SPN Family Feature: Erin and an Epic Oscar-Worthy Thank You Speech from Me to You

Erin is best known as @SPNCrossroad across social media like Twitter, where I first met this woman who inspires me to greatness. Her story demonstrates yet another soul who embodies the SPN Family culture; caring, selflessness, charitableness, and a genuine compassionate need to do for others.

Without further do, I give you Erin!

Erin’s Avatar of Awesomeness

Thank you, Jodi, for this opportunity to share my story.

Hi, I’m Erin (Hi, Erin) And I am an addict. #Supernatural (for Robbie)

Four years ago, my 3 children & I settled into our very own home. I had gotten a great private-contracting job for more $$ than I’ve ever earned, so we were able to live comfortably and peacefully, just the 4 of us, for the first time ever. Then 4 1/2 months later, I fell ill… deathly ill. Dozens of tests and tons o’doctors later, I resigned myself to the fact that I wasn’t going to be around much longer.

December 2012: I found the first 6 seasons of Supernatural cheap. BOOM!! Something new to watch!! I binge watched, fell in love, then started a tumblr & twitter to fangirl with others at the beginning of March 2013. (Jodi here: just needed to say that must’ve been a magical time because it was around early 2013 that I became a Supernatural fan as well!)

A week later, Doc found a tumor. Another month later I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer. With 2 surgeries & radioactive iodine, I was “cured” by August, but still wasn’t improving. My #SPNFamily was there to support & encourage me through all of it.

Fast forward to just a month ago. The doctors finally figured out what was wrong. My gallbladder was deteriorating, so it was finally removed after 3 1/2 yrs of sufferingl!! It’s taking me a while to bounce back, but I’m a survivor.

I want to give back to all the wonderful people who have been there every step of the way. On my 40th Birthday, May 31, 2014, I will be launching the #SPNFamily Roadhouse Project.

I am selling my house and procuring a bus to use in bringing the #SPNFamily to Conventions and other Supernatural Fan Events!! This project will be completely run on donations. I hope to raise enough money to be able to buy tickets for and transport our family members who can not go to cons because of health complications or financial need.

I run many fansites across all social media, so you can probably find me everywhere, especially if you Google me.

Jodi here again: I wanted to point out Erin’s FABULOUS creative cursor usage. For example, supernaturalcrossroad.tumblr.com uses a regal pair of wings. Supernatural-crossroad.tumblr.com uses a badass impala. Jared-padalecki-makes-me-happy.tumblr.com uses a moose.

This is not a comprehensive list of Erin’s awesomeness. Please contact her on twitter @SPNCrossroads and she will be able to give you links to her other works!

PLEASE follow her amazing effort, The SPNFamily Roadhouse Project on Twitter with hashtag #SPNFamilyRoadhouse

https://twitter.com/SPNcrossroad

http://supernatural-crossroad.tumblr.com/

http://jared-padalecki-makes-me-happy.tumblr.com/

http://i-love-misha-collins.tumblr.com/

https://www.facebook.com/supernaturalcrossroad

http://weheartit.com/SupernaturalCrossroad

Supernaturalcrossroad.com is still under construction

Jodi: What are other creative outlets you have?

I’m a graphic and interior designer and I’ve remodeled many homes. Most of my creative outlet since falling ill has been building websites and stocking them with the best of Supernatural.

Jodi: What draws you to handmade jewelry as opposed to store-bought, factory manufactured pieces?

Working with my hands I can completely appreciate the hard work and love and pride that goes into building something yourself.
Jodi: What types of pieces stand out to you, for example, wire work, crystals, etc. and why?

I like silver. Medieval pieces. Intricate patterns. Unique styles. Anything fit for a Queen!! 😉
Jodi: Is there something specific about Eldwenne’s Fantasy – Quality Handmade Jewelry by Jodi Zulueta that stands out to you? (Don’t be afraid to say no, Lol!)

YES!! Each piece is gorgeous and so lovingly fashioned and creatively named!! But the stand out aspect is you, Jodi!! We hit it off right from the start and you’ve been so sweet and generous to my daughter and me. The fact that you messaged me while on a plane still makes me smile. Love ya, Girlie, and can’t wait to see ya at a Con!! ❤ ~Erin Jodi here: We are two peas in a pod, m’lady!! Looking forward to seeing YOU!!

Jodi: I’m back. THANK YOU to Erin for an amazing, inspiring post. Please follow @tuestwopodcast as Erin will be on the 7th episode airing next week where she will talk more about her Roadhouse Project!!!

Erin truly embodies what SPN Family is. Here is a woman who has gone through so much and is channeling her energies into making dreams realities for others.

I’m beyond proud and honored to be considered a friend of Erin’s. Please find it in your heart to help get the Roadhouse Project its due. If you can’t donate, share, spread the word. You’ll be helping her help others, in true SPN Family fashion.

Shifting gears a little, I’m writing this post from the home of my aunt Elysse in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I’m on a weekend break from my first week of being with my TFA Greater Nashville Corps members over at Lipscomb University, where I will be living through mid-July.

I will then be staying with my aunt through July 18, then back home to New Jersey. I’ll be helping finalize moving my family back here, to our new home state of Tennessee.

This has been a journey filled with challenges I’ve never faced before; a husband falling ill and being unable to help him, losing my job and being unemployed for the first time in my life, finding out who my real friends and family are, dealing with severe bullying of my son, building my jewelry business up online and in the Supernatural convention circuit, taking Praxis exams that made me want to give up on ever becoming a teacher, desperately trying to get hired by the Metro Nashville Public School system, and coordinating a multi-state move consisting of a husband, three kids, and two cats.

The past week of being with Teach for America has really been life-changing for me.

Remember the hiring fair I went to in April that ended up with zilch? I had strike two this past Thursday at another hiring fair.

On Thursday night, one of the TFA staff members, Katie, asked me if I would consider going on an interview with Dr. Dunaway at a middle school for a 7^th grade special education position. Sure, why not.

I did the interview and went back to Lipscomb University so I could finish the rest of my day of training. About an hour after I arrived at Lipscomb, Katie came over to me and asked me how everything went.

“It went great. Like the 13 other interviews I did but never heard back on.”

“Ok, that’s great because Dr. Dunaway recommended you for hire.”

I am now going to be a special education teacher for 7^th grade at Two Rivers Middle School in Nashville, Tennessee. This is one of my proudest achievements and I can’t even articulate how I feel at this moment – too excited for words!

Next on the agenda – finding a place for us all to live!!! We’re looking to live in Murfreesboro so if ya’ll got a place to rent, LET ME KNOW!!

And the Oscar goes to….ALL OF YOU!!!!

So I warned you in the title of this post that there was going to be an Oscar-worthy epic thank you speech. I know I’m going to forget some people. Please know it’s not intentional or a reflection of how I feel – I’m overwhelmed with a million things and I’m doing my best to ensure everyone understands how they are appreciated – I can’t thank everyone enough!!! This list is in no specific order and also in no way encompasses/articulates my full gratitude.

Merrill: my husband, my staunch supporter. I wouldn’t have been able to do ANY of these things without your support

David: my oldest son, my voice of reason and the one who talked me off of many ledges

Vi: David’s girlfriend and the most beautiful woman on the planet, inside and out

Jaden: your spirit, your trust in me always keeps me going

Phoenix: your laughter is light and you ALWAYS make me smile

Raven: your pure inner and outer beauty and inquisitive soul ground me

Dad: for letting go when I know how hard this is for you

Elysse and Bearl: you showed me love and put the spark in me to chase my dream to Tennessee, opened your home to me, and are always helping me in my journey

My cousins Alexis, Zane, Jaclyn, Leo, Berry, Kyle, Jenny, Lindsay, Dara, Leslie, Matt, Andrew, Daniel – all of you are the best friends I could ever ask for and I’m so lucky to have you in my life

Doree and Jeff: you always talk me through the moments of panic, the self-doubt, and always have heaps of love to help me through everything

Fran: always giving me insight, great times, and being there for me. Your realism is grounding.

My in-laws: Mom, Carlo, Diana, Maryanne, Joel, Christopher, Belle, Kenny, Robin, Billy, Noel, Cynthia, Tita Ida, Tita Lydia – you all are going to be why leaving Jersey City is going to be hard for us. Please know we all love you and will do everything we can to see each other as often as humanly possible.

Lisa B – you are not only Raven’s audiologist, not only my friend, but family. Thank you for being your amazing self.

Shannon – I’m convinced you and I were sisters or best friends in another life. You’re always there for me, you always give amazing advice, and I love you for it. And Callum is the most delicious baby.

Julie Anne R.: You never stopped pushing me, reminding me that I need to stop living in fear and go after what makes me happy. You’re a role model of the quintessential kick-ass business woman that I strive to be.

Kim R.: You hardly know me yet you championed for me like you were my partner in crime from my high school days (minus the underage drinking episodes). I owe you a drink at the next con.

Robin Lyon – a customer that has become a lifelong friend

Mitch Kosterman – you kick ass with the amazing things you do for the fans and I’m honored that you spent the time to interview me. Honored to be your friend.

Maki – being continents apart never made our friendship weak – I love you for that

Chris Schmelke – you’re a and one of the kindest people I know

Rachel, Kendra, Kim C, Suzanne V: Holy fuckshit, ladies!! Ya’ll put up with me for YEARS. Never stopped believing in me. We soooo need a PCA get together!!

Ruthee – my big sister. Insightful, encouraging, and writes the most incredible emails that make me feel like we’re having coffee together. Love you.

Ana Marie – the soul who is always there for me with encouragement, a pic of Winston to make me laugh, and advice to get me through the stress at all hours of the night – I always can count on you, baby

Kat – my partner, the writer extraordinaire – you’re so patiently waiting for me to get my life in order so that we can work on greatness together – thank you and I promise I’m almost there now J Love you.

Chad Lindberg – you made the time to support my jewelry and that means the world to me

Leticia Serafin – if it weren’t for you I wouldn’t be where I am with my jewelry on the convention circuit – I’ll see ya in VanCon!!

Kae Winters- for being a role model for what we need to strive to be as human beings and always do random acts of kindness

Abby Levine – always posts encouraging words on my work and is a creative powerhouse

Judy, Adina, Melstiel, Ally, Jenna, Bonnie, Carrie Anderson, Carrie Oakes, Jenn Geraghty, Kelly, Lorraine – do I NEED to spell out all of the kick-ass support you give me on a daily basis?? Of course I do! You ladies inspire me to do my best every single day. You constantly encourage me and it’s why I’m continuing with my jewelry business and selling at the cons – LOVE YOU!!!

Trina, Kim M, and all of my amazing people that I talk to on FB – You are all freaking incredible and you need to recognize your awesomeness! THANK YOU!!

Merillat for being a shoulder to cry on when the Hiring Fair bummed me out

Dominque for driving me to the interview that changed my life as well as listening to my neuroses the whole ride there and back

Mary Ann Sayson – I always look forward to your uplifting posts and sweetness on FB. You’re angelic.

Anie – You rock more than you can ever imagine. You encourage me to keep going and that’s exactly what I’m-a-gonna-do. I’ll see you in VanCon, baby!

Katie and Bella – best VanCon roomies and now friends! You showed me that I can have a great time once the vendor’s room is closed for the day and you never made me feel old enough to be your mother. And I am old enough to be your mother.

My new TFA friends Erica, Nichole, Lisa, Jen, Misty, Awa…We’re all in this together and we can rock this!

I know there are so many other people that I forgot to mention and I apologize profusely. Please know that I appreciate everyone and that there is no way I could be doing what I’m doing now without you. I am overwhelmed in the most amazing way.

Ok, the fat lady is singing, so we move on…next week I will be featuring a beautiful artist who specializes in making leather bracelets! I can’t wait to share that with ya’ll!!
And don’t forget that I’m having a major-ass sale on Castiel’s Grace set and The Tenacity of Dean Winchester set!! You can get each set for $120 each! The sets are normally $131 each, so grab ‘em up before midnight, June 15 when the prices go back up!