Remember (the Alamo) and Resolve (for a Better SA 5K)!

This week I am doing two very cool, but very-different-from-each-other things, proudly brought to you by the letters J, L, S & A. And this totally fits in with the way that I have started this new year--by doing lots of new things in a fairly short amount of time! My husband, daughters and I started out 2013 with a bang by exploring Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico on our way to Ruidoso for a little fun in the snow. The girls, who had never seen snow other than that little spittle we got a few years ago here in San Antonio, then tried skiing, went sledding, and we all went snow tubing together. There are lots of articles out there about the plethora of tangible health benefits that come from trying new things--it's good for your brain and your body--and the JLSA offers lots of ways to get out of your comfort zone and do things that you've never done before, from volunteering for an unfamiliar nonprofit, to meeting new people, to participating in fun and interesting JLSA-sponsored events and activities.

Tonight, I'm going to participate in the Girl's Night Out Painting Workshop at the Bright Shawl. I am so excited, because I'm going to get to paint my very own Alamo on canvas! I have collected Alamo-related artwork since I moved to San Antonio back in 1995. I can't wait to display my own Alamo painting alongside the other pieces on my living room walls. Here's an example of what we are painting:

And, once my canvas is dry, on Saturday I'm going to run in my very first 5K. I mentioned before that the JLSA's Resolve for a Better SA 5K was what initially motivated me to get off my butt and start running. This will be my first race, and I've been so inspired by JLSA members Erica Ellis, Kristen Henry, Ariana Barbour, Mireya Gideon and Anne Farringer (read about them here) that I might just follow their lead and try to run in a race every month this year. I'm a little nervous, but I'm also excited to put all of the time I have spent training into a fun run along the San Antonio River, for a good cause. It's not too late--click here to register!

What new things are you going to try with the JLSA this year?