Fun fact #101 about me: Although I absolutely love champagne, I will only drink it when there’s a reason to celebrate. Sometimes, I’ll try to find any little excuse to indulge, but this weekend, I have plenty of good reasons … and you can bet I’ll be popping a cork or two!
First, a toast to Brett Favre …
The Green Bay Packers #1 man announced last night that he will return to play for the Packers for one last season. This is such great news! Yes, the man has earned the right to retire. But I think it would have been completely unfair both to him and his fans if he left without anyone even knowing it was his last season. He deserves some hoopla, some fanfare, some ceremony and celebration – and this entire upcoming season will provide that. I just hope his teammates can help him pull out a winning season.
A toast to proud moments …
Last night, I was one of two featured speakers at a PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) event up in Appleton. I was first asked to do it months ago and at the time I thought, no problem! But as the date drew closer and closer, I started to get really nervous, and then starting about a week ago, it became all I could think about. It was so silly, but it was stressing me out!
I was asked to speak for 20 minutes about Play in the City and the campaign surrounding it, and I spent Sunday and Monday nights preparing my presentation and a handout to pass around. I took a half-day at work yesterday, made the two-hour drive up to Appleton, and gave my presentation. And it went wonderfully!
I think my voice was a little strained at first, but the 35 or so people who were there were all very attentive, nodding their heads and smiling, and so I started to relax about halfway through and then it was a piece of cake. I got a few laughs, and was asked quite a few questions when I was done, too. When I sat back down, the relief I felt that it was over and that it had gone well was huge. I met a lot of nice people, and I got a great meal and a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, too. I’m proud that I did it – and I’m so glad it’s behind me!
And while we’re on the subject, a toast to Play in the City …
I just signed a contract this week to continue the blog until at least May 2007. It’s a big commitment, but it’s a ton of fun and it’s obviously a huge, great part of my life. I’m proud to spread the word about Milwaukee and I’m proud to be continuing this for another year!
Keeping with blog theme for just another moment ….
I’ll reach a milestone today – 50,000 hits!
It’s a pretty big number when I think about my little website being viewed 50,000 times in less than a year. But on the other hand, I know that’s a lot of repeat business, people who come every day or every other day (which is great, don’t get me wrong!), so it’s not like it’s thousands of different visitors. I’m proud of the number though, and my goal is to greatly exceed another 50,000 hits in the second year.
And finally, a toast to upcoming nuptials …
Friday will be the six-month mark until Dave’s and my wedding. Holy moly, half a year! The time’s going fast!
And two of my oldest and dearest friends, Heather and Eric, will be getting married next weekend and I am so excited to watch them tie the knot after almost nine years together!
Yes, the causes for celebration are abundant today.
Cheers!!
Cheers!
Yeah for Brett! I couldn't agree with you more - we as his fans need to know that it's his last year.
Yeah for you! GREAT job on you PRSA speech. I knew that you'd do a great job and that the group would just love you. I'm glad that it went so well for you.
Yeah for Play in the City! I love this site, and am glad that you're continuing with it.
Yeah to milestones! 50,000 is a lot of people coming to see YOU!
And finally, yeah to nuptials. I can't wait for your wedding day - it will be most wonderful!
And, just for the hell of it, yeah for Hump Day. I love Wednesdays...!
Posted by: Amanda | April 26, 2006 at 11:37 AM
Hey! I am so proud of you (like I'm your mom or something) but I am!! Sometimes I think that I can't believe how far we have come from little St.Charles. We are all doing so well with our degrees, great jobs, and great loves of our lives. In 9 days I will be Mrs. Heather Whitten -- yeah to that!!
Posted by: heather | April 26, 2006 at 01:43 PM
A resounding "yeah!" to all of that! i am sure you were great at the conference...and congrats on renewing the blog...i am sure it will only get more popular! you've come a long way from the tiny desk at bbcm!
Posted by: kelly | April 26, 2006 at 11:05 PM
Brett Favre is an a-hole. Okay, not really, but that my favorite line when my cousin and I play Madden together. I think it actually might hurt his feelings. Go Lions!
Congrats on the success of the website. It's nice to have somewhere to go and see that there actually are people in Milwaukee who don't go straight from work to the bar everyday. Speaking of that, it is ladies' night at Mantra. :^/
Posted by: Andre | April 27, 2006 at 04:21 PM
I am a Pat's fan but I agree Brett should have all the hoopla and such for his last season. He is a great player. Visiting from Michele's today.
Posted by: Valerie | April 28, 2006 at 08:55 AM
Here from Michele today.
Brett Favre is a good ole Mississippi boy. We had no professional team there and I just couldn't stomach cheering for the Atlanta Falcons or the New Orleans 'Aints so we cheered for the homeboys team.
Posted by: srp | April 28, 2006 at 09:05 AM
Congrats on the new contract, Erin! I can't wait to see what the next year holds for Play in the City!
Posted by: Nikki | April 28, 2006 at 10:43 AM
Yeah for Brett... I am a Packers fan and that is great news...
have a great weekend!
here via Michele
Posted by: presentstorm | April 28, 2006 at 03:48 PM
Pop. Glug-glug.
Looks like you have a very interesting enterprise here. I'll dig around and click in from time to time with thousands of other fans.
Posted by: Rick | April 28, 2006 at 08:22 PM
My Wisonsonian boyfriend has clinked (clunk?) a glass with you on Brett's announcement.
Congratulations on 50K hits. WOW. And for continuing the blog. And for making it through your public speaking event. And happy 6 months until your wedding! How exciting!
Truly causes for celebration!
Posted by: Catheroo | April 30, 2006 at 01:44 PM
Your recognition is well-deserved. What you're doing with this site is already having a clear impact on your community and on your city. I'm sure that message resonated loud and clear throughout your talk.
I know there will be more happy moments for you in the near and far future. That's always the case with fundamentally good and talented folks.
Posted by: Carmi | April 30, 2006 at 02:51 PM
Congrats on the 50k milestone. I admire your commitment to bringing out what our community has to offer.
Posted by: Adam Parikh | May 02, 2006 at 02:32 PM