Back to it!! 356 day project!

Worst snow day of the year so far and no delays for work or school....but early dismissal.

Brandon did a grocery store run with me..... and of course, he was rewarded :)



He laughed and laughed at me.... he finds me so amusing. I wore my Chewbaka hat all through the store just for him... Every time I'd look at him, he'd burst out laughing..





So now we're home and we have enough junk food to get us through this storm.....

Sigh...

I hate this weather.

356 day project fail.....

I failed to take a single photo today for my 356 day project. Just when I realized this, I decided I would quit the whole idea. Soon after that passing thought, I decided that I'm better than that. No, I'm not perfect, but I'm not a quitter either. I can mess up, dust myself off and start fresh the next day. SO, that's exactly what I'm going to do. I am NOT giving up on my goal..... keep your eyes out for many pictures to come. I'm just taking today off. :)

I rode into to work with Mom today so Fred could use my car to take care of Mr. Morrisey. He just found out that he has cancer and he needs treatment right away. Mrs. Morrisey is very sick, so she can't take care of him, and they have nobody to help them. I am so glad that Fred looks out for them. They love him so much. Both this Thanksgiving and last, he drove to their house and dropped off a nice, hot meal fot them. I know he loves them too. I sure hope they both make it through these tough times. I know Mr. Morrisey is only doing the treatments so he can get better, so he can take care of her. That is so sweet, so rare. God bless them both....

Work was so busy for me today. It was non stop. I was happy that even with all the work on me, I got up and left my desk for a nice lunch. Meg and I had some things to work out, and we did just that. I can't take any conflict in the office. It just weighs so heavy on me. I wanted to be sure we made peace, and that we were okay with everything. Now, on to the next step... moving. I have no idea when we'll do this, but I think it's a lot more complicated than Ed expected. I seem to have the least amount of requests and expectations. I feel really good about that. I'm at the point now where I just want it to happen soon so I can move on with it. I don't want a long dragged out process. Let's hope for the best!

So, here I am.. at the close of yet another Monday. I made it through. :)

Peace.

Monday's Thought Provoking Question....

I am dreading going to work tomorrow.

Why did my boss have to bother me on my day off on Friday, and try to make me feel bad for no reason at all???
As if I didn't have enough on my plate at work.....


I'm stopping here... I feel my eye beginning to twitch again. I have so much on my mind, and so much stupid shit bothering me.

12 Days.........



I'm scared for you...
Even though I know you really screwed us bad, and a lot of other innocent people.

Sunday Cheer Day

Sooooo.........

Long drive somewhere close to the New Jersey shore to watch Brooke and her team's competition. Very early! Those girls are amazing. And the tiny little one's on the newer teams are absolutely adorable!!!!! It was nice to go, I know it meant a lot to Brooke to see us there.

It is bitter cold out today. Seriously. I have a lot to accomplish today, but I feel like getting into a comfy's and forgetting about it all. I can't. I have responsibilities!

Soon going to Best Buy to purchase a DVD burning program. I am excited about that! Oh, and today I went to Blockbuster since it's going out of business, but they had nothing I was looking for. Oh well, thank goodness for Netflix!

Movie of the night

UPDATE:
Missed 3/4 of the movie last night due to total exhaustion.

Fred and I both fell fast asleep on the couch after we started to watch it.
It was not my kind of movie, but I tried so hard to keep my eye's open to watch it. As soon as I put that snuggie on me, I was out for the night. I woke up at the end of the movie to find Fred sound asleep. Maybe we'll try again tonight!

Want a piece of me????? LOL

Something I didn't mention about today...

Jimm and Monica were following us home from Atlantic City...
As we were going over the Ben Franklin Bridge There was a line of traffic that came to an abrupt stop. We were in that lane. I slammed my brakes on as hard as I could, as fast as I could..... but the brakes made crazy jolting movements and I was sure I was going to hit the car in front of me. Worse yet, I look in my rear view mirror and I see Jimm in his huge SUV coming at me full speed ahead..... Jimm has always wanted a piece of my ass (LOL, as Monica said), but not exactly in the way it was about to happen. He too, slammed his brakes on, then in the last second, he swerved into the next lane.. and we were all spared. Whew, that was really the closest I ever came to becoming an accordion in my car. Needless to say, we were all a bit shaken..... Ok, a lot shaken, but we were so relieved that nothing happened to us, or anyone else.

When we got home we all laughed and joked about it, and then moved on.

Someone was looking out for us today. I'm sure of it.

I have a little more writing energy now to write about my night last night and my day today.
Arrived at Trump a little before 5 p.m. We were given a beautiful complimentary room for us, and one for Jimm and Monica. Never stayed at Marina. It was really tastefully decorated. Nice. My style.
Went down and played on the slot machines for awhile and then went to Hooters for a quick bite to eat before our pals arrived. Nice time at Hooters, and the food was pretty good too. I'm not much into ordering fried food, but a grilled cheese sandwich and some curly fries are pretty good once in awhile.
Jimm and Monica finally arrived after a 3 hour ride! Yeah!! At that point, I had already polished off more than half a bottle of wine, I was feeling really relaxed and ready for a good night. Monica didn't want to drink anything at first, but once she did, I think she was a happy girl for joining me! We finished off the wine, and then I remembered that I had bought a little bottle of Absolute Pear Vodka. I am SOOOO not a hard alcohol drinker, so that shot went down with a burn. LOL! It burned my throat and my ears. :) The only time I tasted Pear was in the aftertaste. I would never buy that stuff in a large bottle. I'm thinking I may never drink any of that again.
We had a great time on the Casino floor. Oh, almost forgot! The power went out through out the whole place and was being powered by a generator. I was wondering why it was so dark in the hallways of the Hotel. I am SO glad I wasn't in an elevator when it happened. I was actually in the hotel room, enjoying my wine when I saw the lights go out right outside our window. I think all their big Marina signs must have gone out. And the air went off... But, It didn't phase me in the slightest. As a matter a fact, I sort of liked it. :)
Anyway, I got in trouble for taking pictures in the Casino. A little Chinese man who worked there came running over to me pointing his finger at me telling me I can't take pictures in the Casino. OOPs. I kind of knew that, but I didn't think about it.. that must have been the wine... I DID enjoy feeling really tall when he approached me. He was a tiny little fella. I should have scooped him up and sat him on the top of my slot machine as a good luck charm. LOL! But, instead, I promptly put the camera away like a good girl. And, I waited until I was in a different part of the casino before I took it out again.
I think we were up until about 2 a.m., running around the casino like kids. I couldn't believe how empty the place was. Not like the old days I tell ya....
We all got up and went out for a nice breakfast this morning. I was very thirsty.
:)
Then, off to Brigantine. It was like zero degrees out. I can't believe how bitter cold it was. Jimm and Monica were able to upgrade their timeshare for August, and I was so happy for them. I think they enjoy their week in Brigantine as much as I enjoy cruising. I love to see them happy. I know they were.. and I know they had fun last night... YAY!!!!!!

Just finished watching my favorite erotic movie of all time...

I have a few favorites, but this is my very best favorite sexy movie.

Sensual, gentle, soft, beautiful. Super sexy.

The beginning is a little drawn out, but it's really worth watching. Long movie. One you have to make sure you have a lot of quiet time for. Mesmerizing...captivating..
It's a keeper.

Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And everything you do,
Yeah they were all yellow,

I came along
I wrote a song for you
And all the things you do
And it was called yellow

So then I took my turn
Oh all the things I've done
And it was all yellow

Your skin
Oh yeah your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D'you know you know I love you so
You know I love you so

I swam across
I jumped across for you
Oh all the things you do
Cause you were all yellow

I drew a line
I drew a line for you
Oh what a thing to do
And it was all yellow

Your skin
Oh yeah your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D'you know for you i bleed myself dry
For you i bleed myself dry

Its true look how they shine for you

Saturday...freezing cold......in Brigantine

Here's where my photography skills shine.....

Saturday, and home safe and sound...

Good time at the Marina. I am sorta feeling it now, though :)

It has been a long time since I had such a nice time at any casino. I suppose I needed to loosen up a little. And, I did. It was a late night of enjoying wine and a little Pear vodka (ick) and of course some slot playing. Great time laughing and being silly with Fred, Jimm and Monica.

Here are some photo's that I took yesterday and last night.

Leaving soon to spend the night at Trump Marina!

I've packed a really fine bottle of wine, look out!!!!!!

Bundled up, and a twisted ankle, so I may not be as dolled up tonight as I was originally planning... I'm okay with that. I should probably wear flats tonight anyway if I'm going to be drinking. :)

Just played for a bit. Wow, I can get hooked quick! Good thing it's not real money.
:)

This is Thursday but it's my Friday!

The photo above, yes... it's me. :)

And, it keeps me on track with my 356 day project.

Well, today at work gave me a headache. I LOVE MY JOB.

I really do... BUT, if ever I thought that I didn't love my job, this would have been the week for it, hands down. I don't ever remember being this stressed at my job before. But, I took tomorrow off, and I am focused on getting every bit of the stress and frustration out of my system.... this weekend!!!!!

Snow tonight. THAT totally sucks. I am so tired of this winter weather. We'll see what happen tomorrow. I am not looking forward to a snowy morning. I am still going to AC. No matter what. Might be later than I expected ... but I really need to get away.

Fred is installing a DVD burner program that I discovered today. I hope it works well and is fairly easy to use. I want to start burning movies!!!!

Ok Erin... today you are a major slacker! You forgot to bring your camera with you in your purse! That means, in order to complete the 356 day task, you must take a few lame pictures of your same old same old face. Ugh... I suck!!!!!!

But, I have succeeded at the task at hand.

Wait until Jimm and Monica deal with me this weekend. I'll be pulling the camera out and getting some pictures of them to spice this blog up!!!!

So, today there was a dent made in my week long dilemma. It was officially announced that I will be moving over to the Vice President, and Assistant Vice President's side of the office. This means, more direct contact and support to them, and of course the President. I can do this. I expect that Ed will stick to his promise to me of bigger and better things in my future with Advancement.... The only thing I can do now is put all of my faith in his word. I do believe he will support me 100% like he said he will........whew.

This Friday we're headed to Trump Marina. Monica and Jimm will meet us there. It should be really nice. I was really glad that I was able to get them a comp room too, otherwise we wouldn't be seeing them! Although we spent NYE with them, it feels like we haven't really spent much time with them in months. It's been such a weird time these past few months... I'm looking forward to something "normal".

In any event, I am definitely looking forward to having Friday off, and to having a positive, happy weekend. I'm in desperate need of that.......

Random Fact About Erin....

I have had the tendency of approaching COMPLETE strangers and hugging them, OR... posing with them for a self portrait.

In this case... I think I did both.

I enjoy when they're good sports about it. :)

These people happened to work on the NCL Dawn. Three different people, from
3 different countries. Fun!

Can you find the similarities?

Tuesday and my travels ....

I am definitely not giving up or giving in on my 356 day project! Today I did especially well. (LOL)

So, I woke up this morning and there was some sort of an ice storm happening outside. I got up at my usual 6 a.m., but the kids had a 2 hour delay, and I didn't have to be at work until 11 a.m.. It was weird. The time seemed to fly by just the same as is does when I go to work at the regular time. I suppose with driving the kids to school, actually eating breakfast for a change, and getting some things together for lunch, it made the time pass really quickly. Of course it was just about lunch time when I got to work. I passed on lunch and just ate some soup in the later part of the afternoon.

So, I met with Ed today. We had a decent meeting, lasting about 40 minutes. I walked away feeling a little better about things, but am really hoping he means everything he says, and sticks to it. If so, I will do well with the change, and benefit from in a big way. I know it will take time, but it's certainly worth the wait if it's managed properly.

Glass half full. I heard that term today 3 times from 3 different people. Funny. I am 100% a glass half full kind of girl. I always have been. But, to hear 3 different people saying the same exact thing about the same exact situation, well, I'm putting my faith in the idea that it just might mean something good. Trust is not my biggest thing lately, with good reason....

I am taking Friday off. I CAN'T wait for a break from work (again). With everything going on, I know that I could use one.

I hope you enjoy my photo's from today. I managed to get some shots, even as busy as I was today. :)

Shame on you Erin! But, you still did it! 356 day project....

Roxy being socially awkward, and Fred in the kitchen preparing Some fine Indian cuisine for dinner!



This is Haley. One of my "other" daughters... I love you Haley, but c'mon!!! You could have done better than this for me and my project! I tickled and poked and chased my girls to get a photo and this was the best I could do... lol Oh well, I made it. Success. I never said all the pictures would be great!

Monday's Thought Provoking Question

RIP Romeo...

Thank you Anna for taking this picture while you were here. I was having a hard time finding a picture of Romeo.

RIP my sweet, cheese loving, gentle friend.

A Few Random Facts about Erin

I've always been very afraid of change.....
And, to avoid failure, sometimes I don't take the leap I need to take to reach success.

And...
For years, I would lay in bed at night scared that I would die in my sleep.
It's only been for a short time that I've let that go. Somehow, I finally put my faith in god, and started to believe that I will wake up each day to carry on with my journey. It feels pretty good.

I worry about some of the small things. Sometimes, the big things don't phase me. I often wonder if that's a mental handicap.

And, when people sneeze and they don't cover their mouth, I hold my breath, or I walk quickly in the opposite direction. Last night I was in a store and a man sneezed. I forgot what I was looking for, and I walked the long way to get where I needed to go, just to avoid his germs.

Sunday

My 356 day project did not pick up this weekend. I just couldn't find the time to get it rolling. I am a major slacker!

I have had a really good weekend. It was fulfilling in a lot of different ways, at different times....

And, it's been stressful. Little pesky things (and no so little) eating away at me. I want to stand up and scream all sorts of curse words at the top of my lungs. I want to cry. I want to speak my mind, exactly how I'm feeling at the moment, but, I know it's not the answer. When I react to something that affects me on a really personal level with an instant response to my emotions, I usually regret the choice I've made. So, this is inside for now.. and I have to think a lot of things through. If you see a little bit of steam coming out of my ears, or out of the top of my head, bear with me.. it too, shall pass.

Life could be really bad. It's not. This is just a slight interference with my every day stride... A pothole to jump over... no biggie. I will definitely come out on top. Mark my word.

While many people will be enjoying a day off tomorrow (my kids, for example) I'll be working. I don't mind at all really. Mort gives us a paid week off at Christmas, and we get some floating Holidays. I'll be there tomorrow, I have a meeting with Ed, and, we'll all be working :)

Last night Fred bought an XM Stereo for the house. I am so crazy about it. I have had music on almost ever since it came into the house. I absolutely love it. Soothing....

We have stereos and what ever, but this is my favorite! I can listen to my favorite XM radio station with no commercials!!! YAY!!!!!

Smells like a delicious dinner is cooking.....

Yes, there is a professor within each of us.....

I need mine to come out today and help me out a little.

((I don't know that my little professor looks like Einstein though))

Head up, Erin... everything happens for a reson, and everything will be just fine.

Time to put the brain in action, the professional head on, and get to work!

My chosen drink of the night! I have gone through 2 small bottles of Chambord already.

Have I told you, or mentioned that I collect mini bottles of alcohol? I have a huge box full of them (I am having a hard time typing tonight so this is taking forever with correcting typos. lol)
I collec small bottles of alcohol.
It all started when I wanted to smuggle small bottles on cruises so I could save a few bucks and use the bottles as mixers with soda or juice. BUT, I never did bring them on the cruises with me. I am not a big drinker, so I would wind up just paying for my drinks like a normal person would do. BUT I love the small bottles, so I collect them. All sorts of little adorable bottles of different things. I usually buy one or two or three while I'm at the Liquor store....

thank goodness for spell check lol

Erin & Alan

Wow... this is a funny one. Me and Alan, my "special" friend. He always asks me if I can give him a picture of me. I took this on one of my WORST days to have any photo taken, one hot summer day in 2007. He didn't care. He loved the pictures. :) He's my pal.

6 or 7 years ago....

I'm seriously considering growing my hair and bangs out again.... am I too old for that now?????? The picture above is me from about 6 years ago.

I like this look... I want to look and feel sexy again. I want to have the energy I used to have. I want to feel really excited about things.

I'm really going to begin to put a lot back into "me". Somewhere, at some point I got lost in the shuffle of life. I want it back... me..now.

No, I'm not drinking.. yet. I plan on opening a nice bottle of champagne and mixing it with some chambord. Then, Fred and I are going to play scrabble with Brandon and Mike. Our 16 year old son and his best friend. I better try to keep my mind sharp, I am playing against a couple of really competitive players (lol). Seriously... See, to me, it's sooooo cool that we have a couple of teenage boys here at the house who actually WANT to play scrabble!!! And, they even asked a few minutes ago if we're still gonna play. LOL How adorable is that?

I think my writers block is going away. I have a lot to say, and It's not forced.

Happy Saturday night.

Peace.

 

I took this... so, that covers my 356 day project for today!

Me and my Fred cat. I love this cat.. He's a love love love...one day he was scared of me... and then...boom.. like MAGIC, he loves me. :)