Twins? Um, not so much.

I have officially worn out my favorite jeans. I bought them just before Christmas a year ago. And I have probably worn them 300 of the last 365 days. No exaggeration. They fit perfectly and are very comfortable. So naturally I decided to buy an identical pair to replace them-

Same size, brand, cut, color, and everything. What do you think? Not exactly identical now are they? The new pair, which is in theory the same size as the first pair, are a good 2 inches smaller around the waist. I can barely pull them up! (The color difference is okay considering how many times the original pair have been washed.)

Ridiculous!

So do I return them (via Amazon) or make these my new "goal pants?" I'm very actively dieting and attempting to lose weight right now. I could use these as my incentive...

In other fashion industry of Erin's closet news- I bought a pair of jeans a few weeks ago (also online- what can I say? Shopping is really limited in Roanoke.). The same size as the jeans above actually. They are made with a little bit different cotton and lycra blend than I am used to. (Skinny fit jeans from Lands End.) I wore them a few times, and washed them several times, thinking I could make them shrink, and to run out the excessive indigo dye in them that kept turning my hands and legs blue. The color has finally set, but the jeans refuse to fit. Skinny fit jeans that are too baggy! Go figure! I also have a skirt that is just a little too baggy on me, so I figured it was time to do the thing I've always said I was going to do. I took my clothes to an alterations shop. For $8 the maxi-skirt is getting hemmed up (I bought it on sale for $4) and taken in, and for $10 the jeans are getting hemmed up several inches, and taken in through the waist, and all up and down the legs. I am picking them up from the shop tomorrow (took her 4 days). I'm excited to have a pair of jeans that won't gape open around the waist (you know what I'm talking about, it happens to all of us), and fit me perfectly. Considering I bought both the jeans and skirt on great sales, I'm still getting a really good price on them even after alterations.

Best Calling Ever

I can barely express how much I love working with the youth at church. I've been involved with the teen program at our church in different capacities for several years now. For the past 1.5 years I have had the joy and privilege of working in the Young Woman's Program. I served as the Personal Progress Adviser in my old congregation, and again now in my current congregation. I've also served as the Girls Camp Leader (last summer), and I will be serving again this upcoming summer.
Personally, I think Girls Camp Leader is pretty much the best calling ever.
This week I've had a few moments where I've woken up and realized just how much I love my girls. At our activity last week, we had a fairly simple activity planned for the night. Our oldest girl turned 18, and we had a birthday party for her. We had a few ideas for goal oriented activities following the cake and ice cream, but we didn't have to do them. We played a few games, laughed riotously, and just enjoyed ourselves. There was even a moment where we all spontaneously broke into singing, "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt." Why? I don't really remember. But the laughing afterwards was priceless, as was the look on the face of the woman that walked in in the middle of it.
I love that our girls so regularly give hugs to each other and their leaders. Every time I see the girls, whether at church or out in town somewhere, they give me big hugs and tell me they love me. I have learned so much from them about not judging too soon, and loving unconditionally.
College acceptance letters are coming soon, and I find my prayers including the girls from my past congregation, as well as one from my current, as they anxiously wait to hear from schools. They have grown up so much in the time that I have known them into such beautiful young women with so much to offer. I am so excited for them to take this next step in life! But I'm going to miss them so much when they are gone!
There is so much to learn and enjoy in the YW program. I wish more women would accept the opportunity to get involved with the girls. The next few weeks I will be busier than usual with the girls, and I have to admit, I'm looking forward to it!

How Erin Got Her Groove Back

Just before leaving town 2 weeks ago my life had started to take on a new shape. What had at first been a potentially good situation with a writing job had changed into a much more firm and reliable writing job. And then a second writing and editing position had landed in my lap that would also keep me busy. Suddenly, completely out of the blue, I have work and income!
But then I took off for South Carolina and focused on other things for 8 days. Eight really awesome days.
Now that I'm home and rested, I'm getting into a new groove. (How many times this year have I had to stop, erase, and start a new groove all over again?? I've completely lost count.) But I'm excited about this new routine and these opportunities. I actually got a paycheck (the day I left town) and I'm going to get another one! The idea is so foreign to me I can barely accept it!
If you've known me for long, or read this blog more than 4 years ago, you know that I love being busy. I used to thrive on event planning, travel, and being involved in dozens of things at once. Due to the changes life threw at me, I haven't been that way in years. I've missed the "old me" quite a bit. For the past 3+ years I've primarily worked from home and it has been very quiet, and rarely busy or stressful. I'd prefer the crazy life! That's just me! The week I spent on the campaign was very fun for me. I got my groove back. I got to be busy and crazy, and running a program, managing people, and getting involved. I felt like me again. I would welcome the opportunity to be busy like that again.
These new writing gigs won't keep me busy like that any time soon, but still, it is a good groove. But they do keep me busy and mentally engaged. And thankfully, in spite of being home-based, and online work, there is reason for human interaction! (I like humans!)
The gigs are freelance, no contract. I have reason to believe that the first one could extend indefinitely, and if they company likes me (and so far they do!) they may offer a secure contract at any point. The second job is only for one month, but has potential to extend in the future.
I have work, people. Actual work. I'm earning money and working. I like how that feels! This is a great groove to be in. I get to engage in so many things that appeal to me (news, politics, religion, and believe it or not, I'm starting to like the stock market)! That spark inside of me that loves to write and get opinionated has taken over and I like it!
Watch out world, Erin's got her groove back. 

Happy Birthday to Our Little Man!

The picture that went viral on I can has cheezburger with the captions "I babysit" and "Babysit- ur doin it wrong"

In the dog house!

 

Super Diaper Baby!!

This will always be my favorite picture of my little man!

 

Seriously, how can you not love this picture? He is ALL that is little boy! (Note the skull tattoo on his arm)

Whether my nephews realize it or not, they each have a different nickname from me. Tell was the Little Dude, now just the Dude. Dallin is our Favorite Guy. And Porter, the baby of our family, and all that is boy, is the Little Man.
Happy Birthday Little Man! I wish I could be there for your birthday! I hope you have a very fun day! I love you lots and lots!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday, Dad! I'd write you a much more eloquent and elaborate post, but I know you would prefer that I stick to writing jobs that pay today. Also, you should be sure to check out my column on Meridian when it publishes in 8 hours. Why? Well, just between you and me, we both know that I would be the person in that article if it wasn't for you. 

Campaign Carolina Complete

A few of my cousins, aunt, uncle, and me after the election night party

This was a long and crazy week. Yesterday alone felt like I had lived a lifetime before lunchtime. We didn't get to take home the win, but we gave it our all, and have no regrets.
More later. Now? SLEEP!

Campaign Life

Today is/was my 37th birthday. I had been planning on completely ignoring it and staying 36 forever. It is an unglamorous and uninteresting birthday to say the least. And being on the campaign trail, away from all of my friends and family, (but making plenty of new friends) it didn't seem relevant this week. But Facebook has a way of making birthdays a dozen times better. After working a 14.5 hour day, and coming back to my hotel room completely exhausted, I turned on Facebook to find 115 (and counting) birthday greetings! Talk about feeling loved!
Other things that made me feel loved today were all of the fun texts and phone calls. And the very entertaining happy birthday serenades. My favorite had to be from two of the young women in my ward, who didn't know I am out of town, and went to my house to bring me a cupcake. When I didn't answer the door they called to find out where I was. When they found out I wouldn't be home for a while, I insisted that they send me a picture of the cupcake and eat it themselves. They sang me a rousing rendition of happy birthday, and ate the cupcake. I laughed so hard that the other campaign vols asked what was going on, so I told them. After that I got some extra nice attention from my fellow campaign trench mates.
It is hard to believe it is just Tuesday. I spent the majority of the day convinced it was Wednesday. My body is convinced I've been doing this a month, and not just 4 days. I need a personal chiropractor and massage therapist to just follow me around and work on my back when I travel. And a personal chef who also reminds me when to eat. Come to think of it, why don't I have an entourage yet?

Greetings from South Carolina!

A few days ago I got a phone call asking if I wanted to return to my roots and get back into politics. Three days later, I'm in South Carolina, volunteering for the Mitt Romney for President Campaign. I'll be here till the primary next Saturday. I'm very excited to get involved here. I've worked on presidential campaigns, Capitol Hill, and for a lobbyist in the past. I've just been out of the game for a while.
This week looks to be completely busy and crazy. I can't wait. I'll probably blog more of the political side of this experience over at my other blog- http://swingstatevoter.blogspot.com.
I'll save this blog more for my personal thoughts.
For starters, I stopped and bought some new music CD's on my way out of town. (Employee discount + Buy 2 get 1 free sale= awesome deal!) I know I'm a little tardy to the party on this one, but I LOVE the Adele 21 CD. I think I've listened to it ten times in the last 700 miles. Love it. I also picked up The Band Perry. Good CD, but I'm not in love with the unreleased songs. Whereas, I love every last song on Adele. The third CD was Simon and Garfunkel's 2 disc greatest hits. It has long been one of my favorite "albums."
In other news, oy, I'm exhausted. Drove 8 hours plus worked several hours at the HQ. I think I shall take advantage of these lovely clean hotel rooms and get some sleep!