The Week in Review

I realized something this week. The week of Christmas to New Years is like spring break for working people. It seemed like everyone was off of work. I didn't care what day it was. I could do anything I wanted. And I got some good hangout time in with friends and family. I went to midnight mass at St. Josaphat's Basillica - the most beautiful church in Milwaukee. We hosted Christmas day brunch at our house - The Christmas village buildings were from the Dollar Tree and we figured out quiches are great for feeding a large group. I spent New Years Eve seeing Jim Gaffigan at the Pabst again - it never gets old, he's that good. Then finally New Years day brunch at Cafe Hollander. Brunch played a big part in my Christmas break.....obviously.

Let's start the New Year with hypothermia

photos: Mike Di Sisti


If you were one of the brave souls to do the annual Polar Plunge yesterday in Lake Michigan, I salute you. The weather in Milwaukee yesterday was milder than usual, 32 degrees with high winds and the lake has yet to freeze over. Still, I don't think I could ever do it......and it hasn't made it onto my bucket list, either. But, man, I do love seeing the photos. That is, while I am nestled beneath two wool blankets on my nice fluffy couch drinking hot cocoa.

I'm sure the polar plunge warrants you bragging rights for a lifetime, but the imminent risk of hypothermia seems a little extreme. But we all knew Milwaukeeans are crazy.

A New Year motto

The first few days of a new year are the best. There is a lot of hope, optimism, and inspiration swirling around. I am always up for New Years resolutions, even the crazy ones (like the year I gave up chocolate and actually did it!), but my resolutions of late are more holistic and philosophic. That's why I love the Holstee Manifesto - it's all about being honest with yourself.

One of my friends wrote on Facebook "Love yourself more this year". And that sums up everything quite beautifully.