THE CHALLENGE
It started with a blog post. Well I guess (like everything) it started with an idea. It took me two days to convince myself to write a blog post about it. I knew there would be no going back once I’d put it out there.
I asked for challenges and I got them: You now know as much I as do. I’m not sure where this will all lead, what I’ll learn, or who I’ll meet along the way.
This is the blog post that started it all:
“September 17th 2009 : So this week I turned 45. There it is, a number out there for everyone to see. I promised myself when I was in my 20’s that I would never lie about my age. So far I’ve kept that promise.
I was one of those kids who just presumed I wouldn’t live beyond 30. I imagined people at my (so so sad) funeral talking about all my potential and how successful I could have been. It’s much harder to live up to potential than just ‘have’ it.
Last year I had my memorable wall of sticky notes to guide me though my goals. It gave me a focus (to go surfing) and helped me have lots of fun doing silly little goals.
Although it was a great relief to rip those post it notes down and have a white wall again, I must admit I miss having that visual reminder every day.
Life is too short just to see what happens. You have to create the life you want.
So enough with the pre-amble. I’m 45 and want this year to be packed with fun. I have decided to take on 45 challenges. The first will be to lose 45lbs. As for the others.. I would still love to milk a cow, visit a gospel chuch, and do some really stupid stuff for charity. (can you help me with those?)
Do you have any ideas for other stuff I should do? Things you want to do with me?
So I guess my challenge is to challenge you – come up with some ideas and lets get living!
You can read the original post and comments here
The response was overwhelming – and hence this site. There is no going back now! 45 challenges here I come.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Attend a rugby match. I recommend tomorrow’s match where University of Louisiana at Lafayette will travel to Baton Rouge to challenge the team from Louisiana State University. The match will be a 1pm on the corner of Gourrier Ave and River Road.
JoAnne
I’m from the UK so actually understand rugby. I would love to attend a match – I can’t make tomorrow’s though. Can you let me know when they are playing at home and I will be there.
Aileen,
What about hosting a “That Speaker Blood Drive Challenge” and challenge 45 people to give the gift of life at a community blood drive at a location of your choice. What do you think?
Mitzi
I would love to – UBS are among my favorite clients. What time of year are you most in need of blood? Let me know and let’s talk and see if we can make it happen.
Attend the first “miracle” of the Wishing Fish. The wedding is 45 days from today!
Oh wait…that’s not challenging enough. Could you dress like a mermaid?
You wouldn’t be able to keep me away – I’ve already planned to write about it too.. the whole wishing fish story still blows me away – and to think I’m part of it. I’m not counting it as a challenge, more of an invitation. Do you want me to dress as a mermaid for the wedding or just one day randomly?
Write 45 Haikus that reflect the wisdom you’ve gained in your life (and or silly stuff that makes you giggle)!
xo
Kt.
p.s. You could exhibit the Haikus with the 45 pieces of art you are creating (and other momentos/photos from your challenges).
Katie,
Challenge accepted. Thank you for such a creative idea. (I probably should be writing this as a Haiku)
How about hiking up to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (before you turn 46). I just did about 3 weeks ago and I’m 60. It’s a GREAT experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life
!
Ted,
Congratulations I’m impressed. I hate to be cold, so would probably the grumpiest person up a mountain ever. I think I have taken on all the physical challenges I can muster for at least the first half of the year. I will keep this in mind however, who knows what next year will bring!
I, Jesse Guidry, challenge thee, Aileen Bennett, to give of your time and talents to contribute to a PSA shoot for the AcA by assuming the responsibility of cue card girl. Duties of the cue card girl include, but are not limited to, writing said cue cards on large flip charts, cueing spokespeople and helping with their lines. Said duties will need to be rendered on the 18th of October 2009 and possibly the 17th for the maximum duration of 6 hours. Do you, Aileen Bennett accept said challenge?
I will attempt to be the best cue girl ever – who knows someone may spot my potential. I will be delighted to be there and add some frivolity for a good cause.
I challenge you to spend a day in a wheelchair and during this day you can only get out of the chair to use the restroom, which of course will have to be accessible. In addition to your normal activities I want you to do three extra things :
1. meet a friend downtown for lunch and try to get around, its tough believe me!
2. Go grocery shopping
3. Cook a meal in the chair
Obviously you’ll have to prearrange how to get around I’d recommend a van.
I accept. See the post “new challenges” on the blog.
Hi Aileen,
I have a challenge from Camp Bon Coeur. We challenge to you raise enough money to send a child to camp next summer (or a least to raise a partial sponsorship). The total amount is $1,500. We will let you choose what camper you want to sponsor. The second part of the challenge will be to spend the day at camp with that camper. You can take part in the camp activities during the day and hang out with us during evening activities. So, pack your sleeping bag and bring your jammies cause Camp Bon Coeur is waiting for you!
I accept.. see the post “new challenges” on the blog.
I have been rolling this around in the back of my brain since you posted about it before and I was trying to think of something fun and creative, and maybe even relaxing for you to, so you can take a break from jumping out of airplanes and hiking up mountains for a few days.
I challenge you to learn how to sew if you don’t know how already. And if you do know how already, then I challenge you to sew your own outfit and then wear it, in public, of course.
Loretta
I do know how to sew, I grew up making my own clothes. So I don’t know whether to accept you challenge or not.. It would be fun – so yes, I accept. It’s been years since I made anything to wear. I have been waiting to be my ‘ideal size’. Project runway here I come! LOL
Hey! I began following you on Twitter a while back and have become pretty interested in challenge45. I have to write a feature story on someone from the Lafayette area by October 30 for my Journalism class and I was wondering if you’d be game for being my person.
So I challenge you to be the subject of an article about Challenge 45 in hopes of inspiring others to challenge themselves
Stacey,
I gladly accept your challenge – next week sometime is good for me. We’ll arrange it via email or twitter.. should be fun!
Better reply to your Twitter post:
Sorry I haven’t stayed in touch. Been away from Twitter for several weeks, focusing on work.
Training has been a failure so far for the most part. Not consistent.
However, I contacted a neighbor who runs regularly, and now I have a running partner and some motivation to complete this challenge.
Now following 12-week training program. Been using http://www.lafayettefitness.org as a resource.
My goal right now is to run a half-marathon on May 1 in Beaumont, Texas, called The Gusher. Course starts around the interstate and finishes up around Lamar University.
However, I’m flexible and don’t want to try this until I know I can do it.
Interested in hearing about your training, goals, races, etc.
Todd
My training started off well but got interrupted by life and a knee injury. I’m working out again now, trying to do lots of strength stuff and then re-introducing running a few times a week.
I have looked at the Gusher run, and am not completely decided. I keep getting this image of me running along the seafront on the Gulf Coast. Would that count or does it have to be an ‘official’ race? The whole race thing scares me a little! I’m determined to do this, either in April or May.. if I leave it any later it will be too hot.
Oh, no a knee injury?
Hey, 13 miles is 13 miles. I don’t think it has to be a race. For that matter, I know I’ll be walking portions of it.
If I don’t make it for the May 1 Gusher, I anticipate doing something in the Fall when its cooler. BTW, a run along the beach sounds cool.
Ailleen,
I work for Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. where we offer support and care not only for hospice patients, their loved ones, but the community at large. I challenge you to use your gift of humor to create and present a free workshop about the Humorous Side of Caregiving in April.