I suck SO BAD these past three weeks. Getting ready for the convention, trying so hard NOT to get sick, and then getting sick. Plus Mrs. M has been out teaching and painting which means I'm watching Little M, and not getting any blogging done.
I apologize. Here's this week's Quick and Dirty Friday Five:
1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
I equate "daring" with "overcoming bowel-moving fear to achieve a goal." So therefore, the most daring thing I've ever done is to dive off a diving board, while flipping backwards from a forward standing position. I was TERRIFIED I'd split my head open but my coach was pushing and pushing me to do it.
2. What one thing would you like to try that your mother/friend/significant other would never approve of?
Skydiving. Every time I bring it up it's all "No no no, never, no," and this helps me to chicken out of doing it.
3. On a scale of 1-10, what's your risk factor? (1=never take risks, 10=it's a lifestyle)
I plant myself at a firm five. I think I take more risks than any one of my friends here in the city; social, economic and yes, sometimes physical. I'm not a risk junkie, but I also fear being too sedentary. If trying something new involves risk, even if it's just eating at a new restaurant, then risk it is. In fact, I really only have like two friends that I would consider people who take more risks than I do, and the greatest of these is Cargo Weasel.
4. What's the best thing that's ever happened to you as a result of being bold/risky?
Realizing that the fear is what holds me back from potentially fantastic results. It was like that with marriage, having a child, and travelling alone. In each case the rewards were SO FANTASTIC that it taught me to not dig my heels in just because something appeared "difficult" from the other side.
5. ... and what's the worst?
When the risk is a promise to an adventure that never happens; the thing I hate worst is being sold on something when the thing that's being sold is crap. Like believing someone I KNOW that something is going to be cool, and realizing afterwards that it was, in no uncertain terms, a lame fuckaround. I really have rage issues with myself when something is put over on me because I'm supposed to be able to see this shit COMING, or so I tell myself.
I was always puzzled with behaviour of people I saw on TV. For example, I have never quite understand what is the point with the "trooth or dare" game. I must say, I saw this game played only on the screen, but I suppose that it comes from the real life of an American.
In my country, it's common for people to take all different kinds of risk every day. A very big percentage of people do not know how will they survive 'till the next paycheck, and doesn't even think about it. Every now and then somebody decides that we are no good and that we have to be punished for what we are and - a new crisis comes, bringing orphans, starvation, anger, hature,...
I can't even imagine how old Agent M. is or anyone else who visits this site. But I know that a ordinary day of my life brings more dares and risks to me than anyone of you experienced in your entire life.
Take care.
Maca
P.S. Can you guess where am I from?
Posted by: Maca on February 9, 2004 06:36 AMSadly, Maca, from your description you could be from any number of countries. Your situation is all too common.
I want to point out that I am a Canadian, not an American, and I do not agree with their policies or their actions in foreign countries.
I hope that one day just leaving your house will not constitute a risk for you.
M
Posted by: Agent M on February 12, 2004 11:12 AM