To-Dos - Suburban Style: Things To-Do In the New Year

Accomplishing Your Goals in 2012!

By Tracye Dee

The arrival of 2012 not only brings with it the traditional countdown to midnight followed by a bubbly toast; and, the black eyed peas, greens, and ham dinners for good luck and prosperity on New Year’s Day; but, also the dreams of something more to come.  It’s an opportunity for a new start.  This is the time we’re most enthusiastic and focused on making positive changes in our lives.  Several years ago, I decided not to make resolutions around my dreams, but to plan and document goals.  The difference is that setting goals forced me to make them specific and measureable, to set progress dates, and to work it into my busy life.  A dream is just a dream until you plan for it!

What are your goals for 2012?  Some common goals that come up annually for most include: 1) Losing weight, 2) Spending more time with family, 3) Volunteering time, 4) Getting organized, and 5) Learning something new. It’s not easy to break old habits and achieve new successes, but it’s not impossible.  A new cycle begins today. You can resolve to change your entire life or certain aspects of it. So, let’s get on with life and everything new 2012 has to offer!

Listed below are some Suburban To-Dos to help you begin accomplishing your goals in 2012.

Lines-N-Motion Line Dance Class  

Looking for a fun way to get your new year off to a healthy start and burn those unwanted calories?  Join Belynda Head of Lines ‘N’ Motion on Thursdays starting January 26^th for a 1-hour line dance work-out. To the beats of R&B hits, Belynda will guide you step by step through several of the current line dances.  By the end of the course, you will have learned several new dances and burn lots of calories. The class size is limited, so register soon. Registration and payment must be made by January 23^rd.

Where:  Studio Energia, 335 S. Bartlett Rd, Streamwood, Illinois 
Price: $37, 5 weeks
Drop-Ins Permitted: No
When: 6 - 7pm, Thursdays, January 26^th through February 23^rd

Temple Fitness Solutions – Fitness for Self Defense

Many people strength train with weights, cardio, or both – somewhere in between there is Fitness for Self-Defense, a new concept offered by Temple Fitness Solutions.  Get the benefits of both cardio and self-defense.  In learning self-defense techniques, if an attack is inevitable, you will be ready physically to respond, while reducing the degree of harm to yourself.  As a result of this program, you will burn calories, feel your body get stronger, your overall balance and stability improve, and your cardiovascular fitness level increase.  Combining this program with the proper nutrition, you will see a difference within the first 3 months.

Where:  Walker Athletics, 4925 Indiana Avenue, Lisle, Illinois
Price: $147 per month x 12 months
Drop-In Permitted: Prefer advance notice
When: 7:30 – 8:30pm, Mondays & Wednesdays starting in January (space limited)

Lake County Forest Preserves – Learn to Cross Country (XC) Ski   

So, you want to learn something new and get fit at the same time?  Learn to cross country ski at one of the most beautiful forest preserves around!  XC skiing is an excellent outdoor winter activity.  You will be taught the history of the sport while developing your arm and leg muscles. Bring your own ski equipment and dress warmly.

Where:  Intersection of Washington and Atkinson, Grayslake, Illinois
Price: $5 per adult and child ($7 Non-Resident),
Drop-In Permitted: No, Registration deadline is January 14 and February 18.
When: 10am – 12pm, Sunday, January 15^th & Sunday, February 19^th.

Snow Sculpting in Rockford Illinois

If your goal is to spend more time with family, then you might consider a day trip to Sinnissippi Park in Rockford, Illinois.  Watch snow-sculpting teams form "frozen art" from giant blocks of snow.  Abstract shapes and whimsical figures take shape under the skilled hands of state teams and high school teams.  Walk or drive the one-mile route through the park to see sculptures.  Of course, in order to sculpt, they need snow – so be sure to check the website for notice of any postponement!

Where:  Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford, Illinois
Price: Free!  (But, donations are welcome)
When: Viewing hours are daily from sunrise until 11pm; Jan. 25-28, 2012

Tracye Dee
TracyeDee@so-LAZE.com