By Becky Larson, SacMidtown.com

Now that the sun is finally out, Midtowners are looking for any excuse to get out and celebrate the first few days of summer sun. Some of you might be thinking the best way to enjoy the weather is a day out on the green. But imagine if there was a way to get your golf on and enjoy several rounds of drinks all in the name of charity right here in your own Midtown backyard. It would be a pretty perfect way to enjoy a warm, sunny day.

Lucky for you, that’s what the 2^nd Annual Albie Puttin’ Pub Crawl is all about and it’s set for Saturday, June 25 starting bright and early with registration beginning at 10 a.m. at the 15^th and K streets parking lot!

The Pub Crawl raises money for the Albie Carson Breast Cancer Foundation created in memory of Albie Carson, a well-known 50-year resident of Sacramento who passed away from breast cancer in 2002. All proceeds go toward helping the Sacramento community be more aware of cancer prevention methods, the diagnostic testing available to determine the best treatment options and providing financial assistance to patients when tests aren’t covered by insurance providers.

The Pub Crawl festivities officially kickoff at 11:00 am with an organized bar “golf course” and a shotgun start. Crawlers are then off and running to Midtown hot spots including deVere’s Irish Pub, Capital Garage, Torch Club, Streets of London, Lounge on 20 and many more. If you’re tough enough to finish the entire “golf course” you could be eligible for great raffle prizes from local bars and restaurants. Bust out your golf gear while you’re at it. Prizes are also available for Midtowners with the most creative costumes and the best “golf” score.

If you’re still standing at the end, join the After Party from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the K street parking lot with a performance by the band, All Fired Up! Tickets are $25.00 to participate and $10.00 for the After Party only. I’m no golfer but I’m pretty sure that’s cheaper than any day out on the golf course. You can register at any of the participating bars or visit http://albieputtin-auto.eventbrite.com/.

As much as I love channeling my inner Giada de Laurentiis and preparing gourmet meals, sometimes, I just need a break. After a long day at the office, or even if I’m just feeling lazy and don’t have an excuse, there are times when I guiltlessly allow myself to buy quality convenience.

Luckily for me, my gourmet takeout options on my way home from work are in abundance. My short commute from downtown to my home in East Sac takes me directly through the hub of Sacramento’s finest eateries, which is one of the many reasons why I love where I live.

Centros patio

Below is my personal guide on what I believe to be the best takeout options for Midtown and East Sac dwellers. It’s time to relax and pick-up some delicious takeout, pour yourself a glass of wine and relax in front of the TV – without feeling bad about it.

Midtown
Centro Cocina Mexicana at 28th and J
Hot Italian at 16th and Q (take advantage of their curbside pick-up)
Jack’s Urban Eats at 20th and Capitol
Ink Eats & Drinks at 27th and N
Paesanos at 18th and Capitol

East Sac
Good Eats at 31st and Folsom
One Speed at 48th and Folsom
33rd St. Bistro at 33rd and Folsom
Sellands Market Café at 53rd and H (take advantage of their weekly dinner and wine specials)

How many times have you been in a situation where you thought, “Wow, this is a little awkward”?

It’s probably safe to say we’ve all been there – you know, those weird and uncomfortable moments with a perfect stranger where you don’t know what to say or how to act. Awkward silences are the worst!

This week, I experienced an awkwardly silent moment in the steam room of Downtown 24 Hour Fitness. As I was sharing the steam room with a fellow gym-goer, I couldn’t help but think to myself how awkward it was to sit in complete silence with someone I don’t know, while in nothing more than my TYR swimsuit. Listening to Mr. Mouth-Breather inhale and exhale the scent of eucalyptus combined with sweat prompted me to come up with a list of situations where silence can be deafening.

Top Awkward Situations:

1. Being in an elevator. You enter the elevator and give the other person a courtesy half smile.  You then proceed to either look down at the ground or up at the floor numbers until someone finally exits.

2. Standing in the restroom line. I’m specifically referring to those instances where you’re waiting in line with one other person for a single-stall restroom. As if the silence was bad enough, you’re both standing in front of the mirror avoiding eye contact with each other by looking down at the floor tile or fixing your hair.

3. Sharing a chair lift. You hop onto a chair with a stranger, and you soon realize the other person took “your side” of the chair. This is the side you feel most comfortable pushing off from without doing a face plant in front of the chair lift operators. It’s awkwardly silent all the way up, so you pretend to kick the snow off your ski/snowboard or look down at everyone else shredding the mountain.

4. The steam room at the gym. You walk into a steamy room and for a split second you have to decide if you’re sitting on the tile bench everyone else has been sitting on, or if you’re going to stand in the corner. Once you’ve positioned yourself, the only thing you can really do in this situation is pretend to look at your watch every so often or just close your eyes.

5. Passing the same person down every aisle at Costco. This happens more often than not since most shoppers at Costco want to stroll down every single aisle post-freezer section until they hit the cash register. You run into the same person in every aisle and after the second time of doing so, you start picking up the pace in order to beat them to the next aisle.

6. Walking through crosswalks. Cars are lined up at the stoplight, and you know everyone is staring at you.  You’re basically center stage, and there’s not much you can do but to walk briskly to the other side of the street.

Awkward situations happen all the time, but it’s such a short amount of time out of our daily lives that it’s not really worth stressing over. If you ever find yourself in similar situations, just find humor in them. Better yet, pretend you’re Peter from The Family Guy and say in a high-pitched voice, “Awkward!”

What are some awkward situations you’ve been in?

Sandwiched between some of California’s greatest wine regions, Sacramento is the perfect place to live if you enjoy a nice glass of wine every now and again – or if you are wine obsessed like me.

Not only do you have easy driving access to the ever-famous Napa and Sonoma wine countries, but you can easily explore the not so well known regions like Amador, Russian River, Lake County, Lodi, El Dorado, Clarksburg, Fair Play, Mendocino, or Calaveras on a moment’s notice.

Feel like taking a day trip that’s only 45 minutes away?  You might consider finding yourself a DD and venturing off to Lodi Wine Country.

One of my absolute favorite places to spend my Saturday afternoons is in Lodi Wine Country. I am aware that some regional wine snobs out there may consider Lodi’s wineries to be unworthy of their time. However, your taste buds are seriously missing out on some really fabulous wines. I might even venture to say that some of these people might be spending more time memorizing wine terminology than they do tasting it (in my opinion of course☺).

Don’t get me wrong, I have a serious love affair with many wineries scattered throughout California; and the world for that matter. However, Lodi maintains the “family owned winery charm” that Napa is simply lacking these days. The fact is, Lodi deserves a little more vino street cred. Given Lodi’s climate, the zinfandel grape thrives! The region produces some of the smoothest old-vine zinfandels of California. Not to mention, I found one of my favorite cabernets there as well.

A mere 45 minutes from Midtown, I encourage you to spend a day tasting in Lodi. If I’ve successfully harvested your curiosity, which I sincerely hope I have, I’ve listed below a guide to a few region’s “must taste” wineries.

Michael David
4580 W Highway 12, Lodi, CA
Favorite wines: Petit Petit & Don’s Blend

Jessie’s Grove
1973 W Turner Rd., Lodi, CA
They capture the true epitome of why I love Lodi. It captures that family-owned quality that makes Lodi a gem. Favorite wine: 2004 cabernet sauvignon

Berghold Vineyards
17343 Cherry Rd., Lodi, CA
Favorite wine: Crankcase

Klinkerbrick
15887 N Alpine Rd., Lodi, CA
Favorite wine: old-vine zinfandel (again)

Macchia
12470 Locke Rd., Lockeford, CA
Favorite wine: Zinfandel Mischievous

St. Amant
1 Winemaster Way Lodi, CA
Favorite wine: Barbera and Tempranillo (they also have some very excellent ports)
(Note: I would strongly advise against attending their annual ZinFest Wine Festival, unless paying $45 to wait in line for 20 minutes in 100+ degree heat, just to receive a warm 2oz. glass of wine sounds like a good time. I’m just saying…)

By Becky Larson, SacMidtown.com

Since the beginning of time, people have wanted to make a name for themselves.

The goal has been to be part of the “movers and shakers” of society. To live in a place where everyone knows who you are and either wants to be you or at the very least be seen with you.

Today is no exception. In fact, some would argue the introduction of social media has allowed us to further expand our network of “fans” and created an extraordinary opportunity to build our personal brands. Or has it?

I recently attended a forum where the topic focused on building a personal brand, why it matters and how to use it to our advantage both personally and professionally. As can be predicted one area of interest for most of the attendees was social media and how sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can make or break a personal brand depending on the information posted and shared with others. The presenter had the obvious recommendation of refraining from posting pictures that might show us in less than desirable situations and settings.

But one thing she also mentioned was not revealing personal beliefs like religion, politics, etc. as to avoid possibly offending anyone. Although I understand the premise behind this, I have to admit her recommendation caught me slightly off guard. Does letting people know how we feel about certain topics isolate us from the “movers and shakers” and prevent us from making a name for ourselves? More importantly, if it’s no longer “PC” to allow our opinions to be known, what is our so-called “personal brand” really built on?

All of us at some point or another have been through an identity crisis where we weren’t sure where we fit in, what we were supposed to do with our lives or what we believed. For most of us this time has passed and we feel pretty comfortable in our own skin. With that in mind, a lot of people choose to post their religious beliefs, political opinions, interests and much more information on their social media sites. These opinions, beliefs and interests have become the things that shape us and make us who we are.

The fact is they’re the things that now help us build a legitimate personal brand we can stand behind and be proud of. It’s safe to say not all of the “movers and shakers” of the world will agree with us but the hope is we’ve earned enough of their respect to not be judged by them based on certain beliefs they might not agree with. Or better yet, we’ve gained enough of their respect to possibly engage in a civil conversation with them about our opinions.

At the end of the day, making a name for yourself and building a personal brand is just that. It’s about being yourself and voicing your opinions if/when you so choose. I would hope most people agree everyone has a right to their own opinions and as long as we are respectful of one another there is nothing wrong with expressing those opinions.

By Becky Larson, SacMidtown.com

Mercy Me, The Q-Balls, Mumbo Gumbo and The Brody’s. If none of these names sound familiar I suggest you become more acquainted with the music scene Sacramento has to offer.

In Midtown we’re fortunate to have Friday Night Concerts in the Park from May – August during the warm (well, typically warm) summer months. It’s a great way to support local music and relax with friends after a long, busy week.

The music and magic happen at Cesar Chavez Park on 10^th and J streets from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. This concert series also provides you with a chance to brush up on your knowledge (or lack thereof) of the history of Sacramento’s music scene.

For $10 you can take advantage of the walking tours held each Friday prior to the concerts and learn about local spots that helped launch the careers of some of Sacramento’s most well known musicians including Tesla, The Deftones and Cake. Tours begin at Cesar Chavez Park and end just in time for you to rock out to the featured bands.

For those of you adventurous Midtowners daring enough to travel outside the realm of Downtown/Midtown there is a place slightly east commonly referred to as East Sac. It’s well known for the Fab 40’s but one of the best things about East Sac once June rolls around is Pops in the Park. The first of a series of four bands conveniently plays this Saturday evening at 6:00 pm at McKinley Park. There tends to be more families and a slightly older crowd at these gatherings but they definitely don’t lack in the desire to get their groove on.

Pops in the Park was established in 1991 to raise money for under-funded neighborhood parks and it quickly became an East Sac summer tradition. This year, Opa! Opa! restaurant has partnered with Pops in the Park to support the cause. Purchase food from the restaurant any Saturday in June and they will donate 15% of net sales to help restore local parks.

Food and of course beverages are abundant at both of these summer concert hot spots, admission is free and both provide bike valet service for all of you environmentally-friendly Midtowners out there!

So don’t be afraid to shake your groove thing and rock out to some of the best talent Sacramento has to offer this summer.

By Becky Larson, SacMidtown.com

It’s been said with age comes wisdom. I think in most aspects of life this saying can be found truthful.

I feel wiser in my professional life now than I did when I first stepped into the workforce after college. I feel wiser about my financial choices and even most of the time make wiser decisions about what I eat. But I’m not yet necessarily convinced it applies to love.

Does getting older in love make us wiser in love?

I’ve found there are a few different categories of people when it comes to love as we get older.  One category of people is very much aware they’re getting older and are deathly afraid of the idea their clocks are ticking. This group typically finds the next person walking down the street and decides to marry them without a lot of consideration for whether or not they’re really compatible. However, this group might be considered wiser because if our clocks are ticking we better make a move fast. After all, one of mankind’s biggest fears is dying alone.

Another group goes in the completely opposite direction. They tend to instead become more particular about who they choose to settle down with. Most of them figure they’ve done ok by themselves for so long they can keep waiting until “the one” comes along. This group of people may have become wiser with age because they are no longer willing to settle for less than they deserve. However, these people may have also become so set in their ways as they’ve aged that they are unwilling to compromise (probably not the wisest decision).

Whether or not the last group has become wiser with age is definitely the one most up for debate. But then again maybe this group has outsmarted us all. This is the group that will forever be bachelors and bachelorettes. They can often be found hitting on significantly younger groups of the opposite sex. Many times, they have decided they won’t settle for anyone with less than stellar good looks. For some, maybe this is the wise way to go. Maybe a relationship doesn’t have to be all that meaningful as long as you’re having fun.

No matter what category you fall into, the wise thing to do is make sure you’re happy and content with the situation you’re in at any age. Love can get complicated and confusing no matter how old you are. But the key is to never settle for less than what you want or deserve.

In the end, getting older can make you wiser in love as long as you’ve learned lessons along the way and you try not to repeat the same mistakes over again.

By Megan Shippam, SacMidtown.com

Make an impact and be a part of something big. On Saturday, May 21^st, you could help a child reach his or her full potential while working on your own health and fitness at the same time! It’s a win-win for everyone.

On Saturday, May 21^st, my favorite gym, Elite Fitness and Performance in East Sac, is hosting another Boot Camp with a Purpose – benefiting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area.

Have you wanted to see what “Crossfit” workouts are all about?  Well now’s your chance! I’ve been going to EFP for months now and am totally addicted J. This is a great chance for you to give back to the community and get some exercise yourself.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been the catalyst for creating genuine relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento serves children, ages 8 through 14, in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, San Joaquin, Yuba and Sutter.

National research has shown that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters make a world of difference in young lives. Through this organization, more kids are getting off drugs & alcohol, are less likely to skip school, and are more prone to a positive and happy adult life.

How You Can Help

Just show up, ready to get your fitness on! Bring your friends and family. Donations are suggested. $15 pre-pay / $20 at the door. Donate $35 or more and you’ll receive a “Boot Camp with a Purpose” t-shirt!

**100% of the donations will go to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento.

Saturday’s Workout Schedule

7:00am-8:30am-Intermediate

9:00am- 10:30am-Intermediate

10:30am – 12:00pm Advance

Location:

1770 36^th Street, East Sac 95816

Space is limited, so please RSVP

Phone: 916-739-8780

www.EFitnessPerformance.net

Can’t Make It On Saturday?

Visit http://bit.ly/DonateSacBBBS to make a donation for any amount. Remember, it’s not JUST a donation. It’s an INVESTMENT in a child’s future.

As Midtowners our dedication to all things local is unwavering and we can’t get enough of our home-grown restaurants, shops, parks and pubs.

Farmers’ markets are included in this list of local happenings that are often right up a Midtowner’s alley.  Farmers’ markets and Midtown go together like Ben & Jerry, PB & J, Ross and Rachel.

With summer right around the corner, your favorite farmers’ market is sure to re-surface at a location near you in the next couple weeks.

Midtown folks young and old can often be found perusing through the farmers’ market at 8^th and W streets under the freeway on Sunday mornings throughout the year.  Fresh produce, meats and flowers from local farmers/vendors line the parking lot right here in the heart of our city.

To add to our enjoyment this summer, two new farmers’ market locations have been added to the line up.  Look for one at East End Capitol Park (15^th and L streets) on Thursdays and another at St. Rose of Lima Park (7^th and K streets) on Fridays.  These two new spots will officially open in June, and like most of the farmers’ markets, will continue through the end of September/October.

With so many farmers’ markets popping up during the coming months there is no excuse to not support local!  Do your part and visit a farmers’ market near you!

Alone…a word many of us are scared of.

The word “alone” can conjure up many feelings or images, such as peaceful, quiet, dark or cold.

No one wants to go through life in solitude. We long for that partner to hold our hand through the darkness and lead us into the light, but what if we are with the wrong person?

Should we stay with someone because we are afraid to be on our own, or should we take that leap of faith in order to find that perfect fit?

Dating can be like trying on a pair of shoes. You’re looking for the perfect fit, but what if that shoe you want doesn’t come in your size? Do you squeeze into a shoe, thinking that you can make it work? Do you sacrifice happiness in order to satisfy an image? Or do you realize that wearing shoes that are too small will cause discomfort and instability, whereby you will eventually land flat on your face.

Now, what happens if you’ve found a great shoe that you really like and it “fits,” but it lacks the sparkle and appeal of a “new shoe”…what do you do? Do you take the chance and buy a new pair?

Your old shoes are familiar and you have broken them in, but something attracts you to this new shoe. This new pair grabs your attention, even though you may have never imagined yourself in that type of shoe before. You think, perhaps this shoe will be a better fit. You give it a try; to your delight it fits like a glove…no effort, no pain, just comfort.

Stepping out “in faith” into something that is unsure can be terrifying. The uncertainty can hold people back from doing what is best for them. Fear can either hold you back, or drive you to change. Should I stay in a relationship because I am comfortable and secure, or should I follow my heart and wait for a better fit?

Why do we stay in relationships when we long for something more? That is a question many of us have faced at one point in our lives. At what point do we realize that the shoes were in just do not fit?

Being afraid of being alone can hinder people from finding what is best for them.

I believe we can get stuck in relationships because we are scared of the unknown. That fear can ultimately keep us from finding the perfect fit. We are comfortable with what is familiar. We are scared that we may lose forever what we have, and we are scared that we will ultimately be alone.

This fear holds us back, and we may lose out on something special because we are scared of lonely.