The year of the challenge.

Some time ago, I issued a challenge to myself. Decided that I wanted to keep things moving. You know, try new things, go to new places, see more, do more and not say no to so much. Life is for living.



For several years, hubs employer has held a family night at Coveleski Stadium in South Bend. It has been around the fourth of July every year so there are fireworks. Fireworks in South Bend, Indiana are pretty neat and I think back to a night of fireworks when I was in the back seat of my friend’s red Firebird convertible. Fireworks were overhead, it was a spectacularly clear and warm night. I can’t remember why we were in South Bend but I am sure glad I had that experience.


But, back to hubs employer’s family nights at the ball game. These family nights were not all that much fun to me. I know people put a lot of effort and work toward them but I was more than blasé about them. I was bored. Way bored. Somewhere in the last year or so I have recognized that my boring experiences are my fault. Say what? Yes, my fault. Time to get over myself and so the challenge was issued. Along with the do more, see more was the ENJOY more.


I had a great time at the ball game last Friday night. I have no idea who played. South Bend I suppose, but other than that I couldn’t tell you. I ran in to an acquaintance from MY work. She was as surprised to see me as I was her, and we had a fun few minutes of conversation as she went off to her husband’s company area and I went off to mine. Serendipitous.


I spoke at length to a woman I admire greatly for her tenacity and strength in battling, and successfully thus far, cancer. I also talked with her lovely daughter and friendly, smiling husband, discovered we also had some connections. I was entertained by their young child who had his grandparents in the palm of his hand. A feeling I understand all too well. Two years ago, I would not have approached their table. I would have either thought them too busy, too far removed in some way, to be approached. In their own clique. (Seriously, had a problem with it. Am I in middle school?) But, this year, the year of the challenge, I said “Screw it. I’m gonna go see how she’s doing!” That’s right. I said screw it. Spent way more time catching up with her than I would have guessed, enjoyed laughing and remembering some previous events we shared, including some tremendous travel opportunities, and left their sitting area with her saying to me “Thanks for coming over! It’s great seeing you!” I so enjoyed it. But, I have no idea who played or won the ballgame. Ooops.


The year of the challenge. It didn’t start at the first of the year, not at all a resolution,  but more towards my birthday, when, if you recall, I like to take stock. See where I’m at. I like where I’ve been but I really look forward to where I’m going! More to come, more to see, more to try and yes, much more to enjoy.