For twelve years, I toiled away in a conventional job, constantly compiling a mental list of all the daring things I wanted to pursue if I ever broke free. The idea of vibrant hair and a nose ring always intrigued me; perhaps it was the thrill of stepping outside societal norms. Once I left the corporate world in 2010, I eagerly set out to transform my dreams into reality.
Mastering the Backspin
My first goal was simple: master a backspin and show it off whenever I could. This wasn’t strictly forbidden by my job, but it had never been a priority. With my kids napping for three hours each day, it felt like the universe was giving me the perfect time to practice. I even added a playful touch to the end of my spin, leaning on my hand and saying, “Hey, look who’s here!” Unfortunately, I had to retire my backspin after an incident at my husband’s work event, where I accidentally took down one of his colleagues, a seasoned ICU doctor. The last thing I wanted was to be a liability.
Funky Highlights
Next on my list? Funky highlights. I dabbled in pink, blue, and purple streaks, enjoying the rebellious vibe they gave me. Walking into a PTO meeting with my colorful hair felt like a statement—albeit one that would wash out in a few weeks.
Picking Up the Banjo
I also picked up the banjo. “Why the banjo?” people often asked. My answer? You never know when such a skill might come in handy! Sometimes, I even send goofy video clips to my husband at work, just to remind him that he married someone who isn’t afraid to be silly.
Getting a Nose Ring
Recently, I made my mother emotional by getting a nose ring, a decision that took me years to muster the courage for. I’ve never been a fan of pain, and altering my appearance permanently felt like a weighty choice. I had tried to get it done before but faced a series of comedic mishaps, including one time when a man chased my friend and me around a parking lot while we contemplated our decision, only for us to accidentally run over a possum. Clearly, that was not the right time for such a commitment.
A few weeks ago, however, when a friend asked me to join her for a piercing, I knew the moment had come. We gathered another friend who wanted to get a tattoo and rolled up in my minivan, embodying the quintessential midlife crisis. As the first to go, I quickly signed some waiver forms and browsed stud colors, only to find myself dizzy and needing to sit down with my head between my knees. I had learned the hard way that I tend to faint during such procedures. Fortunately, I stayed conscious this time, though I did let out some colorful language during the process.
Adjusting to My New Look
Getting used to my new nose ring has been an adjustment. Just yesterday, while at a spinning class, I forgot it was there and wiped my face with a towel. It snagged, I yelped, and nearly toppled off my bike—thankfully, my clip-in shoes saved me. The instructor thought I was cheering the class on and whooped back at me. I think I’ll take a break from spinning for a while!
What’s Next?
What’s next on my adventure list? Everything else! As I approach my 42nd birthday, I’m acutely aware of how quickly time flies. I’m determined to embrace each day, pursuing passions even if they terrify me. I want my kids to remember me as someone who wasn’t afraid to take risks.
“Look at her,” I hope they’ll say at my funeral. “She really knew how to leap.” “And she was brave,” they’ll add, “after she got over those fainting spells.”
For more insights on navigating life’s bold choices, check out our related post on terms and conditions. And if you’re considering options like home insemination, resources like Make a Mom and Wikipedia can provide valuable information.
In summary, I’ve learned that waiting to embrace the things I truly want only leads to missed opportunities. No more delays; it’s time to live fully and boldly.