Thankyou

Thanksgiving has always been that odd holiday for my family.

As a kid, it was always that awkward "are we with dad or mom" debate- While at school, it was that "woohooo get to go home for a couple days---NO SCHOOL"- Living on my own- "what to cook with that tofurkey?....IM A BIG GIRL NOW...cooking my own thanksgiving"- I feel almost ashamed to say that this year is the first year in awhile that I have stopped and reflected on how unbelivably thankful I am for so many things.

                                                        My sister, mother and I (and dog)
I am thankful for my mother. I know life for our family of three girls wasn't easy for her, however she never let my sister or I see that. I was able to swim year round- play the cello both during and after school- do tons of school functions- travel- while living comfortably as an average american teenager. I am so thankful that she sacrificied so much to make my life so wonderful. I can't wait to spoil her... :)! Xmas shopping is going to be funnnn this year!

My mother and I at Righteous Richland Sprint Triathlon

Mother and I last year at St. Pattys Day 10k

LOVE my Viuhkola family- Oregon Coast

I am soooo thankful for the Three Rivers Road Runners. If there weren't such a great group of wonderful (understatement) people who, with welcome arms added me to the group- I dont know where I would be. I still remember the day that Jen asked me to join her and Fred to go barefoot running at like 5:00am in Pasco--not knowing the two of them very well I was a little hesistant- until Jen posted on Facebook that I was indeed going with her and Fred- this gave me that little push out of my shell that I needed. I have mentioned before, but I feel as though my family has extended 75 people.

Eric Greager and 3RRR

AquaMan Start 2011

I am also very thankful for my new Triathlon Family- Team Rev3- I am amazed every morning when I wake up and see my 15 new emails from these enthusiastic triathlon lovers---I can just feel the energy radiating through my iphone which throws me up and out of bed -ready for the day! What an amazing experience- and Im so excited to spread the Tri love!

                                                         So excited for pictures to come in 2012
I am soooo also excited for Rev3 Portland, it has been a couple years since our local tri group has taken a group to an out of town race. (This year, the most we took was 5 or 6 to an out-of-town). This year we are a crowd! I counted 14 registered with the early bird registration (and more considering) and I AM SO EXCITED! This is (for lack of better words) going to be SOOOOO MUCHHHH FUNNN. (I have the excited butterflies already....aw man and 7 months to go)

I am also very thankful for my work- at the TriCityCourtClub! Even though it is hard sometimes to get up and be at work at 5:00am, and most nights returning and staying until 8:00pm- I love the people I get to spend that time with both co-workers and clients. The gym is fun because everyone who is there- wants to be there- to improve their fitness and enhance their life. I also LOVE that we respect the importance of family- and give every member something to do while they are at the gym. I've been a member since I was 8 years old, and love that I now get to give those memories I had growing up to others.


I am also very thankful for my Masters Swimming class. I don't need my caffiene (even though I SOOO LOVE having it at 5:00am) because these athletes give me so much energy and excitement. Thank you!

                                      A group of swimmers on Halloween!
Also, very thankful for my little family with Jm and the Kitty. We have had so many memories in the past two years- and am very excited for our future plans. Jm has truly changed my life.

                                                     At PCT 2011- JM and I

                                                              My Love

                                                     Love!

                                                           Fatty and Bonnie

I also want to mention how much I love and miss Robyn Poulson. Robyn is and always will be one of my biggest heroes. I am thankful that she is in my life- and aspire to someday be half of the amazing person she is. I try my hardest to be a local "Robyn" encouraging everyone to believe in themselves and push out of their comfort zone- and hope that the real Robyn returns from down under realllllllllllllly soon! (and also very exciting to see the little BABYYYY)

                                             Robyn's last track practice before moving down under!

There are so many things I could write on for hours- but figure I ought to get started on some cooking- and preparing for our thanksgiving bike ride with Rob, Jm, my mother and I.....I AM SO EXCITED!

Love, Erin