Get to Know Stephanie LH Calahan: Fun Facts

Here is a listing of questions that Stephanie has been asked over the years and her responses.

Fact	Steph Says:
She has been performing almost since birth	I have been a life-long performer. My first time on stage in front of 100s of people occurred when I was 4 years old. Back then, I was cute in a little red tulle skirt and tap shoes... I would not dream of an outfit like that now! Since then, I have been involved in theatre, singing, orchestras, etc.
Oldest of 3 children	I grew up with 2 younger brothers. They would torment me just like most younger brothers! Of course, I did my share of older sister stuff too. I love them very much and we are good friends now.
Fabulous Parents	I am so fortunate. My parents were very focused on helping the 3 of us grow up to be self-sustaining, considerate adults. They are still together and are great examples of what a loving relationship looks like. I have learned so much from them.
Grew up in Central IL in small communities	I lived in 2 different small communities growing up. Both places had caring neighbors and great schools. I was raised, not only by my parents, but a number of other great adults. I learned what community felt like.
First job was door-to-door sales	When I was in 2nd or 3rd grade, I spent summers going door-to-door selling holiday greeting cards. Things were a lot safer then! I used the money to buy Christmas presents for friends and family. At the time, I really enjoyed going to people's homes and helping them figure out what design they liked the most. I had this huge book that I would lug around with samples. I learned a lot! I did not want to sell door-to-door for a living! Riding a bike with a heavy book makes it hard to balance without falling a lot. If I was to sell in the future, I should pick a product that is not seasonal. Be dependable - if you say you will be somewhere - be there. Love what you do and if you don't, stop doing it! (I have used this one a few times over the course of my career.)
Sang since birth	Well, ok, maybe not since birth, but I started singing at a very early age. Music was in our family all of the time and if there were words, I learned them. In grade school and high school I was in every choir but the boy's choir. My favorites were jazz choir and Madrigals. They were very different in style and purpose, but I loved it! I also took private voice lessons in college and got great scores on juries even though I was not a music major.
Played a number of instruments starting in 5th grade	I actually started instrument lessons before 5th grade. I took piano lessons for a number of years. I never became very good at that instrument though. I'm kind of sad about that because it could have led to hours of entertainment as I got older, but I was just not into it. I also learned to play a recorder in probably 1st grade, but there is only so much you can do with a plastic instrument. I can still play "Green sleeves" on it though! I started band in 5th grade as a French Horn player. My dad was my 5th grade band instructor! I played this horn all the way through to my second year in college. It is a really beautiful sounding horn. Over the years I have also played a melaphone, trumpet, xylophone, and marimba. I was in marching band, concert band, symphonic winds and winter drum line.
Loved working the drive-through at Dairy Queen	I started working at DQ when I was 15. My biggest goal was to work to being the main person on the drive-through. The place was always packed and the drive-through always had a line. They put their best person in that position every shift. The owner of our DQ was very particular about the cleanliness of the store. I was really proud that the place sparkled when we left for the night. I mean, really sparkled! I learned great customer service skills and how to work with people that were different from me. Oh, and I did get that drive-through position and worked it for a number of years!
Not very athletic but tries!	I started dance lessons and tumbling when I was quite young. I was pretty good, but did not think so. I also played volleyball in junior high and some in high school, but I was not good. My brothers got the athletic ability - Mom was a P. E. teacher!
Worked on an "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Project	In 2008 I was asked to be on the strategy team for the Central Illinois build. It was a life changing experience. I'll tell you about over coffee and pie sometime, or you can check out my facebook page for pictures.
Most life changing moment was birth of son	I have had so many amazing moments in my life, but by far the birth of my son was the most life changing. I fell in love with him before he was even born. He is my buddy and I enjoy every new thing he learns and every new challenge that he brings our way.
She is goofy (sometimes)	My son tells me I'm silly all of the time! We laugh a lot. It may be dancing in the middle of the family room, or having a tickle fight or making up goofy stories. Life cannot be serious all of the time. Life is meant to be lived!
Danny is her constant companion	"Daniel Alexander" (named by my son) is our Havanese puppy. Danny goes with me almost everywhere. He is a good friend and somehow knows what I need. When I'm not feeling well, he just sits next to me, but when I'm being silly, he is right there goofing with us. He is cuddled right next to me as I answer these questions.