Stacey Michelle

other blog

I realized I failed to mention that I have been doing most of my blogging at my myspace site. Perhaps I'll return to this blog in the future...

http://www.myspace.com/staceymichelle

Next week at this time (also my 31st b-day) I'll be packing my things into my brothers car and making our way North to Veromnt. ONE WEEK. Woo Hoo. There will be mucho shopping taking place this weekend since I have yet to buy a single Christmas gift. Gulp. This is unusual for me. No panicking, though. All will be well. All will be well, as long as the grays stop sprouting up all over my head...YEESH. Oh Miss Hair Stylist...Bring on the highlighting solution, please!!!

I had a couple of comp movie tickets and treated myself to see Walk the Line this week. It was very moving. It might be the pic of the year for me, we'll see. There are still a few weeks left. I'm looking forward to seeing Kong with my dad while home over Christmas/New Years. I also saw Narnia on opening day at midnight. That was really magicaI ...I was especially thrilled to see Tumnus and the Beavers come to life. I need to go back and re-read the series. I'm missing a couple of my original books from my childhood collection. I asked my parents for the all in one book for Christmas.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my co-workers. They are the best. I hate getting up in the AM, but on days like today where I get to the office early, I immediately have a smile on my face. It's been a productive day already...YAY because there's lots to do.

Weather Outside is ... Semi-Frightful

Well, today marks the first day of Operation Snow Crew. Fred and I were in and raring to go at 6:00 am for the many church cancellations or delays... well, ok, there were like 5 delays. Although waking up early isn't my favorite thing in the world to do, I don't mind getting up early on these days. It's exciting in a weird sort of way. I actually did get some work done, too which was nice. We also spent some time making our own silly decorations for the studio Christmas tree in hopes of making some of our co-workers laugh. : )

The countdown begins. 19 days til I go home ... and celebrate my 31st birthday. Yes, that's right, celebrate. I refuse to get all weird about getting older anymore. (at least this year).

May your parking spot be open when you return home, the pets (or babies) stear clear of the Christmas decorations, and the holiday goodies stay far from your hips.

I Have An Ouchie

Yesterday on my way to work I fell down the stairs in my apartment. That coupled with helping a friend move on Saturday has led to much soreness in my body today. There are bruises, people. OUCH.

Today I have found myself doodling snowmen... I'm ready... Bring it on... What's with this 50 - 60 degree weather. I know I shouldn't complain. Mid January I'll be shivering and longing for Spring.

Welcome Christmas Season

So, last week I had gained 2 lbs. Tonight, after Thanksgiving and all, I have lost 2.6...neat, huh. I did keep my little hints in mind and that made a big difference. I also got some exercise.

I had a scary thing happen on Thanksgiving. I called home to wish my parents a Happy Day and no answer. Later, my father called to tell me my mother had been admitted to the hospital. Actually, she had gone by ambulance in the middle of the night. She couldn't breathe and my dad was at work! Some sort of Tracheitis on top of her Asthma made it impossible for her to breathe or talk!!! She was in Intensive Care a couple of the days, but is home now. She's on several meds. I told her she HAS to take care of herself, listen to the Dr, and take any precautions!!! She sounds like an emphesematic, but she has never smoked. It's moments like these that living away from home can be really hard!!! I'm really looking forward to spending some significant time together over Christmas.

I'm enjoying the beginning of the season. I love the decorations, the music, the excitement in people's eyes! I haven't been shopping yet. I'm trying not to get overwhelmed by that this year. I want to focus on the gift of Jesus, the gift of family and friends, appreciating the change in Season, and being thankful...that doesn't have to end on Thanksgiving. Of course, I am realistic and know there will be much scurrying and spending, but I'm really trying not to make that the main thing.

I was walking around downtown last night and just had to smile. I couldn't tell if it was drizzling or almost snowing, but it felt comforting (even though my shoes were not very comfortable). The lights and emerging decorations make me feel joyful...childlike. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Plans

The holiday seasaon is upon us. I'm starting to get excited. I won't see family until Christmas, but I'm spending Thanksgiving with a fun family with LOTS of children, so that's always fun.

I'm trying to go into the holidaays with a healthy plan as it relates to food.

1. These are not our last suppers.
2. It's more about the people than the food.
3. They are holi-days, not holi-months. Don't give yourself an excuse to pig out every day.
4. Dress up more often and you will be less likely to over indulge.

It's the end of my 2nd week on Weight Watchers. At last weeks weigh in I had lost 4.2 pounds. You gotta love the .2. Every little bit counts. I'm enjoying it so far and feel like I've been doing well.

The weekend was good...fairly mellow. I got together with my newly engaged friend Trish on Friday night. I'm so excited for her. Saturday I played games all day at Nate and Heidi's. Good times, She made a yummy Mexican soup that was healthy, too. (all the tortilla chips I weren't quite as healthy). Yesterday I didn't do much. I got up late for church, but made it there. Afterwards, I took a walk to Mandros Imported Foods market downtown and got some good cheeses. I spent a good part of the mid-day talking to my roommate, which was fun since we haven't had much time to connect lately. I watched the movie Rosenstrasse in the afternoon and didn't do anything in the evening.

One more thing...last week, Phil called me and while we were on the phone, he played a song on the radio station that I've never heard of ... and he said I REQUESTED IT. This is my disclaimer, because I'm pretty sure it was a cheezy song.

The Things People Say

Today I am so disgusted at things that people(claiming to be Christians, preachers of the truth) in the public eye are saying in the name of my God. The God that forgives NO MATTER WHAT. That never runs out of mercy for us. Whose arms are big enough to hold all of us. People who have pet peeves that they turn into Gospel. People who have doctrines that they are holding higher than LOVE and FORGIVENESS. It makes me so sad. PLEASE DON'T SPEAK FOR GOD. YOU ARE MAKING HIM SOUND UNDESIRABLE. YOU ARE MAKING US AS FOLLOWERS OF HIM LOOK LIKE HEARTLESS, JUDGEMENTAL, VINDICTIVE JERKS. I know that God does have anger, but I think it will anger Him even more to have someone speaking for when and upon whom He will display His wrath. I think that's pretty dangerous water to be treading.

Ok, there's my rant. I am not perfect, I screw up all the time. I gossip and I say things that I shouldn't. I sin every day. It just makes it so much more confusing when I try to tell my friends who don't know Jesus about how amazing He is when people paint our faith out to be so miserable.

sticky fingers

Today, one of our interns and I labeled (and are still labeling) like 1600 postcards. My fingers are all dry and stuff. It reminds me of when I used to have a job as a "Pick and Peeler" at a local newspaper where I grew up. We would gather in the evening at the paper printers in this dark room where there was ink dust everywhere. My job was to affix address labels to just the right spot on the paper. I think we got paid based on how many we got out, but I'm not sure. I remember how we used to get snacks and soda late at night out of a candy machine. Most of the women there smoked and had for most of their lives probably. I don't really remember how that all started or when/why it ended. It must have been a summer job. My mom and I did it together, so that made it pretty special

nori maki only 2 points per serving

I did it. I'm all weighed in and have started calculating my points. I've already drank over 6 glasses of water today...that's not challenging for me. I have to drink ridiculous amounts of water in order to stay hydrated and keep my blood pressure at a normal-ish level, anyway. (WW and most diets recommend at least 6 glasses of H20 per day). I enjoyed my first WW meeting: getting the shiny pamphlet with all the nutrition information, getting weighed...hey, I still am 60 lbs less than I was when I started Atkins...and I have about 50 lbs to go to get to a fairly normal weight for someone like me. Not bad, not bad. I even don't mind writing stuff down...it helps me. I can impulse snack and have no idea how much I've actually eaten in a day. I'm excited to know that most sushi takes up very few points in the Weight Watchers system. : ) I actually found delicious California Rolls at Darrenkamps Sat night on the way home from the maze.

Wierd voting story: Yesterday I realized I didn't know where my new polling place was so I called the Voters Reg. Office. Well, apparently there was a screw up when I changed my address and they had me living somewhere in Jamestown Court in Lampeter or something like that (which is similar to my actual address...) At first they suggested I go there to vote, but obviously I am more interested in voting where I live and where I know who I do/don't want to vote for.....Long story short, my poll place was across the St from where I live and I was able to vote by Provisional ballot. I have a nifty code to look up and make sure my vote was counted. It was annoying, but I was happy that both people I talked to admitted that it was an error on their (the state) part. I often feel like I'm being looked at with that tilted glasses, nose down, "ok, what did you do THIS time" kind of thing. I felt like they took responsibility for their mistake. Wahoo.

I wish I had plump veins to go with the rest of me. It is always such an ordeal for the Dr. to find my veins. Then, they find them and lose them and it hurts when they root around under my skin with the needle looking for a vein. Then, they finally decide to use a vein in my hand. Ugh.

Yesterday I overslept...how embarassing, to have overslept and missed a church service that starts at 10:00. I am bummed about that because I actually love going to church. SO...instead I began cleaning my room and decided to go to the movies. I saw "Weatherman" which was depressing and had a few too many shocking words and visuals for a Sunday afternoon when you just missed church and already feel kind of blah. I didn't leave feeling that great, even though it was a well done movie.

Going to Maze Quest with my friends on Saturday was definitely the highlight of the weekend. We picked apples, went through a corn maze, down a big scary slide , a bamboo maze and more. I loved the bamboo maze. We kept our flashlights off for the most part and that made it scary. I love spending time with my friends from Philly. Some of them keep taunting me to move there. Satuday night I was definitely wishing I could continue back with them to have more fun ... but I love it here, too ... so I'm willing to travel once in a while.

I'm joining Weight Watchers tonight. I did this program when I was younger with my mom and had good success. I think it will be good for me to do a more well rounded thing this time, even though I was succesful with Atkins. I would love to get even closer to my goal this time. I'm sure I'll keep you posted here...

and this is why i love fridays

I'm feeling all carefree and junk.

Today I learned how to make cappucinos and lattes on Dan's machine. I feel SMART.

I have somehow managed to not make dinner all week. I don't think I'll break the cycle tonight.

Tonight: concert, Tomorrow: sleeping in, cleaning, vegging out, Maze Quest, Sunday: church and then who knows.

Twas a productive week at work. All is well in the world and I am ready to enjoy the weekend with my friends.

Sorta Retro Music News

Wow, I was perusing my friend Dan's itunes and came across "Shawl" by the Prayer Chain. This is one of those CD's that lived in my stereo for ages...then I let someone borrow it and that was the end of that. Big, deep, sigh. I'm loving it.

In other good music news...there are plans in the works for a show Nov. 16 with Mike Roe (77's and Lost Dogs) and Mike Pritzel (The Violet Burning) doing an acoustic show nearby. GASP. I'm so there.

Also...the band's Kheris (the band my brother is in) and America Junior (formerly Senoritis, formerly QuickeeMart, etc, etc) are playing this Friday night at oneeighty at Greenfield Corporate Center in Lancaster. It's only $3.00 and starts at 8:00. Good times, people. Good times.

Take it As It Comes

On Saturday I was on my way to the Renaissance Faire to meet up with some friends and was having a nice conversation with my mom on the phone. Mid conversation, she got another call from the senior living center where my grandmother lives. My grandmother had been taken to the hospital by ambulance because of some dizziness and digestive problems. She is in her 80's so my brother and I were starting to think through whether or not we might have to rush home for a funeral. She ended up being in and out of the hospital all weekend and then was admitted. Hopefully they will do some tests and be able to remove whatever the problem is. It was definitely a wake up call. Thankfully, I have no question about my grandmothers faith and am certain that she has Heaven to look forward to whenever her time would come. It is just hard for me to face because of the fact that she has been som healthy for so long. I hope this is just a set back. As my Nanny (great grandmother) used to say "Take it as it comes."

One of the things that I thought about as I was praying and trying not to panic...I really would love for her to have a great grandchild. There aren't a ton of grandkids on my mom's side of the family and I am the oldest. None of us are married yet, so it will definitely be some time until that happens.

Besides the turmoil over my grandmother, the weekend was really fun. I went to the concert our office had Friday Night (Cross Movement). I was invited to go to the Renaissance Faire on Saturday with my friends Gwenda and Bev. It's become kind of a yearly tradition for us. It was a cold/windy day, but we enjoyed being out in the crisp fall air. When I got home I watched the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...my roommate had rented it and I really liked it. Sunday after church I went and saw "Elizabethtown" with my friend Wendy. That was not your typical movie...I don't know what genre I would classify it in. It was quite deep and bizarre at times. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews on it, but I really liked it. I felt like it encouraged the spirit of adventure...stop and smell the roses...kind of thing. It made me want to take a road trip, too.

Falling Back

Don't forget to change your clocks Sat. night.

I am finally feeling like life is at a manageable pace...both personally and professionally. This week has been so productive at work...and I've also had the opportunity to do some spur of the moment fun stuff...like drive to Philly for a mellow birthday party with some friends. That's what life is all about to me...those unplanned adventures that make life less mundane. This is my favorite time of the year...I'm glad that I am finally able to enjoy it. So far my weekend is an empty canvas, so we'll see what ends up happening.

I recently saw a couple of movies that hit the mark for me. One was a very understated movie called "The Station Agent". It's a great story about unexpected relationships that can become so important. Another great movie is "Born Into Brothels". It's not a "feel good" kind of movie...it 's a documentary about children growing up in the red light district in Calcutta as children of prostitutes and drug dealers...the filmmakers help them find joy and hope of a future through the art of photography. Their pictures actually became award winning.

Next up: Rosenstrasse (foreign), Windtalkers (Mark Ruffalo is in this movie), and Everyone Says I Love You (Woody Allen)

heading home

Tomorrow I fly. I hope it's like today...blue skies with some light clouds to fly through. I can't wait to fly into the Green Mtn state and see all the reds, oranges, yellows, browns and greens. I will see my friend Angel who I have known since 1st grade and finally meet her son Chou and husband Gopi. I will spend time with my cousin and her daughters, go dancing and talk into the wee hours of the morning. I'll canvas the dirt roads surrounding my home with my parents counting the deer. I'll see my grandmothers and hug them as tightly as I can. I'm heading for the land of maple syrup, Phish and good skiing. My home sweet home.