All in a day's work

I just saw Quentin Tarantino driving a red Mustang on South Congress. I was on my way to conduct a focus group with 15 homeless people. It's been a weird day.

Are we there yet?

Hello. My name is Erin. Sometimes I post things on this blog and sometimes I even return calls/e-mails that my wonderful friends send me! These pictures sum up my semester nicely though, and why I haven't been good at contacting the outside world.



Seriously, I have to issue a blanket apology for being such a SLACKER about staying in touch. By May 11th I should be able to return to some sort of normalcy and not have to resort to posting updates about my life on the internet at bizarre hours of the night. It is a little out of control when your own husband has to read your blog updates if he wants to know what's going on... If you are wondering/care what I've been up to, here is a peek. (That's only a draft.)

We are really excited about the summer because we get to visit with so many of our friends and family. Hooray! The theme for 2006 seems to be "wedding". Jeremy and I have EIGHT within 2.5 months. Unfortunately we are only batting .500 in the wedding attendance department and will send our love and a fuzzy toilet seat cover in place of our physical beings to some couples. ( I know some folks might prefer that, but if so, keep that sentiment to yourself. )



A huge CONGRATULATIONS to my wonderfully brilliant husband (pictured above demonstrating one of his many skills- battleship driving!) for becoming an official PhD candidate last week! His thesis proposal was accepted. Now all he has to do is write the dissertation. I'm still waiting for his IQ to quadruple, as I hear married couples begin to have the same intelligence quotient, and me being the smart one, he can only benefit from this arrangement. He is c_r_a_z_y.

We think we've found a the perfect home to live in for the next few years. It is on the east side of Austin, and was built in 1931. The landlords are antique dealers and take good care of the place. There is a fantastic backyard for all our keg parties, and a cute front porch for uhh, sitting. The selling point was that the kitchen cabinet count has an n>1! Multiple cabinets!!! The place also comes with a free neutered outdoor kitty. The only drawback is that it is a little bit smaller than what we've got now...



I've squared away my internship for the summer. I'll be working at a place called St. Louise House. It provides transitional housing for homeless women with children. The organization is rooted in a spiritual call to serve the poor, so combined with my soft spot for women and children I think it should be a great fit. I'm very happy for the opportunity.

Off to bed... goodnight!

The Sky is Falling!

So it is 9 am on a Saturday morning. We have been up for almost an hour now. I know, I know, Jeremy and Erin up early on a Saturday?

We have the roofers to thank for that. Stop the incessant banging and pounding! Aaaaahhhhh! For the love of sleep- take the day off!!

Not for those with a weak stomach...

What does Paris Hilton have in common with Mother Teresa? Absolutely nothing.

I was horrified to read that an Indian director by the name of T. Rajeevnath was approaching Paris Hilton (star of House of Wax, the Simple Life, and many other unspeakably horrific and infamous films) to portray Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. I am certain the director is seeking additional publicity by potentially (mis)casting someone famed for her indulgence to play a woman millions find to be the exemplar of selflessness in our world today. (While Paris Hilton may well be a closeted humanitarian and positive role model, her public image is very much the opposite.)

Perhaps I am mistaken, but it would seem Mother Teresa's enormous popularity would fill the seats of many movie theatres if only the director had the courage to respectfully and accurately depict her life's events. Fewer people have ever been more admired and adored than Mother Teresa, and though her fans might not incite angry protests, they could target the entertainment industry where it is the most injurious- at the box office. I am willing to bet that the number of potential movie viewers offended by such a decision would far outnumber those drawn to the film because of the casting choice.

Is the opinion of movie viewers so low that directors feel compelled to make these types of decisions? Do our movie/television choices send a message that thoughtful and moving works of art are no longer welcome? I don't really keep up with the entertainment industry and I'm sure there are many examples of work produced to cater to such crummy tastes, but REALLY?

My apologies for the rant - I just felt compelled to broadcast my disgust to the world and/or all 3 of you reading. :)

Putting food on my family

Learn yourself something good and watch this feature about the greatest speechalist who have ever lived.