Soap Box

CAUTION: Opinions galore below!!!

Ok, I have to get somethings off my chest, and this is not pointed at anyone in particular, just a blanket rant :)

First, I grew up (almost literally) in a great church. My mom used to be the co-director of children services and I was there constantly. Now, I don't know if this is the reason, or because I have AMAZING parents who taught me this, but I have a HUGE passion for following the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would want done unto you" I follow this rule like it is going out of style. Especially when it comes to big events. Even more so, when it comes to my best friends.

I have had many, many friends over my lifetime. I have also had many, many experiences to show me who my true friends are.At this point in my life, I don't have a ton of friends, but three extremely wonderful ladies who I would not be able to live without.

 Jessica

 Shelly

Katie



 I love them dearly and would do ANYTHING for them. I know (at some point, since all three rarely answer their phones ;) that they would drop everything and come running should I ask.

What really gets to me are those who don't appreciate what they have and can't see the bigger picture. If you are going to be a friend, be a true friend. Love, respect, honor, and care for those people in your life. God put them there for a reason and understand that friendships don't come lightly.

I have know Katie since we were 5, Jessica since we were 12, and Shelly for the past 6 years. To not go completely out of my way and do everything I can to honor them or show them how much they are loved just wouldn't fly for me. Now, I know that not everyone was brought up the way that I was. I can't begin to count how blessed I am to have grown up in the home that I did. However, common courtesy and respect for your friends should not be hard.

I have been told at one time that I have a high standard in friendship. I don't necessarily agree, I just expect for my friends to treat me how I treat them. Relationships, no matter what kind are 50/50. It is not 90/10. You get back what you give. That's just how it should be. Now, don't get me wrong. We all make mistakes and that is a given. I am most certainly NOT perfect in any way, shape, or form. However, when these occurrences happen over and over again, you should really question what type of relationship you have with a person. As these three friends know, I have done that many times over the past years.Why should you hang on and try so hard in a friendship when you just get nothing back? Is it worth your heartache? I want to know that I could do the worst things possible, and at the end of the day my true friends are still there for me and love me for who I am deep down.



At the end of it all, understand how lucky you are to have the friends that you do have in your life. Treat those relationships with kindness, understanding, love, and respect and treat them how you would want to be treated.

Ok, I'm done. Whooo that helped. I'll try and update about the shower tomorrow :)

Erin

Wednesday (aka, my Thursday!)

Hello, hello! Wow, haven't posted in a week, ooppss :) Well, not a whole lot has happened this past week. Still getting ready for the bridal shower on Saturday (what, only 3 days away!!!!!!)

Friday I treated myself and a few co-workers to a Gigi's Cupcake. If you have never had one, run over there as fast as you can and treat yourself. They are amazing. The frosting is taller than the cake itself (I wouldn't allow myself to eat all of the buttercream). Needless to say that did NOT fit into my diet, however it was a BEAUTIFUL day here and I just decided that I would work it off that night.

Does that not look delicious?

I also worked hard in the yard again this past weekend, but was rewarded by going here Saturday night

I have lived in the Atlanta area for 22 years and have never eaten at The Vortex. They are known for their amazing burgers, but honestly, I didn't find them any better than some other places. However, their sweet potato fries, ummm, wow! They are crinkle cut and not at all greasy. I skipped eating any of the hamburger bun so I could enjoy my sweet potato fries. Seriously, go try them!

Sunday I was so exhausted from yard work, I was really lazy (I did do laundry though)

This week has been busy with work and getting Bachelorette Weekend invitations out. Luckily today is my "Thursday" since I took Friday off to finish shower stuff. I am so excited for many reasons. One, my really good friend is coming up Friday and staying Friday night and is going to help with cleaning and shower preparations. It is extremely rare that she and I get to hang out just the two of us, so I am looking forward to spending some quality time with her. Two, I get to spend time with my best friend celebrating her upcoming marriage to an amazing guy. Also, there will be yummy food :) Busy busy weeks to come, but fun at the same time. I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Spring is definitely in the air and I am taking every opportunity to enjoy it!

Erin

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!

Well, it's March 17. Ummm, where has this year gone? It feels like yesterday was Christmas.

Anywhoo, today not only is St. Patrick's Day, but it is the anniversary of when my family moved from North Carolina (where my parents lived their entire lives) down here to Georgia. I have lived in Georgia for 22 years now. Crazy! Although all of my family lives in North Carolina and I was born and lived there for 3 years, I would definitely consider myself a Georgia Peach :) I love being so blessed to live in the south and honestly couldn't see myself living anywhere else than in a southern state.

So, not too much going on lately. I've been trying to walk Shelby everyday and I have been working in the yard some too. I've still go some more weed blocker to put down and daddy got some mulch last night to go on top of it. So if I don't get it done today or tomorrow, looks like I'll be in the yard all weekend again. However, it is supposed to be BEAUTIFUL and warm all weekend so I am looking forward to it!

Although this week has been quiet and slow, I need to rest up for the up coming month. My best friend's wedding is only a little more than a month away and I literally have something for it every weekend until then! I am excited and a wee bit stressed (I still have a lot I need to get done, I know I'll get it done, I just need to move my butt on it!).

Well, hope everyone has a wonderful St. Patrick's Day. With my diet and schedule it doesn't look like I'll be having any green beers, but daddy is fixing corn beef and cabbage (YUM!), so I'm looking forward to that!

Erin

Weekend Fun

Wow, what a busy but fun weekend. It has been probably the best weekend I have had in a long time. I didn't go out and do anything special, but my weekend was extremely productive and I spent some great quality time with my family.

Friday night I went and had Mexican with my daddy and then went to the store. I love getting to spend time with him :)

Saturday I woke up planning to work on the house, but since my mom has been stuck in the house for the past two weeks because of her surgery, I got her out and about. We went to my favorite store, Hobby Lobby, and picked up a few things for the shower in two weeks and then we went and had lunch with my sister here:

Yummy! My sister knows how to serve some BBQ. Then my mom and I went to TJ Maxx. Unfortunately I am having trouble finding dresses for all of the showers/luncheons/rehearsal dinner I have coming up. I may end up having to order something.
My favorite thing about summer is when my dad cooks out on the grill. Last night for dinner my sister came up and my dad grilled some steaks and potatoes with fresh asparagus and a fruit salad. It was divine and I LOVED it :)

Today was a very productive day. I worked in the yard ALL. DAY. LONG!!!!! My mom and I went to Home Depot to pick up some flowers and soil and I got to work. My dad came out and trimmed all of the bushes and then because of his bad back, I went behind him and collected all of the scraps. I planted the flowers and got the yard looking good. I started covering the islands by the mail box in weed blocker, but ended up running out of stakes, so I'll have to finish that tomorrow. We should then be getting a couple of pallets of mulch soon, and the yard will look brand new! Here are a few projects my mom and I worked on last night/yesterday.

Momma's Twila (terra cotta "person")

Then, while planting my flowers, I got the BEST surprise...

A ladybug landed on the flowers I was planting. While out cleaning up the yard, two ladybugs landed on me and I saw at least half a dozen more. If you have ever seen Under the Tuscan Sun, you will understand my fascination with ladybugs (added to the fact that I was a Phi Mu and ladybugs are our mascot). Seeing ladybugs and even more when they land on you is supposed to be really lucky. Well, I certainly could use that luck :)

I feel rejuvenated looking forward to this week. It has been SO amazingly beautiful and I can't wait for spring to be in full bloom. Hope y'all had as great a weekend as I did!

Erin

Lists, lists, and more lists

I think it is funny how this day in age we have SOOO many pieces of technology that can help us with everday life. I personally have an iPhone, laptop, and Kindle.
Now, I absolute ADORE my iPhone. I honestly don't know what I did without my iPhone. I have to say I would lost without it.
I just got my Kindle for Christmas and I can already tell that it is going to be nice to store all of the hundreds of books that I read a year (I am an avid reader). As excited as I am to not have to carry around lots of books, it is still a little sad and hard to not have actual paper in my hand and pages to turn. Don't get me wrong, I love my Kindle and getting new books on it, but I'll still keep my old paperbacks for old times sake :)

However, although I have these nifty devices that can pretty much do anything, I still find myself writing things down. I LOVE lists. But, my lists must be hand written. I do not find typed lists helpful nor do they give me the satisfaction and accomplishment that I feel when I write a list. I still lug around a planner in my purse and I am always making a list for something.  Just this morning I made 5 lists for things I need and food I will serve and the two bridal shower events that I am throwing. There is just not real enjoyment as physically crossing something off of a list. It may be 2011 and we may still have many great technologically advance accomplishments to come, but I'll never give up my lists. How about you? Do you make lists after lists too, or I'm just the odd one out?

Have a wonderful day y'all!

Miscellaneous Monday

- I am actually looking forward to spending the week at my sister's. She lives in the same house I lived in last year and I love the cute quaintness of it. Also, I will be a lot closer to work, so that will be nice :) However, I will miss my fur babies. I decided not to bring them because they would have to be crated all day and if they stay at my parents they will have a dog door to come in and out of. So, I won't see them until Friday.

-My mom and I are throwing my best friend a bridal shower 2 weeks from this Saturday. However, with my mom's knee surgery she is kind of out of commission for awhile. So luckily, my wonderful friend/adopted sister is coming up to help me the day before. I am so unbelievably grateful. I know that I would totally be able to clean, cook, bake, decorate, and throw this shower together by myself, but I KNOW that I would be running around crazy and extremely stressed. S doesn't know how thankful I am for her coming to help me.

-On the same note as before, I am really looking forward to this shower. I have so great ideas that I hope will make it unique and personal for my bestie. :)

-It is hard to believe that my my bestie is getting married next month!!! I have SOOOOOO much to do. I have to do this shower, finish the invitations for the bachelorette weekend, finish planning the bachelorette weekend, make bridal party tank tops :), find dresses for all of the events, and some other fun goodies that I don't want the bride (who reads this) to know about :)

-The major thing weighing on me right now is my living situation. Last year I was living in an adorable house with my sister(and life long friend) and her friend. I absolutely LOVED the location. I have a large yard for my dogs, the neighborhood was friendly and nice and I adore living with my sister. However, so situations arose and I felt the need to move out on my own (mental note Erin: think before you leap). So, me and my two dogs moved out to an apartment that I thought was going to be wonderful. WRONG!!! The place was horrible and completely infested with bugs (mainly huge, hairy spiders that I am unbelievably afraid of). So after only being there a few months I made the decision to move to my parents. My thoughts were that I could buy a house and pay less in a monthly mortgage than I was paying in rent. Also, this would be "my" house that I could do whatever I wanted to with. So I moved to the mountains to live with my parents and save some moula for a house. The downside is that they live in the mountains and it takes 20 minutes to get to the grocery store and not to mention I drive over 100 miles a day, roundtrip, to get to and from work. Anyhoo, so I heard from my loan officer a couple of weeks ago and everything is looking good for me to start looking. She has a grant I could get to use as a down payment and from what she said I could be in a house in May (YEAHHHH!!!). Then, I got a letter that I had a bill that I had not paid in awhile and was outstanding. With moving and everything else I have unfortunately let this bill slip. Now, my loan officer is going to pull  my paperwork this week and check everything over. The last time she checked there were no problems, and I was late for this bill at that time so maybe if it is God's plan, everything will work out and I can go ahead and look for houses. If not, I have NO idea what I am going to do. I appreciate it so much that my parents let me live with them for free, but we have 4 dogs at the house and this commute is soooo hard. I've already paid half of what I owe for the bill and am hoping and praying that it won't affect my house hunting. I'll see in the next week what God's plan for this will be. Please pray I can buy a house.

Ok, so this post ended up being a lot lengthier than I had anticipated and if you go this far, then thank you! I'll try for something fun and more upbeat later;) Have a wonderful Monday!

Erin

Crazy Week!

Ok, so this week has been crazy. My mom came home from the hospital and is doing O.K. She is sore from having to walk around and is still in some pain. It looks like it's going to be a long recovery.

I didn't do anything too exciting this weekend. I got to spend the night with my B-bop and lovebug again, which I ALWAYS love!!!!! Their mom is the sweetest friend and her and her mother brought my family two dinners Saturday afternoon. It was so wonderful of them to drive an hour to deliver dinner. I am so grateful to know and have such loving and caring people in my life.

Today, I have been doing laundry, laundry, and more laundry. My sister is going out of town for spring break next week and I am going to be house/dog sitting for her, so I've had to make sure all of my work clothes for the week are clean and ready to be packed.

This is my nephew, Bojangles, the horse dog I will be watching this week. Oh, and my sister making a weird face :)

So an uneventful weekend, but I am looking forward to tonight. Two of my FAVORITE shows are premiering. Army Wives and The Real Housewives of Orange County. It never fails, I cry during every single episode of Army Wives. It is such a touching show and shows such strength and character of those in the military and the spouses of those in the military. I feel so grateful and blessed after watching this show. Now, on to a more superficial subject, RHOC. I have been watching this show since it first aired years ago. It is the original Real Housewives series and I love watching the chaos. Vicki would have to be my favorite, followed by Gretchen (even though there are times I don't care for her).

So, anyways. Since I'll be at my sister's this week, I'm not too sure how often I'll be able to blog. Hopefully every couple of days when I'm sitting and being receptionist at lunch. Have a wonderful week!!!!

Erin

Randomness

- Sorry for the ugliness of the blog, I'm still tweaking it and since I don't have my laptop, it's hard to fix it. OK! All fixed!!!!

Ok, so the last few days have been crazy busy and I now don't have my laptop until Friday. So here is a makeshift post to update!

Monday was a normal Monday, except I was excited to start my new schedule (it's only a 30 minute difference, but it will still help).Then some big storms passed through.

They predicted all weekend that they would be intense with a possibility of tornadoes and would hit around time for afternoon rush hour. Sure enough, as I was leaving work earlier than usually the skies were all dark and gloomy. The farther north I drove the darker it became. I could tell that I was driving straight into it, oh yippee. Now, those who know me know that I LOVE storms, and this really wasn't any different. I get so excited when a storm comes! So I'm on the highway passing my old exit when I hear something. I roll down my window (it hadn't started raining yet) and hear the sirens. Now, when our sirens go off it means one of two things; either a thunderstorm warning or a tornado warning. So I call my dad and ask him what is going on with the weather and he says "There is a tornado warning for Cobb and Cherokee County". Where do you think I am? That's right, crossing the border between the two counties. So I ask him what I should do and he tells me to pull over. There was not where to pull over so he says to go under an overpass. However, no one else was stopping and I REALLY wanted to see how long it would take me to get home with my new schedule. So I keep going. Well the rain starts and it is really heavy and my tires officially stink so at times I'm sliding all over. But, I stay on the road and get to my street about 45 minutes from the time I left. I'm so excited to think that I will be getting home around 5 instead of 6. Then, I turn onto my street...cars are DEAD STOPPED. Now mind you, this is a backwoods two lane road that does not get a ton of traffic. So I sit and think maybe an ostrich got out (again, yes, I'm serious, an ostrich).

However, after 15 minutes of not moving, I see some flashing lights. There is an accident blocking both lanes of traffic. Again, I call my dad and ask if there is an alternate route to the neighborhood. There is not. So, I get out my handy dandy iPhone and look at the maps to see if there is another way. Lucky me I find one. I'm so excited!! I make a 3 point turn and am on my way. Then my luck turns south. It's a gravel/dirt/mud road and with my little accord I knew I would get stuck. So I go back to sit and wait :( 30 minutes later we are on our way! So, the point of this really long story is that my first day of getting home early took me longer than normal on a Monday. Oh, well!

Now for yesterday. My mom had to have knee replacement surgery yesterday and will be in the hospital until at least Thursday. She went through the surgery great! She even walked 80 feet hours after surgery which is AMAZING. So after work yesterday I made a stop to get flowers, a balloon, and some goodies and then spent some time with her. Then traffic was horrible again and I got home around 7:30. Tonight is another night at the hospital and I get to see my sissy so I'm excited about that.

I think my overall frustration is that I am so tired of living so far away from everything. It's nice to live at home and save some money, but I'm already ready to be on my own again. I guess I should get my butt moving in getting in touch with my loan officer and actually going to look at houses. Maybe next week, when it's not so crazy. Hope you all have a wonderful beginning of the week. Sorry this ended up being so long :)

Two good things from the past two days: My mom's surgery going so well and my best friend loving  my mom and I's shower invitations!

Erin