I have a fear of roller coasters.
I hate saying that because it goes against all I believe about being fun and carefree.
I love corkscrews and going upside down. I love sharp turns and going fast.
But you know the point when you go down a steep slope and you feel like the world is dropping out from under you? Yeah, I hate that feeling.
Sometimes I cry.
Sometimes I want to grip the man's hand next to me so hard that he's forced to cry with me.
Mr. Branflake loves roller coasters. LOVES them.
But because of my fear we have never been on one together.
This time... this time I wanted to be brave so I grabbed Mr. Branflake's hand as soon as the California Adventure gates opened and marched right up to the biggest, baddest coaster in the park.
I told him, "I will lose my nerve if we don't do it now. I don't want to talk about it. I swear I will change my mind if we talk about what's about to happen."
So, as we waited for our turn, we talked about everything except roller coasters.
We talked about what we would do that day, the list of things I wanted to eat, the weather, the sky, the person in front of us, the person behind us... you get the picture.
As we got in I was remarkably calm.
I had my man next to me. All was right in the world.
As soon as the countdown started I even thought, "I will conquer this fear!"
I wish I could tell you that's what happened.
I would love to be able to say, "I went on the craziest roller coaster and it was awesome and we went on it three more times because I loved it so much!"
That is not what happened. I didn't cry, but I came close.
I also came close to throwing up, peeing my pants, and having a heart attack.
I am not smiling in this photo.
I am thinking, "I am never going on a roller coaster ever again."
(I think the kid behind me is saying the same thing.)
In Recap:
Fear: Not Conquered.
Dancing Branflake: Totally Okay With That.
For the record: I love Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. Love them.
Those don't have huge dips.
Raise both your hands if you have a fear of roller coasters!
(Get the joke? Haha!)
photos by Dancing Branflake
28 comments:
Aww...I love roller coasters but when it's going up to the top in the beginning I freak out every time for a brief moment and those few seconds in that big plunge I hate that my butt goes up off the seat...the feeling is too awkward...
That's great that Mr. Branflake understands!! It's okay to have fear! Your still awesome!! =)
Lemanie's Randomness Blog
Hate Roller coasters. Love Haunted Mansion.
i used to LOVE rollercoasters, and now the older i get the more i think that they might not be a great idea.. ha! xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams
Amen. I used to literally have panic attacks when I was younger and my friends would try to force me to go on. I did go on a major rollercoaster at Universal Studios. It sucked. I kept my eyes closed and prayed the whole time. I have mellowed a lot about rides... I'm blaming antidepressants!! ha ha xoxo
I think your fear of roller coasters is justified. Don't people fall out of those things every year?
From Brooklyn with love,
Jen
I never had the chance to be scared of roller coasters. I went on a school trip in the first grade with a bunch of older kids and counselors and wound up on Montezuma's Revenge at Knott's Berry Farm without realizing what I was being pushed onto. Needless to say, I'm not scared of them; but I don't particularly like them either. Except for that Dragon Rollercoaster at Legoland - love it! :)
I LOVE roller coasters and anything that can pump up my adrenaline but I'm learning so much from Emma. She is very cautious and well behaved. So much what I was not when I was her age. I have a few broken bones but I am happy that she won't have to go through much of that. It is ok to be afraid and it is really great that you are ok with it. Go you!
I have a total fear of roller coasters as well and my husband loves them. The only coaster we ever rode together was the baby coaster at the Mall of America.
Am raising my hands and screaming with you... I can count the number of times I've been on rollercoasters on one hand. Which is kind of funny as I love doing trapeze, rock climbing and horse riding... none of which I would class as particularly "safe" activities!
I like some roller coasters. I'm picky. Kingda Ka at Six Flags in NJ? Hated it (go look at a photo, trust me it would make anyone cry, but it also left me with bruises on my arms). I mostly like wooden roller coasters that don't go upside down. Ideally.
I'm so scared of heights and I hate when it feels like the world is dropping from under you too, but I still go on selective roller coasters (and almost pee my pants every time)! Don't know what's wrong with me...glutton for punishment? Ha.
I do! But it looks so fun! I'm jelly :)
Aw, I'm glad you tried it at least once. Personally, I can't get enough of roller coasters, I love how my stomach feels after the drops but I must say, when the cart is slowly heading up, I do have mini heart attacks.
i love and hate them! i totally get freaked out right before take-off.
but i def have a fear of the kinds that go straight up and down - like the power tower at Cedar Point. i will never, ever, ever, ever (even if Ryan or my future children beg me to) do it again.
That's so funny that you only like certain things about roller coasters. I never go on them because of fears, but every so often when my husband makes me I always have fun. He never understands my resistance to go on them since I always have fun lol.
- Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com
I fear and love them all at the same time!!
I'm the same way–I enjoy a little one, but anything that puts my stomach in my throat just isn't fun!
well a for effort!
i used to LOVE roller coasters. the last time i rode one it hurt my back (yes, i am old and feeble) because of all the plastic and the whipping around at 90 mph. not sure if i really want to ride one again? i guess maybe if i am at an amusement park.
the one i CANNOT HANDLE EVER AGAIN is called the edge. at great america. i almost died of fear on that ride. it was AWFUL. awful awful awful. never again!
Oh no!
I love rollercoasters... which is funny because I have a fear of heights! But I love that stomach dropping sensation lol. No idea why.
This was so cute and sweet. I think it is great that you went and you can confirm: It is not for you! I bet the Mr appreciated your effort :)
I'm trying to catch up on your blog! It has been too long and I miss your musings. Life certainly has been it's own roller coaster.
I've at least updated and posted a bit recently. Hopefully soon I can get back to business!
It's been a long time since I've been on one, but I used to love them. I'm less of a thrill seeker now though...and tend to get sick on the merry-go-round these days with my daughter, so I'm not sure what I'd think now that I am older. This post made laugh so hard. That picture was great!
Aw, haha. I can't take rides that spin you like crazy -- I get so dizzy!
Horror!! I can't bear the thought of roller coasters ... perhaps as there was one near towhere I lived, as a child, and there were always people being killed or injured. Think that this may have influenced my thoughts and judgement!!
I'm with you! Both on the fear...and Space Mt!:)
Such a funny post! I'm starting to not love roller coasters like I used to. Le sigh. (I guess that would mean I'm raising my hand halfway)
I have the exact same story and picture! Hate roller coasters, husband loves them, wanted to do something he loved with him, went to Disneyland, marched straight to California Screamin, hated it. Except I have to say, you look gorgeous when you're terrified! I just look like an idiot. I wish I could post my picture in the comments!
My fear does have a caveat, though. I like roller coasters when they're in the dark (like Space Mountain). My problem is my fear of heights, so when you eliminate that, I'm okay.
Oh my hands are up, I've never ever been on one and that won't change.
i love rollercoasters... but i REFUSE to get on a wooden rollercoaster. I HATE wooden roller coasters. don't know what it is but they make me feel like my spine is going to fall out!
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