I look like I haven't seen the sun in my entire life....but I'm working on venturing outdoors. In summer of 2009, I plan to try my hand at veggie gardening and competing in a duathlon or triathlon. Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of Erika's Outdoor Adventures.

I have two dogs who occasionally tolerate having things put on their heads.

I love berries and buffalo wings more than any human being should, and can't stand melon.

I teach group fitness classes and am a personal trainer at the Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center.

I'm a huge fan of Toastmasters International. If the thought of giving a speech makes you want to poop your pants, join a local chapter. It's absolutely liberating to become comfortable in your own skin in front of a large group of people.

I publish as Erika Shehan Poole, but you can just call me Erika Poole. No need for hyphenation or anything special.

On behalf of everyone in the world with an uncommonly spelled name, please make sure that you double check name spellings when corresponding in writing. In my case, there is no "c" in "Erika", no "ee" in Shehan, but there is an "e" at the end of Poole. I thank you in advance for taking the time to double check how someone's name is spelled before sending an email. That tiny gesture can mean so much.