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Monday 31 March 2014

March 31st Damn good Month

This month has been good. I did a lot, loved a lot, laughed a lot, and had a lot of gratitude.

Also: Just wrote this about the people who inspire me: http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-31st-inspiration.html

Lucky lucky me.

In news that may not be put in the gratitude section, but I choose to look at it as something new to look forward to: My landlord gave us two months notice to find a new place. So the house hunt will be a bit more rushed. We need to find a place by June. I can't wait for a real kitchen (that I don't have to share). There may be a bit less of the crockpot gratitude, only because I use it less. I could be wrong though.

Anyway, we'll find a place, and start our life together in an unshared house. That's pretty great.


Sunday 30 March 2014

March 29th and 30th Love for my friends

I had a day off yesterday. I had lunch with family, C and I went to a couple of open houses, and then I celebrated my latest novel milestone (the last edit) with friends. I realized last week that I hadn't actually celebrated the fact that I wrote a novel at all. I thought it was time to change that.

I had a blast. I love writing, and I loved editing, but it was so wonderful to give myself a weekend off. Also, I love my friends and family. Always and forever. I'm so very lucky to have them in my life.




Also, one of my favourite moments was when we ordered shots for all of us (one round of shots), the waitress dropped them off and asked if we were celebrating something important. C said, 'My girlfriend just finished her first book.' They rang the bell for me. It was nice. Can't wait till I actually publish my book! 

Today C and I are relaxing. Breakfast out, a bit of house cleaning, book reading, and Gilmore Girls. (C does not approve of the Gilmore Girls, but oh well.)

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also check out http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/

Friday 28 March 2014

March 28th DONE (this phase)

This:



I wrote a damn book. And edited in three times. (More to come, I have no doubt).

So that is what I'm grateful for. That's not all. I'm grateful that I get to go home tonight, and have wine with my boyfriend and watch some Netflix WITHOUT a laptop on my lap (haha). I'm grateful that tomorrow I get to have the WHOLE day off. Lunch with family, celebration supper later (for writing my first book) with friends, and some time out of the house and away from computers. On Sunday, I'm grateful that I don't have to do ANYTHING. You know what I will do? I'll read a book!

Monday, back to work, and also starting my query letter for my first publisher choice. I won't worry about it until then.

Also, kind of unrelated, but related at the same time, I'm glad that I started blogging, facebooking and twittering about my progress. I LOVE when people express interest in my writing. A coworker just asked me how my book was going. I had never spoken to him about it before, but he knew because of Facebook. It was nice, and it helps.

I'm blogging this at lunchtime because I'm seriously not doing any writing over the weekend. (Even saying that, I didn't believe it).

Tonight I won't be. In fact, I'm turning off my phone as soon as I get home. I'll turn it back on Saturday morning.

I went off on a tangent. Either way. Grateful grateful grateful.


©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.
Also check out http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/

Thursday 27 March 2014

March 27th This IS important

This morning wasn't great. Things weren't going my way. I was grumpy, I was running late. I was impatient. This was all before I left my house.

On my way to work, the song, Happy by Pharrell Williams came on the station I was listening to. It cheered me up.


I parked my car, and walked across the bridge to get to work downtown. I sat down and realised I forgot my coffee in my car. Well... I forgot all about the fantastic song I just heard to remind me to be happy. I can't just walk across the bridge. It's a longer walk than needed to get coffee. I don't like the coffee at work. Now I had to drink it. OH MY GOD MY LIFE IS SOOOO ROUGH. Seriously. Drama queen over here.

I logged into Facebook which is pretty much part of my daily work routine that has nothing to do with work.

I saw this:
 
I'm not sure if you can read that. It's a family I follow on Facebook. I discovered their blog http://familybondingtime.blogspot.ca/ by accident, and was immediately impressed and appreciative of how brave they were. It was inspirational. If you have the time, give it a read from the start. It's about a couple who were both diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other. It's about the struggle they've had being in and out of hospitals while they had a young daughter at home (she was a baby when they were diagnosed). It's about love, inspiration, and gratitude. At times, it also has anger and confusion. Nathan, the father/husband, recovered and is in remission. His wife fought every day to get better. She passed away yesterday. That's what the screen shot is about. It's sad. It was expected, but it's still heart breaking.

These are the blogs I love. They are real and honest blogs about real things. These people are brave. 

I read another about a young woman going through breast cancer. She was a friend of a friends actually. I can still remember the post from her greatest love, saying she had passed away. I cried. It was a few years ago now, but the story still sticks with me.

I don't know either of the people that wrote the blogs personally. That doesn't stop me from caring and feeling sad about what has happened.

Life is so damn short for too many people. Wasting my day being upset because I forgot my coffee in my car is silly (although, I still wish I had it with me). I need to be thankful every day that I have the chance live the life I do with the people I have. I get to write my novel. I have a job. I have Clint. I have my awesome family and fabulous friends. I am so lucky. I'm lucky every damn day. Every. Damn. Day. Things do get shitty, and I think it's important to sometimes take a moment and have a temper tantrum, or have a cry, but then move on, and see all the good around you.

Sometimes I think this Gratitude blog is tedious, and it's not important I the long run. Days like this remind me that I'm wrong. It is important. (Granted, it could just be a journal, but I'm at my computer all day, it's easier to do it this way.)

So my gratitude for the day? That I'm here.

(also... I'm happy I finally figured out how to post you tube videos without just posting the link.)


©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

(the video isn't mine. It's from You Tube... as it says.)

Also check out http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/

Wednesday 26 March 2014

March 26th New app

That's correct. I'm a dork. I always find quotes and inspiration that I like on Pinterest, but I don't want to use it on my blog, or anywhere else because it's not mine.

So I found an app that allows me to add words to photos. It's called Phonto (get it?). I've only done one, but I think anytime I find a quote I fall in love with, I'll try to add it to my own pictures. This way, I'm stealing quotes, but not photos.

Here's what I did. The only thing I forgot was to give credit for the quote. Jack Kerouac said it. At least - that's what the Internet tells me.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Tuesday 25 March 2014

March 25th Twitter Tweet Tweet

Couple things today:

I've been on Twitter for a while. I recently started using it more in January. I share thoughts and I share blog posts. I'm gaining followers. Slowly but surely. I'm enjoying following other writers, and seeing what they have to say. It feels like a writing community.

Anyway, made it to 100 followers today. Believe me, I know that's not a lot. I've seen how many followers people have, and I don't really know how they get so many. It's not that important right now, but I think it will help if I get published.


Also. I have 1234 pageviews on my other blog (link below). I just like the number. No other reason to be grateful than a great number.



Also: I had fun writing a blog post in Erin's Writing Life. Questions about What goes around Comes around?  http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-25th-karma.html

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Monday 24 March 2014

March 24th The new theme to my life? Editing...

I've been in a surprisingly good mood considering it is Monday.

Here's what I did today at lunch. It's also what I'm about to do now. It's what I'll be doing for the rest of the week. It's the first time I had my laptop to write at work. It actually worked well. I wasn't used to a desk. I like it. I did keep trying to use the mouse for the big computer, so It's something to get used to.



I have made a deal with myself (and C). When I finish editing, by the end of the week, C and I are going out on Saturday. Nice supper, drinks, fun. We're doing it all. ONLY if I'm done by the end of the week.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Sunday 23 March 2014

March 22 & 23 Editing Mode

I took a break from my usual wine choice this weekend and tried a new beer. You can't really go wrong with something called Dead Frog.

I was in editing mode yesterday. (Also cleaned some of my house). I did over 50 pages. Amazing how much you can do when you actually work at it. I've been slowly editing for the past couple of weeks, but now I'm finally feeling like I'm making progress. It gets pretty tedious. Still love it though. I'm am loving my changes, and looking forward to sharing them with the next phase of readers.

 
And had supper made by this gorgeous guy:


©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Friday 21 March 2014

March 20th & 21st Alright! Spring!

First day of Spring yesterday. Still cool, but whatever. Warmth is on it's way. Today was -30 WITH the wind chill. Which, is better than -60 WITH the wind chill. Also yesterday and this morning were the first mornings I haven't had to scrape off my windows. So no complaints there either.

I'll leave you with a little Darius Rucker. Cause he's awesome. This is NOT a new song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etr7UtnUflM&list=PL04FFDAFFA10B25D4

Wednesday 19 March 2014

March 18 & 19 Hot/Cold Patches = Brilliant

I've had back and stomach pain for two days. Not sure why, but it's been bugging me. I didn't go to work today, hoping that will help.

So my daily gratitude?
Right here:



Expensive but works. Should help me out tomorrow when I'm back at work.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Tuesday 18 March 2014

March 17: St Paddy's Day

I wore a St Patrick's Day shirt to work.



I went out and had Guinness and food with friends. C, De and Nate. C and I both had St Paddy shirts. We looked great. I'm only posting the beer though. Skipped green, went straight for delicious.


And my name basically means Ireland... so why not celebrate?

Photo: Check. Got the right name.

Even though it was a Monday, and none of us felt like it should be, we went and played a quick (and great) game, and went for a dip in their hot tub.

All in all I've got the gratitude thing like crazy! Wonderful night.

Unfortunately, I'm having some back pain. I was hoping the hot tub would fix it, but it didn't seem to. Hopefully my next gratitude will be because it feels better. I know that wasn't gratitude and is kind of against what the whole blog is about, but my back hurts and it sucks. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow, or I'll be visiting some sort of professional to help me out.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Sunday 16 March 2014

March 15 and 16 Weekend

First, I need to mention the fact that I just noticed I've been using February instead of March for all my blog entries. I tried to fix it so hopefully they're good.

My weekend has been good. C and I went for a great walk today. My feet got soaked because of all the puddles. I need to buy some rubber boots for some puddle jumping.

Two great crock pot meals. We had curry chicken last night and Dr Pepper ribs tonight.

I did some writing and some blogging. I wrote a blog post today about my hometown. I shared it on Fb and on Twitter. It got a lot of pageviews which made me happy. It was an important post.

Comfy pants I bought years ago in Taiwan. They have a few rips, but I love 'em.

Curry Chicken
©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Saturday 15 March 2014

March 13 & 14 No social media and Free lunches

March 13th

I decided on Thursday that I needed a break from social media. Blogging, twitter, and Facebook. Facebook has become such a crutch. It's what I do when I'm bored. Either way I made it until the end of the work day. I'm okay with that. While I was off the blogging/facebooking, I discovered a website/blog called 40 Days of Dating. I really enjoyed reading it.

It was a bit colder as well, but at the end of the night it was snowing big and heavy flakes. Although I am ready for winter to be over, it looked really pretty. I was also heading home from my friend's house, and was happy to have caught up with her.


I also ate the rest of my Caramilk bar, I've been slowly eating this for a couple of months now. Delicious.

I really can't take pictures of snow with my phone. I try anyway.



March 14
I got a free lunch at work. We all did. It was 'auction day' on CJWW and they bring in a delicious catered lunch (and dessert.) I had THE most amazing hot sauce ever. I also went for a steak night with C and my friend and her new boyfriend. Once again. Delicious. 



©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Wednesday 12 March 2014

March 11th & 12th Optimism

March 11th: I know I already spoke about the weather yesterday, but I'm from Saskatchewan. It's cold here. It's been a long and cold winter. This past week, it has felt like Spring, and winter is NEVER gone by March. (Notice Spring is capitalized and winter isn't? That was on purpose. My love for winter has it's limits.)  I have found myself with high hopes though. Puddles and happiness everywhere. So I got myself my first iced coffee of the year from Starbucks. Delicious. Maple flavoured.



March 12th:

Another beautiful day. I walked to the mall at lunch, and bought some summery outfits at a cheap store. Three shirts for under 30 bucks. I pretty much love a good deal! (I got that from my mom).

And for the first time in a lot of cold and wintery months, I was able to wear my sneakers. Polka dotted because I love polka dots. They're about 3-4 years old, and I love them. No boots today! I saw somebody wearing sandals across the bridge. I'm not quite there yet - too many snow piles and puddles.


Also today: My other blog (my writing blog) now has over 1000 pageviews. I've been posting since January, so I'm happy with that. I don't think any of my other blogs had that many pageviews. This one has about 600, and I'm good with that. Although, I also didn't tell anybody when I had new posts or post as often in the old ones. It is cool that people are reading (or repeats are reading), but honestly, I'm also doing it to keep writing. Especially while in the editing stages. Here's the blog:  http://erinisawriter.blogspot.ca/

Update two minutes later: My original blogger blog did get about 1800, but it was going for a few years. In case you're interested in a lot of sad moments and very disorganized blog: http://erinlm.blogspot.ca/ I know longer write in it, but will keep it with the others.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Monday 10 March 2014

March 10th Spring???!!!

I am trying to not get my hopes up about this Spring thing. It's March. It's March in Saskatoon. It's March in Saskatchewan. This would be a VERY early Spring for us.

HOWEVER, it's nice out. It's gorgeous out. Some of the snow is melting. There are mud puddles everywhere (must get rubber boots). The sun is shining. My car is going to be filthy for the next month. Even though it was Monday, I still loved the day. I spent most of it itching to get outside. We're getting one week of this weather (at least!).

Here's a picture of me taking a selfie (because I can!!) outside my car. Somebody caught me and honked on the way by... maybe somebody I knew, or maybe somebody laughing at me? (Or maybe honking at another vehicle). I don't care. See what's missing in that photo? That's right! My jacket!!! That's how nice it was outside. 

The next picture is of a mud puddle. Not a pretty photo, but proof. It's not a bad one. There were worse!

And the last photo is one I have many of. City of Bridges. (The Canadian city of bridges). And Sunshine.



©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Sunday 9 March 2014

March 9th Sunday Funday

It has been a nice day.

We got slept in, got up and took a walk outside in beautiful weather to go have some breakfast.

I've got Ranch Chili in the crockpot, and am writing for most of the day. (and doing those silly things like laundry and dishes.)

Another nice day for me. Aren't most of them though? Screenshot from my weather app. This is PRETTY exciting. I mean last weekend was -40, so this is pretty much like summer.


©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Saturday 8 March 2014

March 7th and 8th Family and Writing

C and I went out for supper with my parents and sister. It was nice to hang out with them. It always is. I'm lucky to have a family I love to bits. We also discussed our upcoming trip to Newfoundland. My parents, my sister and I are going in June. It's going to be really such a great trip. I've been to Newfoundland once when I was younger. I travelled with Katimavik and stayed there for 3 months with other Katimavik group members. I'm so excited to see it again.


This is a picture in Newfoundland in 1998. Just a tiny bit of the province I fell in love with. We were staying at a cabin for a weekend.

And March 8th (today) I am writing. Spending time with Clint. Having crockpot tacos for supper and wine.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

March 6th: Concerts

Here's something about me that I'm sure is shared by quite a few people. I love concerts. It doesn't matter what kind of concerts. Recently, it's been a lot of country concerts, but I love it all. I love the expectation, discovering new bands, and watching the ones I love. 

Thursday, C and I went to Lady A. It was a great concert from start to finish. The openers Kacey Musgraves and Kip Moore also put on wonderful shows. Unfortunately, I don't have another concert planned, but I'm sure I will in no time. I also like having something to look forward to. Although, I have a big trip planned with my family in June, so I do have lots of excitement to come.








©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Thursday 6 March 2014

March 4th & 5th All about Food

It's no secret I love food. These days have been slow. I've been tired. I haven't been writing as much as I should.

But the food has been good. Chicken tomato soup on Tuesday (with enough for leftovers). On Wednesday, a salad with grilled peppers, mushrooms and bacon.

Can't argue with good food.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Tuesday 4 March 2014

March 3rd Quick work day?

Meh. I wasn't quite ready for a Monday, but it went quickly. I bought a new book, and bought Clint a new book.

So we spent last night in beautiful reading silence.

Harlan Coben is one of my guilty pleasures. Can't wait until lunchtime so I read more.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

March 2nd -Hibernation

I didn't leave the house all weekend. Except once - Sunday night I went outside to make sure my car started. Like the rock star she is, it was no problem at all.

This isn't from Sunday, but it is a nice picture of Yolanda the Yaris. (For lack of there being not a lot of Y names out there.)

This car used to be my parent's car, and they upgraded which meant I upgraded (to a car). I realise at this age I should be able to afford my own car and not have to rely on my parents... but I am living on a single person's income. And not a high one. I needed help, and I'm extremely lucky that my parents were able to help me.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Sunday 2 March 2014

March 1 -Encouragement

I gave my novel to four people to read. I've just gotten the last of the feedback. I'm putting them all here. (I already used one before, but I'm putting them all together.) One big warm fuzzy for me. Keep in mind, there was criticism as well, but I'm going to go ahead and not post the critiques. Although, plenty of gratitude for that as well because it will only make my novel better. My mom isn't on here because she spoke to me about it, but I don't have anything written.

So here's to friends and encouragement. 





And now to another day of writing.

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please return the favour and Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.