P90X

Have any of you tried this program? Holy moly, it's brutal. But, I LOVE IT!! Every morning at 6:30 I meet up with a group of friends from work to do this mother of all work-outs. For one thing, I am not a morning person by any means, so this is the first hurdle. I actually have to get up at 5:45 to get there on time. Oh, and did I mention it's a little on the chilly side in the morning? Yep. Then, of course, the program is tough. Very tough. However, I'm doing it.
People, I.AM.DOING.IT!!
It has been a long time since I've been dedicated to doing something physically like this (with the exception of the Tri). Every day I find the motivation to get myself out of bed and get myself there. Each morning when the alarm clock goes off, I really just want to throw it across the room and sleep forever, but I don't. I am grateful for the motivation - wherever it is coming from. I don't have any great goal. Like the traithlon, I just want to finish. I want to know that I did it. Losing weight would be a plus, but it's not absolutely necessary. I want to know that I'm helping my body be a little healthier than it was before. Plus, I have to tell you, I just feel good. It's nice to tell people that I've been up since the crack of dawn doing some serious exercising. I think they might even respect me.

There's a kind of glow in my face, and a spring in my step.

Is it love?

It's P90X, baby!

Sometimes...

I cry.

Sometimes.

Single and Tri-ing!

The amazing Divas!

Drew's Divas!
Victoria Jane and me getting ready for the tri!
Riding in on my flat tire.
The famous Drew and me.
Finishing the race.
One of my best friends from high school days was doing the tri too!
All of the 33 year old Divas displaying their digits.
119, yo.

So much to say… well, I FINISHED! Yes, I, Erincita finished my very first triathlon! All I can say is, I’m gonna do it again! You know, agreeing to do the triathlon in the first place made me nervous, to say the least. However, knowing that I was doing it with 9 other girls gave me great motivation. Not only that, but doing it for a cause (Drew) was a big deal for me. I am still having a hard time believing that I really did it. It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure, but I now know what I’m made of and will do it again.
Next time I’ll definitely have a road bike instead of a mtn. bike. Oh, and I’ll bring back-up just in case I get a flat like I did on Saturday . Such a bummer, for real!
Friends, I am proud. You will definitely see more entries in the future of the coming triathlons. I hear it’s an addiction, and I think I’m hooked!

Friends... I solicit your help.

Dear Friends,

I know a guy. His name starts with a Dr and ends with an ew. He is amazing, talented, kind, funny and so many other things. This friend of mine has cancer and needs help paying for his incredibly costly meds. Check out his blog and get to know him @ www.welovedrew.blogspot.com - chances are, you'll love him too.

This weekend a few of Drew's biggest fans and I are doing a triathlon to help raise money for his cause. If you are able to donate any amount of $$, please either let me know or go to paypal.com and make a contribution under ercurr@gmail.com

I thank you for any help you can give. He's definitely worth it, folks.

Many thanks!

Still here...

and still finding purpose in every day of my life. Just been so darn busy!

Purpose #7

To be humbled by my own frustrating imperfections... daily.

Purpose #6

To learn from children. I had my first international experience while teaching English in China to young kids when I was 20 years old. I don't think anything could have prepared me for the experience I was about to have. Those kids (even being 10-13 year olds) loved me. It was one of those defining moments in my life where I really felt I learned to love. I never knew how much children could touch my life. Never. I love the children in my life. My nephews, who are so dear and so important me teach me everyday. They love their Auntie Erin, and don't care how imperfect I am. It's a trait I hope to learn.
After China, I was able to teach English in Russia as well and open my heart to yet another group of children across the world. How blessed I was, and blessed I continue to be!

Purpose #4 & 5

To be amazed, cry, and rejoice at the vocal talent of Brian Stokes Mitchell - especially evident in the song below.
To be moved by the words of this song, and to understand my own important and glorious quest in this life.

This could quite possibly be one of my favorite songs.



To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far

To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

Purpose #3

To show kindness to those around me, and to be the recipient of others' kindness.

Purpose #2

Walking, running, dancing, kissing, and singing in the rain.

Today the rain is falling. I adore it.




I hear leaves drinking rain;
I hear rich leaves on top
Giving the poor beneath
Drop after drop;
'Tis a sweet noise to hear
These green leaves drinking near.

And when the Sun comes out,
After this Rain shall stop,
A wondrous Light will fill
Each dark, round drop;
I hope the Sun shines bright;
'Twill be a lovely sight.

- William Henry Davies

Purpose #1

To enjoy the wonders and beauty of this good earth. Fall being one of my fave wonders. Ahh, so incredible!

Purpose

Hmm... what is mine?

DC & NYC

Oh District of Columbia, I like thee - a lot. I was born just outside of DC, and my dear dad grew up just beyond its borders. There's a lot of history in our family back east, and need I say of our country? Such a great place. I traveled there for work yet again. This work trip was relatively short, but I of course managed to extend the trip to include NYC - since it was Labor Day weekend and all.
We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, where the XanGo event was being held. My job during this event included singing the national anthem, which I'm no stranger to at XanGo. I think I'm the official back-up. This was my 3rd time singing it for a major company event.
When we weren't at the hotel enjoying our Bulgari lotions and soaps, or cookies in the lobby, or working, we were out showing our love for the city. One of my favorites was eating at a Moroccan restaurant called Marrakesh. Oh friends... seven courses of delectable food eaten with our hands. It was a culinary delight! Lamb, pastry dishes with chicken, egg, and powdered sugar. So tasty!
Sunday I took a bus (a very nice bus, btw) and headed to my old haunt of NYC. I served my mission there (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island) and always enjoy going back. These days I know a lot of people that have made NYC their home. Some of my closest friends are Heather & Matt Herrick. I've known them what seems like forever - at 12 or 13 years old. We were all friends in high school, then they got married years after they both served missions. Who knew?! They now have three beautiful children and live in the big city. In the 4 + years they've lived there, I have only visited one other time, which was for 24 hours. So pathetic. It was so nice to spend some quality time with all of them over labor day. We visited a new park made from a portion of an old elevated train track, which was very cool. We sampled the sweet delights of NYC: black and white cookies, brownies from Fat Witch, drinkable yogurt, cream puffs, and vegan chocolate chip cookies. All very delicious. We also took a jaunt into China town to try out the Herrick's favorite noodle shop. The pan fried noodles were so yummy! All in all, a very nice trip around the city. I was amazed that their children were still happy walking after so many hours. I loved that Margaret held my hand and told me about anything that was on her mind as we walked. Oh the 6 year old! So cute.
I love New York City, and I think I always thought I'd go back to the city to live. However, every time I go back, I'm reminded that I wouldn't have a car (my freedom), I'm reminded of icky humidity, and of the general inconvenience of getting place to place. I love it, but I think I like my car for a while.

The Band

Here is the link to the cover band I sing for. We recently took some new pics - hooray! I got tired of looking like I played the guitar in the original. So, check it out. Oh, and I've added some of our pics that didn't make the cover shot.
Oh, and my sister Shannon took the pics. She's great. Check out her photography link here.

Go here for the band.

Holy moly, it's my 200th blog post!

Here is a video highlight to commemorate the occasion. Do enjoy!



Me and big bro. Quinn rollin', rollin', rollin' down the river.