Friday, May 22, 2009

Blessings and Happenings.

As I sit here on my bed, in a room that needs some cleaning like no one's business, I can't help but feel sad. I am so blessed. There is no question in my mind that I am one of the luckiest people in the world. I am getting an education, I have a great job, I've met some amazing people and I know that at the end of the day I have a family that loves me. The more time I spend here in Boise this summer, the more I realize how hard it is to be away from home. But at the same time when I think about the times I do go home, after a few weeks I feel like I need to be back at school. My Bishop at home told me before I left for school my senior year, that once you come back home after being at school, it's never the same. I've realized that to be true over the last 3 years and I thought that staying at school during the summer would be easier than it is. During the day I am having so much fun at work and enjoying school at night. It's at moments like this though when I'm hanging out by myself that I realize how homesick I really am.

Last year there was a stretch of time when I was really struggling and I learned to fill my time with reading, music and I was fortunate enough to be close to Jamie's family that I often would go visit and spend time with her amazing family. I don't have the luxury of being that close to them anymore, but grateful that I had that opportunity and those experiences last year. Things happen for a reason and hard times come and go. At the end of the day (literally), when I am feeling at my worst, I recall how grateful I am for all the blessings in my life. There are too many positive things in my life, that feeling down for too long is not an option. I often feel lonely and sometimes even forgotten, but I know that that is never true. I am writing this as a reminder to myself but also to anyone else who ever feels or has felt this way. Things may seem difficult, but things aren't always as bad as they really are.


How about some positivity?
These last few weeks I have had so many amazing experiences.

1. I was hit from behind when I was stopped in traffic a few weeks ago. Plenty of damage to my car, but fortunately not too much damage to me. I was hit hard enough that my sunglasses went flying off my face and my chest hit the steering wheel, but thankfully because of my seat belt, there was no other damage. I have been having some back problems, but currently I'm getting help from a chiropractor and a physical therapist to restore some nerve damage that I have. Nothing that can't be fixed in a few weeks.


2. I hung out in studio with Mandi and Aubrey from this past season of the Biggest Loser. They're from right here in Boise, they are fun girls and they are very inspiring!


3. We interviewed and talked to your favorite 80's singer and mine, Debbie Gibson about her new RIDICULOUS movie, "Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus."

4. I was SO lucky to go to the Taylor Swift concert in Nampa. Gloriana opened, as well as Kellie Pickler. Both openers did an amazing job, but Taylor Swift is an INCREDIBLE artist. She often is given a hard time about her vocals, but this was hands down the greatest concert I've been to. Her set alone exeeded 2 hours and she just did an amazing job. I would see her again in a heartbeat (that is if I could get another ticket; she sells out EVERY show).


5. I spoke to Alison Sweeney at length. We were interviewing her about Biggest Loser, but I was the only one in the room when she called, so we discussed her 2 kids, what kind of breakfast she was making them, her guest appearance on Friends years ago, and her 15+ years on Days of Our Lives.
6. Hung out with Coach Pete for the 2nd time in studio, 3rd time overall. He is an amazing person, coach and a lot of fun to hang out with in the morning!

4 comments:

Becci and Josh said...

Erin I hope your homesickness gets better! But thanks for reminding us all to put a positive look on things no matter what! Your awesome!

CORYNN AND JER said...

What episode of Friends was Allison Sweeney in?

Sounds like you are having the time of your life at your job!

You are always welcome to visit us (we are a little closer!) if you need to see some fam!

I'm glad you are all right - your car looks pretty busted. Boo.

Erin said...

Thanks Corynn! I thought I'd have so many more opportunities to visit UT but, I've only been down 2 times in the last ten months. Also, I believe the episode Allison Sweeney is in is The One Where Joey Wins an Award. She just has a brief appearance near the end.

Hope you're doing well!

elkgrandma said...

Erin, I'm glad you weren't hurt badly in the accident, and that you are enjoying your time at school. You really never can go home again, it never really is the same, but know that there are family members everywhere who love you dearly and remember you daily in prayers. If you get down to Preston, stop in and see us. Love you always, Aunt Karen and Uncle Rod