Memory Markers

I wrote this diary entry a few years ago, and have revised it as time progressed. These events are not particularly life altering, but since I found them important enough to remember and mentioned them in conversations, I decided to pen them down. The items on the list are related to travels, schooling and/or career accomplishments. The entry is in a list format so I deemed it as a perfect opportunity to include it on the blog. I hope to continue adding to it.  In no particular chronological order:

• witnessed a solar eclipse 
• went skiing in NY and actually learned how to ski a few years ago (finally) in Tahoe
• went canoeing at Bayshore Park (canoe capsized; cell phone destroyed)
• went on a hot air balloon ride in Arizona 
• went rock climbing once (and it will remain that way) 
• slept under the stars and watched shooting stars flash across the sky
• watched a bear rummage through the storeroom where food was being stored (at camp) 
• swam with dolphins twice in Mexico
• graduated from one of the world's famous universities
• lived in Berkeley for 11/2 years and witnessed many of its infamous "ridiculousness"
• have educated 85 4th graders in 4 years (not counting summer school)
• rode on camels in Pakistan
• Took a ride in a rickshaw many times when I lived in Pakistan
• saw a sunset in Mexico from a beach resort
• para sailed in Mexico
• sat on a banana boat in Mexico. Didn't fall. 
• jet skied in Mexico
• rode an ATV in Mexico
• saw the Grand Canyon 
• Took a road trip to Reno, Nevada
• gambled (a few quarters in slot machines) in Las Vegas and Atlantic City
• Attended dancing clubs
• Visiting the beautiful landscapes of Northern Pakistan. Learned where I am from from Pappa
• Been a bridesmaid at 2 of my friends' weddings
• went snorkeling in Mexico
• went horseback riding on the beach twice
• went white water rafting twice in the American River
• swam in Mono Lake
• stayed in Costa Rica for 35 days with a local family 
• wine tasting in Napa Valley/Tram ride
• took a gondola ride in Venice, Italy
• danced on top of a bar in Mexico and in a cage (my parents would not be proud of this one)
• auditioned for a part in a movie (didn't get it)
• went shooting at a shooting range
• was an audience member of The Oprah Show
• had a pillow fight with goose feathers flying all around me
• went to see a Broadway show, Wicked
• learned to believe in myself and finally stood up for myself at work
• canyoning in Costa Rica
• zip lined in Costa Rica
• watched the Arenal Volcano erupt
• held a toucan
• shook hands with a monkey, touched a frog and a crab in Costa Rica
• went to the Toubacon hot springs, sat under a waterfall and actually saw (just saw) a bar in the pool 
• went to see the turtle eggs hatch, but ended up spending 2 hours under the open sky with fireflies
• finally smoked my first joint in Puerto Viejo (didn't finish it)
• got a massage and scrub treatment in a resort spa in Arizona
• realized playing golf in Pakistan that it is a difficult sport
• visited a concentration camp
• saw part of the Berlin Wall
• was in a school play in Pakistan and actually spoke lines
• visited the Senate and the House of Representatives
• learned to play the flute 
• taught English in a foreign country
• had a vintage styled photo shoot with a professional photographer
• Met an ex-prime minister of Pakistan, General Pervaz Musharaff in a restaurant 
• rode a cable car in San Francisco on a beautiful summer day
• visited the Hearst Castle
• selected my first car without much thought and love it!
• learned to ride roller coasters with my eyes open