One More Month of “Fab at 40”... and Then What?

by Kelly Young

...that’s the question I keep pondering. I made a big deal about being “Fab at 40,” and now I’m wondering...what’s next? 

I turn 41 in May, but I guess that doesn’t mean I still can’t be fabulous, does it? In fact, I’m thinking about changing my mantra to “Fab in my 40s” - that way I can work to accomplish some of the goals I didn’t achieve at 40 and still create new ones.

I have a confession to make, though: I’m not quite sure I was all that “Fab at 40” - or at least as "fab" as I'd planned to be. But since I just bought myself some time (a.k.a. nine more years), let’s see how fabulous I can be.

Triathlons
I wanted to train for and complete a few triathlons last year, but a broken arm just two weeks before my 40^th birthday sidelined me for the season. Not this year, though! I’m already signed up for the Muncie Olympic Tri on June 9 and the Rev3 Half Ironman in Sandusky, Ohio, on Sept. 9. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if I beat my time from several years ago?

Even more fabulous-ness would come from my 9-year-old crossing the finish line and having fun at the June 24 Kids Triathlon at the JCC. A mother-daughter combination of fabulous!

Weight loss
I wanted to lose about 8-10 pounds during my year at 40, but I’ve seesawed between losing and then gaining back 3-4 pounds. I guess the “fabulous” thing is that I didn’t gain 8-10 pounds. So, I’m back to focusing on eating healthier and moving more to help me with this goal.

Arts and culture
In my last post, I blogged about the arts and culture experiences happening around the city. I’ve taken advantage of some, but there’s so much more to enjoy and indulge in. I think this will forever be on my “fab” list. Maybe this year I'll finally get around to taking the belly dancing class at the JCC! Any tips out there for a novice like me? Maybe I’ll take the class on my birthday – followed by a massage. Now that sounds pretty “fab” to me!

Note to readers: Even if you aren't in your 40s, you can still be fabulous. How will you be fabulous this year?

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Earth Day at the JCC: Continuing John Muir's spirit

by Bruce Sklare

The following is a true story of Indianapolis’ connection to one of the great champions of the natural environment.

In the 19^th century, many political and religious leaders believed the natural world was a boundless garden of abundance created solely for the enjoyment and exploitation of mankind. The policies and actions of those leaders reflected that belief.

At that same time, a young man was growing up in Scotland. His family migrated to America as the father sought to improve his position in life. The young man worked hard on the family farm and spent 2 ½ years at the University of Wisconsin. At the same time he began to question the prevailing beliefs concerning our environment. His perspective recognized that nature was infinitely beautiful and held answers to many of mankind’s problems. Nature needed to be studied and conserved, not exploited with abandon.

In 1866, the subject of our story found his way to Indianapolis. At that time, our city was a major railway center and was surrounded by hardwood forests. While working for a carriage company, he poked his eye with a tool, lost his eyesight and feared he would never again lay eyes on the natural world. While blinded, he decided that if he did regain his eyesight, he would commit the rest of his life to his true passion: the study of nature.

Consequently, this young man’s decision – made here in Indianapolis – has a profound effect on the world and our relationship with nature.

That young man was John Muir, a name that is now synonymous with nature conservation. Muir was a prolific writer about and advocate for the study and preservation of our environment. He was a founder of the Sierra Club and the National Park System, both of which continue to be enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people today. There are dozens of places throughout the country named after John Muir, a testimony to his impact on the world.

Muir’s commitment launched a major initiative to learn about and conserve the natural world. His life’s work awakened an awareness of the effects our exploitation of natural resources have on the world now and for future generations.

The national celebration of Earth Day continues Muir’s spirit. We hope you will join us for the JCC’s inaugural Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, April 22, 11:30 am-2:30 pm. It will be a day of activities, education and celebration of the magnificent world of nature around us.

Learn more about Earth Day at the JCC here.

More about Bruce Sklare