Unfinished business

I've been avoiding this for months. But here it is. Time to finally acknowledge that my time blogging is done - for now at least.

When I started writing this blog in 2006 - FIVE YEARS ago - I was a new college graduate working at a job that did not challenge me one bit, I was in an unhealthy and - if I was honest- unhappy relationship, I was broke and I was really in shock with the reality of my real world. Writing became an escape, a challenge, a purpose, a way to meet new people, an inside joke, a chronicle of my life, a way to keep in touch with friends and family, and an exciting part of who I was.

At some point, that started changing.

I noticed it on others' blogs first - some shared concerns about privacy, but most went through a slow drop in actual writing as more and more blogs turned into Tumblrs featuring recipes, internet memes, GPOYW and little else.

My pseudo-pseudo-pseudo celebrity was fun - until it wasn't. Let's just say there was some fan fiction featuring my blog that freaked.me.out.

Then the realization that I couldn't truly share stories of my life with others - because my stories weren't just my own. My family experienced some major changes, and the openness of this platform made me feel vulnerable and even angry to think of others taking part in my life virtually. [suggested reading: Lemmonex's take on this very topic]

I found a job and it turned into a career. I'm at a company that I love with clients I value. Walking down the streets, wondering how a client would feel reading my words made me uncomfortable. Not because I'm embarrassed of the things I say, do or feel, but because these moments started to feel more personal, sacred and private. Mine.

I feel so conflicted about closing this chapter. I made friends, was a part of a community, and felt so much love and support from so many people that there will always be a part of me that will miss this space. Especially when new friends - who are wholly unaware of the blog - tell me, "You're life Erin, I swear, you should be a sitcom."

Confirmation that no matter how much things change, they really stay the same.

Things I Look Forward to in Mexico

We leave in a few hours for Mexico for Mr. Perfect's brother's wedding.
Currently looking forward to:

• Endless "No guys, I got the tab" jokes at our all inclusive hotel
• Sand and sun
• Practicar-ing my espanol
• The WEDDING!
• Exploring Tulum
• Sleep
• Not working

Since We Last Talked

I went to Philly.

And explored this crazy collaged alley.

And generally had a fabulous time wandering around the city with some great gals. And eating. A lot. And perhaps decided to take advantage of a $4 pint AND shot deal. For ... perhaps longer than would be advisable. And confirming that with wiz is the only way to go for the cheesesteaks.

My Weekend in Numbers

Mr. Perfect and I arrive in KC Thursday evening. We have a few sweet unscheduled hours before the madness begins. What was originally scheduled as a visit to volunteer for the awesome Giggle with Gilda thrown by Gilda's Club KC has now turned into OMGWEDDINGPLANNING!!1!!!11!!1!!!!

Now our weekend involves:

2 cities

6 venues

2 bridal appointments

2 friends travelling to KC to meet up

1 meeting with a priest who yelled at me for living in sin (already. He actually yelled "GOOD GOD!" how very Alanis Morissette Ironic. And mostly? HOW. FUN!)

1 engagement party (yippppieeee)

1 bridal shower (not mine - also yipppieeee!! Can't believe I happened to be home for this one!!)

annnnnd 1 celebrity to wrangle (Jason Sudeikis from SNL!).

Ya know.

Just your normal trip home.

I invited my friend to place a bet on how often/when I cry.

Minimum once a day was her starting point. HA!

I WILL OWE THIS TRIP!!!!!

I feel like this quite often

At yoga... while dancing... while walking... at work...

via Cup o Joe

Marriage Prep

From Mom: I found this document that you should read before you visit with father.  I think it will help you prepare for his questions.

http://www.usccb.org/laity/marriage/cohabiting.shtml

Which I then shared with Mr. Perfect. He read it (I have not). He then gave me the download:

 Andrew:  In general, those in cohabiting households are more independent, more liberal in attitude and more risk-oriented than non-cohabitors.
 me:  oh boy

 Mr. Perfect:  i think that comment is supposed to illuminate how dangerous cohabitation is

 me:  but really it makes me think we're better off

lol

 Mr. Perfect:  whereas i read that and think, yea that totally describes us

 me:  lol

 Mr. Perfect:  here's what we should prepare for

  Mr. Perfect:  Catholic marriage is about coming together, being faithful to each other, not ever getting divorces, making babies, recognizing that marriage makes Jesus love us, agreeing to teach our kids about our same values, and especially to us, reflecting on why we decided to cohabit and realize the risks we brought upon our marriage




oh boy...

Your Daily Awkward

My dad has some really interesting cousins that I don't know very well.
They are really interesting.

Like, a few weeks ago when my dad went to a funeral, everyone received a parting gift of a nude self-portrait done by the deceased.

I'll let that one sink in.

So my dad's cousin called my mom the other day and, among other items, had this conversation:

Cousin: So what are Ann's wedding colors?
Mom: It's Erin.
Cousin: Oh, well, I like to make blankets for people for their wedding, do you know what her wedding colors are?
Mom: I don't think they have decided yet, it's a little early.
Cousin: Oh, well, do you know if she's a virgin? If she is, I'll make a white blanket.
Mom: I... don't... know.


I don't even have commentary. I just can't. Words. There are none.

I called Mr. Perfect immediately to share the news about our gift.
He was silent for at least 30-45 seconds.
Then said, "You are lying."
"No I'm not!" I said.
"Is this one of those things where I'm supposed to guess which part of the story is true and which is a lie?"
"No. This is my family."