Back to reality

 Fall break is almost over.


Last night: I went on an "old balls" as we like to call it with our group of friends.
(I totally realize we are not really that old, but we still feel like it sometimes)
You see...every year in college, there was an annual hay-rack ride that a fraternity or an organization put on. It was a gay old time and we all looked forward to it (for many reasons you could probably think of...)

but now that it is my sixth year in college,  everyone has graduated and things are changing. We decided to keep some traditions going on our own and still celebrate like we would if we were all still in college every now and then. You only live once, right?!

via

Anyways, last night was fun. Despite being covered in hay from head to toe and reeking of campfire when I got home.
I took a shower and washed my hair THREE times.

...and it STILL SMELLS : /
fail.




Tomorrow: I go back to school to a bunch of smiling faces and the week starts all over again.

The left picture says "you are the best teacher" :) 

Pretty awesome drawings by first graders, eh?

Now it's time to relax a little, watch some much needed television and veg ♥
Oh, and did I mention SKYPE with the lovely Sarah!!


How was your weekend?
xoxo

What a weekend.

Here is a glimpse into my wonderful weekend :)
(It is the last weekend I have before the kiddo's start school!)

Friday: caught up with some girl friends, and grabbed some food and drinks. We went to this place called "Brickhouse". (We had no idea what to expect, and were completely surprised/taken back when we saw half naked girls serving our food.) ...it's like a Hooter's, but with even less clothing :/ Don't get me wrong, their food was good, but keeping a conversation was quite difficult when girls walked by in uniforms that most definitely did not flatter their body. Overall, it was nice sitting outside and catching up! :)

Saturday: Wedding time! I love weddings. Who doesn't?! The bride was of course gorgeous and the venue was an old, beautiful building. I spent my night dancing away to some good old songs such as, "Bye Bye Bye", some Backstreet Boys hits" "Dirt Road Anthem", "I'm on a Boat", and more fun crazy random songs! After a great night, we hit the old market area and continued the night :)

Our Old Market is beautiful! 

Here are some pictures so you can get an idea of its rustic beauty

♥ photo credit 
Carriage rides are available every night :)

♥ photo credit
There are always people playing outside the little shops/restaurants in the evening.
Even if you don't have money to spend, you can walk around for hours site seeing and enjoying the views, shops, music, and more!)
...Just don't wear your heels as the whole Old Market streets are made of brick!
Trust me, the brick streets and heels do NOT go well together...especially after a drink or two ;)

♥ photo credit
This is part the "underground passageway" that is full of unique shops and places to eat.
In the Old Market, there are many more places underground...
so, for every place you see on the streets, there is a different one underground as well!

Sunday: Catching up with ALL my sisters! The craziness of recruitment starts on Monday, and the alumni get together to help the chapter prepare and work on some things! I have been an alum for TWO years now. I can't believe it. I miss the first four years of college, they were the best days of life.

I don't know how I am keeping up with all this excitement in my life. It's like everything is going great and I couldn't be happier. It is the best weekend to send me off to officially start my student teaching tomorrow with the kiddos! I was told by my cooperating teacher that I will be extremely exhausted after tomorrow. As she stated "you don't know what tired is until you have completed a FULL first day of school with first graders". Bring it on!

I'll keep you all posted!

P.S. This Saturday will mark the SEVEN year anniversary
of me and my man. I can't believe it!
I will tell The Story of Us then, so stay tuned :)

xoxo
erinj0

Blast from the past

--So, I just get a text from my friend --

I love the old memories that fly into your mind and you sit and reminisce when days were so carefree, you were "healthier" than you are now, and you were able to accomplish everything you wanted for that day : )

Anyways: Here is the story!

When I was a teen coordinator for a volunteer program, one of my little teen volunteers brought me in food to try from her culture. It was home-aid "goat meat"... 

...(*Deep Breath*)

you see, I am not big on trying things "out of my norm" and I like to smell things before I eat them

Yes, I like to smell my food : / weird - whatever!

Well, that was a mistake. I thanked you as she is ever so sweet, but told her that I was very full and would try it later & be sure to tell her how it was! 

Immediately after she left, I dialed up my friend who was working in the department next door to come in & right away, "Erin, what is that SMELL?!"

Oh boy! So yeah - we looked at it. Contemplated trying it.

But no. I refused & I guess she did & till' this day I can never live it down.

She still hates me for introducing her to goat meat.

--On a positive note--

...this song is stuck in my head & the words have been rolling through my head

Eight to five, two to one
Lay your money on the sun
until you crash what have you done?
Is there a better bet than love?
What you are is what you breathe
You gotta cry before you sing


Chances chances...

xoxo

-erinj0

Birthday "Open House" Party

Today was my dear ol' Gram's 90th Birthday "Open House" Party : )

Holy balls, does she have enough friends? Our entire family wasn't even there (and our family is pretty small!) and about 75 people showed up to wish her a Happy Birthday! Well, you know when you have an open house, people usually come, grab some food & leave...ha. These old people did just the opposite. They came, plopped down and stayed awhile. And boy I mean AWHILE. At one point, there was absolutely no where to sit and when you turned around, you were in someone's way. 

It was so nice to see just how loved my Grandmother really is. She has so many people that care about her and I can only wish that when I grow to be her age, that I too can feel just as loved and appreciated by my peers. 

The top was some strawberry wedding cake (said to be delicious by those who consumed it!)

The cupcakes are supposed to look the "organ keys" because she goes to organ class twice a week with her girls! : )

 Happy 90th Birthday Gram. I love you ♥

What a good night for family and friends : ) 

Something to definitely be thankful for

xoxo

-erinj0