Monday 3 December 2012

Someday maybe you can.


When I was a kid we had the Childcraft series, a series of educational books for children with stories, poems and facts - facts seen from the point of view of America in the 1960's. I tried to get my son to use one on a project on another country, and let's just say I quickly whipped it away. The words weren't pretty.

In the volume 'How things change', there was an entry called 'Fly to School?' about jetpacks, though in those days they were called "rocket belts". "Who needs a bicycle or bus to get to school? Look at you! Flying to school." It even had real photographs taken of the U.S. Army experimenting.


This idea appealed to me so much, I remembered it clearly, and felt slightly ripped off that the future didn't bring jetpacks as a mode of every day transport as promised (it also promised a hover car, but that's for another post). Until....in my other gig, there was a trial of a jetpack adventure up for grabs....WHAT?! How did this exist IN SYDNEY without me knowing about it? A quick google and I discovered Sydney Jetpack Adventures. Of course I applied, and waited with my fingers crossed! The winner was announced but I missed out. I couldn't believe it. It was perfect for the list, and I was MEANT to do it...confusion and disappointment swirled in my head, but not for long - where there's a crazy demented determined will, there's a way! I'd just add it to my xmas list - what's easier than a voucher? Google again, both Red Balloon and Adrenalin have them...(I'm more amazed I've been oblivious to the jetpack existence as I get emails regularly from both these sites.) However, a last minute reprieve came through and I am booked in next week (it would have been yesterday if it was up to me, but they were fully booked!!). I am bursting with excitement and joy at the thought of it. I've been dancing round the house, annoying even the children (rubbing it in their faces, according to the oldest).



The poem in the book ended with the magical line that planted the seed so long ago:
"Wouldn't it be fun,
if you really could
put on your rocket belt
and fly to school or to the movies?

Someday maybe you can."

Well, someday is Monday the 10th, baby!



So the list grows...

Torshlusspanik List:
1. Shooting (check)
2. Fencing (check)
3. Play croquet at Croquet Club
4. Laser skeet
5. Off road buggy driving
6. Play Assassins Creed
7. Jetpacking!


PS This is not a sponsored post (though sponsors, I'm here and penniless, feel free contact me!!) but I am getting a free trial for my other gig to write a review of the experience - Just TRY to shut me up about it!! I've been telling EVERYBODY!!!

Linking up with Jess here for IBOT. Head Fly over to see who else is there....also, check out the lovely First of the Month Fiction by Carly (Confessions of a 30 something woman) here. Her story is great. You have a month to write for the Jan 1st....reminder will come out again beforehand.

10 comments:

  1. Wow!! This will be an experience and a half! Have fun with it, can't wait to read all about it.

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  2. As you know you will...just TRY to shut me up! ;)

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  3. Well, good luck :). Me, I'm holding out for the flying car!!

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  4. My son wants to invent the hover chair, so once he's done that, I'll direct him towards the hover car....

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  5. Soooo exciting. I can't wait to hear if the experience is as good as the hype :)
    Becc via #ibot

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  6. I had no idea you could do this? This is something Boatman would love to do :)

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    Replies
    1. At least you have the excuse of not living in Sydney - I have no idea how this had been going on under my radar for so long!

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  7. oh my goodness how awesome!!
    it is going to be a huge experience for you!
    i will be eagerly anticipating your post-report
    those books look like something else, i'm sure in their time - they were the go-to for everything
    how things have changed
    enjoy every moment of your adventure
    xx

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  8. I loved the books, and spent hours pouring over them - they even had a volume on how to look at art (from a childs point of view)...but when I go to show the kids something from them, it's never QUITE how I remember....but I still can't part with them, as you can see.

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