NYC

My whirlwind work trip to New York City couldn't have been better. As guinea pigs to the conference, Ashley, Megan and I weren't sure what to expect - but we came away with some great insights that will be valuable for our work. Now to synthesize everything we learned into a quick all-staff presentation!

During one of our quick conference breaks, we ran across the street to poke into MoMa - we didn't even make a dent (there are so many floors!), but saw Starry Night, so it was well worth the quick trip. We also made our way to Times Square (our hotel was two blocks away!) at midnight after a day full of conference sessions.

But the bulk of the sight-seeing was on Sunday (conference ended Saturday night) - exploring the city with Kathryn and Pat. We walked everywhere! We walked along the Hudson River on the High Line, through the Meat-Packing District, West Village, Soho and more. We walked part of the Brooklyn Bridge and had roof-top cocktails off 5th Avenue with Central Park in the distance. It is such a vibrant city and it's really impossible to take it all in on a single day. Guess that means I'll have to go back soon :)

NYC Teaser

NYC was a blast! The conference, the company and the catching up with Kathryn - just perfect.

But goodness gracious, I'm tired! Due to a couple security breeches that required a complete terminal evacuation and then lightning and thunder, the airport was a complete and total mess. Every single flight was extremely delayed - my 8:30pm flight didn't leave until the wee hours of the morning, which meant that I got home close to 5am.

Full NYC report to come, as well as more about Hawaii and a lovely birthday sailing adventure for Stephanie!

The Big Apple

Just as I finished unpacking and doing laundry, I'm packing up again to head to NEW YORK CITY! I'm headed to the BlogHer Conference for work (so lucky!) and can't wait to meet fun, new bloggers and soak up all I can in just a matter of a couple days.

It just so happens, the one and only, Kathryn Bradley lives in NYC! Needless to say, she has some fun plans up her sleeve for dinner one night and a whole day of fun on Sunday. Cannot wait!

pic/via

TGIF

I've had this note on my computer for well over a year. It's a little Kathryn memento that I never plan to take down. Even though she's no longer at the desk next to me, she's with me in spirit :)

Though quite simple, the note really helps psych me up on Fridays. And today, I've had a particularly wild case of the Fridays. You know when you get that shrill of excitement that rushes through your body and comes out in the form of a giant smile? Yeah, that's what's happening. It's like all smiles here. Smile:30. Smile o'clock. Smilearathon. (Ok, you get the point.)

Here's to a smile-filled weekend, filled with friends, a run, brunch and maybe even a visit by the Easter bunny! TGIF.

Matt's in the Market

Last week, Kathryn, Meredith, Olita and I had the rare opportunity to hang out together. With Kathryn now in New York, Meredith moving from Philly to San Fran and Olita and I holding down the fort in Seattle - these kind of get togethers are few and far between. (It's very, very unfortunate!)

We decided to go somewhere that would be considered "very Seattle" for our relocated friends. How much more Seattle can you get than Matt's in the Market, seated right in front of the Pike Place Market sign? We just ordered wine, cheese and salads, but it was all very delicious. The ambiance there is so lovely. Then we ended our night with the one and only, Molly Moon's. Nothing beats their salted caramel ice cream!

I look forward to the next time we can all share stories and a bottle of wine!

The view from our table. Not too shabby, eh?

Kathryn, the New Yorker

Today is a very sad day. Another one of my favorite people is leaving me. Kathryn is off to the Big Apple to be a cute, little New Yorker. Her hubby Pat just finished dental school at UW (congrats!) and will be specializing in pediatric dentistry. Somehow this means that they have to move across the states, leaving all of us Kathryn-less.

I can't even begin to tell you how much she's meant to me over the last four years. Spending 40+ hours a week together at work definitely makes you realize how important it is to have good coworkers. But Kathryn is more than a coworker, she is truly an amazing friend. She is one of the most thoughtful people I know and says the funniest things without even trying. We've gone through a lot together - week night trips to the Little Red Hen (ouch), running a half marathon, venting when necessary, dancing the night away and witnessing Andy's pool table incident, and so much more.

Not only that, I partially attribute meeting my main squeeze to Kathryn. She encouraged me to give Match a try time and time again. Then when I finally gave in (after a few glasses of wine), she was the only person I told for a long time. My post-date sounding board, if you will. Thank you Kathryn, for encouraging me to make one of the best decisions of my life.

You'll be very missed. GMMB won't be the same without you. But luckily, I'm due for a trip to New York. So get that futon ready!

P.S. Kathryn is following her dream and doing to pursue Kathryn Bradley Photography full-time, so if you know anyone in the big city who needs a photographer, she comes highly recommended!

kathryn's happy list

Kathryn made my day today when she told me that she would be sending along her happy list. Can I get a what, what? As with others, she couldn't stop at just 10, so you have 3 bonus happy sentiments. I'm kind of in love with #12. And I have a weakness for cute dad things, so I like #11 too.

P.S. Don't you just love this photo of Kathryn and her hubby, Pat?!

Enjoy her list and have a fabulous weekend!

1. Soy lattes on cold Seattle mornings (or anytime really!).
2. Getting back from a photo session and eagerly downloading the images.
3. When a package arrives for me at work, even though I know exactly what I ordered. (Erika's note: I'm usually just as excited when Kathryn gets a package at the office!)
4. My tan lines that remind me of our recent trip to Hawaii (and finding little grains of sand while unpacking my suitcase!).
5. When hubby warms up my side of the bed for me before I get in at night.
6. Opening the office fridge to find ice cold Diet Pepsi (Costco delivery day is the best!).
7. CHRISTMAS! My favorite time of the year…shopping for the perfect gifts, baking cookies, drinking Glühwein, decorating the tree and sneaking kisses by the fire.
8. My new brown boots.
9. Getting comments on my blog posts. (Erika's note: Please check out her blog. Unless, of course, you don't like looking at beautiful photos. In which case, you are a little weird.)
10. Crossing things off my “life” list.
11. My dad’s newfound discovery of Facebook messages (he now writes one to me every morning with the date in the subject line and some kind of motivational message…it’s very cute).
12. Saturday afternoon cocktail hour at the Bradley residence...this includes us putting on sweats, making martinis and appetizers, and toasting to not having kids (not because we don’t want kids someday, but because we know this won’t be an activity we’ll have the luxury of enjoying once they come along!).
13. My husband, my family and my friends—especially this time of year when I find myself reflecting on all the blessings in my life for which I am so grateful.

Beautiful photo by Moxie Images

Introducing Kathryn Bradley Photography

It's official. Kathryn Bradley Photography is in business! If you're looking for an extremely talented photographer for weddings, engagement sessions, families or more - contact the lovely lady. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Check out her website for more amazing photos!

A note to you, Kathryn: I'm so inspired that you're following your dream. It's been so fun to watch you over the course of the last year to really make it happen. I'm glad I could be a part of it, even if it's just my opinion on logo design or cardstock for your business cards, it's been very exciting! The classes, the booked weekends and looong nights have most certainly paid off. Your talent AMAZES me and I'm so happy that I can now officially direct someone to your work after talking their ear off about your awesomeness.

And a little more information from her "About Me" section.

My fascination and curiosity for the stories that make each of us unique is what fuels my inspiration to document life through the lens of my camera. Studying journalism in college, I became absorbed in documenting people’s lives and their stories. Yet, as a lover of photography since childhood, my greatest joy was always behind the camera, capturing people as their pure, authentic selves. I held tight to my love of storytelling and it remains at the core of my photography.

Swanky swank

Last Saturday, I went to Christina and Andy's engagement party. Let me tell you - it was swanky! It was at Andy's uncle's condo on 2nd with a perfect view of this. Simply amazing! (We all offered to housesit when they have to leave town next.) We got to dress up in pretty dresses, drink fun cocktails and eat incredibly tasty hors d'oeuvres.

(I really think we should make cocktail parties happen more often, just don't let me bartend. We all know what happens when Petes bartends and it means there is never an empty glass which in turn means that people don't feel so hot the next day.)

Without any planning, there was a theme among the GMMBers. With the exception of Andy (co-worker, not her fiance), everyone wore some shade of red with black. As seen above, Kathryn and I were opposites... and we even arrived together, so people totally thought it was planned.

Some lovely ladies: Kathryn, Christina (bride), myself and Olita

Chattin' around the tasty treats.

(I tried to make this hairdo work,

but I think it needs some adjustments for next time.)

Yummm, Cupcake.

Dear Kathryn,

Thank you so, soo much for my cupcake! I understand that you were probably trying to get me to stop talking about cupcakes, but I don't know if this method will work.

Now the cupcake is staring at me, saying, "Eat me, Erika!" And my stomach is responding, "Give me a break, you just ate a lot of pasta for lunch!" Then, my mind is retorting, "Dude, just eat the cupcake. It looks sooo good!"

I honestly can't wait to eat my cupcake. It's even prettier than this picture. It's decorated with stars and has two giant chocolate straws sticking out of it.

Love,

Erika and her Cupcake Kick

Note: So I started a "Morale Team" with Kathryn for our office; We are trying to promote random acts of kindness by posting everyone's favorite iced/hot drinks and snacks. Man, I've totally reaped the benefits the last two days. Yesterday: Susie surprised me with an Iced Tea Lemonade. Today: A lovely, scrumptious cupcake! Wow. I'm lucky.

pic source

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?

This one goes out to you, Kathryn Bradley!

You mentioned how much you like being in my blogs, so I am dedicating this post solely to you!

So here are some of the reasons I like Kathryn:

• I can break out in song or dance in our office and not be judged. Sometimes even joined!


• You laugh at my jokes. Actually, I like the fact that we laugh a lot in our office.


• I can say, "I kind of want to go home and stir my meatballs" and you understand.


• You support my wine habit by buying me wine glasses on more than one occassion.


• You helped me get through the half-marathon, especially the last 2 miles.


• All of your random acts of kindness like when you bring me back chocolate from the foundation. There are days that saved me. (Hmm, you're at the foundation now... I wonder if today will be another lucky day?!)


• Your efforts to convince me to do a triathlon... that's still TBD.


• I can count on your to not only get a latte in the morning, but also cash in our Starbucks $2 treat receipt in the afternoon.


• I can trust that you'll let me know when I'm wearing something that isn't work appropriate. ("Is it ok to wear sandals to work?!" Is it ok to wear a mini-tube dress with go-go boots? I'm just never sure.")


• We can trash talk our former landlord, Joyce. I'm glad you moved because you never know when that lady will throw an eviction notice at you for no reason.


• You're willing to take part in "top hat bad days"


• The fact that you're game for the Little Red Hen on a Wednesday night.


• And for being understanding of my fragility the day after this said night. Well, I think it helped that we were in the same boat.


• Lastly, for being so awesome!

Pain is temporary, but pride is forever

This is the motto that was on the back of a runner's t-shirt during the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon this weekend. We must have took it to heart because by mile 11, I thought I was running to my death bed. My breathing was fine, but my muscles were shutting down. All I could think about was walking, but wouldn't let myself after all I had worked for so far... Must. Keep. GOING!

BUT, in the end, we were triumphant! Autumn, Maddie, Lizzie, Nick, Kathryn and I (among 25,000 others!) all finished in one piece. Kathryn and I ended up finishing the race together at 2:10:28! My goal was 2 hours, but I am extremely happy with this time (which originally we thought was a little less than this, but again, I'm so happy with my results!).

Some of the highlights:

• First and foremost, our adoring fans: Straubs, Steph, James, the Doherty's, Pat and Mary. It takes a diehard to wait on the sidelines for hours just to see someone run past in a matter of seconds. Thank you all!


• Also, a big thank you is on order for Pat, Kathryn's husband, who sacrificed his morning to forge through the incredibly bad traffic to get us to the race. I owe him a drink. Or two. Maybe another trip to the Little Red Hen is in order??


• The beautiful course, especially along Lake Washington.


• At one point everyone was pointing at this bald eagle and I overheard a lady saying, "Oh crap, is everyone pointing out another big hill?!"


• The funny water station volunteers who would be holding out water and yelling, "Bud Light, come and get it" or "Gin and tonic! It's your friend."


• Where the full marathoners split, there was a man yelling, "Come to the dark side" and all I could think was, "Oh, hell no!"


• The MJ tribute in one lady's lawn - complete with a framed picture and blasting Billie Jean.


• The makeshift band with a 10-year old boy taking his job oh-so-seriously.


• A woman in the blue wig or the lady with the sequined cape and shoe covers. There were just some overall fashion disasters going on.


• The mile 12 marker. Damn, it had to have been the longest mile in history.


• Somehow managing to gather enough energy to sprint to the finish line. DONE! (Well, until the next one on October 3rd.)


• Brunch with the Doherty's after the race - as Maddie puts it, we were playing with house money and could eat whatever we wanted. (I may have taken this too literally over the course of the day.)

Kathryn and me - I must say, it doesn't look like we just ran 13.1 miles.

Lizze, Maddie, Autumn and me dazzling the camera with our bright colors.

Thai Truck Friday!

Right now I am counting down the minutes until Kathryn, Christina and possibly Katie and I walk down to the Thai Truck. It's sooo amazing and super cheap too! I mean, you can't really go wrong with Thai, but the fact that we get to leave the office and take a little walk around the lake to the Center for Wooden Boats (the parked location) - that just makes it all the more while. You know what would make this even better on this sunny Seattle Friday afternoon?

This:
And this:

(Funny. I googled picnic table on the lake and they gave me quite a literal picture for the term.)