Play in the City

How was your weekend?

Unfortunately, I don’t have any thrilling recaps from the weekend. I’m disappointed that I had to miss some of my favorite events like Harvest Fair, Oktoberfest and the MIFF, as well as, Party for the Parks. I guess that means I have more to look forward to next year!

Did you get to go to any of these festivals? If not, what did you do over the weekend?

Currently, I’m sitting in terminal A1 at Pittsburgh International Airport waiting for my flight back to Milwaukee. Conveniently, the airport offers free Wi-Fi (when no one else in Podunk, Pennsylvania seemed to know what that meant), so I’m pounding out this update prior to boarding the airplane and before my laptop battery dies.

I've been out of town since Friday for my Grandpa’s funeral in Leechburg, Pennsylvania (a small town 30 miles or so from Pittsburgh). This was the first funeral that I’ve attended, therefore, I found it strange that such a gloomy ceremony could bring family and friends together and turn an uncomfortable event into a bitter-sweet gathering.

It’s difficult living 650 miles away from family, especially during times like this, but yesterday a lot of my relatives who I haven’t seen for many years came to mourn the loss of my grandpa. The somber week was finally filled with reawakened memories and hours of reminiscing as I rekindled relationships with distant uncles, aunts and cousins.

But my issue with death (and funerals) isn’t the most appropriate topic for this Milwaukee blog, so I’ll gladly move on.

While the last two weeks have been challenging for my family and I, I’m ready to move forward. So besides begging Lucy for forgiveness (she hates when I leave her), catching up on piles of work, returning phone calls to friends who think I’ve fallen off the face of the Earth, and controlling the load of laundry that has taken over my bedroom, I’m planning a bunch of fun events to make up for my week of nonexistence.

My calendar is booked with exciting autumn activities such as a mid-week hike around Lake Park with my sister, apple picking at the Apple Holler this Saturday with Eric and getting my “scare on” at Splatterhaus for my friend Lara’s birthday; then I plan to visit the Elegant Farmer to buy one of their brown bag apple pies before the Packers play the Bears on Sunday night.

There’s a lot going on in Milwaukee, so I’m anxious to return home and get out and about again. Until then, wish me a safe flight home and I’ll see you soon, Milwaukee!

Labor Day Visit to the Zoo

For the past three years, I’ve always worked on Labor Day. Being my first work-free holiday, I woke up cheerful and itching to do something fun!

A week ago today (I know, it has taken me a while to get this posted), I organized a trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo. Unlike the many businesses and offices closed for Labor Day, the Zoo was open. In fact, the Zoo is open 365 days a year, yes, even in the winter!

I never thought about going to the Zoo, say, in January, but apparently people go. Spending a day at the Zoo has been a summer activity for me since I was little. As a kid I remember being completely fascinated by the animals and I bet my parents found joy in seeing the wonder and amusement through our eyes at the same time.

My mom used to bring my brother, sister and I to the Zoo several times each summer because we had a year-long pass. We’d pack PB&J sandwiches and juice boxes and spend the entire day with the animals. I loved Monkey Island and riding the train; and I always begged for a molded wax statue from one of those machines outside every building.

As my siblings and I developed into teenagers, and then young adults, my parents canceled our Zoo pass. As a result, I haven’t gone for several years, that is, until now. Going as an adult without kids certainly didn’t evoke the same feelings as it did when I was in grade school though. The Zoo was a little less exciting, but still enjoyable nonetheless.

Glad to be Back Home

Even though it was a short vacation, I’m still stuck in vacation mode. I just got back Monday night from Chicago and I realized after collapsing onto my couch and remaining there all night that I will need this week just to recover from the long weekend. I admit to claiming that the Lollapalooza weekend was supposed to be relaxing. I was so wrong.

I always forget that it’s nothing like a weekend lying on the beach. Lots of walking, sweating, sun exposure and minimal sleep evoked the realization that the three-day festival is a day too long. As my friend Scott put it, “By the end it just feels like a test of endurance or survival.” Regardless, I always leave with really good memories that make for really good daydreaming while I recuperate.

Here’s a quick Lollapalooza band recap…

A Much Overdue Shout Out

If you aren’t reading Taste of the Town, what’s wrong with you? Just kidding! But really, you should make it a habit.

I met Taste of the Town’s food blogger, Audra Shalles, for the first time at Maxie’s last Thursday evening for drinks and appetizers. I must admit that this delayed recap has been in the back of my mind for a week now. My intention was to share my enjoyable evening with all of you immediately, but due to my business travels last weekend/early this week, I was a bit held up. 

Actually, it was my first “official” business trip. I now carry a black leather briefcase and feel about 10 years older, which isn’t a bad thing considering I’m told I look about five years under my actual age.

I digress.

At our happy hour meeting, Audra and I gobbled up delicious fried green tomatoes and sipped cocktails as we admired the vermillion walls and hip décor at Maxie’s. This is a restaurant you’d expect to find downtown, but it’s off of 68th Street. Crazy. I’m planning to try the crab cake platter on my next visit. I had a fantastic time discussing food, cooking, the elderly, and Milwaukee’s music scene (i.e. Summerfest) with Audra until our stomachs were full and we called it a night.

Again, if you haven’t checked out Taste of the Town, I suggest you do! Audra has written some cool blogs, my favorite being her visit to Sprecher. Also, if you haven’t gone to Maxie’s you can read more about our visit and the food we sampled at Taste of the Town. What are you waiting for?

A World Record Attempt, Kinda.

Folks, this is your chance to witness a Guinness World Record attempt here in Milwaukee! No joke. Okay, it’s kind of funny, but it’s actually a serious matter. Yesterday, at 7 p.m. in Future Green (2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.), Michael Bootz began his attempt to stay awake while continuously speaking in an effort to raise awareness for the Wisconsin Campaign for Burma. 

Why on Earth would someone do this?
Bootz wants to educate the public about the happenings in Burma and how people can help. Bootz and his crew are trying to increase publicity by giving out buttons and stickers, yard signs, and banners for public display. Have you seen any of these? I haven’t, but I’d certainly take a sticker. 

Apparently the current world record stands at just over five days, but according to On Milwaukee, the Guinness Book of World Records no longer accepts or publishes records related to sleep deprivation due to possible health risks. Therefore, Bootz cannot win the world record, but will hopefully gain satisfaction in creating awareness. 

Does anyone else find this really strange?

Um, anybody?

Krav Maga seminar for a great cause!

Several weeks ago, I told you about my first experience with Krav Maga, a form of martial arts that teaches self-defense and survival. It was an incredibly powerful and exhilarating hour, and Dave and I plan to sign up for classes that we’ll take three times per week come January.

If you had the slightest interest in giving Krav Maga a try, now is your chance to see what it’s like – and make a big difference in a little boy’s life in the process.

On Saturday, January 6, Krav Maga-Milwaukee will be offering two 2-hour seminars, one in street defense at 10 a.m. and one in ground defense at noon.

For $30 per person (or $40 per person if you pay that day), the seminars will teach valuable self-defense and survival techniques, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit a little boy named Gavin, who was born with congenital kidney failure and who needs a transplant to survive.

Look at this kid. You help him and you help yourself – it’s a win-win situation!

You can learn more at the Krav Maga-Milwaukee site and at SaveBabyGavin.com. Simply fill out this form to sign up.

I’ve said before how totally astounding I think the blogosphere is, and how cool it is that it brings people together who would have never met before. I'm delighted to report that I played a small role in leading Kurt to Baby Gavin.

Kurt found my blog which led him to Derek's blog, High Life Heaven, and Derek had posted about Gavin because he's the relative of a friend of his. Kurt, having recently become a father for the first time, was touched by Gavin's story and decided to hold a fundraiser.

And now here we are.

I hope you'll consider signing up!

Unbe-FREAKIN-lievable

I had my bridal shower today in Burlington and now here I am, sitting in the middle of all our loot, completely overwhelmed by my family's and Dave's family's and our friends' outpouring of love and generosity.

It was so wonderful to see everyone today, if not a bit nerve-wracking. (ok, VERY nerve-wracking!) My mom and Dave's mom threw such a nice shower, complete with good food and a beautiful cake and some silly (but fun!) bridal shower games.

I couldn't even BELIEVE the pile of presents. It took more than an hour to open them all! Dave showed up at the end of the party to say his hellos and thank you's, but also because we knew we'd need a second car to haul the gifts!

It was really fun to hug everyone today and be able to say, "I'll see you in just five little weeks – at the WEDDING!" It has seemed so far away for so long and now suddenly, it's HERE.

I set up our gifts on our dining room table tonight to snap some pictures of them – I thought it'd be fun to look back years from now and see what we received from our loved ones when we were just starting out. I'm sitting next to them as I write, enjoying the mountain looming over me – but when I'm done, I have to start figuring out where I'm going to put them all!



Ya know, the more of this pre-wedding stuff I go through, the more I realize just how much goes into being a guest at a wedding, and just how spoiled the bride and groom really are for a few-month period.

This actually ties in quite nicely with my SMWD post from yesterday – perhaps it could be a topic for discussion!

I know I've already said that I think it's INSANE that people get so much good stuff and so much attention just because they've been LUCKY enough to find someone to spend their lives with. I can't help thinking that all the time, but as I sat there today, I realized that people want to give you gifts and share in your excitement. And we all get our turn. I have given and will give many shower gifts in my life – which I enjoy – and this time around, it's my time. So I'll enjoy it while I can!

But I had another thought today, too …

When two people decide to get married, there's a huge party, a fabulous trip, and lots and lots (and LOTS) of presents involved. It makes one wonder, how many people today get married more because they're in love with the idea of having a wedding than with actually being married?

How many marriages fail after just the first few years?  I know several couples who have gotten married and then were divorced within a year or two.

I believe there should be some sort of pre-nuptial agreement between couples and guests, I really do. If a couple gets divorced after just a few years or less, they should have to reimburse their guests the money they spent on shower presents and wedding presents and hotel rooms and travel. Why in the world should you be able to keep all those gifts if you're not going to stay married?! No way.

I'll vow right now – if Dave and I don't make it for the long haul, I'll give everyone back the moola they spent on us!

In all seriousness, I am beyond grateful for all the lovely things we got today, and for all the people who traveled to come to my party. All of this bride stuff will be over soon and I think I'll be a little sad – it sure is fun when people make such a fuss! J

As always, there are more pics at the end of the post if you want to take a look.

Ladies, have a listen ...

A few months ago, I was one of the speakers at a PRSA dinner entitled "Blogs, Podcasts, Wikis – Oh My!" – and as I sat through dinner waiting until it was my time to speak, all I could think was "oh my is right!"

Here I was being positioned as an "expert" and yet I had no flippin clue as to what a wiki or a podcast even was. Sure, the "blogs" part was my part, but I still felt like a bit of a poser.

Fast forward five months and not only am I the proud owner of a 30G video iPod, and not only am I a big fan of podcasts, but I'm actually going to be a guest on a podcast.

This week I met with Carolyn Alfvin, a fellow Shorewoodian and writer who is the creator of Single, Married, Widowed, Divorced – a play/podcast/website/blog that deals with life and relationships and is geared toward women from all walks of life, of any marital status.

When Carolyn emailed me and suggested we meet, I knew that her site sounded familiar. And no wonder – I'd listened to one of her podcasts just weeks earlier after searching wedding-related podcasts (yes, my obsession knows no bounds!), and I'd remembered reading about her in the Journal Sentinel.

She lives just blocks away from me, and after introductions were made within her home Tuesday night, we made ourselves comfortable on her couch, eating chocolate mousse and discussing our respective projects.

Her blog is the newest SMWD undertaking, and so she had questions for me about launching a blog. I, too, had questions, about her and about how she came up with the idea for SMWD.

Carolyn – a divorced single mom of an 8th grader – first wrote Single, Married, Widowed, Divorced, the play, about five women who were all going through different turning points in their relationships. Realizing that this was material that most women could relate to in one way or another, she, with the help of two friends, launched a weekly podcast that covers a different topic each week.

SMWD podcasts cover a variety of issues, from weddings and life after divorce, to parenting and women's friendships. The podcasts are about 20 minutes each so they don't require a huge time commitment, and yet listeners can walk away from the chats feeling as though they've just had a conversation with a close group of friends.

The podcasts can be accessed on iTunes or downloaded straight from their website. You can even sign up on the website to be notified when a new podcast is posted.

The new SMWD blog covers various issues and stories, along with "marital status in the news" which links to several relevant stories each week. I'll be putting the blog's link in my permanent blogroll, so be sure to pay a visit.

On Monday I'll be joining Carolyn and her two SMWD partners along with another young woman to participate in a podcast that deals with how the internet has changed planning a wedding, planning a trip and planning for a baby. The podcast will be posted the last weekend in October (what a great weekend!) and I'll be sure to post about it again closer to that date so you can all have a listen. J

I'm glad to have met Carolyn - as an aspiring writer, it's always great to meet the people who have made it as freelancers and who are doing such unique and fun things with their creative energy. SMWD is a rather new enterprise and just from what I've seen and heard so far, I have a feeling that its popularity is just going to grow and grow.

I urge the ladies (and the guys, too!) to give the site, the blog and the podcast a try. And hey, if you have a good idea for a topic of discussion for a future podcast, I'm sure Carolyn would love to hear from you! There's certainly no limit to what we ladies can discuss and learn from one another.

Wow!

As I've mentioned, the TCF Bank Air Show is this weekend (Sat & Sun) on the lakefront.

The Thunderbirds are practicing today and flying right over my house right now and it's SO COOL! The sound is just deafening – it fills you up and makes your heart pound – it's indescribable. I know not everyone feels this way about planes – I think my mom's love of them rubbed off on me. I wish I could watch them all afternoon but alas, I have to get in the shower and leave again.

I swear, I feel like I haven't had a moment to breathe in the past few days and it's not ending for awhile yet. I came home pretty grumpy today but after my workout I feel better. I'm still pretty bummed though – I had to cancel our air show cruise because I have to go down to Chicago now for a client on Sunday. And I'm working a wedding at Boerner Botanical Gardens tomorrow night for Bartolotta's, so I'm not getting one day off this week! And I have to miss the air show that I was looking forward to.

Plus, I'm not even sure when I'll have time to catch up on my blogging. I’m going to have a lot to talk about!

Learn in the City

I’ve had such a good time taking the 8-week Crash Course in Dance, and because of this, I’ve already begun to think about what Dave and I can jump into next.

Before I was given the opportunity to take this class, I didn't know anything about Milwaukee Recreation or any of its vast offerings. I would imagine that most cities have something similar in place, offering classes to the masses, but I really wonder how many people actually take advantage of them?

After our class this past week, we turned in our evaluations and were handed the Spring 2006 class schedule for Milwaukee Recreation. I took it home and giddily dove into it the way I used to dive into my college course schedule packets. (yeah, I liked school.)

After paging through the whole book, Dave and I decided to take a Tae Kwan Do class. He’s wanted to take karate of some sort for a long time, and this is the closest thing to it. After that, we want to take some sort of cooking class.

There are plenty of classes I’d love to try. Most of them are only one night per week, and they are pretty reasonably priced, too – so I could just take one class at a time for the next year!

Some that interested me were: Oriental Cooking Workshop, Ballroom Survival, Salsa (yes, I’d love to take another dance class – I don’t think that’s going to happen though, at least not for a while), Cardio Kickboxing, Yoga, 1^st Time Homebuyers, and NonFiction Article Writing.

I mean, they have everything. Basket weaving, floral design, self-defense, beginning drums, sign language, belly dance, keyboarding skills… They have classes for families, for youths, for seniors … Aquatic classes, team sports, you name it.

A few of the classes did make me giggle – How to sell items on Ebay, Gospel Aerobics – I mean, I'm sure there's a demand for them, but still … funny stuff.

But three cheers for Milwaukee Recreation, seriously. Take a look at their site and all the classes they offer – you can even register right online for most of them. You can better yourself by learning something new, you can meet new people, and you can have something to look forward to during the mundane workweek.

You can’t go wrong.

And hey, if you decide to take a class, stop back here and let me know. I’d love to hear some feedback on some of the other classes!