I must have forgotten I am fair skinned.

I just don't tan.

Never have, never will.

I thought I had come to the realization my Senior year of college when I would join my friends to the tanning salons, only to come out a slighter redder version of myself. Not brown, no, never brown. Why it took me to long to learn this? I don't really know.

At that point, I decided to embrace my pale. And I figure, my 50-year-old self will appreciate my decision to wear sunscreen every single day.

However, I seemed to forget this marvelous idea when I was in Hawaii. While I went through 2.5 bottles of sunscreen and reapplied often, it apparently wasn't enough. I was told after the fact that 30 minutes in the Hawaiian sun is equal to 3 hours. Hmm, that would mean there were days that I spent like a bajillion hours in the sun. Ouch.

The 2nd day there was when I got scorched. More so than last time at Ryan's BBQ. We were surfing and the board must have rubbed all of my sunscreen, particularly right around my butt and stomach.

Ouch.

I blistered. I couldn't really sit without wincing for 3 days. It sucked. I'm now peeling like there's no tomorrow. It's not pretty.

But, I didn't let this affect any part of my fun! Just popped one of these and I was ready to take over the island.

BTW, the trip was amazing! More details to come.

Here's a before the burn shot.

TGIF

Go get crazy and earn some beads like this!

Whoa, Maddie.

Gettin' our Luau on!

Funny that this is one of the first clips that comes up when searching YouTube for "Luau"...

Oy vey

Here's what Stephanie and I are attempting... wish us luck! I hope we don't break a limb. Ooh, or worse, lose a limb to a shark.

(Boy, I have an overactive imagination.)

Good Luck Hoblows!

Big game tonight, Hoblows. Sorry we had to miss it. (But I'm not sorry to be missing the practice...)

Just make sure you communicate out there. No collisions allowed.

Please do the following in our honor, since I know you miss us, oh-so-much.

• Win.
• Better yet, slaughter them.
• Sing "I'm a little teacup" in the outfield. I think that's what I hear and see Stephanie doing out in left field.
• Peg someone in the butt to get them out and yell, "That one is for Erika, bitches!"
• Cover shortstop for me, unless you want to leave a hole in the defense just in my memory. You're so sentimental.
• Drink a Lenny's large after the game
• Play Buck Hunter and get all 3 bucks and the trophy. No shooting cows.
• Kenny and JJ, point and stare at the girls that have been pointing and staring at you for the last two weeks. Hah, I imagine you both can manage a mini-creepout.

Here are some pictures from last week and I don't really like them, so I vote we take a lot more in our last few games.

2-4-6-8-ball, Hoblows!!

Out of Office Assistant

Thank you for coming to PetesSpeaks. I am currently out of the office and will return Sunday, August 30th. If you need immediate assistance, you can try finding me here. Otherwise, I will return your message upon my return.

Aloha and Maholo,

Erika

(hehe, I can post date my blog posts. you might be lucky and see a couple appear even whilst i'm laying on the beach and being waited on by a cabana boy.)

Green Thumb Peterson

Remember when I told you about my secret garden?

It looked a little like this.


Well, shaZZZZAAAAMMM! Check out how it looks today. (P.S. Like my shadow?)

Pretty, pretty flowers.

I really like flowers. Consider that a hint fellas.

It truly is the World Wide Web

As I mentioned before, I set up a Google Analytics account for my blog awhile back. It's so interesting to browse through the various categories - visitors, traffic sources, etc.

I've jumped to 148 unique visitors. Whoa.

However, what I find most intriguing right now is where some of my readers have come from - 12 different countries!

1. United States
2. Canada
3. Malaysia
4. Australia
5. Mexico
6. Japan
7. Colombia
8. Jordan
9. Czech Republic
10. United Kingdom
11. Saudi Arabia
12. Germany

I seriously wondered what they googled in order to stumble upon this random blog. What do you think?

On another note, I got my first "fan email" from my SeattlePIRun blog! This person is moving to Seattle and wants to join a running club, but she is intimidated because she doesn't run at the fastest pace. Must be why she emailed me vs. the 50 marathon man who also contributes to the blog... The thing is, I don't run in a running club, so I don't quite know how to respond. Eh, I'll think of something.

Can you believe?

That today marks Hawaii's 50th anniversary! A half a century ago today, President Eisenhower signed the proclamation that made Hawaii the 50th U.S. state. And now, conveniently, Stephanie and I are going to celebrate with all of the Hawaiians. Let the party begin!

(I can't get Hawaii off my mind, can you tell?)

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Steph, can we set up a dinner situation like this?!

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I promised Maddie that I'd give it a try.

I'm scared.

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This hot surfer dude has already volunteered
to give us free surf lessons. Score!

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How many Mai Tais can I drink in 7 days?

I'll keep track and report back.

(We're on the quest of finding the perfect Mai Tai.)

more little letters

dear AGC building starbucks,
thank you for getting me through my long work days. nothing wakes me up like a simple tall non-fat latte.

dear lady gaga,
why are your songs so damn catchy?

dear 2 days of vacation that won’t roll over,
we have a month. what should we do?!

dear nick nolte and the hoblows,
great game last night, next week will be better.
p.s. did you totally love your at-bat songs?!

dear hawaii,
i can't wait to see you next week. seriously, can't wait.

dear surfer dude,
wanna give us free surfing lessons?

dear julia child,
you're adorable. i kind of want your cookbook.

dear wednesday,
why you gotta play me like this? just be friday already, ok?

These visions are dancing through my head

Why I have failed to tell you that I'm going to Hawaii this Sunday, I don't know. But I am. And I can't stop thinking about it.

Aloha.

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Fan-freakin-friend-tastic!

Last night a big group of my girlfriends gathered at Maddie's for a taco soup feast. Yumm...

The lovely ladies in attendace: Maddie, Stephanie, Autumn, Erin, Kimber, Lianna, Lizzie, Stacy and yours truly.

It had been far too long since our last get together, so we all had to share our life updates. Man, we live cool lives. Two people recently bought houses, three people (myself included!) are going to Hawaii on a search for the best Mai Tai, one person is sailing down the coast to California on a pimped out sailboat, another is headed to drink endless margaritas in Mexico, one is attempting to adopt an orange kitten before she moves in with her boyfriend who may or may not be allergic and another is getting her couch recovered. (Tronics - it is a big deal. I know what you were thinking...)

These ladies, all my other friends and family mean the world to me. Life would simply not be as fun and meaningful without all of you.

Ok, enough of this seriousness, look at how Maddie is doing her makeup these days. Pretty, pretty princess.

We waited too long

Maddie and I decided that we weren't going to worry about how early we did our long run this morning because the heat hasn't been unbearable lately.

Oops, we were wrong. It's getting really hot out here and that 8-miler is looking a lot less exciting. Fortunately, I have new shoes so hopefully that will help me get through it. (I totally slacked with my runs this week because there was just a lot going on.)

However, it could be worse. It could be the crazy Badwater Ultramarathon - running in temperatures that exceed 130 degrees! Anyone one who runs that needs to be examined. And not only for dehydration, but for insanity.

Badwater facts

• 135 miles through Death Valley,
• California Start: 280 feet below sea level Finish: 8,300 feet on Mount Whitney
• Race time limit: 60 hours, 48-hour cut-off to get a belt buckle (the end prize is a belt buckle?!)
• Course pavement exceeds 200 degrees F, same temp used to slow cook a pot roast
• Dangers: Heat stroke, organ failure, hallucinations, huge blisters, severe dehydration

Watch and laugh, my friends

Someone showed this to me last night and I thought I would share. Watch it twice to get the full effect.



Someone needs a chill pill.

P.S. It's almost the weekend!

Things I learned about my co-workers

Today we had a Seattle office staff meeting (well, and a firm-wide staff meeting this morning) and we were all acting like we were children. It was rather entertaining, but here are some of the things I learned:

• A Senior Vice President confessed to watching Seasons 1-6 of Project Runway in less than a month.


• A VP has 4 chickens, all named after first ladies. He also confessed to really enjoying the Real Housewives of NYC. Completely unexpected!


• Another VP is getting married on Labor Day! So exciting!!


• We learned about "foofing," an alternative to the sorority snaps as taught by a former sorority sweetheart. Yes, he was a sweetheart.


• Another SVP wants to throw a Mad Men themed party. Count me in.


• A new Seattlite (just moved from Texas) is learning about the process of recycling and is finding it challenging. You forget how second nature it is after living here for so long...


• The year of "yes" - one co-worker is saying yes to anything he hasn't done for all of 2009. He probably should have kept this to himself because he was quickly bombarded with, "have you babysat?" "have you worked past 10pm?" "have you ever hosted a Mad Men themed party?"

Also, we got scrumptious cookies.

AND, the main account I work on is back in business.

AND, Kathryn, Susie and I got promoted! I know, I just posted about it, but I'm excited. Can you blame me?

AND, we're a funny group. I like us.

I must really like cups o' joe

Remember this post?

Well, I was recently introduced to this Cup of Jo and I really like it. Check it out.

Andy was nice enough to buy Kathryn and I a cup of joe this morning. You wanna know why?

Because we got promoted! Yay!

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

little letters

Also inspired from the rockstar diaries blog, here are some little letters.

dear running shoes,
thank you for getting me through my long run today. i wouldn't have made it without you! next time, a little burst of energy at the end would be appreciated.

dear toyota corolla,
i'm sorry it's been awhile since i changed your oil. i promise to get on this soon.

dear grocery store lady,
please don't judge me. i forgot my reusable grocery bags at home.

dear closet,
thank you for being large enough to hold all of my delights.

dear stomach,
stop growling!

dear cell phone,
why aren't you a cool iPhone?

dear empty vase,
why aren't you filled with a beautiful bouquet of flowers?

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Awkward Photos

My friend recently posted a photo album on Facebook entitled: Awkward Photos of People Eating Stuff and Whatnot. Just what people like, awkward photos of themselves eating or just standing around.

Here are my favorites.

Am I surprised? I don't really know.

Pthis phot dog ptastes goooood.

(My attempt of typing how it might sound if she was talking)
Note: I only post this because you said you didn't mind it

This hot dog apparently tastes good too.

This isn't awkward, but I think it's

a really pretty picture of Stacey.

Introducing...

Nick Nolte and the Hoblows!

Featuring James, Kenny, Aaron, Jaison, Chris,

Holden, JJ, Erika, Maddie, Steph and Chrissy!

Not pictured: Phil and Brianna

Maddie's Got Talent

For helping to put together this spot, start to finish. You rock.

You know who else has talent? These dancers. This makes me want to go back to hip hop again!

When I'm rich...

I will shop at Whole Foods for all my food.

Today Kathryn and I hit it up for the finishing ingredients to make an avocado and grapefruit salad for lunch. I am enjoying it at this moment and highly recommend everyone giving it a try!

As I was strolling through the store, I came across a product from the Skagit Valley - my home! It was a sparkling juice called Skagit Fresh. Since I worked at Sakuma Bros Farm for 10 years (yes, I'm proud to admit that I was a farm girl), I kind of know the local farms, so I wondered who might be behind this fabulous product. So I decided to do a little research.

To my surprise (and Kathryn can vouch for my surprised reaction), featured on their website is none other than Richard Sakuma who I had worked for, for years! Not only that, my friend Aaron's uncle, Alan! What? How did I not know about this?

I haven't tried one yet because I left it in my car, but I will report back. I expect nothing but the best from the Skagit Valley.

I chose Rambling Raspberry. What would you choose?

It's LIVE!

Check it out: www.seattlepirun.com

Kickball: It's all the rage

Last night marked opening night of the Underdog Seattle Kickball season. My team, Nick Nolte and the Hoblows*, dominated - winning 99-0!

*Don't ask what it means because I have no idea - I didn't think of it. I was ok with our original name: A Swift Kick in the Grass

Ok, ok, so the other team didn't show up which means that the score is automatically listed as 99-0. But it's still really cool that's what will show up on the online scoreboard! We found some peeps who were willing to scrimmage, so we still had some time to master our kicking, catching and looking pretty in the outfield skills...

Highlights from the night:

• The collision between Holden and me
• JJ Mraz's fedora
• Being able to watch Maddie's butt from outfield all night

But really, kickball is making a comeback. Even the Jonas Brothers play, so it must be hip.

My goal: To make it through the season without pulling a muscle like last year.

I dare you

...To try not to laugh while watching this.

(Don't mind the foreign text in the clip)

Diana

Steph recently got this camera. (But hers is a little different color as you can see here.)

The Diana

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It's plastic and super lightweight, but takes the most amazing pictures. They are almost old-fashioned and the color is so vibrant! She's brought it out on a couple of occassions, and I'm looking forward to when she prints the next set from Chelan.

Check these out.

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This guy just blogged about it too.

Maddie got a similar one called Helga the Holga.

You can also browse quite a few galleries here.

Big Announcement!

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I've been chosen to be a contributing blogger for a new blog at the SeattlePI.com! It's going to be all about running, particularly in Seattle. In order to pique their interest, I sold myself as the runner who has a love/hate relationship with the sport, not necessarily as the diehard runner. Because as you all are probably aware, I really do enjoy running, but sometimes my snooze button gets the best of me.

So all of my obsessive posts, posts and more posts and talking about running has definitely come full circle.

It might be awhile until my first post, but I'll definitely be linking to the inaugural blog!

Hilarious Voicemail

Years ago, Maddie sent me this voicemail message and I just remembered it.

I don't know what is more funny:

1. His laugh


2. The picture someone used to create a YouTube clip


3. His accent


4. The fact that the person who received this voicemail forwarded it along to others, who then forwarded it on to even more people and eventually crashed the voicemail system at the company.

What do you think?

Why yes, you can pet them...

"Yes, I know, they are very cute. Her name is Lily and that is Maggie."

This weekend I dog sat my mom's little westies. Man, they are a lot to handle! I felt it was my duty to introduce the little monsters to Greenlake and I was stopped nearly every five feet. People were lovin' them up! Can you blame them?