It's playtime!

Living in a place that has all the perks and energy of a big city and all the warmth and charm of a small town is about as lucky as a person can get.

When I moved to Milwaukee two years ago, I became one of those lucky people.

And what makes me even luckier is that I didn't have to give up my love for the outdoors when I became a city girl. Milwaukee fuses nature with city life about as perfectly as can be, and starting today, I'm officially on a one-woman mission to show people exactly how.

Welcome to my blog. Here I'm going to spread the word about the kickin outdoor recreation scene in and around Milwaukee, and along with that, I'm hopefully going to inspire people – in Milwaukee and elsewhere – to get out there, be active, try new things and ultimately enjoy their lives a bit more.

Because let's face it, you only live once, right?

Anyway, allow myself to introduce ... myself.

I just finished college two days ago and it feels FABULOUS. I'll graduate from UW-Milwaukee on Sunday with a degree in Journalism and then it's off into the real world. I'll be looking for a full-time job eventually, but really, I'm in no rush. After being in school for almost 18 years, I'm looking forward to spending a little time just for me.

Of course, I do have a job. I waitress at the Lake Park Bistro, Milwaukee's finest restaurant - though some may say I'm a bit biased. The people are always interesting, the view is always spectacular, and best of all, it pays the bills, so I'm not going anywhere just yet.

As for my blog, I already have some awesome activities in the works. I'll be getting scuba-diver certified and I'll be diving in Lake Michigan later in the summer. I'm going to enter road and bike races, and even the Urban Tadpole race - which is sort of like the Amazing Race except in downtown Milwaukee. I'll be golfing and fishing and boating and hiking and exploring the local parks and recreation areas.

I'm expecting a proposal any day now from my wonderful boyfriend, Dave. (how presumptuous am I?) I think to celebrate, we're going to go sky diving! So there's lots of excitement in the works.

Also, you can bet I'll be spending all kinds of time on the lakefront.

Seriously, I see the lake every day and I still marvel at it on a regular basis. It's so beautiful! The lakefront in Chicago is nice, too, but it's mostly cement. Milwaukee's lakefront is all grass and beaches and rocks to climb and sit on.

There's nothing like a beautiful spring day to get people out to the lakefront by the hundreds, jogging and biking and rollerblading and playing catch and flying kites and having picnics. But for every person out there, there are a hundred more inside, too busy to notice or too lazy to care. 

Get out here people!!!

As you've probably already gathered, I'm a pretty active, outgoing, and opinionated person. I think this blog is the perfect project for me to hopefully have a bit of influence on the masses.

My city has many stories just waiting to be told, and I can't wait to start tellin them!

Stop back again soon!

Comments

[Christi]

First comment...yay for best friends! =)

I couldn't think of a better person to do what you're doing girl.

She's a blast of a good time Milwaukee!! You found yourself a keeper.

[monkey]

erin,
congrats on both graduation and this new "project." you write well, and i for one, have always enjoyed it, so you can bet i'll be a regular around here. maybe i'll even get katie to write something productive. =)

my only suggestion, cause sometimes i'm anal, is that when you include links in the blog, see if you can set it up to open in a seperate window. that way, if one chooses to view it, they can just click on the link and it will load without the person having to come back and finish reading.

enjoy the travels!

[Mimi]

Erin is my first born child and also my best friend. Of course I'm a little biased, but she's got it all going on. This blog will be great. Hopefully I'll even get a chance to join her on one of her adventures this summer. Check in regularly, you won't be disappointed!

[Robb Manning]

Erin,

Hey from your former editorial editor! It was a pleasure having you write for me for 2 years at the UWM Post. This looks like a great gig you have going now -- it looks like a lot of fun. And I know you'll do a great job, because you're an excellent writer.

Have fun and see you around!

[Jenn Montana]

Great blog, Erin! Congratulations on graduating and on jump-starting your blog.

[Amanda]

Erin:
Great job! I'm so excited to read all about Milwaukee via your blog. It will give me great ideas for fun when I come visit the area. Good luck with it and I'm looking forward to reading more!

To others reading these comments:
As one of Erin's oldest friends (we met in first grade!), I can say with great certainty that you'll not be disappointed! She's a great person with enthusiasm and an amazing thirst for adventure - and not a bad friend either. :) Enjoy!

[Ann]

Erin,
Way to go girl! Congratulations on your degree and your new adventure with the blog. You've got the talent and enthusiasm to make it an exciting and fun article to read. There's no doubt your readers will love it.
Ann

[angelina]

Erin...You've outdone yourself!! I'm very happy for you, and this blog is not only way cool for people to get experienced in the outdoor life of Milwaukee, but it's perfect for you!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!

[Jennifer]

I think that this is a super neat idea. Good luck with adventures to come.

[Paul L.]

I have quietly observed Erin for most of her life writing, ... always writing about something. On our infamous "family vacation"s, she always kept herself busy, and out of her brothers' hair, by writing about her vacation adventures, as she was sitting in the back of the van. From that point on, through her articles for the Burlington High School newspaper, and her very fluid editorial column for the UWM Post, and now her blog, she continues to get even better in her writings. She has always had a genuine love for writing and it shows. I also know her as a very genuine person, writing from the heart, which makes it all the better. Best of Luck in your writing adventures. We are proud of you. Love, Dad

[Nicole]

Hi, Erin:

I moved to Milwaukee two years ago and I'm in love with it too. Thanks for showcasing it.