Monday, December 29, 2008

100 Things, Part 1 (of 4)

The alleged purpose of this blog is so that everyone can learn more about me, simply through reading whether or not I've performed certain actions or seen certain objects in my lifetime. The assumption that a human life can be so categorized and defined is, in my opinion, distasteful, and the complete lack of personalization from such a list seems to contradict the very idea upon which it is predicated.

I am drawn to the copied post, however, because it involves a list. A long list. And I like lists.
If you are not familiar with the concept, the blogger is supposed to copy these 100 items, paste them into their own blog entry, then re-do the font so that the bold items communicate activities that the blogger has experienced. I will comply, with annotations.

1. Started your own blog

Honestly, do you need this item? How many people posting this to their blog have not started a blog? I guess someone else could have started their blog for them...

2. Slept under the stars

Yes, a couple times, most notably on a trampoline.

3. Played in a band

Is there a band I haven't played in? I mean, besides those things that most people think of when they hear the word "band."

4. Visited Hawaii

Alas, no. And don't remind me, either, I'm a little touchy about it.

5. Watched a meteor shower

Define "shower." I don't know.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

How can you give more than you can afford? You can only give what you have, and you can't give any more than that. This one makes no sense.

7. Been to Disneyland

Multiple times. I know Disneyland.

8. Climbed a mountain

Define mountain. I may or may not have, depending on the definition.

9. Held a praying mantis

Did I ever hold one? I can't remember, though I've held all sorts of other things: fish, snails, caterpillars, pill bugs, spiders, mice, rats, hamsters, cats, dogs, rabbits, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, guinea pigs, ducklings, chicks, other birds, etc. I'm going to assume that I've held a praying mantis as well.

10. Sang a solo

Multiple times. Is there a specific venue indicated here?

11. Bungee jumped

Boo-ya. I was eleven or so. It was great. They gave me a shirt that said on the back, "Jump this!" in kind of the same style as those "No Fear" shirts that were popular back then. I didn't wear it much, for fear someone would take it literally and jump me.

12. Gone on a hot air balloon ride

No, but wouldn't that be great?

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

No, but I've watched from other places, like from my bed, under a blanket.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

What is meant by "art"? And what is meant by "taught"? Can you become skilled in any art without outside human interaction and study? I don't like this item. I denounce its assumptions.

15. Adopted a child

Well, that's an unqualified no.

16. Had food poisoning

I have no idea. I have a rather strong stomach, so if I did and it was slight, I might not have noticed it.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

This would presuppose that I'd ever been to New York City.

18. Grown your own vegetables

With parental guidance (I was a kid).

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

Yes, and what a thrill that was. Take it from me, folks: if you want to get a close-up, save yourself a couple thousand dollars and a big headache, and buy a print.

20. Slept on an overnight train

Almost, but no.

21. Had a pillow fight

I generally lose, however, since I don't like actually hurting people.

22. Hitch hiked

No, but I gave a hitchhiker a ride once. Well, actually he was just a homeless man who asked me for a ride, and I said yes. But that's technically hitchhiking, is it not?

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

Mentally, or physically? Because I think the standard measurements for illnesses and qualifications for sick days are severely limited in the case of mental breakdowns.

24. Built a snow fort

I would claim a geographical disadvantage on this point if it were not for the fact that my parents took us each year to play in the snow, and also that I've lived in Utah for the last ten years (more or less).

25. Held a lamb

Wouldn't that be a great experience? I've had a calf suck my thumb, but I've never held a lamb.

1 comment:

elegyrl said...

I am really enjoying your comments so far on this.... I don't feel like reposting it myself at this time (maybe once you have all 4 parts done so I can answer all at once) but some of your responses are similar to what mine would be... for instance I too have always wanted to go to Hawaii and to go on a hot air balloon ride... ok so maybe those ar emostly the similarities... but that's besides the point! I love ya girl! You never cease to amaze me!