SWERVE

"What's worth doing even if I fail?"

The year started with a text message from a friend, "We're having auditions at the end of the month, do you want me to pass along your info?"

Today, I received an email welcoming me to the SWERVE family as an instructor! If you don't know what this means... see 2015! I've been chasing this dream of instructing indoor cycling for over a year!

It's a surreal feeling to accomplish a goal, especially one that seemed strangely elusive. To declare a goal to myself or anyone else is a vulnerable thing. What happens if it doesn't work out? How do I deal with failing that goal? What do I consider to be failure? Is it possible to reframe the goal? How much am I willing to risk?

"Often the result of daring greatly isn't a victory march as much as it is a quiet sense of freedom mixed with a little battle fatigue." This quote sums up my current state perfectly. I feel free. Incredibly thrilled and anxious about the next steps... but free!

Sweet Sixteen

The Year in Review experience of looking through all the pictures from each day last year tempted me to continue... but I'm not. Only significant moments from here on out. Sorry Dad. I'm pretty sure you're the only one that might read this on a regular basis. 

However, only 5 days into the new year I had one of those "only in NYC" nights. Through the magic of New York, I've come to know a couple folks currently performing on Broadway. They happen to know one of my acting icons, Laurie Metcalf! They graciously invited me for drinks after their shows, so I found myself in one of the back booths at Bar Centrale, where the cool kids sit! 

Now, I'm around celebrities constantly, so I know how to play it cool... kinda. I think I fooled everyone! It doesn't happen often that I get to sit with incredible working actors as a contemporary. I'm always Erin, "the concierge"! Can I get you a dinner reservation?! It was nice to just be Erin, the occasionally working actress :) I totally belong. 

Dec. 31st

Surprise gift from my Croatian goddess, Ida!

Happy birthday/New Year!!

Most epic game of Celebrity & no one looked at their phone the whole time!

#DeNiro

Dec. 30th

#home

Dec. 29th

Dec. 28th

Warning: Sentimental Post

This is the dinner table in the kitchen at my parent's house. Notice the 8 chairs around the table. I'm filled with joy and nostalgia just looking at it, empty. 

Like many families, we have a dining room with a fancy table that we sit at for holidays but the majority of my meals at home are held at this table. These days, the occupants of the Nelson household are a fraction of our abnormally large & ever-growing family. The sight of this table with 8 chairs around it made me pause and just appreciate the times shared with the people I love more than anything in this world. When we reconvene, we automatically sit in "our chairs" around the table and if someone dares to change things up and sit in a different chair, they are removed, sometimes forcefully! 

I love returning home and this room maybe more than any other. From Family Game Nights to Advent prayers to take-out dinners, I love the spirit of life around this table. With all of my heart, I love you Mama, Podge, Rachie, ZB, Mattie, Adman, & Isaac. 

Dec. 27th

Waco for breakfast! 

I actually LOVE driving I-35.

Could do that drive blindfolded!