Erin-cita & David-ito

The happy couple

2011-12-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

Sadie, Sadie married lady!

2011-12-28T13:11:00.001-07:00

Hi, I’m Erin Dean and I’m married! Waaaaaahoooooo! These 11 days that we have been married have been just wonderful. We spent a warm 7 days in the place I grew up (the first 10 years, at least), my beloved Hawaii. We had our first married Christmas in Hawaii as well. I must admit, I felt a little holiday displacement. We remedied that and bought a $4 fake tree and set it in our hotel room amongst the wrapped gifts we chose for each other from the swap meet. We had a $30 limit and got some good stuff.

I hardly have the time to write, but I just want to say how happy I am to have Dave in my life and to be his wife. His WIFE!! Wow, that’s going to take some getting used to.

More later.

The end.

10 days and counting...

2011-12-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

We are about to get into single digits, folks! Holy moly, I'm having a really hard time realizing that marriage is right around the corner. The little details of the reception, worrying about this and that have kept me from really thinking about what is about to happen to my life - to our lives. I am so excited, nervous, calm, anxious, and just about every other emotion. Here we go!

Sometimes we get engaged

2011-10-21T19:23:00.001-06:00

Hi, I'm Erin and I'm engaged. WOOOOOOOO!!!!! There was a time when I thought that little declaration on my blog would never be, but alas, it is. I'm going to marry my amazing Dave! The date is December 17th in the Provo Temple, with a pre-wedding reception the night before. Not a very common thing, I know, but I'm a little excited to do things backwards.
Dave and I have known we would be married for a long time. Living in UT can be tough when you've been dating more than a few months and don't have a ring on your finger. As members of the LDS church, we abstain from many things - smoking, drinking, coffee, etc. Another thing we abstain from is pre-marital sex. This is something that is not easy as the world knows, but something that has been extremely important throughout our lives. So, as is custom of 'Mormon's', as we are called, most marry soon after they know they will be married. Hence, the pressure to get married. And believe me, we have been feeling the pressure. However, we wanted more time. As all know, marriage is a HUMONGOUS step in life. Neither of us have ever been married, and neither of us wanted to take this all-important step lightly. We have taken a lot of time getting to know one another and getting to be certain that this was right for both of us. Well, after all this time, we have figured out that marriage is right and we're ready for it!
Getting married in the temple is also a very important thing for us. For those of you that don't know about our church, we believe that life goes on after death. We believe that we will still progress after death, and we believe that families are eternal. The temple is a place where we take the first step to becoming an eternal family. You can learn more about temples here: http://lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng
I don't know what the future holds for Dave and I, but I have a hope of what it holds. I know that whatever happens, no matter how difficult, we have a loving Father in Heaven who is aware of us and wants us to be happy in life. This is a great comfort to me.

I am excited to begin my life with David D. He is my home.

Sometimes I'm lucky.

2011-09-08T15:14:00.004-06:00

Like the time my brother Shane and I won $1000 at our work summer party two weeks ago for doing this little ditty.

http://youtu.be/6MxIIhNgeRo

And then last week at my work's health fair, I won this. A $189 value!

And tomorrow I'll be flying to this place (for work & some play) ...

Oh, and this place.

The not so lucky part? I won't get to see this guy for two whole weeks :( I'll miss you, honey!

Overall, I'm a pretty lucky girl!

Introduction of my Dave...

2011-08-22T18:17:00.001-06:00

I didn’t even realize I had not done a formal introduction of my Dave. Thanks to Malea for making me aware of it! Here’s a little history first of how we met.

Dave and I met a few years ago of all places in our single’s ward. Crazy, eh? I heard him speak in church one Sunday, and as he was introducing himself he said that he was a Math teacher at UVU. For those of you that know my history with Math, you will undoubtedly understand why I decided to write him off – even though he was a nice looking guy who appeared to be very normal. How could I possibly get along with a Math teacher, right? Well, within a few months I began going to get-togethers, and he was usually there. A friend of mine was interested in him, so I just kept my distance anyway. I mean, how could we possibly have anything in common?

A while later, we happened to find ourselves on the same cruise to Mexico. It was an LDS Singles cruise. I’ll tell you this; I wasn’t all excited to be there – since I had been recently disenchanted by a short relationship. Dating someone new was the absolute last thing on my mind. While on the cruise we spent a lot of time with Dave on the boat and on shore excursions. I thought he was a nice guy. He was always kind and considerate of everyone. I didn’t think much more than that, but I did take notice that he looked at me a little more than others. However, I wasn’t going to even let myself play that scenario out in my mind. Oh, one thing I did forget to mention – I noticed that he had a very nice build, which never hurts!

We all had a great time on the cruise, and upon returning home, I began to realize that I missed not seeing Dave. It was so nice having him around. He was such a calming presence (and still is).

Without boring you with the little details, Dave asked me out about a month later, and the rest, well, it’s history. We’ve been dating for 15 months now, and things are great!

Dave is originally from California. He moved to UT the same year my family moved from Hawaii. He is the 3^rd of 5 kids. He got his under grad at BYU, then his masters at the University of Houston. He is a full-time Math teacher at UVU. He’s a very active guy. He loves the sun and continually shames me with his tan skin. He is handsome, kind, good-natured, intelligent, funny, sensitive, logical, and he gets along with pretty much everyone he meets fabulously. What I love about Dave the most is that I can just be myself with him. On any given night, you can find us watching the O’Reilly Factor and eating Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff or a good steak. We’re fairly easy going.

Yep, I love this man.

You may leave this introduction asking, “When are you getting married?”

I only have this to say…

Someday :)

You’ll find it all here!

B-day

2011-08-07T10:32:00.002-06:00

It was this man's b-day on Friday. I sure do love him and am so thankful for him in my life.

Happy Birthday, Dave!

New Beginnings

2011-07-24T23:19:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for opportunities that present themselves when I least expect it. Tomorrow is a new beginning for me. A new job. I have had a wonderful time with all those I have been blessed to know at my previous employer, but at this time in my life this change is something I need to pursue. I am thankful for the guidance of a loving Heavenly Father that has helped me to recognize new paths in my life. I'm a blessed little lady.

Oh, and I love Dave. And wouldn't you know it - he loves me too :)

Life without an iPhone

2011-07-24T01:47:00.003-06:00

I have had an iPhone for work the past 10 months or so, and with it my life has been full of lovely information. I LOVE having information at my finger tips! There is an app for every possible thing I would possibly need or want. A few examples, I lost about 15 lbs. in the past few months with the help of an app. True story. Mapquest helped me to get to and from just about everywhere on each work trip, and just around town. Whirly Word kept me entertained in long lines, email - at my fingertips! Social media, check!
It has only been 2 and a half days, and I feel lost without my iPhone. No, I didn't lose it. A job change is the reason for the loss of my dear phone (job change was my choice :)). Anyhow, I now shudder every time I look at my pathetic mobile device. It is more up to date than most, but I can hardly abide to even write a text from it. It just simply isn't my dear iPhone.
I'm hoping my new job will have something comparable. I hope, I hope. Otherwise, I may actually have to buy one myself! Argh!

Sometimes

2011-07-05T23:09:00.003-06:00

Sometimes we need to hear the absolute perfection that is Brian Stokes Mitchell's voice, and sometimes we need the inspiration to reach that unreachable star.

His favorite shirt

2011-05-31T13:50:00.007-06:00

My dear Dave is conservative with clothing. ULTRA conservative (bless his heart). He probably spends $100 in a year on clothing, and that's pushing it. I don't mind this trait at all, except for when he wears his favorite tattered and worn long-sleeved shirt. The white dots are holes. Oh, and check out the holes in the elbows and the frayed neck-line. Bless this boy. I sure love him, though.

One year.

2011-05-17T11:06:00.003-06:00

Exactly one year ago today my Dave took me out on our first date. I am so lucky to have such a kind, good, and patient man in my life - oh, and really handsome. I am truly blessed. Love you, babe.

A Looooong time coming

2011-05-06T14:21:00.003-06:00

I finished. I finished something that has been quite the undertaking for me the last 17 years. Blood, sweat, and tears went into finishing my educational journey. Journey is an understatement. I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel - since I had seen friends and family finish. I just didn't know that it existed for me. Being an educated woman was always my goal. I just never knew how many things could get in the way of it becoming a reality. I kept going, and I kept thinking that one day I'd really finish.

A week ago today it ended.

I, Erincita, became a graduate of Utah Valley University. After 200 + credits, I really did it.

This chapter in my life is now over :)

What's next?

Six days without (it's a long one...)

2011-04-30T10:54:00.005-06:00

About 9 years ago I began a journey to health-nutdom. At the time I was a college student, working full time with no benefits. I was getting what has been common amongst my mom and sisters... gall stones. I wouldn't be able to pay for surgery without insurance, so instead I thought I'd put it off a while and just not eat the things that were aggravating the symptoms. In a joint effort to lose weight, I began a life eating Vegan-ish. No meat, no dairy, no sugar, and no white flour. The pounds fell off me, of course, which gave me the drive to keep going and keep eating restrictively. I lost A LOT of weight and felt GREAT about myself. I had been in sizes I hadn't worn since jr. high! The 'high' lasted for a few years, and then I became slowly dissatisfied. This was always my worry when losing weight. Even though I had lost about 50 pounds and looked great, I began to see the little imperfections instead - the vain ones. I was almost as unhappy skinny as I was 50 lbs. larger. Unreal, isn't it? It makes no sense! I also began to feel the restrictions of my food intake more acutely. I got mad when at a restaurant with friends and I couldn't eat what they were eating, or when I went to a family dinner and there was nothing that I could eat. The thing is, I was putting these restrictions on myself and I could take them off at any time. My worry was I would get headaches from the sugar, and stomach aches from meat I had not had in my body for so long. Well, one day, feeling rebellious and ready for a change, I caught a whiff of a pot roast, and oh boy, I never looked back! Everything came back into my diet, some things slowly, but eventually I consumed it all like never before!
There is a sort of animal-like ravishing that happens to me every now and then. I am not one of those that can eat just a couple of m&m's or one bite of a candy bar. The taste of it, the crunch, it all hits me and I consume things in minutes. I have no concept of eating things in moderation. I have tried, believe me.
Needless to say, the weight all came back slowly, but surely. I was back at my old weight within about two years. All of that hard work only brought me back to where I was before. Was I happier? You bet I was! I wasn't living by restrictions anymore. I ate whatever I wanted to when I wanted to. BUT, like the high from losing weight and looking great, it too wore off and I began to feel unhappy about the way I looked. It was no longer freedom that I felt for being able to eat anything anytime, but rather feeling a slave to the habit.
We all know the diets that are out there; the things that help us lose a little here and a little there. Enough to appease us, right? I have fallen into those more than a few times. I lose weight for a little while, then I gain it. Which then puts me on the prowl for yet another diet that might work. It is a never-ending cycle for most of us women.

This brings me to the title of my blog entry. First, some wee background. My dear brother Sean and wonderful Bri are getting married mid-May. They have been engaged since December. And since their engagement, I have had it in mind that I was going to have a major body over-haul. I figured I could lose 5-7 lbs. every month and would be just where I wanted to be by the time the wedding came around. Friends, I am two pounds over where I started. Depressing? Yes!
Last week at church I happened to mention this to my good friend Marcole. Telling her that I only had a few weeks left to lose any weight at all, she very easily mentioned getting off of sugar and white flour. I thought that might be something I could do - at least for a few weeks. That night before I went to bed, I downed some of the last of the Easter candy I had stashed away. It was 11 pm, but I bid a quick farewell to those Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and began getting ready for bed. Just as I was about to lay my wee head down, I began seeing the spots. THE SPOTS. I have been seeing these spots since I was in 8th grade. It was the beginning of a migraine headache. I get them frequently, so it's really nothing new. How odd that it would come right after I downed the Reeses, right? I tried not thinking much about it and thought I'd just be able to sleep off the headache. Monday morning came and the migraine was more painful than ever. Curse the Reese's! (my first thought) I then began to spy a link to the migraines I have been having for years. Could my sweet tooth cravings and indulgences be causing all of these headaches? That morning I began my day without sugar and white flour (as an experiment mostly), and have been six days without it. Am I losing weight? I have no idea. I don't want to go near the scale for a few more days anyway. Have I had any more migraines or any kind of headache for that matter? Not a one! If for nothing else than to have relief from these migraines, I am going to stay this way. Caffeine is another thing I've been avoiding. The results from my 'experiment' are the following:

No headaches
Better sleep at night (I usually toss and turn)
More energy throughout the day
Better mood!

Obviously exercise helps with these things as well. Dave and I try to exercise at least a few times a week together. I think I may also add yoga to my regimen. Yoga always makes me so relaxed.

I don't know if there is any great point to my lengthy blog here, but I've just had a lot of thoughts about this lately. Ultimately my goal is not to have to 'diet', but to feel good about myself at any stage of my life and any weight, and to eat things that are good for me and make me feel better physically and emotionally. As women we put way too much pressure on ourselves to look 'this' way or 'that'. We even talk about each other negatively when we don't look 'that' way. Why is that? Terribly ridiculous. We do it to ourselves, and we do it to each other. Let's not, eh? Today I'm going to embrace the love handles, the jiggles, and the cellulite! Today I am going to love my body in any way, shape or form.

The end.

Busy, busy me!

2011-04-19T16:22:00.007-06:00

Holy moly, it seems like work never stops! I'm an Event Planner for a direct marketing company in Lehi and I enjoy it - especially the distributors I get to meet from all over the world. They are fabulous people! Being the only planner for this company that has an event EVERY month, I get really swamped. I enjoy tending to all of the little details, but man, it can make a girl tired. I just came back from doing an event at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. The event was fabulous! Everyone was excited and left with a greater desire to get out there and achieve their goals, which is exactly what we like to hear. I left with a greater desire for a little time off! Luckily I was able to tack on a stop-over in Charlotte for a few days to visit Caiti, Kurt & the boys. My Dave booked a flight and met me there. It was so nice to see him after the stress of those days in Nashville! He's such a calming presence in my life. I appreciate him so much!
Two of my favorite trips total relaxation are being at Caiti's and being in Hawaii. Caiti is another calming presence in my life. It's so nice to know that I don't have to do ANYTHING when I'm visiting her. I can sit and chill with the nephews (they are growing up so fast!), do a little shopping, take a wee drive, and sleep as long as I want. Seriously, it is heaven to me. This time it was fun to watch Dave playing anything from football to bey-blades with Gavin & Ryan. It was also adorable to watch 7 year old Ryan trying to be as cuddly with Dave as I was. He loves "Uncle" Dave.
Since Caiti's internet card didn't work so well on my computer, I was forced to do as little work as possible. Totally fine with me.
Being back at work for 3 days I'm already ready to go back to Charlotte. Work is good, but vacation is so very nice.
The cute ones below...

Liam at 5 months. He is a happy baby boy!

Gavin, Ryan, Auntie & Dave. Doing what we do best.

Day of the Irish

2011-03-17T14:41:00.004-06:00

It's a big day in the Curran household. We like today. We like green. We like corned beef and cabbage. We like our ancestry. We are proud little suckers of our Irish background. We may not celebrate it like they do in my favored country of Ireland, but creating traditions and celebrating our heritage here in the U.S. is what it's all about.

We wear green, yes. Ireland is a fantastically green place. Rolling hills as far as the eye can see.
Such a fantastic place!
We eat Lucky Charms. Thank you to General Mills for creating such a delightful treat. Growing up we always knew we'd at least get one bowl of sugar cereal on this blessed day. Sometimes we ate porridge with green food coloring (not totally the favorite, but the green definitely changed it up). Sometimes mom came to our class in elementary school pretending to be a leprechaun, and she showed how saying the magic words, "come on Leprechaun" would change the porridge to a green color. All kids were in mutual awe.
We sometimes talk in an Irish accent. It's just for kicks and giggles. Quinn is probably better at it than the rest of us.
We talk up our names and how Irish they are, and just how Irish we are. We're glad mom and dad gave us names we could brag about.
We watch our favorite movies on this day. As kids it was "Darby O'Gill and the Little People". Shannon is still afraid of the Banshee. These days I watch "The Quiet Man" with more frequency. It's a delightful little movie. John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara are a perfect pair.

When visiting Ireland, these are the foods I like eating:

I know we have these in the U.S., but believe me when I say that the chocolate there is 100 times better!

Oh butter, delicious butter! Black bread and butter is super tasty. This girl is a fan of Kerry Gold.

I'm pretty much a fan of breakfast in general, but Irish breakfasts take the cake! The only thing missing in this picture is white pudding. It's a type of sausage mixed with oatmeal, onions and spices. If you're really brave, try the black pudding. It has pig's blood in it. I've had it many times and liked it, actually.

Oh how I miss my Ireland! My cousin Brigid will be married in Dublin and I hope, hope I can go. To end my little post here, enjoy a wee bit of "The Quiet Man".

Go here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5BjMTVnNuE&feature=related

20 is the magic number

2011-03-14T12:49:00.003-06:00

This chica is making some goals, and 20 is the goal (at least for the next two months).
My brother Sean and his Bri are getting married May 20th, and I'd like to look a little thinner in those pictures. So I, Erincita, am going to let the world know this (or whoever the heck even reads my wee blog). I am tired of doing this half-way. I am ready to LOSE IT!

On your mark, get set, GOAL!!

My Valentine...

2011-02-14T15:03:00.002-07:00

He.is.fabulous.

Ode to Groundhog Day

2011-02-02T13:55:00.001-07:00

Mr. Trololo

2011-01-19T15:14:00.004-07:00

Thank you, Robert Kenneth for introducing this lovely gem on your lovely blog. Dave and I have a good laugh almost every day as we watch it. I'm laughing even now thinking about the joy it will bring to every last one of you! Watch it again and again and again, won't you?
If the hair style doesn't do it, the lip syncing will.

Thoughts

2011-01-15T16:27:00.002-07:00

The New Year is here and I've had some time to reflect over 2010. I'm not going to lie, 2010 was a hard year for me. It was a year fraught with joblessness, self-doubt, and a whole heap of frustration. However, it was also a year of new-found love, a new nephew and niece, understanding of tests and trials in life, and a greater love for my Heavenly Father and his constant care. When it all comes down to it, I'm blessed.

I went to the funeral of my dear friend Melanee's Father, who was also my land-lord for many years and a wonderful man. It was a beautiful tribute to his well-lived life. There were many reminders of what I need to be doing in my life. I felt motivated to change, but I also felt the burden of what it takes to bring change to pass. The passing of this man made me realize also how much I love and cherish my family. I need to take every opportunity to show them my love.

The winter months are hard. Each year it seems like the dark clouds of winter loom heavier over me and bring my spirit to a greater low. Not fun. Sunshine, this chica needs you.

Overall, life is good.

Baby E

2011-01-02T14:28:00.003-07:00

Little E arrived on December 21st. If you think she is precious here, you should see her now! So happy to have my first little niece. Love her!

Christmas presents a-plenty!

2010-12-20T23:28:00.002-07:00

Christmas comes early this year, oh yes! Two of the best presents EVER are coming tomorrow. Little Liam and his family will be in Utah tomorrow - hooray! I get to hold my brand new nephew, finally!
The other present is of the feminine sort. I will have my VERY FIRST niece tomorrow, brought to us via scheduled c-section. Who can hardly wait? This Auntie! Holy moly, the Curran family has been waiting for this little bundle of femininity for a long time. After 7 little boys, it is time! I can hardly wait to see her and hear her name. Shane and Sharon like to keep us guessing (bless their hearts).
More news tomorrow!

2010-12-15T22:42:00.002-07:00

Ah, bless the holidays. I love 'em, I do. I am one of those people at Christmas that wants to do every single Christmasy thing for the holiday to be complete. I want to watch all of my favorite x-mas movies, take multiple drives to see the pretty lights, make and decorate sugar cookies, be a part of the hustle and bustle of x-mas (but not necessarily buy a whole heck of a lot), kiss my man under the mistletoe, sit by the fire and stare at the x-mas tree, drink lots of hot cocoa, spend lots of time with my nephews telling x-mas stories, walking through temple square to experience the beautiful lights and atmosphere, caroling with my family on x-mas eve, giving spare change to the people ringing the bells at wal-mart or anyone one needing an extra dollar here and there.

This year the holiday season has rushed passed me. I can hardly believe that we are only 10 days away! Not only do I want to do all of the things on my list, but I want to better remember why we celebrate this season. I'm so thankful for Jesus Christ, and am so grateful that he came to earth to live and die for us.

As my gift for the season, I want to share this movie. Most have seen it, but if you haven't, take 25 minutes and watch Jimmy Stewart at his best. It always makes me cry. Christmas wouldn't be the same without Mr. Krueger's Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Kai's entry

2010-11-24T15:11:00.005-07:00

Not sure what we're doing here.
Kai is so anxious for T-day he's gnawing on paper plates. Crazy kid.
10 year old dream boat, Kai.

Hi this is kai hi Liam how are you hi Gavin and Ryan how are you guy's? how are you auntie Caiti?

Auntie Erin transcribing now:

Auntie Erin and I just finished making pecan pies for Thanksgiving. I want one, but she is taking them to Dave's house for his family. Maybe we can make one later.

I am thankful for:

Nutella, because I love it.
Family, because they look out for me.
A house
Clothes
Mountains
Snow (he's a boy after my own heart)
Snow boarding (he's a good snow boarder)
Santa!
Presents!
Friends
Birthdays

I can't think of anymore. I'm excited for Thanksgiving, 'cuz I get to see the new Harry Potter.

Sweet baby boy

2010-11-17T09:49:00.003-07:00

Now, is this not the cutest baby you've ever seen??!! Liam arrived last night and is a whopping 9 lbs. 6 oz. and 21 inches. How I love this nephew I haven't even met yet! I'm so thankful that he and his mama are doing well.

He's coming today!

2010-11-16T10:16:00.002-07:00

I am so anxious, so anxious indeed! My 7th nephew is well on his way to making his debut into this crazy, chaotic, and beautiful world. Dear Liam, your auntie can't wait to meet you, love you, and get to know your precious spirit throughout this life.

I am so thankful today for life, for children, for their perfection that daily reminds me of God's love for each of his children here on earth.

Needing to give thanks

2010-11-15T11:28:00.002-07:00

Thankfulness: 'tis the time of year, yes? Of course yes. I feel the need to be thankful more often. I need not only voice it at this time of year, but should be giving thanks daily. Here are a few thoughts today...

I'm thankful that my parents have welcomed me home yet again to do the earnin' and the savin'. I promise, it's only temporary. They are good to their children. We hardly deserve their goodness.

I'm thankful that Noelle Livingston asked me to sing at the YW in Excellence in her ward last night. It was a sweet time for me to reminisce about my own days in YW's, and the choices I've tried to make up to this point in my life. I'm gonna keep on keepin' on. Thanks, girly.

I'm thankful to have a job. A job that I actually like getting up for in the morning. All of those months without a job sucked (for lack of a better word), and recognizing that our unemployment rate is still high, I am incredibly thankful.

I'm thankful to Victoria Jane for giving me a roof over my head for a while. She's da best!

More gratitude to come...

Did you look outside tonight?

2010-11-14T22:29:00.003-07:00

Yep, it's snowing. I love it, I love it, and I don't care who knows it! Snow haters, I am sorry. Snow is glorious, and this girl is loving it. Bring on the cozy day all snuggly with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Bring on the winter cuddling with my warm Dave. Ah, heavenly days.

I gots to lose it

2010-11-11T09:55:00.002-07:00

How many of us are satisfied with the way we look? My guess is almost none of us are. Even in my very thin days, I wasn't satisfied. It's pretty scary, eh? Why can't we be satisfied and happy with the way our bodies look? I know that it's an on-going struggle for me, but one I wish I didn't think so much about. The truth is, I'm actually much more accepting of my body these days than I have been in a long time. Looking at myself in the mirror, I don't look awful. Like they said in our regional conference not too long ago - "You're doing great, but you could be better". That's how I feel right now. I know that I could be better about my eating habits, exercise, etc. I don't want how my body looks to be an obsession. I've wasted way too much time worrying about it and I'm not going to anymore! From today forward I am committing to quit worrying about the things I can't change. I commit to take care of my body, to feed it good, healthy foods. I commit to giving my body the exercise it needs to sustain itself on a daily basis. I commit to being happy no matter what I weigh. Weight doesn't define me.

Here I go...

Dear Rain,

2010-10-30T17:51:00.003-06:00

How happy I am that you stopped by today. I loved seeing you heading anxiously for the golf course that I was on today, and I loved you even more when you began to fall upon me. Sometimes you are quite cold and chill me to the bone, but I can't help just drink it in. I came home today and watched as you pounded my window and everything outside whilst I drank my cup of hot chocolate. Please come back again soon. I've missed you.

The end.

Puerto Rico, swiftly I come!

2010-10-19T09:45:00.003-06:00

She got married

2010-10-11T09:02:00.002-06:00

My dear friend Victoria Jane married Matthew Jared on Saturday. It was a spectacular day! I was able to attend the wedding at the Manti, Utah Temple and was in tears for most of the ceremony. My dear friend, the friend I've known longest (since birth) was experiencing the happiest moments of her life that day. I couldn't have felt more happy if it was my own special day. She was radiant!
I am so thankful that she found a man worthy of her. Not only that, but she inherited three awesome kids! Life will be busy in her new role as mom, but I have no doubt that she will do it beautifully.

For years Vicki has been a part of a group of friends that has celebrated successes, traveled the world together, commisserated over failed relationships and the frustrations of dating, and shared the silliest of moments together. These are some of my truest friends. I love them all dearly. Having a friend 'leave' and move on to another mission in life is a hard thing to process. However, all of us are spectacularly happy for the beautiful event that was Vicki's wedding this weekend. We are excited for what the future holds for not only her, but for all of us. There is a plan of happiness on this earth, and each one of us are part of that. How thankful I am to know it!

Love you Vicki!

2010-09-28T12:23:00.002-06:00

My favorite time of year is here. Every day when I look out to the mountains, I find joy in the new sprouting colors of red, orange, and yellow. I mourn the ending of Summer, but I welcome the beauty of Autumn. Someday I'll fulfill my dream of experiencing Fall in New England. Hooray for sweaters, cooler temperatures, and fast-fading tan skin (ok, not so much).

Welcome Fall!

Sometimes...

2010-09-23T08:47:00.002-06:00

We quit jobs.

So basically I'm on the look out for a new job. Wish me luck!

My mug

2010-09-16T14:42:00.003-06:00

After being at my current job for over a month now, they finally got my pic on the website. Yep, that's me!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-08T15:57:00.000-06:00

Emmy winner - I know him!

2010-08-23T15:43:00.002-06:00

This is my friend Erik Christensen. We have been friends since High School. I had a major crush on him back at OHS. And look - he won an Emmy last night! So happy for him and his family!

After 6 months...

2010-08-16T00:20:00.005-06:00

I have a job. A real, honest-to-goodness, full-time, with-benefits job! True story, peeps. I have to say, I have mixed emotions. I am so, so grateful to have found a job in the midst of such a struggling economy. However, my six months without a job was kind of a dream. One I don't think I'll ever experience again. It was a time of struggle not knowing when I'd be employed, but it was also a time when I got to do things and help people around me without having to get back to the grind.
After so many months of not having an 8-5 job, I have felt so much anxiety this past week. I've done lots and LOTS of praying, temple-going, etc. to ease my nervous self. I feel good about where I am and the people I've worked with for just one week already. I'm not loving the extra early morning hours of getting up, but I feel a sense of pride knowing there is somewhere to be, a place where I get to progress, learn, and better myself and my situation. For this I am thankful. I'm a blessed girl. I have incredible people all around me. How could I not be happy?! Thankful, thankful I am.

The end.

Someone's special day...

2010-08-05T10:21:00.005-06:00

This incredible, smart, funny, and very handsome guy is having a birthday. Go ahead and wish him a happy birthday!

Feliz Cumple, Dave!

Golfer in da house!

2010-07-07T19:58:00.003-06:00

When I was about 13 my Grampa Phil taught me how to swing a golf club. In his words, he said I was a "natural". He even sent me a few clubs and encouraged me frequently to perfect my swing. He had high hopes of me becoming a pro. I, of course, was more interested in friends, boys, etc. at that time in my life, so I never pursued it like he wanted me to. Even in my 20's, he would look at me and shake his head while saying, "you could have been rich". Bless him. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have made it big, but the fact that he thought I had 'something' still makes me feel kinda special.
Well, dear Dave is an avid golfer and wanted me to come along and play on Monday. I didn't do terribly, but not great. I got a 75. Meh. I was encouraged to keep on playing (Dave is a great coach), so he took me again Tuesday, then again today. Good news is that I improved today and got a 68. Not amazing for a 'natural' I know, but dunna worry, because I'm going to be in the 50's by Summer's end. Maybe even high 40's. That is the goal, peeps!

Dave 'n Me.

Mi papa

2010-06-22T10:50:00.003-06:00

Dear Daddy-o,

A daughter couldn't ask for a more kind, loving, and sensitive Father. Thank you for passing down to me the love of music and amazing harmonies, literature, scripture, languages, culture, snowy/rainy weather, and the appreciation of delicious food! Thank you also for your example of unconditional love to your family. I have never questioned your love for me.
Sometimes I laugh at and question why you send so many email forwards to me and my siblings, but I realize that I would miss them terribly if one day I didn't get them anymore. I love knowing that you are around for me.

I love you dearly, Dad.

The Happs

2010-06-18T10:39:00.004-06:00

Lots of things happening. Muchas cosas!

- Caiti and Kurt are expecting another BOY! No nieces for me yet. This will make 7 nephews so far!
- Shane and Sharon just broke the news that they are expecting a baby, but won't find out the gender until August. Could it be another boy, or is it possible that a girl could actually shake things up?? Ah, we shall see. The exciting thing is that there will be two grandchildren born within a month of each other. We're usually lucky if we get them within a year or two. It's a great time to be an auntie!
- I'm finishing up this semester block next week, then only two more classes until I graduate. Will miracles never cease?!
- Spending a lot of time with someone with eyes like these...

Good times!

Cosas Nuevas

2010-05-19T12:20:00.002-06:00

I've moved.

Finishing my last semester of school, and loving it.

More later.

A truly despicable crime.

2010-05-12T23:49:00.002-06:00

I can't even begin to imagine what this poor little boy went through. It hurts my heart to think of it. Read about it here. Horrible, horrible. How can people like these be allowed to raise children?!

It was a good run.

2010-05-10T19:24:00.006-06:00

I had the privilege of working for Neil Walter, a candidate for congress, the past few months. This experience opened my eyes in so many ways. It has made me more aware of the political system, where before I was a bit apathetic, actually. Listening to Neil speak at various events was fascinating. He is my age, but has a wealth of knowledge! More than I could hope to have.

Saturday was the state convention, and unfortunately, he lost by ONE vote. It's sad - since the vast knowledge he had about economics and finance really could have been an asset to our country. However, he is young and I have no doubt that he'll make his mark in the future.

It was truly a life changing experience for me, and I'm thankful for it!

Over 3,000 delegates showed up to the convention. You can barely see Neil on the screen behind me.

And there he is. He had the best speech that day. His cousin's son introduced him, and it was fabulous! Eleven year olds will always wow the crowd.

We were mesmerized. This was Vicki's first time volunteering at a political event. Basically, she loved it.

The week

2010-04-29T21:52:00.004-06:00

I’ve been in Charlotte this past week helping my leetle seester Caiti. The poor girl is terribly sick with her third pregnancy. Seriously, the girl is miserable. She’s got a condition that maybe 5-10% of all pregnant women get called Hyperemesis. Check it out here.

I’ve had a good time hanging out with my nephews. The first day I was here we went to see “Oceans” at the movie theater. Man, was it amazing! It was especially funny to hear Ryan saying “Awesome!” and Gavin make a comment or ask a question about possibly everything. I simply answered, “I don’t know”. For the most part, I haven’t been a visitor, but a normal part of every day life, which is what I like. My day consists of getting the boys up for school, dressing them, feeding them, and taking them to school. Bad news – they get up at 6 am!! It’s true. School starts at 7:30! Can you even believe it?! It works well for Gavin, since he is a morning person. However, Ryan isn’t such a fan. He’s moo-dy in the morning. However, once that subsides, he’s quite a pleasant little 6 year old.

They are funny boys, for the most part. Gavin is a wiz at everything and comes up with some really surprising facts and big words. My favorite phrase of the day was this – “Auntie, there is a multitude of children on the bus. It’s a fiasco debaucle!”. Turns out these were his words of the week in his FIRST grade class! Ryan has been picking up on some of these words from Gavin and particulary likes to use the word loathe and incessantly. I am amazed at how totally different these boys are from one another. Gavin’s favorite subjects are Math & Science, while Ryan loves Reading and is quite an actor.

I love these boys. I can’t believe they’ve grown up so fast! Soon they’ll be in San Antonio, and in a few months they’ll have a brother or sister to take care of and watch grow. I can hardly wait to see their excitement at welcoming a new member of their family!

North Carolina is, in my opinion, the Garden of Eden. I’d love to come back and live here at some point. Everything is so lush and green. Ahhh, I must come back soon.

Well, I'll be home soon, so I must get out and enjoy this amazing 75 degree weather. Ciao!

The trip

2010-04-17T22:35:00.009-06:00

Cruising, kayaking, snorkeling, para-sailing, body surfing, too-much-food eating, sun-burn getting, tacos al pastor consuming, motion sickness feeling, relaxation spending... and there you have it!

It was a fabulous time. I hope to do another cruise in the near futuro.

Vicki and I pointing out our lovely sunburns on the first day. Remind me to apply sun screen next time.
At dinner on 'formal night' with Vicki and Jen.
Painful, very painful.
El Arco de Cabo San Lucas with Katy and Dave.
So, this was the moment swear words were coming out of my mouth. The moment the wind changed and I almost had a water landing. Bad, very bad.
El Arco 'n me.
Yogurt cones a-plenty. I enjoyed these at least a few times a day. Who cares that I gained 5 pounds?! Seriously.
This was what the ship photographer called a 'group hug'.

Baby, let's cruise...

2010-04-08T23:17:00.005-06:00

Snorkeling, kayaking, and beach sitting in Cabo San Lucas.
Lots of chillin' on this thang.

Good times will be had - oh yes, they will. Saturday can't come soon enough!

Thoughts and value.

2010-04-01T00:20:00.016-06:00

Funny, you'd think that being semi-employed right now I wouldn't be so busy, right? Wrong-o. Life has kept me busy as of late, and I'm thankful. I definitely enjoyed my first month of unemployment doing whatever I wanted anytime I wanted, but sometime after I lost a sense of value. Work gave me a sense of value of sorts - at least when I was busy in my job. I realize that I'm a person that enjoys some down time, but I also want to be of use. I want to matter, and I also want to progress. You know what I mean?

About a month ago, my old friend from H.S. and Chick-fil-A days called and said her husband was running for the 2nd district congressional seat. They were looking for someone to coordinate their meetings, etc. and asked if I'd be interested in the job. As one who had a few interviews with no results, and was online looking for jobs hours on end, my interest was peaked. I was immediately put to work and became busy doing work I had done the last few years at my previous job. It was familiar and comfortable, with some differences. For one thing, I had never been involved in anything political, but was intrigued and excited to learn more. In the past month I have met many new and interesting people - even the governor and a well known senator (one not so popular at the moment). It's funny how we get thrown into things sometimes, never realizing how much we'll actually enjoy it. I feel I am progressing, and I feel that my work has value.
Oh, and if you live in the 2nd congressional district, please consider Neil Walter. Check him out at neilwalterforcongress.com

When I'm not working on the campaign, I try to do other things that matter. Kids matter to me, and I've had some good times hanging out with my nephews that I love dearly. Also, my friend Karen has four adorable girls that I've had the chance to babysit from time to time. Karen was my neighbor for years growing up, and we've always been great friends. Her girls have become like nieces to me and have helped me feel value in my life as well. Having the trust of a child is a precious thing, and I'm grateful when I've been lucky enough to earn it.

7 month old Taya. She's a doll with beautiful blue eyes and olive skin.

Three year old Ember is hilarious. She's very independent and wants to do everything herself, but she's quick to give love, and she frequently tells me that she (without being able to say her r's) really, really, really loves me. Ah, melts my heart.

Triathlon training is here again. It's only three weeks away, and I feel ill-prepared. I've been concentrating more on running than anything else, and I'm nervous. Ahhhh. Oh well, I'll keep going!

Lastly, many already know of my struggles to finish my bachelor's degree. It's true, I'm 34 and still haven't finished. I have been one class away for many years, and the details of this trial in my life has been harder than many of you know. Well folks, I may actually have my degree by the end of Summer. The reality of it is still sinking in for me, but I can't begin to tell you how thankful I am. All of the feelings of inadequacy, failure, and frustration are coming to an end. I have no idea what I'll do with the degree, but finishing is the key here!

Overall, life is good. I have a lot to be thankful for, and especially thankful that in this time of unemployment I can still be of value in the small details.

The end.

Auntie thoughts

2010-03-26T20:08:00.005-06:00

I know I've said this before, but I really love being an auntie. I can't express my gratitude enough for my nephews, and also the new nieces that have joined our family this year through Megan's marriage to James. The first time I heard my oldest nephew Kalin's cry in the delivery room, my heart grew 10 times bigger. I was in love with that kid from day one. It was hard to imagine how I could love any other child as much. However, as other siblings began having children, I was amazed at how much I loved Kai, then Gavin, Ryan, Owen, and Aidan. Later the Tucker's - Hunter, Lauren and Jadyn. I am in awe to realize that no matter how many people we love in our lives, our heart always has room for more. It's almost unfathomable to imagine how much I'll love my own children someday.

Dear nephews and nieces, and those which will surely come - auntie loves you.

5:33 am

2010-03-21T05:33:00.012-06:00

Erincita hasn't been to sleep yet. It's true. Around 1:30 am I lay my head down for sleep. After about 15 minutes, I got restless trying to sleep and got up to be entertained by my blackberry. I decided I'd like to upload a new application of Kayak, which is a travel site I frequently use. I being the download, then realize I don't have much memory left (I guess I do a lot of downloading), so I started to delete one I don't use often. While in the process of deleting, my bb froze. I waited for it to unfreeze, but got impatient and just powered it down by taking out the battery - you know, the usual process. As I'm waiting for it to come on, I notice an unfamiliar screen. I proceed to take the battery out once again, just for fun. The same screen pops up. Well, I can't sleep anyway, so I decided to stay up until 4 for Verizon to open. I call them, and my rep. proceeds to tell me that my bb has crashed. Crashed?? Wah??!! What does that mean exactly? She explained that because I powered it down in the middle of a download (or the deleting of a download) I've lost my pictures, my contact information, etc. Ack! Funny thing, I was thinking last night that I hadn't backed up my contacts to my computer yet. I mean, I've only had the thing for two months. Wendy, the rep. tells me that I will be able to start up the bb again through a short little process (hooray), but I need the output that connects my computer to my cell. Sure, I totally have it. I run to my room to look for the box with the do-dads from my bb. I find the box, but I don't see the output. Thirty minutes after turning my room upside down at 4 am, I am at a loss. No output. In my problem solving state, I think to myself 'Sean has my same phone. I'll call him in the morning and he'll bring me his output. Phew!' Guess what - Sean's phone number is in the crashed device, too. I only know maybe three numbers by memory - THREE! Ack!!

How have I come to rely so much on my crackberry?? And when did I stop memorizing telephone numbers? Remember the days when we had them all stored in our little heads? Yeah, those days are long gone. Cell phones have made us incapable of memorizing phone numbers, people!

Ah Friends, I am lost without my communication device. Well, at least for a few hours I'm lost.
Lesson learned: Back-up yer stuff! And maybe this is where we start memorizing numbers again... or not. Yeah, no.

P.S. Please send your phone numbers to my email so I can add them to my bb again. ercurr@gmail.com

Bless you all.

Erin go bragh!

2010-03-16T23:27:00.002-06:00

A wee tribute to my Ireland...

Happy St. Paddy's day!

Babs

2010-03-13T22:24:00.005-07:00

I get chills each time I hear Barbra Streisand belt out this song from "Funny Girl". Babs has one of the most phenomenal voices in the world - hands down.
Oh, and I love her in this movie. She was somethin' else back in the day.

Vincerò, Vincerò!

2010-03-09T17:30:00.009-07:00

This song is absolutely mesmerizing. It sends my heart a flutter, sends chills down my spine, and moves me to feel I can "win" anything I care to accomplish in life. Pavarotti, rest his soul, was an incredible singer. When I was young I used to think my dad was Pavarotti. He had the dark hair and the beard - oh, and he was a singer.
I've included here the translation in English. Vincero!

Read about the Opera Turandot and what happens before this song here.

Nobody shall sleep!...
Nobody shall sleep!
Even you, o Princess,
in your cold room,
watch the stars,
that tremble with love and with hope.
But my secret is hidden within me,
my name no one shall know...
No!...No!...
On your mouth I will tell it when the light shines.
And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine!...
(No one will know his name and we must, alas, die.)
Vanish, o night!
Set, stars! Set, stars!
At dawn, I will win! I will win! I will win!

Robert Frost

2010-03-08T21:56:00.001-07:00

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Pensamientos

2010-03-07T21:31:00.001-07:00

Friends, I have a lot of thoughts. With those thoughts come ranges of feelings. Sometimes there is simply too much to share, and since I can rarely do sharing my innermost feelings justice, I'm not gonna share 'em! Bless me. I'd rather some of my favorite poets and songwriters do that for me. My innermost thoughts will have to stay in my journal for now :)

So then, each day (or whenever I feel like it), I'm going to share some of that with you, mi publico.

Today I'd like to share a few from Emily Dickinson (1830-86). She was a poet that lived at very private, very secluded life. In her private life, she wrote 1800 poems. Here are just a couple:

I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

Heart, we will forget him!
You an I, tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.

When you have done, pray tell me
That I my thoughts may dim;
Haste! lest while you're lagging.
I may remember him!

Wow. So much emotion.

I love it.

Stay tuned for more.

Poetry - el poder

2010-02-27T23:45:00.003-07:00

I enjoy poetry - a lot. I love it in the best of times and the worst of times. Today I was thinking about Pablo Neruda and how much I love the passion he conveys in his poems - especially in his native Spanish. The English translation is good, but it just doesn't do his poems justice. Here is one I've always appreciated.

"Si Tu Me Olvidas"
By Pablo Neruda En Español:

Quiero que sepas
una cosa.

Tú sabes cómo es esto:
si miro
la luna de cristal, la rama roja
del lento otoño en mi ventana,
si toco
junto al fuego
la impalpable ceniza
o el arrugado cuerpo de la leña,
todo me lleva a ti,
como si todo lo que existe:
aromas, luz, metales,
fueran pequeños barcos que navegan
hacia las islas tuyas que me aguardan.

Ahora bien,
si poco a poco dejas de quererme
dejaré de quererte poco a poco.

Si de pronto
me olvidas
no me busques,
que ya te habré olvidado.

Si consideras largo y loco
el viento de banderas
que pasa por mi vida
y te decides
a dejarme a la orilla
del corazón en que tengo raíces,
piensa
que en esa día,
a esa hora
levantaré los brazos
y saldrán mis raíces
a buscar otra tierra.

Pero
si cada día,
cada hora,
sientes que a mí estás destinada
con dulzura implacable,
si cada día sube
una flor a tus labios a buscarme,
ay amor mío, ay mía,
en mí todo ese fuego se repite,
en mí nada se apaga ni se olvida,
mi amor se nutre de tu amor, amada,
y mientras vivas estará en tus brazos
sin salir de los míos.

Heaven

2010-02-22T20:42:00.002-07:00

Someday I really must have one of these.

Bright Star

2010-02-17T19:02:00.009-07:00

Bless the Red Box. It surprises me sometimes. I am not often pleased with my findings there, but once in a while I take a chance and can be quite satisfied. Last night I came across one such title that intrigued me. While reading the synopsis, I was instantly taken by the name John Keats. He has been a favorite poet of mine, one of the British romantic poets I studied while in literature classes and while studying abroad one summer in London. Poetry enchants me. Probably because I'm not very good at it. John Keats is a master.

Last night around one in the morning (you can do that when you're unemployed), I started my movie 'Bright Star', which is also the name of one of his poems. I loved the portrayal of a very short time-frame of his life, but a time of much emotion, love, and pain. He fell in love with a girl named Fanny. Keats was a poor man and had no money to offer Fanny (he had not 'made it' with his poems yet). Having little money didn't stop he and Fanny from getting engaged and making plans of marriage. In this time, however, he became ill. Long story short, he died a short time later at the pre-mature age of 25. He died thinking he was a failure, never to know how loved his poetry would be by millions to come.

This movie felt real, and not the least bit contrived. The heart-wrenching emotion in this movie felt unlike any other. There has never been a more real portrayal of the most simplistic, yet most common emotions that rule the heart. There was some intense sadness that even drew a few tears from my eyes. I didn't expect it.

Here's a clip:

I don't guarantee everyone will see and feel what I did in this movie, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing such a beautiful portrayal of this part of Keats life. Yep, loved it.

Bright Star (Written for Fanny by John Keats)

Bright star! would I were steadfast as thou art-
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors-
No–yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,
Pillowed upon my fair love’s ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft swell and fall,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever – or else swoon to death

????

2010-02-16T23:41:00.005-07:00

Love Week

2010-02-11T21:44:00.006-07:00

In honor of Valentines Day, I wanted to share a favorite scene from a movie that I love. This movie is wonderful, and yet heartbreaking at the same time. All the same, I love this sweet scene. You can see the obvious longing on both sides. Enjoy "Becoming Jane".

Shannon is a nice sister

2010-02-08T16:29:00.001-07:00

Shannon put together a little b-day blog for me. It was awfully nice, and I appreciated it a lot! You can check it out here: http://ryshadden.blogspot.com/
Oh, and I think Caiti helped. Thanks, C & S! Love you guys!

Dear 34...

2010-02-07T04:10:00.005-07:00

I've been up since you came around. I can't seem to sleep - even at 4 am on your new-found day. I can't figure out why. Thirty four, I must say, thirty three and I had a good year. It just seemed to get better, even with a few bumps in the road. I like to think I'm an optimist, and I look at you with as great or greater optimism and promise than I did with thirty three. Once again, there are exciting things ahead. What they are, I know not. I only know that which I hope for.
In welcoming you, thirty four, I also feel the need to say goodbye and thank you to my past year.
Thirty three, you are a beautiful number. I rather enjoyed saying "I'm thirty three years old". Like me, it was a number with many curves. Ah yes, you'll be missed. We had a good run. We enjoyed the beauties of this world, the people of this world, family, friends, acquaintances. We continued on this journey in life with hope of great things to come. And even though our run is through, you will be remembered as one of my favorite years, which I hope to say about each year I leave behind. Thank you, thirty three.

34... bring it!

It comes...

2010-02-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

speedily it cometh!

2010-02-04T21:40:00.004-07:00

Oh, hi! Yeah, it's me. I know I've been slacking, but I've been busy. Ok, I haven't. I admit it, since I've been laid off I have stayed up later because I can, and slept in for the same reason. And you know what, I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I've spent most weekends in the warmer south, and don't feel the rush to get back for work on Monday morning. Unemployment has been lovely for the time being. I've also spent time going to movies with nephews, babysitting friend's kids, etc. Good times, good times.
Next blog: what I'm really going to do with my life after this lovely vacation.

Change

2010-01-25T22:55:00.004-07:00

Change can be a scary thing. I'm sure we can all agree on this point. However, the most recent change in my life has been a welcome, exciting change. I was laid off last week from my job of 5+ years at XanGo. It was not performance related, but was a reduction in force. For a little while now I have been antsy in my job, and anxious to move on to something else. To what, I didn't know. I simply knew I wanted a change. Well folks, I got it. I now am doing a lot of searching and thinking about what it is I'd really like to do. This is my chance to do something completely different if I want to. What that is - I dunna know. I'm totally open to suggestions.

I'm thankful for this change in my life. Believe me when I say that I am happy, and optimistic for the future!

2010-01-18T18:16:00.005-07:00

So, I was in Las Vegas this past weekend, and experienced a couple of new things.

First of all, I am told that I've been to the Hoover Dam, but alas, I am too young to remember it. It was an amazing sight to see this time around. Not only that, but if you didn't know (I certainly didn't), they are building something called the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. Take a look at the pic below. It is incredible!

I also had the chance to experience the food of the well-known Bouchon restaurant. Friends, I would exhort you to go. Thanks to Chef Eric, I was lucky enough to be there for brunch and got to sample a tasty array of food. Croque Madame - delicious! To see more go here.

Oh, and the temperature... 60 degrees. Beautiful.

2009 Stats

2010-01-07T09:42:00.007-07:00

Jobs in 2009: 1
Friends made: Many good ones.
Gigs performed: A plethora
Triathlons finished: 1
5k’s finished: 1
Attempted trips to Egypt: 1
Trips to the homeland (Ireland): 1
Trips to the Scottish Highlands: 1
Days stuck in airports getting home from above trip: 2
Airports visited whilst trying to get home from said trip: 7
Dublin, Newark, DC, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, SLC
Work trips taken: 5
Mexico City, Frankfurt, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Washington DC
New nephew/nieces: 3
Hunter, Lauren, and Jadyn. Love it when family re-marries and adds to the brood!
Marriages in the family: 1 – Megan and her James
Number of crushes: a special few
Number of guys dated with first and middle name initial exactly the same as mine: 1
Meals enjoyed at the Bombay House: at least 5
Mornings spent doing P90X: 30 +
Lessons learned: too many to count
Lessons learned 10 times over: still counting

Here's to 2010. So much to look forward to!

Gimme Snow.

2009-12-30T11:19:00.003-07:00

Friends, I love weather. I especially love weather that changes frequently. It must be due to some of my attention deficit. Growing up I enjoyed the ever-changing Hawaiian weather. Blue skies would change into dark clouds of rain lasting 5 minutes, which gave me just enough time as a kid to run outside and cool off in it. I've observed changeable weather in many beautiful places. I am an appreciator of it. Today in my current locale of UT, I am enjoying the beautiful snow falling outside of my window. I know many that absolutely loathe this weather (some of them being members of my own family). I suppose I look at it as an excuse to be indoors to cuddle up with a good book, movie, hot chocolate, or a significant other. There are good times to be had, friends. Indeed there are.

15 days of Christmas Songs #15

2009-12-24T09:47:00.005-07:00

I came across this song the other day on youtube, and had forgotten how much I love it. I think these words sum up so much of what I feel for this time of year. It's all about my family, and most importantly about Jesus. Like the last line says, "My precious Jesus is more than an heirloom to me". I am thankful for the life and birth of my Savior. Lo amo con todo mi corazon.

To anyone reading my humble blog, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Up in the attic
Down on my knees
Lifetimes of boxes
Timeless to me
Letters and photographs
Yellowed with years
Some bringing laughter
Some bringing tears

Time never changes
The memories, the faces Of loved ones, who bring to me
All that I come from
And all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious family
Is more than an heirloom to me

Wiseman and shepherds
Down on their knees
Bringing their treasures
To lay at his feet
Who was this wonder baby yet king
Living and dying
He gave life to me

Time never changes
The memory, the moment His love first pierced through me
Telling all that I come from
And all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious savior
Is more than an heirloom to me

My precious Jesus Is more than an heirloom to me

15 days of Christmas Songs #14

2009-12-24T08:59:00.002-07:00

My brother Shane reminded me this morning that the songs from "Scrooge" are pretty great. Of course I knew this, but when it comes down to it, there are so many great songs that it's hard to choose! For day 14 I have added a few songs from the movie. In our Hawaii days, I was actually in this play as a 9 year old. I played an Urchin. It's true.
I love the story of Ebenezer Scrooge by Charles Dickens. Scrooge is a tight-fisted, greedy man who hates Christmas and anything that engenders happiness. Through the course of one night (x-mas eve), he is visited by three ghosts that change his life forever. He repents of his ways and becomes a model of generosity and kindness. "Many laughed to see this alteration in him, but he let them laugh and little heeded them. His own heart laughed and that was quite enough for him. And it was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well if any man alive possessed the knowledge."

Take note of Tiny Tim's song (#2). I could cry, really.

Holiday thoughts

2009-12-23T11:12:00.010-07:00

Two songs coming tomorrow...

Friends, I'm feeling a little emotional today. Good emotional. Thankful emotional. Christmas emotional.
This week I was able to be a part of a Sub 4 Santa, and it was a great experience. It caused me to reflect on Christmas as a little girl, and receiving from good people that wanted to help our financially needy family. I was asked to write up a little something to tell about the family, etc. Here is what I came up with:

The Guzman Family:
On Monday morning, a co-worker and I piled many boxes of gifts into my car and headed for the Guzman home in Orem to spread a little Christmas cheer. From what we knew, this family had come upon hard times not long ago when Sandra and Alexis’ Guzman’s mother died. They have since been living with their grandmother, Alba, who was disabled. Upon arrival at the humble home, Alba met us and welcomed us inside. She handed me a card, then began telling the story of their hardships. Her daughter, the mother of Sandra and Alexis, had been killed while visiting her home of El Salvador. As her mother put it, she was killed for $125. Alba began to cry and told us it had been very hard for her and for the children since her daughter’s death. She told us of her gratitude for the gifts we were providing and hugged us both.
Before we left, I looked around and noticed that there was no tree in sight, then asked if they had one. The reply was no. The wheels started rolling in my head, and I recalled a x-mas tree I bought at an after holiday sale last year for $5 and was currently sitting in storage. I assured her she’d have one. A tree, along with lights and ornaments were provided that very evening.
What a wonderful experience for us to be a part of! I was grateful to have brought a little hope and cheer to a family who had obviously been struggling financially and emotionally.
As a young girl, my family had many years of financial hardship. I recall the same kind of help each year at Christmas time from various donors. I am just grateful that I could give back in a small way for all of the years that I received.

15 days of Christmas Songs #13

2009-12-22T12:55:00.002-07:00

Caroling, caroling... this is a family tradition. Every Christmas eve we take to the streets and knock on unsuspecting neighbors doors and sing our little hearts out. Good times are had by all!

15 days of Christmas Songs - #12

2009-12-21T14:25:00.002-07:00

Seriously, this is my favorite song to sing in church during the holiday season. This version is a bit different, but the words are the same and just as lovely.

15 days of Christmas Songs - #11

2009-12-20T11:07:00.006-07:00

I always love this one too. Friends, I love this season - period!

15 days of Christmas Songs - #10

2009-12-19T11:24:00.001-07:00

We've been listening to the following group, The Singers Unlimited, for as long as I can remember. My parents taught us to love the tight harmonies. Hope you enjoy it.

15 days of Christmas Songs #9

2009-12-18T11:58:00.002-07:00

This song has much more meaning being far away from home at Christmas time. I remember hearing it while I was in China many years ago. I could hardly wait to get home to my family before Christmas! My sister Shannon and I listened to this song frequently and felt the anticipation of singing x-mas songs by the fire, devouring mom's special x-mas eve soups, and just being with those we loved. I'm sure this song resonates with those who are especially far away from family at this time of year. Some won't be able to be with their loved ones, but like the song says "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams..." Sometimes the memories of Christmases past suffices. Make it a good one, folks!

15 days of Christmas Songs - #8

2009-12-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

A classic.

15 days of Christmas songs - #7

2009-12-16T10:05:00.003-07:00

Who doesn't love a Charlie Brown Christmas?! This song brings back memories of watching my favorite x-mas movies on t.v. as a kid. Charlie Brown was one of them. Love it so much.

15 days of Christmas Songs - #6

2009-12-15T11:12:00.002-07:00

If you have ever been to the my family's home for Christmas, you know that there is one song that is always requested above all others. Heck, it doesn't even have to be Christmas. We've been known to sing it in mid-July! This song is so dear and so sentimental that my mom has requested it for her funeral one day. Ah, bless her - it's going to be a long time! My sisters and I have been singing this song in 3 part harmony since I was about 12. Here is Amy Grant's rendition.

15 days of Christmas Songs - #5

2009-12-14T09:47:00.001-07:00

I can't help myself.

15 days of Christmas Songs - #4

2009-12-13T18:53:00.002-07:00

I adore this song. I hope you'll hear and feel the warmth this song brings to the Christmas season for me. Each time I hear it, I feel like an observer watching a beautiful Christmas scene unfolding before me - filled with the most tender parts of the season. For me, it is my family. What would this season be without them to share it with?
If you haven't heard of First Call before, I take pleasure in introducing you...

15 days of Christmas Songs - #3

2009-12-12T13:53:00.003-07:00

Thanks to Franz Schubert for this magnificent song. While 'Ave Maria' is widely considered a church song, it is actually a secular art song. It is tells the story about a young maiden who implores Mary to give her comfort in her time of distress. I always hear this piece around Christmas time and think it is absolutely beautiful - whether hearing a man or woman sing it. I was pleased to find that Andrea Bocelli sings it so amazingly. Enjoy.

15 Days of Christmas Songs - #2

2009-12-11T13:20:00.004-07:00

Ah, Harry. I suppose he is one of the "newer" Christmas favorites - even though his x-mas album came out in 1993. I always love hearing this song at this time of year. The nostalgia of it is great. I was 17, and I have such memories of good friends back in high school, of being in heavy like with someone, and of fun times working at Chick-fil-A. Those were the days, eh? Do enjoy one of my favorite vocalists, Mr. Harry Connick Jr.

15 days of Christmas carols - #1

2009-12-10T12:50:00.005-07:00

Who doesn't love a good Christmas song, eh? Here we start with song #1 for 15 days of fave Christmas songs. You may find some of them cheesy; some are, yes. You will most certainly find them sentimental. If you know me, you know that music and memories are synonymous. They truly go together - especially at Christmas time. Each Christmas is filled with old songs and new. Truth be told, I prefer the old. The sounds of songs I've known since I was a little girl fill me with such joy for the season and for life. I am a sentimental girl.

And here we go, folks.

Ah, this one could very well make me cry. Then again, I'm pretty sure all of them will.

Thanksgiving in Charlotte

2009-12-04T09:23:00.015-07:00

My ideal vacation... to simply do nothing, and to be with people I love. Yep, that was my recent trip to Charlotte, NC. Time spent at my baby sister's home is simply that - a true vacation. We don't have to go sight-seeing, and we don't have an agenda of any kind. My time is simply spent in her beautiful yellow house playing, or just sitting with my nephews Gavin and Ryan, my brother-in-law Kurt, and my little sister Caiti. Sometimes it is a surreal experience realizing once again (after ten years) that my sister (4 years younger) has a family. Folks, lemme just say that my little sister is great at her current occupation of mother and wife. She's so smart and could do big things with her life, but her greatest joy is being a mom to G & R. She puts her family before anything else. What I love about Caiti is she has such a calmness about her. Even growing up, it seems like she was always the calm one. I hardly remember her raising her voice. I love that about her parenting style, too. She gets on her sons' level amid chaos and encourages peace. There are some people that were simply meant to be mothers, and she is definitely one of them. Also, she's gorgeous. Seriously. Kurt is a lucky husband! Needless to say, I love 'er.

I wasn't the only visitor over the course of the week of Thanksgiving. My brother Shane and awesome sis-in-law Sharon and their boys came to visit as well. That makes THREE Curran siblings. But hold on, big brother Quinn also made it in town with g-friend Darlene. It was a Curran party with half of us siblings at Caiti's house. Fun times were had by all. Good times in Charlotte! Thanks for everything, Caiti. Love you!

Beauty of a little sis 'n me.

Awes sis-in-law Sharon and her silly Aidan.

Sharon and Shane's cute Owen 'n me.

Crazy faces of Ryan, Gavin and Auntie.

Ryan and I enjoying our delicious t-give dinner. Seriously, seriously yummy!

Auntie & Gavin.

The Summerhays family.

Sisters and sis-in-law (pretty much my sister) on a little outing together. Fun, fun.

Curran siblings representing in Charlotte.

Displaying the sibling line-up: Quinn - 1, Caiti - 6, Me - 4, Shane - 3.

Yep, me too.

2009-11-26T18:31:00.003-07:00

This is a thankful time of year, and I feel inclined to add my own thoughts.

I'm thankful for...

Mom & Dad for letting me bunk with them for a few months whilst I figure out where I want to be and what I want to do with my life.
My co-workers - especially the ones motivating me to get my booty in gear and do P90X!
My friends from the ward - especially Katy for motivating me to do the triathlon and to keep reaching for things I never thought I'd do physically (Santa Run comin' up!)
My nephews for thinking I'm cool and fun, even when I don't feel it.
The Bombay House. If you've been there, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout.
My brother Conn for making me feel oh-so youthful by still calling me Erbear.
My Slanket.
Melanee, for being one of the top roommates/landlords E-VAH! I thank you for the talks, the laughs, and the understanding. I miss you already.
Single life.
The hope of non-single life.
The hope of family life.
Five On The Fly.
The friends who come to shady sports bars and endure the drunks and hoochie dancers to support Five On The Fly. I thank you all, a lot.
My Bombay friends. You know who you are.
The discovery/introduction of new music that still moves and creates new memories for me.
Falling for someone and getting my heart broken, but thankful to know that I can fall in the first place - difficult as it may be for it to end.
The hope that I won't get my heart broken, but that I may actually fall in love and be loved in return.
Christmas lights.
Cheesy Christmas music - except for 'Christmas Shoes'. I really can't stand that song.
Having brothers and sisters to just hang with.
H.F. - especially H.F.

The list shall go on another time. I'm thankful for all of you that even take a peek at my wee blog.

P90X

2009-11-18T15:57:00.005-07:00

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...

2009-11-17T15:01:00.002-07:00

I cry.

Sometimes.

Single and Tri-ing!

2009-11-09T14:25:00.014-07:00

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.

2009-11-02T13:38:00.010-07:00

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...

2009-10-29T12:54:00.000-06:00

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

Purpose #7

2009-10-12T09:55:00.001-06:00

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

Purpose #6

2009-10-06T13:06:00.006-06:00

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

2009-10-03T15:07:00.004-06:00

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

2009-10-02T09:12:00.004-06:00

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

Purpose #2

2009-09-30T09:38:00.009-06:00

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

2009-09-28T13:39:00.003-06:00

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

Purpose

2009-09-19T20:49:00.000-06:00

Hmm... what is mine?