A Fond Memory...Thanks, Sista!
My sister is doing a RAK giveaway (thanks, Liz) and, true to form, she got me ta'thinkin' about my childhood and some of the fond memories. She's such a good big sister, except when she has plastic sissors.
Here's what I posted.
Like many others, I have so many fond memories. To say I was fortunate growing up is truly an understatement. I have two wonderfully diverse parents, equally supportive grandparents (who both loved a grand adventure), and four siblings to explore my childhood with -- not to mention an excellent group of friends.
It is hard to choose only one, but I decided on one that involved the whole family. Our parents continually worked hard to broaden our experiences -- although, I suspect they like to "play" just as much as the next person. When I was in 2nd grade, we took a several week road trip. We journeyed across much of the West, visiting relatives and historic/key points of interest. I'd have to say my fondest memory was sitting at the table of the RV, working on my homework (because we had to keep up in school) and wondering what new adventure was just around the bend. We'd already seen the deer antler arches in Wyoming, went horse-back riding and played hide-n-seek in corn fields in Montana, and visited Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Occasionally I'd glance up from my work and stare out the window at the passing world, desperate to soak it all in and remember every detail. I remember seeing mom and dad switch drivers without stopping the RV. The switch complete, dad would walk back with a satisfied grin and check on our progress. Ahhhh... things were a little different then. The trip was incredible and shaped me in ways I'm still discovering nearly 30 years later....
But, you want to know what the coolest part of the whole trip was???
We returned to school, dreading the fact that we were back to the daily grind, saddened that our biggest adventure had come to an end. (Think end of summer vacation to a factor of 10.) I remember trudging into class and reviewing my work with Mrs. Reid. Initial shock was replaced by a growing glee as I realized just how far ahead of my classmates I was. (Thanks, mom, for keeping us at it!!) It took weeks for my class to catch up to me. I got to spend my free time reading extra books and doing extra art projects. In essence I got to play more.
To quote Napoleon Dynamite...
"Sweet!"
And, speaking of Napoleon, check out this bit from Microsoft - courtesy of Seth Godin.
COMMENTS
Kayt said:
I LOVED Frontier Land! Truly a favorite. Yep, the driving parent would get into a semi-standing position, leaving a foot on the gas and hands on the wheel. The other would slip in behind to the seat -- lifting the arm rest first, of course. Fun to watch. Even funner to watch the expressions on both faces. I don't think either of them would do it now, but... at the time... (shrug) We have such cool parents. Thanks, again, Sis!
Liz Ness said:
They traded places without stopping the RV? Yikes! I don't remember that -- must have repressed it(heh-heh). I love your memory of it, too...stuff I'd forgotten (like the horseback riding...how could I forget that?). Also, I remember being so jazzed, too, that we were so far ahead of the others when we returned home. What's strange is that we spent LESS time doing school work than usual...two - three hours a day vs. six. We accomplished sooooooo much! Also, a highlight for me, was the visit to Frontier Land. Yummy wood stuff everywhere (strange, huh?). Thanks for your comment on my blog, sista, and for sparking some lost memories for me!
