It's been two days of doom and gloom (in my head). It's been snowing, there hasn't been any sun. The snow melts into puddles and my feet get wet. I NEED SUN! Today: I got it.
I left work, and the sun was finally out. It's the first time since fall that I've seen people on the river. It made me extremely happy.
Clint and I went out for Korean food after I got home. It was also delicious.
I had a nice lazy morning today, and then went off to a writing workshop with a Saskatchewan author (Wes Funk). I'll write more about the actual workshop in my writing blog. (link below).
After the workshop, C and I went to the mall close by our place (also known as an 'old person' mall). We did a bit of shopping and then had a late lunch/early supper. I was teasing C because we fit in so well with the seniors. It was still a good 'date' night, even if at Smitty's.
I also bought a new journal (on sale) and a novel I didn't need. I need to stay out of bookstores, but ... too late now!
Now... writing workshops make me want to write. So I'm going to spend the next two days writing.
I made an online purchase. I don't usually do that unless it's groupon. That's how excited I was about it. I bought these for myself and my two friends.
I've given it to one friend so far, D will get hers next time I see her. I did text her a picture because I knew I'd be posting online, and that would ruin the surprise.
How to pick? Babies
Obviously the baby wins. My good friend in Toronto has a new little baby boy. He was born early this morning, and I got to see a picture around noon. I wasn't expecting it, so the picture was the best thing ever. (I'm obviously, not sharing it, as it's not mine to share.) I can't wait to meet him.
Trucks
Then there are the things that aren't as important, but still part of my day, and things I'm grateful for. C had to take a trip out of town, so we switched vehicles for the day. My car is better on gas. (Although, we'll see how it works tomorrow, seems it lost some gas on his trip quicker than expected). Either way, I got to drive his big truck, and it always makes me feel like a big toughie. By the end of the day, the rain had cleaned off the dirt!
Food
It wouldn't be an Erin style gratitude post if I didn't mention food. Congress Beer House has the best fries ever. And I had some today. I took my work buddy out for a belated birthday lunch. I had a burger and fries, which is basically my usual for pubs because it's the only time I eat it. I had LOTS of left overs and got to snack on fries all day. The burger was good too. I'll finish it tomorrow for lunch.
Rain
I didn't love the rain today because it seemed like it was never going to stop, but there is something refreshing about rain (other than it cleans my car for free). Also, rain is better than snow. My umbrella didn't do so well. The wonderful Saskatchewan wind kept flipping it the wrong way.
Well, where to start? Gratitude all over the freaking place today.
The sun was out at lunch.
Blue skies and messy hair.
I love my polka dotted four dollar shirt.
We missed Easter supper so we made a ham meal tonight. It was delicious. C did most of the work. All I did was overpay for the delicious ham.
And I got a bit of packing done even though we aren't moving until the end of May, and we still don't officially know where we will move. Book packing.
All this, and did all my regular daily stuff (dishes, writing, work, coffee for tomorrow, and clothes for tomorrow.)
The day started out a little dreary looking. It was quite foggy and misty. I was in a pretty good mood, considering I was heading to work.
And then, the day turned into this. Sunshine, blue skies. Real Spring type weather!
Completely unrelated, I got a free cupcake today. I chose the one that looks a bit unappetising. I made a good decision. Don't judge a book by it's cover. (although I do). This was SO darn delicious.
We were going to head to my parent's house for Easter, but C wasn't feeling well yesterday. So we stayed home instead. We've relaxed, watched TV, cuddled, slept in, and I am writing. I miss my family, but I'm sure he misses his family more. I look forward to our next trip to Ontario. I'm sure he does even more. Either way, we're spending the long weekend together, and there's nothing wrong with that. No pictures. There isn't anything exciting to show. Just relaxing.
Last night, Clint and I had a night off from everything and watched 'scary' movies. We actually haven't watched a lot of scary movies together. We both have the same reason: because we don't actually get scared.
C chose the movie 1408 with John Cusack. (I'll watch any movie with John Cusack because he reminds me of all the great 90s movies.)
It's adapted from a Stephen King novel about... a writer. (Shocking, right?) C had seen it before, but I've never watched it. He guaranteed me I would be scared. I think we should have taken bets. I jumped once, and it was at the end.
So we moved on to another scary movie that neither of us had watched before. C chose it based on the fact that it was about a monster under the bed. I like to sleep with my feet sticking out from under the blankets, so he figured it would be a true test to see if I can still sleep like that after the movie is over.
We chose a movie called "Under the Bed". Here's the description: "Two brothers team up to battle a creature under the bed, in what is described as a "suburban nightmare" tale."
Now there's a little kid in the movie, so of course, I was suspicious of the kid. Turns out, he was just a cute kid trying to fight the monster under his bed.
Was I scared? No, but I seriously had the best laugh ever. I also kept imagining these two brothers as Sam and Dean in the past (from Supernatural).
So, no scary movies, but I had a great laugh! Thanks Netflix.
If anybody has any suggestions for ACTUAL scary movies, let me know. Truth be told, I like getting scared, it just doesn't work out like I want. In fact, I went on a date with a guy (before C) to the movie 'Woman in Black' and he jumped the entire way through the movie, while I just kind of sat there trying to figure out why he was jumping, and why he was so skinny.
So gratitude to a good night watching movies with my awesome boyfriend who also didn't jump, and isn't too skinny.
Also we had cake pops at work for my work bff's birthday! Delicious!
This was all yesterday. Today's to come probably tomorrow as well.
I've been reading this book at lunch. I confess that I read more than one books at once, and sometimes that makes my reading habits worse. Right now, I've got a good thing going. I read this one on my lunch break, and I am reading a different one before I go to bed.
I'll have to break out of this pattern tonight because my lunch break ended, and I wanted to keep reading. So all I want to do is go home and finish this novel. I'll need a new lunchtime book, but it shouldn't be too hard to find.
Either way, I enjoy reading, and I don't do it enough. I think before I start my next novel, I'll try to work down the reading list.
AND, in case anybody is curious, Wes Funk is a Saskatchewan author. I have a workshop with him at the end of the month actually.
That's it. Gratitude to reading, books, and escapes from reality.
My last three photo albums/scrapbooks have been done on my computer. I bought Groupons for all of them, and got them for about 30 dollars (plus shipping).
I received my third one today. It was from June last year to April. So basically, a year of my life in an album. It turned out great, and got here in about a week. Photobook Canada is what I go through. (Although, it's made in Asia, so there isn't really anything Canadian about it).
I sent away my Query Letter/Manuscript. I didn't hold off on sending it, I just sent up. I didn't take the time to think about it, or to hold off because maybe I'd make some changes. I just sent it.
Although I'm on the staff association at work, I haven't made it to many staff events in the two and a half years I've worked there. I've been to all the Christmas parties, but that's it. It's pretty terrible considering I've been on the staff association for more than a year now. We just had a staff bowling event. I was one of the planners for it, so I decided to go test out my bowling game. I promised C I'd beat him. I didn't. I did, however, get one strike in two games. It was FANTASTIC! I was so excited! I turned around from the strike, expecting my team to be cheering... Not one of them were paying attention. Saddest thing ever! They finally cheered after they noticed me pouting, but it was too late! Haha. They saw every almost gutter ball though! Either way, it was a fun afternoon. I'm grateful to have coworkers that are pretty darn awesome.
And I'm done first draft of my query letter. I'm working on the next draft tonight. It took me WAY too long to finish draft one, but I've already mentioned my reasons for this in my other blog (link below).
SO... with any luck I will have it perfected by the time my weekend is over.
Also Update on my Gratitude:
My Twitter Followers made it to 200 tonight. Slow but surely, I'm finding more and more writing friends to compare notes with.
Today I'm trying something new. The whole throw back Thursday thing. I've never participated, in fact I just called it 'take back Thursday' before I realised that was the wrong name. I realise it's not new at all, but it's new to my gratitude blog. So for my ThrowBack Thursday Gratitude, I'm lucky enough to have taken Creative Writing classes in the past with Saskatchewan Authors. Ken Mitchell and Gail Bowen. I loved both classes, although, I'll admit, I loved Gail Bowen's class a little more. There weren't a lot of Creative Writing classes offered by the University of Regina English Department, but I am so happy I was able to take the two I did. It was a time to write creatively, and a nice break from essays. I hope I was as appreciative of it back then as I am now. Anyway, I was looking at the "rate my prof" and checked them both out. I found most of the comments to be true. I didn't think "Pompous and Bitter" was a completely fair comment.
I was extremely lucky to have the writing experiences I did at my young age, I'm glad I'm finally using it.
I'm not sure I'll do the Throwback Thursday every week, but it's a nice change.
I will admit, I started the day off with a big and black cloud over my head. The black cloud was moving quickly because of the wind. It was colder, I couldn't wear my sandals, and I was tired. Gratitude won again though.
The day did get better.
I had a delicious free lunch with my work bff. Kal Tire was having a customer appreciation so we braved the wind to stop by. Also... I love orange crush.
Even though I couldn't wear my sandals and had to put on stupid boots, I got to wear a pair I had forgotten about. I found them while packing. They're about four to five years old, but a nice change from my others.
Also, #amwriting is trending on Twitter. Which is awesome! I love hashtags on Twitter because I'm able to interact with other writers, and learn more. Lots of resources available.
Last, came home to supper made and ready. C spoils me. (Also needed the wine.) Ignore the mess. Lots of house stuff on the coffee table. I like chaos.
The title says it all. I'm grateful for the weather. I wore sandals for the first time today. Yay!
Went for a walk around the river with my work bff.
And finally, went for after work drinks with my buddy, T. On the patio. Outside. It was a bit cold by the end, but I actually am okay with that.
All in all, fantastic day.
Just an fyi, I am unashamed of the fact that I take a lot of selfies. I don't see anything that will make me regret taking them. When I'm 85, I'll look back and be very happy to look at my young self enjoying life. Also, I take a lot more when I'm bored. I had a half hour to wait until my friend got there, and I forgot a book. So when I needed a break from the downtown view, I took pictures.
It was a bit cold this morning for the bare legs/feet, but I waited patiently.
First river walk on my lunch. I had bare (glowing white) legs, walked by an open patio (yay!), and was warm enough to take off my coat.
All while smiling ear to ear. It was a good stress relief.
And this:
Sorry it's so hard to look at. I can't get the screen shot because blogger is annoying on my phone... so I just take a picture of my screen.
My Gratitude blog (this one) jumped into the thousands for page views. Yay! I am well aware, that it isn't a big amount, and I'm okay with that. I'm just happy some people are taking the time to read. So thanks to anybody who is reading this or had because it's great of you to stop by.
Spring is back and it is gorgeous! Went house hunting today. Our real estate agent was having trouble opening up a door, so I took advantage of the lovely day. (And too pictures of me and the blue skies.) Cause... why not?
Was nice enough to have a milkshake while heading to my sister's house for supper.
AND of course, we ate a delicious meal AND got to see this guy. My old cat, now my sister's cat. (He's okay with the trade, she loves him too).
C and I slept in, did some laundry, had delicious meals. We went to look at a house (that we didn't love), and had some Starbucks. We watched a great movie on Netflix after supper. Highly recommend it.
Although, I'll admit, I don't like when Steve Carell is mean. As always, nice quiet Saturday and a beautiful day.
Now, I catch up on blogging, and will curl up with a book while C watches a TRULY horrible movie on Netflix. Normally if I hear Woody Harrelson and Josh Hartnett, I'd assume the movie would be great. Not so much. Oh - also watched The Internship last night. I laughed much more than I thought. Pretty good movie. (Go Google!)
First thing's first. It was nice enough for a dress today, but not quite nice enough to wear the dress with leggings. I kind of hate leggings a lot, and feel like I spend more time pulling them up, then being comfortable. Brings me back to the days of tights when I was a little kid. Also, they look silly with my dress.
I know. That doesn't sound like gratitude, but the warm weather is coming, and when it does, those leggings are going to be put away until winter, and everybody will be forced to look at my bright white legs. The boots will also be gone, and it will be sandals only.
In other news: I will be shutting off my phone and staying off my laptop from 5 until I go to bed (I'll probably check my messages before going to bed, just in case.)
It worked so well last Friday, I think I'll make it a regular thing.
I cancelled plans with a friend tonight because I was exhausted. I haven't been sleeping well these past few days, and it's catching up. So imagine my displeasure when my landlords asked if there was any chance we could skedaddle for a few hours so they can show the house to somebody. I guess they are thinking of selling instead of renovating the basement. Either way, we went out. We were going to go to the movies, but couldn't find one we really wanted to see, so we did a tiny bit of window shopping and then had a couple beers. I was still exhausted, but I can't really complain about an unexpected date night can I? Also, I was just telling C about my other blog post today. (http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/04/im-fine-and-other-lies.html) and I mentioned he makes my life better after explaining the good place I'm in. His response was 'No, WE make OUR lives better.' I can't argue with that can I?
Also, check out the bright blue sky! A blue sky and planning our future together. Awesome!!
And because I love love love food. We went to Izumi Sushi tonight \after talking to our real estate agent. They've added Korean food to the menu which means I got Bibimbop and sushi. I was a happy happy girl. And full.
When I first moved back to the city a few years ago, I didn't really have a plan in place for my living situation. I was staying with my best friend, D, until I found my own place to live. I ended up meeting my future roommate at a baby shower she was throwing for a mutual friend. I mentioned I liked the location, and she mentioned she was looking for somebody to share a rent, and had a spare room.
It seemed like a pretty good deal, and easy enough. She did have two dogs, but that was fine.
So I moved in with her, and I think we lived together for almost two years. (Maybe not quite). We lived in one house, and then later different place because we had a bad luck streak with owners wanting to get rid of or sell their houses. So eventually, we went our separate ways.
We were both woman in our 30s, so living with somebody took a bit of getting used to. Luckily we shared a love for wine, books and great television shows.
I went through some rough times while living there, and I imagine I was hard to live with at times. I was lucky to have her. She kept me laughing, listened when I needed, and gave me space when I needed it.
Anyway, she now lives in Alberta, and we got to hang out again last night when she came into Saskatoon for a visit. It's one of those situations where you don't really realise how much you miss somebody until you see them again.
Long story short, I'm grateful for her friendship and for her great patience with me when we were roomies.
This picture is great because we took the smiling one, and we were like... 'something is wrong'. So we took the other because it felt WAY more natural.
