I love roller coasters. I’ve ridden scads of ’em. From California Screamin’ on one side of the country to Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster on the other. And doesn’t it always seem like these rides know how to push you to the very … very … VERY edgiest of edges? As in “Oh … My … God! … This is it. I’m gonna puke! I’M GONNA PUKE! I’M GONNNAAA ….. oh, wait. It leveled out. I’m good. I’m gonna be fine.”

I guess that’s why they say life is like a roller coaster. It knows just how hard it can push us to the edge of completely exploding everywhere (intestinally or otherwise) before it lets up and takes us down a calmer, less twisty-and-turny stretch for while. You guys know what I’m talking about, right?

BEFORE: Where should he go to kindergarten? How many days a week should she attend preschool? Is it time for a third child? Should we be looking for a bigger place?

August 29, 2005.

AFTER: Can the eight of us all really fit in your mom’s house? And for how long?

Yes, I went there. Because the storm certainly offered a helluva ride for any New Orleanian.

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For a quick explanation of this link-up, click here. In short, Mel and I will post a picture or video with a writing prompt on the 1st and 15th of every month. You can write your entry in any form. We love creativity. And, with each prompt, we’ll feature a writer from the previous link-up. Which reminds me …

Our esteemed Ketchup With Us Featured Writer for today is …

Barbara

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‘KETCHUP WITH US’ – Prompt 22

In 57 words or less, tell us about a time in your life that you rode a roller coaster … figuratively, literally, existentially or whatever.