21. Had a pillow fight - my sister and i are 17 months apart, and went to the same school through 8th & 7th grades. we lived in a small town, so the *casual* birthday sleepover was always a huge deal. no hurt feelings here... we must invite everyone!! and typically, the *other* sister was a loud to have a friend (or two) over for moral support. when you throw a dozen pre-teen girls together for a sleepover, i'm here to testify that a pillow fight is the least traumatic thing that may ensue...
22. Bet on a winning horse (by accident, but still...) we were at a Derby Day party a few months after jack was born. the hosts had a little betting pool going on, where you could buy a horse for a buck. we bought a horse for jack (it was the last choice on the sheet) and lo and behold...
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill - i've never really been able to do this. i happen to be a little obsessed with doing the right thing. but, way back on senior skip day, i was bound and determined to skip school!! i actually asked my mother to write me an excused absence. i remember being so nervous when i took it to the front office. sadly, i think my nervousness prevented me from really enjoying the skip.
24. Built a snow fort - we used to love to do this (growing up in NY). our other favorite snow fun was to pack snow in a pie pan, drizzle with maple syrup, and keep in the freezer for dessert.
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping - you can all thank me later
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse - i don't remember much. i was too disturbed about the fact that i might ruin my eyesight forever!!
30. Ridden a roller coaster - i used to be a lot more excited about roller coasters, but i don't know that i would dare get on one now. i was particular about the coasters i rode, too. i prefer coasters that loop-the-loop or "hang" below the track, or go backwards. the ones that go up up UP and then doooooowwnnn ... really freak me out.
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking - someone might have had to ask me to get down off of a table. ahhh, youth.
33. Adopted an accent for fun - i have a distinct vacation memory of going to Callaway Gardens on a family vacation, and returning to NY with a very thick georgia accent. did i think my friends would find this normal?? it didn't last very long. speaking of accents, i grew up on Long Island, but neither of my parents were from there (so they did not have "Long Island" accents.) they were very careful to coach me when my own accent would get too heavy (as in *dawg* and *chawclet* and *sneakah*.) to this day, people tell me i have a very neutral accent, and i credit my parents for their coaching. i can, however, turn it on very thick if need be...
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - would love a trip to europe to do this
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment - oh those moments. those fleeting moments. i do appreciate the times when i feel very happy, and struggle to be 38 and still have times when i don't.
36. Loved your job 90% of the time - i really do. managing this particular hotel, in this particular market, is challenging and rewarding. and that other job? the one with the husband and son? love that one, too!
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - is this possible??
38. Watched wild whales - i used to think going on a whale watch would be such an exotic adventure. wait. i still do.
39. Gone rock climbing - i have ZERO upper body strength. enough said.
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach - matty and i walked on the beach on a family vacation in Cape May, NJ, many midnights ago. sad that we don't find the opportunity to do that more often (neither of us is ever awake at midnight anymore!!)