One of my favorite things to do is to live someone else's life. I like to figure out why people do the things they do. Is running fun? People get up insanely early to do it. So is getting up early fun? People do that too.
Well, I've figured out a bit about both. Running races can be fun. And waking up early is just funny.
A few more things I've tried just to see why people do it:
1. Performing with my band in a loud, smoky bar where no one is listening
2. Sitting in line for half a day to get a 2 second hug by the Divine Mother, Ama
3. Doing the yoga move of standing on my head in an ashram in India
4. Eating an excessive amount of junk food without thinking about it
5. Committing to a 40 hour a week job that trades a freedom I've known with another one I haven't
So I took my guys bowling this morning. As I sat waiting for my turn, I was awed to see about 7 strips of neon poster board with names printed above the lanes.
"M. Ellis 300"
"R. Porter 299"
A perfect bowling game is 300. I believe that means M. Ellis got 10 strikes in a row? And R. Porter to this day is still cursing one pin?
Bowling is someone's whole life... That is terribly fascinating. I looked around at all the little extras that the serious bowler enjoys. A personalized bowling ball, custom-made bowling shoes, a team of buddies with matching shirts.
So this is my third time out bowling with the boys. I've gone from a score of 85 to 128. I like figuring out the skill I need. I like how involuntary it is for my observers to say "Ooohhh! So close!" when they're watching my ball barely miss a pin.
I don't like bowling. But someone does. So I have a good time, watching them watch me.
What are some things you've tried just to see why people do it?
6 comments:
Skiing.
I don't see what all the fuss is about. I didn't like it at all, and I tried it twice, just to make sure.
Going to a dance club alone. The first time was bad enough that I was ready to swear off wasting my money by going there. The second time was fun, but I learned that I wasn't anywhere near as good at dancing as I thought I was and have decided that I'll need to either take some dance lessons or give up endangering women that won't say no to dancing with me by simply giving it up. I think I'll go with the first when I have time and money to do that.
drinking copious amounts of tequila in high school
not kissing a guy that i really liked so i would seem demure
standing on my head in that ashram in Rishikesh
surfing in Santa Barbara
wearing high heels all day everyday in Seoul
eating sushi...
wearing makeup...
...i know there is more!
I'm with Stargirl about skiing. Honestly, why do people love hurtling themselves down mountains with nothing between them and near death experiences but a nice warm coat?
My other thing would be calamari. I'm of the opinion that one should try most things twice. I've tried calamari at least three times now and it's never gotten any better.
cliff diving & karaoke.
never, ever again. (i guess i didn't get it.)
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