So Sleeve Family,

I know we all LOVE a good challenge... Well, since the weather in Chicago has been beautiful... I've been inspired!! LOL..

Sometimes our lives can get a bit.... mundane, monotonous, etc... due to family, schedule, whatever... Then other times, we can shy away from trying new things because of fear of change, failure or just being scared...Then there are a host of other reasons (above were mine... )LOL...

So, the challenge is to do something NEW next week!!! Something out of your normal comfort zone or routine... It can be something you used to enjoy or something you've always wanted to try, but never had the nerve... The opportunities are ENDLESS!!!! Please share what you have decided to do, maybe I can do it next week...lol...

Here's my list (for the next month or so):

• Walking along the beach (the weather has been BEAUTIFUL in Chicago... and i haven't been the beach since moving here in 2004!!)
  
• Getting fitted for walking shoes at a REAL running store
  
• Actually start a total body bootcamp class (March 26th)
  
• Call my advisor and resume my doctoral study
  
• WASH MY CAR!!!
  

Going to the coast next week. . there i will hike along the coast looking at wildlife, birding, and collecting shells for my fishtank. I'll be horseback riding along the coast as well. Gosh I need this mini vacation!

WOW!! That sounds fun!!! I think I will go horseback riding once I lose another 65-75 pounds...

Thanks for starting this post/challenge!! I need to set a few goals and today is as good as anytime to start!

Walk my Basenji's around the block.

Start aerobic water program.

Work out arms with light weights.

Blessings~Melanie:)

Oh, Favoredone, this is a wonderful challenge and you've made an impressive list! For years my brother has had the motto "Take A Risk". He has stickers with that saying that he hands out to everyone. It's so important to break out and try new things, even if its a bit scary.

I'm going to spend this next week working on a new line of cards with my art work and I'll spend this next month approaching some galleries and stores about carrying my art. It requires a large investment on my part to have the prints made on metal (which is how they show best) but I think this is one of those cases where you have to spend money to make money. I don't have a salesperson personality, so I've had a hard time putting myself out there around town.

Sara that is awesome!! I am an artist as well! I design mostly jewelry. I work in polymer clay, mixed media as well as PMC...I belong to a wonderful Guild KY/TN with some very talented artists. We have one big retreat at Mammoth Cave each Oct. and bring in a BIG polymer clay artist for 4 days of workshops. We have already filled all 38 spots for this Oct. My goal is to open an Etsy shop this summer. I have a bag that opens up and hangs. It has at least 12 different size zippered clear pockets. I have said when I get that bag full it's time to open shop...If you haven't heard of Etsy you should really check it out as a venue to sell your art!! I would love to see some of it as I always love to buy from other artists!!! Please keep in touch with me! Blessings~Melanie:)

Sara that is awesome!! I am an artist as well! I design mostly jewelry. I work in polymer clay, mixed media as well as PMC...I belong to a wonderful Guild KY/TN with some very talented artists. We have one big retreat at Mammoth Cave each Oct. and bring in a BIG polymer clay artist for 4 days of workshops. We have already filled all 38 spots for this Oct. My goal is to open an Etsy shop this summer. I have a bag that opens up and hangs. It has at least 12 different size zippered clear pockets. I have said when I get that bag full it's time to open shop...If you haven't heard of Etsy you should really check it out as a venue to sell your art!! I would love to see some of it as I always love to buy from other artists!!! Please keep in touch with me! Blessings~Melanie:)

Thank you, Melanie. I'll private message you. ONE MORE REASON to love this forum!

I'm game. I've been afraid of the elliptical. I'm going to commit to using it twice next week, time TBD.

I also need to take myself to the beach for a walk. I live in Florida for goodness' sake; I should be walking on the beach more often!