Stephanie's Family, Friends...Life

The new address....

2006-12-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

Check out my new blog at

http://benandstephanie.blogspot.com

I'm Baaaack!!!

2006-08-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

Long time since I have visited my own site. I am sure that absence has been noted by the family as I have been told by many of you that I need to update my blog. So here I am several months later doing just that.
There is no sense in me filling in all of those lost months on blogger with type, so I have decided to start fresh.
As you all probably, or should know by now, Ben and I are now engaged!!!!! The wedding plans have already begun and hopefully a set date will be announced shortly. But until then, I promise to try and keep a more updated Blog...but then again it has been so long that perhaps everyone has stopped reading this anyway... If anyone is out there: Stay tuned for an interesting glimpse into the wedding plans for Ben and I!!!

Well Deserved Vacation

2006-05-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

As some of you may have already heard, for Ben's 21st birthday we are going to Cancun in July. I believe that looking forward to some type of vacation is about all that is getting me through this last week of school. But even a little more exciting than that is I will be able to go out to LA to visit Jeff and Anna-Marie and Sebastian once school is out. Mom won me tickets out to LA for 5 days through a radio station, so I am so excited to be able to see the family again.
I haven't planned anything yet because I have been so busy, but I plan on looking at flights and such once everything cools down.
Hopefully I will be able to finally relax once school is out. But then again I have to find a real job, and insurance, and...

Overwhelmed...

2006-05-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

It is coming to the very end of my last week of school and things have gone slightly down hill.
Today is Thursday. The plan was to work on my photo project yesterday, which I did only after Koda decided to have a nice long 5 minute seizure. Then today I had to wake up early to begin making my "cultural comfort food" which was only 1 part of my 4 part final for my intercultural class. The other parts were completed last night (a 6 page paper and a 3 page paper). So I woke up in plenty of time and began making Gobs. I had let Jake outside and unbeknownst to me he decided to romp around in the flower beds thus covering his paws in mud. So when I let him back in he trooped mud throughout the family room. So inbetween making gobs I had to scrub the carpet and then proceed to thoroughly clean Jake's feet.
And if that wasn't stress enough I had to pay a bill online and checked my email to find out that my online class had the final assignments due yesterday instead of the weekend. My fault, I didn't check.
So I had to go mount my photographs onto Bristol board, take them up to Kinko's and get the book bound and now here I am at the computer catching up on my online projects.
When it rains, it pours.
Just for future reference, I would not recommend taking 25 credit hours in one semester. But then again, who would be crazy enough to do that in the first place...

One Exam Down, One to Go (Plus several projects)!!

2006-05-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I completed my first exam of my last week of school. It is hard to say how it went. I think that I did okay, but then again I may be off track...we'll find out once the grades are posted. Now I am on to studying for my Physics exam and completing my four part project for my intercultural class and my photo project. Not to mention I have my online classes to finish. I am crossing my fingers to pull off all A's again, but I will just be happy as long as I keep my Summa Cum Laude honors!!!

Less than a week until graduation!!!!!!! YEAH!!

Work in Progress

2006-05-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today I spent 7 hours straight working in the photo lab. Ben was a trooper by hanging out that entire time studying in the classroom while I was in the lab working away. I was trying to get through as many of my pictures from the visit from the California family as I could. I am not really sure exactly how many individual frames I printed, but I do know that my total amount of prints I have drying on the racks as we speak is 26. I will go back tomorrow afternoon to retrieve and flatten them.
So far the pictures look awesome, and I am quite excited to show them to Aunt Martha and Uncle Larry and everyone else. The few that I had done from the past week were highly approved of by the grandparents last night.

So stay tuned because soon I will have them ready to go!!!

One week and counting!!

2006-05-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

One week from tomorrow I will be walking across the stage at graduation shaking my fist at the school dignitaries (just kidding). In all seriousness I am looking forward to the end of finals, the end of homework, and the end of organized group work.
This past week I had a group project where I got stuck with the organization of the materials and a big chunk of the work. Well of course one person failed to email me any of their information thus making our group presentation notebook look very unprofessional. But at least that is over with. The majority of our presentation went fine and hopefully I will get an "A."
For the rest of my undergraduate college career I have exams. First thing Monday morning I have my Humanities in the Western Tradition exam which is sure to be a royal pain as it is comprehensive over the entire semester. Now that may not seem too bad, but the entire course is based on just about everything. The history of humankind. We blazed through early Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Plato, Aristotle, the Renaissance, Hellenic period, Greek culture, and as if that isn't enough already there is over at least 20 more topics we covered.
I have my Physics exam on Friday along with my presentation of my final photo project. On Thursday I have my 4-part intercultural communications project. So all in all I have a busy busy week, but everything will be topped off by graduation!!!!

Koda Update

2006-05-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Koda has been a little under the weather. With his seizures getting worse and his post-ictal stage also getting worse, the Vet decided to retest his phenobarbitol levels. Well, this vet is not the one I normally go to. He seemed nice enough but was really wishy-washy about the medications and whether or not to put him on a new medication. So finally after Koda had three seizures within a half an hour then less than a week later having three more seizures within an hour and a half, I put my foot down. I flat out told the Vet I wanted to try this new medication called Potassium Bromide. So the vet says he will figure out a level and get back to me. In the meantime, Koda has another seizure and the vet finally calls a few days later to give me the dosage levels.
Dad goes and picks up the new medication. The vet prescribes 3cc twice a day. We inquired as to whether or not he would be putting Koda on a loading dose and he said no that with Koda being on Phenobarbitol already, there was no need for a loading dose. So over the past week and a half, Koda has been getting 3cc twice a day as ordered plus his regular 1.5 grains of phenobarbitol twice a day.
As the week progressed Koda started acting "drunk" and he developed allergy symptoms. I had called the vet once to report his lethargic state and his "drunken stumbling." By now my old vet is back and I am able to speak with her. She says that having these symptoms is normal.
Well, Koda continues to get worse to the point where he doesn't even get up without someone dragging him up. He would act like a wet noodle, a very heavy wet noodle, when I would try and get him to stand.
So we called the vet back. She says to bring him in (of course because they get more money that way) and they would look him over. Well low and behold, we find a reason for his drunken, lethargic state. Remember that 3cc twice a day dosage? That is actually a loading dose that dogs are only supposed to get for the first two or three days of being on the medication. A dog his size is only supposed to have 1cc twice a day. End result, the vet almost killed my dog. In the online references mom read, an overdose of Potassium Bromide can be fatal.
Funny thing is, we still had to pay for the vet visit.
I'll keep you posted on the "drunken dog's" progress.

Photos still to come

2006-05-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

I worked all morning in the photo lab today. Though that may sound like a lot, it really takes a long time to print photographs so I only got about 6 done. But despite the long process the photographs are turning out wonderfully. I am so excited for everyone to see them. I have circled the photos I would like to print on the contact sheets wihich adds up to quite a lot. But I suppose it is better to have many pictures to choose from than not enough. I hope to post more digital pictures soon as well.

Today I picked up my graduation tickets.....and my medal. I get to wear a medal to graduation for graduating with Summa Cum Laude Honors!!!!! I was very excited. So excited in fact, that the lady that was distributing the tickets laughed at me (it was quite humorous how excited I was).

Only one week from Sunday and I will be a college graduate!!!

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

I was so happy when the my family asked me to "officially" take pictures of Caleb and Sebastian today. So here are a few of the many that I took. It was really hard to chose which ones to post right now, but be sure to keep checking back because I will be posting more as I edit them. Overall I took well over 200 pictures today alone with both my digital and film camera. I filled up the 175 spaces on my compactflash card and went through I believe 2 and a half rolls of film. On Friday I took even more pictures. So I probably will end up with about 300 pictures if not more of the boys...at least you can say I was thorough. :)

So here are some of the pictures, hope you enjoy!!!

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

The whole happy family.

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

The proud grandparents with their favorite grandsons.

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

Jenn, Caleb, and Mike

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

Have a cookie Sebastian!!!

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Caleb and Sebastian having fun with the bird bath.

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

Sebastian: The future photographer

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

Sebastian

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Caleb loved those bubbles!!!

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Jeff, Sebastian, and Anna-Marie

The Photoshoot

2006-04-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Sebastian in his model sleeping position.

Caleb and Sebastian

2006-04-29T07:01:00.002-07:00

The Californians are Here!!!

2006-04-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Californians arrived to Ohio this afternoon safe and sound. Luckily they made their excruciatingly early flight (something like 4 am). I was one of the lucky ones to be able to see them this evening. Sebastian is absolutely adorable. He is able to wink, which is something I certainly cannot say for myself because I am wink-handicapped. He also can wiggle his eyebrows, something I was not able to conquer until I was in my teens. But besides all of that it is certainly wonderful to see Jeff, Anna-Marie and Sebastian all together at "Ma and Pa's" house.

Unfortunately the time will probably fly by as they visit, but we are all so happy they were able to come and visit for a week. Keep checking back for pictures of the California crew as I will make sure to take many pictures!

Computers.

2006-04-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I do not like computers. As you all may know I have two online classes that I am currently taking. In order to successfully take these online classes I have to submit assignments via the internet. So far, I am about one week behind on turning in assignments because the computer is locking up and I keep losing my work. In order to keep from losing my work you may be thinking, "why don't you save periodically?" But the beauty of that is the computer freezes whenever I try to save anything. So if I can't save the documents, I can't attach them to emails to turn in.
So after fighting the computer tonight I have pretty much given up. I will start fresh in the morning and by the end of the day I may just have to drop kick the entire PC. We'll see who has the last laugh. (the computer)

Countdown...

2006-04-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

The semester is almost coming to an end. Exactly four weeks from this day, at this time, I will be a college graduate!!!
It is really quite hard to believe that I will be graduating college. What is even more amazing is that my grades, so far, are actually quite good. My last run of exams were all on one day. I had my Physics exam, Humanities in the Western Tradition exam, and my Intercultural Communication presentation all on last Thursday. Although I didn't do as well as I had hoped on my Physics exam, I did earn a "B" and my Intercultural Communications presentation "rocked" according to my professor. The Humanities grade is still MIA (the prof hasn't graded them yet).
As for the rest of my grades, as far as I can tell I am earning all A's and B's. I hoped to keep my GPA up and earn all A's but I have to figure at this point that a "B" won't be the end of the world...Or will it? :)
With the 25-credit hour course load I think more of my hairs have turned gray and I am getting less than the recommended amount of sleep per night, but just to think: only four weeks left.

Happy Easter!!!

2006-04-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Despite my tendency to photograph every minute of family get togethers, I actually regret to say I have no photos to post from Easter. Even though I don't have any digital photos to post, I did take pictures with the trusty old 35mm camera and will be developing the black and white film tomorrow in class. I hope to have some great photos, but they won't be available for online viewing, sorry.
It was great spending Easter with the family. Uncle Tom and Aunt Jeri were in town visiting so we got to spend the weekend visiting with them. Mike, Jenn, and Caleb also joined in on the festivities. Caleb is absolutely as cute as can be. I am looking forward to the visit from the California Steidls to be able to see my other adorable cousin Sebastian (and of course Jeff and Anna-Marie). Just wanted to make sure to wish Anna-Marie a Happy (belated) Birthday!!!!
This evening after Mike and Jenn and Caleb left, we all sat down to un-wind from all the wonderful food we ate and played Scene-It. For those who have never had the pleasure of playing this game, it is a DVD-based trivia game based on movie clips and facts. Some of the questions are hard and others are pretty easy, but playing with Aunt Martha and Dad proves to be quite entertaining. These two shout out the answers no matter whose turn it is (Dad), or shout the answer to force their team to lose a token (way to go Aunt Martha). Good thing we are all excellent sports at board games, and we all got quite a kick out the whole game.
I have to say, having Easter or any holiday with the family is simply the best. You've got great food, great company, and the biggest laughs.
Happy Easter everyone!!

Caleb and Aunt Heidi

2006-04-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

The Birthday Boy!!!

2006-04-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Caleb!!!

2006-04-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

It is quite funny how quickly babies grow up. At Caleb's 2nd birthday bash at his grandma and "paca's" house this afternoon he was talking up a storm. I remember taking pictures of Caleb when he was only days old and was just a cute little "lump." Now he is raising his juice goblet, clanking against everyone's drinks yelling, "Cheers!" It was also a great surprise to see Caleb's Aunt Heidi there all the way from Portland, OR. Rumor has it her visit caused quite a surprise on all faces, not just Caleb's.
Caleb's beautiful baby cousin Kate was there, only 9 lbs. and 5 weeks old. Just such a sweet reminder of how children can be so small and how smart they become in only a couple years.
"Cheers" Caleb! And Happy 2nd Birthday!

Welcome to the Real World

2006-03-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

I have applied for my first full-time job. I just got done sending in my resume, references and samples of photographs I have taken to The New Jersey Herald. I don't actually expect to get the job...it almost sounds too good to be true (minus the distance away from home). I actually told mom that if I got the job I would commute there and back everyday. Of course I was kidding. The New Jersey Herald is located in Sussex county, NJ, and only one hour away from New York City. The job offers medical, dental and life insurance. They provide a camera and lenses for you to use and a company car for assignments. I have never been to New Jersey so I don't really know the weather situation or the area at all, but the job sounded perfect. So I will keep everyone updated as to how the job progresses and until then, keep on commenting!

M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I

2006-03-26T21:04:00.000-08:00

Even though I have not talked to him personally, Daniel is now in Mississippi safe and sound. I believe he has officially started helping to rebuild the Biloxi community with the other Kent Staters who chose to spend their Spring Break 2006 cleaning up in the Hurricane Katrina aftermath. I must say that it is quite remarkable that so many students from Kent State have passed over a Spring Break on a beach or just sleeping in to help those in need. I am impressed and am very proud of my little brother. If you haven't heard, supposedly the number of students going down to Mississippi from Kent State has broken a world record for number of volunteers helping in a single act at a single point in time (or something to that effect). So all those years of Daniel rattling off statistics from the Guinness Book of World Records and now he will actually be one of those world record holders. I find that quite humorous. Can't wait until he comes home and we will hear all about it.

The Links

2006-03-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

It is official, my links are now up and running with a little help from Uncle Larry (actually a lot of help). So if anyone wants to link over to google, rather than having to type in www.google.com you can just come to my blog and just click on the link. How exciting.
Thanks Uncle Larry :)

The Cap and Gown

2006-03-26T06:58:00.000-08:00

I officially feel like a college senior. I bought my beautiful University of Akron cap and gown this past week. When picking up my cap and gown the man selling them asked what my degree was. I replied that I was graduating with a major in Business Communications. So he smiled and handed me a pearl colored tassel and said, "Business, good for you." Well, I told him that the "Business Communications" degree was actually a degree from the Communications school, not the Business college. So he took the tassel back and asked what overall school that was categorized in. I told him it was the Fine and Applied Arts school. So he promptly handed me a tassel in the shade of what I have come to call, "shit brown." After failing to succeed in convincing him to give me a better colored tassel I paid my $50 and headed out the door.
After all is said and done though, I will proudly wear my "shit brown" tassel, my cardboard squared cap, and my gown across that stage. I am graduating.

Welcome Back to Ohio Mom and Dad!!

2006-03-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

The parental figures arrived home safely last night, or early this morning, at about 1:45AM. Nathan, Daniel and I, being the wonderful children that we are, waited up to greet them when they arrived in the driveway. After the initial hugs, Dad whipped out his camera and began showing me his many wonderfully taken photographs. So needless to say, I didn't get to bed until well after 2:00AM, but that's okay because my Dad and Mom are home!

As you may have figured out, like Uncle Larry has, I do not have my links correctly formatted yet. I still am working out the kinks. I will do my best to have everything up and running in the next few days.

That's all for now-Hope everyone enjoys the nice cold Ohio weather (for those of us who live in Ohio of course!)

2006-03-12T19:19:00.000-08:00

My Very First Blog

2006-03-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Well, this is my very first blog that I have ever created. I hope to use it as an insight into my life while I finish up my last few months of my undergraduate education.
To start I will recap my past week. Mom and Dad headed off for the sunny skies of California to visit with cousins Jeff, AnnaMarie, and of course cute Sebastian. Although the "sunny skies" of California seemed to be more of a palette of grays with maybe a hint of sun every so often, it beats the constant roller coaster of the great Ohio weather. Speaking of weather, Ohio had a most enjoyable day in the low 60's, but of course that will be overtaken by the gloom of low 30 degree weather in the upcoming days.
For those who may read this (mostly family and friends) I am becoming more computer savvy as I take my Writing for the World Wide Web course which has inspired, and required, this blog.
Stay tuned for more entries as the semester comes to an end and my journey into an adult professional life begins.