Yes, folks, believe it or not, there *is* more to life than work and sleep. I have several hobbies that keep me busy...

Reading and Writing

I used to write a lot-- back in my mournful teen years-- and I still do, on occassion. I have tomes of poetry and a few stories-- many unfinished. It seems I always get really excited about a story and dive in feet first, but then lose interest part of the way through. I still read a lot, though, and most recently have been reading various books (fiction and non-fiction) that probe into the lives and psyche of adolescent girls. I also really enjoy reading tales of teaching. A short list of my most recent reads:

The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton
Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher, Ph.D.
SchoolGirls by Peggy Orenstein
She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb
True Beauty by Emme
I'd recommend any of the above as well as the following favorites:

The Griffin and Sabine Trilogy by Nick Bantock (anything by him, really)
Sati by Christopher Pike
Anything by LouAnne Johnson (Dangerous Minds, etc.)
Anything by Henry Rollins (yes, of Rollins Band fame)
Couplehood by Paul Reiser (Babyhood was good, too, but not *as* good)

Crafts

I have my own little crafting space in our tiny little abode and tons of projects going all the time. I get ideas from decorating and craft shows on TV, as well as other people's homes and craft shows. I sometimes find things at garage sales that just need a few nails and some new paint. Most recently I converted a pair of dressers into a vanity. Check out some of the craft links below for more info on crafting in general.

Ben Franklin Crafts
Michael's Crafts
Plaid Online
Duncan Enterprises
I Craft

Music

Allow me to take this opportunity to say I am very lucky when it comes to this area. I fell in love with Jude Cole's music waaaaay back in high school and have recently been able to interact with him and see him in a casual environment via AOL. He's the only musician I have come across who not only regularly reads the message board dedicated to him, but posts to it, too. For someone with his experiences and contacts, he is a very down-to-earth man who is worthy of fanship. Too many celebrities seem to lose sight of how they got to where they are, and who helped them. Jude has never lost this vision.

My other music obsession in Billy Joel. I've loved his music since, well, forever. Billy-lovers out there will be happy to know that although I once only used to like his music from The Bridge on, I have now grown much more enamored with his older work, except for Piano Man. I really hate that song. Sorry gang, I know that's blasphemy on some level, but deal with it.

I have but three entertainment goals in life:

To see Jude Cole perform in concert
To see Billy Joel perform in concert (COMPLETED!!!)
To see Les Miserables on stage

Dining Out

We do this more than we should. ;-) But there are some awfully yummy restaurants in Milwaukee. Our favorites:

The Silver Spring House
They have really yummy French onion soup and tuna salad. Jason likes their BBQ chicken pizza, which, to his dismay, they have removed from their menu.

Saz's
Known throughout Milwaukee for their BBQ, they also have great sandwiches, which include a side of their sour cream and chive fries. Yummy yummy yummy!

Water Street Brewery
Located on popular Water Street, WSB has a varied menu, with some very unique items.

Solly's
The original Milwaukee butter-burger. These babies are fried in real butter, which is also slathered on the bun and served up with all the extras. Grease at its finest.

Kopp's Frozen Custard
This is also a Milwaukee thing. If you visit and have never had frozen custard, it is a must-have.

Balistreri's
Best pizza in the world. 'Nuff said.