I'm THAT girl...

I think it is important to own your identity whether it's something your proud of or something unavoidable therefore I'd like to publicly share all some of these things with you:

I'm that girl...

-who checks the tag on the item of clothing for the price before trying it on
-who dances in public and doesn't care
-who shouts to their friend in the movie theater to tell them where we are seated
-who laughs and makes other cringe
-who eats the same thing for lunch for a week straight
-who tells all her friends about her newest crush
-who loves her job
-who would rather read a magazine than a book
-who writes a blog because she's a bad writer and hopes it will help her get better
-who checks twitter more than cnn.com
-who listens to the same song over and over onces she decides she likes it (shout out to LK who HATED this as my roommate).
-who still asks her mom for advice
-who doesn't mind always being the bridesmaid
-who loves to be the center of attention but only when she's in control
-who loves to be in control
-who watches bad movies on tv just because they are on
-who still wishes it was socially acceptable to make song lyrics my away message to articulate how I feel
-who drinks white over red
-who refers to her sorority sisters still as her "big" "little" and "gbaby"
-who still loves being a sorority woman
-who is convinced the lasso is a great dance move
-who loves getting a card in the mail or a note on my desk more than anything on earth
-who plans for the worst but hopes for the best
-who wants to make others happy
-who loves a soft pretzel
-who can't spend less than $50 at Target
-who can't resist a cute sundress
-who matches her eye shadow to her outfit
-who makes jokes to make others feel better
-who teases people she likes
-who doesn't pay much attention to those she doesn't
-who thinks the glass is always half full
-who thinks people deserve a chance
-who gives her whole heart without thinking twice
-who can't do a push up
-who works out only so her pants fit
-who isn't embarrassed to share her weight or her pants size
-who makes corny jokes
-who is awkward around...everyone
-who orders what's on special
-who loves a good sandwich more than any other meal
-who makes her own spaghetti sauce
-who winks but it's not cute
-who wears heels to feel pretty
-who wears flats to feel comfortable
-who prefers a good meal with friends more than anything else
-who only camps for s'mores
-who roots for two teams that everyone else hates
-who wears teal every Tuesday
-who learns more from her students than she teaches them
-who cracks her neck in public
-who rewrites songs about her friends
-who blogs about who she really is, not about who she wants people to think she is.

That's all I have for now.

Peace and Blessings xoxo

Deep in my heart, I love my...

Well clearly for my sisters you know the rest of this line is "My ADPi's" and the truth is I do, among other things right now. This weekend was recruitment here at UNCW and my first time on the advisor side. Let me tell you, it almost gets crazier behind the curtain. Luckily, I have two amazing sisters who advise with me and kept me laughing all weekend. Even when it was 4 am and we were on a bench in the dark. Even when salt and vinegar chips were dinner. Even when the the conversations turned grouchy and or random. We laughed, and laughed and laughed. Today, when I saw those 32 new girls come in with their bids, one being a student of mine, with tears in their eyes. I knew it was worth it and man did I remember the day I got mine. Being in Alpha Delta Pi changed me life. My sisters have forever changed me and I continue to grow and learn from them every day. Now, it's not only my Epsilon Chi sisters, but my Eta Alpha sisters both alum and active members. So I must give a shout out to Whitney and Katherine, my two advisor sisters who put up with bell curves, 100%, skateboards, nike shorts, Chilies, MOH and tons more and kept me laughing through the late hours of the night. It's amazing to me that hearing the words from the preference ceremony brought me back to my time in Epilson Chi so quickly, perhaps not as quickly as the SHHHHHing before the the knock before a party, or the excitement of "SHE HAS TO BE MY DIAMOND", or the dance practice and awkward conversations but man oh man did I quickly remember what it was to be on the chapter side of recruitment. Overall it was a great weekend, and today, like most days, I was proud to be an ADPi. 

Luckily... 6 of my dear Epsilon Chi sisters are coming this weekend and I can only imagine the stories, laughs and craziness that will come of it. Stories to come. I promise.

Like I said, deep in my heart I love my ADPi, among other things.  Have I told you how much I love my ACErs, because man I do. They have each planned and implemented some amazing programs over the past month and I could not be prouder. On top of that, they have sold out their fall show, Anberlin and Switchfoot.  Talk about an exciting start to the year. I am reminded every day that I am luckily to have found a job I love so much and to work with students who day after day make me proud.

And of course, deep in my heart I love, my family and friends. The past two months have seemed crazy. Through it all I have had the most amazing support network. Whether it's a dinner date to take a break from the craziness, and e-mail from my roommate to make me smile, a card in the mail from my mom or far away friend, or a weekend at home just when I needed it. I am lucky to have people around me who love me so much and continue to support me, whether I ask for it or not. 

In other news... I got to be a part of something really awesome which was a student initiative to commemorate 911 check it out!  (yes that is me in the red pants... hottie)

Other than that I'm just living the dream... hope you are doing the same :)

xoxo  Stef

Cher's not the only one who wants to turn back time...

Hello Friends,

First I must say happy first day of school to all my teacher friends. I can't believe it has been two years since I myself was taking classes, even longer since it was my first day of school K-12. I was in Virginia Beach this weekend and drove back to Wilmington this morning. As I drove back and noticed all of the kids waiting for the bus, or walking to school and listening to the morning radio stations I couldn't help but think back to my time in school.

Do you ever wish you could go back to a certain day in your life and live it over? I guess it's normal but I started thinking about what would be my days...
Here is what I came up with:

-First day of senior year
-Ring Dance
-Any day with my Dad
-First day of college
- 2008 CHI burning
- High School Graduation
-CWSCA elections 2003
-My bid day (January 2005)
-Workshop staff year 3
-Three 6 Mafia/Girl Talk Concert at JMU
-PCB spring break in Spinkers
-Job interview at UNCW
-Big/Little night spring 2006
-The first DGSC night
-21st birthday party at Theta Chi

I'm sure there are so many more days, but I figured those are the ones that jump out. Some of course because they are so fun, others because I'd love to pay more attention to certain details of the day. There are so many more days that are simple and fun and I can't identify with a particular event.

I know I'm getting deep on a Tuesday night. Perhaps this week is one of reflection, I think the entire nation will be reflecting on 9/11, and our lives this week. I'm sure everyone can remember where they were or what they were doing. "I can't believe it's been 10 years" I think is what everyone is saying, can you believe it? I have tried to avoid all the interviews and tv specials, mainly to avoid crying. It's unimaginable what happened that day, and how different our lives are since.

In other news, my newest obsession is the app Heytell. If you have an Iphone or Android phone you can download it for free. It is basically a walkie-talkie app that allows you to "hey tell" someone what's going on. It basically is a voice recorded text message. If you don't have it, download it and hey tell me, ASAP :)

I think that's all of my thoughts of the day...

                                                            Super fun weekend at home

See ya Irene

Hello Friends,

Just an update, clearly, if I'm blogging I am in fact alive and ok. Irene knocked us around a bit last night but overall everything is ok. I'm currently without power at my apartment but luckily the beautiful Adrienne Strain has let me stay with her last night and bath/hang out today before work so all is ok. We had to reschedule our comedians for this weekend, Frangela, However, we will be showing free movies tonight to give the students, who were stuck in their halls all night and half of today something free and fun to do.

Overall, move-in and welcome have gone beautifully. I could not be prouder of my board this year who kicked off welcome with an outdoor showing of The Incredibles and followed it up with a concert  featuring Sleeper Agent and fireworks. We will continue on tonight and throughout the week.

All of this craziness of course makes me excited to be in VB next week with my family and friends. It's hard to believe we're almost a month away from the Best wedding, which, means song and speech writing need to begin. Suggestions for Angela and I will be entertained, however, I can tell you, we only get better with time. :)

Today is one of my favorite people in the entire world's birthday, Mr. James Michael Vincent Oliverie aka Jimmy O. He is turning 25 today and is avoiding all hurricane craziness in his new home, St. Paul, MN. As many of you know Jimmy is one of my best friends from JMU and I have been lucky to have him in my life since my first week of graduate school where we became instant friends. I am sending him lots of love today. He is truly one of the kindest, funniest, smartest and greatest people I know. I am lucky to call him my best friend and know those of you who know him would have to agree :)

This week will be another crazy one. As many of you know I've started teaching a freshman seminar this semester in one of our learning communities here at UNCW. I had a great first day of a class and can tell my class is going to be awesome already. I am sure I'll have so many stories to share with you. I assigned my first homework assignment and half the class has already submitted it (it's due on Monday). I spent last night reading and leaving comments on these initial journals. My biggest observation is that I need to help these students find better restaurants. I ask each of them their favorite place to eat and things like Olive Garden and Ruby Tuesdays come up quite often. Luckily, Wilmington is filled with several amazing local chains that I am happy to introduce them to.

Ok! I think that is all for now. Stay safe 757 and the rest of the North East, I'm sorry I couldn't keep Irene away from you longer.

Always,

Stefanie Jo

Sassy Second Year

Hello friends...

Back to blogging after a summer off! It's been a busy past couple of months filled with visitors, moving, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, work turn over and much more!

LK, Klake and I at a Bachelor Charity Auction

my favorite LU turned Wilmington friend

Happy 4th of July!

At the Yeatman wedding

Bachelorette party for my BEST friend :)


It has been quite the eventful summer, it is no wonder it has flown by! The most exciting news of the week is of course, my new car :) 

 I was going to take a picture in my bathing suit on the hood but Sarah was sick and couldn't take the picture ;)

Tomorrow is freshman move in, where did a year go? It seems like just yesterday that I was gearing up for my first move in day smiling with my fellow first years KTK and AStrain. Now we are beginning what we are lovingly calling our "sassy second year"

Move-in day is an awesome tradition at UNCW. This year there are over 1800 volunteers for 2000 freshman. Everyone comes together to make for an amazing day and experience for the first year. While I am not excited about my 5am alarm I am always reminded of what an awesome job I have when I get to help proud parents check-in their nervous but won't admit it first year students. I of course also enjoy watching the girls who have over packed, the too cool guys, the over anxious parents, the soon-to-be long distance couples that can't stop holding hands and of course the super goober, over achieving freshman like Lauren Kennedy will tell you I was. :)

I am excited for a second year full of new friends, a great ACE executive board, getting to teach a UNI class, present at a professional conference, and overall learn from the mistakes and victories of my first year and make an amazing second year :)

Hope life is treating all of you fine blog readers well :)

Love Always,

Stefanie Jo

Remember the time I shot a gun and went to sorority convention in the same week?

Hello Friends!

Yes it's true...this Yankee shot a gun yesterday. It was Ladies Night at Shooters Choice here in Wilmington, NC and so I went with two of my girliest friends to participate:

In case you're worried...we survived, thought I'd start at the end...

First you take a class to learn about the different parts of guns, who know a magazine wasn't just something you read at the beach?

You have to have your ears and eyes protected, sexy :)

Nothing goes with a 22 like a Kate Spade or Coach purse

clearly, we were proud :)

Sarah hit a lot on the bullseye, I'm skeptical she may be practicing at home

That's right baby... Stefanie Jo Mancuso... NYPD watch out

I must say, if you've never done it...it is VERY exhilarating.  I like to think I did pretty well for my first time :)

Yes, and in the same week that I shot a gun, I also am headed to Phoenix, AZ for Alpha Delta Pi Convention....good stories to come I'm sure!

xoxo

Good morning and happy Monday!

Big Pete and I at High School Graduation :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day! On a day that is often not the easiest for me I spent it with some of my favorite people doing some of my favorite things: enjoying a breakfast out, a day at the beach and making dinner and chatting with friends.

I must say, Fathers Day does for me what it probably does for many of you, causes me to reflect on what an amazing father I have. While many will meet JoJo and question how I became as obnoxious, loud and I like to think entertaining, I can assure you she will point to the man above. While that is not the only thing I got from him, I think it's probably what is most easily identifiable to those who knew him and know me. Strangely, many of my closest friends at this point in my life did not know him, I appreciate their willingness to let me share stories about to this day one of my favorite people. 


The thing many may know about my dad, he had a passion for many things: family, kids, the Dallas Cowboys, the NY Yankees, cheese doodles, Disney World, movies (specifically ones that taught a lesson...and Titanic lol), The Sopranos and... Bruce Springsteen. It was most appropriate that this weekend Clarence Clemons of Bruce's E Street Band passed away which of course meant Bruce Springsteen music, EVERYWHERE. So, in case I wouldn't already be thinking of Big Pete, I was reminded constantly. Bruce music makes me smile though, and laugh thinking of the many car trips where his music was blaring and while driving, dad was also playing the air drums, guitar, sax or all three. As JoJo said yesterday, I'm sure Big Pete was racing to the pearly gates to meet him, probably singing "Born to Run". Poor Clarence. 


The interesting lesson I am learning right now professionally is the transience of the field I have entered. It seems like every day I'm getting another e-mailing indicating a staff member is leaving the University to pursue a position somewhere else. While I am sad to see these people leave, one is particularly hard, Miss Jenn Smist. Jenn was the head of the search committee that hired me but has become one of my closest friends here in Wilmington. While I am incredibly happy for her to go on to pursue a position at the University of Illinois (yes it's cold there, I get it, she's from Boston, she'll be fine!) I am sad to see someone who has been a loyal friend and a great professional role model for me leave Wilmington. 

I think that's all for today :)