Christmas & New Years Recap

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. 

Ten on Tuesday

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!

Ten on Tuesday

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!

Merry Christmas (Two Day Late)

I hope everyone had a awesome holiday whether you celebrate it or not. :) Who doesn't enjoy a day off of work?! We actually got a white Christmas, which the locals say is a rarity around here. I spent most of my day in my PJ's and cooking. Very nice and relaxing. Bubbles and Texas went with me to my families house for dinner that evening and spent most of the time begging for food. Then during the gift giving Poor Texas wore himself out trying to find a present for him. I'd already given them their "Christmas Bones" earlier in the week, but I guess next year they'll have to wait like everyone else. 

 I've still got a week of "Holiday" left which I plan to spend sleeping....shopping and sleeping some-more :) 

How was your Holiday?

           

Confessions of a College Student

♪♫These are my confessions....♪♫
I made little music notes! I'm so proud of myself.
Who sings that song anyway? It feels a little dated to my ear..oh well. 
How does the saying go? "Confession is good for the soul?" 
Up Front Honesty.
From Me. 

Holiday Cards. I don't get it. I really don't. Don't get me wrong I will not refuse to take your card should you give one too me. "Oh a Christmas Card?! I don't need this! HERE! TAKE IT! NO. NO! JUSTTAKETHESTUPIDCARBACKWOMAN." I'll keep it ...but WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH IT AFTER THAT?!  Let it collect dust? Clutter my fridge up with them? Which, is kind of hard to do as I don't have many magnets. Can you even recycle the paper its printed on?! Now that I think about it..i don't really get cards period, waste of money imo.Will someone please fill me in?!  Wait..I do have to clarify, I'm talking about the cards without photos..I do like the family portraits. And would you believe it my parents even got one done this year...of JUST THEM! Seriously!? What are we? Chopped liver? lol. 
No I don't mean that mom. I'm just kidding!! 

Sometimes I feel like a single parent. There I said it out loud. You've all seen the women with their little dogs, dressed up in clothes, proclaiming how their dogs are their babies. Psht, I've worked at daycares and had to do REDICULOUS things to their babies in the name of "taking care of them". No. When I say my dogs are my kids, I'm referring the the high amounts of responsibility you take on when caring for three dogs by.your.self. 

I can say this now, but living with my family (despite the constant griping, complaining and lack of participation from the afore mentioned group) was so.much.easier than being on my own. Granted, at the time I was working at a dog daycare, so I really wasn't doing much work in reguards to exercising my dogs. And....I only had two at the time; but I never was overly concerned about how long I was away from the house, when I came home..there was always someone there, to at least let her(s) out to potty. 

Even last year, when I was caring for as many as five dogs at a time, was easier simply because I worked from home and didn't feel too bad leaving. 

Now...now that I have a job that is not denying me access (which I have the right by law) with my guide dog puppy, school that is 35minutes away, and two other dogs to care for. 


I can't travel like I'd want too, I can't just stay out to all hours if I wanted to, I can't spend the night at friends houses..unless they are dog friendly, 

I've had this conversation with people before, and those who don't own dogs, or who don't own multiple dogs, or who live with other dog loving people.....don't understand. They roll their eyes, or snicker, or look down on  the dog obsessed girl. They say  things like "Erin you know you're going to have to look for a guy one day and not a DOG!" And I grit my teeth and attempt to smile, while inwardly screaming "REALLY! OM.Goodnes really!? Thanks for letting me know cause you know, I just wanted to live the rest of my days with my dogs." 

The continual "finding what I want my blog to be" blog post are starting to annoy me. Especially coming from a generation, who, at this point in their lives really aren't going to have the next "up and coming" blog of all time. I'm just being honest here! There are exceptions to  every rule, but really at [insert preteen/teen age here] you aren't going to be the next Pioneer Woman. Don't worry about posting for other people, post for yourself! Would I love to have a booming blog....? I honestly can say I don't think so, my blog is pretty much a place for me to rant and ramble on about my life because my family doesn't care/is tired of hearing about it. Cause you guys care.so.much! Not.  So my advice to these young bloggers, is blog just to blog, don't dedicate your life to a space on the internet that might not even be there in 10 years, unless you print it out as a book. 


The End.

Winter Break: Day 2

Oh Christmas. I time to give and get. 
A time for friends and Family.
A time for crowds, traffic and stress. 


Today I decided I probably should get started on my Christmas shopping, seeing how I only have a week until the "big day." Christmas is not a overly celebrated holiday in our house, though we do exchange gifts to the sounds of our household "grinch" grumbling in the background. We love that person dearly, and tune them out for the most part. 


When we were younger, my mother would take us out on Christmas Eve, and give us a set amount of money to spend on our siblings. We typically hit up Wal-Mart or the Dollar Tree, but had a blast trying to hid our gifts from each other. Wrapping the presents was a hilarious event as well attempted to find separate areas of the house to wrap them in. Now that two of us have jobs, and the others have a little extra "money" now that we are out of the picture, the gifts have become a little more thoughtful. 


 I love the Holiday time, as its one of the few times of the year, that is primarily focused on family, and togetherness, and despite the crowded stores, malls and streets, I enjoy trying to find things that will bring a smile to my family's face. Pompei and I braved the retail scene today and visited over 12 different stores in an attempt to find that one "thing" to light one my family this year. Oh I know, the best gift is being together, but lets be real here. We all like getting gifts, and we all (should) like giving.  I'll admit, I had a small list of things I wanted to get my self (brown boots).  

While the crowds and traffic, wasn't all too bad, (in the area of town I was) I was sorely disappointed only to find gifts for one person. One. Sigh. Had I know that i would stayed home and bought stuff off the internet. Would have saved my legs a lot of work..However I don't regret all the socialization Pompei got today. He got a new bed and some toys out of the deal, as well as one of the employees of a clothing store, to sit on the floor with him in her lap for a little while. (I know, I know, but  it was the end of the day, he needed some relief) Despite his "bouncyness" at home, put that yellow vest on him, and he's a completely different dog. 


Now that we're home, he's been knocked out. So i would deem this shopping trip a success. 


On another note, I don't think the fact that I'm out of school has completely sunk in just yet. I guess I've gotten so used to waiting on the "other shoe to drop" that I'm afraid to revel in my freedom. I've got to get out of that mindset!! Anyway here's to getting my shopping done from the comfort of my own home! 
I LOVE YOU AMAZON!!!!! 


Update: The Other Shoe - So the other shoe, that dropped, would be PSTCC not letting me see my grades, because they don't have the transcripts back when I attended HCC back in NC, for ONE SEMSESTER. ONE. My frustration knows no bounds. I want to go to school, no NEED to go to school, but man I'm so tired of this I don't know what to do! *screams* 
Oh I know. I'm going to bed, and never getting out again. 


Erin

Reverb10: Wonder

December 4 – Wonder. 
How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? 
(Author: Jeffrey Davis)

I am filled with wonder of God.
I am filled with wonder when thinking of the family I have been blessed with.
No matter how much that drive me nuts at time. 
I am filled with wonder when I realize how big of a hole procrastination gets you in.
I am filled with wonder when I think back over the journey of this year, all the trials and troubles I have lived to tell the tail of.
I am filled with wonder at the amazing friends I have been blessed with. I could not have asked for more awesome girls. They motivate me, and encourage me to be a better person.
I am filled with wonder when I see this face. I am so thankful I got to play a small part in life, but am thrilled that he'll be able to change someone elses life for the better.
I am filled with wonder when I think of the health and strength I have been blessed with daily.
I am filled with wonder when I realize I ONLY HAVE ONE MORE WEEK OF SCHOOL LEFT! 
I am lastly, filled with wonder than Justin Bieber has a BOOK out, and that we care enough about him to want to read it.


And cause I'm lazy and don't feel like posting twice...


Christmas time is officially here in my mind. I'm one of those people, who need it to be December before I'm in the "Christmas spirit". It drives me nuts to hear Christmas music the day after thanksgiving. Are we so quick to move from being thankful for what we have to the "Give ME" attitude?

Anyway, last night we kicked off our Christmas season, with our cities Holiday Parade, coming from a small city that loved to throw candy, it was quite disappointing to not get a single.thing at this parade. My Guide Pup Pompei, thought had a blast, with the close proximity of the people around us. Being the social creature he is, he sly thrust his nose under any empty hand he could. And the people, all complied without a single thought. I finally just took off his "future guide dog" vest, and let him be a free agent. A mistake on my part, because once the vest is off he becomes the wild 1yr pup really is.

However, I was mortified by the amount of people, who would just reach down and pet him, without checking to see if he was "friendly" or not. They had no way of reading his body language in the dark, and since his head was all that was sticking out from in between my sister and I, there was no way of seeing whether his tail was wagging or not.

NOTE: A WAGGING TAIL IS NOT AN INDICATION OF WHETHER OR NOT A DOG IS FRIENDLY! MY DACHSHUND WILL WAG HIS TAIL THE ENTIRE TIME HE'S BITING SOMEONE. ALSO NEVER STICK YOUR HAND IN THE FACE OF A STRANGE DOG. Great way to get people!

Even though I know Pompei is an extremely friendly dog, I still cringe when people do this.

But I digress.

After we went to Starbucks to warm up.

I decided to try something different, for once....and it was a big mistake.
The Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate is nasty.
Just FYI.

Today we went to see the Living Christmas Tree, a huge production put on by a church here in town.  I knew my co-workers would be doing security detail this event, so Pompei and I went to find my boss. She got a puppy the same time Pompei came home with me, so she's been keeping up with him via Facebook and me.

She was happy to see him, and Pompei was glad to get some attention.

The play itself was great as usual, its become a tradition especially at the awesome price of... free! :-)

Once home, I decided to pick up an old hobby of mine....crocheting!! I feel a little weird, to be so young and enjoying doing this, but who cares really? lol While I remember how to do everything...um...its not looking like the picture. Great thing about crochet? You can eaisly rip it out and start anew.

Now.

Back to that procrastination thing....

I have a 5 page paper to write before Tuesday.

TATA!

November 14: Wish List

Dear Santa, 
I really wish you real, could you imagine how happy Christmas would be if you actually had anything to do with the things people bought? I mean think of all the debt you would save people! No I'm not one to go "all out" over a holiday, if I can afford something I'll do it..which may mean disappointing people. Anyway. Digressing again...However, if you are out there hovering around somewhere, and my parents were wrong that you aren't just a random guy in a red suit.....pleasepleaseplesasepleasepleaese....


Here's what I want for Christmas: 

Sony Alpha a700 

via

Ok, so i'm in serious need of a camera upgrade, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to stick with Sony. I really really really like this one Santa, and if you don't mind including a 50mm 1.4 lens, as well as a 24-75mm lens  in it as well...I would be forever grateful! 

21.5 inch iMac

Via

Oh my computer needs upgrading as well! Yes, I know I have one of these already, but I'm still running TIGER OSX 10.5 ITS TIME FOR AN UPGRADE SANTA BABY! :)) Preferably Snow Leopard with 1TB in hard-drive space if that's not too much trouble?

2011 Ford Edge 

The car speaks for its self.

iPod Touch 4th Generation

Via

Ok so my MOM has one of these before I do. Not.Fair. I want.The end.

Light Room CS5

So my teacher show us the power of this little beauty in class the other day, and I.am.in LOVE I tell you! It makes the editing process so much simpler!!! Things that take a lot of time in photoshop you can do with a click of you mouse! GENIUS! 

Of course this is just the BEGINNING of what I want, Santa, so keep that in mind as you are filling out my requests ok? I'll check in with you later, with the remainder of this list!!

TaTa!

Christmas Weekend 2009

*Christmas Eve*

{My brother and Victoria waiting for dinner}

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning dawned bright and early....Fortunately I was still dreaming of sugar plums, or something and completely missed it. I had been looking forward to this day because it meant I could sleep past 8:00AM; something I hadn't been able to do for at least a month....and when Erin does not get her beauty sleep...well lets just say its not pretty. lol

{Victoria is not a morning dog either}

I made it point not to rush this morning,as I knew my family wouldn't be up and ready for our exchanging of gifts for a while, so I leisurely made myself breakfast and a smoothie, read a book with Texas cuddled in my lap,than dressed and took the dogs on a..mor.. no ok make that a early afternoon stroll. 


By this time, it was time to head to our friends house for dinner, so I put the dogs up and headed out with a car full of squabbling siblings. (Don't know where they came from!)


Several other families had pitched in and joined us, so we had a nice spread. While the "grown ups" sat in the kitchen we "kids" (ranging from 7-25) sat in the living room, and play games and listened to a dramatized version of the Christmas Carol...

We stayed for a couple of hours before headed home to open presents. This year my parents got "everyone" (minus me) a BIG gift (think popular gaming device) so, the it didn't take  as long as usual. (8 people, 8 gifts each.....we are so not going to do gift exchanges when we are all married. Good Lord.) As we were preparing to play my mom's new game (can you tell we like games?)Another friend called and invited us over their house for snacks, and games etc.. so off we went again. 

This morning came way too soon, and I pried myself out of bed, and forced myself and Victoria into the car. We drove out to the kennels, and helped cleaning up there, before heading back home, to meet my friends for my sister's birthday trip. She is officially an adult now. (WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!?!) So we took her too Gatlinburg (DollyWood..Dolly Parton..) for some fun. It was JAMMED with people. The city is specifically a tourist town, and has a lot of attractions and shops, so we wandered around there for a while, rode the tram and ate dinner. Making it home just before 12AM. 

Today my friends and I got together after church for our personal gift exchange, this year we decided to pick names and get gifts for one person, instead of everyone. There is nothing like a group of tired girls late at night, hyped on caffeine...need I say anything more?


I am SOooooo happy I don't have to work Monday.

School....

Hi my name is Erin, and I'm a Professional Student.

This year I'm going for an associates in Photography while getting a Certificate in Web Design. After I graduate from that, I will be studying behavioral science while also becoming certified through Karen Pyror Academy as a dog trainer...once that is completed become an autism therapist, while training service dogs of course.

Its such a pity we only have one life. How am I supposed to choose (or for that matter have the money) which one is THE one for me!? 

Speaking of school, FA app is in, other paperwork has been sent no word if it has been received. Tomorrow they will receive a phone call from me, asking/begging/pleading to be allowed a registration appointment. 

Christmas in...4 days!!!

***************