2010 Puppy Christmas

Well it was one for the books. Patrick, Pelota and my 1st Charleston Christmas together. We thought about trying to get home for the holiday but my work schedule wouldn't really permit it. We got a real tree, put up a wreath, made Christmas cookies, and opened gifts at 7am Christmas morning.

Patrick-
"Babe you get the 1st round and I'll get the next. We have no one to wait for to get up so let's OPEN those gifts!"

Me-
"Umm it's 7 am."

Patrick-
"Exactly! What else are we going to do?"

And so we opened gifts early Christmas morning. The weather was really warm so we took puppy to the park where he met a great dane and lab mix to play with. Of course I didn't pack the camera but it was super cute to see that huge dog and lil Pelota. Lucky for us Pelota was run ragged and was super tired the rest of my vacay. He is too cute when he's tired. You can literally do anything to him and he just looks at you with big puppy eyes. Pat and pup are cuddling on the couch with the new heated blanket (you know its snowing). I swear it hadn't snowed in Charleston in over 10 years until last Feb when I came onto town! It's only a dusting and it's not sticking, but Pelota isn't having it. He hates going out to potty in the cold. Like his mother Pat says! Haha. All in all it was a great Christmas break. I def miss the fam and friends but having our 1st Christmas alone was nice.

Movie Review 2010

Here is my movie review 2010:

Avatar- Cute story, loved the action and 3D. The characters were well rounded, the bad guys were bad and the main characters hot. All in all I loved it both in 3D and DVD. I usually don't believe the hype but this is a must see in my book.

Black Swan- Ummm disturbing. Natalie Portman was so thin that I honestly couldn't look past it. I get it. The self destruction of a dancer in the pursuit of perfection. Really I could have skipped this one. Caitlin, Pat's sister, is a dancer and knows what discipline it takes to live that life so she recommended it. To me life is hard enough without watching it for 2 hours on the big screen. If you want a movie to "make you think" or shock you see it.

Tron- Patrick was so amped to see this movie. We got there early, got the best seats, had the glasses and then waited and waited for something cool to happen. Where was the action? Where were the fight scenes? Why did "the dude" sit in his computer flat talking about nothing for 17 minutes? I wanted more and got nothing. Skip it save your money!

Potter- Loved it and can't wait until the last installment. When it's over I want the whole thing in a DVD set. So whoever reads this remember that for my Bday!

The Lovely Bones- I cried a lil. From the trailer you know that a young girl will die and the hunky Marky Mark will be shattered and try to find his daughters killer. I really thought the movie was done well. I'd recommend this if you don't need a feel good. God I love Mark Walhlburg. Cannot get enough of him.

The Legion- Def my type of movie and a quick time killer if your bored on a Sunday afternoon. Paul Bettany is a great actor. I'll watch it again when it comes to Netflix.

Hot Tub Time Machine- Watch it watch it watch it!! Too funny. Love the premise, the outfits, the soundtrack. It's too funny!

Just a few of my opinions. Still have a few in my Netflix queue.

It's Official

I've been real crap about posting to my own blog with work, laying out, kayaking, swimming, couch sitting, and all the things I do...I just can't seem to find the time. As everyone knows or if you don't know your outta the loop, Patrick and I are engaged! I didn't do the whole Facebook everyone write me dumb messages so I can gloat and show off my ring...instead I called, emailed, and told my peeps about the good news.

I know I know Erin was never going to get married...Erin doesn't want to go thru all the wedding hoopla...Erin could live with Pat forever and not care...

Well as a couple we decided we did care. I still don't want to make it something it's not. To me marriage is about the couple and that's about it. Yes, you want your loved ones to be a part of your life but all the invitations and rules and registries are not for me.

We're doing this our way. Spain 2012 and then a party in IN. I want to be in the most beautiful place on Earth where Patrick and I met to say our vowels and be married. I'm not going to say "start a life together" bc that's crap. We've been spending our life together from the 1st time we met in BCN and I'm not going to chuck that out. This is just something that we're doing for us. More details to come...

If your pond hopping with us start saving those pennies and if not we'll bring Spain to you in Indiana when we get back!!

Ocho vs. TO

Really you had to ask??

I was just asked this question and I thought my response was TOO good not to post!!

Response: No contest Chad...he's darker, sexier, richer (well I don't know about this), and catches more, runs more, and hopefully scores more this year...oh and Ocho def has more kids!! For the record I thought there were more but with a lil Google search I found out he's got 4...that we know of (Jicyra, Chad Johnson II, Chade and Cha'iel).

They are both fine as Hell and are funny as all get out but TO gets on my nerves. You know its in his contract to get more $ when he does something he's ALREADY getting paid for...I want some of that action!! (2 million dollars, with another 2 million dollars possible for bonuses) to catch and make TDs. Ummm what else is he getting paid for??

For the record me and Ocho go way back...like he dated/hooked up this chic that lives near my town and I sort of know people that know her

AND last year I went to the movies with him and his posse and he paid for my movie...so basically we're friends!

TO's got the smile but so does Chad. TO don't have a cereal with his face and last name on it...Ocho does and he's got the sex phone line on it too!! Let's be real this contest was won at GO.

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/oops-dwts-chad-ochocincos-cereal-accidentally-touts-phone-sex-2010110 (Funny article about the Ooops cereal #)

http://www.plbsports.com/ochocincos.html (Check out his pretty face on the box)

Really there is NO contest in my book. Hands down Chad is my main man.

Ochocinco holds the following records in the Bengals organization: Duh!!

* Most receiving yards in a season (1,440)
* Most receiving yards all-time
* Most receptions
* Most touchdown receptions
* Most receiving yards in a game (260)
* Most seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards (7)
* Most touchdown receptions in a game (3, tied with several other players)

Take that TO lovers. I know he's done some stuff too, but did he do it with Ocho's swagger??? I think not.

Hoosiers

Okay I didn't write this but this is amazing to me so I had to post this:
Here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about Hoosiers.

If your local Dairy Queen is closed
from September through May,
you may live in Indiana.

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you
assistance and they don't even work there,
you may live in Indiana.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the
same time, you may live in Indiana.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation
with someone who dialed a wrong number,
you may live in Indiana.

If "vacation" means going anywhere south of
Mooresville for the weekend,
you may live in Indiana.

If you measure distance in hours,
you may live in Indiana.

If you know several people who have hit a deer
more than once, you may live in Indiana.

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in
the same day and back again, you may live in Indiana.

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow
during a raging blizzard without flinching,
you may live in Indiana.

If you install security lights on your house and garage,
but leave both doors unlocked,
you may live in Indiana.

If you carry jumpers in your car and
your wife knows how to use them,
you may live in Indiana.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume
to fit over a snowsuit,
you may live in Indiana.

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -
you're going 80 and everybody is passing you,
you may live in Indiana.

If driving is better in the winter because
the potholes are filled with snow,
you may live in Indiana.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter,
winter, still winter and road construction,
you may live in Indiana.

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car,
you may live in Indiana.

If you find 10 degrees "a little chilly",
you may live in Indiana.

If you actually understand these jokes, and
forward them to all your Indiana friends and others,
you definitely do live - or have lived - in Indiana.

Love being a Hoosier!!

Really 2 years...?

So Patrick, aka the world's best boyfriend, and I have been together for 2 years as of tomorrow or the next day. We decided that we officially started dating on the 8-11th and my favorite number is 11 so I'm sticking to that one. August 11 is easy to remember and we both remember spending that day in Barcelona together and really we say what goes so...August 11th is our anniversary. I NEVER celebrate anniversaries because I can't remember dates and frankly I never cared enough, but it's a bit different now. Pat and I can think back to the sweaty flats we ate chorizo in and what festivals we watched death defying fireworks at, and where we laid on Mediterranean beaches soaking up the sun and sipping coconut juice. It's a nice reminder to get out the photos and see where we've been and where we are now. My last blog was about possibly moving and I'm going to say that today is the start of the rest of my life. Sounds cliche, yes. I stopped waiting tables and did some real job hunting. I want to stay here in Charleston and make a life for Patrick and I. I want a career and want to have a nicer car and all the things that I have been running from since graduating. I think I grew up...weird! I have met some really nice people here, I love the low country, I like our apartment, love downtown. All I need now is a meaningful career and I'm set. If I find one in the next few months consider me southern! I hope that the next 2 years of Patrick and my journey will be as exciting, fun filled, and memorable as the last. I can't believe it's been 2 years and also cant believe it hasn't been longer.

You know what they say "Time flies when you having fun." True Dat!

To stay or not to Stay

That IS the question. Patrick and I have had a crazy life together in the 2 short years we've known each other. We started out in romantic Barcelona and then were apart for months on end, him being in Mexico and San Fran and me being elsewhere. We finally decided it was do or die (for our relationship) and Pat moved cross country to be with me. He's great by the way. We lived in Indiana for a bit, moved to Kentucky, then decided to move to the South. We like Charleston but do we love it...that's still up in the air. We have talked about wanting to try other places in the US and see if we can find a place that really suits us. I like that Charleston is a cool enough city to have my friends and family want to visit and it's not that far. I do miss my friends and family so this is now being factored in. When Pat and I were in KY we never really saw my friends bc everyone is wrapped up in their own lives. But now being this far from everyone makes me think...

So where to next? NC? Chicago? Back to Sonoma? Hawaii? I guess time will tell. We're here for at least a year so I bet we'll figure out if this is where we'll hang our hats or pack up and move again. I always say I hate moving...but I do it a lot.

Sick Day

So I went to the Dr. who took some tests and said "Erin I can do more tests or I can give you 3 pills and send you home to bed." I was achy, had a temp, was sick to my stomach so I opted for the pills. Maybe not the best idea but it sounded like a viral infection, Dr. said that's what he thought it was so...that's what I got. Sitting on the couch all weekend sounds GREAT in theory, but really stinks. I did get to catch up on some movies that I knew Patrick wouldn't watch (2012, The Color of Magic, Planet 51). I wonder what the record is for watching the most movies in a row. I could be a contender.

I've been doing a lot of thinking since being awoken last night at 5am from a long time friend. I am a strange bird. I love my friends but choose to live as far away from them as possible. I can't explain it. I have been friends with this one person for a really long time and for years our relationship didn't change. I'm guessing the reason for this was because we didn't change. We drank, went to football games, had the same friends, went to the same school, did everything together. Then I decided to move 1/2 way across the world and leave them behind. Kate and I sat around in BCN some days bitching about our "friends" that never emailed us, never called, never wrote, never skyped. I was so mad about it until last night. I left. They stayed the same. I changed. I JUST realized this. Wow I know.

I have decided to stop being mad about change, it's life. I love change so it's weird that I was so upset about this, but I was. No more. As they say that was the past and I'm over it. I hope that I can keep our tattered relationship together and work towards having an adult friendship. It won't be easy, but is it ever?

May in Charleston

So I got my 1st surfing lesson from Patrick the other week. It was great. The weather was hot, the water cool, and I had my pink board and the waves to myself. Patrick showed me how to paddle and go up to my knees on the board and said he'd help me judge the waves and such. I rode the 1st wave in on the board on my belly as instructed. It was cool. Next time he said knees so I did. Again super fun. The 3rd time he yells stand up so I do. Now that was what people always talk about. Surfing! Yea I was helped and only on about a 2ft wave but I was up! Then I called it a day, why spoil it. My 2nd time surfing was a bit different. We rode our new beach bikes to Sullivans and decided we'd drive out to Folly. We got there and there were a lot of fools in the water on boards. It was evening and the sun was setting. He said he wanted to get in and see how the waves were and I'd come in later. Me being me I walked out in the waves and got what was coming to me! I forgot that holding on to a HUGE pink floating piece of foam (or whatever it is) is an accident waiting to happen in the ocean. You all know where this is going. Surfing didn't happen that day, drowning almost did. I spend most of the time under water not surfing above it! I saw dolphins and almost had a heart attack. My suit is no longer wearable bc the bottoms were ripped off me and now are 3 sizes to big. I had scraps on my knees and one on my arm and 10 gallons of sea water in my ears, mouth, and nose BUT I still didn't hate it. The ocean has ALWAYS scared the hell out of me. There are monsters, sharks, sea creatures and deeeeep water out there. What are people doing in their home?? As I stated on facebook I was afraid of the beasts in the ocean BUT now I'm afraid of the beast herself. She is a wonder. I can't believe all those surfers that surf or get anywhere near a 60ft wave!?!?! I'm def hooked. I'm not obsessed like Patrick (eats, sleeps, and shits surfing) but I do want to get better and get a better board. Hey I wonder if I can have the most expensive hobbies; surfing, skiing, photography, etc.?? Life's short might as well enjoy it. Thanks Patty for the lessons. Anyone surf? Tried it?

Old Fashioned

My mom said I was old fashioned. Yea I don't have a microwave or a TV and I brew my tea in a pot on the stove, but that hardly makes me old fashioned, right??

Right now I'm enjoying some "me" time after the 10 days with Patrick's parents and week with mine. I definitely had a great time with both sets of parents, but it is tiring always worrying about someone other than yourself. Damn, that must be how it feels to have a kid. I was worrying about the temp of the house and if we had enough food (we didn't bc we're poor), if there was enough to do, if my rents ate so they didn't pass out in public, etc. etc. Mom got us housewarming outside chairs which are fabulous and I've already fallen asleep in them on the porch.

Oh shit I just burned Pat's Coffee Carafe. Shit the house smells like burnt ass rubber and I have to go buy a new one. Damn. Ok I need a microwave. Karma/ Destiny/ Fate whatever it is I'm getting me one.

Shit.

The Cove

I just watched The Cove. This documentary is about the killing of thousands of dolphins in Japan each September. The movie goes where no other documentary on this subject has. It really pissed me off to say the least. I am now sending petitions to the President and to Congress to get this issue out in the public. I am taking to the Social Media out lets that I use everyday and I hope that some people click on the links I'm adding and DO something too.
Click here if you want to help.

Watch The Cove to get a better understanding about Mercury poisoning. We are all in danger and most of us don't even know it. The next time you sit down to sushi you may be eating something that can cause Autism, memory loss, headaches, tooth loss, hair loss, vertigo and many worse symptoms.

You can help. Log on to www.takepart.com and DO something about it!!

January 2010

Just watched the Bengals blow any chance of anyone ever taking them seriously. I wasn't surprised, but it's always a disappointment to see your team fall apart and make so many stupid mistakes (S. Graham missing 2 fgs)! Today Patrick and I decided not to go skiing with Danny and Mary Beth but pack up the house and get ready for the move. Just for the record Pat has over 20 pairs of jeans. He was like "Erin look I only have 17 pairs"...that was hours ago and I keep seeing him pull more out of the closet and try and hide-pack them! Haha. There will be no way that we can rent a place with small closets, no way! We have SO much stuff. I keep sending people on Craigslist questions about their place and number 2 question is what's the closet scene??

We're definitely getting more and more pumped about moving. Yesterday it was 16 degrees and it hurt me. Just an FYI Patrick's team mascot was the Dragon! Wtrandom mascot!! We had a great time on Friday for Pat's 31st Bday. Bootsys' was yummy as always and Cosmic Bowling can't be beat! Pat finally beat me (bc I drank a bottle of vino tinto on accident) and I think everyone had a blast. Pat definitely puts more emphasis on Bdays than I do. I really don't care about Bdays. I want a dinner and maybe a movie. I like gifts and all but bc it's so near to Xmas I really don't need much.

Ok, I'm being summoned to help tape boxes! The adventure will start the last week in January. Stay tuned.

2010 People!!

So I jut rang in the New Year in Lawrenceburg, IN with Patrick and my Gma Lulu. It was a great time! 2009 was an interesting year for me. I decided to return to the US from Spain which was very difficult for me. I got home and was lost, excited, confused, depressed, happy...every emotion one can possible have. I ended up trying to lean on friends of mine who have shown their true colors and really are not "friends" to me. I took this pretty hard as people do. I was at the lowest part of my life and not really for any particular reason, but I was. I have never felt "depressed" and I never really understood when Sara would tell me how she felt...now I understand. It's so hard to put yourself in others shoes until you do it. It wasn't planned but that darkness opened up onto a beautiful new life. Patrick moved to IN and then to KY and we started our journey together. I'm definitely not saying it was all roses, but we learned a lot about ourselves and each other. That being said I found a job that I was good at, realized jobs that I wouldn't want to do again, and found out what I've always known...Follow your heart!

That brings me to today. Patrick and I have been talking about living near the beach and have thrown around many ideas but have decided to GO FOR IT and move to Charleston, South Carolina. People think we're nuts because we make a decision and do it unlike everyone else who bitches about their situation and does nothing to change it. That's what I love about Patrick and I. We do things. He said babe I'll move there and he did. We said we'll stay and visit the family a bit and we did. We said we would choose a place for us to explore that we both could grow...we are! Some are nervous for us and I appreciate the concern, but I have this feeling it'll all work out!! The next update will be me in our new apartment loving our new neighbors and our new life. I hope you can come and visit and see what we do with the rest of 2010!