Since I’ve decided to pop a re-do on this whole blogging thing, I think it’s only fair to go back to the beginning and roll out an introductory post—or for those of you who have been playing along at home, a re-introductory post. Forgive me, I’m about to show my age here…
Ah jinkies… who knew in less than 30 years Mike Myers’ career would evolve from the now obsolete Man of Mystery, Austin Powers, into the newly minted Man of Zero-Rizz on SNL, Elon Peelon (IYKYK). But I digress.
Hello. My Name is Erin. And I’m a word-aholic.
A Baltimore born-and-bred member of Generation X (a thing I desperately try to deny these days), who is boringly and predictably White™ with no remarkable pedigree whatsoever, I spent my childhood developing my mind, my sense of humor, and my creativity. Because, let’s face it, a fat girl-child in the late 1900s didn’t stand a chance otherwise. Couple that with being the offspring of an alcoholic (apologies to my dad’s family who might be reading this, but it’s true, he had a substance abuse problem) and an enabler (apologies to mom’s family, but no lies detected here, either) and what you get is an anxious, traumatized, people-pleasing, middle-aged woman with chronic tummy problems, an impressive resume, a killer smile! So, you know, FUN!
But it’s not all bad news bears and weird, self-deprecation!
Far from!
It’s taken forty-six years, but I’m more certain today than I’ve ever been that I’m precisely where I’m meant to be. I wake up most mornings with the fundamental understanding that this day, and every other I’m lucky enough to get from here on out is, to borrow a phrase, “…new…with no mistakes in it yet.” What a glorious gift, no?
A few fun factoids about me:
Up until 2011, I held a high school record in the State of Maryland in the women’s weight lifting category of “leg press” maxing out 1300lbs at 5 reps.
I am a kitchen witch and routinely make food with curative properties for sick friends.
I had never lived away from home before 1999 when I packed two suitcases, boarded a British Airways flight, and moved to the UK.
I played drums from the age of nine through college.
I’m a self-professed know-it-all and own that about myself.
I was diagnosed with Dyscalculia as an adult – a learning disability that affects my able to manipulate numbers effectively in math problems, card games, and reading music. So no, Sister Catherine Stephen, you dumb jerk, I wasn’t lazy in the sixth grade.
Instrumental music routinely makes me cry, makes the hairs on my arms stand on end, and associates itself with colors in my mind’s eye as I listen.
I am a doctoral candidate in American History. I cannot walk past a plaque without reading it. And I will argue with you, until the ends of the Earth, that we can—and should—discuss holding our forefathers accountable for their mistakes on the basis of progress and evolving moral compass.
I’m of the opinion that all people should be in some form of therapy. We’re not meant to figure it all out on our own.
I cannot watch TV shows or movies about haunted places. Especially the ones where they spend the night with the infrared goggles and freak themselves out over every little noise. I will have surefire nightmares.
I directed the American premiere of a musical about the six wives of Henry the VIII—WELL before SIX was a thing.
Nothing makes me happier than a July night and Orioles baseball.
I am deathly afraid of doctors, needles, surgical procedures, and am often convinced I’m dying of *insert disease of choice here,* yet I’m having elective bariatric surgery in less than a month in the effort to save my own life and finish stronger than I started. Because I’m determined to make the second half of my life count.
Autumn in New England is superior to Autumn in any other place.
Nothing infuriates me more than Shakespeare’s existence deniers and conspiracy theorists.
I’m never more relaxed than when I’m near the ocean.
Orange Starbursts are the best Starbursts. I am prepared to die on this hill.
Déjà vu is real.
Jonathan Bailey is magnificent being, put on this plane to remind us that beauty has many forms, but begins in our hearts.
I believe, very sincerely, that our lives were mapped in the stars, way before we got here.
To conclude, for I am old and bed is calling my name, I leave you with my favorite quote and reminder to look for the balance we all crave:
“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
Be well, friends. Take care of your hearts.
Life of Riley 