I Should Be Studying.....

Life Happens

2012-02-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

This week..... I don't know if I can adequately express my feelings about this week in words. Sunday, a woman my family and I had adopted as our Tennessee grandma passed away. Though her death wasn't unexpected, as she'd been very ill for several months, it was still hard to know she's gone. To be honest, I don't think it has actually sunk in DEEPLY just yet. Despite being 77-years-old, she still looked as if she was in her 50's and wasn't sick a day in her life. (I'm sure she was, I just don't remember it in my life-time) Watching her get progressively worse over the last couple months have been hard, and I wanted so desperately for God to heal her and raise her back up, to her old vitality, but deep down, I knew that wasn't likely, given her age.

Throughout her sickness, women from our church family spent time 'round the clock with her, to make sure she was cared for during her last days. On church days, us in the younger set, took turns relieving to allow the others to attend church services.

I for one, am glad for the "mandatory" time I was made to spend with her, as normally I'm the first to run away screaming when people are sick etc.. Visit you in the hospital? Maybe if I can get a host of other people to come with me. So I got to be forced outside of my comfort zone, and I survived, and I'm eternally grateful I don't have to beat myself up, for not taking the time to visit with her, before she left us.

I don't have anything else to say at the moment, some other things happened this week that threw me for the proverbial "loop".

What else can I say but, sometimes life comes at you fast!

Erin

What I'm Eating...

2012-01-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

I'm not a huge fan of the Italian style, meat, sauce, cheese and noodle dishes. While I'll eat them every blue moon, or I generally don't make it for myself; I hate wasting food, and these type dishes, inevitably get wasted at my house. When I came across the recipe for mini lasagna cups on Pinterest, I knew that I might have found a way to balance my dislike of leftovers with, my like of the lasagna taste.

I was right!

They came out perfectly, and I ate three of them before my stomach complained! I also brought them to work for lunch, and they warm up really well. The only thing I could complain about is, the crisp edges, but that's easily enough taken care of by breaking them off.

It was very simple to make, and was done in less than an hour! Finding the wonton wrappers, called for in the recipe was the only difficult part. I went through three different stores, before I located them in the produce section at Wal-Mart. I've heard phyllo dough can be substituted for wonton wrappers, and was going to try that myself, but I, luckily, found the actual thing. :)

Want the recipe? Check it out here: http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/mini-lasagna-cups.html

Happy Monday Everyone!

A Summation of the Week Thus Far..

2012-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

This Week: I almost feel as if I have developed some sort of phobia when it comes to writing about my personal life. Every time I open the post editor, my mind goes blank, my heart rate speeds up and I can't think of a single intelligent thing to say. This may be in part, due to the fact, that this week: Nothing Happened. To be honest, free time is fun when you've been slammed with work and school, as I had been a mere two weeks ago. Now... its boring. Its lonely, and a bit depressing. Yes it was a Holiday, and I got off work and all that, but I pretty much stayed at home, cleaned my house, play computer games and listened to a audio book.

Cleaning, Organizing and DIYing

A fifty six chapter audio book, I should mention, one in which the author dies before completing the final chapter of. The bad thing about it was that it was such a good story, and knowing the ending wasn't complete was a tragedy in and of its self, however it was nicely summed up by, some other dude. No he didn't go as far as too write the chapter himself, but he voiced what we hoped happened in the end. If you are a Jane Austen Fan you will adore Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell.

iPhone and Speaker playing Wives & Daughters

The remainder of the week will see me, working, carting my brothers & sisters around while my parents are on a "romantic getaway" and more baby-sitting. I know, don't be jealous.

In Other Blogs: Puppy Xander spent the night and helped me Baby-Sit and We were asked to give a review of Mr. Chewy on Texas's Blog. Be sure to check them out!

VLOG: Is There Life after college?

2012-01-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Taken with my iPhone. If I look like I'm about to fall over its because I was squatting in front of a chair.

Christmas & New Years Recap

2012-01-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

In a word? Bliss.
Perfect happiness; great joy

Not a word that I use regularly but its perfect for this occasion.

I loved finally having a moment to breathe, to sleep, to read a book for pete's sake. Saturday & Sunday were pretty busy, my family had our dinner on Saturday, and I spent at least five hours cooking, something that is quite unusual for me; its not that I don't mind cooking, its just super, boring to cook for yourself. As long as someone else is planning the menu, I don't mind whipping up food for 8+ people....as long as I don't have to bring it home with me.

Sunday we did our gift exchange, between church services. My parents...er.. dad.. isn't big on the whole gift exchange thing, so they purchased the "family" (which doesn't include me as I don't live there. #FAIL!) a Ping Pong table, and we kids exchanged names and bought for one person. Being the youngest Autumn is alllll about opening gifts, and had us all running through some sort of crazy, gift exchange. It was a little ridiculous but we complied in order to get her to settle down. However once she got her present of an (overpriced) Webkins she was all done with the gift exchange. Leaving the at least three of us gift-less.

*rolls eyes*

Ah to be young and ... well.

The next couple of days, were spent doing absolutely nothing of worth, or productive. I didn't realize how badly I need that time, just to relax, I was able to finally complete a jig-saw puzzle I'd been working on forever, and rearrange my house a bit.

By Wednesday, all my laziness had caught up with me, and I had to scramble to get ready for our annual New Year's Trip to Alabama. Despite getting a late start, getting stopped by the police, and getting lost in the wild hills of Alabama, we made it to the small town of Morgan City just in time for the first service.

Not only was I challenged spiritually, but I got to meet new friends, talk with old, and realize some things about myself. All in all? A good trip.

Nooow back to the real world.

January: The Goal

2012-01-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

♪♫...Another year over, and a new one just begun.. ♪♫

Hello Two Thousand Twelve.

Like everyone else, in the world, quite possibly, the beginning of the year gives me the chance, to evaluate my previous year, what I liked, what I didn't like... and set some goals I would like to tackle in the coming year. Last years goals were good, but vague... looking back on them, I can't cross them off my list, simply due to the fact, I don't know exactly what I was hoping to accomplish with them.

Over the past 24 hours, I've spent a lot of time, contemplating what I want to do this year, what's important, and attempting prioritize things. It wasn't easy, and by the time I finished, I wound up with 65 goals.

Its a little excessive, I'll give you that, but if I put some effort into I can accomplish them. Out of that 65, there are 12 goals, that I have committed to working on once a month. A month or so ago, a blogger/twitter friend of mine, came up with the idea to work pick 12 goals to focus on in 2012. I, loving the idea of small steps, signed up as soon as I could. To be honest, coming up with one goal per month was a bit difficult, as

This month, my goal is to drink at least one glass of water a day. Sounds simple right? For me...Not so much. Drinking is not only about wetting my thirst, but also sating my appetite. I'm not a morning person, so the thought of breakfast at 7:00am is nauseating to me, not too mention, I never have TIME for breakfast. So juice winds up being a quite way to tide me over until lunch time.

Drinking water does not sate your appetite.

However, I need it.

So, I downloaded an app called Waterlogged to help me keep track of my water drinking... (my co-worker/nutritionist major will be soo proud). Right now, success = 1 glass of water, but as the habit develops I hope to get up to the required 64 ounces a day.

Good Lord.

Other goals that I will be working on over the year include:

Learn to Eat Breakfast
Blog @ least five times a month (or once a week)
Work on Concentrating on One Task for longer periods of time ..
Creating a morning routine that is productive..
Memorize a scripture a month..
3 D.I.Y Projects a Month
Read 4 Books a month
More specified training sessions with my pet dogs...

Just to name a few...

I'm looking forward to updating you all on my progress.

How about you? What goals are you hoping to tackle this year? I wanna know.

#2011was ... Crazy

2011-12-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

January 2011

As with each year, I looked forward to 2011 being a year of improvement.. I
Once again started the year off with School Drama, while I had FA money (for once) there were other documents the school required, and through no small miracles, I was able to get that in and registered for classes.. four days late.
Pompei went back to New York, to start his formal Training as a guide dog.
My Dad and Mom sold his car leaving me vehicle-less

February 2011

Started getting settled into the school routine sans puppy.
Was scared out of my wits with my Photojournalism class
Was getting depressed from all the drastic changes that had taken place in over the last few weeks.
Puppy #5 Arrived!
I realized how incredibly stupid it was too get a puppy during the MIDDLE of the semester.
My sister was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa (Show Off)

March 2011

Dropped my Photojournalism Class - Too much pressure
Still looking for a car. No end in sight
Saw record rain fall in Knoxville that flooded several roads for months

April 2011

A very random month according to my blog posts
School continued on.
The puppy continued to grow..
A couple killed each other just two houses down from me.
The Royal Wedding Happened
Tornado's ripped through the south east. Scariest night of life. Hail damaged countless cars and buildings in the area.

May 2011

Finished Semester #7
Re-started the car hunt in earnest. With all the hail damage good prices were going to be easy to find
Found a car!
Tried to get bank to fax paperwork to car dealership but hit a brick wall.
After three weeks of waiting, I finally was able to drive MY car home.
Congrats to Patrick, Devin & Willie for graduating this year!
First Whitewater rafting trip of the year

June 2011

Summmmmmer Time!
Started a second job.
Busyness and insanity ensued.
Added: "Knows how to insert IV in dog" to my skills
Also: Can set off house alarms with finesse
Meet new GDF friends Julie & Ben

July 2011

Wedding Month! - Roomy super busy trying to get things done with that.
Still attempting to juggle, two jobs, three dogs + life.
Another fun trip to Arkansas
The Wedding happened. It was beautiful. The End.

August 2011

Time to get ready for Fall 2011!
Signed up for three classes instead of four.
Received a certificate in basic photography
Family moved away from me.
Took my internet connection too. <cue depression>
School Starts. Right away I now I can't continue raising the puppy I have with the schedule I have. <cue sadness>
Found I would be working Football through the whole semester. <cue tears. Good bye weekends>

September 2011

Turned 22!
Football season begins
School continues
Re-Homed Rob. :(
Acquired Trump

Bye Robsters!

Added Trump - Rob's litter mate

October 2011

Regretted acquiring Trump
Football continues. Moral plummets
Found an iPhone 4. Life improved.
School continues.
The dogs acquire fleas. The house acquires fleas. Insert an Un-Happy & Stressed me.
Found out FA wasn't going to pay my tuition this year. REALLYY.!?

November 2011

Fleas are gone!
Trump is taken out of the Guide Dog program
Trump is re-homed.
Much to my relief.
I bask in the freedom to....work on Finals
The rest of the month? FINALS, FINALS oh and Finals.

December 2011

Survived Finals
Adjusting to life with two dogs
Committed to another Guide Puppy in February
Looked forward to a New Year :D

How was your year?

What I'm Reading

2011-12-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

The Guardian Dukeis award-winning novelist Jamie Carie's most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.

Gabriel,the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King's ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

---
Once again I was disappointed by a Jamie Carie novel, I forced myself to read through too the end, only to wind up left hanging. So we have a young girl, whose parents are mysteriously missing and who has just found out she is under the care of a duke, she assumes is old and decrepit. She begins corresponding with said Duke, demanding money for the care of her estate..or so she says. Instead she decides to find her parents on her own, and embarks on a seemingly grand adventure all the while lying to the Duke about her goings on. Little does she know he is tailing her across the continent. The story continues to build with them finally arrive in the same city, and unknowingly attending the same party. They meet... and... you are made to wait for the next book. I didn't really feel as if the characters or the story line was developed well, you just seemed to flit from point to point, without an intent. For instance we never find out why the Duke is suffering from this mysterious illness, or what relevance it has to the story line...all in all, I was just annoyed by the time I reached the end.

I received my review copy from NetGalley to read on my iPhone.

Behind The Lens: Wedding Weekend

2011-12-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

I took very few photos this weekend, one look at the environment lighting, I knew it was going to be difficult to get great photos, with what I'm working with. Not too mention, sitting in the seats as a guests, makes it very difficult to get great photos. But the one's I did get I loved. :)

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Sims!

I Should Be studying...

2011-12-10T20:50:00.001-08:00

But..I'm thinking...

Wedding Cake at the wedding I attended Saturday

Thinking about the wedding I just got home from, and how much I don't want to have one. Noo I didn't say I didn't want to get married, but the whole wedding ceremony deal? Its scary.

Today's wedding was nice, very well put together for the couple only to have gotten engaged two months ago. But honestly? I was stressing watching everyone else stress out over little things. While these feeling's aren't new for me, being at another wedding just brings them too the forefront of my mind. Gone are the days were I dreamed of "my" day and what I'd do. Watching my friend in 2009, then my roommate last year has killed all joy at the thought of weddings.

There are too many traditions, opinions, and feelings to worry about.. in a word.. too many people. Whoever said it was all about the bride? They were wrong. I would know after listening to people stress about what this one would say, or if they did this what would so-and-so think.

I'd be happy to have the pastor, me + future hubby + my immediate family and close friends. That would be a day for me.

And future whomever.

Then we can have a party with lots of well wishers and the like. No cake cutting, bouquet or garter toss or the silly thing you do with the drinks, intertwining hands and what not. WHERE did that tradition come from?

Could I actually follow through with it? Probably not. Not too mention I'm sure future so-and-so would probably like an opinion in the matter, but I don't see myself enjoying the process much.

Why are you worrying about this Erin? I know that's what you're wondering.. well I'm not really, but with the majority of my childhood friends dating, engaged, or married. Its something I'll have to think about more. Which is another scary thought.

You know... I really have a project to finish.

Good Night.

What I'm Reading..

2011-12-09T05:27:00.001-08:00

Indelible

Kristen Heitzmann

In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail?
Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfi tter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

-----

After reading Kristen Heitzmann's Indivisible, the first book in this series, I was thrilled to find she'd written another. However it took me a while to get into the story; the bevy of characters introduced and followed throughout the book was a bit overwhelming. She starts out introducing the key characters, Trevor, ex-Olympian skier, search and rescue volunteer, and a business owner (can we say over achiever?), Natalie an artist with an eidetic memory, (something I had to Google to see if it was indeed real), Cody, Natalie's nephew whom Trevor rescued from a Mountain Lion, Aaron & Paige Cody's parents, the come Fluer, Lena, Whit & Sara, not to mention the characters from the previous book. I'll admit I clicked on this book several times on my iPhone and went to something else, before I decided to skip the first chapter and dive on into the story. Once I did that, I couldn't put it down. Despite the many characters, I felt Ms. Heitzmann did a good job at not only developing their characters, but the disabilities as well. The plot line, though similar in some ways to her previous book, took you on a whole new ride, this time involving children, danger and a whole host of other things. I felt as if I were on an emotional roller-coaster through out. Over all I really enjoyed this book.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Download Chapter Excerpts through the Sneak Peek program.

Blogging for Books Twitter Page

WaterBrook Multnomah’s Facebook Page

Insta-Friday #2

2011-12-07T12:24:00.001-08:00

Another Insta-Friday ... with finals right around the corner, I have spent the majority of my week in front of a computer, slaving away over last minute homework. By Wednesday my brain was fried. HOWEVER getting an 85 on my exam...? TOTALLY WORTH IT. Looks like I'll make a "B" in Math. For the first time in my college history. Yes I'm a little excited about that fact.

And because Finals we're going "so" well, I decided to take puppy sit for a day. You can read about that BIG mistake on my other blog. :)

But he's oh-so-cute

How was your week?

Ten on Tuesday

2011-12-06T11:19:00.001-08:00

Finals are upon us, and yess I should be studying.. or at least finishing this quiz that I have until.. tonight to complete, but.. well YOU KNOW.

1. What are 3 things that are on your Christmas wishlist?
I've been too caught up in finals to really think about Christmas, and what *I* want, but upon hearing that my family decided the parents would just get "everyone" aka everyone who lives at their house, a ping-pong table, I've decided that too come up with somethings (that are exorbitantly LESS than a ping-pong table). *ahem*

Piano (Keyboard or otherwise) - Go GaGa Messenger Bag - Money - iPad. Oh that's four.

2. What's your favorite Christmas song?
Ava Maria

3. Do you have a favorite band or singer that sings it especially awesome?
Celtic Woman

4. Have you heard about the website GoodReads?
Yess I love that site, and use it to track the books I've read and to get the scoop on other books before I buy. I also use to review books for publishers etc..

5. What are 3 books you want to read?
Three books I would like to read, would be anyone from the stack of 14-15 I picked up from the library last week. Honestly WHEN do I think I'll have time to read them during finals week?

6. Do I hunt deer?
Random. But No.

7. Have I started Christmas shopping? Are you completely finished?
Nope and Nope.

8. Did you shop on Black Friday? What was the best deal you got?
I didn't shop on Black Friday, we did go out to Wal-Mart Thursday night to pick up a few items.. like glue and what not (we were out of town) it was insanity. There is no deal good enough to put myself through that. However I might take one of my guide dog puppies one year, think of all the great exposure that would be!

9. What's one holiday tradition your family has?
My family isn't real big on holiday traditions, I wish we were but we aren't, so yeah!

10. How many blogs do you read? DO you subscribe/unsubscribe often or do you purge every once in a while? I have 437 subscriptions in my Google Reader. THAT my friend is insanity, but I keep finding cool, new blogs to read and I can't make myself stop. However I do have everything organized by topic, so I know which ones I read more often ... I have gone through and purged a lot but I still can't get it to a reasonable number. Oh well.

You can link up to Ten on Tuesday here!

Insta-Friday

2011-12-02T10:18:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's December already? Why is this year almost over, not that I'll be sad to see it go, but I've gotten used to it for the last.. 11 months. And they we have to go change again. Sigh.

Linking up with Insta-Friday @ Life Rearranged. Found this through another blogger and it looked like fun!This past week has been incredibly busy, thus leaving me little time to think of things like.. whipping out my iPhone and snapping photos..so I included some from last week. They aren't in order by date..because.. I didn't of that when I let Picasa create a collage. #fail

Trump (Career Changed Guide Dog Puppy) on his last night with us. (Sunday Nov.20)
Best looking person I've ever drawn.. if I do say so myself (Tuesday Nov. 22)
All the puppers on the bed, one last night (Sunday Nov.20)
Trump in the car at the airport. I'm pretty sure he knew something was up (Monday Nov.21)
Trump in the airport, wearing his Guide Dog Puppy gear (Monday Nov.21)
Singers from the Fellowship meeting (Thursday Nov.24)
Friends @ Chick-fil-a in between services (Friday Nov.25)
My sister and our friend Kara (Friday Nov.25)
10 Things To-Do list. No More, No less. It's a new thing I'm doing to make sure I get things done. (Monday Nov.28)
Sunset (Wednesday Nov.30)
Breakfast. Something I rarely eat. (Monday Nov. 28)
Bubbles. Sleeping on my bed (Thursday Dec. 1)
Yarn. Started a new crochet project, but had to "rip apart" an old one to do it. (Thursday Dec. 1)
Bathroom Pic. You know you've done this. (Thursday Dec. 1)
Clock in the hotel. That's AM not PM btw (Sunday Nov. 27)
Books I checked out for our trip. Because I'd totally have time to read all those. (Wednesday Nov.23)

...Is There Such a Thing..

2011-11-30T10:33:00.001-08:00

{VIA}

As social media stalking?
There are times when joining a new social media site, I hesitate "add" or "follow" people that I'm following on..well everything.

Facebook
Blogger
Twitter
GoodReads
FourSquare
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
Hanging With Friends
Words with Friends
......

The list could go on and on, (quite the social internet butterfly aren't I?) yet there are times when I see a follow...social media "friend" and I wonder, just what they think when they see MY name appear once again. I suppose to disclaim, if I follow you, perhaps I like your taste in things. I will admit that if I know you in person, that yes I'll probably add you to any and everything, as we can discuss the things I "pin" or "post" or "tweet" about in real life. Do I get followed from place to place? I can't really say for sure, I'm on a loooooot of websites; and to be honest I haven't noticed a huge trend from ONE particular person.

What about you? Do you feel as if you are "stalking" your fellow Social Mediaist?
(Yeah I just made up that word.)

_Erin

Thanksgiving Break

2011-11-28T09:06:00.001-08:00

Laughter + Fun Times.

Was Fun.

And Tiring.

We spent the weekend in Charlotte North Carolina, for the annual Thanksgiving Fellowship meeting with our Church.

We stayed up 'til 3AM..every night.

We had fun catching up with old friends and meeting new.

We ate out every night.

We went through Wal-Mart on Thursday night.

We decided "never again"

We did not take many photos.

We did not have much internet access (shout out to McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A)

We did not get any homework done.

I decided I want to learn how to play the bass guitar.

The End.

Seriously..?

2011-11-16T13:15:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I forget I have this blog. Other times I forget on purpose.
I try to write on this blog, as if I were talking to my friends, posting things that I do tell my friends. Documenting memories with photos. But sometimes At the moment, its just another thing to do.
And can I tell you? I'm TIRED.

Tired of going to be, knowing I'll only get five hours of sleep.
Tired of waking up knowing that I have a boat load of stuff to do.
Tired of going home, wanting to chill out and not being able too.
Tired of wondering how I'm going to get the money to pay for school, and other stuff.
Tired of missing out on trips and such like, because of a great lack of money.
Tired of having a house that is constantly in need of cleaning.
Tired of needing to drink caffiene to keep me going.
Tired of fast food.
Tired of the VOLS loosing games. (heehee)
Tired of not being able to hang with my friends like we used to.

BLAH.

But on the flip side. I'm extremely proud of my sister and brother, for making it into the Knoxville Youth Orchestra. They preformed for the first time on Monday evening. Yeah I'll admit to being a little jealous of them, but since they didn't have a pianist anyway, that jealousy would be a bit unfounded.

Part 2 of a Four Part Orchestra

Weston, Kristen and Kristen's Conductor

I'm also super excited to have gotten a B on a written test. People, I do HORRIBLY on written tests. This is a known fact for me, even if I think I know the stuff, I do badly. But this time, I don't know, GOD blessed me majorly and I passed. I was sooooooo happy walking back to my seat with this in hand. Are you kidding me? Totally made my day.

The End.

Redecorating

2011-11-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to update my bedroom for a while now, but haven't had the funds or want to, to do so. However, as I was browsing through Ross the other day, I noticed "my" bedset on the shelf for a measly $34.99. Are you kidding me? I would have snatched it up right then, but with $20 in the bank, that just wasn't happening. I was scared they would be gone by the time I returned next week, but lo and behold it was still there! I was also able to get a matching dog bed, and storage ottoman.. while was I there, officially breaking the bank. :)
After seeing the pictures on a string idea, multiple times on Pinterest, I knew I had to do that SOMEWHERE in my room. Walgreens was giving away 25 free 4x6's so I spent about an hour, converting my "favorites" to black and white, with a few color to and some "splash". Normally I'm not a fan of Black + White photos, but considering my color scheme, I thought it would be appropriate. I LOVE the way it came out. After first I just had them on the wall beside my window, but wasn't feelin' it and wound up hanging them over the windows.

I think for the blank wall, I'll see if I can locate a frame, as pictured here. --->>
It needs something else me thinks.

Further Plans:

Valences? Black or Accent color?
Painting the area by the window white.
Paint the doors?
Replace the nightstand with a table
Paint random mirrors Accent color

Yay I'm excited!

What I'm Reading

2011-11-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Pirate of My Heart: A Novel

By: Jamie Carie

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

------

I love pirate stories, especially if the girl happens to be the adventurer.. as soon as I saw the title of this book, I was interested in reading the r'r'r'rest of the story. Unfortunately I was very disappointed. I felt the plot line was un-clear, the story seemed to jump from point to point, rather than flow.

Not to mention, the one encounter with pirates was very.... boring to say the least. I felt that the story was a bit predictable, the mother was dead, and with in a couple of pages, the father had passed on, the Uncle turned evil, and the main character is shipped off, meets her true love on board said ship...but decides to continue onto her (surprise!) evil relatives.

To be honest I had to force myself to continue reading the book, as after a certain point it wasn't a "good read" anymore.

I wish there was a little more depth to the story, something to make me connect with the character and want her to succeed.

Received for review from NetGalley and Publisher

View all my reviews

College + Three Dogs

2011-11-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

Me @ 16 w/ Puppy #1

The great thing about going to college while living at home is, I don't have to leave my animals behind him. I've always had a puppy accompany to my college classes, and one at home as my pet.

Can I tell you something? I love my dogs, I really do, but ...and I know you moms out their are cringing however as the oldest of six, I think I'm qualified to have some idea of this statement...

"Having Three dogs is like having kids."
With the exception that they can't talk. Much.

I don't travel much.
I don't spend more than 8 hours away from my home,without checking or sending someone to check.
I can't just leave the house on a whim.
I feel guilty if I have leave again if I've just come home.
My life pretty much revolves around making sure they have proper amounts of exercise.
My paycheck revolves around food and care for them.

While I love all of my puppies, I do wonder sometimes, how I wound up with three of them, and day dream how easy life would be with only one.

I don't think I'd know what to do with myself.

Oh wait, I remember now, when I had two, I worked a dog daycare, so they just went to work with me, and I had no real how care for them, life was good.

And when I had 3-4, I also worked a dog friendly job.

Me @ Dog Daze Doggy Daycare

Enter job that they can't come too and then life gets a lot harder.

Today for instance, I had to get homework done, so I forced myself to put the dogs on the back burner, make sure they got outside to potty? Yes, made sure they were fed, watered, and had toys? Yes. But no long play/walk/training sessions UNTIL HOMEWORK IS DONE.

It wasn't easy since they don't deal with down time very well, (especially after just being crated for the last five hours)

So here I am, attempt to figure out Truth Tables, and I have a lab running in and out of the room because he's bored, a dachshund hopping on and off the bed, scuffling with the lab over various toys, another dachshund, whining at your elbow because you didn't give her the granola you were eating..

Yes there were moments where I just screamed in frustration, which only gave me a moments peace, as the dogs stopped what they were doing to peer at me curiously, before returning to their antics..

But I did it, and still had some daylight left to let them run around for a good 30 minutes or so.

I really wish I could resolve not to get another puppy until Summer of next year, but God knows I'm weak when it comes to puppy faces.

Sanity vs. Puppy Breath

9 wk old Pompei in the snow

Sanity vs. Puppy Breath

9 wk old Midnight on my lap

Sanity vs. Puppy Breath

7wk old Rob (and Midnight's baby) in the grass

Aww who needs sanity. I've lasted without it this long!

Not my favorite time...

2011-10-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Reason #243 - why fall is NOT my favorite time of the year. Sure the leaves are pretty, and the weather is semi nice, sometimes, I HATE waking up to this, walking around in this, grey, depressing, sky..and its not as if it's going to rain...its just bleh.

What are you reading?

2011-10-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Gimme A Call
By: Sarah Mlynowski

Devi's Life isn't turning out at all like she wanted. She wasted three years going out with Bryan--cute, adorable, break-your-heart-Bryan. Devi, let her friendships fade, blew off studying, didn't join any clubs....since Bryan broke up with her right before senior prom, she has nothing left. Not even a working cell phone--she dropped hers in the mall fountain. Now it only calls one number..her number, at age 14 three years ago!
Once Devi gets over the shock--and convinces her younger self that she isn't some wack--she realizes that she's been given an awesome gift. She can tell herself all the right things to do... because she's already done the wrong ones! If freshman Devi takes her advice, they can hold on to their friends, get into a good--no, incredible-- college, be an extracurricular superstar, and most importantly, spare themselves the heart break of Bryan! Fourteen-year-old Devi isn't sure though. She likes Bryan. She's happy. But who better to listen to than your future self... right?

********
Though I thought the story line was a little weird at first, I mean honestly, who calls reaches themselves at a younger age via cell phone? I found it interesting nonetheless, especially as I've spent a couple of weeks, thinking of what I'd do differently if I were able to go through my teenage year's again.
I can't say that I overly regret my teen years, I mean sure I was your typical teen, I disliked my parents, argued with them all.the.time, was set on doing my own thing.. but in the midst of that, I did make some good choices through God's help.
Honestly if I had to do it over again, I don't know that I'd do anything much differently, as the difference I would have to do, would not be my personality..(that make sense?)..I would be a much different person now. Which would be weird,as I sort of like the current me. Sometimes. However there is one thing I would do differently, and that would be change my attitude about school.
I'd be more driven, more motivated to get good grades, strive to get a scholarship that would allow me to attend a university or something like that.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with community college, I just wish.... I'd put some thought into what it was I was going to college for, instead of diving in as soon as I got out of high-school.

Live and Learn?

Yes.

Oh! Ha. I did think of something else:

Dear 17-year-old Me,
High-school is done! Can you believe it? You have officially entered the adult world, it's time to get a job, a car, a driver's license!! There are so many new things you are about to experience, its kinda of overwhelming right? However, as you are going to through out your days, remember this, don't forget God, and for crying out loud DO NOT PURCHASE THAT FIRST MOUNTAIN DEW + SNICKERS BAR COMBO. I DON'T CARE HOW TIRED YOU THINK YOU ARE YOUNG LADY DO.NOT.DO.IT. Sleep in class for all I care, it would be better than getting hooked on this stuff!

Trust Me.

Your 22-year-old self.

**If you could talk to your teenage self...what would you do anything over?

Eleven More Days...

2011-10-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

It's 9:39AM

A note randomly posted on the door of my
office

I'm sitting in my first class of the day, struggling to keep my eyes open and just focused on the computer in front of me. According to one of my classmates we only have 11 more classes before finals. I don't know that I can even last that long to be honest. --->

I've picked up my caffeine addiction again, mainly because its more readily available than other things...that I like I should say.

This semester, my work and school schedule has killed me, normally I work during the week, and have the weekends to "catch up"...not this semester. Oooh no. The majority of Saturday's find me, firmly behind a desk, in front of a computer, and typing in data, for 8-10 hours.

So here I sit, barely alive, wishing I could be at home in my bed. You remember how I said that I was going to use my one day off and do absolutely nothing?

That day was supposed to be this past Saturday. Did it happen? Nope. Are we surprised? Nope. The best part of the whole day was that I was able to get an extra two hours of sleep. The rest? Well... I wound up making a trip to school, to shoot a project for class, then decided to splurge a little and get some fall decoration for my house...

It was fun, until I got home and realized how much I'd spent...which honestly wasn't a lot, but in light of how much I had in my bank account....

Fun Times!

I miss Summer.

iPhone Test

2011-10-13T07:30:00.001-07:00

Yes I officially have an iPhone...

But the catch is.. well its a Verizon phone..

And as a Sprint Customer..

Yeah I think you get the jist of the situation.

However, it works just great on wifi,

and playing with it the last few days has convinced me

to start hoarding my cash like a chipmunk in June...

Yeah I just said that.

:-))

and upgrade to the iPhone when my contract ends..

I LOOOVE it.

Confession #...2?

2011-10-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Confession Time:

I am a horrible personal secret keeper.

What does "THAT" mean you ask? Well simply that something "big" happens, or has the potential to happen, and in order to deal with that event I have to talk about it. And most of the time, the only "people" around are my social media connectee's and since we all know that Twitter/Facebook has no secrets, pretty soon everyone knows my business.

However, this time, I am most resolute, and my mind cannot be swayed. I will keep this in my own confidence until all has been resolved. I may die from the keeping of it, but it will not be said that ERIN T***** has told tales about the town.

...I have been reading too many old English tales apparently.

Planning Ahead

2011-10-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

I will have ONE day this month that I will do absolutely NOTHING. NOTHING DO YOU HEAR ME?

I don't know why I'm saying anything about this..... since we all know my track record regarding.. planned breaks...

New Kid on the Block

2011-10-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

Meet Trump - He's Guide Dog Puppy #6 and Rob's brother... its a long story so go check his blog out for more information.

Adulthood - And Its Problems

2011-10-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

In my very short time as an adult, I have learned this to be a fact: My Issues, are MY issues.

Be glad this is not a photo of a flea. I thought about it.

Which works out very well, since I like to think I am a very independent person. However, there are times when I sorely wish I could thrust my problems off onto my parents and let them take care of them.Unfortunately for me, my parents are used to my independent streak, and even if I tell them about problems or struggles I'm having, (life issues etc..) they have other things to do, and normally forget my woes.

Leaving me to deal with them.
This week, my problem comes in the form of a little brown bug, less than an inch in size and so very annoying. And guess who has to deal with it? There is no running to my parents for help, mainly because they are out of town. There is no asking friends or family to deal with the problem, because honestly.. what can they do anyway?

Nope, it all rest solidly on my shoulders.

Now before we go any further, let me say that all my dogs have been treated not once, but twice with with TWO different flea prevention problems. And we still have fleas.

I've spent hours googling "natural" ways to rid my house/dogs of fleas, as being a poor college student (who needs to buy her dogs dog food, since they are completely out) I can't really afford to go out and buy a bunch of chemicals.

I can't say they haven't worked, as for the most part, my furniture and the newly washed and dusted dog sleeping areas, have stayed flea free. However, my bed room (why, why, and why?) has not. Which now that I think about it, really is no surprise, considering, but that's beside the point.

The point is, that I've realized that its time for me to suck it up, dip into my savings and buy one of those chemical room fogger, bomber thingys.

Can I digress for a second here? So I'm on Petsmarts website, reading the reviews on some room defogger thingy, and I LOVE the 1 star ratings for the product. According to those who gave the product 5 stars, its supposed to take several DAYS for the chemicals to take affect, yet the 1 Starers, were gripping about their wasted money, after several HOURS!? GRR!! Its people like them, who cause .. what could be unnecessary doubt in a product, because they really DIDN'T follow the directions.

Back to my point.

I would Love to call my father to come take care of this problem for me, but the fact is... my father is a city boy, thus not the person to call when you have an insect problem. My mother would be more helpful, but with four other children at home, well its kinda of hard for her to get away.

So I'm all on my own.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

.... Update: The house has been treated, Foundation will be supplying me different flea meds for Trump, Capstar and Advantage are sitting in my "cart" on Amazon.. and after a trip to Wally World for extra Flea Killer, I think.. we could win this War in the next two weeks.

Pray for me?

Next year we're stopping this before it starts, as soon as the weather warms, I'm going to be out treating the house, all dogs are going to be on Advantage if they live with me, I'm stocking my growing supply of bug-b-gone stuff (yeah sue me, I use chemicals to get rid of bugs) with flea killers, flea collars will also be in supply, to rest in my vacuum cleaners, as well as a ready supply of the Essential Oils.

If that doesn't keep them away, I'm moving.

"Natural Flea Solutions"

Things that Repel Fleas: IME

Lavender Oil (Sprayed this on myself frequently and wasn't bit until I stopped using it)
Peppermint Oil ( Sprayed furniture down with this, and left cotton balls with drops of the oil down in the cracks, seems to have worked great)

Killing Fleas

Diatomaceous Earth (FOOD GRADE!): So I actually caught a couple of fleas, bagged them and dumped this powdery stuff in there to see if it actually worked. I will admit to being a born skeptic at things I find on the internet. The fact is this, it does kill them.. BUT it took about two days. And I resisted the urge to squash the little buggers. Be Proud.

P.S.( I was hesitant to post about this at first, because I didn't want people to think...well whatever people will think..(aka judge) about me, but the thing is this.. they are bugs and invasions can happen to anyone. So judge away..in the mean time I hope maybe my woes helps someone else.. )

Is This Thing On?

2011-09-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

Random photo of my strawberry lemonade @ O'Charley's

In the weeks since I last blogged, much has happened, but obviously not enough to make me sit down and write about it. The truth is, now that I only have access to internet at work and school, I find having other "more important" things to do with my bits of internet time, than blogging.

I know.. I know, but such is life.

At the moment, I'm attempting to recover from the craziness that surrounds, our annual church camp-meeting. While it was a blast, the late nights (2-3AM) and bad nutritional choices I made (aka at least 1-2 soda's daily) are beginning to catch up with me.

Yesterday I got home from school, and slept for two hours, than turned around went to bed at 10:30PM. Today I woke up with a slightly sore throat, and runny nose.

Can I tell you guys something? I can deal with any other pain (sort of, kinda, not really) other than my throat. I hate, hate, hate sore throats.

In fact, its the only sickness that I will down all kinds of medication to make the pain go away. I've found out the hard way, you shouldn't eat cough drops like candy, and that if you don't aim those throat sprays right you can numb your tongue.. OH! And that they don't last very long.

So now I'm sitting at my desk, waiting impatiently for the clock to change from 4:32PM to 5:00pm, so I can get home and at least, feel the comfort of my home surrounding me.

Looks like Me + Water are going to get real close in the coming days.

Anyone got any tips for heading off colds/sore throats before they become major?

Internet..and Lack Thereof

2011-09-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

So its been over a week since my parents picked up and moved their internet miles away from me.
I'm surviving.
Barely.

The first couple of days were the hardest, I spent hours playing Diner Dash, Angry Birds and Spider Solitaire simply because my computers were there and I didn't know what else to do.

Pathetic really.

Then I decided I would cook something new.
Except all my recipes where on the internet.

Then I decided I would start thinking of things for my room.
But there was no internet.

Than I remembered I needed to see when my library books were due.
Oh wait. No internet.

Add something to my calender?
No Internet

Check out a video link someone sent me..
No Internet.

I think you can see where this is going; I quickly found myself increasing frustrated at how much of my life was on the internet.

So I did the only thing one CAN do when they are in a situation like this.

Cleaned my house.

Scrubbed my bathroom from top to bottom, cleaned most of my kitchen, vacuumed, and than packed up my laptop and went to Panera.

How COULD my parents do this too me!?

In other news:

Yesterday was my birthday.

I was sick through it.

"Its my party and I can cry if I want too..."

However my dogs were super nice to me, and didn't chew up anything, have any accidents or annoy me while I rested.

I fact..all of them SLEPT while I did.

This may not seem like a big thing to most of you, but if you know Rob, you know he doesn't just "sleep" in the middle of the day, for hours, all by himself, without a crate.

So this was a blessing in disguise.

Today, I'm still not feeling the greatest but am throwing the worlds best Pizza party at my house, or my neighbors house..(depends on which one's cleaner) and living it up.

Until 11PM, then I'm going to bed, cause I've got to work football tomorrow.

Bah-Humbug.

However, I can't deny the overtime will be music to my bank account.

$$$$$$$$KA-CHING! $$$$$

School is going great, love all my classes yada yada.

Bubbles

2011-09-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

I am one of those "people" who let their dogs sleep in bed with them. Not all three, of course.. I need to have somewhere to rest myself, but the dachshunds can fit comfortable, and don't mind me rearranging them in the middle of the night.

However, my oldest and I are going to be having a little "come to Jesus" meeting over this next week. Now I love Bubbles, whether those feelings are reciprocated is debatable (whoever said dogs love "unconditional is a liar. Plain and Simple..or only had labs). Bubbles is really my dad's dog, but since they really don't want to be bothered with dog care, she lives with me.

However, ever chance she gets, she's high tailing it to my parents house up the driveway. She could careless that she can't get on the furniture there, has no food up there, has no dog beds up there, her people are up there and that's where she wants to be.

What am I? Chopped liver?!?
Obviously not because she would be down here more that's for sure!

Anyway. Since she's gotten older, she has decided that she can afford to be catered too. (Probably because my family caters to her whims as well, not to mention that she can be obnoxiously persistent when she wants to be) This has manifested itself, in things like 4AM water runs (aka I get up, run to the kitchen fill a bowl of water, stand there and let her drink from the comfort of the bed, as otherwise I'd have to pick her up and put her on the floor, and then back on the bed and that's just too much work at that time in the morning.. and then crawl back in bed afterwards.) Not to mention her "early to bed, early to rise" motto drives me and Texas a little nuts.

SO WHAT If the alarms going off! GET BACK UNDER THE COVERS GIRL!

Since my schedule is changing to early mornings 5 days a week, not to mention weekends. (Urgh!) Sleep is valuable to me. So Bubbles will be sleeping in her crate at night. She has her bed and bowl of water at her disposal

And I'll have my sleep.

Cause that's what matters.

First Day: Fall 2011

2011-08-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

The Good:

Like all my teachers, have had two out of three instructors in the past and like them a lot!

I was on everyone's rosters which was a concern, as my financial aid hasn't come through yet..

New instructor is a very quirky, eccentric fun lady.

"Halfway through the class Rob stands up and shakes off. The teacher stops talking...peers around and asks "is there anything else alive in here besides us?"

I only have to buy books for "1" class, the others are "optional"!

All classes seem to fairly straight forward and "easy"

Only quizzes/tests in 1 class!

Have some old classmates in at least two of my classes

Having all classes in one
(two times a week)

Not having to rush home and than to work after class is done, or vice versa!

Rob did AMAZINGLY through the entire day.

The OK

Having some old classmates in one of my classes

The subject matter in one of the classes (very...Crass shall we say)

All in all, I think this will be a good semester!

Perhaps we will try the 4.0 thing?

Ack. I'm already getting panicky.

Never Mind.

3.9 than.

That's better.

The Weekend.

2011-08-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

I think this pretty much sums up my weekend.

Dogs + Water = Fun.

(and a slightly more-tired-than-usual-puppy)

Not to mention good times with old friends.

I love having friendships that pick up right where you left off.

Life as I know it...

2011-08-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the thing, I love my family you know? They're really great peoples once you get to know them. (ducks a shoe comes flying from nowhere) But here's the thing, we're not so great about the whole "communication" thing.

I don't tell them what I'm doing, they don't tell me what they're doing; and we're ok with that... except when things like this happen. (paraphrased a bit)

Me: So did you guys get a lot of stuff moved into the new house?
Them (one of them): Yeah all the beds are over there.
Me: Aw so are you guys going to spend the night over there now?
Them: YEAAAh...we kinda of don't have any beds at this house.
Me: Oh ok.
Them: We're going to have the internet guy come out Monday and hook that up.
Me: Cool. Me: ... Wait so that means you're shutting down the internet here? (which I'm stealing as I can pick it up all the way at my house) TOMORROW!??
Them: Um yess I think so.
Me: (note not yelling just a wee bit panicky) BUT..BUT..YOU'RE NOT EVEN GOING TO BE HERE FOR THE WEEK!?! (another suprise..they are going leaving town for the week)
Them: Oh! I'm sorry! I don't know what you're going to do.
Me: <gaping> What am *I* supposed to do?!

While I knew this was going to happen at some point, I didn't realize/no one informed me that they were moving for real, for real (they've been working at this for about a month or two now) this weekend or I would have........probably...done nothing since I'm flat broke (hence why the whole stealiage of the parental units internet).

What is the point of this post?
I know you're wondering, with good reason.

None really, more of just an this-cant-be-happening-right-before-school-starts-brain-dump.

If I go to school this semester.

But I'm not stressing about that. No Sirree.

Not stressed at all.

*whistles*

Back to the point though: I need my internet!! Honestly what else does one do with nothing else to do?

Read a book? Cook? Clean my house? Train my dogs? Psht. Parish the thought.

I'm going to bed.

Summers End

2011-08-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hi.
My name is Erin for those of you who may have forgotten me or what have you..
Can I possibly back out of this whole going to school thing?
I know it starts in two days..yes two days; on a SATURDAY...but surely skipping one semester will be ok?

I kid.

I'm ready to have that diploma in my hand, and do something else with my life.
Like go to this lovely university I work for.
Did I tell you guys I've already received my certificate in Basic Photography?
It wasn't great for my motivation.
Honestly, I wanted to grab that thing, and high tail it out of school, not looking back.
I have since, come to my senses and realize that I need to finish what I've started.

Cause I don't not finish what I start. Unless its absolutely necessary.

That's another thing I'm going to write in my "Erin's Attributes column".

Speaking of "attributes", my friend Rebekah, and I were musing on here we are, two amazingly quirky, crazy, fun, single ladies and "no one" knows much about us. I suggested we started just letting people know what our shining attributes are. I mean, otherwise they'll come up with their own opinions, which might be the wrong ones.. so why not give 'them' the facts straight up.

You know? So "they" know what they are getting into. #smirks

For instance..."people" pretty much think I'm only concerned about my dogs..admittedly I am quite passionate about dogs and training, which is to say that I do talk about my dogs/post stuff about training quite a bit.

Ok. A lot.

The alternative would be to complain about people, actions, relationship failures, etc..etc..

However, I'm think I need to spread a little bit more about myself out there as well...

Of course the idea is to get it out there as subtly as possible, because honestly we're not really...um... "looking" shall we say. Life is complicated enough already.

Randomly announce what you are good at on Facebook.
Create/Buy T-Shirts proclaiming your attributes

Push come to shove, just take out a wanted ad. But good luck. You never know what you might get!

These are just ideas of course.
If you try them (and they work) let me know!

However, now I've digressed so much that I have completely forgotten the point behind this post. So in conclusion, school starts in a couple of days and right now I am hoping that I'll be on that train.

Cause once again Financial Aid has failed me. Not really a surprise, but I was hoping I'd get through this semester drama free.

Alas it is not to be.

For once I'm not stressed about it, what's meant to be will be.

So I'll leave you, to get back to your weekend..heading over the mountain tomorrow to visit old friends and their dogs.. .:)

TATA!

Erin

P.S. ( Blogger now has predictive text? Can you say annoying?)

Ten on Tuesday

2011-08-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

1. What do you do for a living?
I am the web master/do-what-ever-they-tell-me/photographer/social media guru for a police department.

2. What’s your favorite thing about your job?
My co-workers and the flexibility of my schedule.

3. What’s your least favorite thing about your job?
Sitting in front of a computer for hours on end. I know I know..but it does get tiring after a while.

4. If you weren’t a ____________, what would you be?
Pet dog or Service Dog trainer. In professional capacity. I loved my year as one and miss it greatly.

5. What is something that you would love to get paid for that you think no one would ever pay you for?
...a professional photographer? Perhaps one day I will get paid for it, but sometimes it feels like a far away dream.

6. If you could have any job for exactly one day, what would it be?
One day, one job... I honestly have no idea.. what a tough question!

7. If you had to do manual labor, what would you do?
Manual labor, does cleaning dog runs/cages, picking up poop, scrubbing floors, mopping acres and acres of floors, doing load after load of laundry count? If so I'm quite alright with my desk job.

8. What is something you were forced to learn in high school that was supposed to be super important, but you never actually use?
Algebra. Honestly. They are still trying to force it down my throat in college and its still done me no good!

9. Who was your favorite boss? Why?
Current boss hands down. She is super flexible and understanding of my inabilities to remember things, and in return I do my level best to try and remember and write things down so she it doesn't wear thin. :))))

10. Where would you rather work: Dunder Mifflin Paper Company (The Office), Wernham Hogg Paper Company (The Office, UK), or Initech (Office Space)?

Um..??

I wish...

2011-08-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

.. I had an iPad.

Via

This is not a new obsession to say the least, if I could have every Apple Product and still be able to eat I would. But unfortunately pain wins. However, the discovery of Amazon's Kindle feature has ramped up that desire even more.

A blog I follow, posted a list of free books Amazon offered in their Kindle store and I, being curious and not able to resist free things, wandered over to the store. Found a couple that interested me and downloaded them and the app to my phone.

Though I am a "old school" feel the paper between my fingers, person, I have to say I LOVE being able to have my book(s) with me at all times; how over, the tiny (3 inches if that) screen of my phone is getting annoying to read on, I'm constantly swiping the screen, because of the small amount of text able to show at one time.

So the need to upgrade is obvious. I briefly considered the Kindle it's self, but I think the iPad would be more versatile and I'd be able to use it for its many other uses etc..

I'll just add it too my ever growing wish list....

Thinking....

2011-08-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

Its 11:00PM Friday night, I just got home from hanging out with friends...
In an attempt to be proactive I got online and started looking up classes that I need to take this semester.
Yes I know I've only got two weeks 'til school starts, but I did sign up earlier this year, however the payment date was yesterday, and I turned my financial aid information in ... today..

In an attempt to rectify my procrastination mistake in that I decided to see what I could/couldn't take this semester.

An hour later, my heart is pounding with a little bit of panic.

The available classes and times are all over the place. And the majority offered only at the campus furtherest from my house. 24 miles to be exact.

$$$$$$$$

In order to take a full load this semester my schedule would look like this:

M: (Work 4 hours) (School 2:00 -5:00PM) (Choir 6:30-8:00PM)
T: (School 9:10-10:30AM + 10:45-12:10AM) (Work 4 hours)
W: (Work 7 Hours) (Church)
Th:(School 9:10-10:30AM + 10:45-12:10AM) (Work 4 hours)
F: (Work 4 hours) (School 12:25- 3:25)

It would be a tight schedule on a "normal" basis...but the thing is, I have this dog. That's supposed to leave my house, by my side, in his yellow vest at LEAST five times a week. I should also mention, while this dog is welcome at my school, he's not welcomed at my place of employment.

Which means, that I would have to either go and pick him up before school, or drop him before I go to work. IF I I have the time, adding another seventeen miles to my already long trip.

So I've got some decisions to make.

Hard. Tough. Decisions.

Another thing, in the back of my mind is the idea that perhaps...after two years..its time for me to look at other job possibilities...ones more "friendly" to the idea of having a service dog in training with them, ones with benefits..one that is.. (dare I say it..) Full Time?

One that would allow me to continue to raise without strain..

Cause being a puppy raiser is my life. But at what cost?

That. Is the question.

A Letter

2011-08-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

Dear God,

Why can't I know my life's plan ahead of time? I mean honestly, it would be sooo much easier to know what I'm supposed to be, where I'm supposed to be, and why I'm doing it.

But I suppose that would mean I would be less, reliant on you, and more reliant on myself..

Oh.

Ten On Tuesday

2011-08-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

1. Mac or Windows? (Or Linux for you super geeks!)
Mac all the way Baby!

2. What drew you to that operating system?
I started using Macs in one of my Computer Art classes, then my grandmother purchased one for my high school graduation, so I've been a mac every since. :) Not to mention, ease of use, lack of virus's...etc..etc..

3. Mice – Wireless or Wired? Mouse pad or none?
I don't care honestly, and if the mouse will function without a pad than I don't have one.. other wise..well yes

4. Other than the Internet – What do you use your computer most for?
.....

There's another use for the computer beside the internet? Who knew. No I use it a lot of photo editing, digital scrap-booking, playing Age of the Empires, Spider Solitaire, .... (grins)

5. What’s one computer-related thing you wish you were best at? (CSS, Photoshop, Excel, etc.)
Being more proficient in HTML and CSS would definitely be high on my list. I started a degree in Web Design, switched to Photography and am wishing I'd stuck with the former longer..

6. Describe the first time you ever used a computer.
The.first.time. i...wow I honestly don't remember, I was like maybe 7-8? I ono.. :)

7. How often do you upgrade to a new operating system?
As often as I can get a free version. I've just now upgraded my Mac from Tiger to Snow Leopard, because a co-worker got it too me for free. Lemme tell you I wish I'd stuck with Tiger at this point. Why didn't anyone tell me SL was sooooo buggy!? I hate it! Waaaaah!

8. Are you a short-cutter (CTRL+C) or a right-clicker?
Short cuts all the way! I hate moving my hands back and forth between the keyboard and mouse (can we say lazy much?) so I'm all about my Command + <insert whatever>.

9. Is computer-use a constant thing in your life (such as using it both at work and home) or do you get a break (because you don’t use them at work)?
Up until recently, I pretty much lived on my computer, hours on at work, hours on a home, but I've realized there is more to life than my online-life (or lack thereof) so pretty much do everything I need to at work, and only play games at home.

10. Where do you think the world would be if personal computers did not exist?
We'd all be bored out of our minds.

Chapter 8 - August 2011

2011-08-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

Another chapter in the year 2011 has officially ended.

While not my favorite month of the year, the conclusion of this chapter, was very bittersweet. The long anticipated wedding, went perfectly, in fact its hard to believe its over.

The Wedding Recap:

Being an outdoor wedding, the weather was a big concern as the day progressed. Throughout the morning and afternoon, the sun had been shining, warming the area to an hair-puffing 96 degrees, however around 4ish, the clouds started to roll in, and thunder and lighting cracked through the skies.

I stared at the sky in horror...surely this couldn't be happening? Everything was set up! C was bound to be stressed about this, what about all the decor? The chairs? Sound equipment?

I needn't have worried, though the wedding site was located about two miles down from my home..it barely sprinkled, while we were drenched with torrents of rain!

Thank you God!

As one of the un-official photographers/baby-sitter I arrived an hour+ early to get ready. C was very relaxed and enjoying her day as queen of the manor. I believe a direct quote was: "People are actually listening to me and doing what I want! I like this!"

"Enjoy it while you can!" - was my reply.

Despite the drizzle to cool it down, the weather was still un-bearably hot, and I believe I stated these three words "Its soo hot" about 300 times as I monitored the little girls, who were handing out water and fans.

Then it was time to start...

I ran back in, to the air-conditioned dressing room to grab my cameras and went out to resume my duties as photographer...

Though, my sister and I watched most of the ceremony from the sanctuary of the air-conditioned dressing room (the windows looked out over ceremony), it was still very sweet. Of course D (C's Husband <-- Did I just write that!?) had to add some jocularity to the ceremony, but spraying breath fresher in his mouth, and sticking on some rubber lips before kissing her. (without the faux lips of course :)

My father (who was also the pastor) had to speed up the ceremony at one point, because it started to rain. By the time the guest were released to the reception area, it was coming down in earnest..though I didn't hear any complaints, probably due to the fact, everyone was soaked from sweat.

While D&C took their couple photos, we all descended on the food.

Chicken Salad, Pasta Salad, Broccoli Salad..and lots and lots of pies. So many people stayed up working on the food for this wedding and it was amazing.

Before we knew it, everything was over, and we were left with the clean up, and attempting to cope with the fact that our friend/sister/roommate had just left us. For good.

Reality Check

Though it took me a while to get on board with the whole 'roommate' deal; after a year of living together I have gotten used to having another person around.. in many ways, its helped me let go of some of my more...selfish ideologies, and thought processes...and in others it was nice to have a non-family member to talk to at the end of the day.

On the flip side..I'm not all that sad about not coming home to stuff piled around in my newly cleaned/straighten kitchen, living room or bathroom. However, having only myself to grumble at for the mess isn't as fun, as complain about someone else as you clean the moldy dishes etc..

But once I've finished gloating about not having to do x-y-z anymore. I still miss her. :(

Will there be another roommate in the future you ask? In a word? No.
Not unless I'm married to him.
And believe me when I say that's in the far future.

More on that in another post.

August 2011
I can't believe its August already!
School starts in 27 days...
Guess who didn't complete their FA forms by the deadline....
My birthday is in a month...<22!>
Summer is drawing to a close..
I can't believe its August already!

The End.

My Simple Things

2011-07-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Simple Things
This was one of those weeks,where finding the little things, that made me happy is a little difficult. Life is changing, for many in my inner circle, my roommate is getting married and moving away. My parents are moving away.. Loosing my free internet..(I know how selfish of me) I just left another job...Things that aren't really super stressful (well besides the wedding) but very emotion ridden.I don't want to even TRY To be happy.. but I can still be thankful..
I appreciate...
♥ Having at least one window air conditioner♥ Being able to have had 1 year with my roommate ♥ Knowing that she has a great guy to take care of her♥ Having my own car (Still can't believe its all mine!) ♥ Earning an extra $100 this week...♥ Sunshine ♥ Caffeine ♥ Doughnuts
What do you appreciate? Be sure to link up with Jessyln Amber!

A Post with a Point: Emotions

2011-07-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This post has a point. Hey! Don't look so shocked! I can do it when I set my mind to it!

It all beings with emotions:

Fickle things really, they come and go like the wind, one day you're happy, and then something happens to suck all that happiness away. I used to like to think of myself as an emotionless person, until I realized that no one is emotionless, but some just express them in different ways.

For instance, I'm not someone to cry at the drop of a hat,I don't get visibly agitated about events that upset me, I'm not going to stomp, yell, scream and curse when I'm angry, and very few things just make me giddy with happiness. For the most part I tend to be very low key in my outward expressions of emotions, (I like to blame my dad for this trait) but inside...I'm typically a roiling mess.

Like... Now.

Today was a very emotional day for me, Happy, Sad, Giddy, Melancholy, Upset, Stress..you name it, I felt it.

It started out this morning, with the realization that next Sunday I would be roommate-less.

The wave of sadness that swept over me, was startling, as it hit me this.is.our last Sunday together...

I think it startled me mostly because I didn't realize how attached I was to C. Sure we've lived in the same house for about a year and half now, but I don't think close would be us. We're more comfortable with each other and have gotten used to the presence of another in the house...but close? Not overly.

Didn't I expect to miss her? Sure, I guess I didn't realize how much of a role she played in my life, and I wonder if she knows how much either.

Than as the morning progressed, we went to church, and then home I suddenly realized that I would be expecting a phone call from Pompei's (4th puppy raised for the Guide Dog Foundation) new handler. Though eager to hear about Pompei, I was attacked by nerves at the prospect of speaking to a complete stranger for any length of time. I need'nt have worried, when the trainer from the Foundation called, the conversation flowed freely. Pompei's new handler is perfect for Pompei and I couldn't have asked for a better matched. Its funny since his partner sounds identical to my own grandfather, I know I've gained another friend through this organization. He wants to keep in contact with me, which makes me so happy as that's a big worry I have when sending my pups away. I don't know if I could handle not being able to hear something about my dogs at some point.

I ended the conversation feeling as if I could dance around the car. I cannot describe the feeling...

Knowing I was able to be a small part of increasing someone's freedom? Priceless!

I went back into the house and returned to my forgotten book, on a cloud of air.

After the evening service was over (though equally emotional in a good way) the girls decided to have one last "hurrah" with C and descended on Sonic's for an after church treat...

Along with half of the church...who "showed up".

I had fun, but something said so innocently stirred up a little bit of annoyance in me, that kept trying to grow, and at first I thought to confront the person about it, but quickly decided that it really wasn't worth starting an argument.

Than add a small child into a home with 2-not-really-small-child-friendly-dogs in the house, and the day was capped off with a cup of stress and slight frustration. It is clear to me, that at least one of my dogs will have to have passed on before I have any children. And since the likely hood of that event is in the far,far,futre.. we can rest a little easier and focus on managing our lives at present.

And on that note, I will end this day.... eagerly looking forward to what tomorrow brings...

Erin

PhotoBlog: Bunny Wabbits

2011-07-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

How cute is this? One of the guys mowing our "lawn" found him hopping along in the grass. He tried to move him out of the way, but the baby ran right under neath the mower... when the starting of the mower didn't scare the rabbit out, he had to hope for the best and pull off. Luckily the rabbit was un-harmed..so he picked him up and put him in the truck bed, so my vicious beasties wouldn't get a hold of him. (They have no calms about killing something cute.)

I'm sure the poor guy thought he was a goner for sure!

Tiny rabbit sits among ropes and tools in the back of a truck

Baby rabbit being held by a young child

Thoughtless Thursday

2011-07-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

There has been a little bit of thought put into this post...but not much.

I can't say absolutely nothing has been going on in my life, over the past few weeks..but when you have a public blog...there are just some lines I can't and won't cross, due to not knowing things.

You get my meaning?

It would make for fun reading, but the backlash would be kinda of harsh.

And I like people who like me.

*shrugs*

However this weekend was spent in hot, muggy, mosquitoes-the-size-of-quarters (NO LIE!) Forrest City Arkansas. If it weren't for this event, I could happily spend my days, never setting foot inside that specific city. I'll reserve judgement on the rest of the state. :)

The temperature never came out of the 100's and my poor car's A/C only cooled us down a piddling amount. However, in the instant we stepped inside a building, and especially inside the church building...I was freezing.

Seriously, there was no rest for the weary. Either you were too hot and sweat was running down your legs, or your were freezing and the sweat was cooling on your body.

Despite these natural complications, we still had a great time, learning more about God, and visiting with friends we hadn't seen in a while and meeting new ones.

Thankfully we made it there and back, with no car complications!

YES!

On the way there we stopped by Opryland Hotel in Nashville and walked around there for a couple of hours. :)

One of these days I'm going to stay here.

In other news...I started a Facebook Fan page for my...photography...business........and I may...be...looking...for some doggie models to help pad my portfolio....

*deep breaths*

To quote myself: "In a few weeks my life will do a whole lotta of changing that I'm not quite ready to face yet. Where is the pause button on this thing?!"

Happy 4th of July!- School House Rock

2011-07-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth! No big plans over here other than surviving the day. I've got several dogs to take care of so most of my day will be spent doing that, and playing with my own pups.
I hope you all enjoy your three day weekend celebrating this great country we live in!

Wooo! There's going to be FiRee WOrrks! :)

Words.

2011-07-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Its the way we communicate as humans. Without words we are lost. Isolated. Destitute.
There are so many words available to us to use. Some of the good, some of the bad, some helpful, others hurtful and degrading. Some are just down right trashy.

Words can get us into trouble, words can stress us out, words can get us out of scrapes and binds, and turn around and get us right back in them.

There is one word, in the English language, though, that I can't seem to use when I need it the most. Its a small word. But has so.much. power in my life.

What is this word, you ask.

No.

Well, actually, it depends.

If you are my sister, father, or brother, I have no problem using it.

"Erinnnnnnnn could you ___________??" - That would be my sister. Whiny tone, already I can feel the word "NO!" bubbling up in my chest.

"Erin, you need to get out here and clean up the yard______" - That would be my brother. Demanding. Expecting to be obeyed. Really. Who DOES HE THINK HE IS!??

Kids these days!

I include my father in there, though I rarely say "No" and mean it. Most of the time, I'll argue about it and the do it. Why do I do that? That tiny teen still hanging around inside me. I'll blame it on her.

Now if you are my mother, friend, or random co-worker type person....

Its a different story. I want them to feel like they can count on me to do things, even if it causes me stress.... so when I hear a question...saying "NO" is difficult, my mind is already racing around all the things THEY have to do, and if I don't take it, than they'll have to spend time looking for other people and I know if that were ME I would want someone who could just take that burden off of me quickly so....

"Sure...why not..."

Hours later.. I sit at my computer, staring at my google calender, wondering why on EARTH its so hard for me to say that teeny tiny word?

No.
No!
NOOO.

Yes.

Have you ever...

2011-06-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Had so much going on at once, that you didn't have time to stop, sit down, organize your thoughts and photos...and write a blog post? Yeah that's pretty much how life is at the moment.

The first week it was a new job, new dog + old problems.
Second week, is still new job, old dogs + their problems + VBS + New Drama.
The 3rd week it was the new job + care of three dogs + VBS recovery + Other Drama + Stress
Fourth Week, new job(s) (I work client to client) + plus one of my dogs is with someone else + recoverying from the stress of last week + lack of sleep...

I don't have any time! Gargh! However... as much as I thought I'd hate the ~~ridiculously~~ early hours of my new job, its not as hard as I thought it would be. Perhaps its just because I'm back to doing something I love again..(not that I don't love my other job, its just....I'll be there two years and its...well not as "challenging" as it once was, but its the best paying job I've had, and I love my co-workers so we'll be there until I graduate at least)

Clients dog worn out from our walk

These next two weeks will be incredibly busy. I look at my calendar and shudder sometimes....however I wanted something to do to keep my busy this summer...and I've got it!

I've also got some BIG decisions to make this week...< insert another shudder > its making me extremely nervous, and starting to stress me out some. And the idea of me stressing out is stressing me out more..(my body hasn't quite recovered from my last bout of anxiety...the thought of food is still making me nauseous. I have NEVER been so stressed as I was last week. I don't want to do that again.)

No food please!

Which means I have less energy, am more tired etc..etc.. BLAGHER. Can I please quit being a grown up now? Please???

Anyway, this is all to say, that posting will be spotty until school starts...(how ironic)...which probably means that I'll start posting more regularly. It always happens like that, so... until I write again!

Ta! TA!

Latest Obsession

2011-06-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

Via

I don't claim to have a green thumb, in fact, if you ask any of the plants that lived in my house of the last year, my thumb is pretty black. What can I say, plants would be so much eaiser to take care of if they were more demanding of me, that doesn't stop me from wanting more!

Besides, whats a easier way to decorate than with plants? Lots of green plants to hide the ugliness of my porch for instance...For me, plants help the outside of a house seem more inviting. There is something about a place without any plants that just seems...I don't know, cold...but that's just me. Sure my house is surrounded by trees, but ....no es lo mismo...

Knowing me, I've probably started too late in the season to actually have a nice looking "garden" but one can always hope right? I'd really like something with a lot of greenery that will stay year-round, and won't attract a lot of bees to the door I go in and of most. On the other side of my house, I'd probably do more flowering pots to hang off the side of the porch for instances.

We've already got a lot of wasps around that area anyway, what's a few more?

Lowes.com

Did I mention, I stepped on a bee Sunday? That was my first time being stung, and GOOD NEWS! I'm not allergic to their stingers!! However, who ever mentioned using Bread + Milk to get the stinger out..? THANK YOU!!

But I digress.

I'd really like to find some cool things to stick plants in. Chairs for instance or cooking pots ...or furniture...

This is probably one of those "good ideas' but never gets done things. I should add it too my 101 list that I'm currently revising....hehe.

When I mentioned this idea to my friend, she laughed. Hard. We'll just ignore her for now ok?

Life in Photo

2011-06-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

This week, I didn't start out to re-start my P365, but more so to use my camera again. I'd stopped using it, because downloading my photos onto my very.take-20-minutes-to-open-a-program-Mac was a

Sunday:

Monday: One of my favorite kids-to-photograph-ever.

Tuesday: The Plan: Get up early, get Rob out of the house, do some shopping, return before 12:00pm, drop of said dog, leave for Jobs 1+2, then come home get the dogs out of the house before it was time for VBS Play practice.

What really went down: Got up llaaate, got the dogs some playtime in, food in their bellies and jetted for work. Bought lunch, worked both jobs, stopped by a shoe store on the way home, decided to go ahead and fill up my car ($31 woooo!) and pick up some groceries. The rest of the night went as planned, but my poor to-do list is getting longer and longer.

Wednesday: I woke up with the odd dream I had replaying in my head. Have I ever mentioned that I'm not a morning person? Only about 1,324,234,575 times you say? Hmmm.. Well needless to say, getting up and "gettin stuff done" once again, did not happen. I really wanted to go to the Farmers Market this morning, just to go but...perhaps another day then.
As I was returning from Job #2, I couldn't resist snapping a photo of the doodles on the side of this abandoned costume shop.

Friday: My sister is constantly pestering me to take more photos of people and my family, so I was surprised she eagerly got ready for an impromptu photoshoot. These two were my favorite from our time. Both very natural, very Kristen. :)

Saturday: We said good-bye to our fourth family member....she visited with us for the week while her family was out of town. Sweet little pup but Ka-RaZy while at my house. :)

The Trouble with Cars....

2011-06-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

Why my new car just might get me into trouble:

I've always joked the reason God has only allowed me to drive...clunkers/older almost clunker cars is for my own good. Its not secret that I ~~don't~~ didn't really enjoy driving, and liked to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

However despite my many run-ins with the local police department (from the frequent fender benders I find myself in...that were not.my.fault) I have only got one speeding ticket in four years, and have never driven as fast as I was driving on that day. (because THAT was one fiasco I NEVER want to go through again) However, I have been cited at least twice for not having up-to-date registration or proof of insurance in my fathers vehicle, which cost me a pretty penny.

I haven't gotten my registration and insurance card for my car just yet, so when I climbed into Miss Belle yesterday afternoon, I sent a silent plea to God, to help me make it to work without an accident or being stopped by the police. Those may have not been my exact words, but the jist was the same.

Did knowing I could be cited for driving, lets just say, "illegally" cause me to be more cautious when driving down a hill-y(?) road, on which I have seen at least one police officer on? Nope. And did I have a moment of panic when I came over said hill (60 in a 30. HEY I was going down hill!) and saw a police officer sitting on a side street. Um...Yes! I, like everyone else, hit my breaks and slowed down to may be 50mph, and coasted on past...nothing happened.

Then he pulls out.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.NO.NO.NO.NO.
Nothing happens.
Ok mabye I just wasted a panic.

I get to the stop sign and there goes the lights.
I put on my turn signal and pull into a church parking lot.
I return to panic-but-there-is-nothing-I-can-do-now mode.

Mind you, I just got this car Friday so I don't have Proof of Insurance or Registration in my car. The last two times that happened, I forked over two hundred dollars in fines over to the county. Not to mention the sixty dollars to get my dad's registration renewed.

So you can understand a little of my panic as he slowly approaches my car.
And.
Asks.
For.
My.
Drivers License.

THAT.IS.ALL.

He goes back to his car, runs my name/number, finds nothing, comes back and lets me go with a WARNING.

I would have jumped out of my car and hugged him, if I weren't afraid of being arrested for assaulting a police officer. Not one question in regards to my registration or proof of insurance. I was in a state of shock, happy, but still shocked that I'd just dodged a major bullet.

Apparently God was looking out for me, despite my stupidity!

....Recap: May 2011

2011-06-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

May 2011

First off, would someone PLEASE tell time to slow down just a little? Blink and half a year is almost come and gone. I wanted this year to be one of personal growth, and I think I'm definitely getting a work out to be sure.

I learned I could try harder, I learned that sometimes MY best isn't good enough, I've learned that some decisions need to be thought through a little more throughly before they are made.

This month, my third semester at PSTCC ended badly. Something I haven't yet revealed to my parents; I'm already pretty disappointed in myself, and I can't handle anyone else being disappointed in me as well. Yes I had some adversities this semester, but I have every semester since I started. Either I've got to put up, or shut up. and I'm not ready to "shut up" just yet.

Change majors? Perhaps. I'm toying around with going back and finishing up what I started in the web design field, but haven't decided just yet.

This month, I learned patience.
This month I learned, that no matter how much I stressed and worried over a situation it ultimately wouldn't change the out come. Especially since it was out of my control.
This month, I learned that stressful situations are so much easier to handle, if you just cross bridges when you get there.
This month I learned, I really really really really really really dislike calling and forcing people to do their jobs.
This month I learned God's grace is sufficient.

This month, I sent out my resume's looking for part time work and found it. (Score!)

This month I was able to get 20 hours of over time in..which is really good considering my job position. (Double Score!)

And lastly, this month I became a new car owner. (Triple Score!)

Next Month I hope too:

Exercise More (Family Quit snickering!)
Eat more Vegetables
Drink More Water and less Soda
Get my Teeth looked at/fixed (yiikes)
Get all three dogs out of the house once a week. (Think 2- 2year olds and a 10 year old. Craziness)

June's "Splurges:

New Shoes! $60.00 of awesomeness.

Alright. I'm done.

Weekend Recap: May 21st

2011-05-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

So lets rehash last weekend. That would be May 21st, I believe. Three of my childhood ~~friends~~...frenemies had invited us back to NC to watch them graduate from high-school and to go white water rafting. I'd originally agreed to raft, but once I found out there were was a crowd going,and I'd be stuck in the middle of the boat, I decided that Rob and I could hang out on the shore. That and I'd have to convince my family to squeeze Rob in the car when they came over that evening for the graduation if I left him at home. That wasn't going to happen.

So despite working all day Friday (12 hours) with Rob in tow mind you, and then going out with friends until 10ish..

the thought of getting up at 6:30am the next morning, simply so I could "chaperon" was NOT something I was looking forward too.

Despite going to bed at 3:00am, I was pried myself out of bed and into some clothes by 6:50am. Did I sleep on the two hour trip over, you ask. Not hardly! My sixteen-year-old sister thought this would be a great time for her to practice driving, and there was no way I could relax enough to sleep during that experience! I will admit she's no a horrible driver...but still an inexperienced one....

Anyway...

We arrived safely and everyone loaded up and headed to the river.

Rob and I hung out on the shore, soaked our toes in the icy river and sunbathed on the docks. When our peaceful respite was interrupted by 15 or so kayakers stopping to bail water, we hiked back to the car and attempted to find another people-less spot. Unfortunately it was not to be so Rob and I continued down to the "mid-way" point.

Rob resting after his mad dash in the river

Once there, we heard that there had been an injury in one of the boats, and one the 12-year-old boys in our group was taken away by a Sheriff... the question then was, who would get him and what would be done about it. I Volunteered to go to the end and sit with him, until the rest of the group caught up, but it was decided that I should not only get him him, but take him home. 1.5 hours away.

You can imagine I was thrilled, but I had opened my big mouth; so I loaded Rob up and flew to the end of the route. Once there, no one, knew anything, about anything.

"Boy? Cut Hand? ....ummm.....Brian Have you heard anything about an injury? You say he was with our company?"

Yeah. So I wound up making the trip all the back to the beginning of the river, just to find out that he'd been sent to an unknown Hospital. Since my entire group was on the river, getting in contact with them via cell phone was not going to happen; and the LAST thing I wanted to do, was be the one to break the news to his parents. *shudders*

Somehow, someway everything worked out, we found out where he'd been taken and one of the parents in the group, loaded up their vehicle and flew to the Hospital, while the rest of us got some food and moseyed on back to town.

The rest of the night was pretty much a blur, a nice blur, but a blur all the same... mainly because most of my attention was on my furry delinquent child, who was tired and pitching a fit every chance he could get.

But congrats to Devin, Patrick and Willie!!!

I apologize for my dog barking through some of your slide show.

The Graduates. Fun thing about being home-schooled is you get to create your graduation

My word I really should stay out of the sun. I don't "tan" well apparently.

Other peeps. Friends. Sisters. etc.. :)

Peeps

Hellooo

2011-05-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

Its almost 2AM and I've just arrived home from working Destination Imagination. A solid 8 hours under my belt for the evening. And I figured I'd still make and attempt to keep this blog updated, while I decide when/where/why/who/what I am doing with this here bloggy.

I have a new car.

YES!

I still can't believe it myself. I think her name will be Belle. We shall see.

I have a second job. Or will as soon as I get all the paperwork and etc taken care of.

I have been working overtime on my first job. (See above)

I have been lazy. Its summer. I'm allowed too. :

More on last weekend and etc later. I'm too tired to think straight at the moment.

Where Do I Go...

2011-05-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

So I'm between a rock and a hard place.

I am the unfortunate author of six different blogs, ranging from photography to my dogs....(this is after I did a lot of consolidating mind you)

However, I'm just.not.feeling this particular blog to be honest. I don't feel like it is an accurate representation of me...who I am but more of a recent events in the life of Erin, type thing.

On this date...this happened.

Its just I don't want to put things out there, that might come back to bite me later on... so I try to keep it very...light-hearted/life drama only things, and keep everything else under wraps... but sometimes you just want to TELL SOMEONE...just to get their opinion ya know?

Thinking of joining the Anonymous blogging...

But then if you guys knew it wouldn't be anonymous than would it?

Mental Funk

2011-05-23T19:19:00.001-07:00

A friend of mind, "kindly" posted a video of someone jumping to their death on Facebook. I knew it would send me into a funk, but I couldn't stop myself from watching, hoping, wondering someone or something would stop this. After all who was standing their video taping this person's anguish? I can still see the guy climb up onto the railing and let himself fall into the sky.

I wonder how someone can get to the point where their life means absolutely nothing to them. It makes me wonder if there was anyone out there who was searching for him, wondering about him, panicking at the thought of him causing him physical pain.

Of course I'm kind of depressed for the rest of the evening, my heart is heavy as I know he's not the only one out there, but what can I, one small person in this great big universe do?

I can pray, and hope that if I every come across someone in the balances, that I will have the courage to step up and say something.

I can't imagine.......

Hello Bloggity!

2011-05-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Erin
Erin is
Erin is tired
Erin is tired of waiting
Erin is tired of waiting for the paperwork from the bank.

Why?

Because
Because without
Because without that
Because without that they won't
Because without that they won't give her the check, to give to the dealership.

(yeah ok that didn't work so great)

I, like everyone else, hate waiting for things. Especially when I've already created a time line of how things should go in my mind. When I spotted "my" car on Saturday afternoon, I just felt that I'd finally found the car for me, and I needed to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

There was six *I's* in that last sentence.

I figured if I could get my parents out to look at it on Monday, I might be driving home with said vehicle on Tuesday at the latest. I had everything laid out...

Yet here we are Tuesday...a week later, and don't feel like we're any closer to getting it than we were last week. I have to believe that if it will work out, things will fall into place..and considering my track record with large things, its not a surprise. Unfortunately that doesn't keep me from stressing about it.

Right now we are waiting on some paper work from our credit union, that was supposed to be here...Saturday.

Now, let me just insert here, that I have NOT been impressed with the customer service with this place. I used them because, my parents have bought every car through them, over the years, and it was suppsedly "quick and easy" because knew them.

In a nutshell, these people are very slow when dealing with ME.

With my parents? Two days, in and out.

But when I talk to the loan officer, I get the condescending, "Oh I know you're young, so this is how its going to go..." tone. I don't get called back when I leave messages, and I have to call multiple times before I can speak with the only loan officer there.

My mother was not happy about that treatment so she decided to call, and low a behold.. I got a call back!

Anyway, Monday they "supposedly" sent out the information, via two day air. (Why they didn't just fax it, I don't know) Thursday, still nothing. After calling about five times, we finally agreed to put more money down, so that my monthly payment would be smaller. (Thanks Mom, Dad!)

So guess what that meant? Time to adjust the paperwork all over again! I literally could have cried, but was willing to give them at the CU the benefit of doubt.

Well here we are Tuesday afternoon. Still no Package.

So I call him.

Voicemail.

And call him again.

"Hi we were wondering when the paperwork was scheduled to arri.."
(cuts me off) "Oh today or tomorrow morning ok? Than.."
"Oh ok, well have you spoken with the dealership? We dont' want them to sell the car out from under us"
(chuckles) "Yes of course, they know things are the works ok? We'll talk at you later"

My own dear mother went into Mama Bear mode, and immediately called him back. Now my mother is a very meek and mild person, but she can get her point across..that and she has the advantage of being a mature adult.

Not saying that I'm not mature, but he's not going to talk down to her.

Argh!?

Had I known it would take this long, I would have started the process first thing Monday morning, but ...you know God knew this would happen, so I've just got to let it go and ride the waves as they come.

Question of the Day: If my friends go Whitewater Rafting this weekend, should I put my intense fear of water aside and go as well, or do like I did last year and hang out on the banks of the Nantahala... (which I didn't mind at all, I mean afterall...who would there be to take photos?! :)

Memories on Mothers Day

2011-05-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday i came across a channel on YouTube called Story-Corps. The videos were animations of peoples memories, that they had recorded at Story Corps, one of my favorites of the whole series, was this one by Joshua Littman and his mother Sarah.

I LOVED the idea behind Story Corps and have been inspired to do my own, with my own family if I can. That would make an AMAZING mother's day present.
(For next year)
(without the cool animations)

Anyways it got me to thinking of different memories I have of my mom growing up.....
Looking back at the "ripe old age" of 21, I wish I could have appreciated my mother a little more growing up, I wish I hadn't been so stubborn/rebellious, I wish I would have pitched in more...

Having my own house and living things to take care of, I suddenly realize what a big job having SIX children was, not only that, but caring for the house, and homeschooling all.of.us.

And honestly homeschooling with her was a lot of fun, we watched Tadpoles grow into frogs (and then die from the worms that were in the dirt we placed with them) on our kitchen counter....

We captured at least one Praying Mantis a summer, to feed and care for. We even had a fish or two..(who also promptly died.)

I can remember one time, when I was 8 or 9, she woke us up excitedly one more, telling us to hurry and get dressed, as there was a surprise waiting outside. At this age, the desire to have a dog was an all consuming thing, and since she didn't give us any other hints as to what the surprise was, all I could think of was we had gotten a new puppy!

I can remember being soo excited that my fondest wish had come true, and couldn't believe we had to eat BREAKFAST before we could go see what it was.

I can still feel the crushing disappointment I felt, when mom excitedly showed us the seeds we'd planted a couple of weeks before, were starting to poke through the dirt. It wasn't until years later, that we told her why our enthusiasm didn't match hers.

The thing that impresses me most about my mother, is that she never complained about us kids. Never. At least not in my presence.

As a more mature teenager, adults seemed to forget my age when they started spouting off about their own kids. I heard so many parents complain and gripe about their kids, then follow it up with an "Oh but I love them"... yes I can tell by the way you are disrespecting them, and their privacy by airing their dirty laundry to the first willing ear.

I've seen other parents, be little or talk down to their children, or play the favorites card, or be downright hateful to their kids...in the name of parenting.

My mom (and Dad) never did that; sure they had rules and restrictions we were expected to follow, but they treated us with respect...even when we really didn't deserve it.

I appreciate that soo much now.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!

My Aunt, Grandma, and Mom

And Today.

2011-05-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Summer Vaca: Day 3

Today my friend Rebekah and I went and looked for cars.

......and I think I may have found IT!!!

Taking the 'rents back to look at him/her on Monday and perhaps make a purchase then as well!!!

Of course I may very well be jinxing myself, but you know if not, I've waited this long I can wait some-more.. (all though I'm really, really, really,really,really,really,really,really tired of waiting..)

I does has some hail damage but its so minimal, you can't even tell...and its in my price range!!

*deep breaths*

I can't wait for Monday!

2004 Pontiac Vibe

In other news: The grading system in schools is waaaaaaaaaaaaay overrated. That is all.

You Know what??

2011-05-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

The best part of living by myself...?

Getting to eat whatever I want..when I want.

For instance...the other morning, I wanted to eat four waffles instead of the customary two...and I did!
Other times, I might want to eat my dessert twice or three times during the day, (one per meal you see) and I can!
Today for instance I wanted to eat TWO Ice cream bars, and I could!

If I were at home, do you know the UPROAR that would be caused?! You would think my siblings had the worlds greatest amounts of self control for the squawking that would go on.

autumn and i four years ago...she was 5?
Also could some please tell me I look older than 16 now?
I was 16 here..I don't stillll look this young right!??!

"Did...did you just eat FOUR WAFFLES!? MOOOOOOOOM, DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY WAFFLES ERIN JUST GOT!?!! (as if my mother could/would do anything to me at this age haa)

What they really mean is:

"YOU JUST ate FOUR waffles, meaning I HAVE to eat only TWO, and that is NOT FAIR!"

Yeah. As if I was going to share "MY" food with them in the first place!? Really!?

Funny thing is, my nine-year-old sister, still thinks the 'rents care that I what I consume....

Actually I take that back.

My mom would definitely have something to say about that, and my father would want to know if it was there food. Other than that they wouldn't.

Eh.

What they don't know won't hurt them...

Right?

haha my brothers four years ago. MAN they were cute back then.. :)

April 27, 2011

2011-05-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

It started as another typical Wednesday morning. My alarm jars me a awake, and I push through the sleep induced brain fog, to solve the math problems that will give me 10 more minutes of blessed sleep. 15 minutes later, I force myself to slide out of bed, as I realize I now ONLY have ten minutes to get dressed, let the dogs out, feed them, crate them, do my hair, gather my supplies, and get to work at a reasonable time.

I noticed it was really warm for 7:40am...

As usual, I dawdled a *little* and made it work 5ish minutes late. On the way over, our local radio host did bring up the possibility of sever thunderstorms later on throughout the day, which, of course, filled me with *joy*.

Rainy days + Three dogs + Finals = Miserable me.

I was shocked, when the Chief of our department, sent out a campus wide alert, about Tornados being spotted about sixty miles away. My first thought was: "Really? Its SIXTY miles away, why are we worried?" But I did get out and go into another room, to see what the Weather Channel was proclaim. Satisfied that we were just under Thunderstorm warnings, I went back to work.

In fact when I left two hours later, the sun was shining, the birds were singing..(and it was hot as all get out) which quickly lulled me into a false sense of security.

Oh those weather men. What do they know with all their radars and fancy equipment....

I thoroughly enjoyed a day of procrastinating, on the porch with a book, soaking in all the sunshine I could get, before laying down for a "quick nap". I don't normally take naps,but up with finals, you need all the rest you can get. It was during my repast that the rain started. First heavy, the lightening up when it came time for me to, once again, pry myself from the depths of my mattress and make hurry to class.

I skipped out early, since all they were doing was watching our final Powerpoint presentations, and because the weather reports were starting to turn dire.

And because I didn't have my laptop with me..

As I was driving home, is when we started getting Tornado warnings for surrounding counties..the rain was coming down in sheets, lightning cracked across the sky, starting fires.. and I was starting to get a little nervous. They don't get Tornados around here..right?

It was around 8:00pm when the storm hit full force, my family, and friends were all in church when we heard the "THUNK". I had just gotten an update from Twitter that a funnel cloud had been spotted, about 30 miles away...and the only thing I could think was, the winds were so strong, it was blowing debris around. A few second later there was another THUNK, then with a roar, the HAIL came down with a vengeance. Our speaker who has a very loud voice, was yelling as he prayed for our safety.

Children were freaking out, and some even dove under benches. All I could think about was, one the cars getting PUMMELED and my poor puppies all alone at home.

Five-extremely-long-minutes later, the hail slowed down, and we all poured outside to see the damage.

Golf Ball sized hail

Golf Ball Sized Hail on the Ground

Of course all the cars had poc marks, and broken glass..but a couple were completely missing windshields.
The wind and lightning were crazy, at this point, so my father sent everyone on home... However I was far from ready to turn in for the night. At this point we were getting tornado warnings, and all I could do was pray that we wouldn't actually get one, as I knew our trailer would not be the place to be.

My roommate and I finally convinced ourselves, to abandoned ship (and TWO of my puppies!?!?!) and go hangout with her sister and roommate, in their slightly more solid structure...at this point, the Tornado warnings had stopped coming for our county, but were still every 2-3 minutes for outlying counties.

If this had happened during the day, there would be some small measure of safety in being able to see, but not being able to see, or know really what was going on was terrifying.

At 10 pm, the warnings for our county started back up again, and all four of us, abandoned the house, and moved up to the church cafeteria, as it had no windows and was more stable than any of the four houses on our property. At this point, I made my friends help me gather up my other two, (having three dogs is kinda of a pain in times like these...) and we all migrated up to the cafeteria, where the rest of my family sat listening intently to the radio.

Our Neighborhood Storm Shelter

We stayed up there for about another two hours, loosing power once, before calling it a night. Or morning. I stayed up for another TWO hours AFTER that, as lets face it, the warnings had ceased but the storm was still raging around us. I was NOT about to wake up, to my bed floating around in a dark swirling cloud. Could you imagine sleeping on wet pillows?

When we got up the next morning, the sun was shining the birds were singing as if nothing had every happened. Yet mentally we were all still reeling.. reading my twitter feed, I wanted everyone to stop and mourn with us, however life goes on... I feel for those in Alabama who got the brunt of the storm.

Hail Damage to my parents car..and I don't have one. Woo!

I'm thankful God saw fit to spare us, and all of our Alabama friends...

I was walking back to my house the other day, and looked all the trees surrounding my humble abode. Not one of them even bent during the storm. That my friends, is God's mercy, as right down the street a huge tree was UP ROOTED.

Makes you look a life a little differently...

Erin Un-Cut:This Week

2011-04-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

Ramblings through out the day

April 27, 2011

I have consumed almost 3 liters of Dr.Pepper in the last three-four days. #FinalsWeek
RT @foulknews: Tornado Watch issued for Knox and area counties
I love the owls on this dog collar. pinterest.com/pin/16907104/
RT @foulknews: alert: FROM WOKI:Obama set to present birth certificate in news conf. this hour. Live on Newstalk 98.7 (foulk)
Trump callin out the press...
Well. That happened.
I can't say that I've missed the political heckling on my twitter feed
Hurrying home while the sun is still shining. #thunderstormwarning
WHoa. an iron with a digital display? Where have I been? picplz.com/Swq8
The water I required to drink before I get more soda. @abbyleighanne picplz.com/SwNK
I'd been home for and hour+ before Rob whimpered a little to let me know he was there
I thought he was with my sister is why I didn't check his crate. #sillypuppy
Just read another account of someone 'flipping' their dog in order to 'show em his place'. People please DON'T DO THAT!! It does more harm long term than good.
RT @thinkgeek YOU GUYS. Promise us if you're ever this close to a tornado you'll seek shelter: twitpic.com/4q93rs We ♥ you too much.
Watching our final presentations. YEah I'm totally reading a book.
I love rainboots. picplz.com/SLZW
I Wuvs him. picplz.com/S4Rq
More hail really!?!?!
Praying the Tornado passes by us. Especially living in a mobile home. #fb
Tons of hail damage to the car s though. Thankfully for once I don't have one. Stay Safe #knoxville!
Freaking out a little over here. Just a little.
Camped out with our neighbors who have a actual house. All quiet now. #notacomfort Warnings lasting till 1am. #scared
Ha ha two of mine are crated for the night. RT @jennyanne Quick doggy pee run before the next wave hits!! Wicked lightening #yesisaidwicked
My thunder-storm-scared dog is sleeping so I'm taking that as a good sign....she was pacing prior to now. Other dogs could careless
Power out in east Knoxville. Yay.
RT @wivkjimmy WIVK and WOKI are the only radio stations covering this storm fulltime. Local radio for the win!!!!!
Power came back YAY!!
Waiting out the storm picplz.com/SHdl
Rob chilling while the rest of us freak. Lol. Worst is behind us picplz.com/SHsR

April 28, 2011

Survived my first Tornado/Thunderstorm Extraordinaire. For once I'm thankful to not have a car. However buying one in the near future will probably be a pain around the #knoxville area.
I suppose going to bed would be a prudent thing to do, however despite almost getting taken out by a Tornado, I'm pretty sure PSTCC will demand us to finish our finals tomorrow. Grrrrrr.
Rain starting up again...
Is 2am too late to eat ice cream?
And the rain rain rain comes down down down. Again.
And I'm the only one awake. Um............................................
Our car has the chicken pox picplz.com/Svs7
OH help I lost part of my torso picplz.com/Svlm
Wow. RT @6News: Tornadoes devastate South, killing at least 248 wate.tv/3BN
Ugh. I hate birds. And especially dead birds falling out of your puppies mouth.
Rob, Bubbles and I are all fighting for space on the heating vent. Yes I said heat. Have you been outside lately? #whatisupwiththisweather
i'm winning cause the cold-blooded mammal in the room. ha

April 29, 2011

Sooo who got the honor of photographing the Royal Wedding?
Its like Disney in real life! #royalwedding
The hats in the crowd are....spectacular! #royalwedding
Please tell me this is not real...please? Someone? gigglesandcutiepumpkinsphotography.blogspot.com/
Ok that threw me for a minute..i'm like why are they singing an american anthem? #royalwedding..but I GOT IT people. I got it
So when I get a million dollars can I have a wedding like this? #royalwedding.. Without all the singing though....
Can I cry now? #royalwedding #idontcryatweddings
Royal Wedding Crazy Hats - ABC News t.co/keVu00A via @pinterest
Awwww. I want to have a wedding...without the getting married part though. lol #tooyoungforthat
RT @laurenabarlow: I want to go to a royal wedding. Just once.Just so I can wear some crazy huge hat that will block everyones view of the wedding..
yfrog.com/h803xij - Tons of Dogs for the Pompsters to be playing with but he's happily getting love from the humans. I miss that dog.
So the Fur-Kids got quite a few new toys today...Thank you Easter Clearance sales...
This is CREEPY!! |You Are Not a Photographer j.mp/gnFml

Saturday, April 30, 2011

The hypnotic power of Tomorrow. Tonights Message. Powerful, Thought Provoking.
We all get so caught up in the thought that there WILL be a tomorrow for each of us..when in truth we don't know that.
As if WE have ANY control over when that may or may not happen. Especially in light of these recent disasters..#putsthingsinperspective
All we have is today. What are you doing with it?
RT @ClarenceHouse The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge depart Buckingham Palace the morning after their wedding twitpic.com/4rdsfs
Math final done. For the win.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are lucky to be able to avoid all the ridiculous family photos that come after weddings. #rw2011
And in other news that last tweet was not fact. #rw2011

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The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

If you'd asked me about the Royal Wedding a couple of weeks/days ago, my response would have been I could have cared-less. Its not that I didn't wish the Royal couple well, but I honestly had other "more important" things to think about. Such as..finals, and etc..

However, I couldn't resist the temptation to look at the highlights on YouTube, after seeing my Facebook and Twitter pages full of Wedding Watchers...

Four Hours later, I'd not only looked at all the highlights, I'd seen the re-broadcast of the entire wedding, the engagement pictures, the interview prior to the wedding, and "live" texted it too my friend, who was working...like I was doing...in between songs. lol.

Really the songs were....long, and frequent. What was up with that!

It was like something out of a Disney movie in my opinion, the carriages, the finery, the pomp and circumstance, her dress!

I wonder how much the Royal Couple had to say in the wedding ceremony, itself, or if it was a "traditional" royal wedding...whatever that might be...:)

Of course, there were haters.. "This money could have been used to help the poor", "I don't get the big deal about the wedding".....yada yada. I smile and shake my head at those sad, bitter people. Just because YOU don't have that much money...

I mean, really do you honestly believe those same people would "SHARE" their wealth if they had it?

Anyway, it was nice to have HAPPY to tweet/talk about versus all the Tornado's, destruction, and loss of lives that's happened in the last couple of days...but more on that later.

I mean really, how many times does a girl get to marry her Prince?

I just want to wish The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge a happy life together....

Miscellany Monday: Bullet Points Ad Nauseam

2011-04-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

Its Monday (barely) so I, once again, have a valid excuse for being my normal random self. So lets start at the beginning shall week.

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood.....

Its was about 1:00 pm when we first heard the sirens. It wasn't the typical long drawn out wail, but more of a "whoop-whoop" every couple of minutes. I was standing on the porch with my neighbor-friends at the time, and walked into the yard to see if we could see anything. Not seeing a single car on the road, we resumed our conversation...only to interrupted again. This went on for another 30 minutes, at 5-10 minute intervals, before I went back inside. A couple of hours later I was back at their house, and this time we could see police cars pulled up to a house a couple of houses down. We mused to ourselves a bit, but its not unusual to see the police at that house (we thought) and we went on about our business. Rob and I went to class, had a perfectly horrid time, (ah life with baby-puppies) and left class early before they kicked us out. As we were drew closer to my house, I noticed the police cars were NOT lined up at the house we originally assumed but at the nice neat house next to it. (Ah lack of zoning laws. Gotta love it) I tucked that little nugget and went home to get ready for Church that evening. (So ok this was Wednesday) When the police were STILL their after Church got out around 8ish..9ish..who knows, we knew this wasn't a robbery or domestic violence case. And as it turns out we were correct, though it took a while to get the story arranged right, the news reported the bodies found, two houses down from my own humble abode, were from a murder and suicide. Apparently this couple hadn't been getting along for years, and one stabbed the other and then the murderer overdosed on drugs.

Honestly its extremely sad, I mean how do you get to the point where you are SO un-happy with your life and with your companion that you are willing to let yourself do something so heinous?

So that was the drama of last week.

In less Tragic News...

I have decided that there are some foods that just aren't "left-over meal" materials. Coming from a family of eight, you are conditioned from a young age to make large portions of everything. Moving out on my own, I quickly realized that I could NOT eat as much as I was used to making, and just how I could NOT eat the same thing seven days in a row. My already picky menu decreased several notches during my first year on-my-own.

Box or Stove Top Macaroni & Cheese (as of this week I've thrown out two containers. It jus doesn't re-heat good at all. blegh. Puke. gag.)

Baked Mac & Cheese is doable.

Fresh Salsa (it just is weird. Believe me Probably the lack of preservatives etc..)
Homemade Burgers (dry out really easily.)

Restaurant Burgers are ok.

I'm sure I'll think of others, but at the moment I could throw all of the above out of my fridge and not blink twice about it. However I hate, hate, hate, wasting food/money so I'll force it down. As long as it doesn't have any green fuzzy decor.....

My wish list is getting longer by the day.....

At number one we have a Piano... if you don't know, I've been playing this lovely instrument since I was six? Took 10 years in lessons, can play fairly well by ear, and I reguarly play at church yada yada yada. However, lack of practice does not a good pianist make; not having a piano where I can practice easily isn't good. So I'm looking for either a nice studio upright piano like my parents have, or even a spinit. I would Loooooooooooove to have a Grand or even a Baby-Grand. I would literally die. I used to ask my parents for one, and could never understand why everyone died laughing at my suggestion. I mean yeah I know you guys said it cost a lot, but I was thinking in the $2,000-5,000 range. That was until last year, when my friends and I decided to walk into a piano store.

Um...those things are like $35,000.

And that's the CHEAP ones.

Could have knocked me over with a feather.

So I'll settle for even a nice electric piano.
However a car comes first.

Next would be New Glasses

Our local mall has a Eye-Docter/Lens/Glasses whatever and the current deal is $20 eye exam and buy one get one free on their glasses. Any brand. Having worn my current pair for iono four years now? Its time for some new ones. I also want some fashionable prescription sunglasses so I can look "cool" like everyone else. haha. I wanna a complete change from what I have currently, but am scared to commit my money towards such a venture at the moment.

Studio Lights ( I know, I know, not the "correct" terminology but you get the gist of it)
Canon 7D or Sony Alpha 850

Yeah. When I'm rollin in the big bucks

Another 50mm, 24-70mm, 70-400mm, 35mm, *sigh*
Fix my cavity ridden teeth.

How is it, I can go through child hood, have minimal cavities (with minimal brushing) but the INSTANT i become and "adult" and responsible take care of my teeth DAILY (granted I also increased my sugar intake) My mouth is full of this plague!?!? Not to mention they all held off until I was OFF of my parents insurance..!?

Grr.

Its Finals Week

And of COURSE I should be studying, but I'm all studyed out at the moment. The end is in sight, I can taste it, I can touch it, I can feel it ..(think sunshine and blue skies) and its nearly impossible to concentrate on the important things at the moment.

Still.No.Car.

Its coming. I can feel it. I've got the money. I just need the right price.

Goals for the upcoming summer would be...

Get another part time job...preferably one that will allow me to bring the Robsters
See #5
Save up money for the TWO trips I'm planning to take this year.

Man. Just remembered I might have another I'll "HAVE" to go on. ssiigghhhh.

Having three dogs can be very expensive at times.

Buy More Clothes

Twitter Randomness

4 of 5 stars to A Daughter's Inheritance by Tracie Peterson
4 of 5 stars to A Surrendered Heart by Tracie Peterson
Time to make a list and check it at least, twice.
Ugh...really Windows? This would have "never" happened on a Mac
omw. Seriuosly!? RT @fearfuldogs: dumb dog leash tinyurl.com/3mw8jfv what IS our problem?
Why yes, I am completely changing the topic for my final that was due yesterday. Again. To the original topic.
"Are we turning our kids into Tech Zombies?"
Has a nice ring to it don'tcha think?
Today, 8-18 year-olds devote an average o! f 7 hours and 38 minutes to using entertainment media across a typical day..#researching
Technology Free Family Live to Tell the Tale: bit.ly/ecAbC8
RT @thinkgeek: WOW. 100,000+ toothpicks, 3,000 hours, & gallons of Elmer's glue later: San Francisco kinetic sculpture j.mp/hZuD7c
I mean really. There are some days when you DON'T wanna know what people are thinking and they put it on FB anyway. !!!!?
Change the World with Words - for Dogs and All | Dancing Dog Blog bit.ly/gjMXvH
Dear Pinterest I wanna join the party!? Please send me an invite soooooon!

The End.
Good Bye for a week.
Probably.
I don't know.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Rob (3months) and I. Photo Credit: Kristen T

I hope everyone had a great Easter, it was a pretty typical Sunday for us, with the added...um...bonus of attempting to get a family photo while everyone was dressed up...(though I mean we always dress up on Sunday..but n-e-ways). You have to understand I can direct and pose other people...but when it comes to my own family, the resistance is of a different kind.

The younger ones don't get why we have to take multiple shots....even though they are the ones causing the problems..(aka not smiling, doing silly things with their faces...as you can see my mother is holding my brothers arm still...and my dear dear youngest siter doing whatever it was she was doing...) We managed to get some usable shots despite the "difficulties".

There is nothing quite like setting up a shot and then running to get in it.

We've really got to hire a outside photographer one of these times.

Autumn, Weston, Mom, Dad, Evan, Robyn, Kristen and Me.

Sitting Family Portrait

Like I said...There is a reason we don't have many family photos...

I spent the rest of the day working on my final that is due in seven minutes. I'm turning it in late as there was just no way it is ready.

Sue me.

1 week until SUMMER!

EEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Apparently I think a lot sometimes..

2011-04-23T20:04:00.001-07:00

Ramblings through out the day

"I can't help the way I am, I hope you don't misunderstand, I'm too cool... to know you, don't take it personal, don't get emotional, you know its the truth....I'm too cool for YOU!" - Random Song.
Do I have self confidence issues? Um...no why do you ask? #sarcasm
Creating a relaxing environment to pretend to study in picplz.com/SWCF
Reason #2342 why I need the 4th Gen iPod Touch: I keep loosing my iPod shuffle #itstoostinkinsmall
Reason #2343 Why I need the 4th Gen iPod Touch: Because I'm the only one in my family who doesn't/hasn't had one. #sadtruthsaboutmylife
Reason #2344 WIN 4th Gen iPod Touch: Cause my phone only has 2GBS of space on it...so I can only fit 80 songs on it. #sadtruth #android
I'm really getting tired of the random songs that get stuck in my head...
*ssssssiggggggggg! ggggggh* will be replacing THREE library books this week looks like. #canicrynow #thankGodforhalfdotcom
I really should become a partner with the Library considering how much I have "donated" in the last...I dunno year or so.
I.am.so.tired.of.hearing Bruno Mars's "Grenade" played over.and.over.and.over in my head. SICK OF IT!
Also decided I need to accompany my roommate on one more hike before she gets married and leaves me high and dry. This time sans dogs since apparently they aren't allowed in the Great Smokey Mountains #lame #foundoutthehardway #itwasfunwiththedogthough #donttellanyonek ?
Bird houses in the neighborhood picplz.com/SKZJ
Trying to decide if I really want to spend my evening baby-sitting/attempting to finish a final project, or cop out and just finish at home
I just really hate putting people out after I semi-committed to help,
I also wanted to go shopping today....but that's not going to happen from the looks of it.
Baby-sitting! gig cancelled. #phew
Taking 15,then hitting the books again. #funtimes #weekend This will all be over next week! WootWoot!
So this does what exactly? 4sq.com/h3joSr
Wound up baby-sitting anyways. Here's to hoping I can get something accomplished in between playing referee to three boys. #yay
Sometimes people say things that are just straight up dumb. And you look at said person and go "REALLY!? Did you just say that?!"
Then you click the "un-follow" button.
Why yes I did just stick my phone into a pocket full of melted chocolate. #fail I guess that should teach me to not steal my roommates candy
However I did NOT wipe of my touch screen phone with a damp cloth. I learned my lesson from last time.
The kiddies are relatively calm today. This is good. However I'm still not managing to get this project done.

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Daily Randomness By Erin

2011-04-22T19:55:00.001-07:00

Ramblings through out the day

Its FRIDAY, FRIDAY, I CAN'T BELIEVE ITS FRIDAY.... oh wait... its Thursday. Oops! My bad. #makingupmyownlyrics
Anyone have any resources about guarding behaviors...namely dogs guarding humans...Wondering if TexMex has tha… (cont) deck.ly/~3LcxV
I must say listening to some cover songs on YouTube ruins the real song in my mind sometimes. #talent
Got Pompeii's Trainer update today! He's working on straight lines, obedience, curbs, directional commands… (cont) deck.ly/~E8r7p
Waaah i don't wanna pay $30 for a replacement crate tray. Thanks a lot Pompei.
Weston picplz.com/SF1t
Man I only completed 9 things off my 25 item todo list. #fail

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Daily Randomness By Erin

2011-04-19T19:51:00.001-07:00

I could have made this a real post, but to be honest...I don't "Feel" like blogging at the moment. Its just another "THING" on my ever growing to do list. Do you realize that FINALS are NEXT WEEK!? for me anyway. I could cry at how unprepared I am for them. I just want it to be over already!

Today I Tweeted:

Its Tuesday! ....just in case in of YOU GUYS forgot.
I need a (nice,dog compatible,under $6000.00) car already!! #tiredofthis
To @TexasTheDoxie string cheese is worth barking for. Unfortunatly for him, I don't agree. He barks=I leave the house. He's getting the idea
Annnnnnnd we're still barking. And we're STILL not getting ANY STRING CHEESE @TEXASTHEDOXIE

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Getting to know you..I mean Me...

2011-04-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

1. what's something you've eaten and liked, but didn't think you would?
Calamari? I don't know if LIKE would be a good word for it.... was interesting though.
2. plastic surgery..yay or nay?
Can you ADD fat with plastic surgry? Even still I'm not about to let some human try and make "better" something God has made. :)
3. 2 things you love about spring are.....?
Sunshine and... Sunshine! I could do without the rain, bugs, and whacky temps though.
4. when's the last time you went on a picnic?
In September? I'm sorry, its been winter so picnicking in the snow hasn't been overly appealing. :)
5. what's your favorite app?
Um.... GoSMSPro, Plume, Mint, Woman's Day, Alarm Clock Plus
6. who does the grocery shopping in your house?
Well my roommate and I shop for ourselves, so I guess you could say both of us.
7. would you rather take a spin class or zumba?
Zumba
8. how often do you go out to dinner?
According to my budget too often.

Daily Randomness By Erin

2011-04-15T05:32:00.001-07:00

Ramblings through out the day

Just turned in my last math assignment (hopefully) ever. #fb
hmm close to 4am...only took two hours to read that book...
Sometimes I'll tell people i'll do things and completely forgot I don't have a car. #fail
I love how Rob can be sleeping mere feet from a running weed whacker and never even move a muscle.
Headache
FB RT: TRAFFIC ALERT: Do not go I-140 east toward Blount County. There's a six vehicle crash, with apparen… (cont) deck.ly/~4f65B
Headache is still persisting. Tempted to drink some caffeine to see if it will go away. Unfor I don't have any available.

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