Expat duo from rainy (but lovely!) Seattle, living in Berlin & spending every last dime on travel. Drink, Travel, Write
Monday, January 25, 2010
First Official Document
Just short of the 60 day mark, I re-newed my license. This was something that needed to be done, but I hadn't thought about it as the first document in which my name was legally "Erin Porter". Yet there it is. No more *'s in my ID number. An undecided signature. This is just weird.
Monday, October 26, 2009
awesome
Wow. That was awesome.
Just got back late last night from the honeymoon & have been on the run again all day. Really cannot thank everyone enough for their time, laughter, and generosity. It made what we think was an incredible event better than perfect. Thank you all!
San Francisco was amazing. I, had the best of intentions that i was going to update the blog as we go & track down the video, but that is all a little hard when you are a few states away on your honeymoon. And we ended up being crazy busy doing some crazy fun stuff. Alcatraz, Wharf, Aquarium, Mission District, the Castro, many meals & happy hours!, MOMA, AT&T Park, cable cars, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, and so many others. It was bizarre to stay in one place & really see, if not it all, a lot.
Can't wait to see the photos & finished video myself & post it for all of you that have expressed interest. Thank you again & may every day be as interesting as these crazy days have been.
Just got back late last night from the honeymoon & have been on the run again all day. Really cannot thank everyone enough for their time, laughter, and generosity. It made what we think was an incredible event better than perfect. Thank you all!
San Francisco was amazing. I, had the best of intentions that i was going to update the blog as we go & track down the video, but that is all a little hard when you are a few states away on your honeymoon. And we ended up being crazy busy doing some crazy fun stuff. Alcatraz, Wharf, Aquarium, Mission District, the Castro, many meals & happy hours!, MOMA, AT&T Park, cable cars, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, and so many others. It was bizarre to stay in one place & really see, if not it all, a lot.
Can't wait to see the photos & finished video myself & post it for all of you that have expressed interest. Thank you again & may every day be as interesting as these crazy days have been.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Thank YOU!!!
The wedding was incredible. We are now Mann und Frau and couldn't be happier! I have had a permanent smile for about 29 1/2 hours now and my cheeks are starting to hurt- not that I am complaining. For weeks now I have had insane urges to yell out from my car & shout at strangers that I am marrying Ian Porter! I can't say that has entirely went away yet, I am so excited to be the latest Mrs. Porter.
Thank you to all who came & sent their warm wishes. We hoped for everyone to have fun and I truly believe that goal was met. It was amazing to see the smiles on so many people we love. Especially the smiles that graced the faces of our parents. Without their help and support this event could not have happened, and without their individual styles, opinions, and personalities it would not have been half the epic event that is was.
I have been tempted to speak at several of the events leading up to this wedding but am so glad I kept my best material to myself until the wedding. For those of you that missed it, and for commemorative sake, here is a bit of paraphrasing:
"I never would have thought that all the random things that have come up in my life could result in the wonderfulness that is happening right now. I am so lucky to have you all in my life!
I used to be so jealous of Ian. He is so lucky! I plan and prepare and things get messed up all the time. Ian does something on a whim and it all works out perfect. But the more time I spend with him, I realize it is not luck. He is just such a wonderful person and people want to make things work for him. I don't know anyone who has met Ian and not instantly loved him. I am so lucky to be able to spend the rest of my life with someone like him.
I have led an amazing life. There are so many wonderful things I have done and great people I have met. But this, right now, is the best day of my life. This is the best day ever. I love you Ian."
I knew that I had done well when I saw Ian shed a tear.
Pictures can be found HERE, but I wanted to share the awesome video our friend Phil helped us to create. Thank you Phil! Everyone- thank you!
Thank you to all who came & sent their warm wishes. We hoped for everyone to have fun and I truly believe that goal was met. It was amazing to see the smiles on so many people we love. Especially the smiles that graced the faces of our parents. Without their help and support this event could not have happened, and without their individual styles, opinions, and personalities it would not have been half the epic event that is was.
I have been tempted to speak at several of the events leading up to this wedding but am so glad I kept my best material to myself until the wedding. For those of you that missed it, and for commemorative sake, here is a bit of paraphrasing:
"I never would have thought that all the random things that have come up in my life could result in the wonderfulness that is happening right now. I am so lucky to have you all in my life!
I used to be so jealous of Ian. He is so lucky! I plan and prepare and things get messed up all the time. Ian does something on a whim and it all works out perfect. But the more time I spend with him, I realize it is not luck. He is just such a wonderful person and people want to make things work for him. I don't know anyone who has met Ian and not instantly loved him. I am so lucky to be able to spend the rest of my life with someone like him.
I have led an amazing life. There are so many wonderful things I have done and great people I have met. But this, right now, is the best day of my life. This is the best day ever. I love you Ian."
I knew that I had done well when I saw Ian shed a tear.
Pictures can be found HERE, but I wanted to share the awesome video our friend Phil helped us to create. Thank you Phil! Everyone- thank you!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Nervous Much?
I'm actually doing quite well at the moment, considering I'm the kind of guy who might as well take up lodgings in the bathroom at this stage of things.
It must be the fact that it's kind of hard to grip the fact that the wedding is only two days away. It's been such a build-up, and then all of a sudden, WHAM! It's gonna hit me right in the face.
Despite a bit of anxiousness, spirits are quite high. Our nights have been filled with finishing up the last few details, as well as finishing up a couple big projects.
Currently Ebe is sitting in front of the TV, listening to Project Runway (lucky me), peeling labels off of beer bottles. I know you're asking yourself why would she be doing that... well, you'll see soon!
Myself, I have been grooving to some tunes while I compile music from all over the place... internet, cd's, external hard drives, the ghost of Michael Jackson. The finished project is gonna be kickass, and you'll be sure to groove all night long... all night!
Well, I best get back to the grind and slay this dragon so we can all have an enjoyable time Saturday. Thanks again for everyone who's helped and to all of you who are coming. We cant' wait to see you!
It must be the fact that it's kind of hard to grip the fact that the wedding is only two days away. It's been such a build-up, and then all of a sudden, WHAM! It's gonna hit me right in the face.
Despite a bit of anxiousness, spirits are quite high. Our nights have been filled with finishing up the last few details, as well as finishing up a couple big projects.
Currently Ebe is sitting in front of the TV, listening to Project Runway (lucky me), peeling labels off of beer bottles. I know you're asking yourself why would she be doing that... well, you'll see soon!
Myself, I have been grooving to some tunes while I compile music from all over the place... internet, cd's, external hard drives, the ghost of Michael Jackson. The finished project is gonna be kickass, and you'll be sure to groove all night long... all night!
Well, I best get back to the grind and slay this dragon so we can all have an enjoyable time Saturday. Thanks again for everyone who's helped and to all of you who are coming. We cant' wait to see you!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Dancing Dancing Dancing
Oh man- We're alive! Bachelor/ette parties went off this weekend without a hitch. Ian's boys showed him a boozy view of the city with a mariners game, bars, sports games, a German themed beer drinking event, and a night in a fine hotel. Ian will have to tell more about this weekend long extravaganza.
As for myself, the night started like this:
And ended like this.
Lingerie party (awesome gifts from all of you!), drinks, party games, marking tasks off my fabulous bachelorette t-shirt, bars, crazy taxi rides, and DANCING at Neighbors on Capitol Hill. I was able to provide some amusement to everyone and not completely embarrass myself. Mission accomplished.


I still can't get over how bizarre to be the entitled bimbo for the night. From the moment I showed up Crystal & Emily were the dream team of bachelorette pampering. From the awesome EBE sign crystal put together to the delicious spread of delicacies (including a chocolate fountain!) I was super impressed and so happy to have them as friends. All night I just got to drink, chat, laugh, and dance. Responsibilities away! That, in of itself, was a pleasure.
A huge shout out of appreciation to everyone who came to our parties and an extra thank you to everyone who put them together. You guys are AWESOME!
As for myself, the night started like this:

And ended like this.

Lingerie party (awesome gifts from all of you!), drinks, party games, marking tasks off my fabulous bachelorette t-shirt, bars, crazy taxi rides, and DANCING at Neighbors on Capitol Hill. I was able to provide some amusement to everyone and not completely embarrass myself. Mission accomplished.


I still can't get over how bizarre to be the entitled bimbo for the night. From the moment I showed up Crystal & Emily were the dream team of bachelorette pampering. From the awesome EBE sign crystal put together to the delicious spread of delicacies (including a chocolate fountain!) I was super impressed and so happy to have them as friends. All night I just got to drink, chat, laugh, and dance. Responsibilities away! That, in of itself, was a pleasure.
A huge shout out of appreciation to everyone who came to our parties and an extra thank you to everyone who put them together. You guys are AWESOME!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October!!!
Holy schnikeys!!! The month of the wedding has arrived. With a little over 2 weeks to go, we still have a ton of stuff to get done.
One interesting thing just happened Monday... Ebe and I celebrated our last "anniversary" on the 28th. From now on out, it's gonna be on the 17th and an official anniversary! Too crazy.
We also have a favor to ask our wedding guests. We have a few cool picture ideas, and we were hoping you could bring an umbrella. The more colorful and crazy the better! Thanks in advance.
Also our nights of debauchery are almost upon us. Our wedding party has been hard at work planning our bachelor and bachelorette parties. I'm completely in the dark about what is going to be happening for mine, but Ebe has had a little more hands on experience with hers. All I know is that Monday is not going to be a fun day... :(
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Let's get FIT
For the first time in our lives we each have a piece of clothing tailored to fit! Ian finally found a pretty sweet
suit at K&G Superstore and we just dropped off the pants to be tailored. When asking what alterations the pants needed, the tailor explained
"We make them fit."
"ah, yes. What exactly do you need to do to do that?"
"We will make them fit."
Ok sir. We trust these pants to your capable hands & cross our fingers!
As for my dress, despite the already adventurous life it is led, it is now getting a splash of color, a hemline, and a tightening of the bodice. Viola! Dream dress.
We are going to be looking gooooooooooooood!
suit at K&G Superstore and we just dropped off the pants to be tailored. When asking what alterations the pants needed, the tailor explained "We make them fit."
"ah, yes. What exactly do you need to do to do that?"
"We will make them fit."
Ok sir. We trust these pants to your capable hands & cross our fingers!
As for my dress, despite the already adventurous life it is led, it is now getting a splash of color, a hemline, and a tightening of the bodice. Viola! Dream dress.
We are going to be looking gooooooooooooood!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
A Proper Wedding Prost
Less then a month left and we are running to get it all done! Every day another thing gets crossed off the list...so why does it keep getting longer?

The last 2 Oktoberfests were spent at the real Oktoberfest in Munich, but this year we are celebrating Fremont style.
Less Oktoberfest-y then huge beer festival, we are happy to return. And one thing seems the same- the rain :(.

Last night we volunteered at the fest & were regaled with all the sorts of drunk that Seattle can pull out! Impressive. This is possibly the greatest people watching experience ever as we pulled taps, took tokens, and chatted with Oktoberfest's finest!
Who knows what tonight will bring, (ok- we have some idea: drinking, laughing, drinking, lederhosen-wearing, drinking MADNESS) but this does bring up the issue of Prost!
German for "Cheers", we plan to have a lot of clinking of glasses at the wedding. Only a few people are forced to make a speech (here's looking at you Matt!), but for anyone who wants to say a few words- please go ahead. We would love to hear all the nice things you have to say to us!
To toast properly, try doing it German style. Germans are serious about Prost-ing. To do it right, you must shout "Prost!", look the others in the in the eye as you clink glases, and take a gulp of your beer. And when they say look in the eye- they're serious. To miss this means 7 years bad sex - something no German we met was willing to risk.
So at the wedding, please feel free to raise a glass, say a few words, look us in the eye, and PROST!

The last 2 Oktoberfests were spent at the real Oktoberfest in Munich, but this year we are celebrating Fremont style.
Less Oktoberfest-y then huge beer festival, we are happy to return. And one thing seems the same- the rain :(.

Last night we volunteered at the fest & were regaled with all the sorts of drunk that Seattle can pull out! Impressive. This is possibly the greatest people watching experience ever as we pulled taps, took tokens, and chatted with Oktoberfest's finest!
Who knows what tonight will bring, (ok- we have some idea: drinking, laughing, drinking, lederhosen-wearing, drinking MADNESS) but this does bring up the issue of Prost!
German for "Cheers", we plan to have a lot of clinking of glasses at the wedding. Only a few people are forced to make a speech (here's looking at you Matt!), but for anyone who wants to say a few words- please go ahead. We would love to hear all the nice things you have to say to us!
To toast properly, try doing it German style. Germans are serious about Prost-ing. To do it right, you must shout "Prost!", look the others in the in the eye as you clink glases, and take a gulp of your beer. And when they say look in the eye- they're serious. To miss this means 7 years bad sex - something no German we met was willing to risk.
So at the wedding, please feel free to raise a glass, say a few words, look us in the eye, and PROST!
To read more about the real Oktoberfest in Munich
Labels:
American,
drinking,
German habits,
Oktoberfest,
seattle,
wedding
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Gold jacket, green jacket....
Why did the lord have to bless me with being such a full figured young lad?
We spent much of Saturday cruising downtown and Northgate's department stores looking for a snazzy suite. Oh there were plenty, just not in my size. Once we did find a suit that was big enough, it was either: a) The ugliest piece of shit you've ever seen, or b) The most expensive thing you've ever seen.
We also got a taste of the many different customer service styles out there. Most were fine, some horrible, and some supreme. Macy's unfortunately was lacking this department. They didn't even give us the time of day when we were looking around. Oh, and that they can't order larger sizes is something I find hard to believe.
No surprise at all that Nordstrom's had the best around. The guy was a pimp daddy. Asked us what we were looking for, picked out a suit that fit right away, told us where to find them, and then gave us some room to parooze. Very nice. Very classy. Too expensive.
Unfortunately my best option was found at the Men's Warehouse. Think of it as a car dealership, but instead of hocking cars, they're hocking suits... fun times. We found a pretty sweet brown suit, but the ginger helping us was annoying to say the lease. Goddamn it, I don't need a second suit for only $100 or those overpriced ties. So why don't you let us talk amongst ourselves and piss right off! Good thing Ebe and I can speak German. Let's just say it's fun having a "secret" language.
Oh, and one more thing, though a little off subject. Here's another hotel option for people coming from out of town. It's located in Queen Anne, and is perfect for exploring Seattle Center and downtown. Also should be only about a 15 minute ride to the venue.... oh so tempting.
The Mediterranean Inn
http://www.mediterranean-inn.com/
Monday, September 7, 2009
40 DAYS
The Saga of the Post continues with a few invites continue to sporadically returned, charged extra for, and just general randomness. Apologies to anyone who had difficulty getting there invite!
We presented our "minister", Travis, with his certificate of Ordination from The Church of Latter-Day Dudes. Yes- that's right, like The Big Lebowski's Dude. Anyone else interested in this enlightening following or also wanting to become a "Dude", check out http://www.dudeism.com/.
Yesterday we had another trip to the Ballroom, this time with our lovely photographer Craige. Lay-outs were mapped out, tables were contemplated, and updates observed. Jerry, our venue operator, was invaluable as always showing us recent upgrades. So much to consider!Defintly would have anyone questioning an elopemnet...
BUT we are in too deep and really looking forward to a fun-filled, surprising, lovely day. Let us catch our breath and we will see you in literally no time.
We presented our "minister", Travis, with his certificate of Ordination from The Church of Latter-Day Dudes. Yes- that's right, like The Big Lebowski's Dude. Anyone else interested in this enlightening following or also wanting to become a "Dude", check out http://www.dudeism.com/.

Yesterday we had another trip to the Ballroom, this time with our lovely photographer Craige. Lay-outs were mapped out, tables were contemplated, and updates observed. Jerry, our venue operator, was invaluable as always showing us recent upgrades. So much to consider!Defintly would have anyone questioning an elopemnet...
BUT we are in too deep and really looking forward to a fun-filled, surprising, lovely day. Let us catch our breath and we will see you in literally no time.
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We're Back in Berlin Ja!
ebe & ian at Yak-toberfest 2008