Blurbs and Words

Love: A Glance at the Definition, its Importance, and What Makes it Work.

2010-07-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

As I was glancing over my Facebook mini-feed as I so often do, I couldn't help but notice all of the status updates about love and bustling changes of relationship statuses occurring. As I also tend to often to, I chuckled to myself when I saw each emotional display of e-ffection (Get it? har har). Maybe I chuckle because I just don't believe it because it was about a different person two weeks ago, or perhaps just because it's on Facebook, or maybe because I'm a heartless ice queen. It may be a healthy mixture of all three, but either way it made me begin to actually think about love. You may say, "Erin, what the heck do you know about love?"....which is a fair question, because the answer is--not much. What I do know is that there's a perfect blue print for love in the Bible, and that is exactly where I went to investigate. As I began to think further about love, I began to pose many questions: What is love exactly? How do you know when you love someone? How powerful is love, really? Why am I laughing at all of this? Is it that I don't even believe in love? If love is so great, why does it hurt so many people? I find it funny that I'm constantly surrounded by the concept of love, but found it unimportant to investigate and truly put into perspective what love is and how it works. Here's a few things I noted:

The Bible indicates that love is from God. In fact, the Bible says "God is love."

The Greek language (the language of the New Testament) uses two different words to describe and define love. The most commonly used Greek word translated "love" in the New Testament is "agape." This love is represented by God's love for us. It is a non-partial, sacrificial love probably best exemplified by God's provision for our rebellion:

"For God so loved (agape) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

The gift of God's son as a provision for sin4 was given to all humans,regardless of who we are.God's love is unconditional.

In contrast, our love is usually conditional and based upon how other people behave toward us. This kind of love is based upon familiarity and direct interaction. The Greek word "phileo" defines this kind of love, often translated "brotherly love." Phileo is a soulish (connected through our emotions) kind of love - something that can be experienced by both believers and non-believers. This is in contrast to agape, which is love extended through the spirit. Agape love requires a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, since the non-regenerated soul is unable to love unconditionally. Agape love gives and sacrifices expecting nothing back in return.

In Peter's second epistle, he says that we are to behave with moral excellence. However, this is not enough. Christians tend to be characterized by non-believers as telling other people how they ought to behave. However, the Christian life should not be restricted to just moral excellence, but, above all else, should include both phileo and agape love:

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness [phileo], and in your brotherly kindness, love [agape]. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

The most famous biblical chapter on love is from 1 Corinthians:

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

This is a description of apage love. It is described as being patient, kind, truthful, unselfish, trusting, believing, hopeful, and enduring. It is not jealous, boastful, arrogant, rude, selfish, or angry. True love never fails. The description perfectly fits God's love toward us, and should be the way we love each other and God.

The Bible says that this unconditional love is more important than everything else (a partial list includes oratory ability, prophecy, knowledge, faith, philanthropy and hope). All of these things, which are "good" things, will pass away. Only love is eternal, since love will be the basis of eternal life. In fact, when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND." (Matthew 22:37 He then added that the second most important law was "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Jesus said that the entire law was dependent upon these two commandments.

NOW THIS MAKES SENSE TO ME! I think too often we separate romantic love from that of all other kinds of love, or through the English language we have corrupted the true, or Biblical meaning of love. Romantic love, or love that I see stemming from an emotional surge or infatuation must be merged with the love that is defined by the Word of God. Love then becomes a continual decision rather than a feeling. What is true love then? What is a love that never fails? Love is basically caring in action. The Bible explains that God is love. Wow. Think about it. God is the embodiment of love, therefore think of the extreme power and immense importance the concept of love holds. I've learned that not only is love great...it is the GREATEST! Jesus said it himself. The two greatest commandments are to first love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself. How simple--Love God, love people...yet we make it so complicated. The world would be transformed if we TRULY loved God and TRULY loved people according to what it says in the Bible. That passage from 1 Corinthians is so powerful--it explains that without love, we are nothing. I've come to the conclusion that because I'm emotionally awkward--I was tripping over the facade of love rather than focusing on the power of love. So it's not that I was chuckling because I don't believe in love--perhaps I just find the emotionality of love to be funny and sometimes ironic. I truly do believe in the power of love, because the "doing" part of love is much of the backbone of my faith. In fact, I see that living without love is impossible and rather undesirable if you ask me. Love is love whether it is your parents, your significant other, your friend, or God, and will be unfailing if it is done in the way the Bible explains. It is obvious to me now that just seeking the definition will tell you whether you are exuding love towards someone and whether someone is doing the same to you. This definition also makes me realize how often we take advantage of those we supposedly love, and we must continually practice love rather than simply saying it. It's a "you love them? let me see how you choose to treat them" scenario. How lucky are we not only to have the love of God, but also the capacity to love and be loved? When we show love or are loved, it's like sharing a bit of the who God is with someone...Now that is awesome!!! The unselfishness and caring that the defines love is what separates it from infatuation and the definitive words like ALWAYS, DOES NOT, and NEVER show that love truly is a decision that needs to be practiced and consistent. So now that we've explored the definition of love and everything it entails, let us be thankful for those who truly love us, and for God, who first loved us!

Keep it classy!

Erin Glynn

Yay Blog!

2010-03-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm really sorry I haven't written in this blog in so long. Just kidding. I'm really not sorry.

What can I say? Life's been crazy. By crazy, I mean good. Time is flying, and sometimes I just feel like everything needs to sloooooow dooooown.

Heard such a great message today at third degree of FFA! Definitely some things I needed to hear these days:

It was the "start" segment of the series. We cannot allow fear, and uncertainty stop you from starting something. Sometimes the greatest outcomes are those that are filled with the most uncertainty, and moreover, the greatest RISK. If we are unwilling to ever start something because we fear the outcome, nothing will ever happen. There will simply be lost potential that was never exercised. We will truly always look back and have more regret for the things we didn't start rather than the things we did. So what did I get from this? Sometimes you just gotta roll with it. If you're called to do something, go for it. Uncertainty and fear are not a reason to stop starting! Don't allow yourself to get in the way of the greatest potential you.

On Saturday I get to pick up my favorite and only dog-nephew Tahoe and watch him while Cara and Dustin go away for their anniversary! I'm only slightly excited.

I think I'll be saving my final four blog for next time, because I'm just too lazy right now. I do know you're all excited for it because my sports commentary is always so...unique.

Keep it classy!

-Erin Glynn

24 Update, Another "Only Me" Revelation, and Things I Love

2010-01-31T22:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the new 24 episode is on tomorrow, so I feel the burning pressure to update tonight. This week's episode was obviously a bridge episode between the action-packed four hour premier, and the rising action that is to come. Renee Walker is completely coo-coo, and as such, I predict with a myriad of other people, that Jack Bauer is going to fall in love with her. She should be careful though...we all saw what happened to his last wife, and Audrey Raines. For some reason though, I think she can take it slightly better than those women. She apparently can act her way out of anything, with her academy-award like performance that saved her from certain death. (Really though, Vlad totally has a thing for her, and probably wouldn't kill her anyway) Apparently freckles and insanity is what all the guys want these days.

Moving on to the "Only Me" revelation of the day. Why do I feel like it's only me who gets the crazy cart EVERY time I go to the store? It has come to the point where it is only expected. I was walking in Target with a shopping cart, only to realize that there is a solitary crippling wheel that not only sways the cart, but makes an embarrassingly loud noise as you walk throughout the store. I'm talking the wheel is shaking like I'm carrying an elephant as the contents of the cart. Even if the cart starts out normally, and I begin to feel victorious and lucky and have a grin on my face, the wheel begins to shake and sputter and my victory soon turns to failure and my grin to grimace. It's only my fate that even if the cart was perfectly normal before I took it, it's point of malfunction would begin when I began pushing it. As I feel like everybody in the electronics department is staring at me like, "Why is this girl walking around with this crazy cart?" the internal struggle begins. Should I walk back and return the cart for a new one? I'm already by the electronics, and if I kind of push down on the cart, the noise isn't as loud as the sonic boom that it usually is, and is stifled to a dull screech. Do I just keep the cart? Even though I'll surely be walking around with it for much further than if I just returned it. What if I go and get a new cart and it inevitably does the same thing? And so I keep trekking in hopes that I find some flawless abandoned cart in the toy aisle or something which proves only to be a figment of a fantasy in my imagination, because only I will always, always get the crazy cart.

After talking so extensively about something I hate (shopping carts), I will now shift my focus during this month of love (February) and talk about a few (or ten) random things that I love in this life:

#1. Pointy-Toed Pumps

While I am aware that I love shoes in general, I need to give some extra love this week to the pointy-toed pump. What's better than a shoe that makes you feel powerful and feminine all at the same time? It's like the pencil skirt's soul mate, and the jean's best friend. Ever-classy and classic, and never out of place, the pointy-toed pump comes in a variety of colors and styles, and can make any outfit go from blah to fabulous. I must say, my black, Nine West, three-inch pumps probably see more of this world than most of my shoes!

#2. Hugs

Let's face it. Hugs are fantastic. What is better than hugging a friend you haven't seen in awhile, or hugging someone in cold weather, or hugging your dog after a bad day? I am a fan particularly of the "jump hug" where you get to exert all your hugging needs.

#3. The Olympics

February 12th, baby. When I'm not broke and I begin to plan all my vacations around where the Olympics are located every two years, I will take pictures for you all. I'm not sure why I love the Olympics. It all started in the 1996 Atlanta games, and never stopped. I'm still planning on becoming a curling master and making it to the Olympics eventually.

#4. Valentines Day

Just kidding.

#5. Basketball

As I watched my little brother's game the other day, I realized that I really do just love the sport. Playing it, watching it, whatever. Basketball is at it's best when I'm just playing some pick up games with family or friends and having fun. Also, does it get any better than March Madness? Get your brackets ready, my friends. March is a-comin'.

#6. Paintings

I'm a humanities major, so I'm allowed this one, right? While my love started with Italian Renaissance paintings, it's simply grown from there. I guess if you write enough 15 page papers about a single painting, you begin to realize the amount of expression it can hold. Three cheers to the girl who accidentally fell into the Picasso at the met the other week, ripping a six inch hole in the 120 million dollar painting. She was in an art appreciation class. I'm sure her teacher does not enjoy her way of expressing appreciation to that Picasso.

#7. Dresses

This is a more recent love I've discovered. Moreso the use of casual dresses. Who says you have to wear jeans everyday? Not I. In the past year or so, I've obtained a new-found love for dresses that I intend on keeping for awhile. Plus, you don't even have to match anything...it's all one piece. No, this is not a permission to wear other one-piece clothing items such as overalls, jumpers, and unitards.

#8.

2010 Quote Page

2010-01-28T21:05:00.000-08:00

It's already been far too long. Here goes this year's quote page that I will frequently (or not-so frequently) update...so here's to good quotes that you'll only get if you were there! Say funny things to me, people!

"I also have a few visions for you in the next decade! I see you owning at least 50,000 trench coats, becoming a Gators cheerleader, being the voice over on a few hundred wii games, adopting a child from Sweden and naming it Sven, making a few more additions to the gay community, getting over your fear of commitment, having a butt reduction, getting arrested for stealing democrat campaign signs, losing your cell phone at least 10,000 more times, still have a voicemail message that says your name is "Erin Cameron", spend at at least 6 months in jail with me for a prank gone wrong and...be a missionary." -Tiffany Hendrix

"I'm a frickin' soul collector." -Jon Cagan

Katherine:
see you were there to tell me to dump him and now i'm here to tell you to date him!
LOL
Erin:
whatevs...one day we'll both be married with redheaded babies laughing about all this
Katherine:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAHHHHAHAHAHAAAHH
i'm literally laughing out loud....can't take it!!!!

Katherine: "Yeah, we went to the gun range..."
Erin: "Omg, I wanna shoot someone"
Katherine: "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"

"I don't use email. I guess that kinda makes me an f-r-e-a-k." -Dr.Kauffman

"I have the worst luck." -Jon Cagan

Erin: "Those won't fit because the shelf is in the way"
Chris: "Stupid shelf. Stop being so shelfish!"

"Happy New Year, mom! We're killing people!" -Jon Cagan

Meghan: Woah, look at dem hipz
Erin: God grant me the serenity to never have hips that big
Katherine: HAHAHAHAHAHA

"After my third divorce, I had many of what you would call...kinda wives. You know, common-law deals where they don't take your money when you break up." -Dr. Kauffman

"Erin, it had to be...it had to be...it...it had to be." -Meghan Lombardi

"Have you ever considered a chin implant?" -Cara Cagan

Erin: "That kid was breathing so loud during class."
Anna: "I know. He has sleep apnea, so I'm always looking over to make sure he's still breathing."

"Attendance is going to help you if you're on the cusp. If you're a genius, I'll just give you A+'s either way." -Dr. Kauffman

"....I would get two coupons for a free Blizzard when I'm on a diet." -Katherine Geoghegan

Bahamas Bound!

2010-01-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

Bon Voyage to Megs and I! We are going on a Cruise to the Bahamas for Spring Break! Despite the fact that my mother thinks we're going to fall overboard or get kidnapped, I'm actually quite excited. Furthermore, we are porting in Nassau on our second day, and it just so happens that our fav boys from UF are going to be there! There's unfortunately massive amounts of school standing in front of our wonderful vacation, but this is a great distraction. Who knows? I might even get over my irrational fear of sea animals and go snorkeling.

Today I was feeling sick and decided at the age of 21 that I wanted to be organized, so I decided to write down all my assignments for this semester in my syllabus into a planner. Let me warn you my dear friends and family that this is in fact not a good decision. As I wrote I began to feel overwhelmed, and by the time I got around March, I think I started having heart palpitations. I suddenly felt like everything was due tomorrow or something, and came to the conclusion that mapping things out in advance is a poor idea and will never be practiced by myself again.

As an avid watcher of Bravo, TLC, The Food Network, The Travel Channel, and Discovery Health, I often see some very bizarre television. Being sick today, I was afforded the opportunity to watch hours of pointless madness. After watching the Discovery Health story about the girl who was born with two heads (the attached head being a parasitic twin that literally moved and cried), I proceeded to flip to Bravo, which was showing The Millionaire Matchmaker, who is an obviously Jewish Matchmaker named Patty that tries to find love for millionaires that are a part of her millionaire's club. Let me go ahead and tell you who I'm not impressed with: THE MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER. Patty, who believes herself to be the Mother Theresa of matchmaking thinks she's doing the world such a service by finding people "true love". Really, how hard is it to see what people would be good together? I do this all the time. (Of course not for myself, but that's part of the martyrdom of being a matchmaker) Furthermore, how hard is it to find someone to "LOVE" a millionaire? She literally puts the men in a "mixer" which is really code word for a room filled with more gold-diggers than were in California circa 1849. They then just get to hand-pick whoever they want out of said mixer, kind of like a person picking out their favorite puppy out of a litter at the local pound. If they just so happen to hit it off, Patty gets the credit for "matching" them, when in reality she just tore the millionaire away from his work long enough to conveniently pick a desperate LA waitress/actress out of a room. Really, Patty...if you can find a match for Joe-Schmo who makes seven dollars an hour, works at the local Taco Bell, has less teeth than he does fingers, and drives an 1982 LeBaron, then I'll be impressed. Until then, I consider myself just as good a match maker as you, Miss Patty.

On the subject of Gator Basketball, Saturday night's game was out of control exciting. Mr.Parsons racked up his second game-winner this season as he drilled a three with nothing left on the clock, giving Florida another, and their third very important conference win. I must say, I'm proud of Walker for not pulling up for a 30 footer at the end of the game like I thought he would. I think it's safe to say that passing to Parsons at the end of the game is a solid choice. Go Gators!

Not having class on Mondays is A+ my friends. In fact, Mondays are so pleasant these days, I am learning to hate Tuesdays with the fiery passion that I used to reserve for Mondays.

Keep it Classy!

Erin Glynn

The Four Day Weekend Return

2010-01-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

Oh wait, every weekend is a four day weekend for me. Heh.

Can I tell you I am so glad Kieffer Southerland abstained for more than a week from getting a DUI, so that 24 could continue?? Okay, because I like to live vicariously through 24, because I want to be a CTU agent, I will most definitely be blogging about Day 8. I think this magnifies my nerd status far more than I'd like to admit.

Let's recap on the 4 hour (yes, four hour) premier of Day 8 that occurred Sunday and Monday. Jack is apparently pulling out of all government (not that he ever really listened to the government) activity and moving to LA to be with my favorite character (note sarcasm) Kim, and his granddaughter, who named a stuffed bear... "bear". Either way, the only reason I believe Kim has lived this entire time is that if she died, Jack would probably just go on a mass killing frenzy and melt into a psychotic mess. Of course he is unable to leave when he is approached by an informant who notifies him that there is a planned assassination at the UN. The CTU is now reestablished and in tact, and there's a few new characters introduced: New leader of CTU (Mr.Hastings) Who was an idiot the first few episodes, but is assuredly coming around and realizing the only option is to let Bauer run a-muck and do what he wants (aka save millions of people). Dana Walsh aka Jenny, who is senior data analyst and slightly annoying. She has some overwhelming secret that is being threatened by some crazy ex-boyfriend that I'm sure will be dragged out for far too long. Cole Ortiz who is Dana's fiance and played by none other than...Freddie Prinze Jr. HAHAHA. I almost died when I saw that, but he seems to be pretty legit for now. (I trust no one in 24. He could be a Russian terrorist for all I know.)

In the second episode there is a return by none other than Renee Walker, and she has gone ABSOLUTELY INSANE! Little miss FBI-don't-hurt-anyone has returned in unbelievable too good to be true, coincidental 24 fashion. She was let go from the FBI for performing a Baueresque interrogation at the end of last season. Welcome to the CTU, Renee, where anything flies. Either way, she just so happens to have done a two year undercover stint with the Russians and is the ONLY agent that CTU can use for this operation. And so, he is used to drag Jack back in because he is scared for her well-being, because she looks like a greasy-haired hot violent mess when she shows up to CTU. I must say, I'm slightly saddened by Renee's return, because her and Jack's constant bickering and emotional squabbling is kind of annoying. I miss the days where Jack was a crazy CTU renegade for his own agenda. I almost wished Jack had really shot her in that staged killing they did in the beginning of Day 7. Then again, Renee does saw the hand off of a Russian at the end of the second episode, so maybe she's coming around. Jack pretends to be horrified, but on the inside I think he's proud and impressed.

In other news, Gator Basketball has finally won a conference game! They defeated LSU on Saturday night, hopefully kickstarting some great conference play from here on out. Also on Saturday night, we decided to visit Jon. We went out to dinner, and when we returned, a large tree had fallen on his car and totaled it. For some reason this doesn't surprise me. Poor Jon.

The 2010 Olympics begin February 12th, and I think to say I'm excited would be an understatement. Let's see if we can outdo those crazy Germans, who won the medal race in the Torino games.

I've been doing my 100 pushup challenge for two weeks now, and I did my exhausting exhaustion test on Sunday. I managed to max out at 47 pushups which is not only a major increase from my initial test, but also surprising because I possess 0.0 upper body strength. I am now in the highest bracket and have four weeks to add 53 push ups. I will update at my four week exhaustion test!

As I type this blog, I do it with pink nail polish on my fingers that I have rediscovered a love for now that I'm not a server. Goodness, I love my job!

It seems that Mr.Scott Brown, or now U.S. Senator Scott Brown has won theelection! Along with their myriad of sports teams I despise, and their uncanny ability to elect liberal nutjobs time and time again, it seems that MA could do no right. Don't fret, because it could be that the tide is turning, so Congratulations to MA and to Scott Brown! Maybe soon I'll become a Red Sox, Patriot, or Celtics fan!.....Yeah right.

Keep it classy,

Erin Glynn

People I Dislike on Campus

2010-01-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

As the semester begins, and I find myself around multitudes of college students, I begin to realize those I am disgruntled with. Really, I do like most people on campus, but talking about them wouldn't be any fun, would it? There are those who continuously do annoying things, and this is the day they are called out via Erin's blog. I now send out a disclaimer that if you are one of them, you should probably change your ways because I really don't want to be friends with you. (Just kidding) I've decided to compile the top ten campus offenders on this very blog. These are in no particular order, because if you do fall into one of these groups, I don't want to show the level of malice I hold towards you. Please, look out for these people on a campus near you:

#1- The Longboarders

Really, I know it's extremely difficult and inconvenient to walk to class and all, but I sometimes want to stick my foot out and stop the longboarders in their paths. Why? Because it seems that they find it necessary to show their unparalleled longboarding skills that nobody cares about, and do so by weaving in and out of us lowly walkers. Apparently it's bonus longboarding skill points if you can get as close to said walker while weaving as possible, even though it's not necessary. I know that it's truly primitive of us to walk to class, but don't get mad when you have to slow down your pseudo-California lifestyle for a moment while we put one foot in front of the other. Today was witness to a longboarder screaming "EXCUSE ME! EXCUSE ME! WATCH OUT! COMING THROUGH!" as nearly hit each person he was passing. I say we either establish a campus-wide ban on longboarders, or give them their own especially bumpy sidewalks so they will occasionally fall which will commence pedestrian laughter.

#2-The Faux Leaver

Because the University of South Florida has fifty thousand students and seventeen parking spots, it can sometimes be quite competitive to acquire a parking spot. Darwinist theories of "survival of the fittest" becomes a reality as only the keen eyed and malicious make it to class on time. This brings my hatred for this next group of people who are the "Faux Leaver". It is customary that as somebody walks out to their car to leave, that about thirteen other cars begin to stalk them in hopes that they will be the one to get a parking spot. The worst kind of person is a person who doesn't signal that they are not in fact leaving campus. While other people are grabbing spots that you could be fighting for, this person is taking your attention, while they have no real intention of leaving campus. And so, they take out their keys, and put folders in their car....then cease to get in their car in leave. They then have the audacity to generally look at you like you are crazy or creepy for sitting there waiting for them. WHY? Do you like the attention? Do you enjoy ruining people's lives? Do you not have the motor skills to signal that you are not leaving? Are you just that oblivious? The Faux Leaver has been categorized in my book a horrible and inconsiderate person, and they too should be banned from campus.

#3-The Obnoxiously Loud Headphone Listener

This person is definitely a library culprit. This is the person who has a laptop, and sits in a practically silent library and somehow doesn't realize that every person on the entire floor can hear their blaring headphones. Why do you think it's a good idea to use the maximum volume while using your headphones? Is the source of the sound not shoved into your ear? Furthermore, why even use headphones? Assuredly, these will be the same people asking the professor to repeat something in class because they are suffering from early-onset deafness. (Refer to number 5) If I can hear what you're listening to through my headphones, it's probably too loud. Really, nobody wants to hear your Young Jeezy club remix anyway. Disposal of headphones or campus banning is a good resolution to this issue.

#4-The Club Recruiter

Now, I know this probably isn't their fault, because these clubs can only thrive if they acquire a cult-like following, but it doesn't take away from how annoying it is. The fact that USF brags that they have over 500 clubs is genuinely not a good thing. Why? Because clubs equal club recruiting the first few weeks of the semester. I think I've been offered enough pamphlets to annihilate an entire rain forest. Soon my polite, "No, I would not like to join your save the cows from brutal butchering club (whose pamphlets and signs are complete with appetite suppressing pictures of dismembered livestock) Thanks." Will turn to, "I'VE JUST BEEN FOOLED BY FOUR FAUX LEAVERS (refer to number 2), I'M TWENTY MINUTES LATE FOR CLASS, AND YOUR CLUB IS A JOKE...WHAT DO YOU WANT????" If I want to join a club, I'm going to go look for it. No need to follow me with your free pens and florescent colored handouts. The ones who give out free bagels in the morning are the exception, however. I think that clubs should only be able to recruit those who are already in clubs. The club civil war would be nothing short of entertaining.

#5-The Incessant Question Asker

The incessant question asker is that person who sits in class for what seems to be no other reason than to ask stupid questions. There's a few reasons the incessant question asker asks these questions and we will review these reasons so that you know how to better deal with an incessant question asker. The first reason they will continually ask questions is that they ironically like to try and prove how smart they are by asking the said question, when in reality they sound like a pretentious moron. Usually it will be repeating what the professor has just said, but in a different way, because they like to seem intelligent and like an out-of-the-box thinker, or it will be by stating some irrelevant factual correlation to the subject so they seem to be an expert on the subject, when in fact they are just wasting everybody's time. For instance, if the professor says, "Diego Valezquez was a Spanish Baroque Painter," The incessant question asker will say something to the affect of, "So what you're saying is that Diego Valezquez painted ornately, with bright hues and idealistic representations of humanity?????" or "I know that Diego Valezquez studied in Italy as a child. This probably had an affect on his choice of style, right????" Nobody cares how smart you are, and nobody is impressed by your apparent knowledge in the form of manipulated questions. Why don't you just go on Jeopardy, where all trivia answers are in the form of a question? The second reason incessant question askers will ask questions incessantly is because they really are that dumb. This becomes quite prevalent in math classes--and usually when everybody continually gets the concept with the exception of that incessant question asker. These people are the worst in classes that would otherwise be let out early, and when the professor has office hour tutoring. The third reason a person becomes an incessant question asker is because they are apparently deaf, or really just are distracted by other things such as texting (See Number 6), and decide to ask the professor to repeat the concept they just missed by choosing to momentarily live in their own little world. Because I'm guilty myself, I do not have a problem with people who don't listen in class. I do however have a problem with those that don't listen, then decide it's their God-given right to have their own personal showing of the day's lecture because they were too lazy to listen the first time. Beware of Incessant question askers in classes with teachers who enable them because they enjoy going on tangents, and classes that possess more than one incessant question asker, where you will proceed to get nothing done the entire semester. Duct tape over the mouth, or campus banishment are perfect solutions to the incessant question asker epidemic.

#6-The I Have to Text Someone Every 2.3 Seconds

I understand that this is a texting generation, but this is getting out of control. The I have to text someone every 2.3 seconds is becoming more and more prevalent on college campuses everywhere. I like to text as much as the next person, but when people's texts add up to be longer than Obama's health care reform bill in one day of texting, this becomes a problem. With the Longboarders (Refer to number one) whirling about, and people constantly with their heads down texting, it's a wonder anybody gets to class alive. They are also guilty of letting doors slam in your face, walking in front of cars, and answering tests with text lingo such as, "omg the revolutionary war waz gr8! LOL." The I have to text someone every 2.3 seconds does not cease to text while in class, in the bathroom, walking up the stairs, or in the library. They too are a library culprit along with the obnoxiously loud headphone listener (refer to number 3). Most of these I have to text someone every 2.3 seconds sit in the library with their phones on vibrate, and instead of keeping it in their pocket or bag, must place it on the table, so the entire library can hear how popular they are with the ungodly amount of texts they receive. Between these 2.3 seconds they are usually doing things such as checking their phone just to make sure they didn't miss a text, even though their phone vibrating tops out at about 4,000 decibels and can be heard by everyone. Their ignorance to the annoyance of their vibrations is almost as impressive as their finger speed, which must top out at about 80 words per minute. At one text every 2.3 seconds, that's a lot of words. The I have to text someone every 2.3 seconds is generally a relational offender (Refer to #8) who can't be separated from their significant other for more than...well, 2.3 seconds, as well as an incessant question asker (Refer to #5)

#7-The Mass Emailer

The mass emailer is that person who chooses to send the entire class an email for every question or concern they have. Mass emailers can be highly correlated to incessant question askers (refer to number four) because they can't even contain their question asking inside of the classroom, or are generally people who miss class and instead of asking one person for the notes they missed the last class, they must email everybody in the class with a glimmering hope that someone will send them via email so they don't have to copy them down themselves. If you're in a bind, I understand. Go ahead and mass email. Otherwise, stop annoying everybody by emailing the entire class every time you're absent (which the mass emailers generally average about 15-25% attendance) Mass Emailers tend to mass email about things that are already answered in the syllabus, things you can find on google, or Here's a few examples of the mass emails I received last semester:

*Was anybody as floored about their grade on the exam that I was??
*Hey, I've been absent a lot. Can someone email me their journal?
*Does anybody know when our paper is due?
*What inch margins are used for MLA papers?

Please mass emailers, stop the madness. Revoking email is a great solution to the mass emailer problem.

#8-The Inseparable Couple

The inseparable couple is that couple that just can't seem to be separated. They must hold hands at all times, and public displays of affection are par for the course. If you are walking towards them in a small hallway, and they are clasped hand in hand, get ready to be clothes-lined, because hand separation is not an option. Longboard (Refer to number one) and inseparable couple encounters can be a very dangerous happening for both parties. The inseparable couple will switch majors just so they have all the same classes, and if the (God forbid) event occurs that they don't have the same class, they walk hand in hand together to (usually) the females class, where they embrace for as long as possible, like one of them is going off to war or something. During this embrace they usually have faces of anguish because they must tear themselves away from each other, even though their practice of I have to text someone every 2.3 seconds (refer to number six) will truly come into play during this class, as they retain constant textual contact with one another. This section is not due to the fact that I don't have a boyfriend and I am bitter. It is due to the fact that I've almost been run over by these couples because they have some magnetic force in their hands, or cannot walk through a door because that doorway is their chosen place of embracing. Watch out for inseparable couple hybrids, such as the inseparable- longboarding couple, or the inseparable-incessant-question-asking couple. Usually this solution takes care of itself, because they tend to break up every 2-3 months, so it's just a matter of time before they latch on to somebody else.

#9- The Starbucks Dweller

The Starbucks dweller is someone who seems to live in the campus Starbucks. They are rarely drinking coffee, and are usually accompanied by nobody and a laptop. As you try to go and get some coffee with some friends, and find a seat in Starbucks, you are stopped by the Starbucks dweller who usually takes it upon themselves to sit at the table with the most amount of seating, so that there are only single-chair tables left. The Starbucks dweller for some reason cannot bear to sit in one of the forty eight thousand other internet available seats on campus, but must park themselves at the biggest table for hours, while usually writing things such as term papers, or a thesis. These people usually have Macs and and they generally like to seem ultra-trendy as they do their work in the campus coffee shop. Can't you go to another Starbucks? Or better yet, the library?The Starbucks dweller is not at Starbucks to receive the caffeine they need to finish an assignment, because they are usually caught drinking some sort of caffeine-free soy chai tea that probably tastes as bad as their dwelling offenses. The Starbucks dweller is usually a part of some kind of literature club (refer to number four), and will pile all their books on the table that only consist of classics such as The Great Gatsby, War and Peace, and Don Quixote. The entirety of these books will most likely be read at the campus Starbucks, where the Starbucks dweller is at its most intelligent. Guarding against the Starbucks dweller can be hard, but can usually be coerced to go to a smaller table if you threaten them with violence and unkind words, as they are usually peace-makers.

#10- Campus Police

Need I say more? The campus police must be the Police Academy rejects (or the police academy incessant question askers). I really don't know what these police do besides ruin everybody's campus existence. Because the parking is taken care of by USF's own breed of heartless officers, the Campus Police seems to do nothing but annoy everybody and flirt with college-aged females. It seems that while the campus police are busy pulling people over for their music being too loud, or a broken headlight, there is some real catastrophe happening that they are simply not there for. They can usually be found at the campus Dunkin Donuts, in their patrol cars sleeping, or in female dominated major buildings, such as elementary education and women's studies. The campus police should not be given a taser gun for the sole purpose of eradicating campus offenders 1-9. Otherwise, they are simply unneeded and a waste of our tax dollars and tuition.

-Erin Glynn

Spring Semester Begins

2010-01-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

The grumpiness that I experienced waking up for class this morning cannot be a good sign of mornings to come. The fact that it was twenty degrees outside was simply a catalyst to further grumpiness, but I eventually got over my post 7am traumatic stress disorder. The haul to Tampa seems almost second nature now. I almost don't even remember doing it.
Peacoat and scarf in tact, I get to my first class, which is a ridiculous class called Native American Culture. Why God? Why do I have to be subjected to this? My professor is already officially categorized as absolutely nuts and most definitely played a drum and sang Lakota ceremonial songs within the first half hour of class. Somebody forgot to tell him that he is white. He went on to explain that he's a sundancer (like we cared) and that we have to go to a real Indian pow wow as an assignment (can you kill me now?). Is a pow wow even a real thing? I may wear a Pocahontas costume so I don't stand out too much. I really can't wait until our guest speaker...real live Native American little running water tree (or whatever his name is) comes and speaks to our class on Native American religion. I can already sense this professor's anti-Anglo ideals as he has clearly made us all aware of.
My next class is going to be fantastic, and instead of our final paper, we will be performing a play by Moliere. Anyone is invited to said play, so get your tickets on stub hub now. They're going fast.
My last class today was taught by what I literally believe to be the crypt keeper. If being in creative writing wasn't bad enough, the man is 82 years old and doesn't use e-mail. His syllabus was a half a page long and was obviously typed using a typewriter. The anthology that is listed goes back to the third edition and is crossed out every time the edition changed with a pen and recopied. We are now on the eighth addition. If he doesn't die mid-semester, I'm sure this will be an interesting class, because the man is quite a character. He's like a hybrid between Dr.Emmett Brown from Back to the Future and Dobby the house elf from Harry Potter. He only holds class once a week for a twice a week class, so I can't complain.
As I walked 400 miles back to my car, I found a parking ticket on there. THANKS USF. THANK YOU FOR WAITING AS I WAS GETTING MY 130 DOLLAR PARKING PASS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BECAUSE IT WAS MY FIRST DAY OF CLASS. I figured out that with the amount of commuter students multiplied by the amount a parking pass is, USF collects over 5 million dollars a SEMESTER in parking. This doesn't include the incredible amount of parking tickets they give through their parking police who have an insatiable thirst for power. On top of all this, you can never find a parking spot, because apparently with the five million dollars they make a semester, they can't add a few more parking spots. I will now end my tirade.
On Thursday I discover my 3 hour and 45 minute seminar class. I really just don't even want to know at this point. I will enjoy my beautiful Wednesday off with some Tennis and whatever else comes my way.
On a more hilarious note: Lane Kiffin has been hired by USC. Thank you Pac-10 for solidifying your mediocrity and taking him off our hands. I guess his wild dreams of singing as he beat the Gators is over. I wonder what felons he'll draw to beautiful Southern California as he continues his moronic ways as a head coach while jumping on the already sinking ship that is the University of Southern California football program. BON VOYAGE, Kiffin!

Keep it classy, my friends.

Erin Glynn

I Took a Four Month "Blog-Sabbatical "

2010-01-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, so my blogging prowess seemed to come to an end, but I never fear....I am back! I can't guarantee this will last more than one entry, but I will assure you with a pseudo-sincerity that I will be a blogging champion in 2010! Tiffany has assured me that blogging is extremely important, and that she will at least read these entries.

My, my, my. 2009 has already come and gone, and not only is this a new year, but this is a new DECADE. Can you believe it? It seems like yesterday we were stocking away food in the fear of Y2K. Just kidding. To think that I was eleven when that year began is surreal. The worries and responsibilities that seemed so important at the time now seem so trivial, but this must continue to occur as we grow and mature. I look back and remember the good and bad, but the good truly shines more brightly. And in the words of America's most popular rapper, Kanye West, "th- that don't kill me, can only make me stronger." I graduated both middle school and high school, and began and experienced most of college. I've grown in many ways, and sometimes it takes something like the turning of a decade to simply reflect on this growth.

I committed my life to God when I was fourteen, and the journey of my relationship with him has been exactly that: a journey. A journey is often accompanied by good weather, and easy paths, but there is also the poor weather and hard times. This journey has been the same. I can honestly look back and say that I cannot live my life without the strength and peace that God provides me, and I thank him every day not only for my life, but his ordained purpose. This purpose gives me a feeling of significance not to men, but to his kingdom--there is no greater feeling. When I was fourteen, I wasn't completely sure of what I was doing, but I did know that I was doing the right thing. I knew that God had a calling for me and that his spirit was going to be my ultimate guide, rather than my own flesh. I began to seek God as a father, a comforter, and a source of boldness, power, strength, and joy. I'll never forget when I was seventeen years old, and I walked down to an alter call where the speaker uttered over me that "This is the last time. You will never pray for the struggle of lordship in your life again. The plateau you have found yourself on is removed, and you will continue forward from here on." I wrote it down, because I never wanted to forget it. I never wanted to forget the night that I told God that nothing would come before him ever again. Have I been perfect since then? Most certainly not. But, I can say that I'm somehow continuously reminded through circumstance and grace where my priorities lie. Where I seem to knock myself back two steps, God's mercy carries me three steps forward. When I was twenty years old, I dedicated myself to forsaking fear and unlocking my own purpose and potential. As a seed, I wanted to begin to grow and mature into the fruitful being that I have the potential to be. We are constantly underestimate ourselves, and in essence are underestimating God, who gives us the ability to do all things through him. This I am admittedly still working on, but am excited the decade where I will see when I accomplished this next step in my journey. I would love to continue to reach new places of righteousness and answer the call to be holy as he is holy. Gotta get my Proverbs 31 woman on!

As we look back to where we were ten years ago, isn't it fun to imagine all the things that are to come? Besides exciting, also slightly scary. haha. We know that hard times are coming as well as big decisions, but I feel as if some of the greatest moments in my life will happen in this coming decade. I do feel on the cusp of many changes, but what they will be, I'm not completely sure! Where do I want to see myself in ten years? I want to be a sanctified vessel, ready and willing to be used by Christ. In this, I know I will be happy. I think too often we identify our careers being "what we do" as the definition of our lives. The truth is, no matter "what we're doing" most important is how we're doing it. No matter "What I'm doing," I want to love people and identify myself through Christ. I want to be compassionate and have an impact on others. I want to love people that simply just need it, no matter what the reason. I hope at the end of the decade that I've seen a lot more of the world, and traveled as much as possible!! I want to submerge myself in cultures and see different and beautiful things. I would hope to be married by the next decade! I know those of you who know me well enough just probably fell off of your chairs, but yes, always single Erin sees herself getting married in the next decade, and who knows...maybe even having like 24 or 25 kids! (Just kidding...no double digit kids) I guess this new decade has worn away some of my love cynicism and I'm finally realizing that having a best friend who you can mutually share passions, goals, support, and pretty much life with can truly be a great thing. Don't tell anyone I said that though. I would love to look back at the end of the next decade and smile as big as I do this one. I want to still have a cohesive and unbelievable family whom I love more than words can describe. I hope that I've kept some of the amazing friendships that I have developed in this decade, and that their even stronger at end of the next one. I don't want to be fat at the end of next decade. Excuse my vanity.

This has been far too long, but it's two decades all in one blog! (Or at least the past four months) All in all, I want to keep my perspective BIG picture, but take it one step at a time. Let's become our greatest selves in this next decade and continue to give thanks to the one who provides the gift of time and life!

Love you all,

Erin Glynn

I'm Getting Sick of Making Titles for These Things

2009-08-04T23:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's wrong with me...I can't fall asleep. I feel tired, but my mind is going a million miles an hour!

I don't know why my mind is like this, and it's always before I go to sleep. hahaha. It's like I don't react or think about things completely during the day because I'm busy, or like to push it away, then when I'm still and calm, these things resurface. I feel as if I'm like the furthest thing from a perfectionist sometimes, then it seems I can't stop over analyzing things. Oh well--I think it begins with the fact that I need to come to terms with myself about certain things, but I just don't want to yet. I hate it when I find myself in a situation I can't control, or it's simply going the way I don't want it, and I feel like I need to act a certain way towards what is occuring because of these boundaries or rules I've created for myself that are probably stupid and even unattainable. I would like to chaulk it up to 'everything happens for a reason'. This to me is obvious, however finding the reason, or at least owning up to the reality of it is the general issue. I wonder when I became such a fearful person. Fearful of taking the next step, a leap of faith, a big change, or accepting a risk. Conclusion? I'M TOTALLY NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Erin Glynn

I'm Bloggerific

2009-08-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

Have I ever told you all that I love blogging? Dear God, what would I do without blogging? More importantly, what would the rest of the world do without my blog? I don't even want to think of the mayhem that would ensue.

Number one, Jon and I won the biggest loser "Cagan Edition." Not only are we hot in the body, we also get taken out to eat by the losers and get to order their food for them. This is a double sided victory for sure. Now, let's see how much faster you can gain weight then lose it! Whatever, we're ripped to shreds for the time being.

Number two, we leave for Tennessee ever so soon. The four of us are going to have so much fun. I hope I can find Dolly Parton while I'm there. She's my hero, and very nifty with a bedazzler. Don't act like you don't like her...she's got the biggest lips on this side of the mason dixon line, and her waist is 8 inches around. That's impressive.

Number three, I want to just quit school and become a missionary. Just kidding, I must finish school, but it's coming so quickly. Jesus, save me from JSTOR!!!!!!! But really, I just want to quit school and become a missionary.

Number four, since when have I been so organized with my blog or with thoughts in general? I'm literally bulleting my thoughts. Not only is this scaring me, it makes me want to go back and jumble it all up. We all know I'm far too lazy for that though.

Life is good, what can I say? I'm happy, healthy, and single. Really, could it get much better than that? I could have better hair, or better weather to equip my hair--but I can't have it all. That would be unfair. This Sunday I heard a great message in church from Dr. Nichol's, and he talked about possessing a child-like heart, and how it opens you up to opportunity while diminishing fear which seems to innately creep it's way inside of me. It's about letting go, and allowing God to be the father. Worry and strife aren't from God, and will only add bricks to a wall between you and his voice and plan. Ironic how we must become a child to become spiritually mature. Think about it.

Oh, here's to good times:

-Erin Glynn

Another Update, New Classes, and Relationships

2009-07-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

I know you think I'm lying due to my updating track record. Truth is, I need to write some stuff down every once in awhile, no matter how hard I try to stay away, okay!?! Plus, Tiffany has laid it into me that blogging is super-important and that life certainly cannot go on without it.

Praises be to Jesus, I finally was able to convince USF that I'm not a fraudulent, non-credentialed student. My classes are almost all very odd, but gotta jump through those hoops to graduate, right? Welcome to Mormonism in America and Introduction to body, mind, and culture. hahaha Big weight lifted off, and I was able to shove all my classes in Mon/Wed again which is great, so I only have to drive twice a week. I really want to do well this semester. I want to handle everything with organization and schedule--unlike usual, but I think it will cause less stress and cause me to be happier in the end. It's not that I don't get it done, but I'd just like to get it done without stress, and with slightly more effort and care. Let's see if I can finally pull it together my senior year, ladies and gentleman! Ah yes, but before school is Tennessee, which I'm ultra stoked about.

I've been thinking a lot about relationships in general lately. It's so funny...as we live through our relationships, we rarely are thinking about where they came from, or how they started--what draws us to people, and what draws us apart? One thing I really love about relationships is that we don't really need to analyze or think about them to start them--they generally just happen because of a vibe or connection or sorts that really can't be explained. I really can only smile when I think about people in my life that must have been truly ordained to be there. There's nothing more comforting than being able to talk to someone who truly understands you, and be able to act exactly as you are when with them. As we all have friends, and acquaintences, there's those people that go beyond that. The people who truly feel like a soul-sister or brother--the ones that cannot really be appreciated no matter how much you try, because what they do for you emotionally and daily goes beyond what you can appreciate. The ones who allow you to be selfish in that they care for you so much, it seems that you'll never be able to return the favor to them. The ones that make me better, who edify me and tell me the truth when I don't want to hear it, or truly don't see it. The ones that make me grow, who push me spiritually and pray for me when they say they will. The ones that make me laugh and laugh at me, and share similarities that seem would only be family. I only come across one of these every so often, but when I do, I know to thank God, because these are the relationships that allow you to reach out to others and touch them as they've touched you. And as some of these relationships fade due to one cirumstance or another, or grow stronger, I know that I am truly blessed to experience them if even for a short time. So go on and thank your friends or significant other for not only who they are, but what they do for you--because being a good friend isn't always easy, but it's always worth it. And as I look back on friendships that aren't the same as they once were, I realize there is an evolution of sorts with all relationships, but no matter where they end up, they should be treasured, and recognized as an experience of learning and loving. So whether there is a distance of miles, communication, or just life has gotten busy, allow your friends to hear from you how important they are. I'm not a perfect person, but I do hope that I can be this person to as many people as possible, if not just one person, because I see what some people have done in my life, and to those, I do thank you, and I love you.

-Erin Glynn

Well Hello There!

2009-05-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's been awhile. I never claimed to be a super-updater. Apparently the wedding really threw me off. After the wedding I was suddenly thrust into a world of school craziness that I'd rather not know again. What prompted me to write in this blog again? Well, the answer is simple...I find myself at the firm again. Head-to-toe in Banana Republic, and the only soul that has seen me today is family and felons. Between answering phones and faxing informations, discoveries, and affidavits, I am bored outside of my little mind. I'm already on page 200 of "My Sister's Keeper" so I've decided in order to space it out, my speed reading must come to an end for today. It's an interesting concept to say the least. As Les Miserables plays in the background, I relax. I'm going to Ocala tonight to annihilate Dustin in this game we call tennis.

What do I write after not writing in this thing for like two months? Well, school ended well. It was filled with sleepless nights of papers and studying, but seeing those A's is worth it in the end...I think. I'm going to try and make this Summer a memorable one. I want to go places and see new things and meet new people, reconnect with old people, and appreciate what's around me, because soon enough it'll all change. These are the times we can't just get back whenever we want, my friends. Embrace them for all they are, even if the mundane begins to take over. I can't allow myself to get into a rut of the same old. The Summer before your senior year..it's probably a good time to figure some stuff out about yourself, right? To realize your dreams, your purpose, and how it all lines up? Complete with probably a double-digit amount of Ray's games and beach visits, it's going to be a fantastic Summer. Hopefully I'll also find myself out of state once or twice.

Meghan's birthday is on Tuesday! Happy birthday my crazy friend. I'm so glad I've known you since you were 12 and I 13. How crazy is that? Yes, I had braces when I met Meghan. Those were the times where I thought it was cool to wear my belt outside of my belt loops and put my hair in those crazy buns? And Meghan in her default hoodies and headbands. We both admit to using far too much hairspray at that time, yet they are such fond memories. Another May 19th comes around, and I'm so happy to still call her my friend. She is one of the people that truly know who I am. We've been in four countries together, countless self-caused predicaments, and brilliant fits of laughter. Happy birthday, love!

Hopefully I'll be back to this thing before my birthday...haha.

-Erin Glynn

Oye Vey

2009-03-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I admit....last entry was the quiet before the storm. Yikes. So much stuff to do...so little time. Not to mention my stupid school work that continues to pile up. I wish it would stop just for this week. Darn you ancient Greece! The other day I checked my email and my teacher referred to us as "athenians" and I thought to myself....Are you kidding me? Then I realized she was doing it all semester. Apparently I'm an Athenian now. I'd just like to say that Dimitri Martin cracks me up...he's so unbelievably witty (or switty), and I wish he lived in Tampa, Florida and was my bff. Because this blog is taking me so long...now this show has come on with this crazy bride who is so annoying I want to punch her in the face. My first question is...how could you marry this nut job? But my second question is why does she remind me so much of my sister at this point in time? JUSSSST KIDDING! I only ironed like 75,000 chair linens today. No big deal. I think I'm going to sneak on the Pilatus and fly away with Cara and Dustin to the Bahamas. =] I have a quiz tomorrow on some Greek play called "The Clouds" that I haven't read, but I found it on sparknotes, so I should be golden, right? Sparknotes, I don't know what I'd do without you. So I was drivint the other day and I looked up at this sign for Walgreens and what does it say? 93 degrees. IT WAS 93 DEGREES HERE THE OTHER DAY! GOD LOVE. This blog has almost 200 views, and like NO COMMENTS. Thanks guys...you need to pick it up in the commenting game. I have 40 minutes to kill while I wait for my clothes to finish drying:

Where EXACTLY were you when you entered 2009?In a cabin with my little ones in Gatlingburg, Tennessee.
You just drank 7 shots, what would you be doing? I'm not sure I really want to know. hahaha
Do you hate the last person you kissed? Nope!
Ever licked someone's cheek or forehead? What kind of question is this?
When did you last throw up and where? The night before thanksgiving like 15 times. I was very up close and personal to the toilet.
Have you ever flown on an airplane?Why yes I have!
What do you carry with you at all time?The cellular, and a whole lot of swagga.
What happened at 9:00 am today?I do not know. I was sleeping.
Do you and your parents get along?Pretty darn well. Of course we have our little arguments.
Do you wanna tell some one how you feel at the moment?Of course!
Who have you texted today?Quite a few people
What holiday is your birthday closest to? I guess labor day, but it's on the first day of fall sometimes. :]
How many different things did you drink today?Just agua.
Do you think you've changed over the past year? God, I hope so. hahaha
How old do you think you'll be when you have kids? I have no clue.
Do you think you'll be married in 5 years?hahahaha....at this rate, I don't know!
Are you waiting for something?Yes. A few things actually.
Were you happy when you woke up today?I'm pretty much never happy when I first wake up due to grumpy after I wake up syndrome.
If you could change your eye color, would you? lol probably
What were you doing at 8 am this morning?Sleeping! Goodness.
Do you like to have long hair or short hair?WAY TOO LONG
Name 4 emotions at this exact moment:tired, excited, scared, happy
Do you spend a lot of time with your parents? I would think I do.
Do you flip your pillow to the cold side? Yes! There aren't many things better than the cold pillow.
Do you sleep with one leg off the bed?I'm all over the place when I sleep. Sometimes I wake up amazed at myself.
How many times have you eaten sushi? Quite a few times.
psyche
Are you a big fan of thunderstorms?I LOOOOOOOVE thunderstorms.
Do you ever think "what if" about anything?Duh.
Who was the last person of the opposite sex you had a conversation with? David
Does any part of your body hurt right now? Yes, I'm sore.
Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you, and meant it? Mmhmm.
Do you have an accent? Yes. Australian when I am payed for it. ;]
Are you good at giving directions? LOL NO!
Have you ever been back-stabbed by a friend? Not horribly.
Have you cried today? Negative
Who was the last person you cried in front of? Hahaha...ummm my mom.
What will you be doing in an hour? Dreaming?
Spring or summer?Summer
Do you watch Spongebob? Heck friggen no
Have you ever liked someone who all your friends hate? hahaha...yes. I have benifit of the doubt syndrome.
Confused about anything? When is Erin Glynn not?
Where you want to go vacation-wise? Italy!
Do you prefer to call or text someone?It depends on the situation. I prefer face to face conversation!! =]
Are you friends with any of your exes? mmhmm
How do you feel about change? Sometimes it scares me, but I usually end up enjoying it. Life is boring without it.
Did you get any compliments lately? Only Theresa who calls me Miss America every shift.
Are you friends with your neighbors? I guess you could say that.
Ever been told you were loved by someone who didn't mean it? haha...that's a sad thing to assume
Do you think someone is thinking about you right now? Probably not. hahaha
Have you ever liked somebody and never told them? Yes. But I'm pretty sure I stopped liking them like three days later.
Do people ever think you're older/younger than you actually are?Sometimes older, sometimes younger.
Do you think boys truly understand girls? Not really.
Are you happy right now? Why not be?
Have you ever slept with the opposite sex and not have sex with them? I've never slept with the opposite sex. hahaha
Have you kissed more then 10 people this year?I have kissed zero people this year! LOL
Where did you get the shirt your wearing? Nature Coast Highschool Basketball
Do you like meeting new people? Usually!
Ever kissed someone who smokes? Negative
Is it usually easy for someone to make you smile? Usually. I'm a pretty smiley person
Meet anyone new this year? I should hope so
Have you ever liked someone then realize you don't? I rarely like people to be honest. Then when I finally do, usually some tragic flaw emerges, like they're married, or they have leprosey.
What time did you go to sleep last night? I think at like 1?
Do you believe exs can be just friends? I suppose so.
Where is your biological father right now? Sleeping.
Do you hate anyone? No. Just dislike.
Can you easily tell when someone's fake? Usually. I'm pretty discerning.
Will this weekend be a good one? It'll be a crazzzy one.
What do you currently hear right now? The water from my mother's stupid aero garden.
lDo you want to see someone right now? Yep!
When was the last time you cleaned your room? Yesterday
Last thing you and your boyfriend/girlfriend talked about? No tengo un novio.
Do you believe you could change for somebody? ERIN DON'T CHANGE FOR NO ONE
Is the last person you kissed mad at you? I hope not
How's your heart? Hopefully beating.
Do you believe people deserve second chances? Usually
Were you single on your last birthday? Of course. I'm Erin Single Cagan!
How much longer til your next birthday? About six months
Would you go back in time if you had the chance? Yes, if I could come back to the present!
Are you friends with your first love? Yesh.
Will tomorrow be better then today? I always hope each day builds from the last
What color is your shirt?Blue
Sometimes does it feel like your life is going no where? At times, yes.
Do you bite your lip? Yeah. =/
Do you believe in love at first sight? I believe in holy crap he's hot at first sight.
Do you open up to a lot of people? I guess not
Do you have any strange phobias? Sea Animals? Ughh
What do you friends call you? Erin, Er, Erry, Glynn, Glynnie, Glynnaford, EGC, Ernie, Nernie, Nern, Nernie Bird, Nernz, Errra errn, Erin go braless (thanks helene), Cagan, Cags, Cajun, Caganator....etc
Who is the best hugger you know? UMMM...Probably MYSELF! I LOVE HUGS!
Has anyone ever told you they would die for you? Yeah. Kirsten even told me she would attack someone like a feline on aids. Hahahaha.

-Erin Glynn

Back to Real Life

2009-03-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

"Real Life". I love how we always use that as a negative connotation. haha. Well, here I am. Monday has just passed and I am in fact back to this thing we call real life. So long Spring Break...how I'll miss you and the laziness you allowed me. We got nothing done at play practice due to the fact that we talked and fooled around the entire time--it seems getting back into the swing of things wasn't as easy as we thought. It was fun none the less. We made a pact that on Wednesday we will preform to our best abilities once again. In my Arts and Films against totalitarian regimes class we....watched another movie! We've been doing so for about two months straight, and I am now fluent in German, Russian, and Polish. Just kidding. On a more honest note, work has been seriously sucking. I cannot lie when I say I want to quit everytime I go into work. I'm usually one to have a good time at work. I love the people I work with etc...but our managers are really becoming unbearable. Hopefully I won't be on the six o'clock news for knocking one of their fronts out. Actually, I usually just kill them with kindness...I think that hurts worse for them considering they are miserable people. The wedding is April fourth, which makes it less than two weeks away. I feel that this is the quiet before the storm, because nobody is currently freaking out. Just wait a few days...it'll come I'm sure. My dress has arrived, and hopefully I still fit in it--I went on an eating binge while in Pittsburgh and I totally blame Tiffany. I also blame the Jews for creating bagels.

So, we celebrated Frankie's 28th birthday (you old hag) and our very pregnant Sarah was so cute. It's been awhile since I've seen them and since Meghan and I haven't been balling on Mondays, it was good to see them again. There was about seven million people there, and the dogs of course. Rock band was on one TV and March Madness on the other. I was extremely fortunate to catch this footage of a very non-enthusiastic Sarah singing while that crazy girl on the drums (who claimed it was easier when she used her hands instead of the sticks) was going nuts. Luke kept it pretty normal on the guitty. I don't know why, but the entire time, Sarah was so funny when she sang:

24 was absolutely insane tonight. When the last seconds ticked away for this episode, my family just sat there open mouthed-while my brother let out a noooo. Next was is going to be CRAZYYYYY!!!

10 random things I am infamous for:

1. Having gum in my mouth like 99% of my life

2. My hair

3. Leaning into people's shoulders when I laugh

4. How much I love hugs

5. How awkward I am when a guy likes me and I don't like them (thanks tiffany)

6. My wide variety of shoes

7. Knowing the differences between Neo-Classical and Baroque, but not knowing how to get anywhere.

8. My facial expressions

9. Being a chronic napper

10. How extremely forgetful/absent minded/clutsy I can be

-Erin Glynn

Post Pittsburgh Fun

2009-03-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, my friends...I'm finally back and recooperated. What a crazy friggen trip. Many ask, "Why Erin, why did you go to Pittsburgh particularly?" And I answer, "Tiffany wanted to do some interviews, so we figured...what the heck!" We had a grand time, so I must use this lovely blog to document the times so I can look back on them somewhere. And so, quotes, times and videos begin here:

Memorable Quotes:

Tiffany singing Kelly Clarkson to Maxine the GPS: "MY LIFE WOULD SUCKKK WITHOUTTTT YOU!"

"Route calculation, turn back where possible." -Maxine

"Just so you know, the girl we're staying with looks like Rodney Dangerfield." -Tiffany

Erin: "I have a confession to make"
Tiffany: "What?"
Erin: "I think I have a lesbian crush on Maxine."
Tiffany: "Back off, she's mine."

"WHEN I WAS A YOUNG WARTHOGGGGGGGGGGGGG!" -Tiffany

"OOOOO...I saw you...you po frickin po." -Tiffany

Tiffany: "Erin, omg look back now"
Erin: "Oh, I saw it...you think I could miss that hamburgler?"
Tiffany and Erin: "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"

"The thing about him is that he's always trying to be switty." -Erin

"UGH, What is up with these curbs and things around here and tires? And them TRYING to pop my tires!" -Tiffany

Tiffany: "I think I may have a small crush on him...I'll tell you in a second"
Erin: "Okay."
Tiffany stops the car: "Ugh, I think maybe it was just that peacoat."
Erin and Tiffany: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Erin: "I told you! NEVER underestimate the power of a peacoat."

"Tiffany, I had a dream last night that you fell in a construction hole and died. And it was all my fault." -Erin

Erin: "Didn't we already pass that store?"
Tiffany: "FRICK FACE...we just went in a circle."

Tiffany: "Maxine is such a good friend...all she does is give and give and give."
Erin: "And you can mute her whenever you want."
Tiffany: "Erin, don't! Maxine does NOT like to be muted."

"TIFFANNNNNNY GOOOOOD LUCKKKKK! I'LLLL BE INTERCEEEEDING ON YOUR BEHALFFFF!" -Erin

"We need to go to that egg show." -Tiffany

"That guy's animal is a bowling pin head." -Tiffany

Times:

-Leaving Florida at 4am and arriving at 10:30 pm and leaving Pitt at 10:35 pm and arriving in Florida at 8:00 pm.
-Me having a dream that Tiffany fell in a construction hole and died.
-Lenders Bagels
-The extreme fog/deer we encountered on the way back
-How it flurried in West Virginia and Tiffany started panicing like she was driving through a blizzard.
-How we seemed to get lost in downtown Pittsburgh for a total of like 12 hours throughout the trip....with Maxine our GPS cohort. And how it always seemed to be at the same bridge.
-Taking the highschooler unknowingly to the "south side"
-Playing cards at Starbucks
-Awkward get togethers
-Tiffany goes on interviews while Erin goes shopping
-How seriously ugly we looked on the way there and the way back
-How Tiffany can no longer hold in her urine for more than five minutes
-Pulling over at gas stations and hotel parking lots and taking power naps while driving home.
-Tiffany's obsession with the Fort Pitt tunnel on the way there
-Leaving my phone and wallet in the Panera bathroom and not realizing for like an hour and a half...then the guy who retrieves it decides to call my mom for God only knows what reason
-Slopey and Henney: Our game names at Buffalo wild wings
-Tiffany questioning me on my opinion of every person I met
-Highschool curfews
-Making friends with the guys inside the Christian Science center reading room
-Losing our parking ticket
-Tiffany geting a faux parking ticket from an angry neighbor reading, "DO NOT PARK HERE. NOT A LEGAL SPACE."
-Tiffany's response to everything being..."THORRY!" (Thanks Gilly)
-How tiffany drank coffee like seven times a day
-Eating chips and queso while driving there
-Having no more chips and queso for the drive back
-My camera flying off my lap and into my to go cup of water and sinking to its death
-Our server's hair style at ghetto Sonny's
-Watching FSU beat UNC during my first Red Robin experience
-A random cat rubbing itself against Tiffany's leg and scaring the crap out of her while we were locked out of the house.

Random Videos:

-Erin Glynn

The Mid-Mid-Term Studying Update

2009-03-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, it's going to be a crazy week. I have two midterms tomorrow, and quite frankly, I'm sick of studying for them. Play practice before class once again, then come my two midterms. After this is when the madness begins. I must go home and pack, probably not sleep, drive to Lakeland to meet Tiffany, then Drive to Pennsylvania. I fear for the rare form I will most likely take on not only the ride there, but the remainder of the trip. This will cause embarassing but surely hilarious video/picture evidence I'm sure. I really have no idea what we're doing there, but it's going to be chilly, and I'm excited. Break out the pea coats and scarves ladies and gentlemen...yayyyy! Am I procrastinating by writing this right now? Yes, but I feel like I can't concentrate with my thoughts all jumbled, so I'll get them all out and continue to embrace 5th century Athens for all it's worth.

Out at Sea is coming along, and I'm excited to announce that we are going with our original thought and playing the men instead of switching it to women. I'm excited for no other reason except that we will be wearing suits, ties, and pocket squares. How glad am I that the script calls for this? Extremely. I finally get to pick out my own men's dress clothes outfit! hahaha. I need to learn how to tie a tie. My dad obviously knows how since he wears them everyday, but he ties them really tight with a little ugly knot like they did in 1984. The main characters are Fat, Medium, and Thin to which I play Thin. I need a slimming suit.

I miss Kirsten. Her aura is so far away, and I just don't like it. :[ I'm really not sure what an aura is, but Schadrac and I used to talk about them like we knew, and give people's auras colors as we catered to them. He said my aura was a mix of colors because I'm all over the place, and I told him that his was black because he's black. 24 was ridiculous this week, and the death of Bill Buchanan (May he R.I.P.)might be the closest i've ever cried while watching television. Just kidding, 24 has trained me in only semi-lamenting the death of main characters. THERE'S NO TIME FOR MOURNING IN 24! Bill took one for the team, so I'll commemorate him below:

Today at work, I got a 20 dollar tip on a 33 dollar check. I'm really not sure why they did that, but it made me feel like a super server. My new phone is on its way. GOODBYE NAVY BLUE SAMSUNG SLIDER PHONE FROM HELL!!! My new phone has a keypad so I can text just as quickly as the rest of the world. It is making its way through the US Postal Service as we speak. The tribal burning ceremonies for navybluesamsungsliderphonefromhell will be held the day following the receiving of my new glorious white and teal gravity phone. The little kiddies are gearing up for fine arts. I'm pretty stoked....they're going to be amazing ORLANDO, HERE WE COME! (Yes it is reference to where the district competition will be held, as well as a call out to Orlando Faith who we will out-dramatize if it's the last thing we do). Alright, I suppose I've written enough. I will continue to study as well as fill the insatiable craving for salt I have by eating these pretzels. Ciao my loves!

-Erin Glynn

An Oldschool Ode to the Old Tiffany and I

2009-03-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

So, I was going through some pictures on the old lappy toppy, and I came across some of these videos. A confirmation that whilst living together, Tiffany and I caused eachother mutual insanity. I honestly don't even remember taping some of these. It was fun though, and that's why I figured I'd post a few. Oh yes, there's even more than this. The beginning of College couldn't have been any more hilarious.This is really for Tiffany...I love you girl! hahahaha

-Erin Glynn

So I'm Up With My Little Brother Who Is Upchucking Like No Other

2009-03-07T02:18:00.000-08:00

Poor Steve. The little guy has strep throat, and I heard these noises from the bathroom, and it turns out he was in there with the pukes. So now I'm sitting here with him as he makes frequent runs to the bathroom and watches cartoons in between then. He's kind of a trooper...he came back smiling from his last puke session. Maybe he just hates school that much, and this is his total get out of school free card.

Today I went to Ocala with my Mom to go to Cara's dress fitting. I really never knew how important a bustle was, or really how many ways one could be made. She looks smokin' but I was like seriously lady, they all look the same...just pick one. I took pictures, but I'm pretty sure Cara would kill me for unvieling (no pun intended) the product before April 4th. We also went to the new house, and I finally got to see the inside. Suddenly for the first time in my life, I now want a house. The kitchen made me want awesome dishes and kitchen stuff, and made me want to cook. However, it made me realize I need husband to wash those dishes, because I'm surely not doing them. bahaha. Her walls were so empty, and I felt the undying urge to put some sick artwork on them. I suppose I'll have to wait the 35 years before I'll have my own house to do that.

Wii recording was fun. I got my Steve Irwin on, as well as an array of other fine voices. I've come to the conclusion that I really hate hearing my own voice, and I feel bad for all you unfortunate people that have to hear it all the time. I'm pretty sure it's cold in Pittsburg, so I'm going to go ahead and use that as an excuse for some new shoes, or something.

Did you know March 7th is national doodle day? Because doodling is truly one of my favorite hobbies during class time, I think it's a good opportunity for everyone to make a little doodle. Be sure to show me your doodles, as I am very interested to see them.

Top Ten Reasons I Love My Family (In no order):

1. The sibs are all so close...life is best when we're all together.

2. We all make fun of eachother, and we all laugh about it.

3. We have the best dinners.

4. My older brother is probably the funniest person I know.

5. I can always be 100% myself around them.

6. My mom is the best role model in the world.

7. There is never silence.

8. There is nothing like watching sports with them.

9. My dad and my mom are crazy different, but it works.

10. No matter what the situation, we somehow find the humor in it.

-Erin Glynn

Wiicording Today

2009-03-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

So, I got a part in the game...I'll be sporting an Australian accent. I'll start Wiicording at 5pm today...I'm sure it's going to be really fun! School is kicking my behind--I cannot wait for Spring Break. Tiffany and I are going to go to Pittsburg! I wonder if we're going to freeze our behinds off now that I'm thinking about it. Seriously though, I've had no time to think about it, and I'm finally starting to get excited--I'm pretty sure the sixteen hour drive is going to be cah-razy!

And this is why I want a weiner dog:

I'm friggen tired. Goodnight my loves.

-Erin Glynn

A Quick Update With a Bit of Immaturity

2009-03-02T21:26:00.001-08:00

For the update:

The Wii auditions were so fun! Today was our first practice for "Out at Sea". It went fantastically...we're going to have a lot of fun. It's a great group of people. I can't believe Kirsten is moving. This is total craziness I cannot even comprehend. I just can't believe it...it's going to be so weird not having her right near me like she always is. :( She is going to be severely missed. The bridal shower is finally done! Everyone really seemed to have a good time. Cara friggen banked, and everything went so smoothly--let's hope the wedding follows in its footsteps. Mid-terms are approaching and I couldn't be more thrilled. (PSYCHE)

For the immaturity:

This is the new facebook trend...I figured I'd transfer it over here =]

Ten Things I Wish I Could Say to Ten Different People:

1.Despite what you may think, I still love you with all my heart.
2.Talking to you makes the day better than it was.
3.I can't believe how much your life is changing. I'm so happy for you.
4.You are my rock. I don't know what I'd do without you.
5.Don't worry, God's going to take care of it.
6.You are seriously an idiot.
7.I hope you're staying out of trouble.
8.You are the funniest girl I know. I love you.
9.You can fool everybody else, but no matter what you do, you can't fool God.
10.I think you are one of the most interesting/intriguing people I've ever come across. I hope you never change for anyone.

Nine things about myself:

1.So much of my life is up in the air right now.
2.In my opinion, laughing makes everything better.
3.I love to cook, even moreso than before.
4.I'm obsessed with gymnastics!
5.Sometimes I take life more seriously, because I feel like I have to.
6.I want a wiener dog.
7.I love animal prints!
8.Tea over coffee anyday.
9.I want to speak so many languages.

Eight ways to win my heart:

1.Being hilarious, or at least having a sense of humor.
2.Somebody with ambition
3.Clothes that fit impeccably. This goes along with amazing jeans, and being able to put an outfit together.
4.In tune with their feelings
5.Willing to do different things
6.Cultured
7.Talented
8.Sweet/caring

Seven things that cross my mind a lot:

1.This is boring
2.I'm hungry
3.Nice pants
4.I have eighteen papers to work on
5.Why is this song stuck in my head?
6.Where's my phone?
7.Ugh, I have to go to work

Six things I do before I fall asleep:

1.Brush my teeth
2.Check my email/computer crap
3.Read my bible
4.Put on some comfy clothes
5.Charge my phone
6.Watch some miscellaneous television while doing homework

Five people who mean a lot (in no order):

1.Mom
2.Dad
3.Sister
4.Brothers
5.Besties

(Okay, maybe I cheated on that)

Four things you're wearing right now:

1. Gators Hoodie
2. PJ pants
3. Slippers
4. Necklace

Three songs that you listen to often:

1. Bless the Lord -Jeff Deyo
2. You Won't Relent- Misty Edwards
3. Point of No Return- Phantom of the Opera

Two things you want to do before you die:

1.Travel everywhere
2.Fall crazy in love

One confession:

1. When I was little, I used to want to marry Luke Skywalker.

-Erin Glynn

I'm Making the Stage My Home Again

2009-02-23T22:28:00.000-08:00

That's right, friends. I will be casted in "Out to Sea", a production put on by a group in my Art and Film Against Totalitarian Regimes class. Why, you ask would I do a thing like this? Because it replaces two papers. That's right ladies and gentlemen. All I have to do is be in this show, and I will be exempt from two of the three papers due this semester. That saves me about 30-40 pages of writing, so I'm game. We had our initial meeting today, and I'm going to have to be one of the leads due to people trying to be in a play and not wanting to act. It will probably be more work to memorize all these lines and put this thing together, but I do not care.

We've been working like crazy on the bridal shower! It's really starting to come together, and I love everything we've done so far. Tomorrow we start cooking...my favorite part. =] There is so much to do along with school and work, I'm not sure how I'll get it all done. Oh well, at least it'll be fantastic. Almost be as fantastic as the BACHELORETTE BLOW OUT!

This is a quick one. I'm tired, lazy, and out of words, believe it or not.

-Erin Glynn

I'm So Tired

2009-02-21T22:47:00.000-08:00

Last night was hilarious. What a refreshing, crazy night. I think I laughed for six hours straight. I got some crazy throat for sure, and my lack of voice shows it.

I needed a good laugh, because in all honesty, I feel like I'm going to burst. I'm like a water balloon that's filled beyond its capacity. The week ahead looks daunting, and I wish I was a sponge that could be squeezed of all this. I'm fed up with a lot, and wishing I could feel regret more than apathy. I feel calloused to the point where apathy is all I can muster, because the only regret I ever feel is things I didn't do or didn't say. People are going to make their own choices, and sometimes nothing you say or do will change it.

I have so much going on, that the parasitic presences existing in my life that were once tolerable, no longer are. I feel the big chapter turning in my life, and I'm becoming the person I'm going to be for the rest of my life. That's where I have to finally do what's right for me, and release what needs to go, and be at peace with what needs to stay. I feel used for having compassion on those that don't appreciate it, and defending those that wouldn't do the same for me. I feel walked all over, and it's a foreign feeling. Sometimes things you never thought would change, do. I can only view it as a door, or a path to something new. Tell the sixteen year old me what's going on, and she calls you a crazy liar. You tell her it's the truth, sad as it seems.Would she change the next few years though, knowing now what's going to happen? Nah, she wouldn't change it for the world.

And so, we learn from experience and experience new things everyday. That means we continue to learn--and though sometimes painful, always beneficial. Take these things in stride, and deal with things day by day. Pray for wisdom, and do the best you can. Everything happens for a reason, and rash, emotional, or dramatic ways of dealing with it will only make situations worse than they already are. Try not to victimize yourself, or plague yourself with a "woe is me" attitude, and assess situations before you react to them. Take advantage of the good resources that God has given you. They are there for a reason.

The eyes of the Lord search to and fro
For one who will serve him
By His Spirit letting him know, how much he adores him
So open your eyes, He's calling you by name
Remove the lies, they're holding you in chains
There's hope in the Holy God
By the Lamb that was slain
So open your eyes Open your eyes

They cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses.--Psalm 107:19 We aren't thrown on this earth like dice tossed across a table. We are sovereignly and lovingly placed here for a purpose. God has given us a purpose for our existence, a reason to go on, even though that existence includes tough times. Living through suffering, we become sanctified--in other words, set apart for the glory of God. We gain perspective. We grow deeper. We grow up!

-Erin Glynn

Just living this fantastic thing called life...

2009-02-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

Oh my! It's been a week. Now, as much as I've wanted to update this thing, unfortunately the eighteen papers I've been getting a week have been getting in the way. A few more weeks until Spring Break....HALLELUJAH. I got an A on one paper, and that's all I've gotten back. At this point, I really don't care.

So I was supposed to get my hair chopped off tomorrow with Meghan, but what do you know? Our hairdresser had a death in the family. The fro survives another week....

The wedding is getting more and more insane! The shower is on the 28th, and my dress is ordered. I'm getting so excited for Cara! She's closing on her house soon, and everything is really starting to come together. Now I get to start preparing my maid of honor speech. >=] We really should go to a cake making class, but I don't see the point. Cara and I are truly pastry masters. Pictures will be up soon. Orlando this weekend was super fun. My family is crazy amazing. Pictures of that up soon too.

So, today I spotted my Argentinian friend from far away at the business administration building. I definitely took a detour, smirking to myself. Two stealth points for Erin. School was so boring today. I definitely officially know wayyy too much about ancient Athens.

Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26-- Are you willing to be obscure? God will use failure in your life to break down that strong desire in your heart to see your name in lights. And when He finallybreaks you of that lust for recognition, He may place before you the lights like you've never imagined. But then it won't matter. You won't care if you're prime time or small time, center stage or backstage, leading the charge or packing the baggage. You're just part of the King's army. People of selfless dedication are mainly....available. That's plenty!

-Erin Glynn

Papers, Pitas, People, and Progress

2009-02-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

Admit it, the alliteration in my title is simply genius. I'm being plagued with school work, yet, I continue to put the 'pro' in procrastination. It's a fun game I like to play called, "let's see how down to the wire I can do my assignments without miserably failing." It's really fun. This blog seems to be a perfect tool in aiding my procrastination!

Today Omar and I were supposed to go to Chi Alpha. Needless to say, it was a failed attempt (all Omar's fault of course) and we ended up going to the Pita Pit instead. It was actually really good. I was thinking..."How good can a pita really be?" But, I must support the pita now. It was delightful. While I was waiting for Omar to meet me (Which in this case could not come soon enough) some Argentinian dude asked if he could keep me company. I pretty much tried to say no, but he sat down and started talking anyway. He was actually quite nice, but I was now meeting Omar at the library, and I was thinking in my head, "Why am I sitting here talking to this Argentinian....",so I was like...GOTTA GO! So he asked for my phone number...and I gave it to him, but with the wrong area code...Heh heh heh. >=] Wow, I really hope I never see him again...that could get awkward. He'll be like, "QUE PASA, JERK!" Anyway, I've missed Omy, so it was fun....but I continue to ignore the paper I have for The Golden Age of Athens.

I was thinking last night about some stuff, and I came to realize that I feel like I'm in such a place of waiting at the moment. I'm in a completely new circumstance, but I feel like I'm simply setting up for something bigger and better, and I can't wait for that moment to arrive. I'm completely content, and even happy with where I'm at, and what I'm doing, but I feel like God's telling me, "Don't get comfortable, you're on the verge of change!" I don't know what it is, but I feel like I'll soon be completely ready for this change.

OKAY, WHITNEY. I'm actually going to answer one of these seriously for once. I'm doing your survey as an act of love, and the fact that I'd love to just see it somewhere someday, and be like, "THAT'S THE SURVEY WHITNEY WROTE!" I can only do my part to spread it, so here it goes:

1. What do you do after a bad day?Listen to some good music, or talk to someone I know will make me happy!
2. What song frequently gets stuck in your head?Allllll eyes on me in the center of the rinnnng just like a circusssss!....AHHHHHH!
3. Your very first memory:I remember the Christmas where me, Jon, and Cara all had the Chickenpox. I'm not sure how old I was though.
4. Your morning routine: Morning? What's that? (Shower, do hair, get dressed, check email, etc)
5. Your favorite clothing item: Definitely my new Taverniti's. Japanese denim from the gods.
6. Something you wish you could take back:There's a few things, but no need to list them here!
7. Something you did wrong, but don't wish you could take back:Probably giving that guy my phone number purposely with the wrong area code.
8. What things do you LIKE to think you're good at, but you may not be? Cooking! (No really, I'm just a great cook.)
9. Who makes you laugh til you gotta pee? There are several people in my life that crack me up, but only Niki pees when she laughs. (Sorry girl)
10. What do you think God's thinking right now? Why did I give poor Erin that hair?!?
11. What are you looking forward to? Summer vacation
12. Famous person you wish you were: Shawn Johnson, so I could be a gymnastics STAR!
13. Famous person you're glad you aren't: Chris Brown, and Rhianna....hahaha
14. What's that weird habit/tick you do or think? Sometimes I squeal when I laugh, or snort...or both....
15. 5 things you'd bring with you if stranded on a desert island: Four friends and an everlasting gobstopper!
16. What's the best part of your day?When I get out of work or school and I'M FREEEEE!
17. What do you wish was already done right now?My papers :( I need to clean my room too.
18. What's your favorite word(s)?This is a really tough one, because I really like words. One of my favorites is PREPOSTEROUS!
19. Favorite breakfast: I love pancakes!
20. Cliche you're sick of: I'm sick of all cliches...I hate them!

Great is your faithfulness. -Lamentations 3:23--It may be the most difficult time in your life. You may be enduring your own whirlwind...or you may be the innocent bystander caught in the consequential backwash of another's sin. You may feel desperately alone, and it may seem that it wil never, ever end. But believe me, the whirlwind is a temporary experience. Your faithful, caring Lord will see you through it.

-Erin Glynn

I am part of the blogging nation

2009-02-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've finally given in. I'm going to be a true blogger. This can't be a far cry from the glorious Xanga days in highschool, but hopefully this is slightly less embarassing to look back on. (most likely not) I'm sure nobody will read this for the most part, but that's probably a good thing. I need to write things down for myself more than anything. I'm just one of those types that would rather write than scream. It's more refreshing in my humble opionion. Those who do drop in now and then will get the privilage of learning about me a little deeper. (Scary, huh?) I hope I can use this frequently. I cannot promise daily, but I'll try my hardest to continue writing bits and pieces.

So really, what do you write in the first post? Well, let's talk about my current life, and I'm sure like everything I do in life, I'll get off track and end in some distant thought that has nothing to do with anything!

You know what I've realized lately? One of the most important things you can do is to continue to self-evaluate. Pull back, stop, and take a second to earnestly, and moreover, honestly evaluate who you currently are. What are your motivations? Are you walking as closely to God as you should be? Are you doing things to keep your goals in tact, and are you treating others the way that you should? Are you being responsible, holding good character, and having integrity? It's so odd that sometimes we allow 'life' to get in the way of...well, life. We become so busy and wrapped around the things that are 'important' and we lose ourselves in the midst of it. Well, you know what's coming next....I HAVE BEEN DOING THAT LATELY! It seems the longer you allow yourself to ignore who you are becoming through the business of life, the more shocking it is when you take the time to sit down and evalute yourself. A few days ago, I sat down and began to think. (Dangerous, I know.) It had been awhile since the last time I asked myself some of these questions, and suddenly, I was like, "ERIN, WHO ARE YOU!?!?" When I got over the initial shock, I allowed myself to honestly assess situations that I was currently in. It's funny how I didn't even see them as situations, because the hetic manner I was living my life allowed me to ignore them....as if that solves anything. I found having a bitter and angry attitude towards a lot, because I was feeling hurt by people, and by circumstance. I became very nostalgic over a lot of things, which everyone knows is a big step for me...hahaha. But, after becoming worrisome, and fretting over the action I should take, I am finally to the point where I have decided on the things I needed to decide, and put to peace things that were overwhelming me. It was like a catharsis, and I'm suddenly cleansed of a lot, simply because I took the time to self-evaluate.

What can I say? Life is good. I'm continuing classes at USF, and writing far too many papers, and reading far too many scholarly journals. Work has been going as well as possible, even though if I keep getting the same heinous sidework consecutively. Italy is still in progress, and so is the wedding (Cara, we'll get you married somehow). The weather has been cool, so I must thank the weather gods for my silky smooth hair these past few days. International has a Zara now, and I want to work at Zara Men, because my fascination with nicely tailored men's clothing continues to plague me. Banana (I never know when to stop the nanana's) Republic is having sick sales, and my amazing new friend Jack was literally the best retail worker I've ever met. He had an opinion on everything we tried on, and what was scary, was that he was always right. I wanted to take that cute little flamboyant man and put him in my pocket and take him home with me. These next few weeks will be super tough schoolastically, but I'm looking forward to hashing through it and getting it done.

Love one another fervently, and with a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22--Being obedient to the truth means that we don't have to look at others through the distorted lenses of our own biases. We can see them as God sees them, and love them as he loves them. This has a purfying effect on us. It purges us, not only from a limited perspective, but from prejudice, resentment, hurt feelings, and grudges. Such purity of soul helps us love each other without hypocrisy and with a sincere love. It doesn't blind us to each other's faults; it gives us the grace to overlook them.

-Erin Glynn