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Our 16th POTUS, Honest Abe

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:28:00 +0000

Over the Thanksgiving holiday I read Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is about the “Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” and is extremely fascinating.

When I was in New York last weekend I took this picture of a page from book about Lincoln, where the weight of the presidency literally shows on his face as it deteriorates during his 5 years in office. Wow. Paul scolded me for copyright infringement, but I don’t care.

It only takes a history book to remind me about so many times of uncertainty in our great nation. I am so grateful for brave leaders – like President Lincoln – who carried our country through these difficult days. God Bless the U.S.!

Oh and I also took this picture of Paul carrying my purse:

Obama Puts Christ Back in CHRISTmas

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:59:00 +0000

Word on the street is that the nativity is back up and running in the East Room. And all was well. Probably because enough people complained.

I’m not trying to toot my own horn, but maybe my blog has become a real opinion-shaper. First, the nativity gets restored in the White House. Then America votes to keep Ashleigh AND Ryan on SYTYCD. Maybe I should start blogging about my life and see if my life can start shaping itself…

A Jolly Holly White House Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:43:00 +0000

Yesterday I went to the White House for the Holiday Open House Reception, which means I got to walk through the White House and look at all the pretty holiday decorations.

Don’t worry, thanks to the infamous White House crashers, the secret service were making their list and checking it TWICE before I got through any doors. And yes, my name was on the list – the occasional perk of being a federal employee.

Overall I loved the decorations because I love Christmas and everything about it. I was disappointed, however, to find that the large nativity that is usually displayed in the White House East Reception Room was removed this year. Sadly, there was no sign of baby Jesus anywhere. The job of decorating the White House for the holidays traditionally lies with the First Lady, so if you were trying to get the Obama’s off the hook for that one I don’t think you have much of an excuse. But there were some awesome Christmas trees! I also heard that the decorations were scaled back this year because of the recession. Apparently Laura Bush did it big - but that's because everything's bigger in Texas!

I Can Smell Crocodile Tears from a Mile Away

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:57:00 +0000

I am so happy Nathan was voted off So You Think You Can Dance instead of Ryan! I knew America would reject Nathan's contrived tears! His "I'm so grateful and humble" speech came a little late in the game. See ya!

Right now I'm loving Kathryn, Ashleigh, Jakob, Legacy and Ryan.

And here's my claim to SYTYCD fame: Ashleigh was on my London study abroad trip in 2004 and Ryan was in one of my PR classes at BYU. They are both really really nice and wonderful people. I'm so happy they have made it this far and that they can go on tour together. Ashleigh has sure proven the judges wrong, way to go girl! Oh SYTYCD, thank you for making life that much more exciting.

I Cut 4 Inches Off My Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:12:00 +0000

but you really can’t tell. I also had a wonderful week home with my family for Thanksgiving. The 5 lbs I probably gained is more noticeable than the haircut.

We also had our Thanksgiving dinner at the church building because we had so many people (20+ family members and about 20 from the Singles Ward). After dinner we all played dodgeball in the gym. It was AWESOME.

Me with my sister, Kimberly and cousin/hairdresser extraordinaire, Meryn.

Bring Back the 80's!!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:41:00 +0000

Last Saturday I went to the Legwarmers concert – they're a local cover band that sings all 80’s classics. We dressed in our best 80’s get up, naturally. The concert was AMAZING. Somehow, they managed to sound exactly like the original singers. It’s nuts. On more than one occasion I screamed at the top of my lungs, “This is the best concert of my life!!!” I don’t really like rock concerts. But when you’re dressed in 80’s clothes, surrounded by 50 of your closest LDS single friends (somebody sent an email to somebody, who sent it to everyone) singing 80’s classics, you really set yourself up for success. And, not to toot my own horn, but my outfit was incredible. I got some mad shout-outs and HI-5’s from strangers complimenting me on my wardrobe. I should have taken more pictures but I was really into the concert.

Mark My Words

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:52:00 +0000

I will never never never ever NEVER EVER…

…sign up for Twitter.

No tweeting from this girly. No. Sir. E.

A Fall Day in Charlottesville

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Last weekend we went down to Charlottesville and tested out my new camera. Loved my new camera and LOVED Charlottesville and Monticello! It was a perfect fall day with the best of company.

I told them to hold hands.

Maybe overexposed, but I like it.

I told them they can use these as their engagement photos, free of charge.

"V" as in Wahoo. (I don't get it either)

Mr. Jefferson wants to be remembered for three things: as author of the Declaration of Independence, founding of the University of Virginia and his responsibility for Virginia's Statute of Religious Freedom.

Monticello - TJ's home and retreat.

I'm glad we got there as the sun was setting.

The home of T. Jeff.

Project Runway Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:25:00 +0000

Last week I had the swine flu. Seriously. I lay in bed for 4 days and watched a lot of television. I watched so many reruns of Project Runway, in fact, that I actually thought, “Hey, I think I could do that.” And for the first time in my entire life (save 7th and 8th grade home ec class) I sewed. I got out that handheld sewing kit my mom bought me when I started college and sewed up some holes on clothes I’d been meaning to give to my mom to fix. (Yes, that is correct, every time I go home I go with a handful of things I need fixed.)

I felt pretty good about myself so I decided to try something a little more challenging and attempted to shorten a dress slip. I got only so far as cutting a hole in it to realize I was too tired, unskilled and ill-equipped to continue.

In total, I fixed a skirt and pair of pants and destroyed a slip. Not bad for my first time.

I am glad I sort of overcame my fear of sewing, but I’m a little concerned it came at the beckoning of a reality television show. I think I’m more impressionable than I’d like to be. Like when I watched the finale of The Biggest Loser last year and actually wanted to go on a rigorous diet and exercise regime in hopes of dropping double digits each week. I understand that this is an unreasonable and delusional idea.

Oh and except for the throwing up, high fever, and inability to get out of bed for 4 days, the swine flu was not that bad.

A Throwback to Tube Socks and Bad Athletic Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:26:00 +0000

For Halloween Paul and I were 70’s tennis stars. I sported my best Billie Jean King look and Paul portrayed Vitas Gerulaitis. What a dynamic duo.

I was slightly downtrodden to find out 2 hours before getting in costume that Billie Jean is now a lesbian. Not that I have a big problem with lesbians, I was just hoping for a little chemistry between Vitas and Bille Jean. At least I can still beat him in tennis, just like Billie Jean beat Bobby Riggs in 1973. It was a monumental win for women everywhere, and for that, I sincerely thank BJK.

Fallapalooza 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Over Columbus Day I trekked up to Franklin, NH via Boston, MA to join as a first time Fallapalooza attendee. 2009 marked Fallapalooza’s 8th annual trip to Webster Lake Inn, where East Coast single Mormons gathered and ate, kayaked, flag footballed, apple picked, and gamed almost to the point of head explosion. And I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Being single shouldn’t be this fun. Although we did make Fallapalooza history this year with Evan and Tamara’s ENGAGEMENT Monday morning. Huzzah! Check out Tamara’s blog here – it explains how they met. It’s wicked awesome (that’s my Boston impression).

I opted for football photographer, rather than participant.

Highlights:

My girl Kaeli came to play!

Best Fallapalooza picture:

…and Then I Hugged My Taxi Driver.

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Why did my cab driver ask for a hug?

And why did I give him one?

The Facts:

The driver was an older African American man who spoke perfect English. He drove me from my office to the airport. We did not talk the entire 15 minute car ride. Literally. When I gave him a $20 and asked for $6 back, he asked for a hug. After saying “Are you serious?” with a bit of a smile and a whole lot of confusion, he wasn’t letting up, so I reached out, hoping he’d settle for a pat on the arm. But the man really wanted a hug. So I gave him one. Our embrace over the backseat lasted about three seconds. I don’t think he stole my wallet, slipped me drugs or copped a feel, but I walked into the airport feeling very perplexed.

Just Call Me a Crafty Bastard

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Two weeks ago Paul and I went to the Crafty Bastards arts and crafts show in D.C. It was awesome. And we said “bastard” all day without any guilt. It’s a title, so it’s ok to swear when saying the title. Like saying “dam” in reference to a water dam. Or reading the word “hell” in the scriptures, and singing the word hell in church.

Anyway…

The show featured artists who make all handmade items and there were some incredible vendors. Although I must say, I think my mom could probably make everything that they were selling. She is the craftiest person I know. Too bad those skills aren’t just inherited.

I bought two things at the Crafty Bastard – both to be worn on the head. Which is ironic, considering I could count on one hand how many times I’ve worn a headband in the past 3 years. But for some crazy crafty reason I bought the Greata headband from The Candy Thief (pictured below) and this other adorable jeweled clip with feathers coming out of it from The Hand of Fatima Design (not pictured below). I know head wear is sort of trendy these days and I am not, but I still liked these. I don’t regret either purchase.

And now Paul is calling me an Autumn Princess with my leaf headdress. But don’t worry, he took his turn wearing the leafy eye mask too:

I took a bunch of business cards from the booths I thought were most fascinating – here are some links to their Web sites and Etsy shops in case you’re interested in seeing some of their goods. Hooray for handmade!

Click here for a link to all the booths that were there.

My favs:

My Ugly Kitty - kitty with a cleft palate

A Bardis - my roommate bought a hair button

Giant Dwarf -beautiful stuff

The Devil Made Me Do It – I like the beenies the best

Inedible Jewelry - I'll have seconds

Woolarina – WOOL!

My Paper Crane - WINNER of the Craftiest Bastard 2009 award

The Verdict on the Lepore

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Last week Garrette informed me that my dress is ugly and that her boyfriend thinks it's ugly too. I promised her that it was just the lighting and my camera, and that the dress is really very beautiful in real life. She wasn't convinced, so I brought the dress to work to prove it to her. She now takes back what she said, and has joined in her voice of support for keeping the purchase.

I showed Paul my dress this weekend as a final stamp of approval. His only response was that it is way too low. Not sure when he turned into the Modesty Nazi, but he said it that it's too low three times. I insisted that I will pin it or wear a camisole under it, but when I said "camisole" he looked like he'd just taken a big wiff of bad fish. That is the face he makes when he is confused about something girly. He doesn't know what a camisole is, and I really shouldn't expect him to.

I'm keeping the dress. Thank you everyone for reminding me why it's nice to not share a bank account.

I Wouldn’t Call it So Much “Buyer’s Remorse” as “Buyer’s Confusion”

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Last week I found a beautiful Nanette Lepore dress at TJ Maxx for a killer deal. (That doesn’t mean it was cheap.) I told myself I wouldn’t buy it – it really is too expensive for my taste and paycheck. But I carried it with me to the register anyway. My thought process was: I’ll just inquire about a discount. You know, see if the sales clerk could tell me possibly when the dress might get an additional discount.

Our conversation went something like this:

Me: “I’m just wondering, is this dress going to be marked down any more?”

Clerk: “I’m not sure, but I can ask a manager.”

(He walks away briefly, speaks with a manager and comes back)

Clerk: “This piece just came in so we’re not sure when it’ll be marked down.”

It doesn’t exactly sounds like a sales pitch, but the next thing I heard coming out of my mouth was “I’ll take it.”

Why did I do this? I clearly can’t be trusted to make conscious and rational decisions when faced with the prospect of never seeing a beautiful, perfectly fit, brand name yet seriously discounted dress again. So I have decided to solicit the help of my friends and readers.

Question: Should I return the dress? And if so, what should I do with the money?

I should probably SAVE it, but I’d like to hear your thoughts regardless.

Additional facts: Original price was $400, I paid $150. And it looks good on me (a relative statement, but see for yourself below). I have about 20 more days to return it. Also, I took these pictures late, hense the hat to hide the face - and to focus on the true issue at hand: the dress. Not my face at 11 p.m. on a Wednesday night.

Also, I contemplated texting Noelle for help, but figured it was too late in the moment, and also remembered that the other Noelle I know would be very proud of my Nanette Lepore purchase. That may or may not have been additional purchasing incentive.

Oh No She Didn't!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:32:00 +0000

http://www.thesilveylining.com/2009/09/tollhouse-we-have-problem.html?showComment=1253554307240#c6997459082467570649

Just for the record, my last post about Garrette was done with full disclosure. She even created the side-by-side pictures. So her obvious lashing out against me has no correlation to last week's post.

Garrette Update

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:56:00 +0000

If you know me, you have either met or heard of my co-worker Garrette. She and I became instant friends when I started my job on the Hill more than two years ago. She has graciously given me permission to make her the center of many of my blog entries (examples here, here and here – but this one is my favorite).

It recently came to Garrette’s attention that shopping at Forever 21 isn’t a hobby, so she started a blog to track her progress as she explores new, legitimate hobbies, like fantasy football and going to the gym. Did I mention that her blog is hilarious? Garrette is one of the most talented writers I know, and successfully works a refreshing wittiness into everything she writes (not to mention the stuff that comes out of her mouth).

Check out her blog here, The Silvey Lining (or http://www.thesilveylining.com/)

Oh, and she also recently found her birth father. A lot of people have asked me if Garrette has an eating disorder because she is ridiculously skinny. Now, I can confidently tell everyone it’s just genetics. She totally gets it from “Dad.” He is a slightly hippie-ish musician, skilled woods workman and Democrat (gasp!) that lives in Indiana. They have enjoyed getting acquainted with one another over the past few months and plan to meet someday in the future.

There is a striking resemblance, wouldn't you say?

We also know where the crooked nose comes from. Mysteries are being solved left and right!

More Evidence of Crybaby Tendencies

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:18:00 +0000

I forgot one of the biggest things that makes me cry: Sully Sullenberger, a true American hero. Oh my gosh I’m getting choked up just thinking about him. And yes Mindy, I know he is from Danville.

And most recently:

Melanie Oudin and her Cinderella Story at the U.S. Open
When Beyonce gave Taylor Swift another chance to speak at the VMA’s

Also, I must say, my last post garnered some of the funniest comments I’ve ever gotten on my bloggity blog. Thank you, friends and readers. I love being reminded of why my friends are so awesome.

No Really, I'm Crying Because I'm Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:47:00 +0000

I am not a crier. Never really have been. But over the past year or so I have turned into a weird mushball. I don’t cry about normal things, like life, pain, my period or my feelings. But I do cry – at the drop of a hat – at cheesy stuff. The kind of stuff that makes guys gag, and girls coo. I used to gag. Now I totally coo, and embarrassingly choke back tears.

Here is a list to the random things that have made me cry lately:

Almost all of the “Random Sampler” stories in the back of the Ensign mag

Most birth stories or mothers blogging about their relationship with unborn or newborn babies

This heroic sports story I randomly found on YouTube
The Biggest Loser new season previews

SYTYCD cancer dance

The song “Anway” by Martina McBride

When I saw a blind guy on the metro, doing the best he can

Michael Jackson’s daughter at his memorial service

The guy’s testimony on Sunday about how he found a bank account with $6,000 in it AFTER he paid his tithing

Nie Nie Dialogues

Thinking about how Abraham Lincoln had “malice towards none”

The Office rerun where Jim tells the camera he bought Pam’s engagement ring a week after they started dating

When I heard Celine Dion was pregnant

View from the Top

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:03:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I climbed 400 steps to the top of the Rotunda in the Capitol building. They only allow groups of 20 to go at one time and you must be escorted by a member of Congress, so it really was an incredible opportunity. It's an awesome view of Washington, D.C. and it was a gorgeous day. I drew a visual of where exactly I was standing once we got to the top:

Inside the Rotunda, looking up.

Looking down.

Walking outside.

From the top.

Posing.

The Lid to My Pot

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Paul and I celebrated our 1-year anniversary two weeks ago when we were in Montauk, NY. Being in a relationship, I’ve learned, is all about sacrifice. So to celebrate one year of togetherness, we took turns doing what the other person wanted to do. Here’s an abbreviated version of our day:

Slept in (my preference)
Got flowers from boyfriend (my preference)
Went to the beach (mutual feelings)
Paul surfed (his preference)
I surfed (also his preference) – and by and by “I surfed” I mean Paul pushed me into waves and I stood up.
Ate ice cream (mine)
Went sailing (his)
Went to nice dinner at The Surf Lodge, a really cool restaurant – think South Beach-meets-New Yorkers-on-vaca (mutual, but he paid)
Waited for an hour so we could get an outside table (his)
Watched the sunset during that hour and talked about what we’ve learned in the past year (mine)
Shared our appetizers and dinners (mutual)
Watched surf videos at the restaurant after dinner (his)
Ate more ice cream (mine)
Finished the evening with a rousing game of Hearts (his – but I SHOT THE MOON!)

In a year of dating a lot has changed and a lot hasn’t.

What hasn’t changed: we’re still 13 years apart but act like we’re kids. He still surfs, and I can still beat him in tennis. We still live in different cities, but see each other almost every weekend. He can still make me laugh, and I still think some of his jokes are lame.

What has changed: I feel comfortable enough not wear makeup or blow dry my hair, even if it is our anniversary (see first picture).

Waiting for our table.

The restaurant had hanging basket lighting.

"IDK my BFF Rose"

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:29:00 +0000

ACRONYMS that I’ve learned in the past 2 years:

ICYMI = In Case You Missed It
APB = All Points Bulletin
TPM = Talking Points Memo
BCC = Blind Carbon Copy
ISO = In Search Of
YHGTBK = You Have Got To Be Kidding
POTUS = President Of The United States
FLOTUS = First Lady Of The United States
SCOTUS = Supreme Court Of The United States
SYTYCD = So You Think You Can Dance

P.S. the blog title comes from my favorite Cingular commercial. Watch it here.

Flapper, Kitty, Hero

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:05:00 +0000

This week I dressed up for three themed birthday parties in a row.

Sunday - Annie Miller's FABULOUS 20's themed "Guilded Age" lawn birthday party. Everyone agreed that everyone is more attractive in 20's clothing. Maybe it's just that we didn't look like our selves, and we are all secretly sick of each other. Although I felt positively elegant in my flapper dress, stranded pearls and bright red lipstick. The photo booth was a fantastic touch.

Monday - Joe Johnston's birthday party, with an impromtu cat/animal print theme to celebrate his love for felines. He really does love cats, as I pointed out to many people at the party. Check out my awesome t-shirt, a hand-me-down from my sister I have been sporting since 1993.

Tuesday - Peter Keyworth's Superhero birthday party. Jeanette and I pulled off some awesome "kitchen" superhero costumes. Note the apron capes and spatula weapons. And the party didn't stop there - we went home and karaoked to "Jessie's Girl" and "I Love Rock and Roll." Life really is better as a superhero.

These parties were more fun than Halloween for me. Let's do it again! I obviously can get into it.

Cat vs. Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:34:00 +0000

If you HAD to get rid of one of them, who would it be?

Cat...

... or Mary?

I think Mary can be annoying, but I think she is more crucial to the show than Cat. Sorry. Cat is cute and all, but she is more replaceable than crazy Murphy. Also - I can't believe the finale is this week! I am so sad Janette is gone, she was my favorite. I want one of the girls to win but I'm not sure which one yet. Who are you rooting for?

p.s. “Would You Rather?” is one of my favorite games. I’m going to institute it regularly into my blog.

Swine Flu Hits the Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:11:00 +0000

In some ways I work in one of the safest environment in the world. Capitol Hill is always crawling with cops and I have to show my ID badge to get most places. But nothing can protect us from Senate Pages who are infected with Swine Flu. The hardest hit are always the young, the old and the pregnant. Considering the average United States Senator is in his/her 70’s (but none of them are pregnant), I’m especially worried about our lawmakers.

**Senate Pages are high school students who intern on the Hill. I’m not really sure what they do, but I always see them in the hallways delivering packages and running errands and they are definitely spreading a lot of germs. This is what they typically look like: