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Life is a matter of contrast and balance for Lizzy Schneidler, who is both a bartender and a personal trainer. In short, she's no stranger to sports or shots.

Currently, she’s at a place in her life where she is figuring out what she wants to do next with her already fulfilling life. We stopped by The Stone recently to talk about future plans, wanderlust, ghosts and "The Four Agreements."

OnMilwaukee.com: Did you grow up in Milwaukee?

Lizzy Schneidler: Yes. I grew up in the area. My parents got divorced when I was 2. My dad lived in Pewaukee and mom was an MPS teacher. 

OMC: Where did you go to high school and what were you "like" then?

LS: I went to Brookfield Central and I was really into sports: diving, pole vaulting and basketball.

OMC: You’re still really athletic today, right?

LS: Yes. I am a personal trainer – I have been one for six years – and I have taught everything from strength and conditioning to boxing.

OMC: Are you a runner, too?

LS: I was for a long time, but I had four knee surgeries from pole vaulting. I used to run 13-17 miles a day and I will still do a 5K for fun, but now I’m not running as much. I am on three soccer teams and I play volleyball in the winter, too. It keeps me out of trouble. For the most part.

OMC: Did you attend college?

LS: Yep. UWM (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) for Psychology. And now I’m debating the nursing program, but I’m not sure if it’s what I want to do. I’ve been working for my dad, in the detail industry, since I was 15.

OMC: When did you start bartending?

LS: I started at BBC as a cocktail waitress when I was 18, and when I turned 21, I became a bartender there. I bounced around for a while then and worked at Calderone Club, before it was the Upper 90. (322 W. State St.) It’s the creepiest place ever. Seriously, it’s haunted. I made a friend stay whenever I had to close alone.

This place is haunted, too. It used to be a funeral home. I’ve heard so many stories. It’s rare I close alone, but when I’m in the basement, I’m like (to the possible ghosts), "we’re cool, right?"

OMC: How did you start working at The Stone?

LS: I threw a going-away party here for friends moving to Colorado early last summer because it was their home bar. So many people showed up – there must have been 80 people here – and it got so busy that I jumped behind the bar to help out. Later that night, I was taking down the food and the pictures and Shawn (the owner) asked me if I wanted a job.

OMC: What do you like about bartending?

LS: I love the social interaction and meeting so many different types of people. I particularly love it here. It’s so down-to-earth and I have a lot of really good conversations with people.

Only once did something weird happen here – a guy wouldn’t leave me alone – but before it went anywhere, there were three regulars ready to escort him out. There are some really awesome people who come here. 

OMC: What is your favorite drink to make?

LS: I love making martinis. This is not a martini bar – we’re known for all of our beer. And I love introducing people to a lot of different beers. 

OMC: What is your favorite drink to drink?

LS: Because of the personal training, probably vodka and seltzer. It’s a little bit healthier – no sugar. It’s boring, I know, but with all the shots of Jameson I do, it’s a good balance. And I love beer.

OMC: Do you get hit on a lot?

LS: When I first started working here, yeah. But now most people know me and we’re friends. And of course there’s always some flirting – it’s bartending, it’s part of the gig. But mostly, I’m just chill and honest.

OMC: Have you cut people off from drinking?

LS: I have. I’m always just like, "Hey, man, time to slow down." And then I serve them a water. It’s never been an issue.

OMC: So what are some of your future goals or plans or dreams?

LS: It’s an interesting question to be asked right now. I’m really in a reinventing period. I made a list the other day of things I am interested in, what I want to do. I’m trying new things and picking up a few new hobbies. I’ve been target shooting and I love it. I would never buy a gun or carry a gun but target shooting is super fun. I’ve also started ice skating and getting into boxing – technique boxing, not kickboxing.

OMC: Where do you live and could you see yourself moving from Milwaukee someday?

LS: I live near Miller Park. I could maybe see myself moving out of Milwaukee, but I don’t know where. I love traveling. My tattoo is from photos I took when traveling around Nicaragua and Costa Rica for six weeks in 2009. My friend was going to school there and we rented a car with no map or plan and it was awesome.

OMC: Do you plan to get the other arm tattooed?

LS: I don’t know yet. I have one other tattoo, on my back. Something really has to mean a lot to me before I get a tattoo.

OMC: What tattoo do you have on your back?

LS: It’s a book by Miguel Ruiz called "The Four Agreements." I taught that book to a youth group.

OMC: I am very familiar with that book. Out of the four agreements, which one is your favorite?

LS: Probably "don’t take it personally." That’s a hard one to practice. We all have a lot of criticisms in life.

OMC: Where else do you want to travel?

LS: Anywhere I’ve never been. I am open to trying anywhere – in the States, out of the States. I love adventures and exploring.