My first Decade

She did it. And so did she. I thought they were crazy for being able to remember, but then I just started thinking about it. Here's what I remember.

My first decade.

Age 1: While sitting in the middle of the front seat in my car seat - my mom and I are in a car accident. She claims I saved her life, since she wasn't wearing a seatbelt and my car seat kept her in place. (not a memory - a story)

Age 2: I've got nothing.

Age 3: Attend preschool for the first time. Remember having my picture taken with a Polaroid and thinking that was the neatest thing ever.

Age 4: While playing at the playground I work up the nerve to let go of the monkey bars and just hang there by my legs.

Age 5: During kindergarten we acted out the story of George Washington and the Cherry Tree. You know, he cut down the tree, and then had to tell the truth. (was it George Washington or someone else...hmmm..) Anyway, we acted it out using those big long wooden blocks. We set up some tall blocks for trees and then went around knocking them down with other blocks. Decided it might be fun to teach kindergarten when I grow up.

Age 6: While waiting for school to start on the first day, I was swinging my purse (I had a purse!) around and around - 'til I hit a bee and was stung in the arm. I got a quick trip to the nurses office before school even started! At some point during 1st grade I decided that Hellen Keller wa a pretty cool women.

Age 7: Started dance lessons - quickly learned I preferred tap to ballet. Decided I wanted to be a dancer when I grow up.

Age 8: Learned there was a direct relation to the number of empty beer cans in the garage and my dad's moods. Would spend many afternoons and evenings at the neighbor's house when there was more than 4 or 5.

Age 9: Had to write a letter for school. I didn't get a perfect score because I spelled love "luv", which is how I always spelled it in letters to my cousin. Did not confront the teacher, but still, 21 years later, it bothers me that I wan't allowed that creative spelling in a letter addressed to a friend.

Age 10: Was amazed at Mr. Frank who could somehow see what was going on behind his back. Was it his ring? Were there mirrors in his classroom? Who knows...