Reply #34: Sure--because I DO those things, but I don't go on rollercoasers and

[tblue37]

deathdrop rides.

My kids, on the other hand, are way too adventurous.

My son has been whitewater rafting in Europe--in the same place and during the same summer when tourists were drowning doing it. He went bungee jumping in Munich. He is always looking for stuff like that to do.

I have pictures of my daughter petting full grown tigers in Thailand (even belly-rubbing one!). She said they were "tame." (I told her there's no such thing as a tame tiger. One startle and it's all over--as Roy of Siegfried and Roy knows all too well.) She and her boyfriend almost got attacked by a pack of wild dogs in Romania. She plans to work with DOctors without Borders someday. I am almost releived that in order to get a medical degree one must go into debt to the tune of a quarter million dollars these days. That means that for many years after she graduates, she will have to focus on earning money to pay down her huge debt--here in the USA.

Needless to say, both of my kids absolutely love thrill rides.

I am not like that at all. I enjoy life in the slow lane. I never even exceed the speed limit when I drive.

But I have never tried to stand in their way. Just because I am a Nervous Nelly, that doesn't give me the right to tie them to what they would consider a boring life. I do spend a fair amount of time worrying, but I know they are smart, so I have to hope for the best.