I like it, I love it, I want some more of it

Hello, friends of the universe. How is October treating you? Does everyone have their Halloween costumes picked out yet, and all that jazz?


I have somehow survived the first 1/3 of October, which began with running a marathon. I'm covering two shows at work tonight - Goo Goo Dolls at one venue, and Robert Randolph & The Family Band at another. And then we've got Smashing Pumpkins tomorrow night, and Portugal. The Man on Friday. All of these artists will make for a fun week!


Tonight, I wanted to share five things that I am "loving right now." I've seen these posts around the blogosphere and have always wanted to write one, so here ya go:


1. Drive-By Truckers are one of my favorite live bands. Their music is solid, but their live show is hard-charging, raucous and sounds incredible. If you're into alt. country, chances are you've already heard of this band.

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We've got a show with them in exactly eleven days. Cannot. Freaking. Wait!


2. Honey Stinger pink lemonade chews. I found these in Colorado and tried a pack on the Pikes Peak Challenge hike, and have since become addicted. 

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Now I just need to get my mileage back up so that I have an excuse to eat them during long runs. In the meantime, they're delicious (yet expensive) fruit snacks and enjoyed sitting at my desk.


3. A cool blog: Taste on Tour. Joe from The Avett Brothers posts photos, some behind the scenes at the various venues they play, some more artistic. 

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He's also got a neat archive of restaurants from his travels on tour. Really neat!


4. These pumpkin doughnut muffins that Alysha made. Pumpkin. Doughnuts. In muffin form. 

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I won't stop drooling until I make them!


5. The song "Zebra" by Beach House (video here). It's one of those songs with the right combo of chords and lyrics to strike our human emotions, just so. 

The refrain repeats "any way you run..." and there's this beautiful sweeping bridge. Just go and watch the trippy, Impressionist-painting like music video, and listen to the song. You'll understand why it was a key component of my marathon playlist.


You do the talking: Are you going to any concerts soon? I am around them so much but still get excited about individual shows, especially nostalgic ones like Smashing Pumpkins. One of my favorite artists as a teenager!


What are you "loving lately?" Any cool snacks, music, recipes, music videos?

Joe Rogan = awesome

Good evening, friends. How's this week treating you?


Mine has included working on plans for several interesting shows... for privacy purposes I won't mention artist names just yet (not until the night of the concerts, yo), but I've spent the most time on a) an alternative rock band I swooned over as a teen, b) some righteous guitar dudes, touring in a pack and c) an awesome singer-songwriter chick. So 


Oh, and last weekend at work, we had a show with Joe Rogan. You know, host of Fear Factor (which is coming back this fall!) and announcer for the UFC. He also does standup, and he ruled. 


Zak and I checked out his show as a quasi-date night. We stopped in to work before the show to make sure everything was good to go... and took advantage of a photo opportunity (of course)...

Then, we grabbed a drink at Rock Bottom Brewery...

Their IPA rocks my taste buds. The last time I visited RB, I had been dressed in sweaty running clothes and fake blood, so it was funny to reminisce about that.


Fast forward to a little while later, after doing some top secret birthday mission stuff (it was Joe Rogan's birthday last week), it was time for the show!


You can check out two videos from his experience at the venue I work at:
Joe Rogan giving love to the Pabst Theater security team (hilarious)
Joe Rogan: Happy Birthday from Milwaukee 


Again, I gotta be private about some things but I will say this: after the show, Zak and I had an absolutely incredible / surreal night. I'll have to tell you the rest of the story in person when we hang out :-)


You do the talking: Did you watch / get into Fear Factor? It used to totally gross me out but now I must be desensitized or something because the stunts don't really seem that bad. I think I could temporarily eat just about anything if I did the whole mind over matter thing... how about you?


Do you like Mixed Martial Arts / the UFC? I am squeamish about how graphic it can be, but think that the training, artistry and true grit of the fighters / sport is pretty incredible. Plus I feel that it's safer than boxing - there are only three rounds, and the fighters always have the option of tapping out to end the match. We went to UFC Live in Milwaukee on Sunday and it was pinch-yourself cool to be in the live audience of the globally broadcast event.

Farewell, 2009!

I can't believe that it's New Year's Eve!

This year seemed to go by so quickly. It was packed with happy moments, some sad ones, some I'd never like to think about again. Some milestones were had:

- I graduated with my B.A. in Communication

- I traveled to Colorado Springs and Las Vegas for the first time, also visiting Boston and Nashville for the second time

- Zak and I celebrated our five year anniversary :-)

- I discovered a new fitness passion, horseback riding

- This blog was created in June! It's been an excellent creative outlet, and I just love being more involved within this excellent community of bloggers. Can't wait to do more!

Last year, I had one main New Year's resolution: to spend more time with family and friends, and I feel that I definitely did that! I took two trips to see my sister, visited with my parents more often, and feel closer to everyone as a result. I'd love to see my girlfriends more often, but in the meantime I love our dinners and occasional nights out.

Some resolutions that I have in mind for 2010:

Personal goals:

- Research and buy my first home (with Zak!)

- Put as much money as possible into savings

- Get engaged? :-D

Fitness goals:

- Continue to be as active as possible, each day

- Continue with horseback riding lessons, and start on the trails in the spring!

- Find a good yoga group and practice at least once per week

- Get back into running shape, and possibly do a race in the spring / summer

Healthy eating goals:

- Make at least 3 healthy dinners per week (planning for leftovers). For me, the big thing is dedicating the time to make this happen.

- For lunches at work, limit eating out to once per week

- STOP frequenting coffee shops, take advantage of the free espresso at work

What are your resolutions and goals for 2010?

Tonight's plans include a concert with Spoon and Jay Reatard at our largest venue, the Riverside Theater. I've spent every New Year's Eve for the past 6 years, at work! Luckily I am able to bring Zak and some friends along with to enjoy :-) What are you up to for NYE?

Jungle Jack Hanna, Bon Iver, and million dollar meals

Before we get into things - Here's a friendly reminder to please, please enter my first ever giveaway contest! You have until 6PM central time tomorrow (Monday) - please do enter by leaving a comment. I wanna buy one of you that CD, and your support means a lot to me!

Thank you :-)

As another weekend winds down, I find myself relaxing at work listening to a great show... Bon Iver. Justin Vernon (singer, aka Bon Iver) was the spokesperson at AIDS Walk Wisconsin earlier today in Milwaukee, and the concert serves as an extension of this outreach effort. It's great to have worked on a show that benefits this very important cause.

This evening, I visited our newly redecorated catering / hospitality area tonight at the Riverside (our biggest venue) and must say - it's sleek, sophisticated and stylish. Felt more like an upscale restaurant than anything! I got to sample one of the desserts, which was some type of lemon creme confection.

Pardon the iPhone photo. That's some gorgeous Milwaukee skyline in the background. This is what the rock stars see when they dine at the table I was sitting at.

Earlier today, I started things off on the right foot with this lovely breakfast.

Plain organic Stonyfield Farms yogurt, one chopped plum, raspberries.

Whole wheat toast, topped with PB&Co honey peanut butter.

OJ in a favorite mug. This b-fast made me feel like a million bucks.

Check out that glorious pile 'o produce in the background. Zak went grocery shopping. I am a lucky lady.

The big activity for the afternoon was a live animal show with 'Jungle' Jack Hanna, at the Pabst! Zak's adorable niece and nephew had their first visit to the theater, and got to meet Jungle Jack himself. Guess who else got to finally meet him?

!!!!! This woman! Can you tell I was super excited?

Jack Hanna is one of my favorite human beings... he has educated so many thousands of people about wildlife conservation through his TV appearances and shows. His sense of humor is one of a kind, he's a gifted communicator as well. He's also quite the humanitarian.

It was a great time with Ben, Elise, and of course the grownups, Taylor and Jen. Hoping to arrange another outing soon.

Later, I enjoyed this super salad prepared by Chef Zak.

It had a little bit of everything, and on the side I made some Texas Toast.

I inhaled it :-) Fresh vegetables and fruit feel so different in my stomach than other foods. Back to that million dollar feeling! Good stuff.

It's now after 10PM and I am thinking of heading home. Sweet dreams, blog friends!

ROCKtober begins

It's officially October... and here in Milwaukee, the weather is acting like it.

That's one sad-looking forecast.

Despite the doom and gloom, October is one of my favorite months of the year! It gets especially crazy at work as we have more shows during this month than any other of the year.

We call it... ROCKtober!!!

(if I could embed a song to play once your eyeballs read the above... it'd probably be something by Metallica)

Last night at the Pabst Theater, we had Margaret Cho. I can't think of a single better way to spend an evening than to laugh your tuccus off at one of her shows. She did stand up, she sang, she did her impression of her Mom, and she rocked. GO SEE HER. Now. Serious!

Between tonight through Monday, we have oh - I don't know? - ten more shows. Great Big Sea, Kings Go Forth, Stephen Lynch, The Second City, David Cross, Jim Jeffries, Marc Cohn, Hope Sandoval, Gaslight Anthem, and then Colbie Caillat with Howie Day.

Are you a fan of any of these artists?

I love ROCKtober, but this month has always been especially challenging in the healthful eating and exercising, and getting enough sleep department. For example, I've eaten lunch at Subway for the past two days. All I can say is, at least I am eating lots of spinach that way. And at least it's a few blocks away so I've gotten some type of physical activity.

Despite all of the shows this weekend, things should be easy. For Zak and myself the focus will be on a very special couple - Ben and Beki. They are getting married and it will be awesome. Wedding weekend kicks off tomorrow with the rehearsal dinner. Not sure what they will be serving, but I'll be sure to photo-document it!

Back to this fall stuff and some food bloggin'. When the outdoors gets chilly, and the Laura gets busy, I like to go the semi-homemade route. Perfect example which was my Tuesday night meal = Progresso Lentil soup with homemade dumplings.

I actually like this soup a lot. It's not too bland, I can recognize most of the ingredients and it's often on sale.

Now, dumplings may seem challenging, but are super easy to make and relatively fast, granted you're not all impatient and hangry. I like to go even more semi-homemade and use Bisquick... you just follow the instructions on the box, wait until the soup is heated and then plop the 'plings right in there.

10 minutes uncovered, then 10 minutes covered, and you're golden.

Delicioso.

When Annie and I were wee lasses, our Mama used to make a heavely beef stew with dumplings. Now that we're both vegetarian, it's nice to know that they taste just as good without the little meat particles that would stick on them.

Also this weekend is the Lakefront Marathon - my pride and joy. This is my second year with volunteering in the marketing / PR area and I know this race will be our best yet! If you're in Milwaukee, please join me on Sunday at the Bradford Beach House, aka Mile 24 Club. I'll have free coffee, donuts and cowbells starting at 10:30AM!

That's about it for me - cheers!

Any big plans for the weekend?

Check out Heather's giveaway at Health, Happiness and Hope - you have until 7PM CDT tomorrow (Friday) to enter. Gooooo go go!

Also, check out Lindsey's giveaway at Sound Eats.

The Beginning

First post!!! I feel like I should be setting off fireworks or popping champagne or something. I've never blogged before and can't wait to get started.

I figure that I'll eventually do an "About" section on here or whatnot... in the meantime, here's the scoop. My name is Laura, I am 27 and living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am entering a new phase of life, having just completed my undergraduate degree (BA) in professional communication from Alverno College here in Milwaukee. I had a great time over the year or so I was back at school, however my diet and fitness routine took a backseat to balancing homework, classes, a full time job and not totally neglecting my boyfriend of 4+ years - all at the same time!

Let's back up a moment. My full time gig is in the concert business, I buy media and plan marketing for three lovely concert venues here in Milwaukee - the Pabst Theater, Riverside Theater and Turner Hall Ballroom. Each venue is a historic building, which makes for unique settings for concerts. We book tons of awesome shows every year... Tomorrow we have Diana Krall (love her!) and over the next few weeks we have Tom Jones, Fountains of Wayne, Sonic Youth, and a plethora of others. My job is very challenging, requires a lot of time outside of the normal 9-5 day, but I love it! The company has grown so much since I started back in fall of 2003 - back then we had just one venue. Our company is a non-profit organization - so all of the work we put it is going to the greater benefit of the music community in Milwaukee / Wisconsin. The music scene here has improved, and what we do has had something to do with that. This makes me proud!

The job is absolutely my dream job, however the whirlwind activity of concerts every single night during the fall (ROCKtober is the busiest month) and spring, it's hard to keep a fitness routine going. Also, with tempting catering meal options available at most of the shows and an endless supply of booze / beers... let's just say that it's time for me to step back and get balanced. 

A moment to talk about the booze. It has been said that Milwaukeeans like to party like no other city. In 2006, Forbes Magazine released some stats that called Milwaukee the hardest-drinking city in America. I am aware of this unfortunate stereotype / statistic and want to experiment with cutting back on drinking when I do go out. Lately I've been limiting myself to one or two drinks, which has worked pretty well. One of my favorite liquid libations is Bourbon whiskey, on ice.

Did I mention that I LOVE FOOD? Good lord! I was a vegetarian earlier in life, and returned to my vege title about two years ago. I eat fish and seafood occasionally, and of course I love cheese (I am from Wisconsin, duh!), however have pretty much cut out cow's milk. I think that makes me a pesco-ovo-cheese-o(ha, ha)  vegetarian? In Milwaukee, at most restaurants there are vegetarian options aplenty so I can usually find some good eats. I have a weak spot for New York-style pizza and usually indulge once a week. There's a great Pakistani lunch place that I frequent, and the chana masala is to die for. At home, I love to try out new recipes, especially for baked goods and desserts. 

Speaking of home life... I live with my wonderful boyfriend of almost FIVE YEARS - Zak! I'll be sharing more about him later on. Zak loves to cook as well, and is also a vegetarian. He eats fish but no dairy at all, and just began eating eggs again. That makes him pesco-ovo vege, right? We live in a really cool loft-type apartment and have one roommate. Also have one dog named Blue and a cat named Rufus.

I've decided to start this blog to write about meals, recipes, workouts, etc. and to chronicle my journey of fitness / nutrition. I've enjoyed reading blogs like Oh She Glows, Kath Eats Real Food, Eat Live Run, The Beholder and keep finding other great ones as well. This blog will help to keep me accountable for my fitness and nutritional goals, and I am looking forward to having the creative outlet with writing as well.

Tonight I will be celebrating my friend Kristin's birthday, and will begin the blogging process with photos from the restaurant we're trying out - Riverfront Pizzeria. I am usually the only vegetarian in the group when I go out, so I won't be surprised if I get the usual questions. 

Thanks for reading! I look forward to blog post #2 :-)