Happy New Year!

Since my Internet is actually working for the moment, I thought it was finally time to post some pictures from my New Year’s Eve celebration.

I realize how late it is but my momma has been begging to see the dress that I wore, so I might as well share.

As you know, last year I spent NYE in my new town of Forest City with the lovely Zandi Watts. We found a quaint little spot that was playing Bluegrass music to ring in the new year.

This year, I wanted to do something a little bigger. I decided I wanted to celebrate in Charlotte and the search for a fun event began.

First let me say that I started shopping for the perfect NYE dress way before I made any plans for the evening. It was very important that I found one with just the right amount of sparkle. I think I succeeded.

 

This year, my best friend Katie Parham came to visit me for the occasion.

We convinced some very nice boys (Travis Durkee and Clay Christopher) to go with us and we headed out on the town. Sadly, I failed at my job as photographer because I didn’t get any pictures with the boys in them. I sincerely apologize.

But we had a great time. I had so much fun and felt so great in my dress. And we got some cute hats out of it.

I hope all of you girlies had a wonderful New Year!

p.s.- I am looking for another event that I can wear my sparkly dress to. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know

The time we went to Disney World

Hello ladies! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

I had the best Christmas I have had in years all because of a trip to a little place called Disney World.

I mean, this trip is probably the best Christmas present a girl can get.

My momma had been wanting to go to Disney World again for years, and her wish finally came true!

We left when I got home for Christmas on Dec. 21 and stayed until Christmas day. We were at the different parks all day, rode as many rides as possible and enjoyed the first family vacation we have been on (that didn’t involve a baseball tournament) in a long time.

And of course I took a lot of pictures.

The stars of the show

It was so much fun and I loved every minute of it. I really am just a little girl at heart. And of course, I had to get my picture made with at least one Disney character.

I absolutely love Disney World and I want to go back any chance I get. Maybe in 2013 my dream of becoming a Disney princess will finally comes true

Tis the season for parties

Alright ladies, I know it has been a bit since I last posted, but I am here now so do not fear.

I need to update you on the weekend I had with Zandi Watts and Bags a while back. Don’t worry, I promise it involves cute clothes and will be short and sweet.

Anyway, I decided that I needed a weekend out on the town. These pictures and events are a result of that decision.

First, Zandi and Bags showed me a great time with a night out in Charlotte.

I had so much fun with my loves and I can’t wait to do it again

On Saturday, Zandi and I were off to a Christmas party at one of her friend’s houses. She said if I went I could buy a new dress and she would make me beautiful. How could I say no?

We looked quite nice for the evening if I do say so myself.

Of course, Zandi picked out my entire outfit and curled my hair. But I want you girlies girls to know that I did all of my makeup. This is a huge step from where I was when I started this blog. I am making progress!

Anyway, this was the finished product.

After staying at party number one for a while, we headed to party number two. This happened to be a tacky sweater party, which is one of my favorite kinds!

I didn’t have a tacky sweater, but Zandi helped me out by finding me a tacky hat.

Needless to say it was a great weekend!

See, I told you it would be a short post. At least you liked the clothes right?

Stop by again soon because I have a big surprise for you ladies! No hints will be given, so don’t ask! You will ruin the surprise.

 

I’m Thankful For….

I know that my usual blog posts are upbeat and full of my latest adventures, but this one is going to be a little different.

A couple of days ago I spent Thanksgiving with my family, stuffing my face with food that my grandma cooked and I got to thinking about what I am really thankful for. I like to use my blog as a way to express myself, so I thought I would get those thoughts out in a post. This could get long because I have a lot of reasons to be thankful, so I will stick with the main ones and try to add some pictures in there so you girlies aren’t completely bored.

The first thing I am thankful for is the first thing that comes to most everyone’s minds on Thanksgiving; family.

I have an amazing, supportive, and loving family. They are always there for me no matter what, making sure that I am being the best person that I can be.

When I think about all the things that my family has done and is doing for me, I am astounded. All I can think is that I am so blessed because many of my peers do not have a family like that. We may not always get along, but in the end we know that we will always be there for each other. I would not be where I am today without all of their support. I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful group. I love ya’ll. (I’m southern so I am allowed to talk like that.)

The next one is also obvious. I am thankful for my friends.

I have so many people who I believe I can truly call a friend. I have always been a social person and I would like to think that I have some of the best friends around. You guys are there for me when I need a night out, a night in, someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on or a shopping buddy.

I am thankful for my job.

In today’s world, not every college graduate can say that. I am proud to say that in a few days I will have been at my current job for a year. I have been living alone, paying rent and being a grown up for 365 days. I am so very thankful that I have the ability to live this way. Whenever Monday comes around and I am grumbling about having to work, I try to remind myself that someone out there is searching for a job and would give anything to have one.

I am thankful for all of the opportunities I have been given. 

I have played soccer, had piano lessons, been a member of the Girl Scouts, played basketball, performed with the marching band, played on three different softball teams at once, and taken dance lessons. I have been to many states, Spain and France.

I was involved in numerous groups at school. I got to be the chairperson of Wigwam Productions, the editor of The Pioneer online newspaper and president of Lambda Pi Eta communication honors society. I was also a member of Helen Foil Beard and Delphi.

Every opportunity I have taken has molded me into the girl I am today. I plan to continue to pursue new opportunities as they arise.

I am thankful for my many many many many mistakes. 

I have learned from them and I have grown from them. They may have been painful at the time, but I have to remember that by making those mistakes I am learning what not to do in the future.

Lastly I want to say that I am thankful for my life.

Life is complicated. Being a grown up is nothing like the five-year old Erin thought it would be. You have more responsibilities and paying bills isn’t very much fun. When I was young, I looked at people in their 20s as old. I thought by that time I would be married with kids and living in my dream house out in the woods somewhere. I just thought that is what 20 somethings did.

Today, at the age of 23 I am constantly having to remind myself that I am still young. As many of my friends and peers are getting married, having babies and progressing in their lives, it has been hard for me to keep the feeling that I am falling behind out of my head. But then I remind myself about everything I do have and everything I have accomplished. After finally sitting down and typing out this list of what I have to be thankful for, I see that there is no reason for me to sulk about what I am lacking. I cannot compare myself to other people. I am blessed beyond measure and have to keep the faith that everything will fall into place and end up like it is supposed to be eventually.

My life is amazing. I just have to live it to the fullest, continue to be thankful for what I have and keep a smile on my face.

Always smile.

Phew…that took a long time, but I am finally finished with my list. I’m glad that you stuck around to read it and you should feel privileged because you just got a glimpse of what goes on inside of my brain all day. Thanks for reading and I hope that you all realize that there is always something to be thankful for.

Oh and one more thing I am thankful for….you girlies that read my blog post. Without you, I would have no reason to share these thoughts. I am truly grateful. And don’t worry, I’m sure the next blog post will be back to my normal silliness.

My friend Zandi takes pictures

My friends and I went out the other day. The amazingly talented photographer Zandi Watts took pictures of us before we headed to the club.

These pictures were the result:

Bags is so adorable

Did I mention that Zandi did mine and Amanda’s hair also? Isn’t she just the best?

Pretty much all of the best pictures I have of myself, Zandi took. This one was the best of the night:

Anyway, I just thought I would share a few. Zandi does all kinds of photography from family portraits to weddings. If you want to check out any of her stuff, you can visit her Facebook by clicking here.

And if you want pictures like mine, I suggest you call her. There aren’t many people out there that can pick out your clothes, do your hair and take a beautiful picture. But that is what best friends are for

Happy Halloween….ooops I mean Happy Birthday Bags!

There is this one holiday that I love.

Halloween is so much fun. When we were young, we got to dress up and get candy. And now that I am in my twenties, I get to dress up and go out with friends. I love dressing up, candy and friends. It is a win-win situation.

I have had my fair share of Halloween costumes.

There was the ladybug.

The year of Batman and Robin.

The Disney princesses.

And the bunny rabbit.

But this year, we decided that pirates were the way to go. Just in case you didn’t read my last post about my awesome homecoming at Catawba College. I will give you another chance to see my pirate costume.

However, since that costume accidentally went home in my friend’s car, I brought the bunny back for the actual day. And I wore it to work.

Just a bunny and a 1950s reporter

Happy  Halloween from The Daily Courier.

I also brought the bunny back for the Halloween night out, aka the birthday celebration for Bags.

Yep, my good friend celebrates his birthday on All Hallow’s Eve. So of course Amanda and I had to dress up and go out on the town.

He was a scary birthday boy.

But, he sure did have some beautiful ladies to dance the night away with.

We also found Zandi Watts

I hope you had a wonderful birthday Bags. Now, how old are you again? 25? 27? Oh well, maybe one of these days we will figure out how old you really are

We hope that you had a great Halloween!

I would give a big thumbs up to the Halloween and birthday fun.

P.S.- Amanda and I found Jack Sparrow. Definitely a highlight for the evening.

10 Reasons Why Homecoming Was Amazing

Homecoming 2012 was very successful. Here is a list of reasons why.

1. Toni Crough and Megan Kittel came back for a visit.

2. Heather Foster was gracious enough to let seven people sleep in her dorm room.

Hey girl, you are awesome.

3. Amanda Drake bought Zandi, Bags and I new friendship bracelets.

Thanks pretty lady.

4. I got to wear a new dress. (I’m a girl, this matters to me).

Do you like it?

5. Seeing people I love. (This is the most important reason).

We have done this for three years, don’t judge.

You like my new shirt I got at the bookstore?

6. I got to see some of my favorite students dressed up for halftime.

Cute little cross country runners.

7. I watched Olivia Albertson rock the stage during her concert. She is so talented.

Sang it girl.

8. I finally got to wear my Halloween costume.

Arggh I’m a pirate.

9. I got to dress up as a pirate with some of my best friends.

He kind of looks like Johnny Depp right?

Who wouldn’t want us in their pirate crew?

10. I got to take pictures, because we all know that I am all about that.

Pretty right?

Well, there you have it, ten reasons that homecoming 2012 was amazing.

I hope you enjoyed it. Please stop by to see what other posts I have up my sleeve!

It’s Homecoming Ya’ll

Oh hey Catawba College homecoming, I have been waiting for you

 

 

I cannot tell you how ready I am for this weekend, which will hopefully be full of friends and fun. If it is anything like last year’s homecoming, I am sure it will be amazing!

Don’t worry. I will update all of you girly girls when I get back.

And to all of you alumni who are heading to Salisbury this weekend…See you there!!

A mud run, an engagement and a children’s museum

A blog post two days in a row?!

I know, I was just as surprised as you are, but I couldn’t wait to tell you ladies about my weekend. I was feeling low because I had not seen my friends in a while when the lovely Zandi Watts called me up and asked me to be her partner in crime. Who am I to say no to adventure?

Zandi had some serious business to take care of in South Carolina, and she asked me to come along. So, on Friday afternoon she headed this way to see me. Knowing I would still be at work when she got here, Garrett and I found a fun pumpkin decorating activity to attend. I knew this would make Zandi happy because she loves to take pictures and it was happening in a children’s museum. KidSenses Children’s Museum in Rutherfordton to be exact.

The pictures below are what happen when you have two friends that are photographers.

Did I mention we are really just big kids at heart?

Shadow puppets are the best.

After playing at the museum for a while, we went out for a little, and then came back to my apartment to prepare for our very early 5 a.m. wake up call the next day.

But, the wake up call was well worth it, since we were heading to the United States Marine Corps Mud Run in Columbia, South Carolina. Zandi’s company designed shirts to sell for the event, and needed an extra hand to help. Of course I said yes. Muddy Marines and free clothes…sold.

I got to model the clothes.

Don’t Zandi’s designs look good?

Spend time with one of my best friends.

And enjoy the scenery…and yes Zandi did get caught taking this picture. It doesn’t matter anyway, he was buying a present for his girlfriend.

I would say that is beautiful.

I have to say, it was very entertaining watching all of the people emerge from the mud-filled obstacle course.

After a long day of working, Zandi and I helped her boss clean up and then continued on our journey for two more hours to Summerville, South Carolina, where her brother Adam had gotten her a hotel room. Why did he get her a hotel? You will just have to wait until you look at this cute picture that Zandi and I took before we found the local bar and grill to find out.

What can I say? We love photobooth.

Ok…Adam got Zandi a hotel room because he wanted her to be there to take pictures for a huge day in his life. The day that he asked his girlfriend Laura to marry him. Exciting right?

Zandi and I headed to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina on Sunday morning for the big moment. After much confusion, we spotted Adam and Laura entering the garden, and instantly became secret spies, following them around and wondering when he would do it.

However, as I pointed out to Zandi, we wore the wrong shoes for spying and Laura did get a peek of us toward the end. But, it was very successful because she said yes, and Zandi got some amazing shots.

Absolutely precious.

I have to admit, I teared up a little because the moment was perfect. Besides proposing in the most romantic spot ever, can you believe that Adam actually paid to get Laura’s nails done so that they would look good when she put the ring on? Well done, Adam. Well done.

The moment that Laura spotted us.

By the way, if there are any men out there reading this that are thinking about proposing, go with the secret photographer. I promise that the love of your life will thank you later.

I am so glad that Zandi allowed me to be a part of this amazing weekend. And, speaking of the love of my life, I think I found him during the mud run. His name is Teddy.

I Conquered Chimney Rock

Well, I didn’t exactly conquer it. There were plenty of trails to walk which would have taken all day and I was wearing flip-flops. Those tennis shoe wearing, serious hikers with the backpacks full of water conquered it. But, I did make it to the top.

If you aren’t familiar with Chimney Rock State Park, it looks a little like you would imagine…a chimney.

The park is in the western part of my county, and is a big tourist spot for families. Although, if I am being honest, I would never take my kids there. I am already scared enough of heights as it is. Who would want to worry about their child falling off of a giant rock?

However, the park is beautiful and my momma had been talking about visiting in ever since I moved to Rutherford County. So, we took a Saturday and headed up the winding roads to find it.

We even brought along my little brother Eric. He complained a little at first because he thought the day would be boring. But, he ended up having fun, especially when he was running along ahead of us and telling us we needed to hurry up.

Yes, he is taller than me now.

It really was a great day. I am so glad that I have loving family members that will come and visit me. My momma and I decided that we want to do adventurous things like this more often. But next time, I plan to wear the right shoes.

Speaking of shoes…I bought a new pair of boots. What do you think?

I had my good friend and photographer Garrett Byers take a picture of them for me. You should check out his photography page sometime. He is awesome! Click here to look at what he can do.

Alright girlies, don’t forget to check out the blog for more updates on my life. I can’t wait to fill you in on my recent adventures. They involved a mud run and an engagement. More details will come soon!!