fun with Mac

photoBooth brings out my best features.

sometimes i find myself with a MacBook Pro when I'm at my friend Jordan's house... And the most brilliant part about them is the Photo Booth.  I love it.  As you can see.

it's moving time?

i kind of want to move away.

and i don't mean like.. move to an apartment closer to the university move away.

i mean move move.

where to?

good question.  which is why i googled "where should i live?" {yes, that just happened}

and came across THIS little quiz.


so I took it, naturally.

and guess where my top ten places I should live are?  The results may surprise you.

1.  Norfolk, Virginia
2.  Long Island, New York
3.  Baltimore, Maryland
4.  Cincinnati, Ohio
5.  St. George, Utah
6.  Charlotte, North Carolina
7.  Portland, Oregon
8.  Seattle, Washington
9.  Hampton, Virginia
10.  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


Interesting, no?  (note**yes, I did retake the quiz...I put too many "neutral" answers my first time around and wasn't happy with my results.)


We'll see what happens!  But I kind of have that moving bug in me.  Study Abroad, Internship, Job/Byu Independent Study, Summer Program... I'm checking into all the options.  Right now a study abroad in London is sounding the most appealing [but sadly, no funds]. 

as my old friend John Denver says, I'm leavin on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again...

(doesn't really apply just yet.. but you know what I mean)

L&J

**Note. This was supposed to be published back in JULY... I was just looking through old posts to delete drafts and realized I never posted this... So.. sorry about the 6 month delay!...



I live weddings.

Seriously.

I go to at least 3 a week.  (mostly because it's my job). 

But I think the wedding bug has caught the majority of my friends.  I've got 9 close friends getting married in the span of 2 months.  sheesh.


Anyway,


Sweet Tart and J Dawg got hitched this last week.  They are absolutely perfect for each other.

Jared Anna and Me

They are doin' great! Especially that grandma in the background.. I am loving her face.

standing under the shade because it was so dang hot out!

Look how gorgeous Lindsey is!  I loved her dress.

Jake Tommy and Robert.

coming out of the temple!  I just love them! I think this is when I started crying.

some people are very talented.

and i really appreciate that. enjoy! this guy's amazing.



to be even more amazed look up his other stuff on youtube.

look up: Mike Tompkins Dynamite
or Fireflies
or Only Girl

So. Good! I just love it!

Erin+Rick=?

everyone has been dying to know

so here it is.  my side of the story: the date with Rick Buck.


go {here} to watch the videos and to read about what Rick had to say about our date. [and then push "like" to vote for me to go on a second date with him... kinda weird. but do it.]

**disclaimer** I am VERY awkward on camera.  Or at least I thought I was.  (also--sorry pics are all right here, I'm having a hard time moving them to their appropriate locations.)




Getting ready and ironing my shirt!




He made Rick wear this ridiculous toucan mask thing... Ha! We had a good laugh.




so far so good!




the cop talking to Erin and Rick---my stealth/stalker documentation of it!




see? didn't he do a great job?!




He even drew Taco Amigos on the back of mine.  How clever!




I think my favorite part of my shoes was he drew squished spiders on the bottoms.  Made me laugh, A. I hate spiders and B. So creative!




do you think we make a cute couple?  I look cheesed out in this pic..



Okay.  So Erin Elton (the filmer of our date and the brains behind this whole Mormon Bachelor shenanigan) came to pick me up at my hotel to avoid possible awkwardness?  And drove me over to In N Out where Rick and I first met..
*In the video, that really was the first time we met... was staged, yes.. but the reactions were genuine.  And I felt like that moment lasted 10+ minutes because I was so nervous and awkward on camera!


He kept asking me about my backpack and I didn't want to give away what we were doing so I just kept it a secret until we were done eating... which by the way, I had like 2 bites of everything--again because I was so nervous!  Why I get so nervous?  Who knows.  It's not even that big of a deal... Just a normal date that happened to be filmed...right?

So finally we got to the drawing of the shoes.  I love to draw on shoes and have had a little bit of experience with this.  Rick, on the other hand.. I don't think he'd ever drawn on shoes.  But he did a fantastic job!  I was honestly expecting scribbles, shapes, and maybe words... but he pulled it off with flying colors!  And for the record, I have worn them!.. (to work.. but hey, they're still great!)  He even drew the Captain EO logo.  1.  I LOVE Michael Jackson.  2.  I love Disneyland. 3. MJ+DizLand=Cap'n EO.  I was very impressed he knew the logo!  Brownie points!

I was hoping we'd have more time to draw on the shoes, but time was flying as we were chatting away and getting to know each other.  After learning that he went to San Fran for dental school (one of my favorite cities) I found out he grew up watching Full House. He even sang THIS SONG which I was very impressed with.  Not many people know that song, and Uncle Jesse is my favorite.  So more brownie points to you, Rick!
So running out of time, we had to finish up early and headed over to Tortilla Jo's at Downtown Disney.

{Earlier in the week I found out there would be a "comedian with a parrot who did magic tricks".  I didn't even care that it was random, I wanted to go see that.  The thought itself made me laugh so I knew we couldn't go wrong.  (And honestly, I just wanted to go rollerblading on my date but thought I should be a tad more creative..)}

The hostess stuck us RIGHT next to the stage.. which on one hand was wonderful because the guy, Dana Daniels, kept chatting with Rick the Dentist and giving him souvenires, which was hilarious.  He wanted to make a balloon animal for Rick and asked him what he wanted him to make..


Rick: Umm, how about a dolphin?

Dana: ....... a dolphin?.....

*starts making the balloon animal*

...you know, it's funny.. your dolphin is going to look a lot like a dog....


Ha.  Hilarious.  So he got a weiner dog which claimed the name Dolphin. 

And to be honest, the parrot was kind of lame.  He didn't even do anything!  But it was still fun.  Also, I wish we would have had more time to listen to the drummer that was outside Tortilla Jo's... Because I love random things and being spontaneous.  I was really tempted to change the plans of the date right there and just do that.. But it was still really fun and I'm glad we got to meet the comedian Dana!  He was really nice.

After we were leaving Downtown Disney, Erin wanted to interview us seperately about our first date experience.  I was interviewed first, then while Rick was being interviewed, I took random pictures and was walking around.  Finally after a few minutes I looked over and noticed a po-po talking to them.  Uh oh, are we in trouble? 

Then he walked over to talk to me and asked me how we met and how much I liked him.

I told him I was having fun and that I thought Rick was very nice.

Then we both walked over and talked in a group where the cop went on to tell his life story.  He was so passionate about his family, it completely melted my heart.  He was so sweet.  He even offered us relationship advice if we ever needed it.  Hilarious, yet heartfelt; I loved it.  Rick must have been feelin' the love too because right after we were done chatting with Mr. PoliceMan, he held my hand.  Woo Woo!  (which, frankly, I didn't think it really meant anything....he holds hands with every girl-or so I'm told.. I still haven't watched all the dates.) 

Anyhow, he drove me back to my hotel where he stayed for a little while so we could finish our shoes and chat with my sister and our friend Jordan.  I felt the most comfortable with Jordan and Anna around, naturally, and they were excited to meet Rick and see how we interacted. 

Finally, he and I hugged goodnight and he was off. 

All in all, I'd say it was very successful date.  He was really easy going and made me feel comfortable..something that is really important to me! I just felt really good after the date-don't know how to better explain it.  I wasn't giddy, I wasn't all starry-eyed, but I just felt good.  Will there be a second date?  I'm not so sure but I would def be up for it to get to know Mr. Buck a little bit better. 

my look book

what say you?

update

**so.  I've decided to not finish the 30 posts in 30 days (go figure)  And just pull ideas from that when I don't know what to blog yet want to say something.  Sorry if you were looking forward to hearing a certain post.  I think you'll live though.   I know I will. 




I need to find my own voice in my style/what I wear and how I carry myself.

I'm in a transition of sorts to find my style. 


and let me tell you.  this has been so hard. 

the things I'm wanting to change/update are:

hairstyle. 
I'm looking for something that says Erin.  something that's completely me and completely flattering.  I've had the same hairstyle/color for as long as I can remember.  I'm ready to mix things up a bit I think.


clothing.
like I said.  I have things that I wore 10+ years ago (I'm more surprised things still fit...) which I keep for sentimental value/they used to look great on me but maybe not so much now?  Stacy and Clinton always get after people who do that exact thing... then the other day I swore I had nothing to wear to church and found myself wearing an outfit I wore at EFY many years ago.  I nearly had a break down.  It was then I realized I needed this update and really need to grow up in that area as well. I'm going to be 24 soon and need to look the part!

I've already been getting rid of so many things that:

a. no longer fit
b. are outdated (I have things I used to wear in jr. high.)
c. don't match the look I'm going for
d. aren't flattering



makeup.
because currently I wear little to none.


It's kind of exciting thinking that I can be anyone I want to be in this sense...AND the nice thing about this is I'm open to suggestions so feel free to make suggestions. 
I'm excited to start from scratch almost and have a much simpler take on my style.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf did say that the ultimate sophistication is simplicity! 

So here I go.  Getting rid of the clutter, and creating a new and improved simplified me.

Day 06 - Your Day

I just realized I skipped day 6... Whoops. Epic fail again.


My day so far:
Woke up
Got dressed
Drove to the airport
Waited a really long time to board the plane (like 40 minutes)
Flew to Long Beach
And I'm going on a date tonight! Should be fun? We shall see. Ps.. Thanks for voting--I chose something completely different.

Day 07 – Your best friend

When I was 7 my family moved here, to Utah, where I met my very best friend Suzanne.  We moved across the street from her family and became instant friends.  We were in the same primary class, and eventually were in the same elementary school class.  (bummer we only had 4th grade together).  She and I loved watching movies, having sleepovers, cooking, watching Diagnosis Murder and writing our own murder mysteries.  We loved drawing, Backstreet Boys (Suz loved Nick, I loved Bryan), playing night games and making up our own games in Suzie's back yard.  She had THE coolest swing set where we built sleeping bag tee-pees and built a duck tape, tarp and stick tent...which our moms wouldn't let us sleep in--it's not our fault we didnt' build it with ventilation!..  We took trips together, to Wolf Mountian, Salt Lake, St George, Tahoe, Wyoming and Disneyland.  We wrote songs about the boys we were in love with.. Butterflies were singin'. (hah, Remember that, Suzanne?)  We picked up new hobbies together and made new friends together.  She was the best friend I could have asked for (here I go tearing up... man!) and made growing up in that cul-de-sac THAT much better.  Love you Suzanne!  We're still friends to this day, too!  Of course with both our families moving around the same time, graduating from high school and going to college we can't see each other every day like we did back in the day but she still holds that special place in my heart! 

Day 05 – Your definition of love

What is love? In what context? 

Since we're fast approaching Valentine's Day, I think it is appropriate to assume that the love we are speaking is true love.  that bwessed awangement.

When I think of couples who are in love I think of people who care about the other person.  Someone who is there through thick and thin.  Someone who will cry when you cry and be excited when you are.  They will not fathom to be with anyone else because they love you to bits and pieces.  They would never make fun of you or tear you down.  When you're in love with someone you love them for all their quirks and you can be completely yourself around them.  I think I'm just rambling now.  Because let's be honest.  I've never been in love.  I just hope that's what it would be like.  ...Someday, people.



Also--Speaking of Love, these are two of my best friends, Natasha and Colby.  They are great examples of the kind of love I want to be in somemday.  The forever kind.  Today's their 1 year anniversary!  Yay.  I love they they look at each other.  But mostly the way he looks at her.



Day 04 – What you ate today

Well.. Since it's morning and I haven't eaten anything I'll tell you what I ate yesterday. So healthy.

Taco Amigo- Cheese Burrito and Soft Flour Taco (TA is a staple food group at our house)
Graham Crackers
and
Milk
Also I drank a Diet Dr. Pepper
and had water.

Not very exciting.

One of my favorite meals I've made is
Penne with grilled peppers, spinach and fresh mozarella. Mmm. (I switched around the recipe a little but go HERE to get it.  It's good!)

Also

Gnocchi with Pesto and veggies.. and I added grilled chicken also. Soo yummy. Go HERE for that recipe. 

Thank you Real Simple, for making my life real simple.

what's your style?

"Fashion is what you're offered four times a year.  Style is what you pick out of that fashion..." -Lauren Hutton

If you think about it, for every decade in the 1900's there was a set style. 

If you were going to an 80's party you can think of a distinct trend set.  I think of neon colors, leg warmers, high side ponytails, big bangs and big sleeves. 

Same goes for every other decade.


But welcome to the 21st century, where anything goes.

Think about it, there's a wide range of styles out there.  It all just depends on what you choose and think is cute. 

Now a word of caution.   Just because it's cute on somebody else doesn't mean it's going to be cute on you.  Flattering clothing should ALWAYS trump fashionable clothing. 

Example:
Empire waisted dresses are darling.

on other people.

I am pretty curvy and empire waistlines make me look like I'm with child.

What's In right now?

Sequins
High-Waisted Skirts
Long Cardigans
Layers
Knee-high Boots
Blazers and Boyfriend-inspired clothing
Nautical Stripes

What's in your closet this season?

Day 03 – Your parents

Wow. I already fail at a post a day.  And it's only Day 3!  I'll try to keep up from now on.  (I didn't blog yesterday because I was at a Jazz game--where the beat the Knicks!  Such a great game.)

Okay.  So my parents.

If any of you know them, you know that they are two amazing people.

They met while my dad was going to Utah State and my mom was working in Logan.  They were in the same ward and had mutual friends. They first hit it off when my dad, his bff and my mom were all looking at pictures from some YSA activity. My dad asked his bff who the hot girl in the picture was(my mom)...and she was standing right there...Embarrassing for my dad, maybe, but it worked out!

They dated for 4 months before getting engaged then were married almost 4 months later, exactly one year after my mom joined the church!

My dad is silly.  He wears this red fleece vest everywhere instead of a jacket.  I am going to burn that thing.  It's something that we kids are probably going to tell our kids about.  He also loves to play Glee Karaoke with us.  And he is great at it.  Leavin' on a Jet Plane is where it's at.

My mom is the life of the party.  She's learned how to text and facebook and probably does both more than us kids.  (okay, maybe we're pretty equal)  She picks up slang (ie what e'er, holla, jus' sayin).  It's great.  She also plays some cards with us and our friends. We love when she does.  Like I said.  Life of the party.


Love them to pieces.  Not only are they goofy and have their parent-quirks, they are the very best and I am so thankful to have them.  Truly.  My mom and dad are both extremely supportive and will do anything to help us achieve our goals.  They're seriously amazing.  Love you guys!

Day 02 – Your first love

My very first love was John Stamos.

I'm still in love with that man I grew up knowing as Uncle Jesse.  Many of you know this already.

I also had many crushes.  I think my first real crush was to the boy next door, Logan.  I loved him all through Elementary and Jr. High. Many of you know that, too.



Alright, there you have it.  End of discussion.

Day 01 – Introduce yourself with pictures and words

little red writing hilary over at Motley Me gave me this splendid idear.

30 posts in 30 days challenge

And I usually hate surveys on blogs. Like. Hate.  But I like this one.  It's a day at a time and not too much all at once and I am redundant. 

So me in pictures and words?

Hey.  I'm Erin.

I scrunch my nose when I smile/laugh.  I think it's obnoxious.  some people say it's "cute"

My sister Anna is my bff. Even though we fight daily. (mostly because she wears my clothes without asking and doesn't care at all that it annoys me to no end) I usually get over it until tomorrow and we continue to be friends.

I love new adventures. And I love to tell stories.

Something you should know about me is I'm very sensitive and I love love and when people accomplish their goals/dreams. It makes me cry.

I always thought I had brown eyes growing up. {this is me photoshopped with brown eyes..} Until the 6th grade when all the students with brown eyes had to stand up (we were studying WWII) So I stood up.  My teacher told me I had blue eyes.  Which I was extremely disappointed/upset about.  Then I got older and realized that I'm lucky.

I'm usually doodling.  This is me doodling.  My dear friend Brennon took this picture.  I miss him. Where is he these days?  Dear Brennon, if you're reading this... Give me a call because I don't have your number.

I enjoy believing that I can do anything I set my mind to.  I've also been wearing that CTR ring for as long as I can remember.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this pic of me at graduation and I'm wearing that ring.  Don't think I've taken it off since.

Every day I come up with lists and new goals, and every once in awhile I discover new talents I never knew I had. 

Because of which, my career goals are constantly changing.

That seems good for now.  Until tomorrow, friends.

who's your type: Disney Prince edition

Aladdin

Now Aladdin doesn't start off as a prince.  He marries into royalty.  Just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page. 

Aladdin doesn't seem like the type who will work hard for what he wants.  He's got luck and good timing.  He also is very charming and attractive.  He's adventurous and will go out of his way to save his friends and lady from danger.  Although he may lie initially his good character always shines through and he's always a good guy in the end. 

Beast

Frankly I think he's more attractive as a beast than as a human.  Have you seen {this scene} from Beauty and the Beast? (for the part I'm specifically talking about skip to 2:55) It's always creeped me out/made me laugh.  He needs a girl who's strong willed enough not to put up with his crap.  But once you break his bubble of pride there is an extremely soft, loving, thoughtful side to him.  He was even willing to die for Belle to let her have her freedom.  Now that's loving.  And check out those eyes!



Flynn Rider

Flynn (Eugene) also marries into royalty.  What's with these boys who  marry into royalty being thieves?  Hm.  Cunning and manipulative at first but after he realizes what's truly important to him he cleans up his act.  He is generous, thoughtful, loving, loyal and will do anything for the woman he loves.  He's also funny and has a great singing voice.   



The Prince (from Snow White)

We don't really know much about The Prince.  The only heroic thing he does is kisses Snow White when the time is right.  He doesn't slay a dragon, or even defeat the Evil Queen.  He just comes at the right time.  Which actually says alot about his character.  He could have left Snow White there forever and gone to find a girl who was.. alive..  But he was in love with her and was willing to give anything a shot if it meant being with his true love.  How romantic.





Prince Charming

The prince seems like he would be one of those high maintenence guys.  He didn't care to know Cinderella's name-he just thought she was gorgeous.  Then as soon as she ran off he finally got his act together and did something about it.  Man, I really liked Prince Charming til I thought about him this way... Let's think like this.  Maybe he's really shy and wants to wait for the right girl.  Then she finally came along and he was so baffled at her beauty tht the words just couldn't come to ask her name.  He had to have his royal Duke search the entire city because nobody else mattered to him once he found the girl of his dreams.  That's much better.  What a sweetheart. He can't fathom to be with anyone else. 



Prince Phillip

Prince Phillip is the real deal.  He's attractive.  He's adventurous.  He's kind.  He loves his family but he's willing to break tradition for true love.  He's also brave and fights for his girl too.  No other prince I can think of fought a dragon and rescued his princess from eternal sleep.  He also has a great singing voice-which is a plus in my book. 

Prince Eric

Oh man.  He's my favorite.  Maybe it's just his big muscles, dark hair and blue eyes?  Or maybe it's the fact that he's rich, funny, and has good work ethic.  He also plans fun dates for Ariel.  And even though she's got a disability of not being able to talk/communicate with him he's still willing to give her a shot.  He's not shallow.  Or maybe he is.   But I'd like to think he isn't.  He's also extremely brave.  Did you see how amazing he was at the end of The Little Mermaid?  He almost died trying to save Ariel and her family.  What a guy.

 

Prince Naveen

Concieted.  Rude.  Selfish.  These are all words that describe Naveen until he is humbled by being turned into a frog and realizing how in love with Tiana he is.  He's willing to look at life a different way once he sees how she sees life.  She's also taught to take risks and be more carefree in life.  He's handsome, wealthy and will stop at nothing to make sure his love's dreams come true.  Even if it means giving up his own. 















So who's your type?  Mine has got to be Prince Phillip or Prince Eric.  For the Princess version go {here}

date ideas.

Alright.  I'm really feeling the need to get all of your advice for my big date coming up... then I promise not to bring it up again until AFTER the fact.  Trust me, this is not all I think about!  I just need to get this planned and out of the way so it won't take over my life for the next few weeks.  But who knows?  Maybe we'll end up really liking each other? Only time will tell.  But for now.. I just need to plan a date, and have fun!  (that's the whole reason I'm going. To have fun.)


OKAY.

After much research, sweat, suggestions, tears, prayers.. [okay I'm exaggerating. A big thanks to Lori for most of these ideas...]

Here's what I've come up with. Please check out these places and let me know what you think!!!


Option A:
Hollywood Wax Museum
Go take some pictures with some stars...
Option B:
Aquarium of the Pacific
I think this would be fun and exciting!  Kind of like Sea World.. But closer!

Option C:
Griffith Observatory
Really nerdy.. but I am totally into this sort of thing so it could be really fun!

Option D:
Color Me Mine
I love this place with all my heart.  We could paint a project and talk it up! Thank you BRAD for this genius idea :)

Option E:
Give me another suggestion?.. because time is RUNNING OUT!



Now Vote -------->>

Wow. 300 posts! I think that deserves some sort of celebration?

When I started blogging a few years ago I never dreamed:
A. That I would enjoy it.
B. That even a few people would be interested in what I had to say.
C. That I would even continue with it...the gap between my 1st and 2nd posts is quite large.



Here's to the art of blogging. May you not only find joy in the journey but also joy in sharing it.

here we go again

I tend to have really strange dreams.

Last night was no different.

I was in a movie theater, seemingly alone, then I heard people laughing at me that I was alone, so I turned around and all my old boyfriends/crushes were sitting behind me with their new crushes/girlfriends and laughing at me for being all by my onesie.  So I sunk down in my chair.  And woke up.

It was really embarrassing.

So I looked up the meanings, natch.

on this site

Not really sure how accurate this is... It's just kind of interesting to see how they portray different things in dreams.  

And on a more cheerful less embarrassing note, I'm going on a date with The Mormon Bachelor in a couple weeks.  [I know, I know, this is all I talk about.  But seriously--it's kind of stressing me out. So I'm going to need your help.]

these are a few

of my fa-vor-ite things.

just dance and michael jackson experience for the wii.
light pink nail polish
coral lipstick
you and i by ingrid michaelson (it was stuck in my head the day we filmed my audition movie--hence song choice.  no other thought was put into it.  but it kind of fits.)
poppy by coach. {my scent right now}

funniest analogy all year!

(or in my opinion, anyway)


So.. We're sitting in Relief Society today having a lesson [in short the lesson was on ways we can become closer to our Heavenly Father] and started talking about how we need to improve and not justify ourselves.. (ie I'm too busy to say my prayers/read my scriptures/etc)

This wonderful sister raises her hand and says this:

"I have a good analogy for this.  My kids always give me the excuse, 'well, I'm doing much better--I've improved!'; so I say back to them- Okay think of it this way:

A man murders 10 people a month for a whole year.
Then
He improves by only murdering one every six months.

It's still unacceptable!"


It was hilarious.
I truly wish you all could have been witnesses in that moment.


So, lesson learned.  If you kill 10 people a month, or just one every six months... it's still not okay.





Man, I'm still laughing about it.

My NYR

"It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.

Now, I am not going to stand here and tell you that failure is fun. That period of my life was a dark one, and I had no idea that there was going to be what the press has since represented as a kind of fairy tale resolution. I had no idea then how far the tunnel extended, and for a long time, any light at the end of it was a hope rather than a reality.


So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realised, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life." -JK Rowling (from her speech The Fringe Benefits of Failure)

{isn't she brilliant?  read her full speech here}

Seriously.  Why are so people afraid to fail if our greatest blessings come after the trial?

I love how she talks about when she reached rock bottom and it became the foundation on which she built her life.  She had nothing to lose and everything to gain.  She then wrote the Harry Potter series and is a billionaire author. 

If we lived every day as if we had nothing to lose and everything to gain, imagine the possibilities!

My New Years resolution is to do just that.  A little bit at a time, because it is scary to put yourself out on a limb and try your very best. 

But without pushing yourself there is no progression. 

like, whoa

hey

this is a very late post. 

But.

I was featured over at { kara's blog } a little while ago.


You should head on over and check out the post,
and then follow her because she is

brilliant
beautiful
and a very talented writer.