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The idea of standing out in a crowd is what sells books these days- what is the most interesting thing to happen to you or what is the most interesting thing about you....I have to think about my life and what stands out to share.

The most dangerous thing to happen was when you were on the ground!!

Hmmm...what an interesting question...difficult to beat Alex's experiences, especially with the naval landing craft (nice job, Captain! hahahaha)

1. I was the co-concertmaster of the Milwaukee All-City Senior High School Orchestra
2. I almost died in a typhoon off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula attempting to return to a Chilean naval vessel in a small tender following some geological work on the peninsula (spoiler alert: I lived)

3. As a 2nd LT in the US Army, Corps of Engineers, I was assigned TDY to work in Israel on a special mission with the Israeli Army in 1966. While there, was allowed to visit the area where work was being performed on the archaeological site of King's Solomon's Stables.
4. As a contractor, created and led a Skunk Works-type research and development organization that produced, for the Navy, the first operationally capable AI and neural network programs. (1984). [And you think this stuff was invented yesterday?]
5. Briefed a federal law enforcement agency, at their request, on evidence I had collected while writing one of my Det. Louis Martelli, NYPD, mystery/thrillers. Unfortunately, the statute of limitations (5 years) on the crimes I uncovered had run out.
6. As a licensed Amateur Radio operator for more than 62 years (call sign: N4XX), I have spoken on the air to King Hussain of Jordan and the King of Saudi Arabia . I also transmitted (under special temporary authorization from the FCC) the first television pictures to Antarctica from the US in the shortwave bands (1972) using a special technique call slow-scan television.

Fascinating. What an interesting life, Ted.

Carole wrote: "Fascinating. What an interesting life, Ted."

It's been a hoot!

I've been thinking of what to write- my life, as everyone else is filled long strands of occurrences, with so many pivotal moments that stick out and somehow change the trajectory of my path. Alex, you've listed several situations that I would love to hear more about- I see several blog posts in the making there. Ted, wow- we must have dinner one day.
One thing sticks out- it was one of those events that happen that teaches you something about yourself and your personal power. My parents imbued a healthy sense of self-worth and self-respect in all their children- still I had learning disabilities (in those days they said you weren't paying attention)- I couldn't tell time until I was well into my twenties and my little brother had to patiently teach me to tie my shoes at seventeen- so...as I result- I learned to be a worker, but always in the background. I never took the spotlight for fear those inadequacies would be highlighted and people would make fun of me. It was a surprise when I landed the lead in Our Town. The teacher chose the final scene to be done simply as a radio show. We had to capture an audience using nothing but our voices- no hand movements, no imploring looks- he explained that some the the best acting was when we used our voices, without the distractions of scenery. We were to read it from our books (which pleased me- while I have a photographic memory, it's for trivia nobody cares about rather than something like a part in a play.)
I went to a rather tough school- filled with kids living a hard-scrabble life. At one point it was so bad, I remember National Guardsmen lining our hallways to keep peace (Hey, it was the 70's.)

If you know the play, it is the last scene when Emily Webb speaks from her grave. She has died in childbirth and doesn't understand what happened to her. She has a soliloquy where she clings to life- the sweet things like the smell of coffee, sunflowers, and clocks ticking. She is allowed to go back for one single day and relive it. She travels to when she was a young girl and tries to get her parents to notice her. She tells them to grab the seconds before life changes and scars them. They don't and she realizes we waste time on nonsense. We are here for a short time and should savor each minute.
Now, I was scared. There must have been 500 rowdy students in there. I was the last act, the finale. The show ran too long. It was the last period of the day- I went on to do my role.
Students were squirming, they were tired, many reached under their seats to put their books in their laps so they could make a mad dash when the final bell rang. I want to add, I was not a popular kid, not a cool kid. I was an invisible kid.
I started tentatively. My mom was in the last row and I remember her eyes. She nodded with encouragement. The rustling almost drown me out. I paused and looked over the sea of faces and began the "moving part." It grew so quiet a pin could have dropped and it would be heard. The kids became still, I went on with the final speech and don't you know that damn bell rang just at the best part!
Well, no one moved. We all looked at each other and I realized they were waiting for me to finish, their faces rapt. I completed the whole thing. We made the buses wait. I learned I wasn't invisible and most people were good. as well as considerate They made me feel that I could do anything. It created the templet of my life. So not only did I learn to appreciate each and every day of my life form the play- I learned to make the most of it, as well.

When I saw you commented, Ted, I already knew without reading the comments that I didn't want to follow anything you had written. Lol You have such a fascinating life!

Haha, Alex! The deer story made my morning. :)

Erica wrote: "When I saw you commented, Ted, I already knew without reading the comments that I didn't want to follow anything you had written. Lol You have such a fascinating life!"

LOL Yes, boring...that's me. Ask my poor suffering wife of 53 years (actually, we've known each other 57 years). She tells me the only reason she's let me live this long is that I'm still a work in progress.

hahahah

Carole wrote: "I've been thinking of what to write- my life, as everyone else is filled long strands of occurrences, with so many pivotal moments that stick out and somehow change the trajectory of my path. Alex,..."

Carole, what a great story! I absolutely loved it. Obviously, it changed everything...your life, your relationship to the other children...absolutely beautiful.

A couple things for me:

1. My high school band was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall when I was 17. One of the most incredible experiences of my life!

2. My husband proposed to me while we were rock climbing.

Erica wrote: "A couple things for me:

1. My high school band was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall when I was 17. One of the most incredible experiences of my life!

2. My husband proposed to me while we were..."

Wow! Carnegie Hall. I am impressed. What do you play? (and if you're still not taking lessons, shame on you!)

And good for your husband. He probably vowed to leave you up there unless you said "yes!" LOL

Alex wrote: "Hard to follow the things you've done, Ted, glad I went ahead of you, I got to sound interesting for a short while.

Sounds like you did amazing, Carole, well done, you couldn't get me to do somet..."

I don't know...some of the places you've been I'll never get to see. I envy you that, sir.

Erica wrote: "A couple things for me:

1. My high school band was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall when I was 17. One of the most incredible experiences of my life!

2. My husband proposed to me while we were..."

Carnegie Hall!! What an experience and honor!! What instrument? or do you sing?

Carole, that is an incredibly inspiring story! Thank you for sharing!

Let's see....

1. Was held up at gunpoint once. 2nd scariest thing ive ever dealt with.

2. Talked to Sean Connery for hours about filmmaking at an airport once.

3. Made a celebrity "cry". (She was being dramatic and making a scene so I didn't technically do it, which is why it didn't phase me lol)

There's more but I want to keep it light lol

Yeah he was cool as ice.

Alex wrote: "Theodore wrote: "I don't know...some of the places you've been I'll never get to see. I envy you that, sir."

The Howard Carter and Death on the Nile things were both during a holiday to Egypt.
I w..."

Just amazing. Wish it were possible for us to see, but alas, I doubt it ever will happen. The situation at Abu Simbel reminds me of what we saw at Chichen Itza (Mexico, of course). How these people knew what they knew at the time about the Sun, Moon, and stars is just unbelievable.

R.L. wrote: "Let's see....

1. Was held up at gunpoint once. 2nd scariest thing ive ever dealt with.

2. Talked to Sean Connery for hours about filmmaking at an airport once.

3. Made a celebrity "cry". (She ..."

Heavy stuff! (;>)

You all have some seriously interesting facts about you. Hope you include them in your writing. They say write what you know after all

Theodore wrote: "Erica wrote: "A couple things for me:

1. My high school band was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall when I was 17. One of the most incredible experiences of my life!

2. My husband proposed to me..."

He was belaying me. :) I didn't have a choice but to say yes. My life depended on it! Lol

I play multiple instruments, but clarinet is what I mainly play. Unfortunately with the kids, I don't have as much time to play as I use to and am loosing a lot of my skills. I keep telling myself I need to start playing daily again and haven't.

I do still play my Native American flute and Irish Penny Whistle frequently. My brother and I play our Native American Flutes for Eagle Scout ceremonies. :)

R.L. wrote: "Let's see....

1. Was held up at gunpoint once. 2nd scariest thing ive ever dealt with.

2. Talked to Sean Connery for hours about filmmaking at an airport once.

3. Made a celebrity "cry". (She ..."

#1 sounds terrifying and #2 is just awesome!

Yeah it was crazy. As a matter of fact it happened during Hurricane Wilma. Its the reason why i barely sleep during a hurricane. Crooks are on the loose.

Erica wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Erica wrote: "A couple things for me:

1. My high school band was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall when I was 17. One of the most incredible experiences of my life!

2. My husba..."

I knew your husband was a stand-up guy hahahaha

Good for you...stay with the clarinet...this will give you inspiration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb3kt...

I went back to the violin after not playing for 50 years, and still take lessons once a week. Great feeling. I think it's wonderful what you and your brother do.

You all have such amazing experiences that I’m not even going to attempt to be nearly as cool. Instead, I’m going for fun…I was at Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. Now, if you’re not a sports fan (I’m a huge one) or if you’re not from Minnesota (I am) or Atlanta, this may not mean a whole lot to you, but I have to tell you, it was an incredible game.

With the exception of one game, all the games in this seven-game series were very close, three of them going to extra innings. Game 7, however, is ranked as one of the all-time best World Series games. (By people other than just me!) Scoreless after nine innings, this game, too, went to extra innings. The starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, Jack Morris, refusing to come out of the game, pitched a scoreless top of the tenth. Then a lead-off double by Dan Gladden, a sacrifice bunt by Chuck Knoblauch, two intentional walks to Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek, and finally a single by Gene Larkin that scored Gladden equaled a Twins’ 1-0 World Series victory.

Ahhh. Allow me a moment to smile and wave my Homer Hanky.

It truly was an incredible game, unbelievably tense until the last moment.
Being a sports fan from Minnesota is tough.
Championships are hard to come by: Twins World Series wins in 1987 and 1991, and more recently, a few WNBA Championships being the extent of our trophy-hoisting.
Heartache is not.
So, we tend to remember our victories fondly, and being able to say “I was there when…” is kind of a big deal here :)

Oh, and what made it even more incredible? At seven months pregnant, I never once left my seat during that extra-innings game to visit the restroom!!

Margaret wrote: "You all have such amazing experiences that I’m not even going to attempt to be nearly as cool. Instead, I’m going for fun…I was at Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. Now, if you’re not a sports fan (..."

Terrific story! ESPN needs you...just stay away from politics!!!

This is so cool and I think we come away knowing each other better. It's all exciting stuff. There are so many layers to people. There was this great Ian Fleming Bond book- don't remember which one, when the great spy Bond has to have dinner with the governor of Bermuda and some of his friends. He smugly thinks he will be bored and be the only person who leads a thrilling life. The outcome was, he was fascinated with a dentist's wife- whose story riveted him for the entire evening and when I read that forty years ago, I realized everybody has something that makes them interesting and worth knowing.

Mine's a bit meh:

1 passed my Grade 8 piano exam when I was 19 (the only other one after that is the diploma that is known as the teaching grade).

2 passed a Grade 4 in singing in my 20s.

3 performed on stage for about 10 years in my 20s- various plays, musicals, pantos. When I wasn't on stage I'm pretty handy with power tools so I helped build the sets. One year in panto I played the back end of the cow. The following year I was promoted to play the panda.

4 Sang at the Royal Festival Hall in London with my school.

5 worked for the BBC for 7 years where I met my husband.

6 I can put my feet behind my head. One at a time. And I can't let go or I'll decapitate myself. I am hypermobile which means I can give people a meaningful look and say "you'd be amazed the positions I can get my body into."

Amy wrote: "Mine's a bit meh:

1 passed my Grade 8 piano exam when I was 19 (the only other one after that is the diploma that is known as the teaching grade).

2 passed a Grade 4 in singing in my 20s.

3 pe..."

I don't know where to begin, but that feet thingy is impressive! LOL

Did you work at the BBC studios across from the Hotel Langham in London?

Yep Broadcasting House for most of it. It's unrecognisable now. My husband still works on the BBC IT contract via a third party so he's over there sometimes.

Theodore wrote: "Margaret wrote: "You all have such amazing experiences that I’m not even going to attempt to be nearly as cool. Instead, I’m going for fun…I was at Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. Now, if you’re n..."

Hah! For sure!

I don't know. I went to Egypt in 2009. I'm still trying to get over the food poisoning (not kidding) didn't even make it to tombs or pyramids.

Got one. I once had an out of body experience as a small child. I was choking on a bit of pear and remember asking my mum and my sister afterwards who was sitting on the sofa watching while they held me upside down and bashed me on the back. There was no-one there. I was so scared that my brain made me believe I was watching from the sofa while someone else was choking. Must have been about 3 or 4.

Wow Amy. That's gnarly.

Amy wrote: "Yep Broadcasting House for most of it. It's unrecognisable now. My husband still works on the BBC IT contract via a third party so he's over there sometimes."

We had a great tour there back in 2014...read radio scripts, the news, did sound effects, and the like. The beautiful blond reading the news is my wife, Susan (;>)

The other one I love is when I woke up one night to go to the loo probably as a teenager. I opened my door and was faced with an undead version of my mother grimacing at me. To this day I swear she was there. I shut my eyes and counted to ten and convinced myself there was nothing there. Opened my eyes- gone. Went past their bedroom and they were both in there asleep. Mum bought the clothes and the jewellery I saw her wearing several years later. The brain is a weird thing. Lol

Theodore wrote: "Amy wrote: "Yep Broadcasting House for most of it. It's unrecognisable now. My husband still works on the BBC IT contract via a third party so he's over there sometimes."

We had a great tour there..."

I've heard about those tours. They look great.

Amy wrote: "Theodore wrote: "Amy wrote: "Yep Broadcasting House for most of it. It's unrecognisable now. My husband still works on the BBC IT contract via a third party so he's over there sometimes."

We had a..."

They are terrific...if you have an opportunity to take one, by all means, do.

You are tuned into something Amy. I saw my mom in my home about a year after she passed. I never told anyone. I went to a famous psychic the following week and he said, "You saw your mom last week, it was her and she was there."

Mum was in the room with me about three days after she died. I don't know why, we didn't really get on. I was glad when she'd "left". Hope you enjoyed your visit more. I used to have dreams about things that then happened a few weeks later. That can be explained away these days. I never told anyone but I dreamt of a large plain crash two weeks before a major plane crash.

I've had a couple of those. I question myself when it happens and go- "Nah," and then something else will happen and I know I really did see it. I have a sister-in-law who won't travel when I tell her not to. lol

And she's probably wise not to.