As Promised

    Keeping my promise from yesterday's post, here we go:   It's OK...   ...that I've neglected my blogging duties for almost two weeks. I became one busy gal.   ...to be anxiously waiting to hear back from the police department I interviewed with yesterday (a big reason why I didn't blog. I was busy preparing for said interview).   ...to be over fall/winter already. It hasn't even snowed in Chicago yet but I'm not remotely ready for it. Hurry up, summer!   ...to be super excited for tonight's dinner date with my girls. There's this 24 hour diner in Indiana that we absolutely love and today will be the first time in months that we all get to go. Yay for more fatness!   ...to not have to worry too much about Christmas shopping. My family isn't really big on exchanging gifts so it's a big relief.   ...to have a zillion and one holiday parties to go to and no new holiday dresses. Eeeekkk!   ...that i want to eat an entire oreo pie. By myself. No shame. How I still manage to weigh 112 pounds is beyond me, but I'll take it. Probably won't be saying that in a year lol.   ... that I have bought 3 pairs of boots in 2 weeks. I have a problem.   _____________________________________________   As I mentioned above, I had my first interview with a police department yesterday. I kept it hush-hush only because I wanted to realllyyy focus on preparing for it. It was one of the most nerve wracking experiences ever. I could literally hear my heart beating while sitting across from all of the commissioners. Overall, I think I did ok considering it was my first interview. Now it's another big waiting game. No idea when I'll find out how I did but I'm hoping it'll be realtively soon. I have another police test next month and will begin my hibernation starting next week. I will be enclosed in my aparrtment studying and at the gym training for the physical test. At least I'll be in shape for the holidays!   Alright, enough about cop stuff.   Can I just say that Pinterest has terribly aided in my shopping addiction? It's HORRIBLE. I cannot believe how out of control I have gotten with buying clothes, shoes, & scarves. Thank you baby jesus for holiday bonuses at work!   Too bad I didn't win the Powerball Jackpot. One day. Yeah right.   Hope everyone has had an awesome week. One more day til Friday!   <3 Steph            

Breathe. Breathe. BREATHE.

 

 

 

I've neglected my blogging duties for a while now.

 

Big things are happening tonight.

 

I will update tomorrow. Promise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Relax

    Phewww this week is flying by. I have neglected my blogging duties this week but only because it's been quite a chaotic week. Lots of great things have happened annnddd lots of not so great things have also happened. But I have to keep on pressing on.   Let's get on with It's OK Thursday's:   It's OK...   ...that I keep putting off going to the gym. The cold weather makes me want to stay on my couch and eat lots of oreo cookies...   ...to be super nervous and excited for my first ever police interview. I WILL NAIL THIS...   ...to not be very excited for the holiday's. I'll keep my reasons to myself...for now...   ...to feel absolutely fabulous when wearing my new Steve Madden boots. Some lady complimented them while I was waiting for the bus. Yeah!...   ...to be excited for tonight's happy hour with my boys who studied abroad in London with me...   ...to be absolutely head over heels in love with my best friend eventhough our careers (more so his) aren't allowing us to be together right now. In due time...   ...to be loyal to everyone around me even when they may not be loyal to me...   ...to be completely obsessed with wanelo.com...   Ciao bellas!          

Is this week over yet?



 

Happy Friday to all in bloggerland! This week seems like it took forever and a day to end. The elction made it feel like it was twice as long, glad that's all over with. People STILL have on their cranky pants because of the election, hopefully they change them or just take the damn pants off and relax.

 

 

Dear Boss: Thank you for giving Karla and me courtside tickets to last night's Bulls game. Even though we lost, we had an AWESOME time. Not too many people can say that they sat 10 feet from some of the best players in the NBA.

 

  

 

 

Noah baby!

 

Dear Coffee: You came out WAY too sugary for me this morning. I am a little displeased with starting off my Friday morning with a mediocre cup of coffee.

 

Dear Weekend: I am excited that you're finally here and that I won't have to wake up at 4 a.m for another police exam. I will definitely be sleeping in!

 

Dear You Know Who You Are: Hurry up and get your ish together so we can get back to being awesome together. This girl misses you a lot.

 

Dear Radio: Why do you always cut out Left Eye's part in all of the old school TLC songs that you play? I like to rap to her part so please stop cutting it out. Rude.

 

Dear new Steve Madden boots: I love you so much. Even though I had to hold off on wearing you since I had to exchange you for a half size smaller, you were worth the wait and look fabulous on my feet. I may be a little obsessed.

 

Dear XSport: I reluctantly signed up for your membership again. You and I broke up about a year ago but now I have had to suck it up and get back with your smelly, crowded self. Be good to me so I don't have to cancel you again. And make my muscles big. And get me a nicer, toned ba-donk a donk.

 

Dear Credit/Debit Card: I am warning you that you will be getting confiscated by Karla while I am at work so I don't run out to the stores and use you. After yesterday's credit card bill, you need to relax and stop demanding everything that you want. You must be getting tired of getting swiped so much. Not.

 

Dear Weather: You're supposed to be in the mid 60s this weekend and then drop down to 30 something mid next week. Just stop. You're not kidding anyone. I know you're just playing with every Chicagoan's emotions making them think that this winter isn't going to be SO brutal. But I know your gimics, you're going to be the nastiest little biotch and make everyone freeze their booty's off and make commuting impossible. I hate you. Tell your friend, Summer, that I can't wait for her to get here.

 

 

Hope everyone has a great & safe weekend!

 

<3 Steph

 

 

 

 

Sweet Tunes I Can't Skip

 

I was reading Sami's blog today and she did an awesome post of her top 15 songs that she can't skip. Actually, her post was part deux of her first top 15 songs, but I don't blame her for making another list. A girl needs her jams to rock out! So I figured I would compile a list of my top 20 songs that I CANNOT skip over when I hear them.

 

This list will be ALL OVER THE PLACE. So hold on to your pants. I love all kinds of music.

 

 

 

1. Flashing Lights by Kanye West

 

I am a HUGE Kanye fan. HUGE. You guys don't even know. I met him my junior year of college when his Graduation album came out. This song is featured on that album and it reminds me of all the awesome times I had in school that year. I requested this song everywhere I went...pretty sure my friends got annoyed with me doing so.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ila-hAUXR5U

 

 

2. Escape by Enrique Iglesias.

 

Ok, guys. This is serious stuff. I am in COMPLETE love with this man. Utter love. Obsessed. Infatuated.I met him 5 years ago after much stalking lol. Since gracing my television screen at 8 years old, I have been in love. I will marry him one day. Anyway, this song is one of my favorite English tracks by him. I'm more of a fan of his old English music and this song always gets me. Plus, he still performs it at his concerts so that's a plus.

 

 

 

3. Edge of Desire by John Mayer

 

By far by favorite John Mayer song. This song has to be one of his most underrated songs and I think I like it like that. I had this song on repeat all summer long because it described my feelings and situation perfectly.

 

 

4. More Than A Feeling by Boston

 

This is such a great "feel good" song. This song reminds me of my freshman year at college when all of my fraternity friends would blast it in the dorms. Who cares that we were rockin out to a 70s song in 2005?! I also turn this shiz up whenever I hear it in the car.

 

 

 

5. Bidi Bidi Bom Bom by Selena

 

This is also serious business. I grew up listening to Selena as a little girl. This song was the first song I learned word for word and would belt it out around the house. Selena was our Madonna and it was a complete devastation when she was murdered. R.I.P  

 

 

6.Insane In The Membrane by Cypress Hill

 

This song is a 90s classic. My brother was a HUGE Cypress Hill fan when he was in high school and this song would always be on in the house and his car. Whenever we're both out and hear this song, we go nuts and sing (rap) together lol.

 

 

7. This Is How We Do It by Montell Jordan

 

Another 90s classic. I go crazy when this comes on the radio. I was 9 years old when this song came out and even then it had me dancing.

 

 

8. Mr. Tambourine Man by: Bob Dylan

 

Bob Dylan is legenadary. This song is legendary. Enough said.

 

 

9. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by: Whitney Houston

 

How can this song not get you in an awesome mood?! No matter where I am, if I hear it, I'm shakin my booty.

 

 

 

 

10. We Found Love by: Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris

 

I am obsessed with this song. It makes my heart happy. I think it will forever be in my top 5 favorite songs.

 

 

11. Fix You by Coldplay

 

Such a beautiful song with powerful lyrics. I've seen them twice in concert and get goosebumps whenever they perform this.

 

 

12. As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys

 

I was (still am) the BIGGEST BSB fan growing up and this was one of their first songs that I heard. After I watched the video, it was love and beautiful history after that. I saw them twice in concert last year when they toured with NKOTB. I am a teeny bopper at heart.

 

 

13. Bump N Grind by R. Kelly

 

I'm from Chicago. R. Kelly is from Chicago. This is a CLASSIC and not to mention, some baby makin music. Love this jam.

 

 

14. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

 

I am a die hard Queen fan and this song cannot go unoticed, unplayed, unheard of wherever you go. I love karaokeeing to this too lol.

 

 

15. All Eyes On Me by 2 Pac

 

I love rap music. I love (good) rap music. 2 Pac was the greatest rapper of all time. This came out when I was in elementary school and although I probably shouldn't have been listening to it at that time, this song is featured on one of his best albums.

 

 

16. The Middle by Jimmy Eat World

 

This song always puts me in a good mood. I used to listen to it in high school and college whenever I was stressed because of finals. Now I just rock out to it wherever I am.

 

 

17. Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson

 

The King of Pop. My all time favorite. No further explanation is needed.

 

 

18. A Decade Under The Influence by Taking Back Sunday

 

I accidentally got into TBS when I was 18. One of my best friends invited me to an Angels and Airwaves concert where TBS was the opening act. It was my first (and last) moshing experience and I was hooked on this song after that.

 

 

19. I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz

 

This song is dear to my heart because I relate to every single freakin lyric to the song. It makes me cry. It makes me hurt. But it reminds me that I'm not giving up.

 

 

20. You Make Me Wanna by Usher

 

Ooooohhhh weeeeeeee. I was 10 when this came out. I drooled when I watched the video. I fell in complete lust for this man. This is one of my all time favorite Usher songs. I like his old stuff waayyyy better than his new material. I think he's lost touch with the swooning R&B that made him so famous. He needs to go back that instead of the glowstick music he's been making lately.

 

 

 

 

And that's it for now!! There are defintely more songs that would make my list but these are the ones that I absolutely know for a fact get my full attention when they come on.



It's OK

    It's that time again. Time to link-up with Amber for It's OK Thursdays.   What's OK with me this week?   It's OK...   That I had a mini heart attack after viewing my credit card statement this morning. I need to stop shopping so much. Yeah right.   That I have decided not to take this weekend's police exam. After last week's let down, I have decided to focus on training and getting stronger in order to kick ass on the next physical. I have about 3 weeks until the next exam so I will be a hardcore gym rat the next couple of weeks. Like my daddy told me, "You're smart. You can improve your strength, you can't fix stupid."   To be utterly disgusted with some people's ignorant, shameless, and racial comments about the election. It really dissapoints me to know that our country is still so divided and stuck on race. Get over it.   To be in complete love with the two new pairs of boots I bough from Steve Madden this week. My feet absolutely love them! (But not my bank account.)   To not be fully ready for the holiday's. I can't believe how fast this year flew by!!   That I will be looking for holiday dresses reaallly soon. My boss & his wife host an anual Christmas party at their house at the begining of December & my company has their anual extravaganza mid December. These parties get nuts. My dress has to match the night's energy ;)     That I cry a little every time I watch Chicago Fire because it reminds me of my firefighter. Sigh. Shut up, Steph. Just shut up. Don't talk about it just yet.   That my roommate bought me an entire french silk pie & I will more than likely devour the whole thing by tonight.   That I absolutely hate scented detergent because it messes with my skin.   That I am finally eligible for a phone upgrade but will probably hold off until my phone completely dies on me. #TeamNoIphone   What's OK with you this week???                  

On A Different Note..

 

 

I am one tired girl at work. That 2 o'clock feeling usually hits me pretty hard around 3 o'clock instead.

 

I am looking forward to going home to cook, relax, watch X Factor & Chicago Fire. Because we all know how much I love me my firefighters. Well, one in specific...which is a completely different story.

Just shut up, Stephanie.

 

 

It'll definitely be a break from all of the political madness that has been going on. So many people left home with their cranky pants on today. Relax, people. It'll be ok.

 

That is all.

 

 

 

 

 



I've Got His Back

 

 

Last night was a big night for America. President Obama was re-elected as the President of the United States and I am extremely happy with the outcome. I watched 4 hours of the election coverage, I just couldn't do or watch anything else. I even missed Sons Of Anarchy! Watching the coverage had me SO stressed and there were many times where I felt Romney was going to win. Such a nerve wracking night.

 

It saddens me to see the hateful and ignorant comments made by so many people after it was announced that Obama had won. While I admit that I have always been a fighter when it comes to politics, I always make it a priority to respect everyone's opinion and back up mine with facts. It was obvious to see that many people's anger got the best of them. At the end of the day, Obama is this nation's leader and his country should respect him for that. You may not have to like or agree with what he says or does, but respect him for the job that he does.  

 

As a latina, I was extrmely proud to see so many latinos vote at this year's election. From what I read last, 71% of hispanics voted for Obama -that is amazing. I am proud to say that I fall under that percentage. I got your back, Obama ;)

 

 

Moving on.

Let's pin!

 

 

 

One of the many reasons I voted for him.

 

 

 

I do this every night

 

 

 

Word

 

 

 

Bruges - want to go back

 

 

 

Awesome

 

 

You know who you are

 

 

Been trying to find one of these everywhere!

 

 

I hate math.

 



Election 2012

 

I voted, have you voted?

 

Go out and let your voice be heard. Even if you don't like either candidate, still vote. Write someone in. Educate yourself on ALL  running candidates and then make your decision. If you aren't part of the soultion, then you're part of the problem. In a time when there is so much hardship in this country, it's difficult to believe that our voice and vote actually matter. But as citizens, we owe it to our country to go out and civically engage.

 

I will admit that this is my first time voting. I will also admit that I just registered to vote this past August...and I'm 25. And did I mention that I received my degree in Political Science? It's never to late to register and vote.

 

If you're going to complain about who wins and how horrible the candidate's policies are, at least have the satisfaction of knowing that you went out and made a difference. Complainers never get anywhere far. I would know, I'm one of the biggest complainers around.

 

So get off your ass, head out to your precinct, and VOTE.

 

 

4 years ago, I was one of the many thousands that gathered in Grant Park to watch President Obama win the election. I was a senior in college and I felt so lucky that I was able to witness such a momentous event in history.

 

Obama is currently in the Chi and I'm hoping I'll be able to witness his re-election later tonight.

 

Again, to everyone, go vote!

 

Happy Election Day!

 

<3 Steph

 

 



I Came, I Conquered, I Lost...for now.

 

Well the weekend flew by, didn't it?

 

 

It is a VERY cold day in Chicago today. 43 degrees but feels like 40. Psshh, feels like 30 if you ask me. My job is near the lakefront so it's always so, so, so, SO much colder that anywhere else in the city. I had to bust out the ear muffs to keep my big head warm.

 

Moving on...

 

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. Linking up with Sami, Dana, and Leeann for the Weekend Update:

 

Friday: Nothing exciting. Went back to the burbs to have dinner with my parents and get some last minute studying done for the police exam the next day. I was in bed by 10:30. Woo! Thrilling, I know.

 

 

Saturday: Woke up at 4:30 am (yikes!) and got ready for said police exam. I was feeling confident that morning and was ready to kick some ass. Unfortunately, the day kicked my ass instead.

 

 I will admit that writing about this is a little difficult but here it goes anyway.

 

 I was one of 344 people who showed up to take the exam. This specific department was one of the few that required a Bachelors degree to even apply and take the exam (most departments only require a high school diploma or an Associates degree). Once the comissioners began to go over the details of the test, they informed us that out of the 344 people that were there, they would only be taking the top 50 scores. EeekkK! You can just imagine the reaction that everyone had after hearing that. Not going to lie, I was beyond nervous and was on the verge of puking after hearing that. After completing the exam, they made us wait an hour and half for our results. That hour and a half was complete hell for everyone there & such a nerve wracking experience.

 

And then the time came - the results were posted. It was a stampede. I saw my ID number and score - I was in the top 50. I wanted to scream for joy but had to keep my composure since over 250 people had just learned they failed. After finding out the results, the top 50 were instructed to report to the gym for the physical. I was ready for it. I had no doubt in my mind that I could pass it. I have been training for almost two months for the physical and have already passed two other tests with different departments. We first had to run 1.5 miles in the cold, which was brutal for this asthmatic, but I killed it. I wanted to die, but I did it.

And then came the weiging in. I weighed in at 111.9, which was rounded up to 112. Because it was rounded up to 112, it changed the amount of weight that I had to bench press, and that ladies, is what did it for me. Every other department has weighed me in at 111 and has had me bench press a certain amount of weight, which I have been able to do with no problem. Since I was unable to bench the proper weight, I was not allowed to continue on.

 

I left the gym feeling completely defeated, upset, and downright shitttty.

 

Once I got into my car, I called my brother (who is a police officer) and cried to him for half an hour. A lot of venting took pIace, let me tell you.  After crying for a very long time and beating myself up the entire day, I got over it. I know I can do it - I will do it. The fact that I beat out over 250 people itself is an accomplishment. The physical aspect of the police exam is something I can definitely improve on and conquer. Not everyone is fortunate enought to be able to pass the written exam. I have more exams in the next month and will be studying my booty off and working even harder at the gym.

I got this.

 

Sunday: Spent it with my family, which was very much needed after Saturday's fiasco. We went out for lunch and caught up with everything that was going on in our lives. I see my parents more than my brother, so it's always nice when he's able to join us. After lunch, I did some much needed retail therapy with my mom :) I finnnally splurged and got the Steve Madden boots I have been wanting for over a month. I ordered them online and was told that the order would be delayed to the severe weather conditions. And then of course, when I got home, I noticed that my right combat boot that I was wearing had a hole in the back. So today's lunch break will be used to find a new pair. Gah! The perils of being a girl.

 

I had been on a hunt for black pants/leggings for a while and I finally found some really nice ones at T J Maxx, out of all places. One thing about me: I have absolutely no problem shelling out big bucks for tops, coats, scarves, shoes & purses. But when it comes to pants, forget about it. The cheaper, the better. I have always had a hate/hate relationship with pants. I absolutely hate them. I hate wearing them, I hate looking at them, I hate shopping for them. HATE it. I think it stems from always having to shop for them since my weight has always fluctuated since high school. I went from 115 pounds my freshman year of high school to 95 pounds my junior year, to 105 my senior year. Once I entered college, I was pushing 140 pounds (screw the freshman 15, I won the freshman 30). And now, I fluctuate between 110-115. (no, I never had an eating disorder, just a wacky metabolism. This girl loves to eat.) So you can see where pants pose a problem.

Anyway, I came across these fabulous fleece lined leggings that feel and look absolutely amazing. I kept reading about fleece lined leggings but could never find them. I walked out with 2 pairs of leggings, 1 pair of black skinnies, 1 pair of grey tights, and a pair of gloves all for $60. Holla!

 

This post was longer than I anticipated. That's my ranting for ya.

 

Happy Monday, all!

 

<3 Steph

 





Friday, I love you.

Happy Happy Happy Friday, everyone!

 

 

This week flew by fast, and of course, the weekend is bound to fly by even faster.

 

 

Linking up this chilly Friday morning with Leslie for Confessional Friday:

 

 

 I confess that I woke up in a pretty great mood and reaaalllyy hope it stays like that all day. I've had minimal sleep this week so waking up feeling good was a pleasant surprise.

 

I confess that I have another police exam tomorrow and am very excited/nervous. I've studied my booty off this entire week and I'm ready to kick some ass.

 

I confess that I had an amazing dinner date last night with two of my best friends. We went to one of our favorite Italian restaurants, Via Carducci La Sorella , and stuffed our faces with delicious pasta and bread.  

 

I confess that my patience has been greatly tested these past 3 months. Patience is not my virtue but I am hoping that everything will work out for the best with all of my diligent effort to just wait, hope, and pray.

 

I confess that I had the slightest urge to want to cut my hair and go with a shorter look and then quickly realized how horrible of an idea that was. I went through a phase of cutting my hair while I was in college, and while it looked great, it was such a hassle to maintain. You would think that long hair would be harder to manage, but not my hair. So looks like I'll be sticking to long locks. Long hair, don't care.

 

I confess that I am very upset that David Correy was sent home on last night's episode of X Factor. He was one of my favorites and I really thought he'd make it far on the show. Apparently not :(

 

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

<3 Steph

 

 

 

 

 



Wake Up, Wake Up, Wake Up, It's The First Of The Month...

  Happy Thursday to all! I cannot believe it is already the first of November!! I'm still trying to accept the fact that summer is gone and will not be showing its beautiful face for a looong time. Sigh. Ridiculous, right?   Linking up this morning with Amber for It's Ok Thursday's:   It's OK...   || that I completely hate the first of every month. Why? Because rent is due. Enough said.||   || that 95% of my food intake yesterday was donuts, candy, oreo cake & chocolate covered pretzels. It was Halloween, how could I NOT eat any of those delicious goodies?||   ||that I am even more completely obsessed with watching X Factor than I originally thought I was. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Britney Spears. I think she's made such a remarkable comeback since her head shaving days. I still loved her then, but I think she's even more fabulous now.||   || to want to just put my life on pause, take a month long vacation, and then come back to reality ||   || to love as hard as I do, eventhough it's not working out right now. In time, it will be ok.||   || to want to ask my parents if they can maybe, possibly, hopefully buy me the Tory Burch riding boots I've been wanting for so long.||   || to not be ashamed that I can still ask my parents for help, even though I decided to move out at 20 years old.||   || that I completely regret setting up a LinkedIN account. I get CONSTANT e-mails from them and it drives me nuts. Not to mention, I never use the stupid thing. I should just delete it. Dur.||   _____________________________________________________________________     I never did like how fast Halloween goes by and then BAM! Thanksgiving time. I need more time to enjoy Halloween and then slowly transition myself to being a complete fat ass and eating everything Thanksgiving related.   This post is seriously taking me years to post. I keep getting interrupted with meeting with the boss man. With that said, off to go work on the projects I have been assigned. Joy.   Hope everyone has a great day!   <3 Steph