Ain't no mountain high enough

When you have SNOWSHOES on! I got Joe snowshoes for Christmas, so we didn't have to borrow all the time. This, in turn, meant that I would also have to buy them for myself. What a pity :)

So on our little mini-trip to Leavenworth, we went on 2 snowshoeing adventures. Once in Leavenworth and once at Stevens Pass, but on the other side of the ski area. At Stevens, we gained some major elevation and weren't too far from the top! I kept blaming my lack of breath on the high elevation... I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with my lack of exercise recently, right? In Leavenworth, however, it was a bit more flat. But we did forge the river because it was frozen over! I guess they call is Icicle River for a reason.

Near the top! Isn't it lovely? Minus my bright red nose. Am I Rudolf?

We even "off-roaded" a bit, which was my favorite part.

And I found this hole in the snow and took a rest.

And Joe conquered this mini-hill. This was in Leavenworth when we thought this was a big hill... before the monstrous mountain!

We ended up snowshoeing until the sunset, which isn't too late this time of year, but still. We're badass.

Willkommen in Leavenworth

On the heels of this little video, Joe and I decided to make the trek over the pass to go to one of my favorite Bavarian towns on Earth: Leavenworth. (I guess I haven't been to any others, but it's still an AWESOME place.)

We meandered around the town, ate a schweinshaxe, drank German beer, wine tasted (did you know they now have 13 tasting rooms in the town?), visited the hat shop and Nutcracker museum, watched the Huskies win the Holiday Bowl and more! (Our snowshoeing adventures to come) Ironically, Erik, Shelly and Johan (Joe's family) were in town our last day, so we also visited with them over a drink and some sledding.

Overall, fabulous little mini-trip!

The classic welcome sign picture. How many times have I posed with that sign? I can't even count.

Schweinshaxe!

German beer the size of my head!

Can we please talk about how red my hair looks here? And how purple our teeth are? And how blue Joe's eyes are? And his awesome Swedish hat?

Nutcrackers galore. Joe was excited.

As I was trying to take of photo of Joe and Johan, all of a sudden the little bugger came crashing down directly for me. Then this continued for a good 30 minutes. I haven't seen a little kiddo laugh that much in a long time. Good times.

autumn's happy list

Autumn sent me her happy list, which in turn made me happy. And guess what I'm going to try soon? #2. And maybe the last show on #10. (P.S. I sooo already a Gleek.)

A little mathematical formula about Autumn: Autumn + RyRy + boat of any kind = Bliss. I can't wait to visit them in the South Pacific when they sail around the world. Wouldn't you love to sail around the world?

But, I digress. Autumn's happy list:

1. Anything that has to do with NannyFamilyBoy. I may sneak over to his home and actually steal him someday. Even when he was crazy I still “wuved” him, actually I think I like him so much because he is a little odd.
2. Starbucks salted caramel hot chocolate (with non-fat milk, only 2 pumps of chocolate and extra salt). I am that annoying coffee order girl, sorry, but it’s just so good that way!
3. Polaroids.
4. Making lists and crossing things off of them! So gratifying.
5. Mountains. Driving through them on the way East, watching the Olympics come out on a gorgeous day, fly-fishing in them, ogling Mt. Rainier on my commute on 99, they are so peaceful and remind me of home.
6. This song. And banjoes.
7. Leavenworth. I just can’t get enough of the town. Probably because it is beautiful in the fall, winter, spring and summer and has brought joy to my life from when I was little (annual ice cream cone stop after a week at Camp Fire Camp) to now (Tom 2K6-9). (Erika’s note: Speaking of Leavenworth, did you hear that the nutcracker lady was Conan’s first guest?)
8. Sailing and boats. Everyone is invited to the South Pacific with Ry Ry and I someday.
9. I have officially jumped on the legging train. So comfy. So cozy.
10. My not-so-secret-anymore addiction to TV shows. If you are not watching Community you should be. Same with Glee, Deadwood, Dexter, HIMYM, Mad Men and don’t even get me started on VMars.

Is here a party?

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for my absolute favorite festival of the year:

Leavenworth Oktoberfest!

(I'm sure there will be several more posts about it.

I like to obsessively talk about it.)

This year marks the 5th annual trip east of the mountains and in true former-sorority-member fashion, what did we decide to do? Make a t-shirt to commemorate the momentous occasion.

For a little context, last year our favorite Oktoberfest band, Die Hockfellner, was trying to excite the crowd between songs and would shout in their adorable German accents: "Is here a party?" and the such. We couldn't get enough of it. Hence, our decision to create a shirt that proudly displays the fabulous phrase. This is the masterpiece design that Kotis put together for us. Isn't it amazing?! I know, you're jealous... with good reason.

Last year, Maddie and I decided to surprise everyone with these lovely costumes. We were super sneaky and no one had any idea what their "Special Leavenworth Surprise" would be... We were superstars that weekend; random people, left and right, asked to get their picture with us.

Bavarian Bliss

By now, you should be well aware of my love for Leavenworth. Any town that combines great weather for every season, good beer, fun festivals, taffy shops, wine tasting, German pretzels and an overall kitschy tourism feel - is a fabulous town in my book. To kick off the fall season and say goodbye to summer, the girls adventured east for a day trip to our favorite Bavarian getaway - consisting of an authentic German lunch, wine tasting, store hopping, ice cream eating, riverside walking and more.

I think another winter trip to Leavenworth is in order. Who's with me?

Five Years

Yesterday was my five year anniversary at work. Say what?! FIVE YEARS! I can't believe how quickly time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was blogging about my two year anniversary. (Which also gets me thinking, wow, I've been blogging for a long time!) It's truly amazing how much has changed in the past five years - South Lake Union (where our office is located) has grown exponentially, I've run in several half marathons and one full marathon, I've lived four different places - the Big House in Green Lake (for only a couple weeks of work), an apartment with Holden in Green Lake, my sweet little Ballard apartment and now our home. I've gone on magical trips to Hawaii, Lake Chelan, Leavenworth, Iceland, Sweden, the California coast and more. I also met and fell in love with my sweets (almost 3 years ago!).

At any rate, to mark the occasion, my boss took me out to lunch at Serious Pie and our client joined the fun. It was a fun way to celebrate the milestone! 

But seriously, someone please tell me, how does time go by so quickly?!

pic/via

kimber's happy list

The return of the HAPPY LISTS. When I saw Kimber's in my inbox today, I lit up. They are just so much fun to read and really put me in a good mood. I especially love her #6!

1. Crisp, bright, fall days and the cozy sweaters that go with them. (Erika's note: If you remember, I dubbed Kimber as Queen of Fall, well essentially.)
2. Tea. Peppermint tea is my new favorite - it's so soothing. And pretty much any of the Ceylon Tea Company teas, they are incredibly smooth tasty compared to other teas.
3. Fleece. Blankets, socks, pants, jackets. You name it - if it touches your body, you can't go wrong with fleece! (Though, I'm not quite sure about fleece underwear)
4. Leavenworth Oktoberfest with friends - And any outing with friends where we can admire leaves and drink good beer.
5. Laughing so hard that my eyes tear up or until my stomach aches.
6. Movie theatre popcorn with lots of butter and salt in the middle and on the top. Once I even popped into Majestic Bay theatre to buy some when I wasn't seeing a movie. They didn't seem weirded out, so I figure I'm not the only one :)
7. Having a good, long talk with my family about almost anything
8. Being out on the Olympic Peninsula, especially at Second Beach or Chito Beach.
9. The realization that the book you are in the middle of reading is SO GOOD and that you still have half of it left to enjoy.
10. Baking goodies. And then eating them! (P.S. Kimber, can I have another one of your madeleine cookies? Please??)

Turning of a new leaf

Dear Old Running Shoes,

First and foremost, thank you for the last two years. You've been there for my highs and lows, always providing me with the support I needed. Together, we've conquered mountains (65th) and found the strength to push through the pain (blisters). I'll never forget the victory we felt when we crossed the finish line; that moment will not soon be forgotten.

However, I've recently found support elsewhere. It's so hard for me to let you go, but I still would like to continue our relationship. Maybe you can join me at kickball on occassion? Or perhaps we can garden together? Whatever the case may be, just know that I truly am in debt to all that you have done for me.

Sincerely,
Erika

Dear New Running Shoes,

Man, I can't get over how good looking you are - one might even call you sizzlin', red hot! I'm so excited that we were introduced and am looking forward to our path ahead. I can already tell that your sole is tough, yet gentle - the perfect match for me.

I know this may be too soon, but would you be my date for Leavenworth? I understand it's quite a mountain to victory, but I feel like we can do it. I just feel like we've hit it off so quickly - I felt like I've known you forever as we trekked around Greenlake yesterday. I promise you won't regret it.

See ya later,
Petes

Putting my running shoes back on.

It's that time of year again: training time. My running buddies and I have committed to another half marathon in June, so I've been lacing up my shoes and hitting the pavement. I'm not to the point where I think, "wait, the run is already over?!" but I'm getting back into the groove and that's what matters. My perpetual runner's high is just around the corner (I hope!).

P.S. I'm a little nervous that I still have to do another marathon in the next year and a half. My list has already committed me to it!

P.P.S. Picture from the Leavenworth Half Marathon.

TGIF

I can't believe I made it through this week. I'm not gonna lie, it's not easy coming back to the real world after blissfully wasting away the day on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii (ok, I'll stop talking about my vacation soon, but I'm still trying to savor the experience.)

It's been one of those whirlwind kind of weeks. Here's what went down.

• I had to do 37 loads of laundry.
• I got to wear pretty dresses/skirts everyday.
• We dominated in kickball, 23-4. AND, I was Player of the Game! (Well, with JJ) The proof is here. We're currently in 2nd, but I have faith that we'll take the championship!
• Another game, another fun evening with the team at Leny's.
• Got to see the Straubster who I don't get to see often enough.
• Fantastic happy hour on the deck at Maximilien in the Pike Place Market to finally celebrate Kathryn's and my promotion!
• Busy, busy at work.
• Lost 5 pounds from just peeling alone. Will it ever stop?
• Found out that Josh is coming to visit me! (Or just Seattle in general, but I can't help but think it's mostly for me, right?)
• Planned a much-needed night of karaoke for Saturday with my partner in crime, Tronics. It's been far too long since our moment of stardom. We're trying something new: The Waterwheel Lounge in Ballard, per Kimber's suggestion.
• Stephanie actually won the Dave Matthews tickets from commenting on my SeattlePI blog! (And she won Seahawks tickets. I should stick around her so some luck wears off on me...) And guess who she is taking? Yours truly. Thanks, Stephers!
• I fulfilled my craving for sushi for lunch yesterday.
• Scheduled brunch with Kathryn, Katie and Maggie this weekend!
• Uploading and re-tagging and re-captioning my photos like a dozen times. It must have been the red wine I was consuming; messing with my technology abilities...
• I started back on my training, even if I only did short runs. (The race is in a month! Damn.)
• Worked with Kotis Design to create our 5th Annual Leavenworth Oktoberfest t-shirts! Ladies, I'm tellin' ya, the initial proofs are awesome. Just wait for the finished product!
• Tomorrow UW plays the other purple and gold team: LSU. Go Dawgs!

Now this is how excited I am for a 3-day weekend!

And this is what I'm most excited for this weekend.
But singing into an actual microphone, not curling iron.
Or vodka bottle for that matter.
Well, maybe vodka bottle :)

2k9

Maddie inspired me to do a little 2009 in review post. (Even if her post could nearly be copied and pasted in mine because there was a lot of overlap...)

La Vida de Petes has seen its twists and turns of spectacularness this past year.

Here's how things went down.

• Brought 2009 in with a bang with Karen and Maddie. (Literally, 20 minutes of fireworks for Alisa's wedding in Montana. Incredible.)
• Took my post as sisterhood advisor for the lovely Chi O chapter.
• Had a 21-day working streak. Followed by several new business proposals that kept me in the office until the wee hours of the night.
• Likely due to the above, I got promoted!
• Moved to my new hood of Ballard. Or as some might call it, Frelard. (Fremont + Ballard = Frelard)
• Floated like it was my job. Green Lake, Lake Chelan (see pic above), Lake Washington - you name it!
• Became obsessed with running. Thank goodness for running buddies! Yes, I'm talking about you, you and you. (The last 'you' is Kathryn who still needs to start her blog!)
• Also floated, got 2nd degree burns, hiked a volcano, surfed 7-foot waves and more with Steph in Hawaii!
• Went a little Pitch n' Putt crazy.
• Attended not 1, but 2 birthday beer pong tournaments. (Seriously? What are the odds?!)
• Earned my antlers from beer hunting at the Duchess. Also welcomed Danielle to the elite club. And left my credit card there for 2 weeks after Ryan and Drew's birthday. The Duchess loves me and I love the Duchess.
• A surprise weekend trip to LA to visit Suze. (If only you could see the shock on her face.)
• Hosted an entertaining party for the girls where I learned how to properly decorate cupcakes (among other things). Thank you, Straube!
• Two Broadway plays with mi madre - Rent and Cats.
• The 5th Annual Leavenworth Oktoberfest extravaganza!
• Continued to work on my poker face. A lot. And even successfully sometimes.
• Another classic Samish Island 4th of July parade.
• Met the real-life Superman!
• "The man" joined the Man Upstairs. (He's very missed.)
• Drank a lot of cups of joe, started reading this Cup of Jo, blogged about Cups o' Joe and met a Hot Cup of Joe.

We didn't die!

Though at times, I thought I might have, I survived the 13.1 miles.

Autumn, Maddie and I successfully completed the Leavenworth Oktoberfest Half Marathon on Saturday and let me tell you, 2 mile ascents are rough! Actually, overall very hilly terrain is no easy feat. But aside from that, the course was beautiful! It passed by crystal clear rivers, adorable cottages and through the woods on trails. I would highly recommend the race for anyone who might be thinking about a half in their future.

In an unfortunate twist of fate, I was visited with the little flu bug on Friday which nearly brought me to tears because I had been training for sooo long! Luckily, come Saturday morning, I was feeling well enough to run, but definitely not at 100%. Even if I added 12 minutes to my last time, I'm extremely happy because, well, I didn't even know if I'd be able to race!

Autumn had a similar story. She came down with a bad case of the flu earlier in the week, but pushed through the pain like a rock star.

Maddie, in general, is just a bad ass and rocked the race.

Now I am going to take a little hiatus from running. Start up yoga again and throw in a little hip hop class or two. I think mixing it up a bit will be refreshing.

Maddie, Erika and Autumn

{good job ladies; we did it again!}

Best Reader Comments

People who comment on the PI blog are funny. That, or well, creepy. Here's a few of my favorites with a little context of what my post was actually about...

Posted about how running in the dark scares me. Fave comment:
"Being a full time creeper I'm not in favor of publicly lit paths or streets. How am I supposed to stay hidden in the bushes with all this light."

Posted about signing up for the full marathon - I thought it was so sweet and weird at the same time:
"I salute you Erika. You're a true inspiration to men and women all over this beautiful land."

Posted about the Winter Pineapple Classic with a link to some photos from race day: (Holden, was this you? Mr. Unregistered User.)
"Nice work! Congrats on the quick time! Your friend is very attractive!!"

Posted about loving my sports bra (so I guess I like to talk about sports bras):
"I have switched my sports-bra allegiance to lululemon's "Ta-ta Tamer" (my husband cracks up whenever I say that)..."

and

"Halleluiah sister. I LOVE Title 9. I use to wear 2 sports bras on top of each other and had bruises on my chin before I found them. They also have a stellar customer service team."

Posted about fave pre-run snack. This person knows what they're talking about:
"Snickers!"

Posted about the hilly Leavenworth Oktoberfest half marathon:
"If there is beer, then the hills are far easier." True dat.

Ok, now all this running talk (A little excessive lately? I know) makes me want to go get some pizza. Like this. Yummm, pepperoni.

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