I sent my mom this pic of Blog Boy and me from Super Bowl Sunday.
It also happens to be one of the first photos we’ve taken together. We’re classy, huh? That’s how we roll.
What did my mother say?
Thanks, mom, I feel the same way.
Filed under: Blog Boy, Dating/Relationships, Family, Happy | 20 Comments »
…I’m hosting a flower giveaway for Valentine’s Day, thanks to 1-800-Flowers and the Word of Mouth Marketing Association! 
Isn’t this like perfect, considering I talk about lovey-dovey relationships and yay-i’m-single and it-sucks-to-be-single (depending on my mood) posts?
One lucky reader will be sent this lovely bouquet of roses and lilies (please note, flowers will not be delivered in time for V-day, so for those boys out there trying to win them for your girlfriend–you’re not off the hook!).
I hope you are all able to participate in the contest–and that includes you lurkers out there! Now’s your chance to come out of hiding! I don’t bite–well…only in bed ; )
All you have to do is leave a comment below saying what you love about being single–OR what you love about your significant other. Pretty simple, right?
I will contact the lucky winner Wednesday through email.
You can also check out 1-800-Flowers’ other promotions, like their red rose collection (it’s sexiness in a vase!) or their awesome free weekday shipping! Or you can go on Facebook and enter into their online contest as well! So many ways to win, people!
Put some pep in yo step and leave a comment! Love ya!
Filed under: Just because | 31 Comments »
Dear Secret Blog Valentine,
Please do not let the past month of posts fool you. I have not always been this lucky.
I–like every other girl in America–have suffered my fair share of heartbreak, have chased after douchebags and have turned down very nice–but very boring– guys.
SO I understand that if you glance over the last few posts, you may be thinking to yourself “WTF?! This girl doesn’t need a blog valentine!” and you may come to resent me, as I in the past have resented bloggers who boast of skipping through fields of heart-shaped lilies while I stumbled across–what I considered to be at one point–the wasteland of singlehood.
But it’s simply not true. It’s taken me a LONG time to get here and any regular reader who’s followed me on this journey through the past year can attest to it.
I focused on my new attitude. That was Day One and today is Day 80-something (I didn’t want to count…) and I did all the things I said I was going to do–I signed up to volunteer (I’m officially a Big Sister today!), I’ve made new friends, I’ve gotten closer to my church, I’ve been working out consistently, I’ve kept busy…and blogger cruise festival? Well, I’ll be at Bloggers in Sin City.
And although I had a couple of bumps along the way, a funny thing happened. When I wasn’t even looking (and usually when I’m single, I’m looking ALL THE TIME), a boy just magically appeared. He was like, literally, a gift from the blogosphere.
So please don’t hate me and please send me something yummy or pretty for V-day. Because I love mail and I love presents almost as much as I love food–so secret blog valentine? It’s like a wonderful blogging dream come true.
Always,
Erika
Filed under: Just because, moving on | 6 Comments »
My good blog buddy Phampants is participating in this contest and I am helping him out. Please check out the video below if you’d like to help out a fellow 20sb-er!
I totally think think John & Karen should be Fiesta agents so they can come to SoCal for ford fiesta!
Filed under: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
The idea behind Blog Boy answering questions was so you guys could get a sense of who Blog Boy actually is. I’ve written about what Blog Boy does, but not exactly who he is.
Physically, he’s 6′2, rugby player-type build, when he’s clean cut he has a face that looks like a mischievous little boy, but when he’s got the five’o'clock shadow thing going on, he looks like your stereotypical sexy fireman. He’s got a buzzed head right now, but it surprisingly doesn’t look bad on him–and I usually hate buzzed heads. He works from 3 a.m. to noon, then works out at least two hours a day, six days a week. He’s outgoing and funny, very social and manly (yummy), was voted Prom King, easy going and–so far–drama free. But the most important thing, is that every time I’m with him, I’ve got a smile that goes from ear to ear.
So here are Blog Boy’s answers to your questions. My comments are in color. BTW, you guys totally gave away some of the info that was in password-protected posts! But whatever, I forgive you. Some of you especially didn’t hold back…*cough* Jen *cough*…Ok here we go:
Q: senoritarachel: dear blog boy, which of erika’s posts is your favorite? Because, we ALL knew that you were reading all along : )
A: Well, this is a two for one. I will tell you which post I enjoy and which one creeps me out.
My favorite post is “A history lesson on friendship”. It kind of hooked me because my favorite topic in the entire world is World War II. Awkward I know, I own and have read more than 45 books on the war. If I could study and get paid for one thing the rest of my life it would be World War II. I just liked that Erika could relate that topic with ties between friendships. Although there are a few historical errors…
The post that creeps me out the most is “Imaginary Boyfriend is the single girl’s best friend.” Just read it… enough said.
Dude, a LOT of girls admitted to imaginary boyfriends. Leave me alone.
BTW, I read US History for Dummies and I really, really liked it. My only problem is I have a terrible memory so I can’t even remember anything from it. Oh well.
Q: LAIdiot: Why are you subjecting yourself to this? You are a brave, brave dude. But more importantly, if you were a hot dog, would you eat yourself?
A: I have no shame. It’s actually kind of fun, it’s allowing Erika and I to explore each other more. As far as the hot dog… I guess so…Hopefully you don’t come at me like a tornado made of arms and teeth
and fingernails.
Q: Classroom Confessions: What do you like about Erika?
A: There is a lot but I am not going to spill my guts out on here. I like that she is a girly girl with a brain. She is the cute girl that speaks up in class with something interesting to say but all the while twirling her hair and chewing gum. She’s intelligent but she could be an undercover valley girl. I also like that our conversations are extremely smooth and we’re incredibly open with each other.
Seriously, that’s it? This should be a whole blog post to itself!
What are your ambitions in life?
A: Let’s open Pandora’s box. This is a hard question because I think ambitions are variable and they change as you age. Right now, I look towards the next 10-15 years. When I get older, let’s say 50, I’m going to have different ambitions then about my life. But as of right now, this is how it goes. The past, I did the corporate thing, I hated it. Through working in the corporate world, I found out that I was helping no one and that was my biggest problem. I was making money and yes, that’s nice but for what? So that I can go BMW shopping with my coworker in the office next to me? Yes, that’s a material thing and those come and go like the wind. I know, I’d like to make money and have a financially secure life but I don’t want to be on my death bed realizing I helped no one but myself. As I age, I realize, I want to help whatever community I live in. This is why I want to switch career fields and become a Fireman. Firemen make good money (not going to drive a Ferrari) and you always get to help the community. This is where Erika and I may butt heads. I think she wants a house on the beach in Newport, another in the Hampton’s, and one in Lower Manhattan. I’ll be able to provide the one on the beach in Newport but not the other two.
I’d be perfectly content with just one house in Newport.
Q: NYsoonergirl: Why couldn’t Blog Boy text you while he was sick? I mean, what else is there to do in there but think of Erika and whine to her about being sick?!
A: First of all, I don’t need to talk to Erika everyday. We aren’t married although I think she wants to be. She knows I like her and I know she likes me. I’d hope to say we’re exclusive, I do spend the night over there every once in awhile (Her roommates like me more than her). I’m pretty straight forward and if there is something I don’t like, I’ll let her know. I’m very independent and tend not to rely on anyone unless delegation of duties is needed. On Monday, I threw up about 8 times and slept the majority of the day. Between Monday and Tuesday I lost about 8-10 pounds and really wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone or tell anyone I was sick. I don’t like any attention when I’m sick and I don’t think that even if I told her I was sick that I would get soup or a hug. I slept all day and when I was not puking, I checked Erika’s blog between puke sessions to see if humanity was lurking outside my room and indeed it was. Also, Erika has a phone and I usually have to make the first phone call or text message. That gets old, she can call or text me to say hi. She likes the games, I think, more than I do.
First of all, yes you should want to talk to me EVERY DAY. Second, I do not play games. It’s called strategy.
Q: ItNeverRainsInSeattle: If you could be any kind of animal, who would you pick in this year’s Super Bowl and what would be the spread?
A: I’d be an Otter that would pick the Saints and the spread is 3.5 points.
When he said spread, I thought he was talking about dip and I would have said Ranch. I still can’t decide if I’m Team Kendra or Team Kim.
If one train is leaving Chicago heading North at 50 mph and another train is leaving NY heading East at 65 miles per hour, why are you still living with your parents and when are you moving out, Buster?
A: The New York train will reach Canada’s border first. Well, besides free food, no rent, come as you please atmosphere… I do pay gas and electric out of courtesy but I’m putting myself through the fire academy right now. Cost of Academy: $2000 then I am also working on getting into paramedic school which is $15000. That’s out of my pocket. So the choice was clear, move home so I would have more financial freedom. There are down sides, there is always tension living at home. I also get Erika going wild when I say “let’s go back to my place, I live with my parents.” I do miss living on my own but patience brings great rewards. I’m looking for places currently but not too quick to move yet.
I was living at home because of finances for more than 2 years. I understand.
Clam Chowder: New England or Manhattan? (Hint: the correct answer is New England.)
A. New England and I prefer some Tabasco in there.
“Women are irrational.” Discuss.
A: I will refer to Euler and something I tried to comprehend and I studied for an entire semester. It’s the study of Pi ~3.14159… Pi is an irrational number, it’s a number we have to use all the time and we love to hate it. It’s the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Thus, pi = c/d. I guess what I’m trying to say is while we seem to have a grasp of pi and an approximation of the number we never know it’s termination point (If I remember right, it’s approximated out into the trillionth digit and it’s still going). Therefore we have to live with and love women, yet at the same time we will never have a clue what goes on in their heads. Just like pi it’s a constant we have to use in Mathematics. Just like we have to use women if we want relationships.
You’re a dork.
What color 1200-count sheets will you be buying Erika for her birthday month in April?
A: Whatever color she wants… If that’s what she really wants. I may have to get her a whole new set of sheets and a duvet cover. She has grey and it’s gloomy to me. I like color. P.S. Seattle rocks.
I chose grey because it was more grown up then the old duvet cover I had. But if I had to go with color, I”d go with a pretty purple.
Q: Santaslil: Erika, her blog, or the publicity that it gets you? if you had to pick one ,which one of these would you pick to keep (please pick one and one only). Elaborate on the reasons for your choice?
A: Really? Are you really asking this? Erika is the obvious choice, technology or fame will never overcome human intimacy. If I had it my way, we’d still be using pen and paper.
Which one is cooler SF or LA? (not talking temperature here)
A: San Francisco by far. There is so much more to do and see. The culture and diversity is greater and I also believe there are some extremely brilliant minds in the bay area and you just don’t find that around here. Everyone in Los Angeles and Orange County has an agenda. I’ve met more life long friends living in San Francisco for five years than I did for the 21 years I lived in Orange County / Los Angeles area.
If she were to live there, Which of these cities would make Erika happiest?
A: San Francisco, she would love it. I wish she would risk it and look for work up there and move. We only live once. Erika has so much to offer the world it’s unreal.
Q: Cait: If you could move anywhere, with a guaranteed job waiting there, where would you go? If the “but Erika lives here, so everywhere else sucks!” complaint is too much of a factor, pretend for a moment that you hadn’t met or hit it off with her. (Also, clearly, this complaint is the right answer.)
A: New York or Park City, Utah. I love super Urban or the Mountains. I’d be content living the bustling city life going to wine parties or living in a cabin chopping my own wood and hunting for food. I dislike suburbia and where I live right now is suburbia. It drives me nuts.
Q: Courtney: Does Blog Boy have a blog?
A: I had an extremely popular food blog that my friends still write for, but I’m inactive with it now. I also had my own blog for awhile but it has been down for almost two years now and I think that I may put it back up, it may be fun.
Q: Ms: Behavior: if you had to choose between dating Erika and reading her blog, which would it be?
A: Dating Erika. Honestly, I don’t read her blog that much. I’m a pretty busy guy and I would rather spend my free time walking with her to breakfast, holding hands, sipping coffee, and looking into her gorgeous eyes and seeing her pretty smile. On top of all that she can tell me in person how’s she’s feeling in person. I listen and I’m pretty good at remembering everything she says.
Q: April: What sweet thing are you going to do for Erika to make up for the fact that you didn’t text her while you were “SICK” in bed?
A: On Friday, I brought her three different colored roses wrapped up pretty, a giant chocolate bar, and a hunk of brie cheese (one of her favorite snacks). She better not get used to it, I did it more because I knew she had a tough week. *Please also see why couldn’t blog boy text you back while he was sick*
Q: Jen: Dearest Blog Boy, how now do you feel about Erika? Could this be long term?? Also, if you had to move away what do you think you would do (with regards to Erika / your friendship / relationship!?) How long had you been reading Erika’s blog before you worked up the courage to email and ask to meet her?
A: Thanks for the personal questions, I enjoy these. I like her. Sure, it could be long term. I’m not rushing it though. I don’t want to be the guy who is there every second of the day. I’m not desperate, I’ve got my own life and of course, I love that she is a part of it now. I like that we’re both pretty independent, it makes the relationship much more mature and meaningful because when we are together the time is great. It’s growing slowly and I’d rather have strong roots than big branches.
I’ve thought about if I had to leave. If I got a job and had to move tomorrow, no lies, I’d be upset. It would also be dumb if I asked her to move away with me this early, but I’d be willing to fly a bit and I hope she would too and obviously we’re good with technology. Let’s say if it’s a year from now and I had to move, things would obviously change a bit depending on where we were and if we’re really serious. I’d probably have to get some custom Egyptian sheeting, chocolate, flowers, unlimited mani/pedis for a year, a saks and bloomies credit card with her name on it, and persuade her to make a move. I’ll worry about that if the time comes.
When I wrote about how I knew that Blog Boy would be moving away eventually and whether it was even worth it to get involved, everyone asked if I would be willing to move for a guy. I always thought the answer would be no, because my whole family is here and my whole culture revolves around family. I hope that Blog Boy is here long enough to lay down a foundation, but like I said, I’m not going to worry about it and I’m going to let life flow. I guess it could be a possibility.
I read maybe 5-6 of her posts and realized she was in the area. I actually was searching for live music in the area and I found her Hanson post. She seemed pretty interesting and emailing her was totally uncharacteristic of me. I’ve never done something like that before. I remember saying to myself “I’m going to email this chick and see what her deal is, worse case scenario I could add a new friend to the group.” Low and behold, never expecting any of this, here we are today. I just think our stars aligned at the right time. I also think Erika can attest, I don’t really have a hard time meeting anyone or talking to people. I love meeting new friends and people, I think it’s our last great gift in life that most people don’t take advantage of.
Q: NYSoonerGirl: Does Erika’s blog and it’s popularity intimidate you and/or do you see it as an opportunity to see how her mind works? Also, if you could ask Erika one question, what would it be?
A: No, I don’t get intimidated easily. I guess I could see it as an opportunity to see how her mind works. There’s an old saying “Those who forget the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it.” Then again, I don’t read a ton of it and I have yet to read through the entire blog.
If I could ask Erika one question what would it be? (There is a private one I need to ask her) but the public one is, “If the Ex came back today and said, “I’ll do anything to be with you” would you walk away from me?”
I have to give it to you Blog Boy, that’s a freakin’ smart ass question. I think the answer deserves its very own blog post, but the short answer is: No, I wouldn’t walk away from you. I’m all in.
Q: Wonderful: I would ask him–what is he looking for? Does he want dating, or a relationship, or just a friend?
A: Well, I think we’re considered dating and we’re also becoming good friends. I guess if those things keeping working out the way they’re supposed to what’s the next step after that? You answered your own question.
Q: Jeska: So, if Erika hadn’t been hot, would you guys still be talking? Would you still be reading?
A: Yes and Yes. Why not, I’m not one to judge. If I wasn’t attracted that doesn’t mean you can’t make a friend.
By the way, how could you NOT think she’s hot? Haven’t you seen her backside-at-the-beach picture? It’s awesome, just like her.
A: It’s ok. I have a better butt.
Have you stalked any other girl blogs?
No, like I said. It was completely uncharacteristic of me to email her.
I think it’s only fair that we read your blog too. So either pony up and sign up for one or ‘fess up the url, please? (See, I made it polite AND a question)
No, I’m good. If I bring my original blog back. I will let you all know but you can see my daily reads.
http://www.crossfit.com/
http://completerunning.com/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport
http://www.drudgereport.com/
http://www.nytimes.com/
http://sierraclub.typepad.com/
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/all/
http://news.google.com/
Filed under: Blog Boy | 27 Comments »
If any of you have been following my tweets (are you following me?!?!) you would see that Blog Boy and I hit sort of a bump last week. Well, let me rephrase.
You see, I live in the country of GIRL LAND, where I understand that if I want to make plans for the weekend with my friends, I let them know a couple of days in advance. It’s called planning ahead.
Blog Boy, who lives in the country of BOY LAND, does not understand this concept. If he wants to do something, he goes out and does something. Planning ahead? Does a fish need a bicycle?
This is what I want to know–is he not asking me out in advance because he doesn’t plan ahead? or is it because he really doesn’t care all that much about me to make an extra effort?
I thought I spoke ‘boy’ pretty well. However, through ALL THE ADVICE I’ve doled out through the course of this blog, I honestly can’t find an answer to this one. I tell myself, “pay attention to his actions, not his words.” But his words are sooo freakin’ convincing. And his actions? Well, for most of the time–when we’re actually together, in person, he’s incredibly attentive. But when we’re not together…I don’t know.
So after lengthy conversations with Chatty and her reminder that boys can’t take hints, I finally manned up and confronted him as to why he can’t ask me out more than 2 hours in advance.
BB: Seriously? ….Well what are you doing Saturday night?
Me: I made plans because YOU didn’t ask me out.
I wanted answers. Instead, I got a big fat plate of Screwing Myself Over since I had decided to make plans with Chatty already. UGH! We had talked on the phone the night before, he totally had his chance to ask me out, but he DID NOT. So even though he now offered to ask me out, I still didn’t know why he hadn’t done it before.
I don’t want to ruin this (but with every ‘crazy girl’ post I write, I feel I’m getting closer to that unintentional goal). But I still really want to stand up for myself. I understand guys operate differently than girls but when you’re doing the limbo, everybody has to bend. So can you meet me halfway, right on the borderline, is where i’m gonna wait…for you…
He doesn’t have to ask me out a week in advance, but at least a 2-days heads up. Because unless I’m resigning myself to catching up on laundry and cleaning–I want to be doing SOMETHING. I mean, what is SO HARD to understand about “Guys make Girls Crazy”? Poor Blog Boy, he probably has no idea how insane this has been making me. But I’m a girl!!
Does this make me sound high maintenance? like am I in the wrong here??? I feel like these are just STANDARDS not being high maintenance…I also think I’m crazy but you guys all know that already…and I also think that all girls are high-maintenance and the ones who say they aren’t are just insecure with themselves and don’t appreciate themselves enough to ask for the best treatment.
I know I’m a princess. I admit it. But I like it that way.
Update: I wrote this post on Friday. Friday evening, Blog Boy showed up to my house with flowers, chocolate, and cheese (boy knows the way to my heart). I guess I’ll cut him some slack…
Filed under: Being girly, Blog Boy, I'm Crazazzzy, hate THE GAME! | 28 Comments »
Blog Boy is doing another guest post and he wanted to know what he should write about. So I told him I would send him questions from all the readers! So this is where YOU come in! Put your questions for blog boy in the comments section, email me (if you want to be anonymous, imerikablog at gmail), or send me a tweet (are you following me? if not, do it NOW! thanks!)!
Questions asked so far:
ok readers, you’ve stuck with me through this crazy journey…don’t let me down now. Let’s hold Blog Boy accountable! Ask away! He’s game for some tough questions.
Filed under: Blog Boy | 29 Comments »
Filed under: Being girly, Blog Boy, I'm Crazazzzy, dating, hate THE GAME! | Enter your password to view comments
*If anyone was disappointed that yesterday’s post wasn’t super juicy, I hope to be able to use the password posts to write more freely and also post pics. Juicier posts will come. The password will be the same but if you ever forget just email me! Thank you to all who read and commented–made my day!*
I told Blog Boy that I had told my parents about him.
“You told your parents about me?” he asked, almost incredulously. SO I became a little defensive about it.
“Well, you’ve told your parents about me,” I replied.
“Yeah, but that’s because I go over to your house and they want to know where I am.”
Oh….
Well, yeah, so I told my mom. I tell my mom pretty much everything except for the sexy time details. Excuse me, for being a girl and getting excited. I’ll make sure to keep it on the DL from now on. You know, I didn’t show MY parents any pictures of what you look like as you showed your brother and your dad, and your friends…psshhh. Boys.
SO anyway, yeah, I told my mom. And of course, my mom questions me to the nth degree, and by this point in my life, I feel like I should have the questions memorized and should just answer them without having to hear the question but alas I don’t and so our conversation proceeded to be like this (note: questions may be out of order)…
Q: Does he have a job?
A: Yup.
Q: Does he make good money?
A: I think so…
Q: Does he have a college degree?
A: Yup
Q: Does he have any kids?
A: Not that I know of.
Q: Has he been married before?
A: No.
Q: Are his parents still married?
A: Yes.
Q: Does he treat his mom well?
A: I think so.
Q: Is he ambitious?
A: It seems like it…
Q: Does he go to church?
A: Sometimes.
Q: Is he good with kids?
A: um…?
Q: Does he have a temper?
A: I don’t know, I haven’t seen him angry yet. Maybe I’m going to have to test that one out…
And there you have it folks. The questions you need to ask yourself when dating a man. Not ‘does he make you laugh?,’ not ‘does he give your tummy butterflies?’ not ‘are his lips softer than those of a Greek God?’ nope…don’t let the fuzzies get in the way of your thinking. Stick with these and you’re in the clear.
Filed under: Being girly, Blog Boy | 18 Comments »
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