Wednesday July 22, 2015 At the end of June, things kept popping up on my social media about an Art Exhibit in the city by the river. I had yet to see it, but thought it sounded intriguing. Today, I was walking to the Farmer's Market along the river, and as I walked underneath one of the bridges in my City of Bridges, I finally saw where it was. They've painted the wall of the bridge black, and left chalk for people to write what they want Before They Die. The responses are a mix of inspirational, thoughtless, motivated, rude, humorous and full of hope. It really depends which ones you read.
On the way back from my lunch time Farmer's Market trip, I wrote mine. It took me a while to decide what to say. The slots were almost full. There are so many things I want to do before I die. The truth is: I don't know when I'm going to die. I have TONS of plans and goals, and things I want, but will I get them? The only thing I can say for sure is I want to be grateful for it all. Grateful to myself for living the fullest and happiest life I can. I may not get everything accomplished, but I want to die proud of myself for trying. It's a unique idea. (I think). And if you ignore the ones about stealing souls and such, it's actually pretty beautiful. It's an anonymous way to share your dreams. Mine isn't anonymous because I'm writing it here, but it's just one of the many under the bridge. I simply wrote: Be Grateful. I'm already grateful. I want it to continue. It did get me thinking. I have a lot I want to do. I have a lot more I want to be grateful for. Here are some things I want to do before I die:
Laugh Everyday
Have a kid... or not - but be happy with my decision.
Love with all my heart.
Publish my book
Maybe write and publish more books.
Write a blog I can be proud of.
Visit friends and family, and stay in touch.
Travel.
Don't stress.
Be happy with what I've got.
Get married - or don't. I'm already living with the love of my life. I'm already the luckiest girl in the world.
Read everything I can.
Be kind.
That's it. I think I can do most of those without a problem. However, things may happen. Or it might not. I can't mark my success because of that. Side note: the walk to the Farmer's Market is already full of beauty. Here are some other pictures I took while walking. Grateful comes easily when I see this everyday.
That's my post for today.
Have a great Wednesday.
As always,
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
July 20, 2015 Somebody who once worked in the same field as me, told me that they couldn't wait to get out of it because they felt like it took away their creative writing ideas. They felt like it took away the 'spark' for writing. I'm talking day job. Not night time writing/blogging job. (It's not a job yet, just something I love and should do more.) I am ridiculously lucky that I am the opposite. I know what this person means. I completely understand those feelings, but luckily, in the last few years, it's had the opposite effect on me. I'm sure I've mentioned my job before, but before I go on with this post, I'll describe it again. I write commercials. I write scripts for 15, 30 or 60 second spots to air on the radio. I deal a lot with sales people, other Creative writers and radio people, and the clients I write for. I've been in this business for a few years. It's what I went into right out of Broadcasting school. I had a short break while I tried out being a radio sales person - but I preferred the Creative Writing. It was possibly the stint as an Account Executive (sales) that made me truly appreciate the Creative Writing job. I don't see myself changing jobs or companies in the foreseeable future. I have fun writing the commercials (for the most part), and it makes me appreciate the fact that I can go home and write WHAT I WANT. Yes, I spend a lot of time putting a lot of information into a 30 second script, but it doesn't steal my creativity. Being able to go home and write (or write on my lunch break) helps me enjoy my job. I sometimes feel bad that I didn't choose a career that helps people, and hopefully that's what my evening writing can someday be. (Or else I could volunteer). Now that I think about it, I've never really felt like my Creativity was getting smushed, it really was the lack of helping others. I see my friends doing amazing things for others, and I wish I had more of that. I don't get a lot of that in my job, and that's not an insult to what I do for a living, it's just the truth. It's a fact. I don't get to help people, and I'd like to use my writing to do that. (That being said, the company I work for do a lot of volunteering, and sponsoring of events, and I have been lucky enough to be included in them).
I would not go so far as to say that my current writing is inspiring. I try my hardest, but I'd say most of my posts are just me rambling. I think my book is good (someday, it will be great), and it is emotional, but I don't know if it will help people, and I don't think I'd call it inspiring. That's not to say I won't get there. I just have to live more life. Experience more. Learn more. Write more. I have a lot of work to do to complete my writing goals, and writing this post makes me realise I'm not even close to where I want to be. (I HAVE TO WRITE!) However, I am grateful I have a job full of great co-workers, that allows me to use my creativity in ads. I'm grateful that I don't leave this job sick of writing. If anything, I feel like my writing truly started after I started working with this company. I wouldn't give all the credit (or even most of it) to my job because a lot in my life had changed as well, but I'm incredibly lucky to still love writing. I'm glad that after a day of writing scripts, I can still use personal writing for stress relief, or to get my thoughts out, or to write or edit a book. This wasn't one of the posts I've had started. However, it is a writing blog, and this is specifically about my love for writing. No matter what kind it is. I have been thinking about it for a while, and am finally getting around to putting words on 'paper'. Now, I need to get back at my novel editing, or none of what I just wrote will matter. Thanks for reading.
Some inspiration from one of my best friends about 17 years ago. She inspires me, and others, every day. I still have this around.
As always,
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
July 15, 2015 I have so many blog posts started that I have to finish, it's getting absolutely ridiculous. SO, instead of working on one of them, I'm starting a whole new one. I have a lot of things I want to do that are rolling around in my brain. I need to get some of them on paper/blog so I can figure out a goal plan. If I don't write it down, I'll never know exactly which ones are most important (because I have so many things I want to accomplish.) I will write some goals/plans in this post, and hopefully it will help me to see what I need to work on the most. Some of these things, I've already started on. I spend a lot of time dreaming and thinking about what I want for my future. I learned a long time ago, that dreams won't come true without help from me. Without work from me. I've never been an 'everything happens for a reason' kind of girl. I'm more of a 'things happen because you made them happen' kind of girl. I get distracted occasionally. I am sometimes quite comfortable being lazy. That probably sounds bad, but it's the truth. I enjoy binge watching shows. I enjoy sleeping in. I enjoy sitting in the sun. I enjoy doing absolutely nothing with Clint and Drogo the Rottie. More about him here. However, I am hoping to enjoy my lazy times, and still do a lot with my life. I recently bought a shirt, that is basically perfect for me. It will be my shirt to wear when I need inspiration (or to write).
I need to revisit my goals, revise my goals, and add new ones constantly to keep myself on task. I want to get my book published. I want to get in shape. I want to live my life and love my life. I need goals to do these.
New/Old Goals to work on: Exercise Daily: I used to walk to work. That was a half hour walk, and although it wasn't a lot of exercise, it helped. Unfortunately, I've moved farther way, and it isn't possible to walk anymore. I still walk about ten minutes from where I park to get to work, but it really isn't a lot. I'm feeling VERY out of shape lately, and it's starting to show. So exercise and watching what I eat is first on my list of goals. I just purchased an elliptical so I am VERY motivated to use it. I'd love to get in better shape, and work on my 'trouble' areas, but also, I HATE wasting money, so that in itself is motivation. I bought it new and on sale, but it was still more money than I'd usually spend. Either way, this is going to help me get back into shape. I've got it facing our television, so I can binge watch Netflix AND exercise. I'm starting out pretty slow, but I'll get better.
Pay off debts: I've actually already started this one. It's very exciting! I've paid off my biggest student loan. It's a huge relief, and saves me quite a bit in my monthly repayment - which hopefully means more money for savings. I usually find summer to be more of a spending season, so I probably need to be a bit better about that part of it as well. Either way, I have one more tiny student loan to pay off, my credit card (that one is easy, I don't ever go over a certain amount), and my Lasik eye surgery to pay off. Now that I have the big loan off my monthly payments, I feel a lot more confident that I'll get the rest paid off. (PS, I graduated from university in 2004, so this has been a long time coming.)
READ READ READ READ READ READ I love reading, and sometimes it breaks my heart when I realise I've been doing anything but reading. I have SO MANY books on my list to read, and I've been slacking a lot. I'm also reading a book a friend wrote (unpublished), and that one is first on my list. It's really good, but because I'm reading it on my phone, I sometimes forget about using it. (I haven't gone to the e-readers yet!). I've been reading it everyday for the past few days though, so I'm going to be done that one soon. I need to read everyday. I also have to read the one by a friend a second time so I can make comments as I read. I have a lot of other books on my list as well, but I can start on those later. (By start, I also mean finish a few. I have three books going right now). Reading is the easiest thing in life for me. It's also the thing that motivates me the most to do what I love. Just like anything else, I can't lose that. Being a book worm is one of my favourite things. WRITE WRITE WRITE WRITE WRITE WRITE WRITE You HAD to have known this one was coming. I have to write in so many different ways.
I need to blog weekly, if not twice to three times a week. I have to finish all those posts I started with good intentions. This includes my book blog, but I can't blog about books until I read them.
I need to edit my novel for the 5th time. I think the 5th time. This will include going through the actual hard copy of it with the notes provided by the author who evaluated it. Once I'm done the hard copy, I'll revise as much as I need for the next edit. Then I have to do the overall grammar editing. (Or find somebody to do it for me.)
I need to work on Jenna's story. That's the next one. I've ignored her for too long. Her story has gone in many different directions in my head, but I haven't written it much on paper. There's only one way to see what actually happens next - write.
I need to write in my journal. Poor thing. I always forget about it.
I need to do all of these (except for the paying off of debts) every day. It will make the evening go by a little to quickly, but it will be worth it. It will also mean less lazy Netflix watching. That's never a bad thing. I do need to save time for my Drogo. I miss him all day, and enjoy spending time with Clint and Drogo when I get home.
That's it. Next post will be one of the many I've had waiting to finish.
Happy Wednesday.
As always,
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
I have not participated in my usual blog sharing days on Twitter (#mondayblogs and #wwwblogs) because if I write, I always seem to pick an off day.
I've got about 15 blog ideas ready to write. I have them saved as drafts with the ideas in them so I don't forget. I'm going to start off with an easy one. A filler -if you will. I have a busy week, and leave for a week long vacation on the 30th. So, I'm going to wait until I get back and have more time before I worry about all the others. I'll try to do one more on Monday.
For now, I will do a 'questions' post. Somebody posted this on Facebook, which of course means I stole it for my blog.
I know I'll get back on track, but for now, I'll start off slow. Nothing gets me talking like a questionnaire does. The title of this one is 'I'll Confess My ABC's'. I don't know where it came from because FB doesn't really do the sources.
I'll Confess My ABC's
A - Age:
I am 34 years young. I'll be 35 in September. 35 was originally a deadline of sorts for goals, but I've decided I want it all, but not all right now. I can wait.
B - Biggest Fear:
Loss and death. I'm ridiculously scared of losing those closest to me, and even though I've dealt with death quite a bit in the last 7 years, I'm still not prepared. I know, I know. It's something that happens, and I should be able to handle it. And I will handle it. I just don't want to.
C - Current Time:
I'm just going to go ahead and say noon.
D - Drink you last had:
Coffee coffee coffee. I drink coffee throughout the morning. I bring it from home though because the coffee here is not desirable.
E - Easiest Person to Talk to:
I guess Clint. He's the one I talk most to. We can talk about anything. I can talk about most things with any friend or family member. I like to talk. I also quite enjoy talking through this blog - although, I don't say everything I'd like to.
F - Favourite Song:
Do I have one? No. I like a lot of songs, and can't think of a particular favourite right now. There are a few I really enjoy. I just purchased (through the Google store) Keith Urban's John Cougar, John Deer, John 3:16. It's fun. The same day, I downloaded Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud. Ed Sheeran seems like a really cool guy. I also love Springsteen by Eric Church, and almost any 90s Alternative song I hear. I usually listen to the country station (92.9 The Bull), but I'm all over the place with music. I like it all.
G - Grossest Memory:
Well, I have 34 years of gross memories. (Or probably 30 that I actually remember.) So I'll just go with the most recent. Drogo puke all over my bed. Poor guy. I gagged though.
H - Hometown: I am from a little 'ol Saskatchewan town called Plenty. It's actually a village. I've written about it before: hometown.html
I - In Love With: My life. And Clint.
And my friends and family. And my Drogo.
J - Jealous of: No. Well, I feel jealous some days I guess. If it does happen, I try to snap myself out of it. I think the biggest jealous moments I have are of people who can afford to travel and go on trips. I'd like to only travel, but realistically, I need a job to pay for travel, and if I ever save up enough, or am able to take enough time off, I'll go for it. But as for everyday jealousy, no. Things are good. I would rather feel gratitude than jealousy.
K - Killed Someone: I think the answer will always be the same for anybody taking this because even if they did kill somebody, it's probably not something to be talked about on a blog or FB. (Unless they are a cop, military or doctor). However, I have a recurring nightmare (I've had it about twice which I count as recurring), that a long time ago in Plenty I had accidentally killed somebody and it was covered up. I woke up feeling like I had a repressed memory. It was scary. SO WE ARE CLEAR, I haven't killed anybody, it was just a dream.
L - Longest Relationship: My sister and I have been together for 34 years.
My longest DATING relationship was five years. Clint and I are at 3 and a month. (But we will be a lifetime).
M - Middle Name: Leah (pronounced Lee)
N - Number of Siblings: One. She's my favourite. (I'm the younger one).
O - One Wish: Peace on Earth? No more racism? No more sexual / physical assaults on those unable to protect themselves? No more depression? That's more than one wish. Unfortunately, I don't think any of them well come true.
P - Person you last called: Pretty sure it was a co-worker. From my phone at work. Or somebody I wrote a script for, or need information from. That's almost the only time I phone people. Other than my parents. I phone them because they don't text.
Q - Question you're always asked: It depends where I am in life. Most recently: "When is the wedding?" Answer: We bought a house together. We're practically married. Real answer: Who knows. The baby question also gets asked. They skip right over marriage, and ask about kids.
R - Reason to smile: My life.
S - Song you last sang:
Any song that's great on the radio. I'll switch stations until I find a good one. I think it was this one by Dean Brody. I really enjoy it.
T - Time you woke up: I woke up at 2am because Drogo wanted to go out. I woke up again at 6am when Drogo was wide awake (Clint took care of him then). And I officially woke up for the last time at 6:45.
U - Underwear Colour: I would just delete this question, and make up a new one, but I have no alternative floating around in my head. I'm still not going to answer. Not because I care if you know, but because I don't care to tell you.
V - Vacation Destination: I want to go everywhere. My next vacation destination will be Kelowna.
W - Worst Habit: The inability to make up my mind. Impatience.
X - X-rays you've had: Teeth. My elbow after I dislocated it.
Y - Your Favourite Food: Anything but bananas. Not a fan of pepper either. Although I love peppers. Really though. I like food. Last night was barbecued Jalapeno and Cheddar sausages with mushrooms and onions, and a toasted bun. I'll eat anything with cheese. Except a banana.
Z - Zodiac Sign: I'm a Virgo. I didn't used to think I fit a Virgo description. There are still many ways that I don't. However, I'm getting closer. Thanks for reading!
As always,
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
June 12, 2015 Clint and I have a new family member. Everything is happening now that we've got our house. We met him in May, but he's officially a McCrowe now. He moved in with us last Tuesday, June 2nd, and is already a big part of the family.
First meeting on May 2nd. Although this may be one of his brothers or sisters.
We were actually looking at a different dog, but the option to raise a little Rottweiler came at the perfect time. It was love at first sight. (With every one of them!) We decided we wanted to be parents to a puppy. Frankly, I think that's a good way to go. Training for possible babies.
May 23rd we picked him out.
Clint and I weren't sure of his exact name, but we knew which one would soon be coming home with us. (The one that rolled in poop, giving him the nickname 'Poopy') We fell in love, and had to wait very patiently for a week until we could bring him home.
June 2nd -His new home!
The last week and a half, we've spent getting to know him. He even went on a first road trip for my Dad's birthday party. He's a puppy, so there are a lot of things that we need to watch for. Potty training, playing that leads to biting, and cute little puppy cries. Clint's been home, so he's able to take care of the puppy during the day, which has been very useful. I'd have a pretty hard time leaving to go to work if I had to leave him alone. (Although, leaving him AND Clint is also really hard.)
He is officially Drogo. We chose a name from Game of Thrones because there are not very many books that Clint and I have both read, and that's basically it. Plus, he's definitely a Drogo. I'm adding a few more pictures of him, but that's my update for today. Our family is one little guy bigger (soon to be one big guy bigger). We're head over heels for him and each other.
On the bed already.
Helping 'Mom' work.
First bath.
We won't let him eat shoes, but these ones? I'd be okay with him eating them. (haha)
Playing.
We're in love. Now we need to get him super healthy, and super used to living in the house. We're still working on it. He had has first vet visit today (without me).
We've definitely become THOSE parents. No apologies! Although - he's FOR SURE going to be a drama king. Our Little Diva Drogo.
I keep promising a visit with him at work to my work pals, but he hasn't made it in yet. We want to get him healthy and happy first. (He's having some pooping problems while getting used to the new food). He hasn't been rolling in it like when we first met, so we're headed in the right direction!
And that's that about the pup. I'm sure I'll have more updates later, but I have too many other things I need to update!
Happy weekend all, I'm heading to Edmonton after work for a shopping trip with my mom and sister! Girl's weekend. I'll miss the pup and man like crazy, but I'm excited for time with two of my favourite people.
As always,
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
June 10, 2015 Warming of my House As I've mentioned, Clint and I recently bought a house, and moved in April 15th. We just love it! We love the backyard, the freedom, the lack of people living below or above us, and we love having it together. Every day gets better, and I could not be happier or more content with my life right now. I decided to have a House Warming at the end of May. I wasn't sure if I wanted one, but I decided to do it for a few reasons.
It would force me to unpack and have things ready. I have a tendency to leave boxes for way too long. This way, the office was unpacked and ready to show off.
We wanted to celebrate our big step with friends and family. Most of them know what this move together means. It's PRACTICALLY marriage (but without the ring and dress.)
We wanted to show off the house. It's a great house.
It was a great excuse to invite the great people in my life to hang out with us. It's one of my favourite things to have so many people I enjoy near me.
I've always loved celebrating birthdays, but houses or "Erin wrote a book" parties, are different. They're important, and they celebrate milestones. Yes - birthdays are milestones, but not in the same way.
I have owned a condo in the past (that's a whole different post), but this one was a big step towards my future with Clint. I cannot argue with celebrating that.
I did a lot of Pinterest planning on ways to make our House Warming fun. We did the backyard barbecue party, (with Sangria's), but I wanted a few more things to make it my own. Of course, finding things on Pinterest is the opposite of making it your own.
For the most part, trying to find things on Pinterest, just gives me an excuse to plan my imaginary wedding.
We rented a 'giant' Jenga game. It wasn't as giant as I hoped it would be, but it was still a hit. (The picture is below.)
I also wanted some sort of proof or guest book, without actually having my own guest book. It seems kind of corny to have a guest book at an outdoor party for JUST a house warming. I thought of a great idea (if I do say so myself) without the help of Pinterest. (Hear that? No Pinterest).
I bought some sidewalk chalk so people could sign my cement patio, and then took pictures of the artwork when I was finished. I plan to frame it all, or put it in an album. It was a lot of fun, and I've been using the chalk like crazy! I'm still having fun with it.
A collection of the Art.
We thought this would be cute, and added an imaginary ring. It's not real... Just funny for now. (Until it IS REAL!)
These guys left without signing, so I got some signatures later. As we all know, I'm a kid at heart, so I loved this idea. And of course, was very happy that I thought of it without the help of Pinterest. I had a great time. I 'flitted' from group to group, trying to make sure I spoke to everybody. Clint barbecued, and I think it went pretty well until it got cold out, and anybody who was still there had to warm up inside. Luckily, our furniture had been delivered two days before, so we were prepared. It was also a great time to bring out Cards Against Humanity. I get extra loud and hyper when surrounded by friends and family. I just overflow with happiness. It was a nice time for me, and I enjoyed having people over to our new place.
Here's the not so Giant Jenga. I actually didn't get a chance to play it, but everybody seemed to enjoy it. I'm hoping somebody will make me my own set someday! (PLEASE!)
I made Sangria for the first time. It wasn't bad, but I think I can do better. I just need practice.
While, I don't think we'll have parties often, I did enjoy the celebration of our new house. It is a big important moment for both Clint and I, and we can't wait to have more get together's with the people we love.
Also, one of the next posts will be about the newest member of the family. He thinks our house is his now. He's probably right. It'll be posted next week.
A funny picture for you. We opened a bottle of champagne once we came back inside the house. This was my first time ever opening a bottle of champagne. Mostly because I'm scared of the cork. Luckily, I didn't hit anybody (or myself), but there were some great shots from all angles.
Lastly and most important:
As always,
"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
