Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I'm sure that I should be doing something right now...

Thank you, Michelle & Kyle :) You made my night!

zom•bie
|ˈzämbē|
noun
1. (informal) a person who is or appears lifeless, apathetic, or completely unresponsive to their surroundings. Example: Erica's lack of enthusiasm and zest for life makes her indistinguishable from a zombie.

Apparently 3 months of time off is needed for one productive week of work. Last week I was all revved up to start working and this week, well... not so much. Goodness gracious. Let's hope that this is just a freak phase of exhaustion and will cease soon.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Ohh...

Just kind of curious of any one actually reads my blog... that's all.

Comment if you do.

Thanks :)

Hugs,
Erica

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The 4th Day

Whenever I start to type in this little white box, I struggle with what exactly to express. Because this asynchronous and datable resource is a record of my thoughts, I try to not make assumptions and forecast regarding what I "love" or "hate" this very second. However, in some ways, the lack of emotion make it bland and common. The question ends up being: Do I type or do I hold back. What I convey makes me vulnerable to the reality of the future, but what I withhold smothers my emotions, experiences and outcomes, which combined together create the very life that I live. There is no one feeling, circumstance or truth that defines life, so is what I am withholding denying myself to what is life.

With that said, I truly like my job so far. I finally feel as if the work that I will be doing in the near future is truly meaningful and will literally contribute to the success of generations to come.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

A little bit frightning...

A very quick post to let ALL my adoring blupies (blog groupies) know that I have started working again. I am EXTREMELY fortunate to not only have found a job, but it is in my field and with a wonderful little company known as McGraw-Hill.

Here's where I am: McGraw-Hill > Educational Division > School Solutions Group > Art, Design & Photo > Social Studies discipline > Associate Image Coordinator. Whewww! :)

So far, so good. More to come!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Annoyed. Inspired. Concerned.

We all watched the final debate tonight and I firmed up some of my opinions regarding the presidential election. I guess my biggest thing is how I imagine either one of them running the country in a couple of fast-approaching months. My greatest fear is the continuation of ineffective and unfulfilled policies and promises. Having a brother that served in Iraq and seeing what my mother went through for over a year has definitely changed my perspective on what I think of this war and what it was truly for. I am a strong supporter that the US should NOT be the world's policeman and in order for that to happen we need to depend on ourselves for products that we need including energy, manufactured goods and produce. With McCain being as far along in age as he is I feel my concern is valid as to what would happen if he were unable to act as president. Unfortunately I do not think that Palin has the knowledge, experience and most of all flexibility and open-mindedness to represent the views of our troubled nation. Issues seem to be so black and white (no racial pun intended) with her and it simply cannot be that way with such a diverse, intricate and complex country and populous. I have never been a fan of McCain and unfortunately the more I know of his plans the more I dislike what he proposes.

I have been a supporter of Obama for some time now and for a number of reasons, but first and foremost because I can see him being a great leader. This past couple of months has opened my eyes to a number of circumstances that I could never imagined had I not in the position that I am. Being unemployed has conjured up some tough times regarding self-worth, the effects of a depressed economy and the effects on its people and business, medical coverage and the rising cost of living. Sam and I have done very well at keeping a hawk-eye on our budget and not spending above our means; striving to make wise financial decisions for our future. We plan, we budget, we spend less and TRYf to save. However when the price of EVERYTHING is going up it is mathematically and logically impossible to stay afloat even when making many of sacrifices.

There are no doubts that what our fellow citizens have drawn us into will indeed take some time to mend - hopefully a long time. The unethical choices and horrendous decisions made by some very greedy people have allowed a portion of people to sink into holes that they will hopefully never forget. I hope this is a lesson for many people to learn. Neither Sam or myself have ever lead very exorbitant lives. We desire quality over quantity and will try to do something ourselves before paying someone else. We like small houses, cars, TVs and most everything else that people typically think bigger is better. I am not saying that we will not be effected by what is going on because of our views and outlook on life, but I hope that there is an overall encouragement for people to look at the cold, hard truths of life and the horrible effects of materialism. We are where we are because people simply do not have the ability to keep certain things in their pants - wallets. I would never.... haha!

As far as the bailout goes... I think that it was unfortunate that we need to take such drastic measures, yet absolutely necessary. I detest the idea of paying for others completely inexcusable, inane and idiotic decisions, but I also realize that if we do not take care of things now we will face much greater consequences in the near future.

And now I'm stepping off my soapbox.

Monday, October 13, 2008

A Change in More Than Just the Seasons

I've always dreamed about being at this point in my life! It's just wonderful :)

However, there are a couple unexpected details that I had not thought of. 1. I prefer to listen to NPR! I want to go back to school just to continue learning! :)

In other news...
National Geographic is one of my homepages and I am continually astonished by the beautiful imagery that they produce. They are nice enough to make desktop-sized photographs for your viewing enjoyment.

Nat Geo Animal Patterns


Have fun!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Autumn Blessings

Ahh...

Saturday was such a gift! Not only was it absolutely beautiful outside, but I was fortunate enough to spend just about every waking moment with my best friend doing what we love to do.

Three days this week Sam was up before 5:30a and didn't arrive home until after 8:30p. After flying through the door and around the table to grab a bite to eat he was upstairs finishing homework and studying for his test. While I know that these duties in life don't really top his list of "Loves" he somehow manages to handle them oh so well. Yeah for Sammy!

Saturday was our day and it could not have been better :)

The day was filled with lots of sunshine, a non-traditional picnic lunch, amusing moments and cheery photographs.

Story time!! Okay, Sam and I are both very accepting people and this story does not portray that we are not, however while we were at the park, we did both find it quite funny that the Muslim group a couple of picnic tables over from us was attempting to have a very "American" afternoon while Sam and I were hinting to the contrary. They were having a Barbecue. We were having a picnic with chardonnay, hummus, Kashi crackers, Genoa salami, strawberries and Greek yogurt (amazing, by the way!). I guess you had to be there :)

I am thankful for wonderful times with Sammy :) He's my favorite-ist!






Saturday, October 4, 2008

I think it's that time again

With Autumn definitely upon us, I am feeling the urge to snuggle up in my woozy hiking socks, comfy sweaters and start doing all the fun inside things that having 4 seasons in a year permits me to do. BLOG! Gosh, I am so very derelict in my duties, but I'm working on it.

This morning as Sam was getting dressed for work I groggily sat up in bed (mind you, it was 9:30!!) and lovingly said good morning in my scratchy, just woke up voice and proceeded to ask him a very important question. "Sammy, could I use your camera, today?" And to my sweet surprise he said, "of course." Whoa! Had I asked that same very questions just 4 short years ago, I am quite sure that he would have hesitated just a bit and then asked if he could graciously join me and of course make sure that I was not going to go shooting near any water, lava or cliffs for fear or hurting his precious camera.

I should not be so harsh, really I need not be. However, it does signify a great change in our relationship from then until now.

My sweet, sweet Sammy. I am so very happy to be yours. And yes, even though creepy, the guy in Whole Foods is indeed correct you are a lucky man as well.

In honor of my sweet, almost husband, I would like to propose a personal holi-month (holiday + month). I will call it, Happy I Sat Next To You month. Lots of happy couples have wonderful stories of how they met, but I personally like ours the best. It was the beginning of September-ish and I needed a class because one of mine was canceled at the last minute. American History was open, however it was from 6-10 on Thursday nights. Oh well. Come to find out those 4 hours every Thursday for 11 weeks turned into some of my favorite times. I sat down next to you, because I was running late as usual and it was the only soft chair left (4-hours in an unpadded chair can be brutal on the tush!) and just as those words ran through my mind, I looked up to who I would be sitting next to and saw your dear, sweet face and crazy hair. I calmly, rationally and bluntly said to myself that I should probably break up with what's-his-face because I was, well, for the lack of a better term, in love from the time that I saw you.

It should also be noted that Sam had a similar reactions, only his inside voice said something to the effect of, "there's my wife!" However, neclected to speak or look at me for the next 5 or six weeks!! Jerk head! Plastic shoe man!

Big hugs and lots 0 love to you, Sammy. You've made me a very happy girl.