RIP

My baby boy; Elliott, passed away on December 13th. He is loved and missed! He had some strange autoimmune disease that was way too advanced to be treated. His little body was just too tired and it gave out!

Edgar hasn't quite gotten used to him not being around, but in a strange way is enjoying being an only cat! He has come out of his shell and is beginning to be a silly little boy! Weird; 7.5 years old and he's acting like a kitten again!

I LOVE YOU, ELLIOTT! I MISS YOU!

December is here already?

It's hard to believe that December is already here! The year has just flash by!

I'm a big girl now!

I bought my very first car! I have owned cars in the past, but they have all been picked out for me, financed for me, bought for me, or forced to buy. I did all the leg work, put down the down payment, financed, signed and drove off the lot all by my self!!

I'm so proud of me!

I bought a 2005 Toyota Matrix. It has 40,000 miles on it. Not bad for a car that is 5 years old! It is silver with gray interior. I have power windows, locks, brakes. I have a automatic key lock! Cruise Control! To top it off...I HAVE A SUNROOF!!

I'm pretty excited about my new car! I highly recommend purchasing through CarMax! I am a customer for life!

SISTER!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I love you!!

ROAD TRIP!!

I'm so excited!! I'm flying to Birmingham, AL next Monday to meet up with my sister, Ashley and the girls! We were going to make a road trip and surprise our parents! Thanks to Franny Jo that plan got ruined!

Mom and Dad were in GA visiting for Ell's second birthday and their last day there Mom called to check on things and Franny had escaped! Mom got upset about the dog and leaving and Dad called to make an earlier flight so Mom could get home. It was awful! Well, since Mom was so upset, Ash had to tell her about our plan just to calm her down.

The dog is safe at home (after a torturous three days) and Mom is happy to have her girls coming home!! I'm pretty excited myself!!

Just a blah kind of day

I stayed home from work today. I woke with a migraine headache and thought taking aspirin and sleeping for a couple of hours would help. It didn't. My headache actually got worse. It hurt so bad that I actually threw up. I did so for about 2 hours. It sucked!

I slept until 6 pm! That part was great. I tried to eat a salad for dinner that only had lemon juice on it. I didn't think it was too heavy, but apparently it was. I think I finally have all the bile out of my system now!

Now, I'm watching a movie fave of mine: The Lake House. It's such a sweet movie. I wish to find that kind of love someday. Love that could transcend time and space.

Another Mile Stone for Erica

I just signed my lease on my apartment! You may be thinking..."that's not that big of a deal"! Well, you would be right, but I haven't lived in the same place for more than a years since living in Denton when I went back to school. And even then I never lived in the same apartment for more than 14 months!

I'm very excited about this!
1. No packing!
2. No paying to have things disconnected
3. No paying deposits to have things connected
4. No memorizing a new address!
5. No moving
6. No UNpacking and cleaning up after that!!

As much as I would love to move to South Carolina to be closer to my sister! Right now is just not a good time to be making that move. I have stuff here I need to accomplish first! Then I'll think about moving to another state!

1st Year

I can't believe that I made it a year with Bedford! Holy Cow!! I have stayed at a job for a year!! That hasn't happened in a while! And the best part about it is that I haven't even looked for another job. Bedford feels like I'm supposed to be here. It's weird. I didn't feel at "home" in Trophy Club or in Saginaw. But Grapevine, Allen and now Bedford feel right to me.

I did have some bumps along the way. Eric drives me nuts! I don't always see eye to eye with him. He has his own way of doing things and I have mine. Neither are wrong they are just different. I do have days that I doubt myself for staying in Recreation but I had those anyway when I was working in GV and A-Town.

I have things that I want to do different next year. Things that I want to add program wise. Let's see what the next year brings!!

Way to go, E! You made it a year!!

Life is good!

My outlook on life is looking up! I have gained new confidence that I had misplaced for a while! Professional and personal lives are beginning to take shape. Where they are going....don't know. But I can't wait to see where the journey takes me!!

She's here! She's here!! She's Here!!!

Cadence Emmalane Blanchard greeted us yesterday (8-17-09) at 8:13 am CT. She weighed in at 6 lbs 13.4 oz! Measured in at 19"! She is so beautiful!

And the final count down!

Today is the last day that Elliette Victoria Blanchard will be an only child! She will be joined by sister Cadence Emmalane Blanchard tomorrow!!

Elliette; your world is going to change drastically! But don't worry, it will be for the better! Trust me! There is nothing better than having a little sister! I hope you and Cadence have the same relationship that you mom and I have!! She is one of my best friends in the whole world! Just because you getting a new sister; Mommy and Daddy will not love you any less than they already do!

...and continues yet another day!!

Today is the last Saturday that Elliette will be an only child! Only two more days before we welcome Cadence Emmalane Blanchard to the mix! I can't wait!!

I love my girls!

and continues....

Friday, August 14th is the last Friday of Elliette being an only child!!

Enjoy these last few days, Kiddo!! Aunt Erica loves you very very very much!!

...And continues yet again!

Thursday, August 13th is her last Thursday as an only child!






Oh, and he's dating someone now! That explains a lot about GOT!

...and Continues

Wednesday, August 12th is the last WEDNESDAY that Elliette will be an only child!!

You'll be a great sister! If you need any advice about being an older sister, you can come to me!! I have years of experience!!

The Countdown continues

Today is the last Tuesday that Elliette will be an only child!!!

The count down begins!!

Today is Elliette's last Monday as an only child!!

I love you, Kiddo!!

Can't Sleep

I have so much information running through my brain...I'm tired but I can't get my mind to rest so I can sleep.

What is on my mind? Nothing and everything. I'm getting tired of watching these eHarmony commercials. They make it sound so easy. It's not easy.

Cook Yourself Thin #3

Unconditional Love

I can't get over how one can love a small person so much. If I'm feeling blue or am having a panic attack all I have to do is just look at a picture of one of my Girls! Especially Elliette Victoria! She has such a sweet spirit about her! She is such a giving person! She has such sweet soul, kind spirit and loving personality! And she's only 21.5 months old!!

I hope to one day find that same kind of love in a man and have my own children! I know my special man is out there. I know he's looking for me!

Sweeet Girl

I have loved my "talks" with Elliette this week! It makes me feel good that she has wanted to talk to me. She even asked Ashley if she could talk to her Aunt Erica!!

I love you Elliette Victoria Blanchard!! I can't wait to visit you in Georgia after your Baby Sister gets here!!

So Sad!

Just found out that he has a "hot date" tomorrow night! How hot can a date be on a Wednesday night? Time will tell!

Why can't I be attracted to men that I can't have? It sucks! Sad thing is that others have said that we were perfect for each other. I guess the timing is not in sync!

update: the "hot date" was with "The Guys"!

Cook Yourself Thin Tip #2

Cook Yourself Thin

I'm going to purchase this book and see what happens. In the mean time I'm sharing these tips and tid bits with you!

Blah Blah Blah

Blah is how I've been feeling lately. Work is blah. I feel blah. Personal life is blah.

I went on two dates with a guy from eHarmony. I know sometimes it takes a while to feel connected to someone. But I wasn't feeling anything. I know I should have. I know he should be a great catch. He is full of passion for kids. He adores his dog. He is very caring and giving. But I felt absolutely nothing for this guy. He was really nice, but I wouldn't even have him as a friend to hang out with on a regular bases.

There is one guy that I can't seem to get out of my head. And I'm pretty sure he doesn't think about me that way. I think he thinks I'm a sweet girl but that about it. How do I find out what he's thinking?

Last weekend we actually slept together. I know what you are thinking...slut! But all our clothes were on. He actually asked if we could snuggle. He held me and we talked and giggled for hours. But since then...NOTHING! He sent text messages stating that he doesn't play games. I don't know how to play games with my emotions. I wear them like a shirt.

Well, my search for a counselor continues tomorrow! Maybe a professional to talk to and drugs might help me!!

I love you, Ashley!! There is no need to worry about me!

RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED!

I don't know why I'm stressed out. My job is going great. Summer is more than half over. But I still am finding myself half cocked and ready to blow. I'm trying not to let other people see it but I sure can feel inside of my chest.

My anxiety is growing and growing. To top it off; I joined eHarmony about a month ago and I'm going on my first "date" tonight to meet this guy named Jimmy. He's 47 and a Special Ed teacher in Arlington. I keep telling myself today that I need to relax and stay open minded!

RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED! RELAX AND STAY OPEN MINDED!

Hope this works!!

Dane Cook in Houston

WOW!! He is so hot!! And damn funny!!

When we got to the arena we found that our section was bloced off. We have to back track down the hall to this long line of people and wait to see what was going on. After waiting for about five minutes...we had our seat upgraded!! FOR FREE!! We were orginally in Section 403 and then got upgraded to Section 111!!

Dane Cook

He was here in Dallas last night but I wasn't able to go. So I have tickets to see him in Houston! Keri and I are heading down there in a little bit! I'M SO EXCITED!!!

Ugh!

I've been on eHarmony now for a week and it's been slow. I'm trying to be patient but it's hard!

Summer Week One!

Week One of summer camps and swim lessons is over!! We only have a few bumps and bruises along the way. Nothing traumatic or too scaring!

eHarmony

Ashley, you'll be proud of me! I joined eHarmony over the weekend. I'm going to try it again! I love and miss you!!!

Facebook - revisited!

I know I've writen about Facebook before. But it is the greatest thing that has happened to technology! I have been in contact with old friends I haven't seen or talked you in many years! Now that I know how to contact these people some of them I have missed so much and I didn't even know it!

I got connected to my best friend from high school! I was a little nervous about calling her, but you know what? We still think the same way; just like we used to. It was like we hadn't really not been in contacted in years. We just fell right back into place!

We are making plans to hang out this week. We could have talked all night if our phones would have let us!

Darcy, I'm so excited to be back in contact with you! I've missed you!!

Happy Birthday!

I had a great weekend celebrating my dad, Mary, Stacy and Caleb's birthdays out at Club Lake! After celebrating at their party; I headed out to da clubs (in sherman!) with the girls from the clinic. I have to admit I did have a really good time!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!! I love you!!

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH

Just wanted to let every body know, that LIFE is a wonderful and precious gift. So is the gift of LOVE.

Love can be a simple jester such as holding hands with a friend when they need your support. Or telling somebody that you never thought they were a "loser". Or a zerbert on the side of their face.

Love can be a big jester, such as pooring your heart out and become vunerable. This can be scary. We shouldn't run away from this kind jester.

If you love somebody; please let them know. You never know when you might get the chance later.

Laugh like no body is listening
Dance like no body is watching
Love like you have never been hurt.

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH

A Look Inside by Jamie Nobis

Jamie wrote this for me many years ago. It's funny how we have moved on from each other and gone in diffent paths. But the words he wrote had held true for a few of the loves in my life. I'm scared shitless. Maybe that is why I don't let anyone get close to me. I have a huge fear of getting hurt beyond repair.

Isn't it weird how things happen in our lives? Things that we have no control over; they just happen.
Do you ever wonder what the future holds for you? For me?
I just can't believe things have turned out the way they have!
But, one thing I can believe is it is about to get messed up - just like it always does. No matter how hard I tried in the past, things always turned out BAD.
I hope it doesn't happen again. But I can't help thinking that there is always that possibility.I just wish I knew the answer.
If you question my true feelings I can understand that. I have a problem letting people inside my head. It seems like every time I do, I end up getting screwed.
Now I just avoid the pain by not getting close to people. I want to be close to you but I'm afraid; it hurst too much in the end.
What exactly am I trying to say? I don't know.
Maybe: I love you and it scares the shit out me!

Summer Days!

The pools are officially open! We will be open every day now until August 23! Only 104 more days left until we close!!!

We had some good numbers this weekend! We've only been open 5 days in May and Splash had over 2500 in attendance! Central had 250!!

Late Nite Blogging!

It's 1:05 AM. I'm still awake. I just talked my cousin, Jessica; into downloading Skype onto her computer so we could video chat. Well, she did and we tried! There is something wrong with her mic or her something on her computer. She sounded like a chipmunk or EVE from Wall-E! It was funny but also irritating!

Hopefully, she will get it fixed and my sister, mom and her can chat and stay connected to each other!

I love using video chat. I love being able to see my sweet little niece when I talk to her. She has the best expressions on her sweet little face! I love you Elliette!

Counting!!

I really don't like it when you get into a disagreement with a friend you say your sorry and then they don't speak to you for a month. What that really tells me is that you don't respect me and the you probably have never respected me.

Friends have disagreements. They don't always see eye to eye on things. But that doesn't mean that you end your friendship over it. Again I go back to what I stated earlier. That probably means that their really was never a friendship to begin with.

How long will this continue? This behavior? Who knows? But I'm not going to be the one who tries to fix it for the umpth time. I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't provoke this behavior. Grow up, grow some balls and get over yourself!

So, I'm just counting the days until you do. 21 days and counting!

Summer Time!

I opened my pools this past weekend! It's hard to believe that summer is here! I'm already counting the days down to school starting back. Only 108 more days to go!!!

So far I've already had to let two guards go due to background check and drug screening! FUN!! We are about to let another one go because he's a huge liablity to have on stand. I have mixed emotions about my staff. I really don't feel a connection to these kids like I have to other pools I have supervised in the past. It could be that the summer has just started and things are kind of rocky between me and Eric right now. The Management staff that I have are friends with him and hand out with him and stuff. Oh, well! I'll just go to work and then come home. Keep myself seperated from the staff.

There will never be another Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium cira 2003-2006 staff again! I love and miss you guys!!

Well, let's make the most of it! We'll be together for the next 108 days!! 107 now!!

Good night and have a safe tomorrw!!

Summer!

It is right around the corner! I have water in the lap pool! Granted, it's green, but I still have water! That makes me so very happy!

I'm in the process of calling all my staff to offer them positions. So far I haven't had anyone turn down the offer. But then again, I haven't called the people that applied for management positions. It was really tough making the decision for this staff. They are all so good (or at least interviewed well!)

I'm leaving on a jet plane....
We are heading to Florida in two days! I so can't wait! Not looking forward to the 4 hour car ride from NO to Destin! But, I'm thinking mom will stop in each state for "gas" or "food" and I'll do a little Geocaching!! :)

Well, my desk is a mess and I have tons of stuff to get done today and before I leave on my trip! Just wanted to stop in and say hello!

Florida!!

Only 10 more day until we leave for Florida! Yeah! I've missed my sisters and nieces!!!

Andy Broderick - my friend

I recieved the most devestating news yesterday morning. My friend Andy lost his battle with cancer. I'm not saying I wasn't expecting the phone call; I just wasn't expecting it for another couple of months.

He was a very gentle, kind, caring man! I remember meeting him at TexIns Fittness Center. Introducing him to his wife, Diane (who was my friend first!) Them living with John and Patty! That was a hell time for all!!

One of my favorite memories of Andy was a night in the West End! Andy dancing! That wasn't something that you saw often!!

Rest In Peace my dear friend! I'll find some one new to fix my computer!! You were loved and will be missed!!

Work, Work, Work!

It's that time of the year for me!! SUMMER!!!!

I started conducting Aquatic Staff interviews three weeks ago and they haven't slowed down! Before I know it, it will be time to open the pool!!

Softball is starting up again, 20 teams in my league!! YEAH ERICA!!! I even talked down the fee for umpires to save money!! DAMN, I'M ON A ROLL THIS WEEK!!

Just a quick note

It's been a few weeks since I last posted. Just thought I would jot down a few things that have been going on.

My friend in Austin keeps having ups and downs with his ex. I keep trying to tell him that the relationship is poison, but he doesn't want to hear it! I swear he's just like a girl!

Summer has hit me fully in the face. I know, you're thinking, "Erica, it's only February!" I know it's only February, but in my world summer starts in February and ends mid-September! I have the pre- and post- summer month preps to worry about.

I started conducting interviews for the Aquatic Staff on Monday. Since this is my first season with this staff I feel the need to interview each person so I can get a feel on what the staff is like and assess how they need to be managed. So far they seem to be a good group of kids that are a bit on the mischievous side (but in a fun way).

I'm getting excited for the pools to open. It should be a great summer!

Boys Suck

But we just can't seem to rid ourselves of needing them in our lives!

Geocaching Addict

You might be a geo-caching addict if...

1. You can't go past the Home Depot in The Colony without grumbling about a certain "prehistoric human".
2. You know what "zntargvp xrl ubyqre" means without clicking on (decrypt).
3. You can't remember the last time your bedtime routine DIDN'T include:
   o Wash face
   o Brush teeth
   o Put calamine lotion on poison ivy rash
4. You have done something totally outrageous or bizarre at a park just to scare off the people sitting on a bench so you could look under it.
5. While looking for a hard-to-find cache at a cemetery, you have actually considered moving a headstone "just a little".
6. The police are so used to you acting suspiciously that they don't stop when they see your rear end sticking out of the bushes at 3 A.M.
7. You have camouflage tape and ammo cans YET you aren't a hunter.
8. You can spot a cache 100 feet away without getting out of your car because you are sure those sticks or rocks wouldn't look like that unless a geo-cache is hidden under them.
9. You have walked around Lowe's for hours looking for that perfect cache container that will have everyone stumped.
10. While in the woods at midnight looking to get an FTF, you hear a pig squealing and the faint sounds of "Dueling Banjos" and you STILL keep looking for the cache.
11. Every pair of shoes you owned had burrs stuck to the laces until you got smart and bought a special pair of "geo-caching shoes" to go in your "swag bag".
12. You ate 27 Altoid mints in 5 minutes because you needed the tin. Three days later, your mouth is still burning but your breath still smells great and you were able to hide another cache.
13. When you go out of town, you pick your hotel based on the number of nearby caches.
14. You don't mind visiting the psychiatrist to discuss your geo-caching addiction because you know he will give you a prescription AND THAT MEANS you will have another pill bottle to hide.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to Me! Today is my 37th birthday! Today I went to a puppet show with my mom and nieces; Emery and Sydney! I'm pretty stoked!

I think string puppets are cool! It's amazing what you can create by pulling string. The slightest tug or nudge of a string and make this inanimate object dance, walk, turn its head. It's a lot like how some people think you treat people or how to respond. Quite amazing don't you think?

After the puppet show we went to lunch at Chuys! Twice this month!! YEAH! Once in Austin and once in Dallas! I LOVE that place!! I introduced Emery and Sydney to flan! You know it's a happy food! At least it makes me happy!!

I had dinner with Sarah and Keri. Just the girls! It was really nice!

All and all it was a perfect day!! Thanks for all the love and support!

Happy Birthday, Dear Erica! Happy Birthday to me!!

Geocaching

I went to Austin this past weekend to visit my sister, brother-in-law and two beautiful nieces. I also had an opportunity to visit with an old friend of mine.

I went to this lunch with all intentions of just getting back in touch with him. We spent the afternoon together Geocaching. My favorite thing to do! He had never been. He loved it! I loved being able to share it with him. The weird thing was that something moved inside me that I haven't felt in a very long time. I didn't want to make out with him. I just wanted to spend as much time with him that I could.

I now find myself wanting to share every part of my day with him. I want to call him when I think of something funny. I want to text him to tell him to have a good day. I want to hear about what he looked at under a microscope. I want to hear about his philosophy on things. I want to sit next to him and look into his face.

Facebook

I just LOVE Facebook! Getting re-aquinted with long lost friends. Not just high school or college. But family friends as well. Those that you never thought you would ever see again!

You just gotta love modern technology!

The sad part of Facebook is that I know a lot of people but really my family are my best and closest friends! And I would never change that!!

Cleaning Day!

It's Saturday and I'm cleaning my apartment. It usually takes me all weekend to clean. It's not because it's that dirty. It's because I'll clean a little and play on the computer or do something else for a lot longer.

I can't just clean and get it over. That would be too easy!!

Enjoy your weekend!

TPPC - Day 3

Didn't make it to any sessions today. I had a little bit too much fun last night at the BBQ and then we hit a few bars in College Station!

I even met Elvis!!

I will chalk up this years conference as being a sucess! Looking forward to 2010 in College Station but look out 2011! AUSTIN!!

TPPC - Day 2

Today is the second day of Texas Public Pool Council.

So far most of the sessions have been very informative. I did attend one today that I thought if I had had a gun in my hand I would have shot myself! And they topic was Disney Leadership and Customer Service. Silly me thinking it would be how we could incorperate that philophy into our own work envirnoments. NOPE! It was pretty much a schpill on Disney and their operations. THAT WAS IT!!!

Last night was the Casino/Vendor Night! It is always really fun! This year I met my new friend Lenard! He's pretty cute! Tall. Dark haired and BLUE EYES!! I know that he works for the City of Waco but that's about it. Hopefully I will get better aquainted with him tonight at the BBQ!!

TPPC - Day 1

First blog of the year!! YEAH for 2009!

I'm sitting here on the couch at the College Station Hilton after lunch waiting to attend the first session of the workshop. This morning I attended the Keynote Speaker. She was great. I hate sitting for long periods of time. I actually sat there for over 2 hours!! I KNOW!!

I enjoy the fact that we now do the Business luncheon and awards banquet the first day at lunch! Makes attending the Workshop a lot easier! There is not as many people in attendance this year and a lot of my friends are not here. I guess I'll have to make new friends!

Jen, Kristi and I are sick again this year! We all have the head congestion thing happening. Yesterday I thought my face was going to explode! NOT FUN!!

Day One of Sessions are over - I wasn't that impressed with the famed Jeff Ellis of Jeff Ellis & Associates. Famed lifeguard that strayed away from American Red Cross way of lifeguarding and formed his own company. Again - not that impressed. I actually zoned out for about 30 minutes during his session! I did enjoy the second the second session I got a lot out of it that I can take back and use. Even Eric and any one else in Recreation can use what I got out of it.

Tonight is the Vendor/Casino Night!

Hope you are enjoying my adventures!