Two in One Post

Not alot of time to post right now, so here is a quick picture from Danielle and Jon's wedding AND a picture of me and my daddy (in honor of Father's Day yesterday). This was at the very end of the reception, so I was super sweaty and tired after dancing and being on my feet all day.

I spent all day Sunday hanging at the hotel where the reception was held (my dad had gotten a room there) while he golfed, then we spent a couple hours hanging out together. And he came and had lunch with me at work today too! The best gift of all is getting to spend time with him, especially since I won't see him until his birthday in August again. I am a total daddy's girl and i miss him terribly when he is working out of town. I cherish every moment we get to spend together when he is home.

Out of time... I will blog about the wedding soon!

Quick Post

My best friend is getting married tomorrow. I love her and he fiance so very much. They are soulmates in every sense of the word. It's surreal that this day has finally come. I am going to be a blubbering mess tomorrow...i've already cried twice today and it was only the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner. oy.

Love you Miss D! You are going to be a beautiful bride!

Adventures of a Single 22-Year Old: Changes

I need to change my life. For my emotional and mental health. I have a few options i have been considering....most of which involve me moving away from my current life:

• Joining the military - reserve, not active duty. It's something I have wanted to do for many years...Air Force, most likely, although I would look into other branches as well.
• Out of State Grad School - UNLV, SDSU, UCSD and many others I have looked into. I won't go t0 grad school in AZ if I decide to go
• Peace Corps/AmeriCorps/Red Cross - international non-profit work....amazing

Just some options. I feel so lost right now. I need to figure out what to do in order to be found.

Adventures of a Single 22-Year Old: Getting Over It

How do you trust another after you have been hurt so badly you don't think it's possible to trust someone again? When you give someone your entire heart and they tear it into pieces? Honestly, after something like that...how is it possible to trust someone else not to do the same thing?

That's my dilemma lately. I hate being one of those girls who is so screwed up by the guy who screwed her over that she can't move on. It's not even that...I want to move on. In a lot of ways I have moved on. But I find myself getting close to someone and it's like something inside me pulls back and says "Woah wait - remember what happened last time you felt this way?" Which leads to the fact that I completely messed up an opportunity to get to know a seemingly great guy.

How do I get over it? How do I let someone in again?

"The reasons I'm alone I know by heart
But I don't want to spend forever in the dark
I swear next time I'll hang on for dear life
If love ever gives me another try"
-Josh Turner "Another Try"

The best decision I ever made was to start turning off my phone when I go to sleep at night. Anything anyone wants to tell me can be told between the hours of 6:30am and 10:30pm.

I think I should put that on my voicemail. Like those annoying voicemails when offices are closed.

"You have reached the voicemail of Lisa Stratton. My eyes are currently closed. Please call back between between the hours of 6:30am and 10:30pm and I would be happy to assist you. If you need immediate attention...well...you're screwed because I only have one phone number. Thank you."

Adventures of a Single 22-Year Old: There's More to Me than You

I hope that today will be the last day I have to deal with my ex-"fiancee". Jessica Andrews couldn't have said it better....

I spent years and all this time thinking I was better off cuz you were mine
You always said it was your way or the highway
So I'm shiftin my life into drive
I'm getting out, kissing the past good-bye
Like Toby said, "How do you like me now?"
This conversation has run dry

And I keep telling myself
There's more to me than you
Don't underestimate what I can do
Well I'm alright, it's okay
I know I'll make it through
Cuz there's more to me than you

I'm not saying I'm battered and bruised
but I might as well be with the words you used
I believe in myself, that makes me stronger

Things changed and so have I
I'm gonna make hay while the sun still shines
You can clip my wings, but I'm still gonna fly
I'm on my own and on my way
And I keep telling myself

There's more to me than you
Don't underestimate what I can do
Well I'm alright, it's okayI know I'll make it through
Cuz there's more to me than you

There's always something that meant more to you than me
And I'm just sorry it's taking this for you to see

There's more to me than you
Don't underestimate what I can do
Well I'm alright, it's okay
I know I'll make it through
Cuz there's more to me than you

"That old me is dead and gone, but the new me will be alright"

Random

I stole the idea for my “Random” posts from Amy’s “Etc” posts. Sorry. I hope you don’t mind.
My boss is talking again about hiring someone for the front desk.
I don’t think it will actually happen. Again.
I feel like my family is falling apart. Or one side of my family is at least.
I want to go back to Europe.
Amy is in England. Right now.
My friend Chelsea will be in Ireland for 10 days this summer and asked me to come with her.
I hate my lack of money.
Once I am more financially stable, I want to start an event planning business. With my sister.
I thought of that idea as I have been planning Danielle’s bridal shower.
I know way more about engineering than I ever wanted to.
Thinking about going back to school in a year or two.
I played an April Fool’s joke on my sister. Convinced her I was pregnant.
It was the highlight of my day.
I love turkey sandwiches. Wheat bread, cheese, tomato, lettuce and light mayo. Yum.
Thinking about dying my hair. Lighter or Darker?
Starting to babysit for extra money. Meh- at least it’s easy (mostly)
I haven’t gotten a full night’s sleep in almost 3 weeks.
I’m tired.
I’m going to Mexico in two weeks. Taking a Friday and Monday off work.
It will be my first day off since Mid-January (not counting weekends of course)
I shouldn’t complain about working too much….I guarantee we all work less than Andrew.
I love my niece and nephews. Brings a smile to my face just thinking about them.
Too bad my nephews have baseball games at 8am on Saturday mornings. So early.
I have watched my Twilight DVD 1,357 times since I got it last weekend.
It’s such a bad movie. Yet I continue to watch it. Over and over and over again.
Out.

Adventures of a Single 22-year Old: Settling Down

(Notice that I had to change it to “22 Year Old”? …sigh…)

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it will take for me to settle down with someone. It is a known fact that a) I am a relentless flirt and b) I enjoy going out and meeting guys. It’s fun. I don’t do anything irresponsible or dangerous. I just like it.

I have yet to meet a guy who makes me want to not do that anymore.

What will it take for me to want to be in a relationship more than I want to be single?

I wish I knew the answer.

In reference to the post below...

I get bored very easily. I think I might have a touch of ADD. So the fact that I have had the exact same routine for months now is…mind-numbing. To say the least. Monday through Friday I get up, go to work, work all day, come home about 6:30p, eat dinner, read/get on the internet/etc, watch a little TV and go to bed usually by 10pm. Weekends are spent doing miscellaneous things…running errands, cleaning my apartment, doing laundry, and hanging out with my friends. The end. I just described my life in two sentences.

Needless to say I need to change something. I just can’t figure out what. I think part of my boredom revolves around the fact that I am slightly unsatisfied with my career. Don’t get me wrong- I love my job and the people I work with and I have no intention of quitting anytime in the near future. But I always pictured myself doing something that would make a difference. I want to help people and change the world and all that really optimistic stuff. Right now all I do is help my company make money.

I have considered getting back into doing volunteer work because I have always loved that and it may make me feel more accomplished. However, I need to find something very flexible because my work hours can be very erratic at times. Plus- I can’t decide what I want to volunteer with. I love working with kids, but I’ve done the Girl Scout thing and would like to try something different. I wouldn’t mind mentoring, but I don’t want to commit to a relationship if time becomes an issue and I have to give it up- that’s not fair to the child.

I would also like to move but, considering I just signed a lease in January, that’s not a possibility right now. I think if I do move out of my apartment next year, I will most likely move to a different part of the Valley. Just for something different. I’m not ready to move out of AZ yet, but moving to Tempe or Scottsdale or Downtown Phoenix would at least be a little change of scenery. I really like my apartment/apartment complex, but I had to choose where to live so quickly when I moved out that I didn’t have much time to consider my other options.

I want to meet new people. This is not saying that I want to ditch all of my friends and make new ones, because that is not the case. I would just like to…expand my horizons I guess. Meet people that I haven’t known since high school. Hopefully, through my job and possibly through volunteering, I can start to do this. My problem is that I am so awkward around people I don’t know…I think I make a bad first impression. Hmm- that will be something I will have to work on I guess.

Anyways, this is just what I have been thinking about lately. Thinking, thinking and more thinking. Now it’s just a matter of doing.

I'm bored. With life. Stuck in a rut. Tired of my routine.

I need a change.

I'm just not sure yet what that change is going to be...

On my soapbox

It is a fact that I am obsessed with Twilight. I love it. I would read the series over and over and over again if I had the time. It is a fun, creative story and Stephenie Meyer is an incredible author. Twilight is an escape into a fantasy world full of passionate love, adventure, mystery and hope.

That being said, I understand that Twilight is not a "classic". It will never be up there in the ranks of books by authors like Ayn Rand, Jane Austen, Edith Wharton, Ernest Hemingway or any other number of really amazing authors (in my opinion, of course). It is not an intense and intellectually stimulating novel. It is fun. FUN. F-U-N.



I consider myself to be a pretty intelligent person, but I continually get harped on for being a Twilight fan. Who cares what I read? At least I'm reading! And the same can be said for the millions of teenage girls (and boys) who have read Twilight. All of these young adults who may have little to no interest in reading before are now locked in their rooms reading! It's better than having their brains rotting away watching TV or playing video games, right?



So give myself and my fellow Twilight fans a break. It's ok if you're not a fan. Just like I am not a fan of Harry Potter (Sorry, Amy). We all have different tastes. But please do not act like you are better/smarter/cleaner/prettier/richer or able to cure cancer because you don't read it. We all have our guilty pleasures.



...Mine just happens to revolve around sparkling vampires.



Lisa. Out.

Freedom. Sweet freedom.

Quick update on life on my own:

-I love it.

The end.

haha just kidding.

- I just got internet/cable on Friday. I got so used to not having it that I still find myself grabbing my phone to check email, etc, then I go "WTH Lisa, go get on the computer!"
- I hate unpacking. But I love decorating. Unfortunately, I have to unpack my decorative items before I can actually do the decorating. Life is cruel sometimes.
- I have about 5,321 pictures that need to be hung on my walls.
- I've become a cheapskate. I sit in my apartment with no lights on, just the TV. People probably think I'm a weirdo when they come over.
- Don't always trust online bill pay. Annoying, but luckily problem was solved quickly. Dang APS.
- I have met exactly one of my neighbors. I am so antisocial.
- I love being by myself. Yes, there are times when I wish I had someone to talk to. But honestly, I talk ALL dat at work. When I get home, I want to just be quiet. Sit in my PJS, watch TV, read, whatever. It's wonderful not having to worry about what anyone else is doing.
- I have alot of boxes. If you or anyone you knows needs boxes, PLEASE let me know. Most of them are file boxes or computer paper boxes that I got from work.
- If you want my new address....please email me! In a perfect world I would be proactive enough to send out an email to everyone with it...but I'm not. And I don't want to post it here for all the creepers to see.

That's pretty much it for the apartment. I'll take pictures once I get a little bit more unpacked.

Other things in life:
- Work is good. My boss gave me Suns tickets to the game against OK City last Friday which was SO good. Row 18 in Section 121...which is lower level at the Suns bench end of the court. SO cool. I've been working alot of overtime, which is good because it gives me some extra money, but I'm getting a little burned out...I may need a mini vacation soon.
- My boy is wonderful. Sweetest guy in the world....or at least that I've met. Unfortunately we only see eachother on weekends because we live about 30 minutes apart and we are both busy with work (and he goes to school too). :) Happiness.

Wow...that's really my life. Working, unpacking, hanging out with Nate and other friends on weekends. Boring, but I love it!

Hooray for the internet!

Last Blog

OK-not my last blog for FOREVER. Just for a few weeks...or longer.

I signed my lease and got my keys to my new place today. I absolutely love it. It's actually even nicer then the one I originally looked at...newer cabinets, counters and carpet. The location is great too...I only share a wall with one neighbor (well...and the ceiling since I'm on the first floor). It is so weird to think that it's my place. MINE. All MINE.

But I don't have cable or internet set up yet. I might not for awhile. It's expensive for one thing. I don't watch alot of TV. I have internet access on my phone and at work (if I really need to look something up or print something). So I figure for a little while at least I will live without it...until I get insanely bored haha.

Hopefully I will remember to bring my camera to the apartment tomorrow and take some pictures to post. If not...well everyone will just have to come visit me sometime!

Random

• Packing. So much packing.
• I hate packing. Nothing is organized...just haphazardly thrown in whatever box it fits in.
• Going to Tulsa next Thursday to see my daddy-o. I'm excited, but I think my dad is REALLY excited. He's so funny.
• While in Tulsa, I'm going to see the Brad Paisly concert. It's my bday present from my dad.
• Utilities are expensive. Suck.
• Have I mentioned how ECSTATIC I am that I'm moving????
• I can't decorate. My sister needs to help me.
• I need to learn how to cook more than girlled cheese and chicken. Anyone know of some good easy recipe websites I can browse?
• Trying to remember where I packed my Alexander Hamilton book so I can send it to Amy at some point...
• Don't know what's going to happen to my dear old cat. I can't afford to take her, my mom doesn't want to keep her :(
• Still dating super sweet guy. Going to Oregano's tonight and eating a Pizzookie. Yum.
• Still don't know how to act around said super sweet guy. HE doesn't make me uncomfortable, but it's still hard to get used to someone treating me as well as he does.
• I want to dye my hair. Blonder.....not blonde, but blonder
• Actually, wish I had her hair. Mine is boring.
• Gotta start bridal shower planning for my wonderful best friend. Bah she's getting married so soon! :)
• Holy cow I'm moving in less than two weeks.
• I have many HUGE piles of papers/mail/etc I need to sort through/file/shred. Gah.
• I'm excited to go to Ikea and get cheap furniture. I love Ikea.
• I hate crazy ex boyfriends. Idiot.
• Being home alone rocks. Pretty soon that will be all the time! :)
• Aunt Nancy needs to post pictures of Grandma Jaye's 85th birthday. Hint Hint.

The end. Lots of thoughts. Lots of stress. Lots to pack.

Amy reminded me I have not yet blogged about my move!

You may remember back in October I was possibly going to be moving into an apartment. I actually filled out an application and was approved back then, but decided in the end to wait a few more months in order to save money.

But now I am officially moving! I sign my lease on the 27th of this month. The complex is at 7th street and Peoria (just south of the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs). I'm super duper excited. I can't believe I will FINALLY be on my own. It's been a loooooooong time coming.

Once I get settled I will post pics of the apartment and give you all my new address!

Adventures of a Single 21-year old: Nice Guys DON'T Always Finish Last

I love nice guys. Guys who are genuinely sweet and respectful are SO attractive to me. I know alot of girls go for the bad boys because they are "mysterious" and "complex" (and I admit I have been one of those girls), but I am really drawn to guys who know how to treat a girl right. Unfortunately, these guys are few and far between. Girls who are smarter than I have already realized this and have snatched them up. Sad for us single gals, but true nonetheless.

I have been on a few dates with a guy recently who is one of these "nice guys". Picks me up for dates, pays, opens doors, polite, complimentary...etc,etc. Even if nothing more than just a few dates happens with this person, he has made me realize how badly I've been treated by other guys I have dated. On our first date, I was so...uneasy, because I didn't know how to act with a guy like that. I don't remember the last time I dated someone who offered to pick me up. Who opens car doors and offers me his jacket when I'm cold. I really didn't think guys like that existed. It is great to know I was wrong, but it makes me a little sad to realize how low my standards have been these past few years.

I will keep blogland updated on anything new...

An Update

My Grandpa Stratton had a massive stroke last night. He is completely unresponsive and has no brain activity. We moved him into a Hospice facility because that was his wish. Right now it's just a waiting game. As sad as I am and as hard as this is, I am thankful for three things: 1) My Grandpa's one wish this Christmas was that he could spend it with my Grandma (who passed away in March). It's look like now his wish will come true. 2) Because the stroke was so severe, the doctors tell us he isn't in any pain. 3) I am lucky to have an amazingly close, huge and supportive family. It's times like these when we all need someone to lean on, and in our family there is never a shortage of shoulders for that.

Now it's time for me to vent. Is it really wrong for me to want to spend as much time with my family as possible right now? To be with my grandpa for as long as I can? So when I cancel plans with someone for that reason is it too much to ask that they be understanding and maybe even a little sympathetic? Instead of basically calling me a jerk and telling me that we shouldn't hang out anymore? (This is a "friend" by the way, not someone I am dating). So I'm a little pissed. No, I am ALOT pissed. I guess I don't need friends like that anyways right?

Anyways, please keep my Grandpa in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep everyone updated.

This Post is Dedicated to My Best Friend

Mostly because she is awesome. And she deserves recognition.

So Danielle and I met in 2nd grade and we HATED eachother for some reason that I no longer remember. We went to the same elementary school and I joined the Girl Scout troop that her mom led. Like I said...we hated eachother. But eventually we realized how completely amazing the other was and by 3rd grade we were best friends. And it's been that way ever since. Danielle and I both have this picture of us around 3rd grade at Girl Scout....we are all attitude and young and it is perfect. I don't have it scanned in my computer....but D has it framed/hung up in her place.

Granted we have had our hard times (6th grade anyone??? haha). We've grown apart, but we have always come back together. That's what great about having a BEST friend...even when you don't get to talk or see eachother all the time you know they will always be there when you need them. It's not superficial. No time, no distance really matters. Even at 10pm on a Sunday night when one of us is having a mental breakdown...the other will always be there.

Right now we are at very different points in our lives. Danielle is engaged to this amazing guy that she has been with for 5 years and I have the extreme privelege of being her Maid of Honor in their wedding next June. She is beautiful and smart and when she graduates next May she will become an amazing teacher.

I am...well I am me. Screwed up, overly emotional, erratic me.

In the end it doesn't matter because D is just about the only person that I can truly be myself around. She accepts me and that's what matters.

So...thanks D. For being my friend and my sister. For allowing me to be myself when no one else will. For being my BEST friend. Love you always.

"At least I can walk away knowing I did nothing wrong, that I gave it my all and YOU failed ME...I didn't fail myself."

I guess that's all I can ask for...