Six down...46 to go...

What: #24 Eat at Blimpy Burger in Ann Arbor

Where: Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger
When: February 21st
Why: As someone who has spent most of my life in or near Ann Arbor, I was constantly dealing with shocked looks whenever it came up that I had never eaten at this local establishment. In my defense, I don't eat burgers, and I'd heard horror stories of the mockery that ensues if you aren't ordering in the right manner, so I guess those two factors pretty much kept me away all these years. Finally, my friend Elizabeth and I were planning an outing around that area, and we did need to eat dinner beforehand, so as two total newbies to the Blimpy Burger scene, we embarked together into the greasy world of Blimpy Burger. For those unfamiliar, here is a video to help you get a second-hand experience! It turned out that day that there was one really big problem; the deep fryer was broken.

Come on, if there is one thing we expected, it was a lot of grease. And as a non-burger eater, I was looking forward to fried veggies and french fries. Alas, I had an egg sandwich with cheddar cheese on a pumpernickel roll. Not too shabby, and a super good bargain!

Another successful new thing that I survived! And, I think we are brave enough to give it another try!

Five down...47 to go...

What: #46 Attend the Salle d’Etroit Fencing Academy

Where: Salle d'Etroit Fencing Academy
When: February 20th
Why: I have no idea. Other than to blame Zorro, both an early George Hamilton version and more recently, "The Mask Of Zorro" with Catherine Zeta-Jones. So when it came up as a Groupon awhile back, on a whim, I went for it. I'm attending a series of lessons at a local academy and I've learned a lot of the basics. En garde, lunging, attacks, use of the foil, and how to get into the outfit including a glove, full head mask, weird plastic brassiere, and a bodysuit that zips in a rather awkward manner.  There is such a wide range of people taking the lessons - kids, adults, families, a group of friends, etc. We partner up and practice hits and touches, and truth be told, a "touch" actually hurts more than it should. I recognize that it isn't like being pierced with a weapon, but it is unpleasant. So, it helps to learn faster footwork and more precise moves to actually avoid an attack.

It is done with a lot of attention to detail, but it is also a lot of fun. And a great workout, which was really unexpected, but I truly work up a sweat, and it takes a lot of leg strength (just ask my right leg...it is still sore after my lesson from two days ago!) and quick repetitive movements.