did you ever know that you're my hero...

I sit here at my desk poised to blog and poised pounce. If a bat were to fly at me, I could be ready with this broom at a moment's notice. Why would I even have to worry about such a thing? BECAUSE THERE WAS A FREAKIN' BAT IN MY BEDROOM LAST NIGHT!

Um yeah. I woke up and it was kinda hot because I didn't have the AC on, so I was going to get up to fix that and I heard a noise. Marty? A bug? God? Nope. A bat. So, what do I do? I flip out. I pull my comforter over my head and wish that I had my phone next to my bed.

Joe was here because he leaves for two weeks of training in Cali, so I started yelling his name. And no, I don't care who I wake up and I bang on the wall. I got nothing and I realize that I'm going to have to take action. And by action, I mean I kicked my sheet down, wrapped me and my little lion in my duvet, shook real quick to remove any bat from my bedding and then scrambled like hell for the door. I was out and I slammed it shut.

Then I woke up Joe who says, "I don't like bats," and I said, "Not as much as I don't!" So, in he went with a broom in hand. Yeah. He hurt it pretty bad. I flipped out and screamed. Go figure.

And then Alison was kind enough to let me sleep in her room because I was just sitting on my bed in the bright lights staring at the walls. We decided that I would take everything out of my closet and make sure there were no holes, tape up any that may exist, and make sure there are no cracks in my windows. Then we prayed for relief from the bats for the entire house (because they have this problem more often than we do), rest for our bodies and minds, and I praised the Lord for letting Joe be here to deal with it. Otherwise, I would have called a boy upstairs and I'm sure they really would have appreciated that at four in the morning. Oh right, did I mention it was four in the morning?

So, that's my bat story. That's why I am armed with a broom. That's why I will never ever sleep again. And that is why Joe is my little USMC hero. The end.

... and everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle for you are the wind beneath my wings.

P.S. If you would like to pray about our building and the bat situation, I would appreciate it. Lay hands on the mailbox, whatever. I know none of us would be opposed. Thanks!

she only drinks coffee at midnight when the moment is not right.

Randy is the man. He called me yesterday with two extra tickets to Train (preceeded by I Nine). Alison and I were overly delighted in the aisle of Sam's Club.

The show was great. Pat's pants were spray painted onto his fatless body and he flitted about the stage with a great vocal range. I think he was a ballerina in a former life, too. They played Meet Virginia, All American Girl, She's on Fire, Drops of Jupiter, Explanation, Cab, Get to Me, Helpless, Save the Day and many more, of course, but those were the ones that made me the happiest.

And I got a letter from Matt yesterday... I will never voluntarily go into BMT. But he survived Warrior Week and is doing well. There's still time to write to him, so keep the letters going out! Ask me for the address if you need it.

In one week, I will be in Texas. Excited doesn't describe it. Neither does anxious...

I'm high enough from all the waiting to ride a wave on your inhaling because I love you. I can't help but love you.

The pepper died. I replaced it with petunias. They might be dying too. But its not my fault. I'm really not bad with plants. Just ask Carol, my ivy. Matt gave her to me over a year ago and she's thriving quite nicely.

I got a new liscense today. That was exciting. $25. Snap a picture. See you in ten years.

I made more scones. Blueberry this time. And I froze the dough so they can be baked freshly. Mmm. Oh, and Alison made curry stir fry after I walked to the store for a pepper. I bought peaches, too. I gave one away to a man on the street who was looking for money. He was almost as excited about the peach as I was about the one I was eating already.

I'm going to Charleston on Saturday morning before I work at JJ to switch cars with my Mom. The AC in Jimmy is broke. I think I'll be driving the Cow Mobile. Sweet.

these words in my heart pull like a team of wild horses.

I just finished baking scones, cleaning the bathroom, doing pilates, and feeding the cat. Domesticity is nice sometimes.

Work was kind of slow today. I suppose it's because the weather was kinda crappy this morning, but it was all good. I really do like my job. I didn't always. And it makes me tired, but I'm learning a lot and wanting to learn more. And I love the people I work with... All of them. Despite some differences.

I finally talked to my mom today. I miss her when I don't talk to her. I talked to Matt's mom today too, which was quite nice.

I wish I had something profound or meaningful to say, but I don't. Rejoice. Organize. Bake scones.

Now I know that everything’s alright, if we stay between the glow and the light.

wake up, but i haven't been to sleep...

So, I went to Atlanta. It treated me well which is hard to believe. There was a lot of shopping and a lot of good food and a very nice guest apartment. Plus, there were Alison, Heather and Steve who are all very delightful people. Perhaps it's not over between me and the ATL just yet...

It's almost the end of the summer. I'm actually busy until September. Go figure.

I'm finishing my last full week of work at the McCutchen House. Then I'm going to see Matt graduate in Texas. I'll turn 21 and go to Tampa the following weekend. I'll start classes and then Stephanie and Brandon get married. It's all kinda crazy.

I'm excited for things to be normal again. And by normal, I mean for it to be time for classes where I have a set schedule with everyone around. And soon it will be fall. And I love fall. Oh, I can't wait for the future to start.

... a part of us will never leave. A kiss for you while you’re dreaming. I would change not a thing. I would change not a thing. Change nothing. Nothing about it at all.

because sometimes you have something you need to say...

"There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what he is doing." Donald Milller

I'm trying to revive a pepper plant. Help! If it dies, well, it dies. But I don't want it to... I'll have to get a new plant. I like having plants I've decided.

It's almost my birthday. Then I won't be at home when everyone else is out. It's almost time to go to Texas. I can't decide which is more exciting for me.

"There was a coke on the table... And it was diet!"

I just listened to a whole lot of Yo-Yo Ma. Why? Because some man complained today that we should play classical music at the Grill. I told him that I had picked the DMB, Jack Johnson, Keane medley and he told me I had terrible taste in music. I was very upset. Chef Knapp stood up for me in only a Chef Knapp kind of way, then Harry told me that my taste was a bit lacking, but I just ignored him.

Today a man at Jammin Java told me I looked like a model. Nice. He also told me I looked 15. Not nice. Sad even.

Next week Kt comes back from Europe and Train and I Nine play at the Township. I'm not sure that either of these events will have a great effect on my life directly, but I hope they do.

Oh! I did an interview at Hampton Street Vineyard today for my practicum. Anyone who would like to take me there to eat is more than welcome. It's comfortable in a NY Brownstone kind of way. I asked one of the owners to classify/describe it for me and he said, "American. We steal unabashedly from everyone around us, but we're distinctly different." I like it.

Alison brought me ice cream. Yumyumyum. I don't feel bad about eating such things since I work out everyday. Well, I do pilates. Sometimes I run. I'm not as hardcore as I'd like to think.

"The culture of Rome just doesn't match the culture of Yoga, not as far as I can see. In fact, I've decided that Rome and Yoga don't have anything in common at all. Except for the way they both remind you of the word toga." - Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat. Pray. Love.

I'm glad we all live together now. I can't wait for school to start. Shocking. I know. I'll regret saying it later when my 18 hours are killing me.

Hmmm. A lot of the words in this blog don't belong to me. Perhaps it's better that way...

It's all up in the air and we stand still to see what comes down. I don't know where it is, I don't know when, but I want you around. When it falls into place with you and I, we go from if to when. Your side and mine are both behind it's indication. This is going to bring me clarity. This'll take the heart right out of me.

i'm watching from the wall as in the streets we fight...

This week Matt Jones is going through AEF Training - Warrior Week. Pray extra hard for him while he's rolling around in the mud and shooting things...

Trainees learn basics of survival, combat skills during field training, in the Fourth Week of Training. Warrior Week is a weeklong exercise during the fourth week of Basic Military Training that gives basic trainees a taste of Air Force deployments.

Warrior Week was added to BMT to instill a warrior mentality, give recruits the necessary skills to operate in a field environment and provide them with a better concept of Air Force operations.


This training is a mock Air Force deployment where recruits are able to apply the basics of antiterrorism techniques; self aid and buddy care; nuclear, biological and chemical preparedness; weapons training; and teamwork they have learned in the First through Third weeks of training. Trainees then “deploy” to a mock air base, set up tents and start their field training. Trainees are taught the basics of using an M-l6 rifle and receive marksmanship training at the firing range. Because of the increased threat of terrorism, trainees also practice many antiterrorism techniques. These techniques give trainees knowledge and insight in terrorist tactics and how to counteract those tactics.

Next, trainees are taught self-aid and buddy care techniques. These skills include how to properly provide first aid in the field, how to treat and recognize conditions such as shock, and care for wounds or illness that may occur during a deployment.

The threat of nuclear, biological and chemical warfare is very real. To prepare for these threats, trainees are taught to properly don chemical masks and protective over garments. They are also taught to recognize and properly mark unexploded ordnance.

This world has gone to war, all I need is you tonight. And I draw a line to your heart today. To your heart from mine and pray to keep us safe.

crazy. how it feels tonight.

It's crazy, I'm thinking,
Just knowing that the world is round.
Here I'm dancing on the ground.
Am I right side up or upside down?
Is it real or am I dreaming?

Today has been so full. I had an entire blog written. Then I erased it and wrote another one. Then I erased it and started this one... I can't even remember everything, but it all came down to three things: gluten free cheesecake baking, Gilmore Girls with my girls, and a phone call from Matt Jones who I miss so much I can't stand it sometimes.

All is right with my world for the moment.

And p.s. David Hislop - you seem to have gone M.I.A. Call me back. Email. Send a smoke signal. Morse code. Something.

come and dance with me.

See you and me have a better time than most can dream - have it better than the best - and so can pull on through whatever tears at us. Whatever holds us down. And if nothing can be done... We'll make the best of what's around.

I have a whole list of things to do or not to do this weekend. Tomorrow, I do plan on - cleaning my car, go to Wired Bean, Suncom craziness, print pictures, ice cream with Clay and Alison, bake cheesecake with Corinne, and hopefully some form of exercise...

It's been a long week. Fifty hours of work. I'm glad I have a few days to play catch up.

Customer: I just wanted to tell you that your eyes... Well, you just opened that drawer and your eyes are the color of money.
Me: Oh, well, thank you. I've never been told that before.

... l'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle.

Dante talks about God...

A l’alta fantasia qui mancò possa;

ma già volgeva il mio disio e ’l velle,

sì come rota ch’igualmente è mossa,

l’amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle.

(Paradiso - Canto XXXIII:142-145)

Loosely translated it says, "Here powers failed my lofty fantasy. But now turning my desire and will, even as a wheel that equally is moved, the Love which moves the sun and the other stars."

I love Italian. I think its a beautiful language. And when I successfully speak it, I love the way it makes me feel. I want to spend time in Italy with someone who will get excited about it just like I will. Someone who will drink espresso with me every morning and eat pasta with me every night. I want to share my passion with someone else. Maybe I'll try to learn Italian again.

Kt is in Europe right now. I wonder if she's going to Italy. I'm jealous. I want to travel.

I'm reading Eat. Pray. Love. and right now the author is in Italy. I love it. I love the way she writes. I love the way she feels. I love the way this book makes me want to find myself and be alive! Wow. It's not often a biography makes that happen.

Today, I am so grateful for so many things. I want to keep track of them. And I want to share them with you, the internet world... a slower pace, watering plants, the new keane cd, grapefruits, mail from matt, being appreciated, pilates, my mom, biographies, vanilla bean tea, bubbles and gumdrops, tomato slicers, mint oreos and good conversation.

pick me up love from the bottom.

Just in case you were wondering, I'm listening to: Snow Patrol - Eyes Open, Keane - Under the Iron Sea, Martha Wainwright's Self-Titled, My Morning Jacket - Z.

Double stamp week. Tired.

Worked 12ish hours today. Lots of hours. It's okay. I have things to spend that money on. Speaking of money, I just applied for a pretty big scholarship. Prayer appreciated.

I ate a lot of brie at the Culinary Graduation tonight. It was good.

I don't know what else to say. My life is pretty much work, sleep, drink coffee, work, sleep... I mean, you get the point.

In less than a month, Matt will graduate, I'll turn 21, and senior year will begin. The next 31 days promise to hold a lot.

oh, crystal ball, crystal ball,
save us all.
tell me life is beautiful.
mirror, mirror on the wall...

from my heart flow...

R.I.P Little Red Fish

i got another letter today.
matt had ice cream!
happy. happy. happy.

when our depravity
meets his divinity
it is a beautiful collision.
dc*b

let's waste time chasing cars around our heads

Coffee without caffeine is like a car without wheels. - Ben Larrew

what a week.
what a weekend.
what a life!
all types of busy.
we're almost there.
oy with the crazy playlist.

And that's all I got to say. I love you, is that okay...?

there's a letter in my hand you wrote to me...

I have never been so excited to get mail in my entire life. This was even better than the time my brother wrote me from Parris Island. It's even way better than all the cool postcards Kt has made me. Better than any overage check or package. Even better than my iPod! *gasp*

I swear. I've read these two pages so many times that I could just tell you what they say. And be careful if you see me because I might just do it... "Folding towels and rolling socks will be the end of me."

... and every line, it speaks to me, in a thousand ways for miles and miles.

Life has been very good to me recently. My brother is even here. He's going to Fort Jackson for a Physical Fitness Test.

God and I had a little talk about my attitude the other day. He didn't like it so much. I suppose I didn't really either. I need to rejoice! and remember that all things happen by God and through God and for God.

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that this pleasure is from the hand of God. (Ecclesiates 2:24)

And I want to focus on all the great things going on like orange toes, canoeing, the rain, walk the line, corinne's birthweek, sparklers, fondue, the cat empire, gilmore girls, coffee, quiet times, my brother visiting, hallmark, tacos, letters in the mail, hearing about phone calls, going running, charleston, turning 21 in exactly one month, and going to texas!

I am so blessed. And so loved. Rejoice!

gone be the birds when they don't wanna sing

Today was full of wonderful things - all of which I plan on blogging about later, but there are two I want to share with you all now.

1) Matt Jones is alive and well in BMT. It's better and worse than he expected, but he's taking everything in stride and he's met some really awesome people. He doesn't have a lot of time to write, but letters to him are encouraged. Just let me know if you don't have his address and I'll get it to you!

2) My knowledge of obscure sixth grade pop culture came in handy this evening when a frantic Matt Carrowan called me saying, "Hey Erin, I have a question to ask, we're kind of having a meltdown here, can you name all of the Spice Girls?" Yes, thank you very much. And please, people of the world, spice up your life.

I feel great! I really mean it. I have to remember this for the next time I'm having a terrible week.

the fourth of july issue

Let's hear it for the good boys,
Thank God they want to save my life.
Let's hear it for the good boys,
I pray they make it through the night.

This time last year, I was waiting for my brother to go into Boot Camp. Now, I'm waiting for Matt to get out of Air Force Training and for Joe to be shipped to Korea next March.

I don't want to get sappy here, but I do want to say thank you to our military because for whatever reason these men and women joined, they're doing our best to protect our country and it's people.

Let's hear it for the red stripe,
They wear a touch of the white and the blue.
Let's hear it through the lonely nights,
Thank God I'm thinking about you.

You're giving it all up for me and for her and this stray man.

we need to feel breathless with love...

... and not collapse under it's weight.

You could be happy.
I hope you are.
You made me happier
than I'd been by far.

I have a new desk! Oy. It needs work. It belonged to Matt Jones when he lived in The Shack. Alison told me I could have it. She's so good to me.

I've been eating red, white and blue peanut m&ms. And for several reasons... 1. They are yummy. 2. Jones is not here and neither are his peanut allergies. 3. They are celebratory. 4. They are on sale at Target. 5. They are all the food I have in the apartment now. (No better reasons than those...)

I'm supposed to be going canoeing today! It's been a bit of time since my last canoeing experience when Dawn told me she would never go with me again. Hopefully I will not die. I'm too young to die. I have a lot of things left to do in my life.

I am in love with the new Snow Patrol cd. I really am.
And I'm re-reading The Perks. I love that book. I really do.

More than anything I want to see you go take a glorious bite out of the whole world.

gone. i feel so all alone.

... you won't be alone 'cause i'll be there.
what can i do? pictures of you still make me smile.

Peace. Love. Roo.

I made a Facebook Event announcement because I lost a lot of the numbers in my cell phone. So, if you want me to have your digits you should email me or something.

By the way, you are hysterical. - Carole Muedder

Alison is in Tampa having the time of her life celebrating Canada Day and I just got off of work. Not fair. When I turn 21, we're going to Tampa.

Dan and BJo are the cutest not dating couple I know.

Girl: Don't order anything. They're closed.
Boy: I know. I'm not. She's just cute and I wanted to look at her.
Me: What?
Boy: You're very pretty, by the way.
Me: Well, thank you.

It's so much nicer when someone tells you you're pretty or beautiful. The word hot has no real meaning to me.

Last week an old man named Albert sat next to me at Muddy Waters and after some conversation told me he was glad to have met me. That made me happier than anything.

Cause you don't ever slow down to find what you lost or lose what you found. No one's saying what you need to hear... You've been loved.

I don't have to work for the next three days. I hope I sleep some. I've been sleeping terribly and I'm not sure why. I woke up with my head at the wrong end of the bed today... at 7:30am. I did accomplish alot though.

Today, I missed Matt Jones awholelot. And that is all I shall say.