A Few Reasons I Want to Break Up With Facebook But Never Will

Sometimes I want to cancel my Facebook account and never look back. I mean it can be such a pit of all the worst things in the world.  I am not talking about political rants (those suck) or even stalking exes to see if they are fat yet.  I am only referring to seeing those things that people post that just make you cringe.  The most cringe worthy moments in my life always come from my former students. 
Facebook and teaching can be a wonderful combination.  For example I was able to share this gem of a haiku with all my friends because of "The Book" 

I really hate birds which made this poem the most beautiful one I have even heard.

 I know that teachers being friends with their students is a crazy idea and I agree.  I work at a small private school and for like a year I didn't mind if they were on my Facebook under restricted.  However, I could still see their rants, pictures, and unkind status about my friends and me.  I went on a binge and deleted any current student.  I also have become extremely picky about who I add upon graduation.  I know the big reason teachers and administrators do not add kids on Facebook is because they want privacy and a level of respect that you lose if kids see everything on your page.  Personally, I have been working with teens since I was in college and started using Facebook.  I have nothing to hide on there.  The reason I have made my Facebook-student rules stricter are because I just don't want to see some of the junk that they feel the need to share. 
Yesterday I was reminded of this as I hid several former students from my newsfeed, sorry if you  randomly found this blog.  It got me thinking about all the reasons I never wanted to see when I went to Facebook to see my friends cute new engagement photos.  Things I never wanted to see on Facebook
Pictures of you shirtless with targets drawn on your nipples Yes this happened.  The kid was in my English class and I never want to know what any of those yahoos look like without a shirt.  I threw up a little in my mouth when I saw this.  That bottle(s) of booze you "pounded" before you were 21Where are your brains?  Who posts a picture of their terrible decisions that you are making as a 19 year old?  It makes me sad because I know you are worth so much more than the party life you are chasing after.    Photos of you and your girlfriend/ boyfriend kissing in bed - actually you and your girlfriend/ boyfriend kissing. Period. TEENAGE LOVE IS DISGUSTING!  I actually wrote a post about this here.  I just don't want to see it.  The truth is you don't know what love is, you don't know what you are doing, and when I see your pictures promoting your promescuity it breaks my heart.  You may not understand that you are shaping your life in a way that can cause extreme pain.  The funny gay porn you post when you hack your friend's FacebookWhy?  I just don't get it or want to see it.   Your terrible grammar!  I taught you ENGLISH for crying out loud.  I know you are capable of so much more.  Stop looking like an uneducated bug.  Your rants about the homework you were assigned in high school, how happy you are to be gone, or how much you hated one of my coworkers friendsSave the drama for your mama!  I remember you being sweet and kind and when you go off like this it makes me want to write the college I recommended you to and let them know how you are presenting yourself to the world and revoke my recommendation.    All these things being true there are a few times where I just love having former students as my Facebook friends. 
Reasons Why I love the Book  Sweet emails from students on a random Tuesday afternoon I just got one this week that said,"I just miss you so much!" Photos from when they were in school with sweet captions 

"I miss high school.  Why did I want to leave so badly?"

When they post nerdy ecards or gifs on my wall related to something they learned.One time a girl posted this gem on my Facebook and it totally made my day. 

You remembered something I taught you and related it to your life!

The occassional post that asks a question related to something I taught them  "Ms. T can you remind me of the history of theater?" Or even when they write a haiku that and post it on my wall.

Clearly I am influencing the future generation of leaders for the better.

  When a previous student will write something on your wall that looks a little like this: 

I miss this kid!

Like A Soundtrack To A July Saturday Night

Welcome back!  I have decided it is so much better to share what happened over the weekend on Tuesday instead of Monday.  I always get a little post weekend depression if I write my post on a Sunday night.  I need to keep the weekend going as long as possible.  Mondays are already sad because you have to get up and go to work again so I can handle the fact that life just isn't as much fun anymore.

Who wouldn't want to hang out with us at an amazing concert?!

This weekend was a treat!  Jus and I went to Kenny Chesney's No Shoes Nation Tour at Angel's Stadium on Saturday night and it was INCREDIBLE!



One of the things I love most about concerts is that you dish out your money months in advance so when you go to the concert in a way it feel like a free little treat! This is by far one of the most irrational things I have ever said but I don't care, that is how it feels.

Moving on.  This was by far my favorite concert I have been to in a long time.  Kenny Chesney is such an artist and is so talented, he writes most of his own songs which I give him mad props for.  He is also so entertaining!  You can just tell that he loves being on stage!  He is just goofy silly the whole time it is infectious and I want to be like that!

 

Kenny Chesney!

So I totally LOVE  Kenny, but I also LOVE Eric Church.  Good thing he was there too!  I actually saw Eric Church in concert last November and he is by far one of my favorite performers out there.  He gets so intense and crazy on stage it is extremely fun to watch.  I am actually surprised I like him so much considering he sings about drinking all the time and drinks like 5 shots of Jack Daniels an hour, but I just love him.

Moral of the story, anytime you can see either Kenny or Eric in concert GO!  They are so great live, they do not lip sync, and they actually have talent.  It was such a great night of singing for four hours straight and rocking a cute sun dress with my awesome cowboy boots.

Eric Church!

I feel it is very important to take selfies at concerts, even though I could have been anywhere in this picture!

In case you want to rock out here are two of my favorite songs! Actually, they are pretty mellow, but they are still great!

You and Tequila by Kenny Chesney on Grooveshark

The title for this post came from this song!
Springsteen by Eric Church on Grooveshark

I Am A Star... In China Anyway

Happy Sunday to you all!  So I wrote a post today and was going to wait to share it until Monday, but I am impatient and felt like going wild on a Sunday!  Hold me back, I am just out of control!  
Last week at work I was called in to do some recon work for a group of students visiting America for summer school.  Actually, I don't think I did any recon work.  I don't even know what that means.  I just wanted you to think I was really important. I think I have mentioned that I work at a school that has a HUGE number of international students from Asia.  Just look through my posts about work and you will be hard pressed to find white people in my photos.  

There are two of us in this photo!

Leap Day festivities 2011

Photo bombing beach photos.

I love that I get to teach these kids and that I get to learn a ton from them about a part of the world I am usually rather removed from.  I have learned why Asian drivers scare the holy heavens out of me, I have learned that the Korean boys in my class HAVE to serve in the military for two years, and I have learned never to expect kids to show up on a day in January or February when they celebrate New Year.  Happy Year of the Snake by the way! One of my favorite things about teaching here is that I know my face is being seen by roughly 1 BILLION people in China and Korea.   How do I know this?  Well first I am kind of a big deal.  I mean look at how well I stand out in all the photos these kids take.  They are facinated by my "whiteness."  I have had kids get creepy close to my face and stare at my eyelashes and ask if they are real.  I have had kids try and stand next to me and measure themselves to see if there is anyway they could be as tall as me one day (it appears 5'10 is taaaaalllll).  I have had kids beg to feel my hair and even buy it from me.  I am telling you I am freaking awesome here.

Another reason I know my face is all over Asian is that the kids post pictures that I am in on their Chinese facebooks (it is called people people. China blocks facebook).  I know that they send my image via qq, Chinese texting. And I know that videos I have appeared in are on Chinese youtube.  
All of that may not seem too impressive to you yet, I promise my last reason is the best.  The reason I KNOW I am a celebrity in other countries is due to the number of visitors we have that record my every movement. Our school also welcomes many administrator and officials from China and other countries (THE KING OF UGANDA WAS HERE LAST YEAR!) and gives tour and information about our international programs.  They often visit my classroom to observe this master teach (I am totally full of myself).  Then it gets weird.  They video tap me teaching, move around my classroom to get good angles, and then take pictures with their ipads the whole time. Usually they come for the worst possible lessons.  The word sex will come up, a question about gay people, the horrors of children killing children.  I mean it is pretty fantastic material.

The ladies in the back stand up and video tape me teaching all the time while the kids keep working.

I am fairly convinced that I am now a huge star in China and maybe Korea.  It pretty much is along the lines of  Karen Walker in Will and Grace and her energy drink commercial or Joey from Friends with his lip stick for men commercial.   I understand that both of these examples happen in Japan, but it is really similar man! 

 If you ever go to Asia and see my face on billboards, tv shows, or any type of advertising please snap a pic and send it to me.  They you can say, "Hey I read that girl's blog!  China loves her!"   I feel I should say that I do not have narcissistic personality disorder.  I simply choose to think of things this way because it makes being filmed and photographed by people who do not speak any English feel a little less awkward.  Come on and follow this celebrity over at bloglovin' you know you wanna! 

 

 

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!

Why? Things I Do That Even I Do Not Understand About Myself!

Today I was sitting at work and I realized I forgot to put on deodorant this morning.  I know everyone forgets this important, friend keeping invention from time to time, but I forget it on a rather regular basis.  Before you get all grossed out, let me assure you that I keep an extra in my desk at work and in my car.  I just find it sad that I need to have extra sticks of D.O. for the B.O. around because I can not manage to remember it in the morning.  All this questioning has lead me to ask a very important question: Why?!! There are many things I do in my life that I just don't understand and would probably be considered strange human behavior.   For instance, sharing all the strange things I do with my blog cousins.  I stole that from Bon and Tay.  If you missed their comedy routine blogging tips check it here or here. 
Why do I make a big stink (not about the D.O. this time!) about breaking rules or being a rebel and then freak out when I actually do it.  Case in point, I have been grumpy that folks at work have been wearing clothes that are out of dress code.  I mean even the principal wore shorts.  Why am I spending time getting ready in the morning when those who have better jobs than me dress worse than me?  Welp, this morning I said "Not today!"  I wore my cute black and white shorts with a nice shirt and marched my sweet butt into work like the brazen hussy I imagine myself to.  
As soon as I walked in the office I hid! Every time I heard someone say something like "I guess it is summertime rules" I died inside because it had to be about me.  I am sure that it is a good think that I do not have Antisocial personality disorder and have the ability to feel guilt when I do stupid things. It also probably didn't help that about 35 people where in here today for meetings which only magnified my shame.
Why do I love Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror so much?  I went to an amazing Angel's baseball game this last weekend.  The Angel's won and I saw a concert by Billy Currington for 10 bucks!  Can't beat that!  Billy is a country singer for all you who are like, "Who the heck is that. He must be a nobody. That is why she paid $10."  He actually is pretty legit and has many songs on country radio.  
All this to say my favorite part was when he sang Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson.  I sang that song like it was my own.  Everyone sitting around me was staring and it was magical.  Afterwards I realized I just sang Man in the Mirror as loud as I could while backing up a country singer's cover of the song at Angel Stadium.  Who am I?
 
Why do I lie sometimes for no reason? Sometimes when people catch me off guard with their questions my first reply is a lie.  What the heck is up with that?  One time at Subway the sandwich artist asked me if my husband was in the navy.  I said no my dad was.  LIE!  My dad was in the air force. I actually wrote about this story here. 
At work yesterday I changed into workout clothes.  One of my coworkers saw me and asked if I was going swimming (Weird question considering i was just wearing gym clothes) I said I was going for a run.  LIE!  I was really going across the street to the driving range. 
Why do I go see the Fast and Furious movies?I have seen each of the Fast and Furious movies.  I have no idea why.  I cannot tell you anything about them other than they have cars, they use NOS to win the races, Paul Walker is cute, and a five year old writes the movies.  
I went to see Fast and Furious 6 today at the three dollar theater.  I laughed so hard during that movie!  Not the effect they were going for though.  Even though I talk a big talk and act like I will never see any of the movies again in my life I have already made tentative plans to see the seventh movie when it comes out next year.  I rock. 
I realized that I have so many things I do that make me questionable company in just one weekend. I am happy I still have friends. At least with a blog you don't have to claim me as a friend or see me livin' my life all free and easy.     

When Did I Become A Middle Aged Man?

Hi friends!  This weekend was totally a relaxing one.  I needed a few days to not think about work, reflect on life, and not look at a computer for three days.  It was a great little vacay from all the screens in my life.  If you need a little breaky poo from the craziness that can be life I say take it!

Anyway, as I was thinking about what to write about today I realized that I have quite successfully become a middle aged man.  Granted I am still a smokin' hot 20 something lady, but my interests have been bordering on dad level.  My new main interest is golf.  I go to the driving range once or twice a week, I am taking classes through the community center, and I am looking through thrift stores for clubs.  Dad territory right there. 

I realized this weekend that the lessons that are learned in golf could really be applied to life.  So I present to you: 

Erica's Life Lessons from the Driving Range

1. It is OK to suck sometimes

I am not a naturally gifted golfer.  I try and I get better, but I am not going to be Tiger Woods anytime soon ever, and I am more than OK with this.  One of my main sayings is that some people just aren't gifted in certain areas.  That is OK because they are gifted at other things.  It is true about golf.  I am not super gifted, but I have fun and that is all that counts sometimes.  

2. Overthinking will mess with your golf swing

I am at the point where I have to think about Every. Little. Thing. and make sure that my form is right.  Well all this thinking and I am barely able to hit the ball.  True confession, I usually miss!   My thoughts are consumed with posture, not bending my left arm, looking at the ball, following through, looking cute...  When I get the steps down right I don't have to think and the ball will fly 50 yards and I will feel like I just won the PGA. 

I realized when I over think my life I am less happy.  I am going through all the right steps and very aware of my missteps.  I am happy when I have learned the steps thought through them and then can effortlessly walk through life. 

3. Learn the right way first and practice that

So before my golf lessons this month I just went out and swung the club all willy nilly.  It was fun.  Unfortunately, I have some things to re-learn and that is no bowl of cherries.  If you learn the right way first you will not have to go through the arduous task of un-learning and re-learning. 

I just used the word arduous and I better have a picture to keep you interested.

4. Focus

I am usually pretty bad at focusing.  I am not ADD or anything, but I like to see what is going on around me and be apart of it.  When I look around the driving range I will get distracted and miss the ball.  It would be embarrassing, but everyone around me is much better at focus than I am so it works out that they didn't notice. 

5. Overthin a little then stop thinking.

Part of golf is doing the steps and thinking a ton to get the form right.  Eventually, you get the steps and you stop thinking and just do it right.  I long for this day. 

6.  Get the right accessories

As with life looking the part is essential.  I wear my little pink golf glove to the range and the fine folks there know I am serious. 

7. Find the Range that fits you

There are so many driving ranges around my house.  I have found that the one with the islands and boats is perfect for my "non focused self."  I can get loud, laugh at my mistakes, make new golf friends, borrow other people's clubs and love life.  The ones where the business men go to are not for me.  They usually hate me and that is OK.  I found what works and I will stick with it. 

Well there you have it, my go to rules for life and golf.  I am not gonna lie this old man way of life is pretty sweet.  Now i just need to find my trophy husband and sweet convertible and I am set.

Speaking of being set, I think it is extremely important you go over to The Life of Bon and enter the giveaway that is there.  Follow my bloggy and you get another entry.  Just do it already!

Nerdy T-Shirts

Last week I gave men some tips for their tank top wearing ways here.   This week I am going to give some unconventional tips to anyone who cares. 

I am a firm believer that people need to own a few t-shirts that are just a little bit nerdy.  Being a teacher it is pretty easy for me to find places to wear these shirts.  My favorite day of the month is free dress Friday.  I just need to slap on a pair of jeans and one of these shirts and I am set. I have a friend who teaches History and she owns a few Abraham Lincoln shirts.  Her students just love it when she adds heart stickers to her Abe shirt on Valentine's Day.  

Not a teacher?  It is cool you can find something that you are interested in.  For example my niece loves all those shows like Dr. Who.  She own several shirts to show her pride.  She is now selling them on Ebay for $9 to earn some summer money!  

Anyway below are my favorite nerdy t-shirts in my wardrobe.  

I love my Gatsby shirt.  I only wear it twice a year.  When I start to teach Gatsby and when I give them their test.  As you can tell from the picture This happens around Christmas time. 

Next up my Valentine's Day shirt.  It reads "Your cute" is a deal breaker.  If you don't understand this shirt look up grammar rules for your. 

How can you pass up a classic "Let's eat grandma" shirt?  

Last and not least my ZAP POW BANG shirt.  While it may seem like more of a super hero shirt really it is both an English teacher and Psychologist shirt.  Clearly it is an onomatopoeia, words that are a sound, shirt.  It is also what happens when a person undergoes electro-shock therapy.

Well there you have it.  I am not sure too many bloggers would tell you to buy something that would make you look like a nerd, but this girl did. 

Find out what that thing is that makes you a little bit of a nerd, be honest you have one, and embrace it occasionally in a safe space.  

I also realized just how much my hair changes in the course of one year.  Follow on instagram to see if I change my hair again this weekend!  @ericajt


Until next week!

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

No Meat For You!

Happy Wednesday friends!  For those of you who are working like normal people, the end of the week is near!  For those of you who are teachers, it is important to know what day of the week it is as you soak up the sun today.

By the way I really hope you instantly thought of Seinfeld when you read today's post title!  How great was that show?  If you have no idea what I am talking about I am probably getting old or you are one of my Asian students who only watches Korean dramas and I love you anyway. 

Last week I wrote this post about coming back to work and feeling unfamiliar in a familiar place. 

Chillin' in my office.  It is getting there.

 Things have gotten much better this week. I am actually doing things that help make time move a little faster.  I am making decision that influence me and my work instead of others planning my schedule and telling me what to do.  And I moved my furniture around.  Granted, not everything is the way I want it yet, but it is much better.  I asked for a week to get some burly men to come into my office and move things and they never came.  I was fed up by Friday and just did it myself.  It is coming together.

People can actually fit in the office now!

Next step, get the furniture out that belongs to other people and get some art on those white white walls.

As I mentioned last week the land the school I work for was bought by a Buddhist Educational Service.  They have been gracious this year and are allowing us to stay on the campus and share the facilities as they prepare to have students in a year.  This leaves my school grateful and also a little discombobulated (can't believe I spelled that one right on the first try!)  Our school offices are directly under the gym.  It has been fun learning to tune out a heard of students running laps.

One of my favorite adjustments is the school's No Meat Allowed on Campus rule.  The Buddhists that own the land now have strict diets and being vegetarian is part of that.  Because this is their land and we are renting for the year they have asked that the campus be totally vegetarian.  Really, it is not that big of a deal.  To me it is funny.  We can keep worshiping Jesus, teach Bible classes, and have chapel every week but we cannot have meat!  I love it!

The news of this was received with confused ears by disgruntled carnivores. Personally, I didn't care.  I was a vegetarian for two years and not eating meat for one meal during the day is easy for me.  The story of how I quit being a vegetarian is actually pretty great one.  Let's just say a boy asked me to come to his family's home for dinner, they made chicken, they practically forced me to eat it, I caused a huge family fight, people didn't speak to each other ever again, the world ended.  The boy and I didn't last much longer after that experience.

Lunchtime and not a sole is left on campus other than me.

Some of my favorite moments at work have come from this ban on meat.  Most people are eating off campus everyday.  I think a lot of weight will be gained and a lot of dollars spent.  I usually eat my lunch alone in the teacher's lounge, as it appears I am one of the only people who can a meal with out the meat. Lunches are planned around meat.  I really think most people are over compensating because they have been told to abstain.

Today I walked to Subway to buy a Veggie Delight sandwich and ate it at work.  I sat in the teacher's lounge eating my sandwich and was stared down for the better part of my lunch.  I knew that everyone who walked by was thinking This girl is eating meat!  What a hussy!  But no one said anything.  Finally, one lady had that "What a hussy!" look on her face and flat out asked me what type of sandwich I was eating.  I told her it was veggie and she smiled and walked away.

 

I am planning on starting a support group for my colleagues to help them get through this tough time.  I might even offer to teach them how to make tofu yummy.  I am pretty sure they would rather die than eat tofu. I have collected an assortment of quotes from these lovely folks that I will be sharing at some point when the school year is underway.  I need a little more time to eavesdrop and get more quotes for your enjoyment. 

 In other news, you should head over to one of my favorite blogs  The Life of Bon and check her out.  Read a few of her posts add her on instagram, and become a better person.  There may be a little photo there and the best endorsement I have ever received, "basically this girl lies a lot."  If that is not a reason to read my blog I don't know what is!

Happy Wednesday to you and go eat some meat in my honor for lunch!

love! Erica

Every Little Thing's Gonna Be Alright

This past weekend I was reminded how much I worry about how my life is going.  The thoughts I expressed I expressed in yesterday's post are really the source of much of my worry.  How do I fit into and thrive in each of these categories? 

I worry about work, finding a good man, if I should go to doctorate school and the repercussions of my life when I make a decision.  Usually the thought that runs though my head is will I miss out on what I was supposed to do if I choose this instead.  I know I am not alone in this type of thought and even behavior that reflexts trepidation regarding my future.  I know that I am pretty tired of it though. 

This weekend I heard time after time that we I should not worry.  I was thinking about it on Friday on my own and then had conversation with a friend about the future and continued to be OK with where I am at right now without trying to figure out "what next"?

Sunday was really when I was confronted with how much thought and energy I put into worry.  The sermon at church was on not worrying!  No joke.  The major thing I took away from the sermon was that worrying takes time, energy, and thoughts away from what is happening and places it on what might happen.  Why stay up at night thinking about what might happen tomorrow?  When I heard it put this way I was aware of how silly it sounded.  Why get worked into a tizzy for something that you don't even know is happening?  Sheesh there was some major freedom in that for me. 

Later that afternoon I was talking with a co-worker at her home about going to get a PhD one day.  Her brother heard us talking and told us to relax. My friend is on a search for a man, and man alive is she searching.  It has been exhusting to watch her!  I do not know how she keeps going on dates, talking to new guys, and trying new things to meet someone.  

 Her brother, in a way that only an older brother can, told her to take a chill pill.  He reminded us that one day when we are married and have kids that we will look back to our times without it and miss it.  We need to appriciate what we have while we have it.  The most encouraging part was that he said when you are married, not if you ever get married.  It will happen, I just need to relax, live my life and love the moments as they come. 

Lastly, my devotional for July 16th  in Jesus Calling was the following:

July 16

Do not worry about tomorrow! This is not a suggestion, but a command. I divided time into days and nights, so that you would have manageable portions of life to handle. My grace is sufficient for you, but its sufficiency is for only one day at a time. When you worry about the future, you heap day upon day of troubles onto your flimsy frame. You stagger under this heavy load, which I never intended you to carry.

Throw off this oppressive burden with one quick thrust of trust. Anxious thoughts meander about and crisscross in your brain, but trusting Me brings you directly into My Presence. As you thus affirm your faith, shackles of worry fall off instantly. Enjoy My Presence continually by trusting Me at all times.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

—Matthew 6:34

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

—2 Corinthians 12:9

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

—Psalm 62:8

Sometimes it takes this knuckle head three times in one day to get the point.  I am sure that those little anxious thoughts will try and work their way into my life which is part of the reason I wrote this post.  It is a reminder for me when I start to over analyze my life and fret about the future.  

I will rest in the wisdom of Bob Marley and remember that, "every little thing's gonna be alright" because it is too hard to not believe that. 

  love! Erica

The Age In between

I have been thinking a lot about the stage of life that I am in.  Psychologists have coined the time from after college to 30 or so as "Emerging Adulthood."  The textbook I teach from gives some descriptors about this particular age group.  They are all dead on but  a little hurtful too.  The one that seems to ring the most true for me and many of my friends is that during the 20s most people feel "in between."

The most clear place that this in between comes into play is that we are no longer adolescents and some would say not quite adults.  Honestly, I agree.  Clearly we have grown up some more than high school kids, I hope, but I was not comfortable with being an adult until recently. Paying bills, going to bed at a decent time, saving money, all were things I postponed.  Now I relish them and feel good taking care of business.

I have thought about some other areas where the 20s are really an age in between.  All of my examples come from my own life and have been shared with friends and others who tend to agree.  If you disagree or experienced life differently more power to ya!

Relationships 
Single. Married. New Parents. 

The 20s are totally a time of transition.  I honestly do not know anyone who has any of these categories figured out in their 20s.  There is always something that keeps us striving to be better at whatever our relationship and family status is, which I think is a good thing.

I also think that no matter where you are there is always something more that you may want.  When you are single you want to be married.  Married?  People start asking when you are having kids 10 seconds after you say, "I Do."  It appears there is always something more that can be added to label us in order for others to understand and relate to where we are.

Housing 
Campus Housing.  Parent's House. Roommates. Your Own Apartment. First Home.

Trying to figure out where you will live as an almost adult has been one of the strangest times of my life.  Leaving campus housing and moving in with my parents after college was not very grown up of me but it was necessary.  Then I moved out for a few months, moved back in with the momma, moved out, moved back, and now I am living on my own in an apartment I pay for and have no intention of going back.

Apparently we are referred to as the boomerang generation by some smuck who lives in his mothers basement.  We leave and try and make it on our own and then run out of money or lose a job and move back in with our parents while we earn another degree or find another job.  It is just so fun.  Of course the plan is t be independent and own your own home.  This thought terrifies me.  Having to do home repairs on my own house sounds like the most middle aged thing I could ever do.  I have not yet resigned myself to home ownership.

Clothing 
Jeans and T-Shirts. Sundresses.  Dressing too Old. Figuring It Out. 

Man college was the best.  I miss wearing jeans and t-shirts for every occasion possible. After college I had a hard time finding my style.  I found a teaching job a year out of college and was excited to buy some "big girl" clothes.  I failed.  I either just bought more junior clothes that I tried to make look professional or I went shopping with my mom and bought nice pieces that were 1o years too old for me.  I either looked like a teenager or a 40 year old that first year.  It was awesome.

I feel like I have found more of my style that fits my age group and career.  I still have days where I don't quite have it together, like last Thursday when I loved my outfit at home and then despised it once I got to work.  Overall progress has been positive and cute.

Jobs 
Not a job not a career

Oh man how many jobs have I had this decade of life?  Easy answer, too many.  My work has ranged from office work, to Starbucks Barista, to Drama Teacher, to Sub, to nanny, to 3rd grade teacher (I lasted 2 weeks by the way), summer camp counselor, tutor, worship leader, youth pastor, unemployed bum, professional student, English teacher, and now high school counselor.

Clearly, I have had my share of jobs.  As I have grown up I have moved into a path that is more of a career and I have a job that many people work at as a career for the rest of their lives.  I still think there is more in store for me, like a doctorate degree and working at a university, maybe writing a book, or something.  I am happy with my job, but there is still more I want to accomplish.

I am sure most quit reading this long post or just came to the only part with a picture.  This is me in my student teaching days.  I totally rocked the worlds of girl's 8th grade basketball team.

Friendships 
Hey you seem cool, can we be friends?

Is it just me or is it stinking hard to make friends after college.  Had I realized this I hope I would have worked harder to make more lasting friendships in college.  I have some wonderful friends and I am grateful for them.  They are from all stages of my life so far childhood, high school, college and work.

Making quality friends these days is just a challenge sometimes.  There are so many labels that separate us.  Married, single, parent, homeowner, unemployed, unfashionable, overachiever, etc. I think one reason it can be challenging is because the 20s are a decade of such intense change.  My life has changed drastically over the last 8 years and I know that I have not always been the best friend I could be.  I can be selfish and too involved in my own life to notice who I could befriend.  I can make up excuses as to why I am not close with someone, "Well they have a kid and they only hangout with people from the MOPS group (MOPS is Moms of Preschoolers, if you are a hip, Christian mom you probably to to MOPS.)

The fact of the matter is that we are all in some sort of transitional phase.  I do not know anyone who has their stage of life figured out yet.  I can be impatient and often want things to work out..... NOW.  I have learned through my 20s that that just isn't how it is going to work.  I can worry about what my life will look like on the reg or I can take each day as it comes.  I can look for new jobs, graduate schools, dates, friends while I am content where I am at.  It is a tension of enjoying where you are and still looking for the next opportunity to move forward.

For today I will enjoy this season I am in because I know that I will not have this time again.  One day I will look back at it and think I was a knucklehead for wanting things to be more settled and figured out.   Relaxing and not worrying are hard for me sometimes.  However as I have been reminded this week worry is pointless.  Why exert energy and lose sleep over something you can not control?  Life can change very quickly and I am excited to keep on going about my day and seeing where I will be in the next few years.

What A Weekend

As I sit here in my apartment and reflect on my weekend I am overwhelmed with how incredibly blessed I am.  I have such great friends, a wonderful place to live (I mean come on, I love So Cal!), and I am young and healthy and can enjoy my life.  Again I am incredibly blessed. 

This weekend was just back to back fun and great times with loved ones. 

Friday night Justina and I went to The Ranch in Anahiem for some line dancing.  We usually go on Thursdays because there are lessons and it is mostly fun line dancing with a little couples dancing.  This was our first and probably last Friday experience.  The Friday night crowd is promarily old couples cutting it up on the dance floor, two stepping their hearts out.  It was cute to watch them, but not as fun as actually dancing yourself.  

We still had a great time and learned a new line dance and watched a band preform.  The band was amazing, and I am pretty sure the bass player was Homeless Jeff Bridges.  Pretty awesome I know! 

Jus and I after our epic evening.

My sad/angry/Brando in the Godfather impressions.  Apparently asking for water at a bar gets you a straw with a knot tied in it.

Saturday afternoon I went with my momma and met some of our old friends for lunch at the Yard House at Victoria Gardens.  Let me just say, I love the Yard House!  

The friends we met are some of the people I have known the longest.  I was told on Friday that maintaing friendships over a long course of time is a mark of maturity.  Well then Amanda and I are extremely mature. I have known my friend Amanda since 3rd grade and we have stayed friends all this time.  I was even her Maid of Honor a year and a half ago.  We live a little ways apart, but make an effort to get together when we can and catch up.  Our moms have been friends that whole time too, so it is usually a family affair. 

Amanda's mom and my mom.

Amanda and I.  I have some stunning pictures from our childhood that will probably be making an apperance here this summer.

Amanda and her husband Wayne are so sweet and supportive.  They both told me that they love my little blog here.  Wayne even went to far as to make fun of me based on this blog post about Country Rappers.

Saturday night I also went to the movies with my friend Laura.  We actually went to breakfast together that morning and decided to see a movie later in the day.  We both made a joke about seeing Grown Ups 2.  Then I said I actually really wanted to see it because I liked Grown Ups.  She felt the exact same way. 

All I have to say is if you are planning on seeing Grown Ups 2, don't.  It was by far one of the worst movies I have ever seen.  That being said it has provided loads of laughs and funny stories for the weekend so i guess it wasn't the worst way to spend 2 hours.   Laura and I need to be better about taking pictures together.  This is sad that we have none from the weekend. 

I also went to church with Laura this morning.  It was such a great service about not worrying.  Apparently I need to hear this a lot as it has been a topic of conversation all weekend!  More on this topic tomorrow. 

This evening I went with Justina to my favorite driving range called Island Golf Center and hit a bucket of balls.  We are taking lessons this summer and our instructor told us to practice.  He kind of scares us so we went out to improve our mad skills.  Really it is just fun to hit a ton of balls into a lake.  My goal is to make it in the boat in the middle of the pond one day.

I wrote a little number about this place that you can read here.

I am sure my form is terrible, but I am getting better, promise.

Justina's intense concentration are going to get her into the PGA next week, just you wait.

On a sad note, my right hand had a bad day.  My thumb had an incident with the cheese grater, which is just further proof that I am not domestic as I wrote about in my post about here called I Am Not A Chef.  And while golfing I got a blister on my middle finger and then the skin ripped off.  On a positive note it has made typing this post extra fun. 

a

Whatever you did this weekend I hope it was great.  Feel free to share some of your favorite things to do and places to go.  I am always looking for new things to do.

                 

                     love! Erica