"Joie de Vivre"

Who Am I?

2012-02-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

So this semester I am taking 2 of my communication courses along with general courses and in both those classes we were asked to write papers describing who we were. Now some people might enjoy an assignment solely focused on themselves but a bit of fear entered me as I became to ponder on that question.

The basics of who I am are easy to define. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, but if that all that was required to produce for the assignment, then I would start to question the teachers' credentials. No, we are required to really define who we are and then the BEST part(I roll my eyes of course), have 3 people read it and see if they agree.

Now, those who know me may find my apprehension surprising, seeing as I tend to enjoy the subject of "me" quite fun to discuss more times then not, but I really have had difficulty in this assignment and as the date approaches wonder if I can produce a satisfactory paper.

I don't know if it was meant to lead me into "soul searching" but that is what has happened. It has led me to begin really defining who I am aside from those titles that I carry with great pride. What do I value, what type of person do I think I am, what are my strengths, what are my weaknesses? What sets me apart from others, what drives me and why do I think the way I do. Yeah, easy questions huh? (rolling my eyes again).

As I have been thinking through all these deep thought questions, I received an email from my dad one day saying that he found some pics of me in Japan that he thought I would like. As I looked at them, the memories of those moments came back and I started to think about me as a kid. I was a cute kid I think, despite the boy hairdo, I loved dressing up, I loved playing with my friends, loved being with my family, especially my sisters. I was shy at times but once I warmed up I made friends quickly, young or old. I loved to entertain, whether it was doing plays, singing or dancing. I loved to laugh. I loved to dream. I loved stories, I especially the ones my mom would read to us kids. I loved adventure and could spend all day exploring and I hated math.

So as I have been taking a trip down memory lane, I am come to a pretty cool realization about myself....... I really haven't changed. I still think I am cute, even with my fine, stringy hair, I still love dressing up, playing with my friends. I still love being with my family, especially my sisters. I still get shy when I first met people but warm up quickly and have lots of great friends young and old. I still love singing and dancing and while I may not do a lot of plays, I still enjoy the arts. I still dream big and love to read great stories. I still love adventure and still could explore different places all day. And I still love to laugh and I still hate math. :)

I know that there is a lot more to me then these basic facts, but it is really comforting to know that the personality that I started out with, continues with me today and there is a sense of peace that comes with that.

So wish me luck on the paper, and maybe if I am brave enough, I'll post the finish product.

Too Cute for Words

2011-12-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

No more teachers...no more books..... oh.. wait!

2011-12-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

So I finished my first semester back to school. It has been a most challenging experience. I remember the couple weeks... I think I cried at some point, everyday, and then I got into a routine and boom.. Finals done!

I never have thought of myself as school saavy. I think I barely graduated high school (I consider myself more of a creative, social spirit). So it has been interesting to see what subjects I excel in (pretty much anything requiring my opinion), and which ones I don't..dad don't read this part (math).

I have also learned that I am capable of a lot more than I thought and that even if I have to cry through this whole experience, in the end, it will be worth it.

In the beginning, when I wondered why any sane person would go back to finish school at 40, a thought came to my mind and I was reminded that any knowledge gained in this life, would bless my life in the eternities. So with that, let's hope someone in the afterlife will want me to explain polynomials.... ;)

Young or Old?

2011-12-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

I was in the Bishop's office for tything settlement tonight. He had a big glass bowl of candy and then a box of Sees' chocolates on his table. I was totally eyeing the chocolates and if it weren't for the fact I was still fasting, I would have asked to take one. As I commented on the abundance of sweets on the table, the Bishop says, "Yeah, the young ones go for the candy in the jar, but the seniors in the ward like the chocolates better...... Uhhh.... I'm just going to pretend he was speaking about the youth who are seniors in high school... :)

A Fresh Start

2011-11-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a long time since my last confession...oops I meant post. I always plan on being more consistent and then well, life gets in the way and I just have to make a fresh start.

This past weekend my little brother got married. It was the coolest wedding! It was so fun to see my brother so happy and feel so lucky that he found his wife Scarlett. As a sister, you not only want your siblings to find someone they love but someone that will love they dearly back and treat them well. Greg found that in Scarlett. They compliment each other and best of all, her wit blends in well with the McCann Clan.

The night before the wedding Lauren and I were hanging out in my brother Jerry's hotel room just talking with my sister-in-law Melanie and my niece Malia. As we were talking about the wedding stuff, Malia asks "Auntie Erin, when are you getting married?" I wanted to say "Oh, if I had a dime..." but I didn't. I just smiled and said "one day." And one day it will happen, and it will be great, and seeing how in love Greg and Scarlett are, that's what I am willing to wait for. So thank you for reminding me how grand love is and how waiting for the right one is totally worth it!

I made it to 39!

2010-11-14T21:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Me!

Oct 13, 2010
That probably sounds more depressing then I really feel, but part of me can't believe I'm actually 39, I just don't feel it! I had a small gathering with some friends and then my roommate celebrated her birthday on the 29th and I joined her in a live action Clue Party, so I can say my 39th birthday was celebrated quite well... Clue Party This is our shoe shot!

How On Earth Do I Catch Up????

2010-09-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I have been blogging regularly and so much has happened that I wonder to myself how will I ever catch up? If I were a blog aficionado then I would separate out my different actviities and blog on the individual events and stories that I have missed writing about.........buuuuuttt.....I am not, so I like my other idea of just throwing everything together, you know, sort of like a collage blog. No worries, this is only to try and bring me up to date from my few months off. I'll be back to blogging maniac in no time! :) Enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELANIE, DALLYN and LUKEY!

2010-09-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

I'm back!!

I figured this was the best way to return to my world of blogging!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDS!

Once again we McCann's (Scarlett included) and Clubbs have out done ourselves in our wonderful birthday song singing. We wanted to make sure to include little Lukey who couldn't be there in person but at least he will have this archived memory of it to look back on!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!

I'm thinking that we really should look at becoming professional birthday singers......ok maybe not.. hahaha :)

A Good Slap in the Face!!

2010-05-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

So I haven't written in here for awhile and I promised myself I wasn't going to let that happen but it seemed like my life just got busier and busier and I just never got to writing something until today.

Well I'd been having a great time attending my pity party and complaining about the unfair things in my life, still no luck in the love department, struggles with work politics, wanting to be more independent as far as buying a house and becoming more financial stable. I think these are things that can relate to a lot of people and I don't disagree that they can be big burdens but I really was just feeling so overwhelmed and not seeing the light. (and I don't mean like the light after you leave this life, I am ok with not seeing that one for awhile) I was just feeling like I would be stuck in this for awhile and I wasn't ok with that. On top of that I had to travel for work to handle a conflict in one of my areas and that was just more emotional drainage.

So I arrived back home and was on my computer browsing through the LDS.org website when I saw this video that was on there, titled "My New Life"

It was the same one my little sister posted on her blog but I hadn't clicked to watch it yet. I decided to click on it this time and watched the story of a woman who had been in a plane crash with her husband and had become disfigured from the burns. As I watched this couple tell their story I just began to cry, I thought how I was complaining about my "problems" and how I was feeling that life was unfair and then to see and hear the physical and emotional trials this couple, especially this woman, was going through and yet they still gave thanks, they still had determination, they still had their testimonies which were even stronger then before the accident really hit my hard. I really got a slap in my face that just was a huge "WAKE UP!" for me. It didn't mean that I just said oh everything is good now, but I realized that I can definitely look at things different, with a different heart and a humble soul. I can say that I am grateful for a lesson learned not by any great means but by a simple 8:20 min video.

Happy 11th Dakota

2010-03-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAKOTA!

I just love this kid! Dakota was just a little one when I went to live with Carol and Steve in California. We bonded pretty quickly and he became my little buddy. I would come home from work and Dakota would come up to me and ask to jump with him on the trampoline. We would go out and I would pick him up and just start bouncing and he would just giggle! When Carol and Steve were doing the "Body For Life" they would have to get up at 6 a.m. to go to the gym, so I would listen for Dakota if he woke up crying. When he did wake up. he would come to the edge of the stairs and start wimpering. I would get out of bed, walk up the stairs, pick him up and bring him down to my room to sleep. He totally knew the routine.

I remember when Carol and Steve went on their cruise, my mom came to watch kids and I was in charge of Dakota. One night when I came home from work, Dakota was crying cause he missed his mom and dad. He was wearing his Batman mask and he had tears running down his face. I put him on my bed and went out and talk to my mom. When I went back in he was asleep. I went over to pull his mask off and without opening his eyes he stopped me and pulled it back over his eyes! I just started giggling.

Dakota just makes me laugh! He is funny and sweet and loves his family! He is fun to be around and is just cute! I am a lucky Auntie, that is for sure!

Love you Kota!

Wishing Mom A Happy Birthday!!

2010-03-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

My Mom

A couple weeks ago my parents went to visit my sister Michele and her family in California. They asked me to gather mail and stuff while they were gone. While I was there on the last day, I found some of our old family albums and I went through and took pictures of old pictures I found. I loved looking at pictures of my mom. It brought back lots of memories I have of her.

My mom really has done so much for her family and has worked to give us wonderful memories of our childhood. With 5 kids she and my dad moved to Japan when I was 3. I look at the pictures and see all the fun things we did when we were there and how my mom was so excited for us to learn about this new culture and helped us to embrace it. I think of her reading to us kids at night and cooking wonderful meals. She was there to console us when we were hurt or wanted to share something great that had happened to us. She would repeat this throughout my life.

When she was around 8 months pregnant with Lauren she went into labor and delivered her premature, she showed great strength and faith during that time and was still there for us. I think how difficult it must have been to be almost an hour away from your husband and 6 kids (o.k. maybe not too difficult) and be worried about all of us. She always wanted to be okay.

I think about things that I inherited from her and I think the one quality I appreciate the most is her desire to show kindness and charity to others. She created a home that I always felt safe to be in.

I remember when I was attending school in Idaho and it was almost time to go home for Christmas. It had been a tough semester and I called my mom often for support and comfort and before I left to come home I called and asked if she could keep the Christmas lights on, on the tree for when I got home late that night. I remember walking in the house and the lights were on and all the decorations were up and I just felt like a little kid, so excited to be home and so excited for Christmas!! My mom created lots of these moments throughout my life. She has sacrificed many things for us during her life so that we could be happy, but that is what a mom does when she loves her children.

She has so many talents that a lot of people aren't aware of. She is an amazing cook, she can paint, draw and sew. She has great taste in British movies (I get my love of them from her). I don't think I have told her often enough how much I appreciated all she has done for me and helped me in my life. Thank You, Thank You for Everything Mom!! Have an amazing Birthday!!

Love You Mom!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL!

2010-03-14T19:32:00.001-07:00

I have been looking forward to writing this for awhile now. It really isn't difficult to say a ton of nice things about Carol but I wanted to share just a bit more since it's her birthday and once again because it's my blog and I can do that.

I don't know if I could have asked for a better oldest sister. Carol has been a source a great strength in my life. I remember looking up to her when I was growing up and wanting to hang out with her and Michele because they were so cool. When I graduated into the single scene all I had to say was that I was "Carol and Michele's" little sister and I was immediatley accepted. She has always had lots of friends because of her kindess and love that she has and gives to others.

Carol has always been there to listen to me and to offer counsel and support. I remember being on my mission and getting her letters and it always seemed like whatever the scripture she sent me for the week, it was related to something I was dealing with at the time. She seemed to always be in tune with what I needed to hear. I am sure that it has been tough to feel somewhat of a responsibility for us, but Carol has never backed down from the task, instead she has magnified it and been a part of holding us together as a family. She set an example for me when she served her mission and was such a huge support when I went on mine. I always knew that if I was troubled, if I called Carol, she would make me feel better and give me hope, before the conversation was done. Carol is a true friend, a true example of someone who seeks to do what the Lord wants her to do, she is kind, loving, beautiful and overall just a truly wonderful person. I know that she continues to be a huge example in my life and I love her dearly. I am so grateful she married someone who could recognize what an amazing woman and mother she is. I am very blessed to have her as my sister!

Happy Bithday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Carol
Happy Birthday to you!

Love you tons!

Erin

Ry Ry is "8" Today!!!

2010-02-28T12:55:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYLAND!!!

It really seems just like yesterday that I went to go visit Michele in the hospital after she had Ryland, little did we realize what a ginormous personality that was about to join the family! He just amazes me everytime I see him and I am just so impressed with his talents, his humor and quick wit (which at times gets him into trouble...lol). Ryland isn't afraid to be himself and he is very confident in who he is and I think that is just one of his many great qualities. I have lots of fun memories of Ry but one of my recent favorites was when I was there visiting with my sister and we were trying to get Ryland to go to sleep and I was reading to him in his room and he was very restless and telling me that his neck was sore (he is a gymnast so he gets sore muscles quite a bit now) so I told him that I would rub his neck for him. He was lying on his back and I was working on the knots in his neck and he all of sudden says "That feels great, where did you learn to do that!" I just started laughing and told him I went to massage school and learned it from there. I continued to rub out the knots and within just a few minutes he was fast asleep! I look forward to seeing Ryland grow and to see all the great things he will accomplish in this life.

So HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY RY RY

Love you tons, Auntie Erin

What Kind of Talent do you have?

2010-02-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

Years ago I dated a guy who had amazing singing talent (all family and relatives will know who I am talking about) and one Sunday we were at his parents house chillin out on their property and talking about all these amazing things he was doing with his many wonderful musical talents. As we were talking, he looked over and asked "so do you sing?" I said, "no, not professionally," then he asked "do you play an instrument?" once again I said "no", I could tell that he was feeling a bit uncomfortable and maybe even felt sorry that I didn't have talents that others could necessarily see, so after a bit of mumbling something about what defines talents, "I replied, "well my Young Women's leader told me I have a really great personality!"

This story has brought laughter to many of my family, friends and relatives since then, but it also really started to help me think about what talents I did posses. So here are just a few talents that I think I have that have nothing to do with a musical or atheltic nature.

1. I think I do have a great personality: but just having one isn't so much a talent as what you do with it. I think I have been able to make friends easily and do get jobs that I wanted because of it. I have been able to make people feel at ease and encourage others to be friends by being the one to introduce people to each other. I have taken chances more often, knowing I could figure out the situation and make it work no matter what. It helped me when I moved to different places throughout my life to get to know people. I think it has definitly been a great blessing in my life.

2. I am a really good dancer: while I am not a professional dancer and would never attempt to try out for any professional dancer show (SYTYCD comes to mind) I do think that I can get jiggy and shake it like no other 38 year old (who is not a professionally trained dancer!). I have just always been able pick up steps quickly and could pretty much find a beat in everything, I could probably even find one in the annoying Emergency Sound System tone that gets played!! I also have to thank my dad for teaching me the more classic dances as a little kid and my mom who I think danced for awhile when she was a teenager. Dancing has really been a source of joy and has been key to me staying in shape as well!

3. I give good advice: I can almost see my siblings rolling their eyes on this one but I have found that I have an ability to help people with the advice I give. Now it's not always what they want to hear and not always wanted, but I still find a need to say those three special words...Well, I think. I have learned though that not everyone wants to hear what I have to say and I don't always follow my own advice, but that it can be of real help in some cases and this was brought to my attention the other day with a woman I used to work with. She moved here a few years ago following a painful divorce and was working at my office. She would come in everyday and tell me the stories of her life struggles and heartbreaks she was experiencing. I offered advice regularly, even when she didn't want to hear it. One day I told her she should look into going back to school. I knew she could get help from the government and she seemed like she wanted something in her life that was just hers and something she accomplished. So that is exactly what she did. She quit and went back to school. I hadn't talk to her in almost a year when she came in to help out part time while her replacement was sick. We were chatting a bit before I was going home and she said "Erin, I wanted to write you a big letter and tell you that your advice all those times is the reason I was able to go and do this." She continued by telling me that it was through my ongoing advice giving that she got the courage to go back to school. I couldn't believe it! I really thought all those times I was advice giving she really wanted to knock my block off, but she was now actually giving me some credit?...Sweet! Course, she was the one who had the courage to go out and do it but to think that I helped her to start was a huge feeling of gratefulness. Once she graduates this year she is going to be able to support herself and her kids independently and that is pretty awesome!

4 and my last one I will post; I get along with just about everyone. You may wonder "is this really a talent or is Erin just coming up with whatever sounds good?"...okay it maybe both, but seriously I really do get along with just about everyone, there may be those who refuse to allow me to get to know them but for the most part I think I make most people feel comfortable with me and if they don't I find out why and work it out so they do! Even the ones that are the most stubborn, I find I am able to win my way into their hearts eventually!

Of course I could list more but I don't think "having an huge ego" is not necessarily a good talent, so I will keep it at 4.

So I am grateful my boyfriend asked me that question because next time I will be ready with my list.

oh and p.s I actually am learning to play the guitar now!

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY TRESTY!!!!

2010-02-15T11:50:00.000-08:00

I can't believe this girl is 13!!!!!!!

What can I say about Trestyn that most people don't already know! She is adorable, sweet, smart, honest, funny, beautiful inside and out and just so fun to be around. I remember when I lived with the Clubbs back in San Jose when Tresty was just a little girl and having so much fun watching her grow up. She has already been such a confident girl, even as a little girl, she always had lots of friends around her and she was always a leader. You could tell she was confident by the way she walked. I remember her having this sassy saunter that just cracked me up! This girl knew who she was and where she was going. Once she decided to do something, it was very rare you could talk her out of it. She is still that way and she has accomplished so much with that attitude. Trestyn is such a wonderful friend, sister, daughter, niece, granddaughter and we are all so lucky to have her as part of our lives!!

One of my favorite recent memories is when the girls came over to my house during Thanksgiving break and spent the night. We were just hanging out watching movies and Trestyn found some Mad Libs books and wanted to play. I wasn't sure how fun it would be, but Trestyn wanted to do it so Dallyn and I played along. After we gave her the words to put in she starting reading the story, by the second sentence all of us were laughing so hard, especially Trestyn, I think she almost passed out from laughing so much! It really made the evening even more memorable.

I love you Trestyn and am the luckiest aunt to have the best nieces and nephews ever!!

Auntie E

HAPPY, HAPPY, BIRTHDAY MICHELE!!!

2010-02-09T21:53:00.001-08:00

I have to admit that my little sister was more on the ball with getting a message out to Michele then I was, but it is still technically her birthday so I just wanted to tell her how wonderful she is and how lucky I am that she and I are sisters.

While she is just a bit older then me (he he)Michele and I have lots in common and it has been so fun to be able to share those fun interests with her. We love to watch the same types of movies and t.v. shows, so if one of us goes to a movie, we will call the other one the next day and describe how great or bad it was and if the other should go see it. This goes for shows as well. It used to be when "The Bachelor" first came on the air, Michele and I had a standing Tuesday morning phone call where we would discuss all that had happened. We would totally get into all the drama, you would think we actually knew these people in real life!

I have lots of great memories with Michele, especially most recently, going with her to her Zumba class while I was out visiting last year! There is nothin' like shakin your bootie right along with your sister in a room full of people!

So Michele I hope you had a wonderful day! I love you so very much and am just grateful that you are stuck with me forever and ever!!

Love You!

Erin

It Was Just Meant To Be

2010-02-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

When I was trying to decide on a name for my blog, I was trying to figure out what best described myself and my personality. I thought about using Arabell, which was a nickname my roommate in college gave me or even Juliette, which is what people called me in France because Erin was difficult to say and meant "death" or something morbid like that. Yeah, I don't think many people know that the only individuals who called me Erin were those in the same house as me, everyone else called me Juliette. Anyway, I wanted something that I would love to see everytime I click on the site and so after 30 minutes or so I finally came up with "Joie de Vivre" which translates essentially into the "Joy of Living, or of Life".

As soon as I wrote it down, I knew that it was what my blog title would be. It fit me perfectly and whenever I click to see my blog, I just get a smile on my face when that title comes up!

Well, in December my roommates and I went up to Park City for a girls' weekend of relaxtion, shopping and fun. It was a blizzardy weekend but we were determined to enjoy it, piles of snow and all. We went to the outlets and begun the lovely process of going from store to store looking for bargains and deals. One of the stores I wanted to visit was J.Crew. I love that store, I love the outlet even more because it makes all those cute things actually affordable. Well this night there was a great sale going on and my friends and I rushed from rack to rack looking at all the fun clothes and discounted prices. I had looked through some sweaters and pants when I looked over and saw a bunch of t-shirts that were nicely organized in different rows on a table. I looked at the sign and they were on sale, so I began sorting through them and as I was doing so, all of a sudden I saw this shirt! I couldn't believe it! I think I even let out a little squeak of sheer delight, right in front of me was a t-shirt with my blog title on it.."Joie de Vivre" and best of all it was super cute! Course even if it wasn't there was no way I wasn't going to buy it. I picked it up and held it close to me while I finished the rest of my shopping. That shirt stayed nicely folded in my shopping bag for the rest of the weekend till I was able to get it home and then wear it with a cute sweater.

So you see "Joie de Vivre" was just meant to be for me and now I can advertise it everywhere if I want!

p.s I would have been wearing it myself, but it was starting to become awkward having my roommate take pictures over and over again, solely focused on my chest.

Men, Men, Men, Men, Men, Men

2010-02-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

As you probably read earlier, I'm writing a book. A relationship book to be exact or maybe I should say, lack of relationship book. he he It has been an interesting experience writing about these guys and I think I have learned more about men in the past 2 months then I had known my whole life.

You see, I've loved men since I was born. I think I probably crushed on the doctor that delivered me. I never knew a time in my life where I didn't have some sort of crush on some guy. You know how girls sometimes go through phases where they don't want to be around boys or they don't like them.....yeah, I never had that phase.

So I have been dealing with the up's and down's of these crushes and loves for a very, very long time. Now, unlike most woman who get a break from most of these emotions for the first 12-14 years of their lives, I've NEVER had a break! You can sort of understand why this book would be so important....there is a lot be said!

I remember while living in Japan, as a kid, having a crush on this Japanese superstar Hedeki (have no idea if the spelling is right) and thinking the neighbor boy was cute. This continued all through my childhood. My endless attempts in grade school to get my crush to fall for me (I mean who wouldn't want a personalized Valentines' card given to them?) to finally having a boy like me and almost being suspended because I sort of through a rock in his direction (I think he was cheating on me with my BF Suzi). Wow, that sounds so much more crazy writing it out then it did in my head! Anyway, I fall in like and in love, over and over and over again and have gotten my heart broken over and over and over again. Now I don't want it to sound like I didn't break a few hearts myself, I had my share of ignoring phone calls and "Let's just be friends" talks, but if we did a tally of which was done more, I think I would be the one who has given the Dear Jane letter more then the other way around.

So I have spent many years wondering "What is wrong with me?" and why is it that the guys I like and want to be with, choose not to be with me? I mean, I look pretty decent, I shower and wear deodorant, I brush my teeth and chew minty gum, I even make sure I don't have that yucky stuff in the corner of my eyes from eyeliner makeup. And yet still no offer of marriage. I have been in love and felt like I was going to marry the guy only to discover he imagined someone else taking on his name and calling him their husband.

Wow, I almost feel really bad for myself, that is some really sad stuff! I guess I could mope and be very bitter (i have been bitter at times, I'm talking, like, REALLY bitter) and even let myself go and become someone other people may pity......BUUUUUUTTTTTTT.....I haven't and I won't, I refuse to!!! I just can't go down that path of misery and regret. The best part about loving from such an earlier age is that it has brought me some wonderful experiences, amazing dates, life-long friends.

When I look back at all the men I have liked, loved, dated once, dated more then once, I find that I learned something from each one. Whether it was that, I like for a guy to open my door for me to get in the car, but hate to wait while he walks around his car to get me out, or that I prefer dates that are spontaneous and outdoors, I like guys who are cool, confident, funny, cute and affectionate or that the first kiss with someone you really love is just probably the most fantastical feeling ever. With each experience I have learned something that has helped me become a better version of me (I like to think so anyway).

I've learned that I am not very patient and it's hard for me to wait for the guys to call, text and make the first move, I've learned that I love being hugged (by the guys I like, not by the creepy ones), I've learned that I like being an open book and don't mind sharing how I feel, even if it does get me into trouble sometimes. I've learned that it's o.k. to be vunerable in order for the relationship to grow and that I like for the guy to take charge at times and not always leave it up to me. But most of all I've learned that I am a really sweet,fun, funny, spontaneous, loving and easy to be with type of girlfriend. I look for the best in who I am dating. Now that doesn't mean if he is a jerk I think "Oh, but he is a nicely dressed jerk!" It just means that I don't seek out his faults or weaknesses. I mean, I have them too. I want to be with someone who thinks I am the bomb and when I do mess up, he hugs me, listens to me, offers me insight and tells me I'm still the bomb! I want to be with someone who doesn't want to change me but helps me, in my pursuit, to make, who I already am, better. I think that's why I'd rather wait then just marry the first one who shows interest and could buy me a house. I know what it feels like to be in love and I won't settle for less then that feeling. Besides, I have had some of the most amazing experiences and opportunites in my life and I would have missed out on them had I just hid away and felt sorry for myself. I believe that I should continue to live a great life and when the time is right everything will work out.

When I was born my parents didn't give me a middle name and even though they confused me by adding the middle name Elizabeth to my full name when they were angry with me, it wasn't part of my legal birth certificate name. For years this sort of bothered me and at one point I was ready to legally add a middle name to my birth certificate, but then I realized that Erin McCann is who I am and that when the time comes for my husband and I to get married that I will just be adding his name onto mine, the one that has already been established. So you see, he won't be replacing Erin McCann, he will only be making her better!

"The Red Skirt"

2010-01-30T16:18:00.000-08:00

So I've had this red skirt now for about 17 years. I bought it as a suit back in the day, when shoulder padded suits were cool.(notice I don't have the jacket anymore) Anyway, I loved the suit. It made me feel so professional and it fit really well because it was a petite size. It also was made out of really great material and I think that's why it's stayed in great shape for so long. It also was the suit I bought when I lost 20lbs after my first year of college. I had gained the freshman 15+5 and came home feeling a bit like a pudge ball, and so I went on a very popular diet at the time and started running for my main source of exercise. It took me, I think, about 7 months to drop the weight. I felt great and figured I would celebrate by buying the red suit. Red was a good color on me and just made me feel super sleek and cool. I don't think that at the time I bought it, that part of it would have still been around today. I think it also signified what I had accomplished with losing the weight and so it was a bit of a symbol of success for me. I remember using it as a gauge as to whether I was gaining weight or not. If the skirt wasn't fitting anymore, it was time to hit the treadmill and lose the cupcakes!

So having it hang in my closet, always just made me feel a bit of security and hope. It would be there to act as a reminder of where I want to be, if I ever got off the healthy track.

Well, after all these years and many, many, moves, I finally gave it up! I folded it up and gave it to D.I., in hopes that maybe a girl will find it and connect it with it the way that I did and keep it for another 17 years. Course the only thing that makes it bearable for me to part with it, is that it's too big for me now! I did put it on one last time and took a picture so it will at least stay in my memory books for years to come.

The Automobile Curse!

2010-01-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

You've heard of families have some sort of curse placed on them. Example, every third child has a third arm, or a family member passes away every Valentine's day (kinda morbid sounding, but keep reading). Well my family had the automobile curse placed on us from the time we could drive. It seems that every member of my family has had to deal with the constant breakdown of their automobiles.

Whether it's a flat tire, broken window, engine failure, you name it, it seems to have happened to each one of us 7 kids. Now many of you reading this, including my dad,(o.k. my dad probably doesn't read my blog)or I will say my parents, will say that cars breakdown all the time and that everyone has had a bad experience with that, but it seems that if there was a problem to happen to us, it would be directly related to a vehicle. Now if I were to put in order the kids that have had the worst luck with the automobile curse it would be in this order

First Place

Steve and Carol - Their curse really started on their honeymoon. I think they spent more time in auto shops repairing the breakdowns then they did actually honeymooning. Good thing they were really in love, cause in spite of the curse they are still happily married, though I do think they should have just done and exoricism and just got rid of the curse immediatley.

They could write a book on the auto horror stories they have. I think I am going to ask that in the next life, they get either a never ending supply of new cars or an eternity of free repairs (most likely, I'll ask for the first because nothing should breakdown in heaven right?) ;-)

Second Place

Jerry and Melanie- Now Jerry and Melanie haven't had as many horror stories as Steve and Carol, but they could share some pretty crazy stories about dealing with steel on wheels. There would be only 2 reasons for my brother to justify swearing, The Cowboys losing a game and his car breaking. You don't want to be around him for either. LOL

Third Place

Erin (me) - I think the that in my situation I sort of bring the automobile curse on myself. Most of the problems I had with cars was due to my "temporary absence of intelligence." Like the time my engine blew, not because it was old, but because I forgot to put oil in my car for almost a year. Or the time it got towed, not because it brokedown, but because I forgot to register it in the state I was living in for over a year...(see the pattern here) I hope that when I purchase my next car (a brand new one, as my dad recommends) I will make sure that some type of holy water gets sprinkled across it for luck......course knowing my luck, it would somehow rust the paint.

Fourth Place

Andrew and Lauren - This placing is a little more difficult because I really have only heard about their car stories very sporadically, so it is difficult to say whether their placement is right or not, but Lauren did have a car that she was lucky enough to run to the ground, but not before, I think, putting more money into it then the cost of a pimped up Escalade. I praying you will one day get a pimped up Escalade.

Fifth Place

Eric- This one is tricky also because Eric really didn't have problems with his cars breaking down as he did so much with crashing them. I remember the time he flipped our truck one Sunday afternoon...it left him with a hole in his hand and a crunched vehicle, lucky for us he made it through alive and he was driving a Toyota. Both were able to be mending quickly. I know there is another story, but I am getting tired and my brain can't find that memory at this time.

Last Place

Randy and Michele- Their curse came later in life, much much later, but it seemed like I was getting a call once a week about something going wrong with their suburban. They had problems with their starter and it would just shut off while Michele was driving or the flat tire she got last week. I think they must have done an exorcism on their honeymoon, but the warrenty has probably worn off... ;)

And Finally......Honorable Mentions

Dad and Mom and Greg- I know they have had their share as well, but they don't seem to be has crazy or expletive inducing as the rest of ours.

So there you have it, my proof that an automobile curse does exist and did find it's way into the lives of my family. All I have to say is that it's a good thing that "you'll laugh at this later" works really well and that I know that after this life I most likely will have the option to fly (not drive) to anywhere I want!

"You're doing What?"

2010-01-24T12:11:00.001-08:00

January 24, 2010

I have always wanted to write a book. I think I am really good at telling stories. When I was a nanny in France the 2 girls that I watched had a difficult time getting to bed at night. The mom asked me to help with getting them to sleep, so I came up with the idea of telling them bedtime stories.

I would make them up as I went along, the only thing that was already decided was that the 2 girls were always in the story somehow and they got to pick what their names would be. Depending on how tired they were determined the length of the story. One time I went on for almost an hour, that was a test of my skills for sure. It was fun for both the girls and I to find out what would happen to the characters. I found that I just really loved it.

So fast forward to last year, after talking about writing a book forever I starting trying to come up with a subject idea. I wanted to write on something I knew about and could share funny stories about.

Well after many failed attempts to find a soul mate and future spouse last year, (and we're talking MANY), I decided that my crazy dating experiences from the past year would be my topic.

So that is what I am doing. I am writing a book about the men that I dated, liked, crushed on etc... and what I learned about men, dating and myself through the process. I've gotten most of my research done and now I'm just working on cranking it out.

It is scary, overwhelming, excited and fun to think about having it all finished and be available to be read by the public. The other funny thing is, is that I think most of the guys that I interviewed don't really think this book will come to light, that it was just something I came up with. Something that I used to find out the real truth. Well, I'll tell ya what, I'm really looking forward to the day when they see it's not.... ;) Wish Me Luck!!!!

It's Picture Time!

2010-01-24T11:51:00.001-08:00

January 24, 2010

Normally, I would separate these out and blog something different with each one, but since I am trying to be more consistent with writing, I am just going to put as many as I can for you all to enjoy, if you want the story behind it, I can tell ya later.

REFRESH BUTTON!

2010-01-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how fast last year went and this year just seems to be gaining speed everyday! I've been putting off blogging for so long mainly because I feel like I should post pictures along with my entry. Well, downloading pictures from my camera to the computer, from the computer to this blog is a huge time absorber, and you all are missin out on my adventures in the meantime! LOL! So, this year I've decided to write at least every other day, pictures or not, to keep it fresh in my memory and also to give my family something new to read. I have put a lot of my friends blog pages in my favorites file and so it is easy just to click and I'm there reading all these great stories. I'm not suggesting you all do the same (though I don't know why you wouldn't) ;-) But I do feel before I begin this new goal I should redcap last years activities and goals accomplished!

1. First and foremost, I went on lots of dates...32 to be exact. It's a good thing I keep a planner. ;) That's a record in my book. I don't think before that I had gone on more then 5 in a whole year since turning 18. Sad, but true. It was lots of fun and I met a lot of cool guys that I am still friends with and will be for a long time. Unfortunately, no love connections were made (I'll go into that a little more later) but I learned a lot about myself and what I like and don't like and what works and what doesn't. I also learned about something called "patience". It is a term that is quite foreign to me, but in the upcoming year I hope to somehow master this term in many ways.

2. I traveled a ton! I was lucky enought to be able to travel to Ohio, California (three times) Idaho, Arizona, and lots of places within Utah (Fishlake). I love traveling and so I was so excited to be able to do so even if some of them were very short. I realized that I could drive longs hours as long as I had my tunes, I can pack in a moments notice, I tend to take my entire closet and bathroom with me (even on a 3 day trip) and I have probably visited more bathrooms in different states then some people have their whole life. I am almost tempted to make a book about it, you know, kinda like the Covered Bridges one. ;)

3. I trained for, began, completed and beat my previous time in a sprint triathalon. I even did this all by myself, which at the time was so terrifying to me that I broke down crying on the day I left for the race. I was really proud of myself for doing that and overcoming that fear. It was hard not to have family and friends cheering for me at the end..( people did cheer, they just didn't know who the heck I was!) and I didn't feel the elation I felt the first time I had done it 7 years ago, but I felt relieved to have accomplished a goal that seemed so ginormous at the beginning of the year. I plan to do another one this year, but ask friends to join me in the training and race. It is a lot funnier to have people you care about with you through the challenge.

4. I made 100% of my goal at work. That was cool for me as well because I didn't do it the previous year. I worked really hard and long hours and felt good that I could prove that all my hard work wasn't for anything. I wish I could say I got a huge raise, but it's non-profit and well, that's just how it is.

5. I was able to go with my niece Dallyn to go see "WICKED" in Salt Lake City. I really feel that this was just one of those meant to be things. Essentially, all tickets were supposed to be sold out and I just decided one day to check the theatre website to find out when it was playing. I clicked on each day and sure enough all sold out, then when I clicked on Sunday evening, there were 2 tickets open!! Now I know it was Sunday, o.k. it was Easter Sunday, but we did go to church and I did go with family! :) I had the funniest time with Dallyn and what was even better is, the tickets I got were for 2 row from the front!!! Yup, it was meant to be.

6. My family celebrated all the birthdays and Jaxson got baptized. I love getting together with my family. We seem to find any excuse or holiday to get together. I'm surprised we haven't put Columbus Day or Lent on the calendar....o.k. maybe not Lent, that would defeat the purpose of celebrating, but I'm thinking we should ask mom to start thinking about baking one of her famous cakes for April 22, Administrative Professionals Day! :)

7. I said goodbye to family and friends who passed away. Joyce Anderson- May 5th, Casey Stolz-Feb 3rd, Paul Berg-July 21 and my dear cousin Bonnie King - Nov 14th. As difficult as it was to say goodbye and to see the tears shed, including my own, I know that I will see them again and it will be a fun reunion full of lots of hugs.

8. I helped plan and carry out 2 great reunions. A San Jose reunion with all our friends, from all the stakes in San Jose, that were currently residing in Utah. We even had people who traveled to attend! As crazy as it was, it was all worth it in the end to see familiar faces and dear friends get together and remember some pretty great times living in a pretty great place.

b. The Merritt reunion. I don't think I had seen many of my Merritt cousins for years and years. I was so happy that it all worked out and have to thank all those who helped in making that happen. It was tons of fun and we were finally able to update the 1979 picture, which I think was the last time we had photographed us all together.

9. I saw two temple dedications, which just continued to instill in me the importance of family and the power of the gospel that continues to move forward even with all the challenges and stones thrown at it. I know my family is eternal and having that knowledge is what makes me happy and brings me peace in turbulent times.

10. And finally...... I had a year of personal growth, humbling challenges, sad disappoints, renewal of friendships, an increase in new friendships, goals accomplished, goals postponed, more family memories made, testimony strengthened and many moments that built and improve my character. I look forward to 2010 with a chance to hit REFRESH and look forward to filling this years planner with many more adventures to come!!!

THANKS 2009 FOR EVERYTHING!

Erin

Pick Up Lines

2010-01-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

While hanging out with Trestyn and Michele's boys one day, they started giving me a bunch of pick up lines they came up with. Here are just a few!

And finally another favorite from Ryland "If you were a tree, I would be a tree hugger!" LOL! love them!

Nativity 09

2009-12-26T23:44:00.000-08:00

Every year since they were little the nieces and nephews have recreated the nativity scene. This year some of them were able to retire. Malia was so excited to be able to take over the role of "Mary" from Dallyn and Jaxson took over the role of "Joseph" from Alek. They did an amazing job. We even allowed Alek to take on a small role so he felt a part of the group.... he was the "ass"... oops, I mean donkey!" :-)

Jaxson Gets Baptized/ Birthday Season

2009-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

JAXSON GETS BAPTIZED!

Yea! Jaxson turned 8 this year and made the decision to get baptized. He has wanted his brother Alek to baptize him for a long time! You can tell how excited he was to have his big brother do that for him. Jaxson was just happy the whole day!

IT'S BIRTHDAY TIME!!

So we celebrated lots of birthdays in the past 3 months: Steve, Brayden, Nathan, Dad, me, Jaxson and Alek..whew. My roommates make fun that it seems every Sunday is "Birthday Dinner" time with the family. I actually like it a lot and I know one of these days we will actually be in tune when we sing "Happy Birthday!

Carmel and Pacific Grove 10/09

2009-10-12T09:57:00.001-07:00

VACATION PART 2

I had a chance to see my sister Michele TWICE this year! My last trip we got a chance to spend half a day in Carmel and Pacific Grove. It was so much fun and it was great to be able to hangout with my sis and catch up! And if any of you know us McCann women, you will know that there was pretty much no silent time!! LOL

!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

2009-10-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today is my Dad's birthday and since I missed posting something about him for Father's Day, I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to brag about him for a minute. I think it's cool that I get to share my birthday month with a lot of family members, but even cooler....with my Dad.

My dad really has a big heart, especially for his kids and grandkids. I think he would do just about anything to make sure we were happy and safe. If I ever needed something, my dad was always willing to help me. I was smashed in between 3 boys, so I was lucky to be able to go along, at times, to play with them and my dad. I was happy to just be able to hangout with him.

My dad taught me how to catch a football, he taught me how to dance (the classic stuff, he wasn't too familiar with hip hop..;)) he tried to teach me Math (my siblings will understand), he taught me how to laugh a lot and most important my Dad taught me, by example, about the gospel. I have seen him serve faithfully in his callings and in his service to the church all my life. I watched him study and know the scriptures, I've seen him pray and I have heard him bear his testimony, which, I feel, was the most important example to me.

As I have grown up (o.k. maybe I'm not quite there yet!)I have started to recognize some similar traits I have to my parents. My desire to be kind and sweet to others is something my Mom has given me and my love of humor and adventure in life, I get from my Dad. Both of my parents have given me an opportunity to develop a strong testimony of the church and a continued desire to always serve. For this, I am so grateful for!

One of my absolute favorite memories of my dad and I is our day trip we took to San Francisco. It was a Saturday and my dad was cleaning in the garage. I was out there and he told me if I cleaned the fridge, he would take me on a motorcycle ride. Well, anytime Dad offered motorcycle rides, us kids took it. After I cleaned the fridge, Dad and I hopped on his motorcycle and took off.

My Dad ended up taking me all the way to San Francisco! We went to Koit tower, Ghirardelli Square and down to the Wharf. We rode for hours! It was the best day ever for me. I had my Dad all to myself (in a family with 7 kids, that's a big deal!)and I was loving every minute of it! It was a beautiful day and it created one of my favorite childhood memories with him. Thanks for all you have done and do for me! Happy Birthday!! I Love You!

Erin

My Trips!

2009-10-09T08:56:00.001-07:00

This has been the year of travel for me! Some travel in the same state I live (Utah) and some in the state I grew up in (California). I have had lots of fun meeting new friends and spending time with family I don't get too see to often. So here are just of few pics from the past few months. I will have to post more pictures later, but I am on a bit of a time crunch at the moment! :)

FISH LAKE PART 2

2009-07-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

As I have said before I have the funniest nieces and nephews ever! This particular evening I asked my nephew Ryland to rub my shoulders. You see, even though Ryland may not seem to have herculean size muscles on the outside, he actually could probably bend steel with those guns of his!! LOL! So this is a video my sister Michele took while Ryland was working out my knots! Oh and if you wonder about the massage comment I make, it is because I graduated from massage school years ago...I'm just proud some of my talents rubbed off on someone!! :)

FISH LAKE 2009

2009-07-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Every year my parents and some of my siblings go to Fish Lake. It is the location of my brother-in-laws family reunion. They have invited me to go for years and this year I was finally able to spend a couple days there. I am so glad I did! It is so beautiful and relaxing and with the nieces and nephews there as well, it was just fun to hangout with everyone, without having to answer and email or phone call....no service helped out in this area as well! I also learned the art of fishing (you have to love to sit and you have to have patience!) So here are just some pics of the time there!

A Happy 4th of July Weekend!

2009-07-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to find out that the 80's band "The Jets" and David Osmond were playing at a small club in downtown provo on July 3rd. I convinced my roommates to come with me and we showed up at this small building to at 7:30 to hear these guys play! While it was blazin hot (no AC in the building)it was soooo fun! They even had the 36th finalist of this year's American Idol perform (yeah, I didn't know who she was either)but she sang pretty good! The overall evening was made complete by the band singing my favorite Jets song "Crush"! Enjoy!

The Most Important Thing!

2009-06-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

My sister Michele called and told me the following:

She had just gotten done talking to me about my guy drama and was going into her boys' room to say prayers, she told her boys that this Fast Sunday, they needed to fast to help Erin find a really nice guy and this was my 7 year nephew Ryland's reply:

Ryland : Well, the most important thing is, is that he's nice to me!

Thanks Ryland for reminding me of where my priorities should be! ;) Luv you!

My History Trip

2009-06-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

5/21/09- Our first stop was Kirtland Ohio. Lauren, Luke and I went to the Kirtland visitors' center. It is here that we realized that we forgot Luke's suitcase with all his clothes, diapers etc., it is also here that we got permission to buy him new clothes, diapers etc.., it was such a sacrifice (NOT!):).

We went into the visitors center and were quickly invited to go on the tour. The man told us that we would be done in time to take the Kirtland temple tour as well.

It was a great experience to see the history and feel the spirit of all that had transpired there. I took lots of pictures, but won't be able to fit all of them so here are just a few of my favorites.

Later we were able to get a tour of the Kirtland temple. It was quite an experience seeing the temple where such great church events happened and the grounds were just beautiful. It was also fun to have Lauren's father-in-law Dennis join us and help with Luke while we toured.

" How Lucky Am I ?"

2009-06-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

I got really lucky a month or two ago and was able to find a cheap ticket online to go visit my little sis and my adorable nephew...oh and Andrew. :) (just teasing Andrew). I was so excited to see them and be able to spoil my nephew. My sister emailed me and told me she thought it would be fun to see some church history sites while we were there. I agreed since I had never seen Kirtland or Palmyra.

I arrived on Wednesday night. By the time I arrived there, Luke was already sleeping. I had to wait till morning to start hugging and playing with him.

I got my chance Thursday morning and let me just say, Luke is just so sweet and fun and adorable to no end.

I think we bonded pretty quickly.

Duct Tape Fixes Everything

2009-06-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

You will have to forgive me for the flood of updates that I will be doing! I have lots, so you're in for some fun reading!!!

A few weeks ago my sister Carol and I and her kids made a trip back to our hometown of San Jose, California. I was really nervous about driving my car. You see it is on it's last leg. The brakes aren't too good, the shocks are pretty much gone and my windshield seal is separating from around the edges causing air to seep in. I knew that we needed to be there and so I said a prayer that all would work out. I even prayed with Trestyn, Dakota and Jaxson the next day just to be safe.

So off we went and my car was doing fine till right before Lovelock. I could hear air seeping in getting louder and was in fear the windshield would come flying off. We stopped to get something to eat and my sister asked me what was wrong with my windshield. I looked and the rubber seal was coming off. I pressed it down and hoped it would hold on, but about 10 minutes after we started driving again, it was coming undone and I had to stop to put it back. I called my sister and asked her to stop in the next town that had a auto shop or repair place so we could see about fixing it.

So as we are driving along, I am thinking how much is this going to cost and how long will it take? I was worried that it would delay us, when all of a sudden a thought popped into my head! "Duct Tape!" "Duct Tape Fixes Everything!!" I got this clear vision of just sealing my window with duct tape! Memories of my dad using it to fix broken appliances, as a quick fix for broken toys, to wrap up a broken bone...o.k. that last one is not necessarily right, but he really did use it for lots of things!

I called my sister to tell her the news! We decided to just pull off at the next town (which was Lovelock) and find a store with the tape. We took the exit and within a couple of right turns we found an ACE hardware store!!! I mean how cool is that! I parked my car and hurried in the store and asked for a heavy glue and the ever wonderful super DUCT tape. I bought it and ran out and ripped over the package of glue and sealed the rubber down and then cover both sides of my windshield with the duct tape. After finishing I looked at my sister and said "Dad would be proud!"

We were on our way again and never had a problem after that. I made it to California and back with windshield intact!

I told Trestyn that Heavenly Father was listening to our prayers and provided a way for us to get where we were going and it was in the form a amazing, silver colored tape.

"A Night to Remember"

2009-04-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

I tell you, kids grow up so fast! Last Saturday, my sister called and asked if I could help take my nephew Alek and his girlfriend Heather and their friends to dinner before their prom. I of course said "YES!" I had a blast chauffering the kids to the resturant and giving last minute dating tips to the guys(open doors, chew gum etc). The best part of the evening was seeing Alek and Heather together, all dressed up, walking towards the car! FUN! FUN! FUN! I do love the perks of being an Auntie! :)

A Day with Family

2009-03-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of cousins on my dad's side of the family and growing up my family didn't see them very much, so it has been fun to be able to catch up with them while living in Utah. We even went as far as to get us all on facebook, so we can get together more than once a year! The coolest thing about getting together is that we just laugh and laugh because, well, we are McCanns' and we're just pretty flippin funny!!! :) This is just a few of the cousins and aunts that got together for Mom's and Carols' birthdays!

Yup, that's Ryland for you!

2009-03-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

My nephew Ryland is pretty hilarious (it runs in the family!) I called him on Sunday to wish him a Happy Birthday and this is how the conversation went.

Auntie Erin "Happy 7th Birthday Ryland!"
Ryland "Thanks"
Auntie Erin "Did you have a party?"
Ryland "Yeah, my friends were there, some couldn't make it though"
Auntie Erin "So what did you get?"
Ryland "I go GI Joe action figures!...I got lots and lots of presents!"
Auntie Erin " What else did you do?"
Ryland "So I have just been playing with my toys and my back and neck are really sore, and I have this pain in my neck and so do you want to talk to Brayden?"
Auntie Erin "Uh...o.k."

Some of us are phone talkers, some aren't! Love you Ry!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POOKY!

2009-03-02T22:09:00.001-08:00

So since this is my blog and it's my little sister Lauren's birthday today, I get to spend a few minutes and share with you all, why I love her to death!!!!

I can't begin to tell you how excited we all were when Lauren was born, I mean the girls finally dominated the family now and would for the rest of their lives!! :) j.k. sort of.

I was so excited to have a baby sister. I loved it when she woke up in the morning with her cute smile! I loved getting her dressed, I wished at times that they had made bigger girl dresses so her and I could match...(yeah, they do that now). I loved bouncing her to sleep. We would put a pillow on our knees and she would be on her stomach and we would just bounce or rock her until she sleeping (they don't encourage people to do that anymore!)

As she got older, my mom put her in the same room with me. I think then that I made myself her second mom...she has 3 sisters so we all had our chance. But Lauren was my buddy and I loved dressing her up and doing her hair, she was like my little doll! She was soooo cute and even though I did get out of hand every once in awhile and her lovely red locks did at times be in the style of a beauty queen's hair in the 80's, we both loved it, it was our time to spend together, at least for me, it gave me the chance to dote on her!

I was very protective of her and I can remember the time I chewed her best friend out because she was making Lauren feel bad...course her friend was only 5 at the time, but it didn't matter, you don't mess with my Pooky. I even punched my brother Greg in the face because he was teasing her(and I'm not a violent person!) There was the time she got bite by the neighbor's dog and I got to lay by her on my mom's bed and hold her hand and try to make her laugh so she would forget how much her bite hurt.

Lauren and I shared a room till I think my senior year! I potty trained her, I found her first chicken pox! (it was on her back.)

When I would be watching t.v. Lauren would just come up around me and give me a big hug and then we would both look in my parents mirror and say how cute we were!! lol!

It was hard to move away and not be around her all the time and be a part of her teenage years! We shared a lot. I remember when our cat died. I called Lauren and we cried together over the phone. We were the only two that really understood how much we both loved that cat!

I look at Lauren today and she is the most amazing individual! Such a sweet and loving wife and mother and overall, wonderful human being! I wish I could take credit for how she turned out, but I think Lauren is just a special soul and Heavenly Father knew our family needed her and he knew he could trust that we would all give her our love unconditionally! I feel so lucky to call her my sister and am so proud of all her accomplishments. I joke that she is made up of all the good parts of her parents and brothers and sisters, so that almost makes her perfect!! he he. So Happy Birthday Pooky! I love you always! your sis. Erin

The picture above is my dad's and my favorite of Lauren, because it just seems to capture all her goodness, sweetness and of course cuteness!

Her Name is Malia Loo (and she takes after her auntie Erin :) )

2009-02-27T23:28:00.000-08:00

I truly believe that everyone is born with some kind of talent and since this is my blog, I can brag that my family has lots of talent!! The following is cute little Malia showing us one of the reasons she is meant to be in our family!!! It is sideways, sorry I couldn't figure out how to fix it.

And the Saga continues....

2009-02-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

So, I was thinking that my strange experiences with dates had cooled off awhile.... well, I was so wrong, because my date with "Skippy" reminded me again why single is attached to the end of my stats (you know, 5'1, brown hair, brown eyes..oh and single.)

Many of you are wondering why I would go out with a guy named after a peanut butter brand, but I am a bit of a softy and I tend to be a sucker for compliments and Skippy had lots to give to me so.:)

I met Skippy at a Sundance party just a couple weeks ago. He was wearing this bright yellow shirt with the words "I see famous people" written in the front, and it sparked my curiosity. So when he came up to me and told me I was the cutest girl in the room and how pretty I was (yup, I'm a sucker!)I gave him a chance. After much coaxing, I agreed to be facebook friends with him. A few days later he followed through with his threat, I mean promise, to ask me out on a date. I decided to go out on a lunch date, they are safe and if it doesn't go well I can make a quick exit.

We met at a place called "Rib City" in American Fork. I showed up and Skippy gave my a hug (he likes to give a lot of those!) We sat down and our conversation started. Skippy is a pretty interesting guy and has a lot of cool experiences with meeting celebrities and traveling. Our conversation was actually really cool and there wasn't a dull moment. Skippy continued to give me compliments (yup, still a sucker!)and promised an even better date if I agreed to another one. As our date was winding down I was thinking to myself that I was going to accept another date, I mean I am adventurous!

Well Skippy gave his final push for a second date and then waited for my response. (Now, this is where it gets interesting) I said this.."thank you for a great lunch and it was actually an honor to meet you and.... o.k. now cut to Skippy/ "Yeah thank you goodbye.." and Skippy starts walking out of the resturant! I thought he was kidding so I started laughing, thinking he was about turn around and say "just kidding", or at least let me finish my sentence. Well, Skippy kept walking and I kept following him, still thinking he is teasing me and will turn around any second. I followed him out the door and watched as he got in his car and pulled out of the parking lot! Right about now, I am thinking "Skippy isn't turning around."

So when Skippy begins to drive away I look at him with this questioned look on my face and I mouth "what is going on?" Skippy rolls down his window and begins to go off on not wanting any more friends (he has enough for this lifetime, I guess) and all this other stuff about being dumped. When he stops talking, I tell him that before he stormed off I was about to tell him that I would be up to a second date!

Now Skippy has a puzzled look! I told him, that had he been patient and let me finish, he would have heard that last part, but now I was seriously changing my mind fast! Skippy, realizing he made a big boo boo, tries to back track, but I told him that a gentleman would have at least walked me to my car! I mean who just walks out on their date like that?! Uh..Skippy does! I understand he felt like he was going to be rejected and didn't want to hear the friend line, you know, let's just be friends thing, but come on, have some manners!

I was starting to walk myself to my car when Skippy jumps out of his and asks for a hug (remember he likes those) and I give him one. I start heading for my car thinking I am done, but Skippy makes a last ditch effort and tries to convince me to change my mind. As I sat in my car and listened to him rattle off his excuses, I finally say "Skippy you talk too much, I will get back to you later, GOODBYE! I drove off just in a state of hysterics!

Every time I think I have met a decent guy, he does something to break that thought. Now many of you might think that I was a bit harsh, but keep in mind that if I hadn't gone after him, I would have stayed at the resturant wondering where my date went! NOT COOL!!!!

Now the great thing is, is that I have a pretty good sense of humor and well, stuff likes this gives me juice for my dating advice book I will write someday!(that's o.k. I'm laughing at that idea too!)

I still think Skippy is a cool individual and one day he will make some girl very very happy...she just needs to make sure she blocks the exit door!

Are You Serious!!!????

2009-02-04T21:42:00.001-08:00

So being in my 30's and single, I have to admit I have been on quite a few dates. I have had some great ones(taking the scenic route to Santa Cruz at midnight in a convertible, still tops my list) some pretty good ones(double dating with my sis to Great America) and then some seriously laughable,tear inducing, "is this guy serious?" not so good ones. I just wanted to share one that happened about 8 months ago. I met a guy online(I know, but I am just keeping up to date with the times)and we seem to hit it off pretty good. We emailed each other for almost 2 weeks and he seemed to get my humor and vice versa. Well, he finally asked me out and we decided to meet at Thanksgiving Point. It seemed to go rather smoothly right off the bat, so I was thinking this was going to be pretty great! We ate dinner first and then he suggested we go for a walk, so I told him about a little hike that would take us to a really pretty waterfall, right by my house. The hike started out well and the conversation was good. I think my first red flag came when we were almost at the top and I was in front of him trying to get up a small hill, when suddenly, he smacked me on my bum and said "keep movin!". "Are you serious!?" Now, I know he meant that to be fun and maybe flirty, but come on, a booty smack an hour into the date? So we got to the top and were chillin for a little bit and then headed down. I had a thing of water with me from dinner and we were both sipping from it during the walk. We got down to my car and he took the water cup from me and was started to flick water at me. Now I am all for being playful, but he was getting a little annoying with it. So I go to open my door and I turn around and he proceeds to spit water in my face...no you read that correctly, he spit water, right in my face! I sorta have a half shocked, half ticked off look on my face as I wipe the water off and go to get in my car! This guy is laughing thinking he is so funny! He goes to open his door finds that I locked the doors. For a second, I considered leaving this guy to hitch hike his way back home, but unfortunately I wasn't that mean! So I am doing the courtesy laugh and smile and hit the unlock button. At this point, I am thinking I will just drive him back to where we met, and this will be all over. As I start driving, he begins asking me about my parents. I tell him a little bit and tell him I was currently living with them! He surprises me by asking me to meet them! I thought he was joking, but he keeps pushing it. I should have said they went to bed early on weekends, but I guess I was flattered that he wanted to meet them and well my parents are pretty cool to talk to, so I decided why not. It would be quick and painless right? We arrive at my parents house and go and sit on the couch and I introduce him. The conversation seems to be going well, we are just chit chatting about stuff when out of the blue, this guy just starts rubbing my back! So somehow from the hike to my house, we have passed the innocent getting to know you phase to "this guy wants to announce our engagement?" Oh brother! So I am like looking at him with the "take your hands off me" look and he just keeps rubbing me talking away like we have been dating for months. I just keep smiling not trying to make it awkward. So the most classic part came when my date would ask my parents questions and if I spoke up to explain something before my parents did, my date would look at me and say "Did I ask you the question?"..."no!"..."you need to stop interupting them!"

Are you serious? He was scolding me AT MY PARENTS HOUSE!!! I mean my mom was even taken back by it! I finally had enough and excused ourselves to end the date. We got back to our meeting point and I said goodbye and as I go to give him a quick side hug, he has the nerve to try and nuzzle my neck!! Yeah, I sent him out the door pretty fast after that! Needless to say, his calls and emails were never returned.

Now, I don't expect perfection, and I can take a joke, but come on, what ever happened to manners and being a gentlemen?

So maybe from now on when I get asked the question " Erin, why aren't you married?", I will simple have to say to people...read my blog! :)

Sundance Film Festival

2009-01-21T23:32:00.000-08:00

So this was my first year attending something at Sundance. My friend Adam and his 2 brothers made a documentary on a trip they took to Mexico and on Jan 20th at the Stanfield Fine Art Lounge they previewed different parts of the movie. I was so excited for the invite. I was looking forward for the chance to hob nob with some celebrities, meet some cute boys etc... Well I got my share of both! I met lots of cute boys and sat in a room with Anthony Edwards of ER, saw the girl who played Topanga on "Boy Meets World" and some girl from High School Musical. Collected quite a few business cards as well from some very hot guys! The night was soooo fun and best of all, I got all glammed up for it (extensions and all), and let me tell you, having the long hair does have it's advantages....makes me think about a more permanent status. :)

Tubing

2009-01-12T20:05:00.000-08:00

My family went tubing during Christmas and I just had to post the video I took. We tried fitting us all together the first time, but we were still missing a quite a few of us, so we decided to do it again. The second time around we were missing little Malia Lou and Jerry since she went down before us. So here is our final run with all the kids and adults! Well, Dakota and the rest of us! :) So much FUN!!!

He's Just Not That Into You?

2009-01-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

I heard about this philosophy on the Oprah show years ago. The guy who wrote the book, of the same title, revealed to the women of the audience that if the guy isn't calling you, asking you out or asking to marry you, he just isn't into you! A huge lightbulb went off in my head and after years of wondering and waiting and hoping that he might call, I finally realized that if the guy ain't calling, it's best to just move on. So you would think, that after being armed with this information, that a smart girl like me, would be able to sift through the interested and non-interested ones pretty quickly.....uh the answer is NO! I am still asking myself "did he lose my number?", "is he too shy to call?" "did he get amnesia?" Yup, I am still coming up with excuses for those lame, non-committal jerks. I am doing better though. I catch on much quicker these days and if he doesn't call by the 4th day, I am already moving on to the next one....o.k. maybe not totally moving on but I have put him on the bottom of my favorites list! :)

Resolutions?

2009-01-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Every year I resolve to make the coming year the very best! I make a goal to get up every morning at 6:00 a.m. and exercise for an hour and a half and eat more fruits and veggies, cut out sweets etc. I make a goal to read more, rest more and become smarter. I am very succesful at it as long as I don't wake up!!! Yup, the minute that alarm goes off, I hit the snooze and resolve to start again the next day....well, let's just say that my snooze button is getting more of a workout than I am!

But, I'm also persistant, so the New Year begins again and so do my resolutions. :) Here is just a few that I plan to accomplish this year.

1. Train and finish a sprint triathalon
2. Learn French
3. Be able to play 2 songs on the guitar
4. Write a short story
5. Be on the cover of Shape magazine (hey, it's my list, I can say whatever I want!)
6. Travel back to France. I would go to Ireland or Austria as well.
7. Pay off most of my debt!! (this one will for sure get accomplished)
8. Be a more loving, giving and happy person!

So I have a lot to work on. If you have any tips, I welcome them. Don't promise I will use them, but I will also listen! :)

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

It was quite the Christmas and New Year in my family. My sister Lauren and her husband Andrew flew out here and we all got to dote on little baby Luke. There was rarely a time where that little boy did not have one of us holding him or trying to make him smile and laugh. My sister Michele and her family also came out here for after Christmas fun! We went sledding and tubing, had great dinners, watched lots of movies and of course had lots of laughs!

Lauren also helped me start this blog. I had told her that I wanted to do this and she pretty much got it all started for me! Thanks Pooky! So begins my blogging fun! It will get even better, as soon as I figure everything out! :)