Holy Cow will this day ever end?!

This has been the longest day since I've started work....and the sad thing, is that I actually DID work today! I don't get it...Maybe it's just because JARED IS FINALLY HERE and it makes me want to hurry up and get off so I can see him. Did I mention Jared moved back yesterday??

I love to read - not sloppy books that have no learning point, but books that make you feel good; Books that make you cry because you are happy for the person who is succeeding or having a hard time. I'm currently reading Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." It is wonderful. This book is so good, the synopsis, even before I started the book, made me cry. If you haven't read it, do, it's very short and very worth it. Last week, I read the set of "The Pants" books by Ann Brashares. No, I'm not 16, but those books are the best! And, to make it even better, the sequel to the first movie comes out next week! I have a date with myself to go see it - I can't wait. BTW - Did I tell you Jared moved back?

We're still anticipating the kitten. I'm looking for a large wire kennel for the time being so she/he will have it's own big home while I'm away at work. I just hate to think of it wondering aroud the house all alone. I figured giving it it's own "home" will be good and even if we move, that will still be their "home" and it won't be as traumatizing. Yes, I will let the kitty out of the cage, but I figured leave the litter box and bed in there, so they have their own little place to be. No worries, I'm getting the X-Large kennel so it will have PLENTY of room to lounge around. Incase I forgot to tell you, Jared's back!

Oh Geez, it's only 3:49pm. Get me out of here!!!!

Hmm what else, what else, what else? There is a cup thief around the office and I found out it's me. I have about 6 colorful cups that I need to take back downstairs and put in the cabinet, but I have yet to do so...I'm sure everyone is wondering where they are. I'm trying to figure out how to mysteriously put them back down there without anyone knowing it was me who had them all. Suggestions Appreciated. Send them my way. 3:54 pm Ugh.

P.S. Guess who's back? Jerry!

Gettin' Crafty

I've always considered myself creative and got the bug again this past week. Work is very slow as of late, so I have tons of free time during the day...and the night (but only for 1 more day). I weathered the storm and headed to Walmart yesterday after visiting with Jared's Grandma for a few. I love funky jewelry and instead of spending $45 on a cool pair of earrings, I decided to make my own. They are awesome! I also made a chunky green beaded necklace, it has about 5 different strands of various green beads, and a couple pairs of matching earrings to go along with it. I feel very crafty and can't wait to find more things to make - I love this! I'm trying to find a cool antique broach to make a pretty hairpin, so today I think I'll go to the goodwill after work and see what I can find. I wish I had thought of doing all of this sooner! So far, I've made 4 pairs of earrings, and a necklace. Be prepared, all females in my family will most likely be getting jewelry for Christmas and Birthdays!

I also love decorative words and letters, like "Dream" or "Bath" or "Home" or my monogram. So I really thought it would be cool to find large wooden letters, paint them, and hang each letter separately with a cute ribbon and a bow. Unfortunately, Walmart was out of any letters other than I, Q, X, or Z. I couldn't think of anything I could spell with those. Bummer.

Jared is moving here tomorrow! Talk about being excited - I am the definition of the word!!!!! I think he's excited. He'll be living with his sister until we get married, so he'll be just around the corner from my house! I'm very excited for this Chapter of our lives...

Ch,ch,ch,changes!

So since graduation in May of 2007, my life has benn all about changes, but isn't that what life is all about anyway? Jared and I talked a lot this weekend about people and their purpose in life. Saturday night we went down to Carolina Beach to Britt's donuts, because Jared had never had one. We came across a free bench and sat down with our piping hot treats and a glass of water. We looked around at the people around us, and I felt sad. They have no clue why they are here...they are just living life - with no purpose really. We talked a lot about people we knew who basically, "party it up" on a daily basis, some even have children...but really have no purpose in life. But then again, is that their purpose?

Contemplating this, I'm so grateful to have goals in life and to have ideas about what will happen after this life, because of the goals I have aimed for and hopefully reached. Jared and I's lives are getting ready to change as we inch everyday, one step closer to getting married - completing a goal we have aimed for and doing something that has so much meaning, so much purpose, and get ready to have a family. I'm so grateful for changes!

This past weekend was fun - we moved! Well, my other half moved. I never thought one could have so much stuff in such a small place. But it was good to go through stuff and organize and throw away old things. Jared's definition of "packing" and "moving" are very different from mine. I like to box things up, organize them into which room they are going, and clean everything thoroughly before packing it away neatly, making sure all space is utilized. Jared - not so much. Somehow, we managed to take apart his bed frame and stuff the mattress into the Tahoe - I have no idea how we did this, furthermore, I have no idea how I made it back to Pinehurst! I had no visual of behind me, the left, or the right! For those who know, I stink at driving so not being able to see, handicapped me even more, but alas, I made it here in one piece, and so did Jared's things...well, they were not neccessarily in ONE piece, but they made it.

We didn't get a kitten this past weekend, but we almost did! We found a beautiful Siamese at the petstore! We held him, and then figured we needed to talk about it. We came back a little later to get him, and he had been adopted about 5 minutes before we walked back in. I was really bummed, but this will give me a chance to research and get everything we need for our new little addition! We're excited!

It'sssssssssssss Friday!!!!

Hooray for Fridays, they can never come soon enough! I don't think I've ever dreaded a Friday coming...maybe unless I was in Middle or High School and I couldn't see my crush for the weekend...but nonetheless, Fridays are amazing. Plus today was payday! Paydays are even greater because here, they only come once a month. So this is one amazing day. Plus, I got free pizza and cake at work, we get to leave work early, and I see Jared this afternoon! Can this day get any better, I submit that it cannot! So, because this day has been so great, I will leave this short blog, in fear of ruining this Perfect Friday....

This weekend, I may even get a kitty! Meowwwww

Waiting...

Do you ever stop to think how much of our lives, we sit waiting? I applied for a job recently and was selected for an interview. I thouht it went really well, and I was very anxious for a call-back because I really wanted this job. So I've been waiting for the last 5 days to hear back...finally I heard - I didn't get the job. I'm really upset about it, but alas, I will move on...on to looking for my career! So I'll wait some more...for another job opportunity to come knocking. I'm in no hurry, but I know that it's out there.

Another thing I'm waiting on is next Tuesday - Jared will be moving back. I've been waiting for this day since I moved here. So for the last 3 months I've been waiting on Fridays to hurry up and get here, so I can see him...then I wait for Sundays, to take him away from me again...then the waiting process starts all over. We're waiting for our wedding day - it's 7 and 1/2 months away...still waiting.

I don't mean for this post to be somber, but our whole family is waiting for things right now - to see what will happen next. The past few days have been rough, and they will get rougher - atleast we have each other. My mood is dreary, it's pouring rain outside, and I've been crying for 2 days over things I cannot control.

For now....I'm waiting for the sun to come up...in more ways than one.

Home Sweet Home

I love going home. I love being with my family. I've come to realize that life isn't about how many friends you have or how popular - it's about family, because they are who will be there for you in the end. I had the chance to go home this weekend and Jared's mom and dad came along...we took family pictures at my mom and dad's. It was great! Blake and Elizabeth also came into town and brought Zeke with them. Saturday night after we took our photos, Blake and Elizabeth decided to go to a movie. Me, Jared, Mom and Dad, Zeke, Mary and Dana went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner and had a great time! I love how our 2 families can connect and it feel so great! I'm so blessed! Sorry this post is so short. I'm trying to make sure I atleast check in once a day during the week so my blog can keep it's "Journal-esque" feel to it. On a side note, mom and dad put the house up for sale and already have 2 offers...I'm a little upset about it. I love that house.

Gratitude

I figured I would take this chance to say what I'm grateful for. Saying "Thank you" is often a very difficult thing, and for some reason, it's especially difficult to say it to the ones you love the most. So here is my chance...

I'm so blessed and thankful for the man who will soon be my husband, Jared. Thank you for loving me, for who I am, where I've been, and for what we'll be together. You've never judged me or my past and you love me unconditionally. You are so patient and kind. You treat me like the princess I don't deserve to be treated as. You have made me so happy knowing that you waited all this time for me to come along, so that we can be sealed in the temple, and I'm grateful that a temple marriage means so much to you. It will be the greatest day of my life, knealing across the alter from you, being sealed to you for eternity. You are going to make the best dad ever and I can't wait to see you with our kids. You've taught me what true love really is.

My family is so important to me, and I take them for granted everyday. My mom is such an example of someone who perserveres through trials and hardships and comes out strong in the end. My dad is the same...he never complains of being hurt, being in pain...he just keeps going. My parents have both endured health problems, and still do to this day. They are the perfect example of a strong marriage and how to support your spouse through everything. They are always there for me and give all they can to make sure that I'm ok. They go the extra mile for me and always have. I'm grateful for the bond I share with my mom and dad. I'm glad I was able to be with my mom during her trial with Breast Cancer, and I'll never forget sharing that precious time with her. I'm glad that I'm still the "baby girl" to my dad and that he loves me so much. My brother is an amazing man. He loves his family and is a great father. It has been a blessing to be able to have seen him grow into a husband and father. He loves his son, and is excited about the new baby that will be coming into their life in the next few months.

I'm grateful for having been where I have. I have learned from mistakes and am a better person for it. I know things that I know will help my future family. I know that I will be able to relate to my children better and have a sound understanding of their lives. Not all experiences are great, but I have learned to seek the lessons from them, and move on and know that I have the opportunity to share this with others.

I'm so very grateful for the chance I was given to be raised in the gospel and for the teachings that I hold so close to my heart. I'm not the "perfect mormon" but I'm so blessed to be a part of this church and to be able to say that I KNOW that it is true. The Atonement has been a huge part of my life and I am grateful for who I am now, because of it. I know who I am, and I know where I'm going because of the choices I have made and I hope I can live up to the promises I have been told I will inherit if I continue to be faithful.

About my Jared

So Jared and I have been engaged since May...here is a little about him, besides the fact that he's so wonderful and I'm the luckiest girl in the world to get to spend eternity with him.

1. What is his name? Jared Laton Kirk
2. Who eats more? I would say he does, he's a big boy!
3. Who said "I love you" first? I'm not really sure, I know we were both in love since the first day we were together.
4. Who is taller? Jared, by about a foot. :o)
5. Who is smarter? Jared for sure.
6. Who is more sensitive? Me!
7. Who does the laundry? We both do laundry.
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? We'll find out March 14th!
9. Who pays the bills? We both do.
10. Who cooks more? Me.
11. What meals do you cook together? Hmm, pizza, salmon, casseroles, brownies...we actually cook a lot compared to most.
12. Who is more stubborn? We are both equally stubborn; we butt heads a lot!
13. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? Jared
14. Who has more siblings? Jared, 1 vs. 2
15. Who wears the pants in the relationship? We both wear pants, but Jared wears THE pants
16. What do you like to do together? Everything and Anything, especially play the Wii and Guitar Hero, shop, look at puppies, and watch tv
17. Who eats more sweets? I think I do
18. What is his guilty pleasure? Me! :)
19. How did you meet? Through friends at church...a bunch of us went to dinner and we ended up exchanging numbers and went out on our first date the next night.
20. Who asked who out first? I did. I asked him if he wanted to go see "Disturbia" because I had a couple free passes.
21. Who kissed who first? He kissed me first.
22. Who proposed? He did. It was adorable. Funny thing is, that when he opened the box, I looked down and thought it was diamond hoop earrings..the engagement ring and the wedding band were side by side in the box...I should wear my classes more often!
23. His best features? He has the most beautiful blue eyes! And I love his smile ...he's also a great cuddlebuddy.
24. What is his greatest quality? How much he loves me and how he'll do anything and everything he can to make me happy and for me to know that I'm loved. He makes me so happy and I can't wait to be his wife!

Boredom...

....I think that about sums up my life as of late. But I'm working on things to fill up my time...but seriously, I get so tired of being alone with no one to talk to for 24 hours a day. I try to come up with fun things to cook, which takes up about an hour when I get home from work, but because there isn't anyone to converse over dinner with, I'm done in about 10 minutes with my meal. I can't wait to get married...I'm sure I'll talk Jared's ear off - he's used to it already though. Last night I made salmon, rice, and peas. Then I mixed up some Chocolate pudding...it's chilling in the fridge as we speak. Today is a sun-shiny day so it will be great to lounge around in the pool spooning up some puddin'.

I've been thinking a lot lately about health, and how I really need to get back into shape like I used to be...not over obsessive about exercising as I once was, but to start running and eating right again. I think my current job and the depression of being alone is coming into play...it's so odd how eventhough I have sat at my desk with nothing to do all day, I still get so tired and have to go home and lounge around some more until bedtime. So I am basically on my a$$ all day long. Literally, ALL day long. This isn't healthy for a 24 year old female. Oh geez, 24, don't get me started. Being 24 is almost 25, which I'll be in 4 months...which is halfway to 30, which is halfway to 30, which is O-L-D. I don't want to think about it.

I've been thinking a lot lately about going back to school. I haven't decided if I should go back for another degree, or to get my Master's. I really loved school. It was such a given thing. I mean, you knew exactly what you were going to do for the next 9 months of your life. I loved how organized it was and how carefree you could be! Oh I miss those college days of getting up early, throwing on a t-shirt and skirt, rainbows, grabbing my bag and heading out the door for an 8am class. It was such a great life, but at the time, I know I hated it, and took it for granted...Now, there are just bills. Yuck. I think I had a "mini breakdown" a couple weeks ago, when I realized what would be happening within the next year, and that childhood would officially be over. I'm ok with it, don't get me wrong, I'm excited about getting married, but being an adult, I don't know...it's so serious. I still feel like I'm 18...I know others think I'm 18 to - or younger. :0)

I'm trying to come up with a list of things to get done within the next few weeks...here goes...
1.) Book our Disney Honeymoon
2.) Wash the car
3.) Get a Vacuum
4.) Organize my closet
5.) Find a new job and/or fun part-time job
6.) Frame new pictures
7.) Start exercising


That's a good start...until next time!

Erinlee

I'm one of "those" bloggers...

It's true folks, I am the blogger who blogs ever so seldom...I'm working on it though. I kind of see blogging as a public journal about my life and what's going on with me...so welcome to my life. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I've included some pictures from Emiline and Thaxton's wedding since I spoke about it in my last post. It went really great - no sour words/glances from "You know who." It was actually a really fun experience and I am in contact with the Director of Events at the National to see if Jared and I can actually schedule our reception there. The reception was a blast - danced all night! Ours will be better though!!!!

I took off 7 full days and had my first "Kirk Family Vacation." We stayed in a condo in Cherry Grove, SC and it was fantastic. Jared and I also took our engagement photos. (I'll try to post them at somepoint) Everyone got sunburnt, except me! Go figure! We saw the new Disney film, "Wall-E" and it was pretty cute. I found the best ice cream ever!!!! We even went there 2 nights in a row... "Birthday Cake" @ Scoops!!! No other ice cream will ever be able to compete...it had actual chocolate cake pieces, icing, sprinkles, vanilla ice cream...it was heavenly. I was sad to come back home, but we're already counting down to next summer!

It's official! Jared is moving back here 2 weeks from tomorrow! I can't wait! It's been 3 months too long. Not that I don't like the Pinehurst area, it's just...I don't know how you say it...country?? I've grown up in a big city for the last 24 years...that's my whole life! Now I live in a little 2 room cottage on 5 acres of land!! And that's all there is around it, besides a vegetable garden, a weeping willow tree, and a dirt road. Luckily for me, I do have my own personal inground pool, odd I know, but it makes living here tolerable - yes, tolerable. I get home from work and basically lounge in the pool until 7-8pm. Not bad.

Jared and I are getting married 8 months from today in the Raleigh, NC Temple. We are being sealed at 9am - earlier the better!!!! We are really excited but the wedding planning just completely stresses me out. I wish someone could say, "Ok, you have 3 choices for a cake, 3 choices for a dress, 3 choices on food..." That way, I wouldn't have to choose from 1,386, 293 different things!!!! Grrr!!! I am not a person who likes making the decisions...I usually leave that to Jared, but with the Wedding, he just says, "Whatever you want, babe." This is not acceptable! Nonetheless, we're excited and it will be a great day!!! But be warned, this will not be a traditional wedding reception friends!!!!

I ventured back into the world of crafting this past weekend and make my very own "Red Ruby Slippers." They are fantastic. I even wore them to church yesterday! Grandma Naomi loved them - she wanted some for herself! I don't have any pics of them yet, but I will post them soon. I love being crafty, I think it's something I do well...I know I get it from my Grandma's and Mom. I love decorating and my home, I think, looks really great...especially for what it is! Anywhoo....until next time.

Erinlee