As the world turns upside....

Take a moment and reflect back to when you were 15 years old. For some of you that might take a good minute or two but please gather there with me. I say 15 because back then we enjoyed things that we don't really enjoy so much as an adult. There are lots of things I could list, but today I'm going to focus on one in particular. CARNIVAL RIDES.

I'm not sure what happens, because at age 15 we think such things are AWESOME! I used to spend tons of time and money at EVERY fair/carnival and the like that would make it's way to my little town. Funny that back then, Tilt a Whirl just didn't "do it" for me. You know what I mean? I needed it to be daring...I needed it to stir the adrenaline a bit. Ferris Wheel? That thing was for kids, old people, and those wanting to make out. I was always eager to jump into the line for some heart stopping, gut wrenching rides. What happened?

I ask because I was fortunate enough to attend the "Sports Carnival" at the Aloha Stadium this past Friday night. For starters, all my Kakalaka folks can appreciate the fact that this little carnival made the Stokes County Fair look like the Dixie Classic. It had about 5 big people rides and some games. It was cute I suppose. So naturally, I attended with someone who was more than eager to ride everything that made my stomach turn to knots. I DON'T KNOW WHY! I used to ride this stuff and enjoy it. Now just looking at the ride makes my ulcer act up. Not to mention I seem to be slightly more concerned about the construction of these very rides. I never cared before...stuff coulda been hangin loose and I would have begged and pleaded for the ever attractive ride crew to let me on anyway. So to my surprise, as I'm sitting there on even a slow paced not too thrilling ride, I got a little nervous that they found a bolt on the ground and started to search for where it came off.

Tilt a Whirl (though not at this carnival but at the Punahou Mud Fest 2005 that Deanna, Rob and I attended earlier in the year) proved to be enough good hearted fun for me and Deanna. Then at the Sports Carnival I'm FORCED to ride that big circle known as the "Ring of Fire". You know...the one that's basically a roller coaster that only goes in one big loop. STUPID. But anyway, I was joined on this ride by Shaneazy and her side kick Patrick. Patrick said it best as we were suspended there in air, upside down, all the change falling out of our pockets, "there is no need for this, just no need". I agreed with Patrick also when he commented that the ride just took up too much space. But seriously, what is fun about that? just forced to hang upside down in this contraption like a gosh darn monkey! Gettin' all bruised from the restraints, losing everything you're carrying for what? to slow roll back and forth in a circular motion??? HOW IS THIS FUN? WHY DID I EVER THINK THIS WAS FUN?

The Zipper...

At one point in time the Zipper was most definitely one of my favorite rides. If you can't picture it it's the one that has ferris wheel like seats but they are caged. The ride rolls you around like you are a freakin hamster in a running ball. Round and Round...Round we go like Tupac says. As you can imagine, Mr. Patrick was a huge fan of this ride as well. Granted, after I got used to it for a minute, I did find it fun, but I think for the most part the fun stuff was listening to Patrick and Shanelle scream and complain in horror! Otherwise...flipping back and forth, back and forth, again losing the contents of your pockets, truly not necessary.

So what happened to me? Am I silly? Did this happen to you guys? Am I alone on this? I can't even imagine trying to ride like a for real ride at a theme park. I imagine I'd lose whatever cheese dog I'd just scarfed down!