- Seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild.
- Been to a circus.
- Had a walk-in bedroom closet.
- Missed an airline flight.
- Sung karaoke.
- Visited a volcano.
- Eaten an insect (on purpose — there was an incident my first time at summer camp when we were playing hide and seek and I accidentally inhaled a dead fly under my bunk bed. That was 30 years ago, and I’m still traumatized by the memory).
- Painted a room (by myself or with someone).
- Used a pressure cooker.
- Attended a high school reunion.
Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6.
Your turn.
- Have you ever accidentally eaten an insect?
- What’s your go-to karaoke song?
- Who’s been to a high-school reunion?
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Central Calif. Artist Jana
Whoa, Elisabeth, it is 9:42 at night on Wednesday, but already Thursday morning for you!
I have done many of your nevers except seen a croc or gator in the wild, eaten a bug on purpose, or sung karaoke.
My class reunions have gotten more fun through the years, as people get more real with one another and the music isn’t too loud to talk. I mostly go because I feel guilty if I don’t, since I still live in the same county. Some people take these very seriously and travel great distances. . . never would I ever!
P.S. Today I painted a room!
Elisabeth
Ha! Yup. It was 1:46 am my time when you left your comment. Time zones are wild.
You’re so nonchalant about painting a room. For me that would be a HUGE deal. I did paint inside a closet/pantry once. Don’t look too closely; I didn’t do a great job.
Central Calif. Artist Jana
P.S. IF I ever did karaoke (HUGE IF), it would be something by Karen Carpenter. Anything. Most beautiful woman’s voice ever, and the only one I can reach the notes with.
Elisabeth
I’ve only heard (and loved) her Christmas albums. A gorgeous voice indeed, but such a sad, sad story 🙁
mbmom11
I’ve only done #3 and#8. No exotic bugs or reptiles for me!
The walk-in closet was when we had a semester away in a different a tate. The town home we rented had a master walk in closet. We used it for the baby though – the port-a-crib had plenty of room in there.
I’ve painted a few bedrooms – I’m not very good but it got the job done. I used a lot of paint though- I treat it like frosting and make sure I cover everything. The whole family primed and painted the garage interior when my husband had finished building it. That was easy – nothing in the way- but we used a lot more paint that we had calculated. We ran out and had to leave the last foot or two of the ceiling above the garage door unfinished.
I would never go to a hs reunion- that was a long time ago and I’m not that interested. I was only in my graduating high school for two years. ( even though I was valedictorian, I don’t think I really represented the class. I only hung out with the nerds!) No karaoke- I’ll just sing along with the radio in the car.
Elisabeth
I think many a walk-in closet has become a nursery over the years!
I do not understand how people can paint and barely use any. I’ve never done a room, but I have painted a few things (like our shed, with the help of a very sweet friend who IS good at painting), and it seemed like I needed so much paint.
I don’t really have any interest in going to a HS reunion. I didn’t get messaging for my 20-year reunion last year, but I’m not on Facebook or any social media so I may just not have seen the announcement. Or maybe they didn’t have one? I feel like they’re not as big a deal these days?
Birchie
Let’s play!!!
Seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild – nope!
Been to a circus – when I was a kid? It’s so long ago I don’t remember.
Had a walk-in bedroom closet – kind of. My first apartment had huge closets
Missed an airline flight – only once! It ended up extending my trip to NYC for another half day, so I did not mind.
Sung karaoke – NEVER WILL I EVER
Visited a volcano – nope!
Eaten an insect – maybe? The memory is dim but I think it was chocolate covered.
Painted a room – I’ve touched up paint and assisted others, but it’s been a while
Used a pressure cooker – not regularly, but we bring the Instant Pot out to play once in a while
Attended a high school reunion – NO NO NO NO NO…if you gave me a choice between a reunion or karaoke I would chose karaoke. Top two things that I do not want to do.
Elisabeth
Missing a flight and getting to stay somewhere longer doesn’t sound so bad!
I’d love to sing karaoke. I’m not a bar person and I just…never ended up somewhere to do it.
I have no desire to go to any reunion, especially HS. I *might* consider university, but even then probably not.
Stacey in the UK
My favourite type of post…
Seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild – no
Been to a circus – no and not really upset about it
Had a walk-in bedroom closet – only in my dreams
Missed an airline flight – no but come very close once on a work trip to Finland. The trains were dealyed, one broke down and managed to get on with only a minute to spare. Basically, I got in my seat and the doors were shut.
Sung karaoke – no I wouldn’t inflict my singing on anyone!
Visited a volcano – no
Eaten an insect (on purpose — there was an incident my first time at summer camp when we were playing hide and seek and I accidentally inhaled a dead fly under my bunk bed. That was 30 years ago, and I’m still traumatized by the memory) – I tasted one at a food show once. Not unpleasant but I haven’t looked to get any in to snack on.
Painted a room (by myself or with someone) – yes. Several rooms and I’ve hung wallpaper which stayed up!
Used a pressure cooker – yes. I currently have one of the newer/safer ones (an Instant Pot type) which I use regularly to cook beans/pulses
Attended a high school reunion – no. I couldn’t wait to leave. I am still in contact with those from school that I want to be.
Elisabeth
I’m so glad you enjoy these, Stacey. They’re lots of fun to write.
Like you, I have zero interest in going to a circus.
Wow. Not only are you a painter, but you’ve done wallpapering too. I’m impressed.
I’m in contact with one person from HS. That’s it. And we only catch up once a year or so!
Nicole MacPherson
Oh I have quite a few on this list!
I was just recently at a circus! I went with a friend when the circus came to town, and it was really fun. There are no animals in circuses now, thankfully, it was all acrobatic. Also I’ve been to Cirque de Soleil a couple of times.
I have a walk-in closet at this house! I love it so much. I have never missed an airline flight, probably because I am that weirdo that wants to get to the airport three hours in advance and books stopovers with several hours in between JUST IN CASE.
Oh, I love karaoke. I have done that many times. My go-to is You’re So Vain, but I have done other songs too (Before He Cheats, Hold On, Material Girl).
I have been on the top of the volcano on Maui! And I was really really close to the lava flow on the big island of Hawaii.
I have never purposely eaten an insect but I’ve swallowed quite a few while biking.
I’ve painted a lot, particularly in our Calgary house, which was a fixer-upper. We painted the (PEPTO BISMOL PINK) walls many, many times before the colour didn’t bleed through.
I have not used a pressure cooker and can’t imagine I ever will.
I also attended my high school reunion, the 20th one. The 30th didn’t happen – too many things happening then, it was just coming out of Covid, etc – but I’d love to attend my 40th. I think social media makes high school reunions less “shocking” if that’s the word I’m looking for (it’s not, but I’ll leave it).
Elisabeth
Well, John flies all the time and he agrees with you 100% We always get to the airport with a lot of buffer, and we never book connections with less than 2 hours. So you’re in good company with your travel rules!
Maureen
We lived in FL for 8 years and yes, we had an alligator in the lake in our backyard in our complex. It was about 6-8 ft long. I have pictures of Al!
I have been to the circus and I have a walk in closet (but not glamorous like the ones in ads). It doesn’t even have spackled joints!
I haven’t missed an airline flight yet, but that is because I get there so early, I don’t want to miss a flight. The anxiety would be too much for me. I’ve had them cancelled and I’ve taken a different flight for the bonus, but I have never missed a flight.
Can’t remember if I’ve ever sung karaoke, but I sing in the car; does that count?
Saw an inactive volcano – Vesuvius on our trip to Italy in 2019. Did not hike it and stayed looking at Pompeii and the ruins.
Sorry, I would never eat an insect on purpose. Even for the Amazing Race TV show when you have to eat unknown things, I’d take a hard pass.
And I always paint the interior of my house. In all the houses I’ve been in, I have painted almost every room. I hate painting ceilings tho, and I might contract out for that one. My arms and neck can’t handle it anymore. And my entire house could have the ceilings painted in 1 day by a contractor. It would take me way longer!
One year for Christmas my husband bought me a pressure cooker. They are way different now that in years’ past and there is a 2 part security so you don’t have to worry about it exploding. I love it.
And I did go to one high school reunion (I think my 30th?). Barley knew anyone. I paid $75. (this was on Long Island years ago, so imagine the cost now!) and pretty much sat there. I graduated with 800 kids, so no wonder why I didn’t know a lot of people. I have been to drum corps reunions and those are a lot more fun. I spent a lot of time with a lot of those people working our butts off to win our competitions, so yes, those reunions are fun.
Elisabeth
Wait? You named your alligator, Al? If so, that is too cute. Though I have zero envy that you had an alligator that close to your home.
Painting a room feels like something I should be able to do, but I’m so bad at painting and other home DIY things. It’s a place in our lives where we’ve decided to either do without (a lot of walls in our house badly need painting) or hire it out!
Bijoux
I enjoy these sorts of posts! Here are my answers:
Seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild. Yes! A few times, like in South Carolina and riding an airboat in the Everglades.
Been to a circus. Too many to count! I grew up going to see the Ringling Bros. and we took our kids nearly every year.
Had a walk-in bedroom closet. Yes, I have my own in this house and we had some in a few apartments.
Missed an airline flight. Yes, a long time ago due to a missed connection.
Sung karaoke. No, but I would love to do this. We don’t have any karaoke places around here.
Visited a volcano. Not totally. I’ve been on the slope of Haleakala, but not to the top.
Eaten an insect (on purpose — there was an incident my first time at summer camp when we were playing hide and seek and I accidentally inhaled a dead fly under my bunk bed. That was 30 years ago, and I’m still traumatized by the memory). Not on purpose, but I’ve found bugs in salads a few times, so I suppose it’s happened.
Painted a room (by myself or with someone). I’ve painted most of the rooms in both houses we’ve lived in.
Used a pressure cooker. Never had one!
Attended a high school reunion. I love them! Went to my 10th, 20th, 30th, but had to skip my 40th because it was still during Covid scare and my 3rd grandchild was due, so I had to be healthy to babysit the other two while mom/dad were at hospital.
Elisabeth
We tried to go to Alligator Alley, but it was closed when we drove by 🙁
Bugs in salads. On purpose? Or accidental. I’m assuming the latter. Yuck!
Jenny
Is it weird that I’ve been to a volcano but not a high school reunion? I have more “yes” than “no” on this list- the only things I haven’t done are 3, 5, 7 and 9. Oh wait- and 10. I guess that makes e 50/50. Definitely seen plenty of alligators (I mean, I live in Florida) and painted plenty of rooms. We went to a circus once as kids. And, I missed a flight ONCE. Never again!
Elisabeth
You can fly up and paint lots of rooms for me, Jenny.
I can’t imagine living in a place where alligators are common. Then again, I suppose you can’t imagine living in a place where snow all winter is common!
Jan Coates
I’ve been to a few highschool reunions – it’ll soon be 50 years since I left highschool! And my observation is that people are the same as they were, even though many years have passed. And one thing I haven’t done yet is meet granddaughter #4, Elsje (prounced Elsie) Johanna Vooys born June 3, via scheduled C-section. Peter’s living grandma is Johanna so she’ll be delighted. All is well, and they came home in about 24 hours! Hope to meet her soon!
Elisabeth
Oh Jan, what wonderful news. How exciting!!! Elsje is such a sweet name. And a 24-hour turnaround is wonderful. It’s nice to get back into your own space.
Ally Bean
Have you ever accidentally eaten an insect? Eaten, no. Accidentally swallowed, yes.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? I’ve never done karaoke and hope to keep it that way.
Who’s been to a high-school reunion? I’ve been to 2 high school reunions, one was delightful and casual. The other was uptight and frenzied. Two different committees, with different vibes, planned each one.
Elisabeth
I’d choose the delightful and casual reunion, please and thank you! The world consists of so many different personalities.
Lisa's Yarns
Oh fun!
I’ve never seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild, eaten an insect on purpose (have definitely inhaled plenty especially while running), or attended a HS reunion (AND NEVER WILL).
I’ve only missed an airline flight due to a missed connection but I rarely take connections so it’s been a long time since that happened!
I’ve used both an instant pot and a stove-top pressure cooker. I used the stove-top pressure cooker when I used to can salsa and pasta sauce!
Elisabeth
I don’t feel the desire to go to any reunions (high school or otherwise) at this point. I’m not super close to anyone from those eras, though.
Now a Cool Bloggers reunion…sign me up for that!
Jacquie
Seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild. – Yes when visiting Florida
Been to a circus.- Yes, the old school type with clowns, trained animals, and acrobats and Cirque de Soleil
Had a walk-in bedroom closet. – No
Missed an airline flight. – Yes, because the pilot was sick and a replacement needed to be found which took some time so we missed our connecting flight. However, when we got to the first destination, which was originally Hong Kong and changed to Thailand, the staff were amazing and ready as soon as we got off the plane to take us directly to the next plane for our final destination.
Sung karaoke. – No
Visited a volcano. – Yes, Hawaii and did look at Vesuvius from Pompeii
Eaten an insect. – Not on purpose, but I have memories (shiver) of knowing, yes, I did just swallow that fly!
Painted a room. – Our entire house inside and outside – over the years not in one fell swoop 🙂
Used a pressure cooker. – No
Attended a high school reunion. – Not mine, but have been to my husband’s and plan to go to his 40th next year.
Elisabeth
Wow! I find the concept of the “old” circus fascinating, but also they are always depicted are quasi-sinister places so I can almost feel the hair on the back of my neck raise a bit.
Inside and out! Wow. That’s a lot of painting. Gold stars.
Grateful Kae
Seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild. – yes, in the Everglades in Florida on a boat ride!
Been to a circus.- Yep, several times! The Ringling Brothers Circus (a famous, one of the original circuses?) originated in a town about an hour from my house. They have a whole Circus World Museum and there used to be a very cool circus wagon parade in Milwaukee when I was a kid. I’ve been to the actual circus both as a child and we took the boys when they were quite little a couple times, but there is definitely an increasing ick factor associated with the circus for a variety of reasons, so I don’t really see myself going back anytime soon!
Had a walk-in bedroom closet. – My childhood bedroom had a nice big walk in closet!! My college apartment also had one! I have a much worse closet now as an adult, lol.
Missed an airline flight. – Yep, overslept in Guatemala and totally missed my flight! I was 21… so, there’s that.
Sung karaoke. – Never in public, but I have on the in-home karaoke machines at a family party in Mexico.
Visited a volcano. – Yes, several! I hiked to the top of one in Guatemala, and last winter we hiked up part of the volcano in Toluca, Mexico also. Also saw Arenal Volcano up close in Costa Rica
Eaten an insect. – Yes, I have tried fried grasshopper in Mexico. They are called “chapulines”. They sell them in little cups from carts on the street, served with salt and lime juice! (I tried ONE, did not eat the whole cup!)
Painted a room. – I painted Asher’s room a few years ago. That was my first time! It felt like… a production. lol. Turned out okay but seemed harder than it should! I also re-painted our bathroom ceiling last year. Ditto about feeling hard!
Used a pressure cooker. – No
Attended a high school reunion. – Nope!
Elisabeth
Wow, that’s a lot of circus exposure!
I think my kiddos would love an at-home karaoke machine and I’ve debated it for a Christmas gift before. Maybe this year? I should get reader recs, because I know they’re not all created equal!
I was thinking of you when I did the volcano one 🙂
Why is painting so hard and how do people make it look so easy. But I guess other people could say the same thing about something that comes “easily” to me but seems hard to them. It takes all kinds and I am NOT the painting “kind.”
Catrina Denker
These are good!
Never eaten an insect (on purpose) or used a pressure cooker.
My go-to Karaoke would be something by Queen (Bohemian Rhapsody), the Beatles or Abba. What’s your go-to Karaoke?
Elisabeth
Ohhh. Queen would be classic for karaoke.
SHU
Well, I have not seen a gator in the wild after 12 years in south FL so I consider myself lucky!
My other “nos” are: pressure cooker + insect! I have missed flights when they were connections, but not otherwise.
Elisabeth
Wow. That is an impressive streak and likely one you’re happy to keep going.
K @ TS
Haha! Hey, some of these look familiar! 🙂
Seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild. YES, Australia, Florida, South America, Louisiana.
Been to a circus. YES
Had a walk-in bedroom closet. YES, when I lived in Sacramento, I had an apartment with two roomies, and I got the master!
Missed an airline flight. YES, going from Paris back to San Francisco when I was 21 and (1) did not realize that for international flights you have to be there extra early (2) got on the wrong metro to the airport. The next flight was 24 hours later and I had two suitcases and so I just stayed in a room in the airport!
Sung karaoke. YES
Visited a volcano. YES, Hawaii (active), Guatemala (active), California (not active), Washington (not active), Oregon (not active)
Eaten an insect (on purpose — there was an incident my first time at summer camp when we were playing hide and seek and I accidentally inhaled a dead fly under my bunk bed. That was 30 years ago, and I’m still traumatized by the memory).YES, Mexico.
Painted a room (by myself or with someone). YES, too many to count. My parents are big into DIY. I’ve also painted an entire house, porches, etc. You name it, I have painted it.
Used a pressure cooker. YES, Instapot for the win! But my brother also had one of the old fashioned, on the stove kind.
Attended a high school reunion. YES, twice, and both times I even organized them.
So I am ALL yeses this time! Do I get a prize? 😉
Elisabeth
This is the first time anyone has been all yeses. Why am I not surprised it was you?? So fun. And you can come paint rooms in my house any time. There is so much painting still to do.
Shall I send a mariachi band to your door first thing tomorrow morning?? If that’s a no, your prize is my undying appreciation for all the cool things you have done and continue to do.
K @ TS
No mariachi please. Even in Mexico I tried to avoid them! But I will take your undying affection or appreciation! 🙂
Elisabeth
Done. You’ve got it <3
Alexandra
I’m writing up my answer to this one and posting it on the blog as tomorrow’s post!
Elisabeth
I’ll look forward to it.
Diane
Seen a crocodile or alligator in the wild. – no – how exciting!
Been to a circus. – yes when I was little. It was a lot of fun, I remember.
Had a walk-in bedroom closet – Maybe? I can’t remember. I feel like when I was travelling a lot for work at one point I was put in housing with a walk in closet.
Missed an airline flight. – YES! The day after our wedding we headed to the airport for our flight, but it was on the tail end of a snowstorm so everything was super backed up and we didn’t get checked in in time and missed our flight. We ended up renting a car and driving to North Carolina to catch a different flight to our destination. It was so stressful. The funny thing is, when we got to the ticket counter, they initially said they could rebook us for later that day, but it turns out they had a flight to Portland, Maine and we were going to Portland, Oregon. I’m sure glad we didn’t book that flight. (Though Portland, ME is a lovely lovely city, I’ve since come to learn.)
Sung karaoke – not in a bar.
Visited a volcano – no, sounds like it would be fun, though!
Eaten an insect- yes, the Mexican restaurant near us serves crickets as a snack. They were crunchy and heavily seasoned. My cousin’s friend also makes chips made out of cricket flour and sent us a whole bunch of samples. also crunchy and heavily seasoned.
Painted a room (by myself or with someone) – many times.
Used a pressure cooker- I love my InstantPot.
Attended a high school reunion – Oh no. No desire to do this. I have one high school friend I’m regularly in touch with and that’s enough for me.
Elisabeth
What a stressful start to your honeymoon!!!!
Cricket flour. I mean, it doesn’t sound half bad.
Sophie
The only ones of those I haven’t done are eaten an insect, or used a pressure cooker. I saw crocodiles in the wild in the Daintree rainforest in the far north of Australia (we were in a boat), I’ve visited an active volcano on a Greek island, I’ve been to see Circe du Soleil many years ago. And we missed our flight home from our honeymoon from the Phillipines! Nooo! Our previous internal flight was very late, and Manila airport is so hard to navigate we couldn’t make our international flight in time. The domestic airline was called PAL, and my dad comments after “oh yes, there’s a saying that PAL stands for Plane Always Late”. Sigh.
Elisabeth
There seems to be a common theme of things going awry with transport on honeymoons!! Glad it all worked out in the end <3
I'm glad you had a boat between you and the crocodile - eeks.
Melissa
I have done everything on your list except miss a flight and visit a volcano. We almost missed a connecting flight in Hong Kong, we had to run through the airport. Not our fault though.
Elisabeth
I have run through the airport before. We were sweaty and breathless and then discovered the flight had been delayed and our absolutely frantic sprint was for not.
Ernie
I’ve not visited a volcano, sung karaoke, used a pressure cooker, or missed a flight. I think I’ve done the rest. I think I’ve eaten a bug before while bike riding or something. Ick. Your dead fly story is one for the books though.
I’ve painted so many rooms. I helped my sister Ann paint her garage a few years ago, because her grown sons were supposed to and she was so upset with them, per the usual. I guess I have missed a flight – when it was a connection. That sucked. We were stuck in Heathrow for like 12 hours or something, Mini, Curly, and my dad, and I. Curly was dancing in Scotland for Irish dancing world championships and the plan was to get there in enough time to not have to deal with jetlag. Well, that wasn’t how it played out. I do love my walk in closet in my current house – first time I’ve ever had that. A real treat.
Elisabeth
I figured I would be in the minority not having painted a room. It feels like something I SHOULD be able to do, but I can’t do it well and it overwhelms me completely.
Oof. It’s so frustrating when good plans (to avoid jetlag) go awry.