Scary Erin

I must admit, I take great delight in watching someone get scared; particularly at this Halloween season. This enjoyment started at a very young age. As a little girl, I had a babysitter that loved the ghoulish and scary. Skipper Gleason babysat us every now and again, and I’m sure babysitting 6 + kids at the time, he had to come up with very creative ways of entertaining us. One of which was by scaring us to the point of not being able to sleep! As much as it scared me as a child, it brought to life my own creative, creepy juices. However, I believe it was my younger sister’s reaction to my scariness that only egged on this delight. I took every opportunity I could of trapping her at the end of a hallway in our house, or scaring her when she came out of the bathroom. I spooked her to no end! When Caitilin came along and was able to understand what was going on, I did things to scare her too. Before we went to bed at night (it was usually the three of us sharing a room) I would purposely turn off the light myself and disappear in the room somewhere. I had a knack for being able to keep totally quiet, and they never knew where I would pop up and scare them. I absolutely loved it! The reactions were always priceless. However, Shannon is now perpetually scared of EVERYTHING. I should probably take some responsibility in that. It's something I can't help laugh about all the time. I take great delight in scaring her and anyone else I can get a reaction out of. Am I mean or what?!

El Templo

(written last week)

So, I'm here in LA for probably the 7th time since June. I generally stay in the same area within easy distance to my work place. When I first started coming here I was out all the time exploring - dinner in Malibu, leisurely drives down the pacific coast highway, shopping, etc.
However, since the last 3 or 4 times I've been here, I've become stagnant. I'll order dinner in the hotel, go for take-out, or I might even see a movie by myself (which i really enjoy, btw). However, last night I opted for a change. I was to have met a friend of mine at Jamba Juice down on Santa Monica Blvd., but at the last minute his car wouldn't start - and of course we were at totally opposite ends of L.A., so I wouldn't be able to venture to his place (traffic would have been horrific). However, I decided to drive to our meeting place and just check out the area. So as I'm looking for my destination, I look up and see something very familiar - but my mind doesn't register what I am actually looking at. It's Moroni! The angel Moroni - standing so proud and strong in the middle of Los Angeles. Of course I completely forget my original destination and head to this all too familiar haven. There is traffic and madness all around me, but the moment I pull into the temple parking lot there is peace. I found a parking place, stepped out of my rental car and enjoyed a leisurely stroll around that majestic edifice. I was in awe. "I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday..."
I love the tranquility I find when I'm within its walls, but was grateful for the unexpected peace I found that evening on its grounds. The spirit resides there, and it is very evident. I'm grateful to have "stumbled" upon it that day. It brought new resolve to visit that place often while on my work trips. Next time I will be inside.

Ipod's make my world go 'round... yo

My cheap-o, re-furbished Ipod has to be one of my best buys ever! While sitting on a crowded, tiny plane bound for Burbank I pondered upon how much sweeter my travels have become since owning the darn thing. For one thing, I don't feel obligated to talk to or be talked to on a long or short flight (don't get me wrong, i'm a fan of airplane conversation, but on a 4 1/2 hour long flight it's a big commitment!)
The whole world changes when set to music. A cramped plane becomes a flood of memories, hopes and aspirations. You laugh, but it's true! My most creative thoughts come to play in these moments, and my goals come to life again (marathon!)
Here was the playlist for today's journey:
Michael Buble - Quando, Quando, Quando (reminds me of Shan & Caiti), You and I (this song makes me want to be in love)
Enya - Watermark (reminds me of my time in Russia - in my haven of a bedroom)
Ellen Degeneres stand-up comedy - hilarious! (this reminds me of being in the car with Shannon when hearing it for the first time and laughing so hard we were crying!)
Eva Cassidy - Songbird, I Know You By Heart, and My Baby Wrote Me a Letter (Heather & Matt first introduced me to Eva a few years ago, and wow, her voice is inspiring!)

Yes folks, my Ipod makes my world go 'round... how 'bout you?

Proud Auntie

I love my nephews. Really, I do.

Kalin was the first to enter this world - almost 13 years ago. I can't believe how much he has grown! Kalin has a special place in my heart because he is the first. He is really more like a little brother to me - since we all took turns raising him.

Kai will be 7 on the 22nd of October. He is such a funny kid; such personality. One day while on our way to the store - he looked over his outfit, smelled himself and said, "man, I should've put on some cologne. I might see some girls here! "

Gavin is now a big 5 year old. I only get to see him a few times a year, but it's so sweet when I do. He is a blonde haired, blue-eyed Swede. He even prays in Swedish! Smart kid, this one.

Ryan is almost 4, but might as well be 5 like his brother. I think he has weighed the same as his brother since he was 2. I love hearing Ryan sing songs on the phone. He is always willing. He and his brother are fans of Gwen Stefani songs (hmm... i wonder who introduced them...)

Owen the wonder child will be 3 in December. He is a blue eyed doll. The happiest day for me was when he said "Auntie" for the first time. He has been a dream ever since - and so smart.

Aidan, the curly haired angel is about 18 months. He is finally over the being afraid of people stage and comes running to me when I enter the home. He has a smile and laugh to die for!
He knows me as Auntie now too. My heart melts when I hear it.

My nephews are so important in my life. I love spending time with them. They are so loving and so accepting - even of crazy Auntie Erin. Ahh, I love, love them.