boost- seriously, if you ever feeling down about anything in your life- hit up a state fair in "the south", trust me, you life will look better and better with each minute. HA! But really, we had fun, we found this cart, and we just had to take advantage of the Kodak moment.

I was upset that I couldn't make it to FL and would have to miss out on the Family Thanksgiving for the second year in a row, but I ended up going to Pittsburgh with Lisa and I saw snow for the first time! On our way home we stopped in DC, which was fun because I had never been.

And lastly (as it is every year) December, the one-year mark of being done with college. Most importantly I got to go home for Christmas, and get out of, at least what I considered, the harsh coastal North Carolina winter! I have never been happier to see the Ft. Myers airport; our decent over the city was wonderful. I was SO happy to be in sunny, warm, southwest FLORIDA! My then very pregnant sister was absolutely glowing and gorgeous, Mom was crying when I first saw her, which was to be expected, and Scott- well Scott was Scott and I was just very happy to see my family after being separated for longer than we have ever been. However, when I first walked through the door of moms house I don’t think my dog (Rocky) even recognized me. But he got a grip eventually. It was so great to spend time with my family and friends, and had to be one of the best Christmas' ever. And on top of that, I finally got my dog back, however, he was not to happy about being in a carry on bag, nor was he happy about me running through the Charlotte airport, dragging him in his wheeled case behind me, in order to make our connecting flight. As I descended into the Jacksonville, NC airport and heard the current weather conditions, I remember thinking to myself "am I nuts? Did I just LEAVE Florida for this?" ha!

Catching up

Ever since I can remember, if my big sister (Janet) has done it- I must do it. The earliest memory I have of this behavior is when we were young children, Janet got a doll for Christmas and named it Stephanie, I received a similar doll and in wanting to be like her, I too named my doll Stephanie. Some years later (I was probably about 18) I found out that Janet was not flattered by this gesture as I intended her to be. She was in fact quite outraged as a child could be, because when she named her doll Stephanie, she thought that I would name mine Janet. oops. However, I am almost sure somewhere along the way, she was able to forgive me for my misjudgment.
Now to blogging. I read my nephews blog, Noah Balboa, and decided I too must follow suit. In writing this blog I hope to keep everyone up to date with all the juicy details that are mine, my familys and my friends lives, with some humor and maybe some random off the wall stuff thrown in for good measure. Pretty much whatever pops into my head, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy.

I figure the easiest way to do this is to start off with when I first moved from Florida. Sound good? I think so.