Chicago Chick: New and Exciting

08_0415 I love to jump into things with both feet. Actually, it's more like feet and a hand and possibly an arm or two. I can't help it - it's how I'm wired. I get very excited and get into things so quickly and some thing stick while others don't; I'm a "joiner" what can I say? I am forever taking classes to amuse myself.

There were a couple of years of pottery classes, a year of yoga and pilates classes, 2 sessions of the Beginners Running Program with Chicago Area Runner's Association, a stained glass class, and even some onesey-twosey art classes. I would have continued the CARA classes, but this summer we were so preoccupied with moving that it was one of the things that fell by the wayside. Hmmm - I wonder how long I can use that excuse for things not getting done.

The one hobby that stuck and became part of who I am was my photography classes. I don't have much time - haven't had much time - for it since the boys came. But there was a time where I had my own darkroom and I still own several film cameras. I'm not a digital photography kinda gal and instead would rather develop and print my own black and white prints. The plan is to set up my darkroom in the basement this summer provided that we can get through the crap in boxes.

I'm not sure why the photography stuck, but I think a lot of it had to do with the community that photography classes provided. I'm much better at sticking to something if there is a community or group feel around it. Case in point - the class at the gym I signed up for. In typical fashion, I found a class where if I don't show up to work out people wonder where I am. It's nice and I've (in typical Irene fashion) already gotten excited about the 12 weeks ahead.

I'm hoping that my new excitement to get healthy and in shape sticks. I could really use a group of people to work out with. And to my friend Julie, who I ran with during those 2 summers with CARA, I am sure you're running a 5K in less than 30 minutes by now!