The daily routine

So, what's a day in the life of Stephanie Bennion like?

1. Wake up and run or sleep in a little longer if it's at all possible

2. Drop Christian off at school and go to work or have him drop me off if it's his work day

3. Busy busy busy at work. Phone calls, emails, managing websites, getting Hispanic teens motivated to enter a YouTube video contest (the winner gets $1000 people! spread the word by going HERE), getting work sites to implement tobacco policies, getting docs and dentists to counsel people to quit smoking, trainings, more emails, coordinating meetings between universities and the health dept., printing and delivering posters and fliers to schools all over the county, teaching classes, coordinating a rape prevention campaign, updating student internship and volunteer opportunities, counseling students on opportunities in public health, attending conferences, writing grants, coming up with ideas, reading research.....the list goes on and on. Don't worry it's not all in one day...though sometimes it almost is. And I really do love it :)

4. HOME. This is a great part of the day. Start my news-watching routine, make dinner, read, watch one of my addicting reality shows (take your pick: Bachelor, American Idol, and now...Survivor. We'll see if I have the energy for that. And don't forget The Office)

5. Christian comes home!! Usually in the mix of events mentioned above he gets home from school. I feel extremely extremely blessed that he's in my life and incredibly lucky that he chose me.

6. Bedtime.

Then it all begins again.

The weekends though really make fulfilling - packed with friends, family, religion, and maintaining order in the home. Don't think we could survive without it. And it really is crazy how life goes on day in, day out in such a routine. It makes you think, "so this is life?" but this wise quote puts it all into perspective:

"Anyone who images that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed.

Most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high level of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise.

Life is like an old-time rail journey - delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."