Discoveries...

As strange as it may sound, I think I re-discovered Milwaukee this weekend.  It is very likely that the sunshine and moderate temperatures have something to do with my renewed interest in this metropolis that I call home.  Whatever the reasons, I feel energized about being here and I like that feeling!

In all actuality I think this may have been in the works already last week.  Last Monday night Tony and I were invited to a pre-screening of Thor 2.  For free.  Of course I asked Tony ahead of time if he'd be willing to stay up late to go with me.  He obliged, but what we found out later was that he'd completely forgotten that Monday was the night the Packers played the Bears.  Oops.  In all honesty, I'd completely blocked it out , I didn't remember either.  We went to the movie as the second pair on a double date.  Our friend had won the tickets on the radio.  We almost didn't make it in (apparently those showings are first-come first-served.  We were the last four allowed to enter the theater.  I am so glad we got in -- the movie was great.  Although the storyline was decent, I was most impressed with the visual effects.

So, the movie started my newfound passion for this city.  Being out at the mall, observing all the Christmas decorations, it all just warmed my soul.  I love Christmas time.  Not because I get presents, more because I get way too excited about giving them.  Ever since I was a little girl I've had a problem with that excitement.  In my younger years it usually ended with "Well, I'm not going to tell you that I got you a _______________ for Christmas," with the actual present taking the place of that blank.  *Sigh*  I've never been good at lying or keeping secrets.  Just ask Tony, and he'll tell you when it comes to lying I really, really suck at it (which I consider a good thing).  As for keeping secrets, I'd like to think I've improved in that arena...although I still feel a burning desire to blurt out the secret at random times, I have learned to control the impulse (somewhat).

On Saturday we celebrated Lexi's birthday, and had a wonderful time.  After eating WAY too much, we watched her open presents, and then had cake.  By the time I'd gotten done helping her figure out her new iPad Air, it was time for Tony and I to leave on ANOTHER double date.  Yeah, I know, two in one week -- impressive, right?

This time we were off to the Hyatt downtown to meet Aunt Cindy and Uncle Tim.  We had a really tasty dinner at Bistro 333 inside the Hyatt.  The main dining area was closed, but we were happy to sit at little lounge tables in the lobby.  It allowed us to eat, chat, and people-watch all at the same time.

We meandered our way over to the BMO Harris Bradley Center on foot.  I swear, I hadn't been in there since I was eleven years old and attended my first (and only) New Kids On The Block concert!  We were there because the Bucks were honoring military service members for in honor of Veterans Day.  We got there about an hour early, and even with the extra time it took awhile to get in.  There was a band (possibly a military band) playing patriotic songs as we entered.  Cindy and I could have stayed in the lobby all night just listening and tapping our toes to the music.  But, as you may have guessed, the men wanted to get up to the game.  Initially we were in separate sections, but we were able to join Tim and Cindy in a lower-level section at half-time.

Even though none of us were particularly interested in the game, there is something to be said for being out and about at a large event.  I felt myself infused with a new kind of energy.  Tony and I shared many laughs and it reminded me how happy I am that I married him, and that he picked me as the person with whom he will spend the rest of his life.  He was a really good sport about staying long past the time he would've been most comfortable leaving.  We had great conversations with Tim and Cindy, and just an all-around good night.

Being out has given me all kinds of ideas as to what we should do next to explore this city (and possibly state) of ours!  Can't wait for our next adventure together.

Wherever you are, don't sit back and let life slide by.  Get out there and do something YOU enjoy, and see what happens to your energy levels.  All too often I feel like we get stuck in our own individual ruts, or define our limitations unnecessarily.  Not everything has to be expensive -- there are things out there just waiting to be discovered.  Find them, enjoy them, and share what you've found with others.  Seems like a simple motto, but I've decided that that is going to be my New Year's Resolution.  I think I'm going to be happy I did!