Being a wine judge

In August, I had the opportunity to be a wine judge at the 2012 International Cold Climate Wine Competition in St. Paul, Minnesota. Twenty-one judges from across the U.S. and Canada judged over 325 wines entered into the competition. It was a great experience for me, and I was thrilled to see Wisconsin wineries represented at the competition. Danzinger Vineyards was awarded Best of Show Specialty/Fortified for its Midnight Voyage Dessert Red Wine. Wines produced from cold-climate varieties have really begun to hold their own. There are some fantastic white wines being produced from LaCrescent, St. Pepin, Marquette and Frontenac.

To read a full press release, CLICK HERE.
To view a list of judges, CLICK HERE.

Here are some pictures from the competition:

2012 International Cold Climate Wine Competition panel of judges

Welcome to Oregon Gabrielle Prefontaine Beaupre!

Watch out Oregon! This Monday my dearest friend, Gabrielle Prefontaine Beaupre, arrives in Oregon. She was hired as the Assistant Winemaker at WillaKenzie Estate Winery in Yamhill. It was one of the first Oregon wineries I visited in 2008 and the views of the estate are breathtaking.

I am delighted that after our adventures together and adventures apart, we are reconnecting three years later in Oregon. Gabby is from Quebec, Canada and recently graduated with a Winemaking degree from University of Burgundy (France).

Here is a photo montage to Gabby:

I only had one glass.

Gabby loves pikachus.

St. Patty's Day NZ style. Gabby in the boot.

Our first vintage together at Delegat's Oyster Bay in New Zealand.

Who can resist her charm?

The love of animals continues.

Gabby and me in Bend, Oregon last year.

I see London, I see France, I got two more passport stamps

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” — Danny Kaye

Eiffel Tower

Me at the top of Eiffel Tower

Brent & I at Stonehenge

The Roman Baths in Bath

Dinner at the Castle

Paris, France

Hanging out in Paris

The Louve in Paris

I love French wines!

Eiffel Tower

Running a Marathon Take Two

As Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic marathon gold medalist once said, "You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming." 

It has been five years since I ran, well ran/walked, the 2007 Chicago Marathon. It is hard to forget a race such as this.

A recap of the event in headlines the day after the race:

Death, Havoc and Heat Mar Chicago Race

CHICAGO, Oct. 7 — As temperatures soared into the upper 80s, hundreds of runners in the Chicago marathon fell ill and at least one died on Sunday, prompting officials here to halt the annual race for the first time in its 30-year history.

Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/08/us/08chicago.html?pagewanted=all

Heat Shuts Down Chicago Marathon, Leaves One Runner Dead, Scores Hospitalized

In scorching heat and high humidity, the Chicago Marathon took a deadly turn Sunday.

One runner died, at least 49 were hospitalized and thousands were denied the chance to cross the finish line in the race long known for its brisk fall temperatures and flat terrain.

Read more at: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,299956,00.html#ixzz1tGDHR12s

Monday, Oct. 08, 2007
When a Marathon Goes Wrong 

By S. James Snyder/Chicago

The numbers alone told much of the story: At the 30th annual Chicago Marathon Sunday morning, one man died, more than 300 needed medical attention from the city's overloaded emergency services — which were forced to reach out to the suburbs for additional ambulances — and fewer than 25,000 of some 45,000 registered runners actually finished the 26.2-mile course on an early October day where the midday temperature reached a record 87 degree.

Find this article at: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1669408,00.html 

Video of the 2007 Chicago Marathon
http://youtu.be/OCRyQBCz5eg

Recap of the 2007 Chicago Marathon from Chicago Marathon History"The elite athletes as well as the mass of 36,000-plus runners were challenged by historic heat on the streets of Chicago. Temperatures soaring into the high 80s combined with high humidity forced organizers to halt the race for the first time in history.

Approximately three and a half hours after the official start, runners were rerouted to Grant Park and instructed to stop running as the heat was too intense to ensure runner safety. As a result, while the race welcomed its largest field to the start line (36,867), only 25,534 were able to officially finish the race."

And I was one of the 25,534 finishers. After 18 weeks of training hard with Hal Higdon’s marathon training program through CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association), I was forced to jog/walk from mile 13 to mile 26.2! I felt a sense of accomplishment for finishing and also a sense of defeat. Three weeks prior I had run a 20-mile race and finished under three hours. My marathon goal was to finish under four hours and I should have. Instead I finished the race in 5:28:13.

On a whim I threw my name into the lottery drawing for the 2012 Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco on October 14, 2012. Yesterday morning I received this email from them:

Dear Rebecca Rochester,

Whether it’s your first or fiftieth race, there really is no other feeling quite like standing at the starting line.

We’re so glad that in 2012, you’ll be sharing that moment with us.

That’s right, you read that correctly. You’ve officially been selected to run in the 2012 Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco. Congratulations!

Yeah!? I am excited for another opportunity to prove to myself that I can do this. Training starts today. I have Hal Higdon by my side and together we will get me back into running shape.

"It's not 26.2 miles...it's 10 water stops." –Unknown

Hoping to have a "brilliant" time in Europe

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. The last time I was in Europe was 1999. It was the summer between my freshman and sophomore year of college, and I had decided to study abroad for the summer in Lüneburg, Germany. Study abroad after only one semester of German class at UW-La Crosse. I packed two giant suitcases and departed for Germany.

With my German language book in hand, I landed in Hamburg and had to find the train to take me closer to the University. I didn't know how to or where to purchase a ticket for the train, so I just hopped on. I would later find out that if someone had come through to check tickets, I would have received a hefty fine for not having a ticket. The train arrived in Lüneburg, and I grabbed my two giant suitcases and pulled them off. Two flights of stairs awaited me. No elevators. I grabbed one suitcase and lugged it up the stairs.  Then I sprinted down the stairs to get the other one. Ah! I must have looked very American.

I hailed a taxi to the University and arrived early for check in. I didn't know where to go or who to meet. So I just sat outside with my suitcases. I was tired and experiencing major culture shock. I phoned my mother and was in tears. When I got off the phone another student had arrived. We hung out until everyone else had arrived and got our housing assignments. I was going to live with three German students in an apartment. I unpacked and settled in. The summer studying in Germany was amazing. I promised myself I would come back to travel around Europe, and 13 years later I am.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

We are off to London on Sunday, so I decided to brush up on some British slang and phrases. Are we going to have a good time? Absobloodylootely! There will be no taking the piss. Blimey! It is going to be the bee's knee's of a trip. So Bob's your uncle!

1. Cock-up – Screw up
2. Bloody – Damn
3. Give You A Bell – Call you
4. Blimey! – My Goodness
5. Wanker – Idiot
6. Gutted – Devastated
7. Chuffed – Proud
8. Fancy – Like
9. Sod Off – Piss off
10. Lost the Plot – Gone Crazy
11. Fortnight – Two Weeks
12. Sorted – Arranged
13. Kip – Sleep or nap
14. Bee’s Knees – Awesome
15. Know Your Onions – Knowledgeable
16. Dodgy – Suspicious
17. Wonky – Not right
18. Wicked – Cool!
19. Tad – Little bit
20. Skive – Lazy or avoid doing something
21. Quid – £
22. Taking the Piss – Screwing around
23. Pissed – Drunk
24. Loo – Toilet
25. Nutter – Crazy Person
26. Knackered – Tired
27. Gobsmacked – Amazed
28. Dog’s Bollocks – Awesome
29. Chap – Male or friend
30. Bugger – Jerk
31. Bog Roll – Toilet Paper
32. Bob’s Your Uncle – There you go!
33. Anti-Clockwise – We Say Counter Clockwise
34. Throw a Spanner in the Works – Screw up
35. Absobloodylootely – YES!
36. Nosh – Food
37. Shambles – Mess
38. Brilliant! – Great!
39. Dog’s Dinner – Dressed Nicely
40. Easy Peasy – Easy
41. See a Man About a Dog – Do a deal or take a dump
42. Fit – Hot
43. Don’t Get Your Knickers in a Twist – Don’t Get worked up
44. The Telly – Television
45. Cheerio – Goodbye
46. Bits ‘n Bobs – Various things
47. I’m Off to Bedfordshire – Going to bed
48. Plastered – Drunk
49. It`s monkeys outside – it is very cold
50. Ace – Cool!

Stay tuned for more posts and pics from our trip. Cheerio!

R Little Vineyard's Edelweiss + Wollersheim Marechal Foch = Cedar Creek Port Rose

Cedar Creek Winery (Wollersheim Winery's sister winery) will be releasing a Port Rose this Spring. In it will be grapes from my family's vineyard in Wisconsin. It is a blend of R Little Vineyard's Edelweiss and Wollersheim Winery's Marechal Foch grapes. My parents and I got a private tour of Wollersheim Winery's cellar with Philippe Coquard, co-owner and winemaker. We tasted the Port Rose out of the tank and it was outstanding. Philippe and his wife Julie were in Portugal on their anniversary trip when they tasted some Port Rose and thought we should do this. Philippe came home and the Port Rose was born.

It is going to be bottled and released in April sometime. The blend is about 3% Edelweiss and 97% Foch. Philippe said the Edelweiss adds a certain flavor profile to the wine. 

Wollersheim Winery was awarded 2012 Winery of the Year by the San Diego International Wine Competition. As Robert Whitley, Director of the SDIWC, put it, "...the Napa Valley thunder was stolen by a winery from Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. Strange but true." Congratulations to them!

Wollersheim Winery was named 2012 San Diego International Wine Competition Winery of the Year

Philippe Coquard pours us a taste of the soon to be release Port Rose

R Little Vineyard's Edelweiss blended with Wollersheim's Marechal Foch to create Port Rose

R Little Vineyard located in Stoddard, Wisconsin

Pam and Bob Rochester enjoying the Port Rose

Bob, Pam and Philippe cheers the partnership between grower and winery

My Besties Bridal & Bachelorette Party: March 31, 2012

In March I travelled back to Wisconsin for a couple of weeks for work and for my best friend's bridal and bachelorette party. Nikki and Nick's wedding is Memorial Weekend in the Dominican Republic. I cannot wait! I got a lot of ideas for her party off Pinterest. Check out some pictures from the party below.

Ice Cream Cake

I rolled up napkins and put diamond rings around them.

Pinterest fruit kabobs and doughnut hole tree.

Yogurt parfait bar with mason jars.

Bride and bridesmaids (missing Sally and Sharri).

Nikki opening up gifts.

Nikki opening up gifts.

Bachelorette Nikki at Chula Vista Resort.

Pre-party before hitting downtown Wisconsin Dells.

Cheers to the future Mrs. Howe!

Me, Steph and Nikki downtown Dells.

Nikki and me. Don't know what I would do without her.

It was a fun night. Cannot wait for the wedding.

Whitewater - 2012 Brent's mancation vacation video

Made the news

Midwest Wine Press
www.midwestwinepress.com
Midwest Wine Press (MWP) is the first business publication dedicated entirely to the art and business of winemaking in the Midwestern United States. The goal of Midwest Wine Press is to help winery owners, grape growers and cellar masters be more effective and profitable.

Unlike California-based, wine-trade publications, MWP focuses exclusively on issues related to growing grapes and making wine in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Each issue focuses on the art, science and business of winemaking.

Featured Stories:

2012 Wisconsin Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference Summary
February 3, 2012 By mwpstaff

The 2012 Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Conference, held January 15th to 17th at the Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, had a record attendance of 701, according to Anna Maenner, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Winery Association and the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association (WGGA). The Wisconsin Conference is different from other Midwestern wine shows in that the agenda includes various crops other than grapes. Maenner said the attendance for the wine and grape contingent of the show was around 175.

Robert Raatz, VESTA Coordinator at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 

explains wine education programs to Conference attendees. 

Becky Rochester, Grape Marketing Coordinator, for the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association addresses attendees of the Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Conference. 

Michael Cronin, Accounts Manager for Kaufman Container in Minneapolis, 

at the company’s Conference exhibit. 

Presenters at the conference painted a picture of a rapidly evolving Wisconsin wine industry. Among the highlights from Conference speakers:

Becky Rochester, Grape Marketing Coordinator of the WGGA, said there are now 90 wineries in Wisconsin according to her 2011 Wisconsin Wine Industry Survey. In 2004, there were 35 wineries in the state.

Dean Volenberg, University of Wisconsin Extension Agent for Door County, said that of the 72 counties in Wisconsin, there are only 12 counties currently without a winery or a vineyard.

The number of acres of grapes in Wisconsin is subject to debate. Tim Rehbein, University of Wisconsin Extension Agent for Vernon County, said that the USDA reports 480 acres of grapes under cultivation in Wisconsin. However, the 2011 WGGA survey discovered 358 acres of grapes. Rochester said she believes actual vineyard acreage could be as high 750 acres based on her travels throughout the state. Vernon County, between Madison and LaCrosse, had the highest total acreage followed by Dane County which includes the city of Madison.

Six new wineries opened in Wisconsin during ’11. 2010 total wine production was over 676,000 gallons, a 6% increase over 2009 and a 17% total increase from 2008 levels.

Rochester said Marquette was the varietal that wineries were most interested in purchasing followed by LaCrescent. Two new varietals, Sabrevois and Brianna, moved into the top 12 varieties planted in Wisconsin. Conversely, Seyval Blanc is being pulled out most frequently by growers primarily because of cold hardiness problems.

The conference was attended by a number of entrepreneurs considering starting a winery or vineyard. Rehbein said grape growing is profitable in Wisconsin, but new vineyards should expect to spend about $14,000 per acre (including labor costs) before the first harvest in the third year after planting.

The first Wisconsin Grape Growers Association Awards were announced at the Conference. Tim Rehbein won the Industry Award for major contributions advancing the Wisconsin grape and wine industry.

Wollersheim Winery won both the Grower Award and the Industry Award. (Please see the January 2012 profile of Wollersheim in the Wisconsin section of Midwest Wine Press.)

Maenner of the WGGA said that it’s exciting to see the Conference continue to grow from year to year. ”The sharing of information, grower-to-grower and winemaker-to winemaker is what makes this conference unique and so beneficial to the participants,” she said. ”One grape grower or one winery does not grow an industry. It takes cooperation and a joint effort to move an industry forward where everyone benefits. This conference helps participants forge the relationships that become the foundation of moving the industry to the next level.”

Editors Note: A report on Brad Johnson’s presentation at the Wisconsin Conference, “Engaging Volunteers in a Commercial Enterprise,” appears on the home page of Midwest Wine Press.

Please see the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association website at http://wigrapes.org/ for more information about the Conference.

Millennials Favor Midwest Regional Wines
February 10, 2012 By Kristine Hansen

The Millennial Generation – those roughly between the ages of 21 and 35 – has a strong interest in developing community ties. Supporting businesses near their homes makes them natural customers of local wines.

“You want to support your state’s economy, especially when your state’s economy is not doing that well,” explains Cynthia Drake, 32, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. That’s why she chooses Michigan wines over those from Spain, the Europe, South America, or even California. “I have made a conscious effort to drink Michigan wines and a lot of my friends feel the same way.”

In other words, they’re choosing bottles that are lesser known and moving towards cutting-edge. It’s much like listening to indie bands as opposed to nationally recognized Grammy winners. “Local wine is the hidden gem that does get overlooked by the national audience. You feel like you’re on the inside track,” explains Drake, who spent many weekends at local tasting rooms while working in Holland, Michigan, after college. It was a hayride at Fenn Valley Vineyards in Fennville that interested her to study wine, a study she pursues by tasting as many Michigan wines as possible. She’s even begun to make her own wine and has set up a Google alert for Michigan wines. Trekking to Traverse City from Mount Pleasant twice a year bolsters her knowledge.

Jaclyn Stuart, 28, the sommelier at Margaux Bistro & Wine Bar in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, also likes to visit wineries within her region. Her favorite road-trip jaunt with friends is to Wisconsin wineries where they delight in sampling flights on premise. Many of the other winery visitors, she’s noticed, are between 25 and 40 years old. Restaurants too are of interest to Stuart. She said that Parallel 44, a Wisconsin winery, appears to be the most popular with restaurant wine lists, recognition that, of course, helps expand its reach.

For those new to drinking wine, the scene at a Midwest winery’s tasting room is definitely less intimidating than trekking out to Napa or Sonoma. “There’s no pretentiousness, and it’s so accessible to go in there and try what you like,” says Drake. “I have been tasting in California and it’s definitely different out there.”

It’s that kind of unpretentious atmosphere that Stuart hopes to promote when, come April, she opens Vintage Elkhart Lake, a wine shop and 16-seat bar in Elkhart Lake. “I will have a Wisconsin room with local products, including beer, cheese, spirits and wine. Local is very important to me,” says Stuart. “The eating-local thing has definitely affected me and my peers.”

For this younger crop of wine drinkers, meeting the winemaker and standing just a few feet from the vineyard, or knowing where the product came from, is what they’re after. “It’s more about the experience. We want to be able to say we went to the vineyards and we saw the grapes. It provides a richer experience, instead of ‘I went to Sam’s (Club) and bought this,’” says Megan Pressnall, 31, and director of communications for the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association. “The local-foods movement is an easy sell. The next step is teaching the locavores to pour local wines with their foods.” To that end, this year her association will host four “Locavores Drink Local” events – the first was at Lincoln Land Community College in late January, open to food-industry professionals only, with culinary students preparing foods to match with wines from 15 Illinois wineries. Three additional events will be held in Carbondale, Chicago, and Peoria.

Becky Rochester, 31, grape marketing coordinator of Wisconsin Grape Growers Association, is pushing to put more Wisconsin wines in the spotlight, working with “Something Special from Wisconsin” (a trademarked program with Wisconsin’s state government) as well as locally produced Wisconsin Foodie, a television show about the state’s food and beverage products. Both appeal to a younger demographic. “We’re starting to see more restaurants featuring Wisconsin wine on the menu,” she says.

Targeting younger people is important. “We’ve started using Facebook to get the word out about events and articles in different media about the (Wisconsin) wines,” says Rochester. She also educates Wisconsin winery owners about the untapped potential within the Millennial Generation. “You can’t judge someone who comes into your winery, [who is] in their 40s or 50s, and think they’re going to be your best customer,” she says.

Wendy and Joe Staller are both 32 years old and like having younger visitors at their tasting room. In 2007, the Staller’s debuted their first vintage from Staller Estate Vineyard & Winery in Delevan, Wisconsin, working with contract growers in Viroqua. Now they also grow their own grapes on three acres. “We’re getting more Millennial Generation visitors in that age group. For a lot of them, they’re just getting into wine, and they’re on a mission to hit all the wineries in the state,” says Wendy Staller. “It’s those same people that are hitting all the farmers markets. They’re trying to stick local and support local, independent businesses as much as possible.”

This philosophy only deepens when you reside in a wine region with hundreds of wineries practically in your back yard. Erin Crowell, 27, moved back to Traverse City, Michigan, from Grand Rapids in 2008. She’s now the Features and Listings Editor at Northern Express. “It’s interesting – almost a trend in Traverse City. Most of the restaurants have local microbrews or wine. It’s a rarity to find someone who chooses a domestic brand over a local brand,” she says. Among her favorite state-bred wines is a late-harvest Riesling from Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula. “They produce a Riesling that’s won a ton of awards and is sweet, but not too sweet,” says Crowell.

While seasoned (read: older) wine drinkers might consult wine ratings in high-brow publications like Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast, or look to Robert Parker, this younger generation simply hops online to peruse blogs and web sites devoted to wine. An Internet brand like 35-year-old Gary Vaynerchuk – a supporter of local wines – is one example.

Adunate Marketing Blog by Dianne Lohr

www.adunate.com

The Best Way to Learn Marketing in Wisconsin Winters

There’s no better place to practice marketing than conferences. And there’s no better time than a conference at Wisconsin Dells in winter.

Wisconsin Dells is the Las Vegas of waterparks. And even though the only splashing my husband and I do is that of our beverages (we’re no longer into public displays of our swimming fashion), we did enjoy last month’s Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference, put on in part by the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association (WGGA).

Woohoo, you’re probably thinking. Fruit and vegetables. Well, my husband and I are contemplating growing grapes someday, if/when we retire, so this conference turned out to be quite interesting.

I also picked up lots of marketing tips, particularly from the WGGA.

The WGGA is a small, non-profit, agricultural organization—understandably so, since viticulture is still relatively new to Wisconsin. But it’s vibrant organization nonetheless, and its really making headlines.

“I think WGGA is becoming a stronger, more effective association. Membership is growing and we have so many knowledgeable people in Wisconsin who are committed to making the wine and grape industry successful,” says Rebecca Rochester, who serves as marketing coordinator. “Over the past year, there has been a huge increase in media coverage on Wisconsin’s grape and wine industry. It has been very exciting to get the word out.”

So you know this “getting the word out” doesn’t just happen by itself, right? What’s WGGA doing to make this happen?

This past weekend my husband and I once again took a winter break and attended the Wisconsin Garden Expo. WGGA was there with quality-produced visuals, brochures and other promotional pieces. Obviously, the association is out and about, providing excellent information to the public.

They’ve also got an extremely helpful website. Interested in the feasibility of growing grapes in Wisconsin? It’s there. Need a list of Wisconsin’s more than 270 vineyards or 81 wineries? It’s there as well.

Most interesting is Rebecca’s marketing on Facebook. She’s got WGGA in our faces every day but she’s not at all irritating. She promotes wineries, job opportunities, and interesting articles like this one on the state of wine in Brew City.

So this is some of the marketing WGGA is doing. How does it compare to what your organization is doing?

We’d love to hear your good ideas!

Who Am I Meant to Be?

I stumbled across a quiz on Oprah's website: Who Am I Meant to Be?

It is a self assessment to help you figure out what really defines you. Based on personality science, it identifies seven "striving styles," modes of thought and behavior that direct us to seek satisfaction in different ways. Although everybody is wired with all seven styles, most people have one that dominates. When you engage this innate style, you've got the best shot at fulfilling your potential; when you don't, you can feel stuck.

I have been feeling a bit "stuck" lately, so I decided to check it out. My striving styles were right on.The thing that hit home the most is the following statements: "Life will have meaning for you as long as you feel stimulated. As a risk-lover with a lot of energy, you're a natural entrepreneur. You'll be happiest if you change jobs every so often and travel extensively. Movement is what keeps you going." BINGO!

I ranked high on 3 styles:

1. Striving to be recognized
2. Striving to be spontaneous
3. Striving to be knowledgeable

YOU ARE STRIVING TO BE RECOGNIZED

You scored: 18
You are an achiever: Ambitious, competitive, and hardworking: That's you. With a clear image of who you are, you work tirelessly to make sure your accomplishments are recognized. Your drive for success extends to your family, and you invest a lot of energy in helping them live up to your expectations. Thanks to your knack for diplomacy and abundant charisma, you often inspire others.

What to watch out for: You are prone to becoming a workaholic, slaving away toward success while neglecting your personal life. Because you're driven to gain approval, you can find yourself performing for others like an actor; if you become overly concerned with your image, you end up feeling superficial. To keep your ambition under control, get involved in group activities that require cooperation. Also practice listening to those around you and think about sharing the spotlight from time to time.

Looking ahead: Any career that allows you to scale the ranks and gain recognition, status, even material rewards, lights you up. Actress, entrepreneur, salesperson, politician—you get the picture. And consider balancing your professional challenges with personal ones: Run a 10K, train for a triathlon, compete in a tennis tournament, bike from one end of your state to the other; or join a debate team, play in a poker circle, enter your purebred spaniel in a dog show. Whenever you can win at something, you're happy. 

My comments: I am hardworking and a bit of a workaholic. I have definitely realized that there needs to be a balance between professional and personal life. I love a good challenge.

STRIVING TO BE SPONTANEOUS
You scored: 17
You are an adventurer: Action-oriented, curious, outgoing, and often technically gifted, you live for new experiences. You are drawn to risk-taking and aren't afraid to fail. Generally restless, you tend to job-hop or choose a field that offers constant novelty. If you had to name your favorite place, it might be the center of attention—you're a born entertainer, and can easily adapt to any audience. While you collect many acquaintances, you're less likely to develop deep, committed relationships.

What to watch out for: When you can't satisfy your thirst for variety and excitement, you may see yourself as trapped, which can lead to impulsive and self-destructive behavior—drinking, drugs, breaking off relationships, ditching financial responsibilities. Try to find value in some traditions; if you learn to appreciate repetitive experiences, you won't always feel the urge to bust free. And when a new opportunity thrills you, keep in mind that just because it sounds exciting, that doesn't mean it's good for you.

Looking ahead: Life will have meaning for you as long as you feel stimulated. That might mean chasing twisters, exploring the polar ice caps, getting a degree in dance therapy, or becoming an astronaut. It might also mean reading new books, attending workshops, or letting yourself get swept up in an intoxicating romance. As a risk-lover with a lot of energy, you're a natural entrepreneur. You'll be happiest if you change jobs every so often and travel extensively. Movement is what keeps you going.

My comments: I love adventure!! Yes. I used two exclamation points. The busier I am, the more creative I am and the more I accomplish.

STRIVING TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE
You scored: 17
You are an intellectual: As a leader, you're often ahead of your time. As an employee, you try to surpass the competence level of peers, even managers. Incisive and curious, you're driven to deeply understand how things work. But that's things, not people. Oh, your family and friends are important; it's just that you don't need to spend hours engaging with them. Social validation isn't your goal—you're secure enough in your cerebral pursuits.

What to watch out for: When you can't find a way to be the expert, you may withdraw or simply withhold information, which can make you seem smug or arrogant. If you feel yourself retreating into your own world, seek a friend's help to pull you back. Also balance your cerebral tendencies through physical activities like jogging, hiking, or dance.

Looking ahead: You discover who you are meant to be through accumulating insight and knowledge. So follow your curiosity. Are you drawn to learning Mandarin? Joining a philosophy society? Studying and practicing Buddhist meditation? Delving into the complexities of computer programming? Writing a historical book? Pursuits that place you near the leading edge of technology, science, psychology, academia, or business are good bets. But any situation that allows you to work independently with freedom to investigate and innovate will fuel your drive.

My comments: I will always be a student because there is so much to learn in life. I think this is what makes me such a great project management and operations minded professional.

Take the quiz: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Who-Are-You-Meant-to-Be-Self-Assessment-Quiz#ixzz1mbbTcMe4

When I grow up I want to be employed

So the interview at a local brewery went great, but I did not get the job. Who thought transitioning out of the wine industry would be so hard. People who know me, know that I am one of the hardest workers out there. I am usually the first one to work and the last to leave. I love to work.

As I tossed and turned in my sleep last night, I thought back to when I was a child. In elementary school, everyone always asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I always imagined myself as a National Geographic Photographer or a Marine Biologist. Later in life I saw myself as a famous fashion designer, but one semester at Philadelphia University changed my mind quickly about that. Now if someone asked me, I would answer plain and simple--employed (full-time)!

Not quite sure where to go from here. I have even applied at Starbucks for a part-time job, while I continue to search for a full-time career in the beer industry. Guess what? They haven't called. Shocker. I know.

So the search continues. For now, I will try to enjoy my 10 hour work weeks and the freedom it allows me. That means watching the Ellen DeGeneres Show every day, taking Maggie on a couple of walks, afternoon naps, working out at the gym and whatever hobbies I find for the week.

2012: the year of opportunities

Hello 2012. I wonder what you have in store for me. 2012 will mark three years of living in Oregon and 2 years with my wonderful boyfriend. I guess time flies when you are having fun.

2012 is they year of endless possibilities. The best part of getting older is realizing that life doesn't always work out how you imagined. When I was young, I set deadlines for everything from owning a house, to getting married to owning my own business. So far I am 0 for 3, but I also didn't plan to live the extraordinary life that I have. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.

2012 is the year of opportunities for a career change. Some of you know that my position as the Grape Marketing Coordinator for Wisconsin was cut to 10 hours per week due to federal funding. When I took the job last year, I knew that this was a possibility so I was prepared. So now what? That is a great question. I have worked in the wine industry for 8 years and have loved most every minute of it. But living in Bend, Oregon makes it a little difficult to work in the wine industry. My choice of course. Actually, there are a few wineries and vineyards in the area, but in all honesty I am hoping to transition into the craft beer industry. I am just waiting for an opportunity.

2012 is the year of opportunities for continued education. In the meantime, I have been pondering going back to school...again...at Siebel Institute of Technology for the Associate in Brewing Technology program. Someone recently said I cannot be a student forever. I say, why not? The mind is a terrible thing to waste. I love to learn. There is nothing worse for me than downtime. I think I would make an excellent brewer.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover"

Mark Twain

"Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door."
Kyle Chandler

2012 is the year of opportunities for travel and adventure. I guess I will have to wait and see what the year brings. Whatever it is, I am ready and waiting for my next adventure. I mean, I was born with a suitcase in my hand. I am looking forward to dusting off my passport and visiting London, France, Dominican Republic and hopefully Greece.