SICWTH

My friend Janet Speranza-Moran inadvertently provided me with a motto for life. Last year she said her New Year's resolution was to say more often, "Sure I can. What the hell?!" I'm no risk-taker; I need reminders to grab opportunities.

So when the kids discovered that you could Segway on the beach, I thought: Not me. Bad knee. Bad balance. I'll fall and wreck myself. Then: SICWTH to the rescue!

I had a couple of nervous moments. My legs got tired. But it's not exactly climbing Mt. Everest, or even zip lining over alligators (another possibility). It was an amazing hour of fun on a gorgeous, summery day.

The Alligator Farm sounded like the biggest tourist trap of all time. But we gave it a try (what the hell?!), and it turned out to be a good little zoo. In addition to the alligators and other fun critters, there's a native birds area. The great egrets were in breeding mode, fluffing their feathers, posturing, and building nests.

Speaking of which, spring was in the air at the truly touristy Fountain of Youth, too:

I got a second chance at a wood stork portrait:

And SICWTH served me well when it was time to drop the kids at Orlando airport and drive two hours home alone through a strange city at night. Thanks, Janet! And thanks to my kids, who are terrific supports and great fun to be with.