August 2009

I love Stephanie, I really do.

Last week I had the chance to spend an afternoon with Stephanie, Rachael, Jyl, and Marie at Stephanie’s home in Utah. She won a BlogLuxe award from the SocialLuxe Lounge for *most inspirational* and wasn’t able to travel to Chicago to accept it, so we brought it to her.

What’s killing me is that we didn’t have a winner swag bag to present along with the award. Stephanie’s not really all that materialistic, but it would have been nice to give one to her just the same.

Sitting in her living room having profound conversation was so enjoyable I was late to my own C’s 5th birthday party. I could have chatted all night. Hanging out with Stephanie felt like spending time with one of my oldest and closest girlfriends; she immediately made me feel at ease. Even though I once accosted her in Costco.

A few months ago, in the midst of stressful planning and preparations for SocialLuxe, I was at Costco returning something with P. I immediately recognized Stephanie and Mr. Nielson ahead of me in line. I don’t know whether to blame it on SocialLuxe stress, true emotion, or full-on Nie Nie adoration, but I felt compelled to tell Stephanie hello. It was awkward, and I still cringe and sweat thinking about it:

Allison: {approaching Mr. Nielson} Are you who I think you are?
Mr Nielson: Yes, I am
A: {breaking into the shakes and some hysterical sobs} I love you!
Mr N: ummmm, thank you
A: I….I…….I….. I’ve been praying for you {hiccup} and I’ve been thinking of you, and I just {hiccup} love you!
Mr N: {patting me now} Tell me your name
A: {sob, hiccup} Petit….All….Elef….Allison
Mr N: Have you met Stephanie?
A: Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! I love you!
Stephanie: thank you {?}
A: How are you? I’vebeenprayingforyouIloveyouandthinkaboutyouallthetime!! {deep breath}
S: Thank you

{Meanwhile, P was in the background really and truly hoping the floor would open up and swallow her whole}

A: {fully shaking and crying now} Oh! You just had surgery! How do you feel? You look amazing! Does it hurt?! I’m so sorry! I know everyone must say this but IreallydoprayforyouallthetimeandIthinkaboutyoutoo

S: Thank you
Mr N: Thank you

A: Oh, I should let you go! You must have things to do! You look amazing! You’re amazing! Thanks for everything you do! You keep it all in perspective! I love you!

If there ever a moment in time I wish I could erase, that would be close to the top. I felt like a crazy/psycho/stalker. Sometimes I think I shouldn’t be allowed in public. I was relieved that Stephanie allowed me into her home after the whole incident. I was horrified and flattered that she remembered who I was, but at least now she knows, I’m not crazy. Usually. Sometimes I just can’t handle being in the presence of someone I love from afar.

I mentioned Gabrielle’s idea to Stephanie, about getting Nie Nie and C Jane to BlogHer 2010 and she loved the idea. I think this needs to be my next goal. I need something to keep me out of Costco and the general public as a whole.

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