Seven down...45 to go...

What: #22 Buy a lottery ticket

Where: Random local gas station
When: March 27th
Why: It is one of those questions I always ask friends, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" and lately, it has been a common refrain in discussions about my future: "Well, if I won the lottery..." Turns out, that could be a lot more likely (and by this, I mean my chance increases from 0 to 1/175,000,000) if I actually take that step of purchasing a lottery ticket. So, with my friend Brittany's encouragement, I decided to check this one off today. I learned all kinds of lingo like "easy pick" and "megaplier," and I learned that the nice lady at the gas station was previously an elementary school teacher turned principal in her home country. Somehow, I'm taking this as a good sign. In fact, I've been on the lookout for all kinds of lucky charms the whole day. And I even put in a lot of thought into my numbers that I chose: 3, 16, 22, 33, 34, and 50. Anyone that can take a stab at where any of those came from is welcome to give it a try. And for those "Lost" fans out there, no, these aren't *those* numbers. :)

In part two of this story, I also wanted some more immediate gratification from my foray into the world of the lottery, so I also bought a scratch off card and guess what, I won!! That's right, I am a "Wild Time" lottery winner! I chose to use the specific method my friend uses to reveal her potential winnings. Hint: scratch everything off all at once...this is incredibly fun!...and only then should you go back to read the specifics and determine if you've won. Which, did I mention, I DID! (In the interest of full disclosure, I won $4, and paid $2 for the card, but still, I'm claiming a victory here!).

So, the big MegaMillions jackpot is at $363 million, and who couldn't use a bit o' spare change like that to make their day just a bit brighter? Granted, I've already committed a portion of it to Brittany for her support today, and to a few other friends along the way, so you better get in your formal request soon if you want a piece of my massive fortune!

Definitely winners! :)

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.

Four down...48 to go...

What: #84 Ice skate at Campus Martius park in Detroit

Where: Campus Martius Park, Detroit
When: January 16th
Why: As a native to Michigan, I grew up with Detroit as my big city, and have a special place in my heart for it, many fond memories as a child being downtown with my family, events that took place at stadiums and theaters, at restaurants and along parade routes, looking over to Canada and back over to Detroit. It's a place where I've walked among historic buildings, biked past wonderful monuments, and driven to corners where there are amazing things happening. One of those things that has sprung up over the past few years is the ice rink, right in the center of downtown, at a place called Campus Martius park. 

Today, with help from Elizabeth and Sara, I went ice skating at the rink. It was a balmy 40 degree day, and the rink was packed with kids, couples, groups of friends, and a guy I couldn't take my eyes off of...because of his skating skills, of course! It was a lot of fun, altho maybe not a real work-out, but it was great to be downtown, out in the fresh air, seeing the amazing views of the buildings around us, and knowing that good things are happening in Detroit.

Three down...49 to go...

What: #23 Volunteer at Food Gatherers 

Where: Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
When: January 13th
Why: Ever since attending the event called "Grillin'" sponsored by the Food Gatherers organization a few years ago, I have wanted to volunteer for their cause.

My friend, Lindsey, and I have also always wanted to do a volunteer activity together, so these ideas merged into our Friday night plans this weekend. We worked in the kitchen to serve a dinner created with food donations gathered from organizations all over Washtenaw County. It was a difficult night, seeing the variety of people (about 130 unmarried men and women) who are in such need, and yet it was fulfilling to be involved in a small way. I was put on the serving line to collect meal tickets, hand out desserts, and dole out napkins. The work was not easy, emotionally or physically, but it was incredibly rewarding and a great opportunity and I hope to do it again, and really recommend it to others in the area!