I Love Me! A Single Girl's Guide for Valentine's Day

You don't have a valentine be your own valentine.

Hi friends!  I am so happy to be celebrating Valentine's today with my students.  I am even happier that I do not have to teach them on the actual Valentin's Day.  Something about all the sugar highs and coursing hormones just is gross.

One of the things that bums me out about VDay is that too many single ladies let it get to them that they are single.  I am so single that single is  synonym for my name.  JK, but I am not seeing anyone and there is no one interesting around.  Most days that is totally fine, today I had to log off of Facebook because like three friends announced they were pregnant and I just couldn't anymore.

Although it would be cool to have a little, actually tall, manfriend to lavish me with gifts and take me to dinner I have found that I am in control of my own happiness.  If having gifts and nice dinner on February 14th would make me happy then dang it I will be my own Valentine, because I love me!  It is true I really love myself and think I am a real treat.  Because of this I will be kind to myself and treat myself a bit.

I had the epiphany that I could be my own Valentine about 6 years ago.  I wanted to get a new computer and couldn't totally justify getting one.  Then came Valentine's day and I knew I wanted to get it because I love me! So I did.  Every time I used it I thought about why I bought it and it made me happy. Apple MacBook Pro MD101LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (NEWEST VERSION)

Last year I was on the search for a cute pair of cowboy boots.  Again it was around February and I was having a hard time spending about $200 on a pair of boots to wear for fashion.  I decided it would be my VDay gift for myself and I have never felt guilty about the purchase.  Rather I feel hot and super awesome.

Ariat Women's Heritage Western R Toe Boot

This year I really wanted to get some nice skin care products.  I had heard incredible things about Philosophy and decided that it was time to make an investment for me.  I also really wanted to buy a Clarisonic for some time and decided this Valentine's Day I would buy it to complete my skin care needs.




Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser, 8 Ounce - Philosophy Hope in a Jar Daily Moisturizer, All Skin Types, 2 Ounce - Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Pink

I figured this was a great post to link up with Nicole for Treat Yo Self Thursdays!

 

So ladies I really encourage you to find something that will make you happy for days/years to come.  Instead of being sad make yourself happy and buy something nice, go somewhere fun, buy candy for a friend, or just be kind because chances are someone else is having a hard day too.

If you were to buy something for yourself this year what is the item that you would love to have?

If you haven't done so yet do not forget to vote for your choice in the Ultimate Valentine's Day Contest! 

PS - if you refuse to find something to be happy about here is my playlist for terribly realistic break up songs.  You can just listen and soak up the melancholy.

Can I also count this as part of Helene and Sarah's link up?  It is tomorrow so let this serve as a reminder!

Will It Matter In Five Years?

 

Going back to work after a long break is always hard on me. I mean the first day is fun and I love catching up with everyone and hearing about their crazy family Christmas dinners, but by Tuesday I am ready to go back on vacation.  Unfortunately that is not how the world works.

Before I left for Christmas break I was totally ready to not work again.  I mean just retire now and live off my $15 a month social security check.  I am kidding.  Kind of.

When I look back at the first semester of the school year I realized I did not handle it as well as I could have.  I was in a new position and am in administration at my school now.  There were a lot of personnel changes in the summer and a great deal of turmoil and drama took place.  I was and still am caught in the middle a lot of the time and it stress me out. I am so not confrontational or aggressive by nature.  Discord amongst others really bothers me and I just want everyone to get along.  I let it all get to me and really had a hard time going to work everyday.

When Christmas break came I was ready and I left that pop stand and did not look back.  It is amazing what two weeks away from stress and teenagers can do for a person.  All those things that were driving me crazy and making me grumpy seem so silly a week later.  Nothing that I was getting worked up over had any real effect on my life.  Sure things were annoying and my time was taken advantage of a lot, but I was OK.

I read the following quote on a blog, sorry I can not remember whose, maybe it was Kym she is always so inspirational, and it has totally changed my life.



 

This week going back to work I was "blessed' with many snafus.  Things were not done right by anyone, I had to work until 10 pm to fix mistakes for a meeting the next morning etc. etc. etc.  I usually would be pissed off about this and everyone would know it.  But I asked myself when the drama started this week if it would be something I would even remember in five years.  The answer was a resounding "NO!" and I just moved on.

I can not even tell you how helpful this idea has been for me and my happiness.  There is nothing like some perspective to really help you get over yourself.

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Today I am so happy to introduce you to Brittany over at Life Changes.



Brittany is from Northern Virginia and is a fellow teacher.  She writes about challenging herself and finding positivity in her day to day life.  I just love her blog and her zest to make life better. She loves to travel and share her experiences on her blog and her photos are beautiful snapshots of life around her.



She is taking a trip by herself soon and wrote about some of her secret fears in regards to traveling solo.  I am super impressed that she is doing this and can not wait to read about the results and maybe be inspired to take a trip of my own.  Brittany also has a great new link up this year on Saturdays which challenges us to try something new and write about it.  You can find the information to her link up here. Also how cute is her puppy, Camie.  She is now Penny's dog cousin and a part of the family.

Go visit her blog and follow Brittany on Bloglovin and Twitter and be inspired to do something new and embrace the possibilities of  each day.

Why I Love Blogging!

Praise God it is Monday!  I know that is strange to say, but I only have four days left and then I am on Christmas break.  I may complain from time to time about the education field, but all my complaints stop as soon as I am at home in my yoga pants and the rest of the world keeps working.

Today I am felt like writing about why I love to blog.  This post came to me because lately I have noticed a lot of bloggers are complaining about blogging or quiting their blog all tougher. I am sad to see them go and maybe a little confused.  Often times they will say something like I hate my blog or it has become something I do not want it to.

I am in quite the opposite boat.  I love blogging and I love things that it has taught me. I see my blog as a hobby that brings good things into my life.  When it does not bring me joy I will know it is time to find a new hobby.  I have been thinking about why I like to blog and made a list of reasons why.

1.  I write something everyday

I honestly have become a better writer this year because I have constantly been practicing writing.  I feel like I have done a better job of finding my voice and writing style while also having a creative outlet.  I also have some room for improvement. I am not perfect, my writing is not perfect, my blog is not perfect, but I can see growth and see areas I can continue to grow.

2. My mom is proud of me

My mom loves it when I do well at something. When us kids graduate from high school I feel like our moms have a hard time because they are no longer mothering all the time.  I did not have plays for her to go to anymore or dances to be driven to.  She is always proud of what I do, but this is perhaps a more tangible way for her to my a proud momma.

Blogging has given my mom another things to be proud of and cheer for me.  I never have to look to see how many followers on my blog because she will text me anytime I get a new one.  As an adult there is little for our moms to brag about.  My blog gives my mom something to look forward to each day.

3. Embarrassing moments become tomorrows blog post

If we can not laugh about ourselves it is going to hurt really bad when others laugh.  If we can laugh at ourselves life will be much more enjoyable.  Also it helps make meaning out of those less than favorable moments.  Instead of thinking, "I can not believe that happened to me, I want to die!" to "I can not believe that happened to me!  Quick someone take a picture for my blog!"

4. It give me a place to fail publicly

This one may seem like a strange one.  As adults we have fewer opportunities to fail publicly.  I actually think that the occasional failure is a good thing.  It teaches perseverance and builds a stronger character.

Blogging is a great opportunity to risk creative ideas and try them out on the world.  Sometimes you will fail.  Sometimes you will have some success.  Last week i thought of a great  link up but I had absolutely no one join me.  Everything inside of me wanted to delete that post and forget about it.  I kept it up and a day later posted something new.  Having a public failure helped me know that it is temporary.  The next day it was over.  It also helped me to think of new ways to make it work in the future.  So you can bet I will be trying again during the new year.

5.  I am a cool computer nerd

 

html, photo editing, social media.  The list of new computer geek skills goes on and on.

When I started this blog I was like, "Oh look at all those pretty and colorful templates I can use to share m stories on."  I very quickly became sick of those and thought they looked like a high school student trying to be a professional.  I then wanted a button, or a custom header, or words on my photo.  As time has gone one I have learned some fun computer tricks to help make my writing pop even more.  Which I did not feel the need to include today, unless you count that awesome photo at the top that I made on picmonkey.

6.  Blogging gives me goals to accomplish

As an adult it is a easy to just become stagnate in our lives.  Work, Eat, Sleep, Hang Out. Repeat.  Blogging is one of the ways I keep from becoming boring.  I feel like the more I do in the world the more interesting I am and my blog is.

I can also make accomplish goals and feel a sense of pride in myself, goals I can actually accomplish.   I mean I have made it my goal to meet a nice and clean guy every year for the last however many years, and that has yet to happen.  I can however make a goal of getting 20 new followers or writing five posts in a week and I can actually accomplish that goal and have a sense of pride.

7. I have a larger perspective of the world.

At the risk of being a broken blogger record, you really do meet some great people through blogging.  I have learned more about other places and other ways of doing life and I am so grateful for that.

Seven seems like a good number to leave this list at.  I am sure I will be able to think of many more reasons I love blogging and I could do a part 2 sometime down the road.

For those of you who still love blogging what are some of your reasons why you keep coming back to your blog?

For those of you who have quit or will quit blogging can you please refer your readers to So Much Sunshine?  Clearly they are going to need something to fill the void in their lives and I am happy to fill it for them.

Weekend Playlist: Songs That Make Me Happy

On Friday my best friend took me to The House Of Blues in Anaheim to see Lee Brice.  It was my birthday present and it was incredible.  I actually got to meet Lee Brice.  I was an idiot, but that is a story for another day.  I loved the concert so much so I obviously have to include his music on this weekends Songs that Make Me Happy Playlist. 

Week 6 by Erica Thompson on Grooveshark

The Best Day of My Life by the American Authors
First, they have a great name.  The English teacher in me is smitten just by the name, American Lit is the best.  Second, this song is my new happy drug. 

Parking Lot Party by Lee Brice
Yes this song is straight up silly, but it gets inside you and all you want to do is go tailgate or go have an after party. 

Woman Like You by Lee Brice
I mean this love song is such a great balance of realistic love I can not even handle it.  When my future country music playing boyfriend writes me a love song he will collaborate with Lee Brice. 

Red by Taylor Swift
Maybe it is her use of simile, mate it is the fact that I love singing "red, red, red, red" or maybe it is just cause it is T. Swift, but this song has me hooked. 

Compass by Lady Antebellum
The song actually just came on my iTunes and I had to stop writing to have a dance party.  

That is all I have today!  Happy Sunday and keep on jamming!

November 1st Is My Favorite Holiday

While I do love that there is a church holiday of All Saints Day and Starbucks releases their Christmas cups today it is an even more important day. That's right y'all today is my birthday!  As of today I am 29.  I know it is mind blowing because I do not look a day over 18.  I can not tell you how many times parents have come into my classroom or office and asked to speak to the teacher.  I tell them I am the teacher and they laugh at me.  I am sorry parent but what child goes to school looking this fabulous?  
 

 

I actually like looking young and I know it will serve me well all throughout my life. Since it is my birthday I am not going to spend a ton of time on the computer so I can get out there and enjoy the day!

Happy My Birthday to you!  Do something fun today or buy yourself a nice little treat, that would make me very happy .  Or you could follow me on instagram @ericajt, that too would make me happy.

Be Careful!

I was reading a post over on Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Blog about the value of being a goofball and I loved it. Claire Danes was quoted as saying “One of the lessons of her adulthood, Danes has said, was ‘that there is real honor in being a total goofball.’ I personally was so happy to read that someone in the public eye was so open about how great it is to be totally and utterly silly from time to time. I have been called silly or goofy from time to time.  While I think some people do not mean it in a nice or positive way I for one am happy to be identified in this manner.  I know I am smart and capable of deep conversation and it does not belittle my intelligence that others see my more fun loving side.  This weekend I had the opportunity to relish this side of myself.  I went to dinner at Olive Garden with a friend of mine.  I wanted a huge salad and it seemed like the place to go.  While we were there we paid way too much attention to our server, Jordan.  Jordan was by far the most attractive server I have ever seen in my life. Any way we were watching him grate cheese over people's dinners and then he accidentally turned the cheese grater and the block of cheese fell out.  The wait staff didn't realize what happened and they kept on doing their job.  I wanted to tell dear Jordan that he dropped the cheese but, I feel that would have immediately made me see silly.  Instead I wrote him a note.  I warned him of the impending doom that lay under the the table across from us.   Below is the cheese and the note I wrote.  The note reads, "Be careful!  There is a block of cheese on the floor under that table!" xoxo Erica.

The epic cheese to the left and my amazing note on the right.

Clearly this was not the most silly thing I have ever done, but it was fun and I laughed and laughed about it for awhile.  I actually just yelled "Be careful!" to my friend and she yelled back, "There's cheese on the floor."  We are just plain awesome!  If you get the chance take the time to be a little goofy.  It will make your life happier and possibly others too.  I encourage you to embrace your goofy side and have a little fun today!

Remember The Girl Who Wore A Hoodie In A Pool?

Good morning friends!  I have survived another week and I finally have internet and time to write so I can safely say, I'm back!  First, I want to thank you for not unfolding me in my little break and for checking back in.  Second, I want to welcome anyone who is happening upon this blog from Back East Blonde. I am glad you stopped by and I hope you will stay awhile.  Heck grab a cup of coffee and poke around the archive, there are some real gems to be found there. Last, I felt like I needed another point to round out the other two.  Really I just like things to be in threes. 

Last week I was able to go to the mountains with my work for our annual camp.  Most of the time I do not look forward to this camp.  It takes forever and it is really exhausting.  I have to live in a cabin with 10 of my girl students, I find that just wrong, and I have to either wake up at 5 am because they need to do their hair or go to sleep at 1am because they can't stop talking.  The bus ride home is torture and hot. Before this year I would always come home with the world's largest migraine.  The worship band is too loud and too concerned with being cool and the speakers make me want to die.  I can not even begin to imagine what the kids are thinking.  I dread camp and all that comes with it.

My game face!  Try and mess with me kids!

This year I was actually looking forward to camp because it meant a week away from the office.  I have not been liking my new position at the school and it has been a really hard transition for me.  In fact I cried about it today to my mom while I was out for a walk around my neighborhood.  I am sure my neighbors think I am crazy pants now. With that in mind I packed up my T-shirts and shorts and joyously left town for three days with a spirit of having fun and surrendering to being in the mountains where my phone did not work and no one could bother me.  It was pure bliss... Other than trying to find a girl who tried to sneak out of my cabin.  She was found and brought to justice within 30 minutes.  I am not sure why kids mess with me.  It always ends terribly for them. 

Below are a few of my personal highlights from camp. Actually they are the only things I bothered to take pictures of myself or stole from someone else's facebook. 

The camp we go to is called Forest Home.  It is kind of funny for me because I worked there a few summers during college.  I have tons of memories from that place, some good, some terrible, and some I want to burn from my memory.  It is always a mix of emotion going back. This year though was just divine.  The camp remolded a lot and it is so much nicer than it has ever been.  My favorite improvement was the new swimming pool.  It was beautiful.  I really just wanted to spend the whole week there.  

My favorite part of the swimming pool was the girl in the red and white stripped hoodie.  that is right folks one of my darling students was so cold she wore a hoodie in the pool.

I call this photo Where's Waldo?

Here is a close up of my girl freezing in the pool.  One of the kids walked in the pool while I was marveling at this bold fashion choice and told me it was cold.  I said "duh!  That's why she's in a hoodie!"

My favorite homegirl in hoodie.

Next up on great camp moments: Pillow Pets specifically Gatsby.  Yes, I have a pillow pet that is a dog and yes, I named him Gatsby and yes, that makes me awesome.  I always bring him to camp and then ever see him once I step on campus.  The kids take him from me and give him back when I get home.  They are just so considerate.  I realized that Gatsby is in more pics from camp than I am this year.  What a social butterfly!

I love these two kids, They can steal Gatsby any day!

One of the things I liked about camp this year was that the worship band and the speaker were so good.  Usually things get over done and people try too hard.  This year everything was scaled back and it worked.  The band was made up of teachers and it was really great.  Well I think it was, I sang in the band so I might be a little partial.  The speaker was great.  He knew most of our students were English as a Second Language students and he was clear and relevant to them. I even learned from this dude.

Here are some pics from the stage.  I am the tall white girl, I do stand out a bit I guess.   The kindest thing I have been told lately was from a student who told me that she saw my inside beauty at camp.  It really touched my heart.

I can not clap and sing. I get all confused as you can see from my face in this photo.

I take really great notes to help me while I am on stage.  I think I succeeded.

 Overall camp was great fun.  In a way I want to go back there and just sing, play games, and hang out with Gatsby.  Even though I am back to life where my phone works and I am inside again I am happy that I let myself have a good time this year.  What a great lesson in positive thinking and making the best of your circumstances!  

Embarrassing ourselves for the sake of education.

One of my favorite moments was being Mulan and having my work "enemy" beat me up!

The whole Jr. High and High School :)

A few photos to end this post of the strange people I work with and the wonderful kids.  Also if you haven't read Nadine's blog yet, get your eyes over there and check that girl out.  She is great!  Thanks Nadine, for everything this month!

Don't Ya Guitar Fret Week 3

Today is my last Don't Ya Guitar Fret post.  The friend that I was sending songs to every morning is finished with her job and I will be moving on.  I had fun though thinking of playlists so who know what will happen in the future?

Mais Que Nada By Sergio Mendez Again I choose a song in a foreign language.  I don't know what the song is saying but dang it it makes me happy.  I actually used to work at Starbucks and this song was all that got me through closing time. 
Red Solo Cup by Toby KeithSo this song is ridiculous and silly.  Honestly, I hated it the first time I heard it but now I kind of love it. 
Jump Right In by Zac Brown BandZBB is one of my all time favorite bands.  Many of their songs are happy and chill.  Take a listen and have fun. 
You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne This song is happy and has a great beat. 
Alright by Darius RuckerIt has a great message about life working out even when you think it is all a mess.  And it is by Hootie from Hootie and the Blowfish.
Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus No explanation needed, this is just the best song ever. 

Don't Guitar Fret Week 3 by Erica Thompson on Grooveshark

Don't Ya Guitar Fret Week 2

Welcome back to Everything Erica Loves Don't Ya Guitar Fret Songs of the week 

In case you were wondering the title of these posts are totally a play on words.  A fret on a guitar are the bars that change the note you are playing. Trust me I play guitar.  Instead of saying "Don't fret" I just say "Don't ya guitar fret."  It is strange and I am seeking help I assure you. This weeks songs are quite random and they are all artists or songs that I just love.   Philadelphia Freedom by Elton JohnExcuse me, this song always makes me happy.  I think it is one you have to sing dramatically to and hit all the words like Elton does.  Personally I love EJ.  His songs just make me happy.  Can someone please take me to see him in concert, like right now? Gone Gone Gone by Phillip PhillipsI am not a big American Idol fan.  However, I am a huge Phillip Phillips fan.  This kid is great.  If the song doesn't make you happy just remember that your parents were more creative than his and gave you a first name that was different than your last name. Peace Train by Cat Stevens Everyone needs a little hippie music in their life!  This song always reminds me of the scene in Remember the Titans where things are turning around for the team and the town and a cop stops Julius to say good game.  It is always sweet.  I Knew you were Trouble by Taylor SwiftI am not a huge T Swift fan, but her latest album Red is really great.  I love singing her silly songs like "WEEEEEE are never getting back together" and "I knew you were trouble."   Summertime by Kenny ChesneyThis song just screams, "I love summer!"  Maybe I chose it because I am going to see Kenny TOMORROW, or because I just love Kenny.  Whatever the reason I think this weekend needs to be a celebration of all things summer.  Listen here.  
I hope you all have a wonderful summer filled weekend!  Check back Monday for my concert of the year review (I have high hopes Kenny and Eric!) In case you want last weeks list you can can check it out here.  And a very happy birthday to my bestie, Laura!

Don't Ya Guitar Fret Songs of the Week 1

Yesterday was one of the most fun days I have ever had as a blogger.  I loved opening my computer to see many new page views, new followers, and new comments.  Thanks to those of you who found Everything Erica Loves yesterday and decided to stick around for more.  And thanks to Bon for just being amazing!

Is there anything better than music to lift your mood and make you happy?  Sure, but music is one of the fastest easiest ways to get out of a funk that I have found.  I am not sure if you noticed but this week I have been thinking a lot about relaxing and letting things go without tons of worry.  In case you missed it you can read my posts here: The In Between Age and Every Little Thing's Gonna Be Alright.

I have a few friends who are not in love with some aspects of their life.  Whether it is work, relationships, or just the day to day challenges they find themselves in.  I can relate and I have had times where I was unhappy and worried about what my future held.  Heck, if I am really honest I have to remind myself on a daily basis to stop fretting and be in the moment. 

I decided to send a friend of mine a happy song every day this week.  I am not sure if she loved getting an email everyday with a happy song, but I had fun sending it to her and finding songs.

I had so much fun I decided to share my weekly happy playlist with you all.  Some of the selections on this list will be totally cliche, others will be obscure, some will be country, some classic rock, some current hits, and some in other languages.  Overall they are my personal happy songs that I play when I am feeling a little down.  I hope you enjoy and build your playlist with me.  

If you have any suggestions please leave a comment and I will get it in a playlist. 

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
I mean come on.  This has to be the first song on the list right?  In fact it is the song that inspired this whole idea.

Quelqu'un m'a dit by Carla Bruni
I love this song!  I don't have a clue what it is about, but I love it.  It sounds so joyful and I like to make up my own translations.
 

Cruise by Florida Georgia Line
Yes this is a pretty country song, but I just picture myself by a lake partying it up with these boys and I am happy. 

Brand New Day by Joshua Radin
I love Josh R's early work.  This song is a great reminder that each day starts anew.

Drink in My Hand by Eric Church
If you know me you know i barely ever drink. Half a Blue Moon and I am happy.  Even though I am a total lightweight this is my favorite "I am so happy it is the weekend song."

Happy Week 1 by Erica Thompson on Grooveshark

Happy Week 1 Playlist

As always you can follow my happy music loving self on Instagram @ericajt