As we get older (I am beginning my middle age years ugh) we often reflect on our past. I often ponder the things I have done and wish I hadn't. Today I want to look back and list things I didn't do and wish I did. Here's a few of mine.

I wish...

1. I would have been a girl scout.
I was always so jealous of the girl scouts in elementary school. Not only were they so popular at cookie sale time, but they looked so adorable when they got to wear their uniforms and sashes all day in class. Besides learning how to crochet a potholder, I would have learned how to properly TeePee a house. Now that I'm older it would be nice to have an "in" with those delicious Do-Si-Dos".

2. I would have gone to camp.
I never sat around the fire and sang "Kumbuya". It's kinda like going to college..for a week...at age 12. You learn new things, you stay up late. You meet new people. You get bug bites in unmentionable places. You form friendships that endure (at least through Jr High) and memories that last forever.

3. I would have kept playing the piano.
Never learned to read music, but somehow managed to play pretty well. Amazing since I am not very good at memorizing, but I did memorize how to play certain songs. I didn't mind practicing so much, but the recitals. Totally different story. Why do music teachers put children through that? Completely tragic really. Life scarring. I was so terrified from being up in front of a crowd that not only did I play "Ragtime" so fast, it sounded like the Chipmunks were playing it, I never touched the piano again. Now that I'm older I long to play for simple enjoyment and my memory is too far gone.

4. I could have been a cheerleader.
My parents thought cheer leading was a big waste of time. Only dumb girls did it. I know that it isn't true, because most of them went on to college and pretty successful adult lives. Which is more than I can say for myself. But mostly I wish I would have been a cheerleader because of the camaraderie that the squad had. Plus it was such a workout, maybe I would have learned appreciation for the slim and slender body I had back then, and worked harder to keep it. Now if I try a cartwheel , I pull a thigh muscle and can't walk for a week.

5. I would have gone to college.
Now obviously the future adult success factor plays a big part of this wish. But also, I would have enjoyed the whole experience. Living away from home, learning (yes I really do love to learn) meeting new and different people. OK, I have been curious as to how exactly a beer bong works, but I promise, it's not the main reason. Either are the super cute older intellectual professors.....

Now I suppose I could go on and on choosing even more minute choices..wishes..whatever. But no need. I am who I am because of the things I did AND didn't do. The cool thing is, though I can't prevent my children from making the same mistakes I have, I can give them opportunities that I didn't have. Even if it is building a toolbox in Boy Scouts, or holding hands with a girl for the first time after campfire songs, or finding out what it's like to live in a dorm (no beer bongs allowed).

Miss any opportunities in your past?