A Shitty Day at Urban Outfitters.

You are probably wondering what the HECK is going on with my title. There is a BIG story behind that. Usually I am not the person with the need to curse or swear, but after this story, you will understand. No doubt about it. You will. You will think the word "shit" is undermining the real words a normal person on the street would say these days. So let's get passed the word and move forward to the reason behind it.

A few days ago I decided that I really needed to go get a couple new shirts, and since Paige needed to go to the mall to pick up something, this was the most perfect opportunity. Usually I am very picky abo

ut getting shirts and for some reason shirts are the only particle of clothing that I have hard time picking out and spending money on. But luckily I found a couple of shirts that were 50% off at Urban Outfitters and a shirt at Nordstrom's. I scored BIG TIME! I got 3 shirts for $25 and I was really excited.

Now let us move to the present. Well, actually the past but only 3 hours behind us now. Paige and I had to go to Target to get some gift cards and a gift for Wyatt for Christmas. I pull into the parking lot and realize that there is something on my shirt. Of course my first instinct (and probably everyone else's) was to pick it off and smell it. I proceeded with the process of picking and smelling... turns out that was not the most brilliant idea that I have ever had. I think this is where the title does it justice. Unfortunately... it gets worse.

After I tried to force Paige to sniff my shirt for a confirmation of my findings, we continued to go inside Target and get the things that we needed. Completely grossed out, I rushed home to rip the shirt off my body and take a shower. As soon as I ripped off the shirt, I rushed to the bathroom to wash my hands because they were freaking me out. Just as I returned, I grabbed my towel and in the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of a huge stain on the inside of my shirt. It was not only on the front of my shirt... it all began with the inside.

By this time I had turned into my mother. haha Sorry Mom! I threw on a shirt threw the shit shirt into my bag and rushed to Urban Outfitters to confront them about what I had just experienced. I had had enough and I was determined to get what I wanted. With anger bulging from every part of my body, and after taking pictures for evidence, I ran into the store and demanded to see a manager. Immediately a manager approached me and asked if she could assist me with anything. With the sarcastic smile I had on my face, she could already tell that I was going to bring up something that was not good. I told her the situation...even about the "scratch and sniff" issue and she was very apologetic and kind. But because of the mood that I was in, apologies were not the only thing I wanted. So fortunately for her I already had in mind what I wanted and I was determined to get it no matter what.

Danielle (the manager) lead me to the front desk where I told her that I want the same shirt that I had for free, plus 5 shirts and a dress 50% off. so I got everything I wanted for $20 (they gave me a much bigger discount off the clothes) and I walked out of the store somewhat happy but mostly excited to get home to take a shower.

Just so everyone knows. I deeply cleansed my body and I have somewhat recovered from the horrible trauma that I was faced with today. Thank you all for your concerns. This is something I will never forget. EVER.

p.s. a word to the wise, check the inside of your shirts for shit because unfortunately

for people who like to buy clothing,Apparently, the new thing to do is to wipe your children's asses with the inside of new merchandise. If you are one of those people. I secretly hate y

ou because I will be traumatized and effected by this for the rest of my life.

Being Single During the Holidays.

Hot topic right? Maybe it is a sore subject to some people. Over a period of a couple months I have had more than 5 friends of mine release the news of their engagement. As a single person, I know the feeling of being alone during the Holidays... personally I am not a big fan, but I have decided to have a change of heart and make the decision that this can be something new for me, maybe something exciting. I was thinking about why people, mostly women, love to be in a relationship with someone, and I have come to the very simple conclusion that they just want to be loved. They want someone to be around them with the family, under the mistletoe, and for the big miraculous New Year's Kiss! (This is really sad but I have to write it because it is a little funny) Someone once told me, "In reality, being single during the holidays is not a positive thing." Sadly, I think this is somewhat true. And personally, I do not think that people are really looking for a tiny fling for the holidays (although that could be the case), but I think that people are really looking for that special someone. Their true love. Their one and only. So if you are single during the holidays, I have come up with 5 steps that will make you feel a little better, if not all better!

1. Volunteer/ Charity work. When was the last time you thought or helped someone else. How did that make you feel when you helped them? There is a reason for feeling joyful inside when you are helping others and that is because it is one, of many things, in the world that is good. When you lose yourself in the work of serving others, I promise that your outlook on life will turn around and you will feel so much better about yourself! Within volunteering and participating in charity work, are so many different ideas! Be creative. Make colored cookies and cut out different shapes and take them over to a neighbor, or whoever pops into your head first! Compliments always make someone's day feel better... the small things matter the most!

2. Make a list of people in your life who have helped you or uplifted you in times of need or just anytime.

3. Eat CHOCOLATE! I am very biased when it comes to chocolate so I can therefore testify that eating chocolate always leads to a better mood.

4. Healthy food. Although chocolate is important, eating healthy can also really make you feel better. Eating healthy and exercising have scientifically proven that people are always happier and feel better about themselves.

5. Always Smile. Even when you are feeling down, smile and it will become a habit.

I found a few websites that have some other great lists on how to be happy during the holidays! Take it seriously. Do not feel sad! It is time to be happy again.

61 Ways To Feel Happy During the Holidays.

http://www.selfhelpdaily.com/feel-happy-during-holidays/

10 Ways To Feel Happy in 5 Minutes or Less.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5715006/10_ways_to_feel_happy_in_5_minutes.html

50 Ways To Find Joy.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_4_32/ai_85174714/

My Last Day

Today is my last REAL play day in Europe. I am definitely more on the sweet than bitter side of leaving. I am very ready to go home. I am so thankful that I was able to have this opportunity. I am going to Wicked tonight and I am so excited! I know I am going to have a blast! Last night a few friends and I went into the city and it was absolutely amazing. We were shopping ALL night haha our Hostel is HORRIBLE. (Part of the reason I am ready to go). But we only have one more night and I will be able to stick it out until then :) I have learned so much on this trip about myself and especially about all the people before our time who risked their lives because they knew that something was not right in their church. My particular favorite was Martin Luther. He wrote the 95 theses and ALWAYS stood up for what he believed in. I know that back in those times it was especially hard to go against the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church because you could be put to death (as most reformers and pre-reformers were) and forever be known as a heretic to those who were against you. But because of people like Martin Luther, our church was restored back to the earth. It was because of these people that we were able to gain religious freedoms. I know with all my heart that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is and was the church that was on the earth when Christ was upon the earth. I know that we still practice and hold the keys that the 12 apostles of Christ had when they were on the earth. I know that our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and all the General Authorities have those keys and that the priesthood is on the earth today. I have realized so much about every person individually and that every single person on this earth chose to come down here to be tested. I know that people go through trials not only so we can prove to our Heavenly Father that we are strong, but mostly to prove to ourselves that we can overcome ALL of our trials. And I know that every trial we go through makes us the people we are supposed to be and that we have the agency to choose if we want to make our experiences positive or negative. I know that because my family was sealed in the temple that we will be together for Time and All Eternity, and I hope to be able to have that someday with my own family. I have no doubt at all in my mind and heart that I belong to the true church on the earth. I know that every church on this earth has truths and I am so thankful that there are churches out there who support and help their members come to Christ, but I am SO thankful that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has all the truth and that we have modern revelation coming from our Heavenly Father and our brother Jesus Christ through our apostles and prophets and I am so excited that I can read those when I get back! I hope everyone is doing great and I am COMING HOME TOMORROW! I will see you soon! X.O. Erin. Cheers!

London!

Well for the rest of my trip in Europe, I will be here in London. I really love this area mostly because the people speak English and I love their accents! I was not able to write when I was in Paris, but just so everyone knows... I LOVED it and I definitely recommend it to everyone! I did not think that Paris would be as sketchy as it was but the Eiffel Tower made it all better. Especially at night. Notre Dame was outstanding. Quozi modo (I don't know how to spell it...obviously) was there and we hung out for a bit. Sweet guy... My friend Kristen poked him in the eye though and so it's really swollen and has closed up quite a lot. Poor guy. I LOVE the Metro. I think when I move to Salt Lake, I will take TRAX everywhere because I love that kind of stuff! I really miss my family.. :( I am so excited to see you guys. I had the wonderful opportunity to bear my testimony in the Paris ward on Sunday. I had to have a translator. The people there got a real kick out of me.. especially when I went up to the stand and started speaking so fast because I forgot that I needed to be translated haha they loved it though. I would definitely say that I loved Italy the most during my trip. I could live there. I hope to be able to for a little while sometime during the future. My overall this trip has been amazing.

I have learned so much on my trip. Definitely more than I thought I would. Some things have already been put into action and I hope to continue this so I can become the person I need to be. I have realized that there are a lot of things that I need to fix and change and incorporate in my life and I am going to try my best to make those things happen. :) I really think it will take a lot of time but I am willing to do whatever I need to so that I can accomplish my goals.

I am going to the BYU game on Saturday!!! WOOO! So excited! I am going with Grandma and Grandpa. I am SO excited to see people I love. I really am excited though to go home. I am so thankful that we live at the beach! All of us on the tour are ready to go home and be alone for a little while. What greater place to be alone than the beach? I don't think there is a better place, especially when you live on it! I am so excited to just sit there by myself and with my family and just be able to talk and watch the ocean.

Paige and Rachel: I am SO excited to see you guys. Really. I am excited to show you what I got you! I might save it for Christmas presents though... We will see.

Mom and Dad: I might cry when I see you. I am getting teary eyed just thinking about it. I miss you guys a lot and I am so thankful that you sent me on this trip. I hope that I can continue to make you as proud of me as you can be. I love you so much.

Wyatt: I haven't talked to you at all and I really miss it! Whoever reads this first, can you please read it to Wyatt. I love you and you are going to love what I got you in Paris! Let's just say it flies super high in the air and it lights up. Perfect for the beach and to keep Grandpa Craig entertained. haha I should have gotten him one too. DANG IT. haha Especially because there is a HUGE rubber band on it! And we know how Grandpa is with his rubber bands! hahaha good times. But Wyatt I love you so much and I can't wait to see you!

Well I am going to go now! I am excited to come back to the States Sunday! I will see some of you soon!
X.O. Erin

Boobs.

Well you are probably wondering about my title for my blog. There is quite a story behind it. Yesterday we were in Prague and we broke off from the tour group for free time and my friends and I first went to the most DELICIOUS chocolate museum. We got waffles on a stick (in the shape of a Christmas tree) and they warmed them up and poured hot milk chocolate and then sprinkles on top! Just wait til you see the pictures. AMAZING. We passed by a crystal shop and decided to go in. (BY the way it is FREEZING outside and so I have my jacket zipped ALL the way up and my hood on and tied the strings in a bow... Needless to say, I was not showing any part of my chest and I did not look that appealing). We walk around the store for a bit...picked up some dolls for a closer look and we are about to leave and my friend Jordan and Lynn are both outside, red face and cannot stop laughing. We start to head out towards them and ask them what they are laughing about and of course they cannot answer because they are laughing too hard. Finally Ashlyn asks them again and they refuse to tell us at first but finally Jordan tells us that the man in the store was talking to another employee and said "THAT GIRL WITH THE HUGE BOOBS JUST PICKED UP MY DOLL!!'" at first I thought well who was he talking about and then everyone turned to me and was like "ERIN THAT WAS YOU!" hahaha Joke of the day... probably the trip. Let me just say to all you ladies out there... men are the same in every place that you go. That is the first thing they look at and the only thing they think about.

I also got yelled at by a Czech woman for trying to take the display Red Bull. I thought she was trying to tell me to take and she slapped my hand down and started yelling at me. Naturally, I put my hands up as though I was getting arrested and to prove that I had surrendered. So after that it was not too bad.

Prague. Not too fun. I didn't like it that much. I felt it was a bit too sketchy. I don't know why. But I am glad we are leaving today. I will write soon when I find another internet cafe.

I miss you guys a lot. I need to find a really good job just so you all know. Keep your eyes open for job openings and then let me know!

Ciao!

Update.

I am currently in Berlin and we are going to Prague today. Yesterday we went to the concentration camp and it definitely was a hard experience to be there. They showed everyone a video before we set foot inside the camp and it hit everyone pretty hard...Most of the group did not want to stay and going inside the camp but we all did. It definitely hit me pretty hard. I did not think that I would have been so emotional, but it left a special place in my heart. It felt very sacred to be there and my mind could not wrap around the fact that I was in the room where hundreds of thousands of people were beaten and then most people perished. We went to the Wall of Sighs and the Stairs of Death. We actually got to walk the stairs and it was a very neat thing to be there because everyone knew what had happened there and so everyone was on there own and no one really talked to each other at all, and if they did it was in whispers. I took quite a lot of pictures so you will be able to see the camp and I will write some things about it so you know a little more about the camp and what took place there. I just cannot believe that that happened and that someone so evil could brainwash people into believing that other people were animals and that is was okay to kill and beat fathers, mothers, and children. That made a HUGE impact in Europe because now most people in Europe are anti-religion which absolutely breaks my heart. I do not know how I would be able to go through each day and not believe in a God. But I know that so many people had family members who were involved in the Holocaust do not believe and I understand why now. Being there opened my eyes a lot and I wonder a lot of the time if I would have been one of those people to help save some people. I hope I would be. I miss you all and I hope everything is going great. There is a cold and sore throat going around the bus which hopefully I will not get (knock on wood). And everything else is going pretty well. I am very excited to still be here but I miss my family! I love you guys so much!

I Am In Austria BABY

Well I am in Austria if you did not catch that. It is pretty much the prettiest place I have ever been to. We are staying at a Hostel and it is AWESOME. My friends and I got a HUGE room. Everyone is super jealous hahaha it is pretty funny. Everyone has a pretty tight space and our hostel looks like an apartment. We definitely lucked out. I have eaten my first Kebab and MAN it is GOOD. Delicious. I had another one today. We went to a palace today. It was actually where The Sound of Music was filmed so it was way cool! Our Hostel plays the movie ever night at 8 haha. I like this place a lot more than any other place we have been to so far. The group of people I have been hanging out with a lot are some amazing people and I love them so much!

Grandpa Craig. I want you to know that I have been using the "It's nippy outside, don'tcha chink" joke a lot and everyone thinks it is absolutely hilarious. It is going through our tour group fast haha.

Venice was pretty amazing. Super expensive though. Paige I got you a super cute side bag from Venice, I hope you love it!

We went to the Salt Mine yesterday and DANG I recommemd that for EVERYONE. It was sooo cool! I tried the walls, just so you all know and I can testify to everyone that I know it is SALT!

I am pretty sad I am missing conference. I really wanted to go.. but some of us are looking up the talks on Wednesday so that will be good.

Backtrack a little... When we went to church in Rome... GUESS WHO I SAW!!! Taylor Shaw was the missionary in that ward!! hahaha CRAZY RIGHT! It was pretty funny.

My little groups of friends have all decided already that we are going to have a reunion next summer in Newport. Seriously. So whoever reads this first better call dad and let him know that all the rentals will be rented out for a couple weeks next summer! We just need to pick dates!

Mom and Dad. Thanks for everything! I feel soo lucky to be on this trip. I have met some amaying people. And two of the girls that I am pretty good friends with live in Gledora and Fresno so I am glad to have met them. I miss you guys!

Wyatt. Dude I have not talked to you in forever! I miss you a lot! I hope school is going good!

Paige. Every picture I take you will appreciate the most I think. You will want to paint all of them. The palace that we went to today will be your favorite to paint. I know it! I miss you!

ohhh Dachel... Man I really miss you. You are going to love what I got you. I am excited to give it to you. I hope school and everything is going good!! I love you!

Grandpa Craig... Dang I am soo thankful for you! Seriously! I think about you a lot and hopefully we can travel sometime and go back to these places! And I am glad that you are so funny cause without your jokes.. I probably would not have friends haha!

Alright well I am going into the town. We are going to an Irish Pub tonight for dinner! haha We are pretty excited! Well have fun listening and going to conference! Whoever is, I envy you! I love you guys and miss you!

XO. Erin