It’s been a crazy busy week with football substate in addition to my news duties. But I have to tell you it’s a fun week for telling stories.  Tuesday I did a story about how to be happier in a tough economy.  I talked with a laughter yoga instructor who said intentional laughter is good for the soul.  HAHAHAHA  try it!

Anyway…if that doesn’t work…use this next entry to inspire you.  Let me as you this: do you have something that inspires you?  What are you passionate about?

Well for Ross Jane, Wes Schilling and Eric Suiter…their passion for the Green Bay Packers has gone to a new level.  In 2006 the crew started their own podcast called Packer Show. It’s recorded weekly in the Packer Show Studio…also known as PASH. Pash is located in Schillings kitchen.  And every Wednesday morning at 8:30 the crew comes together at the kitchen table and transforms it into a studio.  Microphones, laptops and a refrigerator nearby. It’s pretty fun!

I sat in on a show recording…they spend about 30 mins talking about last week’s game against the Browns.  Then they read e-mails from fans and reviewed stats.  Of course there was some major discussion about Favre’s return to Lambeau.  You can bet I’ll be watching! 

As for the Packer Show guys…check out their weekly podcasts: Packer Show
OR follow them on Twitter.

In the meantime…I swear I’ll debut my costume at some point in the next 24-36 hours. Also…GO HAWKS!!! Kick off 23 hours and 15 mins away!!

Also…GO PACKERS…and Happy halloween!!
Lauren~

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Friday I had a little to much fun on the job! haha.  During our morning story assignment meeting I thought of an idea to do a story about Halloween costumes.  It’s estimated that Americans will spend $1 billion less on Halloween this year than last.  SOOO the story started with the thought that I’d talk to local thrift stores and a costume shop and compare business.

Well the story turned into an entirely different adventure, as they sometimes do once you get out in the field.  I ended up spending the afternoon at the Rescue Mission Thrift Store on Main.  I found several costumes, one of which was bought while I snuck into the dressing room to change!

And I have a confession to make, I bought a costume this year…which I will reveal to you soon enough…but I got some great ideas at the thrift store.  Got an old graduation gown?  Well you could go as a graduate or a judge.  Find an old vintage dress and you could go as Cinderella or a 60’s girl.  Basically the possibilities are endless.

After I shot my story and finished editing, I went to Resurrection School in Dubuque to judge their annual Halloween Costume Contest.  I got even more ideas.  It was fabulous!!!  Below are some pictures:

Here you can see the Pope and his Papal guards.  So cute and homemade by Amy Gilligan.

Here are some of the entries for Scariest Costume.  The one in the middle won first place, the girl on the right won 2nd.

Jack in the Box for funniest costume.  Side note: his name is Jack.  EVEN funnier!

Grape Girls…Balloon Girls.

Mouse Trap - that actually snapped when you tried to steal the cheese.  So cool!

Best Group:  Scooby Doo Family.

So there you go!  Some ideas for you in case you don’t have a costume yet.  ALSO…I’ll give you one hint about my costume.  I actually went as this when I was younger…and it was a cartoon that was later made into a movie.

That’s all!

Lauren~

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I never expected the pink in my hair to cause as much attention as it has in the last week. Maybe it’s because this year markers have latched onto the PINK CRAZE and brought more attention to anything pink.

I have to admit, I’m guilty of buying just about anything pink, not know whether it actually supports breast cancer or not. I like the color pink, my mom’s a survivor and my grandma died of the disease. SO if pink it the universal color for breast cancer…well then I’ll sport it in whatever way I can. I have a pink camera, a pink phone, a pink coat, hats, gloves, blankets….etc. I like pink. haha

Anyway, tonight I attended the Images and Information Style Show. The event promotes awareness and survivorship with those who’ve experience breast cancer. There were hundreds of women there…almost 50 survivors. I couldn’t stay the entire time but I did manage to see the start of the fashion show. If I remember right there are over 200 years worth of survivors there. That’s pretty awesome.

All of tonight’s proceeds benefit the Tri-State Survivors. To date they’ve raised $42,000 and assisted 25 survivors with financial needs. All in all I can say the energy of tonight’s event was amazing. I wish I would have remembered to take some pictures to share with you BUT I was too busy taking it all in and getting a story. If you watched tonight you probably heard Ron and Tara mention my pink hair. I also made a reference to it.

I’ve received a few e-mails from viewers commenting on the pink and also a few pictures of people wearing pink too. I’m starting to wonder if people are doing it because it’s “cool” or because they see the cause. haha. All I know is that I’ve had more people comment on it this year than last year and many people compliment it. When I explain that it’s for breast cancer awareness they put the connection and therefore my point has been made.

Anyway, I know there are a lot of causes in life to be passionate about. I guess as a journalist I’m not really supposed to support one particular cause, because then I should support all of them…but as you know my mom is a survivor and the disease runs in my family. It’s important to me and therefore I want to do all I can to raise awareness about it to other women. It’s my hope that someday…my kids and their kids and their kids kids won’t EVER EVER EVER had to worry about getting breast cancer!! Right?!

If you’re curious where to get this pink in your hair…call any local salon and ask about it. The place that I know is benefiting the Tri-State Survivors is Amirage Salon down off Main Street. I do not go there to get my hair done and I am not promoting their salon…BUT I am promoting what their salon AND many others are doing for the cause.

So call around…if you know a salon that’s doing the same thing then COMMENT BELOW or e-mail me at lsquires@kwwl.com and I’ll post it on here for people to find. I am looking for other places outside of Dubuque. What about Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Iowa City, Cedar Falls? Let me know so I can let others know too!

BE AWARE…I have pink in my hair….

And on that note…on to my next project: a halloween costume. Suggestions welcome! haha

Have a great day!
Lauren~

ps - SINCE THIS POST I RECIEVED AN E-MAIL FROM A SALON IN WATERLOO:

New Creation Salon
140 Brookeridge Dr. Waterloo.
319-234-8644 Ext. 5.
The salon is off of Kimball Ave. close to Arby’s. They hope to get the word out to people. And tey have a goal of $1000. Right now they’re at about $750. All proceeds go to the NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. Cost is $10.

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Today while I was shooting a story about the new ice arena coming to Dubuque, I came across the newly constructed Veterans Memorial down in McAleece Sports Complex. I am very impressed by the new memorial. While I was there someone stopped by to tell me that they are officially dedicating the place on Veteran’s Day.

I tell you it’s a classy memorial. Honoring all those who’ve fought in every U.S. War. It’s really done and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished product in the next month. If you’re town by McAleece Field check it out for yourself.

Lauren~

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I have a confession…I’ve lived in Iowa for 14 years now and I’ve NEVER been to Pikes Peak…EVER! But Monday I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful place and took some pictures along the way. The day started with a trip to Breitbach’s. It was my first time being inside since the second fire.

After lunch we drove up to McGregor and Pikes Peak. What a BEAUTIFUL PLACE! I found that the further north you go the better the leaves. The colors were amazing. I have to admit that IS one thing I like about fall. I love fall colors, fall style and fall decorations….I don’t like fall temps!!

Anyway, I wanted to share some pictures with you:

AS you can see it was an overcast day, and a bit chilly but certainly worth the trip. I encourage you to make the trip up Balltown Road and on to Highway 52. It’s BEAUTIFUL!! And I think this weekend is supposed to be a peak for fall foilage.

Check it out! Let me know what you’ve found and send pictures to kwwlnews@kwwl.com.

Have a great Wednesday!

Lauren~

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It’s the time of year…Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It means you’ll probably notice a little bit of pink in my hair as I walk around Dubuque and the Tri-States.

Today I got some put in my hair for a donation of $6 to breast cancer research.
My friend, Kori Newby, and photographer at the Telegraph Herald took this picture.

Just wanted to share it with you. In case you notice the pink…now you know what it means.

Off to shoot football…have a good night. GO HAWKS!
Lauren~

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So I’ve finally returned from my adventure in Minneapolis. All I can say is…WHAT A GAME!! A few quick observations before I tell you the details: NFL games are like no other sporting event. Fans are excited but it’s different than college football. The metrodome is really loud. There wasn’t 1 section of packers fans, they were spread through out the dome.

Our adventures started Monday, at about 11:30 a.m., when we headed for Minneapolis. About 4 hours laters we arrived at my cousin’s house on the outside of the city. We parked our cars and hopped on a bus to downtown. 40 minutes later we arrived at our dinner destination. Meeting up with my cousin’s husband.

After dinner at the brewery, we had the pleasure of walking about 9 blocks in the rain to the Metrodome. It felt like forever…but we got there…soaking wet. The moment I got to the gates a Vikings fan saw my jersey and said “I’m sorry, what’s your IQ?” I wasn’t in the mood! But as you can see by the picture above…there were a lot of people trying to get to there seats. I took this picture at about 7:10.

This is what we saw when we got to our seats. Aaron Rogers warming up on one side….

Favre in purple on the other side? Yea it was weird to see!

This was the view from our seats!

This was taken right after the Packers recovered a fumble and returned it for a TD. Celebration in our endzone!!!

I took this because Aaron Kampman was stretching in the background…as Favre was in the huddle with his team.

HAHA you have to admit this is pretty clever. These guess were in front of us. They made us laugh a lot.

After the game we walked down to the first row and watched the ESPN post-game. I was fascinated, as I’m sure you can imagine. Being a TV personality, watching ESPN personalities…it was pretty cool!

And here you have it…after witnessing a Packers loss in the metrodome…against their old teammate, who broke a record for being the first QB to beat all 32 teams in the NFL, with a sold out crowd, for a Monday Night Football game…sharing it with someone who’s always dreamed of watching these two teams together…IT WAS AWESOME! And so worth the trip!!

Hope you didn’t mind the pictures and descriptions. If anything I hope it made you feel like you were there.

Following the game we followed the crowd…went back to the brewery for some appitizers and took a taxi back to my cousin’s house. Tuesday we spent the day at the Mall of America…it continued to rain. What a short few days.

And the adventures continue. Thursday my parents come to visit Dubuque. Friday is KWWL’s FNF week 7. Saturday I head to Iowa City for the Iowa/Michigan game (which by the way tickets are selling for more than I paid for the Packers game). Sunday my mom and I return to the Esspecially for You Breast Cancer walk/run.

ALL IN A WEEK’S TIME! Crazy life…but its fun!

GO HAWKS!
Lauren~

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So…I’ve kept it from your for awhile…well at least from my blog…but I AM GOING TO THE PACKERS VIKINGS GAME TONIGHT IN THE METRODOME!! Here’s the deal: about a month ago I thought of the idea because my boyfriend is a HUGE Packers fan and a HUGE Favre fan (I know…total conflict of interest if you ask me). I started out looking for tickets to the November 1st game at Lambeau. But after loosing multiple auctions on ebay…and bidding entirely too much money for tickets that I realized would be OUTSIDE in the freezing cold, I changed my game plan. I started looking for tickets to tonight’s game. And guess what?! I found some…Section 120, row 25.

The only reason I’m sharing this with you? Well because I want you to come back to my blog in a day or two and I’ll have a full report from the game! Well a blog report…too bad I don’t have a media pass to get down on the field!

Anyway…here they are! If you watch tonight…like the millions of people that will….be sure to look for the white Packers jerseys to the right of the field goal! haha

I’ll talk to you soon! Have a great Monday!

Lauren~

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I can’t believe I forgot to mention that Friday October 2nd, 2009 is National Denim Day. If you donate $5 to the cause you can wear jeans to work.

Check it out here: http://www.denimday.com/default.aspx

KWWL has a team participating and there are many other businesses in the area that are doing it as well. I know it’s a little late to remind you BUT if by some chance you view this blog and spread the word to others at your workplace, you can all wear jeans for a cause.

The website it actually really inspiring. It shares the stories of women of all ages who have had breast cancer. It effects a lot of us…and now we can have an effect on it!

Spread the word…wear jeans.

Lauren~

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It’s here…October is Breast Cancer awareness month. As many of you know this cause is near and dear to my heart.  My grandmother died from the disease in 2003.  My mom was diagnosed in 2004.  As you may remember I featured her story in our May 7th, Buddy Check 7 story.

Knowing the history of this cancer in my family has redoubtably kept me focused on my health and prevention.  This month is even more of a reminder that it’s important to be proactive and check yourself.  It would be lying if I said I have no fear of breast cancer.  It’s a legitimate concern of mine that I may someday have to deal with the same thing is my mom and grandma. But there really is no use worrying at this point…just continue to be aware.

Tuesday night the Hempstead volleyball team held their annual “Pink Out” night.  Players, fans and coaches wore the color pink to raise money and awareness on the issue.  It’s actually a season long campaign they call “Ace for the Cure”  Everything time they have an ace serve in a game they receive money.  A sponsor either pledges to donate a certain amount of money each time they team has and ace serve or they donate a single dollar amount.  Either way it’s all going to local women who are battling breast cancer.  Tuesday the cheerleaders also wore pink.  They collected donations from the crowd.  All the money from that night went to a woman who’s needs were not being met by her insurance company.  The out of pocket expenses are becoming too overwhelming and any extra money is helpful.

Hempstead ended up winning the match 3-1.  They are now ranked 2nd and have won three consecutive city titles.  Congrats to them.

Anyway, this is probably the first of many October entries dealing with breast cancer.  In a week I run in a 5K with my mom.  It’s the Mercy Especially for You run (which I may only walk).  You can join us.  Just register here.

I also plan to get a strand of pink in my hair for the month. I’ll be doing that sometime next week. So stay tuned.

Most importantly, spread the word and be aware.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”

Lauren~

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