The other day, after a ridiculously long conversation with Nora, filled with lots of “whys?”, I started thinking about all the things I’ve NEVER done.
Obviously, there are hundreds and thousands of random things I’ve never done — skydive, visit every continent, get a tattoo, eat worms, ride in a police car, etc. etc. (can you just imagine this conversation with Nora!)
However, there are also a handful of VERY normal things that I’ve apparently never done… and I thought it might be a fun post to share. I’m sure there are more… but for today, here are 10 very normal things I’ve never done (with a bonus “almost never” thrown in at the end.)
1. Taken the Subway
Considering the fact that I would probably have to drive 2-3 hours to even find a Subway station, this might not be that crazy… but even on vacation, I’ve never needed to use the subway (at least not that I can remember).
I’m so thankful that where we live, I can walk to most of the places I need to go (when the weather is nice).
2. Lived in an apartment, condo, mobile home, etc.
Aside from 2 years in the dorms at college, I’ve never lived in anything but a single-family home. Before college, I lived in my parent’s home, after college, Dave and I got married and bought our first house.
Although I love being a home-owner, there have been times when I’ve wondered what it might have been like to live in more of an apartment setting. Dave and I have also talked about how it might have been fun to live in a mobile home for a couple of years… maybe when we retire 🙂
3. Smoked
Considering the fact that several of my friends smoked occasionally, I’m pretty amazed that this one makes my list.
I’ve never even had so much as one puff of a cigarette or cigar — although I do love the smell of cigar smoke!
4. Pulled an all-nighter
I really never even came close to pulling an all-nighter in high school or college. And even as an adult, the closest I’ve ever come is when Nora was a baby and refused to sleep. I would sit or lay with her nodding off as she squirmed and cried.
5. Used a laundromat or dry cleaning service
As I mentioned above, I’ve basically always lived in a house — either my parent’s house or my own house — so I’ve always had access to “free” laundry.
I did live in the dorms for 2 years of college, but they had free laundry facilities as well.
As far as dry cleaning… I try never to buy anything that needs to be dry cleaned, and even if it does, I just wash it myself!
6. Used an ATM machine
I still can’t believe that I’ve never used an ATM machine — but I am 100% positive I never have. We use credit cards and gift cards for almost everything we buy and I do much of my shopping online, so I rarely need cash.
My Craigslist purchases are about the only thing I pay cash for — and I go to the bank so often anyway that I’ll just cash a check every now and then instead of depositing it. That way, I always have a little cash at home for a bargain Craigslist find!
7. Used a porta-potty
Dave was shocked when I told him this last week — but it’s true. I HAVE been inside a porta-potty for Nora, but I have personally never used one. I have gone to the bathroom on an airplane once or twice.
8. Had surgery
I’m thankful that I can put this on my list of “nevers”… and actually, aside from having my 3 children, I’ve never needed to be hospitalized for anything either.
As some of you might remember, I broke my toe this summer, but besides that I have also NEVER broken or sprained anything before (pretty amazing since I was a 3-sport high-school athlete and a 2-sport college athlete)!
9. Played the lotto
I’ve always thought it would be fun to buy a lotto ticket, but I know how bad the odds are, so I’ve just never done it.
10. Had a cup of coffee
Yes, you read that correctly. I have NEVER EVER had a cup of coffee!
I have had hot chocolate before, and I tried really hard to like tea after we first got married — but in general, I really don’t like hot beverages. Give me a glass of ice water, milk, or Dr. Pepper and I will be a happy camper.
BONUS: I’ve (almost) never missed a day of school for being sick!
I missed the first day of 2nd grade because I was recovering from the Chicken Pox — other than that, I never missed a day of school (preschool through 12th grade) for being sick!
UPDATE
After reading some of the comments, I had to update this post to share that I’ve NEVER read a Harry Potter book or watched any of the Star Wars movies.
.
So there you have it — possibly more information than you care to know about me, but hopefully a fun post.
Mrs. A says
I’ve never had a cup of coffee or smoked a cigarette. Enjoyed this post from long time ago Gaga.
Pat says
I’ve done every one of those and then some! I admit I love riding the el in Chicago.
Ian Berg says
I drink coffee almost every day but I’ve never watched an episode of The Brady Bunch nor Gilligan’s Island.
Andrea says
haha — i’ve never watched Gilligan’s Island, but I’ve seen many episodes of The Brady Bunch!
Pat says
I know this is an older post but I just have to say, except the all nighter I have done everything on your list. If you count reading all night I’ve done that one too! Growing up in the Chicago area we mostly lived in apartments, both of my parents smoked so of course we kids did too. Several surgeries. I love coffee. I won $500 on my first scratch off. I’m sure I’ve done a lot of other things you haven’t, some good, some not so good. I don’t regret anything I did, I do wish my timing had been better!
Amy says
Haha!! Just found this blog and already you’re super funny :p I can’t help but imagine you growing up as a rich white girl (not meant to be offensive in any way) after reading this lol. I for one have never lived in a house–just apartments and condos; I’ve also never had surgery or a cup of coffee, though. But pulling all-nighters is seriously something I do on a regular basis :p
Pat says
When I was a kid, every time we moved to a new place, often yearly, my mother would find the nearest bus stop and show me. After that any time my sister and I or just me alone, needed to go somewhere we got on the bus. This started when I was about 9 and she was 5. We had a blast! We could spend the summer going to library or movies, 5 and dime stores, just anywhere. Mom made us truly independent. I won’t go into all the stuff I did in high school, just suffice it to say that I did it all.
Pat says
I have to admit I’ve done everything on your never list! Plus I’ve been married twice, I’ve been the child and the adult in divorce (my parents divorced when I was 15), I’ve used self service dry cleaners and drop off, the only thing I haven’t lived in was my car or a boat. What different lives we have lived! To me your life looks almost pristine while mine was gritty. It’s interesting to me to see how others live and how different their lives are from mine.
Melissa says
Fun list! In no particular order: I have never been stung by a bee, had a baby, thrown a shower party for anyone, or read the Harry Potter books.
Andrea says
well, I’ve done all those things except the Harry Potter books 🙂
Dawn says
How fun!!
As for the mobile home, I have lived in one for the past 31 years. Well, not the SAME one. HAHA!!
I have never taken a taxi; never had a sibling; never ridden the subway; never been out of the country; never taken any of our 10 kids to Disney; never eaten sushi; never learned to knit or crochet; never been on a date with anyone except the man I married.
Jenny Z says
okay, here goes! I have never taken the subway, or ridden a city bus either. Never smoked, or done any recreational drugs. Never had a hangover from drinking. I have done many all nighters, both in college and with my five children! I have never used a Laundromat either! as a mom of 5 kids who play soccer(read: travel tournaments) I have used many, many port-a-potties. I have bought 1 lotto ticket and that was recently when it was huge. I do like coffee now and drink it every day, but I didn’t until my late 30s after baby number 4! I too grew up sheltered I think, in a suburb and live in a suburb with my family. No public transporation around here! I have had a couple pedicures in my life, but always a birthday gift from my husband/kids, so I have never paid for one. and even though I like/love coffee, I don’t like fancy coffee from coffee houses, so I never pay for coffee out.
Linda Crane says
I enjoyed reading your list. I have come to home simplification and improvements of routine lately since I have now retired from teaching. I am 66. I too have never played the lottery, used an ATM, or smoked anything ever. I did not ever drink coffee until I was 43, mom of 4 at that point but divorced. I met my now husband, 23 yrs ago, and stayed up almost all night in a restaurant talking with him. I had work the next day too, so that was my first cup of coffee! We had many more late nights, dating, as we both worked long day(moved from city) to clear land, build a home,(he is a master carpenter) raise some cattle, garden profusely etc. He still works, too. I now have discovered the joys of French pressed coffee.
Andrea says
wow, your little farm sounds lovely! We’d like to have a barn with animals some day — but I know how much work that can be… so not for a while!
Alicia says
This is awesome! It might take me a while, but I’ll have to think up my own list….I’m pretty sure I’ve done every single one of your “never’s” though, LOL!
Annette Robinson says
Oh my goodness, I have done all those things!! Only tried smoking once as a teen, but the rest? How did you go this long without them? My all-nighter was not for frivolous fun, but rather sewing Christmas presents for my kiddos while they slept. Of course, the coffee came into play! I have read all the Harry Potter books and watched all the Star Wars movies. Oh well, you are still adorable!
Terri says
It seems that the mobile home is getting beat up here, so I’m going to speak up! I lived in a mobile home for two years when I was a child. Maybe that is why I loved it because I wasn’t an adult! We lived on 17 acres in a rural area and I liked our mobile home and it was single wide. We also had a travel trailer in back that my sister and I slept in. I liked it because we had our own little home. The temperature in Spring and Summer was warm and we lived outside about half the year. We ate outside, my sister and I slept outside. I was 8 and she was 10. More than the mobile home, I loved all the land we could wander around and play in, especially the oak trees to climb.
Andrea says
haha — well thanks for your positive spin on the mobile home 🙂 I’ve always thought it could be a fun experience (potentially striving towards minimalistic living)
JoDi says
I’ve never pulled an all-nighter (close but not quite), played the lotto or read the Harry Potter books either. I think I’m the only woman over 35 or so on the planet who hasn’t seen Titanic. LOL It’s really hard to think of anything else though I’m sure there are a bunch more!
Peggy says
I have never been on a train [I’m 69]….did do subway one x but I believe that is different.
Amber says
I love this post Andrea! It made me giggle. I grew up in rural Nova Scotia so almost all of your “nevers” were mine too. Although, at 37, I am not quite as innocent as you 😉 I would have to write something more along the lines of “have never gotten sick from drinking alcohol…in the past 15 years.”
I have a feeling that Nora might cross a few more of these off your list one day!
Andrea says
haha — yes, I’m sure Nora will give us a run for our money some day 🙂
Jen says
This was a fun post! I have never pulled an all-nighter either. Not worth it! I have never seen any of the Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or Matrix movies. Four kids and never had pain meds. Never smoked or drank beer. Never played the lottery. Never once studied in the library at college-four years and did all my studying in my room. I could probably count on one hand the times I even walked into the library. And this was wayyy before the internet. 🙂 Never been to Disneyworld–and it’s probably even more strange that I have absolutely NO desire to go!
Now we want to hear a list of some out-of-the-ordinary things you HAVE done! 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Jen — and thanks for your list too!
I wasn’t a big library studier either but I can’t say “never” on that one. I have been to Disneyworld, but I am NOT a fan. I’m sure we will take our kids there at some point in their lives, but I’ve been to Orlando many times without one teeny tiny desire to step foot into Disney.
I love your idea about the out-of-ordinary things I have done… but I honestly can only think of 2 right now (and neither is very good). Maybe I’ll have to sit on this idea for a month or so and see if anything comes to mind!
Debbie says
Until about one year ago I never used smartphone mobile banking. I was always afraid that I would lose my phone and then someone will have access to all our banking information. Then I started using it and what a time-saving process it has been. I can deposit checks, pay bills, transfer funds through my smart phone. I’m not as worried about the someone having access to our banking information because just like on the computer they would need our user id and password to get in.
Until a couple of months ago I also have not played the lotto. When the Mega Power Ball winning got big the people at my work thought it would be fun to buy lotto ticket as a group, so I did. Yes, I agree that the chances of winning was very low and it proved me right once again.
Elizabeth Dilts says
oooooh I wish I was you in regards to Harry Potter. I’d love to have never read them so I could have the best literary experience in my life again 🙂 Maybe I exaggerate a little, but seriously, so good. I love getting lost in wonderful, well written fiction.
Andrea says
haha — you sound like Dave! He has read every book, watched every movie, etc. He LOVES all that Science Fiction stuff 🙂
Liz says
Another shout out that you should read Harry Potter – it’s not science fiction, it’s pure fantasy 🙂 I hope when Nora, Simon, and James are older you get to read it with them.
Andrea says
I’m guessing Dave will read it to them / with them. I’m not a big reader in general, and unless I’m learning something from what I’m reading, I won’t “waste” my time 🙂
Nancy Johnson says
I was trying to figure out why in the world you would want to live in a mobile home after living in your nice house, and then thought well maybe mobile home means something different in Michigan than it does in North Carolina. Maybe since you talked about doing it in retirement, you were actually talking about an RV. But then saw the post from Bonnie’sMama and she has the same thing in mind as I do when you say “mobile home.” I have never lived in a mobile home either. I live in a high density urban area and would have to move out into a rural area for a mobile home to even meet zoning regulations, so it’s likely I never will either!
Andrea says
no Nancy, I’m definitely thinking of a mobile home (not a motor home) 🙂 I don’t necessarily want to live in one NOW… but it’s just such a frugal, minimalistic way to live that I thought it might be fun to try at some point! Maybe I’ll change my mind and spring for a Motor Home instead!
Diana says
Well, I never ever got the perfect attendance award, so I’m impressed that you were never sick! 🙂
And, if you ever do ride a subway, HANG ON when it starts. My first subway ride no one told me that and I gave some people a good laugh while trying to catch myself 😉
Until a few years ago, I had never plunged a toilet. I didn’t realize how blessed my parents’ homes were to never get stopped up!
Andrea says
haha — I have plunged MANY toilets in my days 🙂 And for the record, I didn’t have “perfect attendance”. Although I was almost never sick, I did miss a few days of school for vacations, sporting events, and music events — but those were always pre-planned and I could do the work in advance.
Thanks for the subway tip 🙂
Nina says
I’ve never done recreational drugs. I’ve never had a driver’s license. (I did have a learner’s permit and hated driving. I have a state issued ID).
My bank is paperless so we have to use the ATM card. I run races often so porta potties are a more usual occurrence than I prefer.
Andrea says
I’ve never done recreational drugs either — however, I also wouldn’t consider that to be a “very normal” thing (but maybe I’m just sheltered!)
I’m super impressed that you’ve never had a driver’s license — think of all the money you’ve saved on cars, insurance, gas, license renewals, etc. I’m guessing you’ve probably spent a good amount on public transportation, but still. That’s impressive!
Nina says
I know very few people who’ve never smoked pot. (and I really didn’t think you had). It was oddly normal where I grew up.
I do pay to have my non-driver ID renewed. I live in NY and driving to work wasn’t even a possibility. Way too expensive with tolls and parking. I generally don’t mind public transportation.
Stacey says
Have you ever gotten a pedicure?
Andrea says
nope… that’s another one I could add 🙂
Susie says
Have you ever drank alcohol? I never have drank beer or wine and some people think that is crazy! But my friends and family do not drink and I have never card too. It’s kind of a personal question so you don’t have to answer!
Andrea says
yes, I have… but very very rarely. I’ve never had beer, well probably a taste because I know that I don’t like it. I also don’t like wine or champagne.
I do like the black cherry flavor of Mike’s Hard Lemonade, and I like certain types of Sangria — but that’s about it!
Tina says
Lol, I think the very fact that you almost want to try an apartment or condo shows that you never lived in one. Same goes for the mobile home. I wouldve been so happy to never had to do these things but alas twas not meant to be, lol.
ShellyL says
Have you heard of that college game, “Never Have I Ever?” I think you might win. This was fun. 🙂
Andrea says
no, I’ve never heard of this — but I might do well!
Pixie508 says
The ATM thing makes me laugh – I think in the last 5 years (probably longer), the only times I’ve actually been inside the bank is when I opened each of my son’s savings accounts. Otherwise, I do all of my banking online or through the ATM (or mobile app – I mobile deposit checks regularly)
Andrea says
I know…we walk to the bank several times a week and the kids love going inside. We know all our tellers and bank managers and they always give the kids candy 🙂
Kelly Hess says
I have to laugh, because I have done everything on your never have done list! I rode the subway in NYC last year and I was petrified! My friends had to guide me on and off. I will tackle a cable car with them in San Fran this spring!
The ATM one shocked me, I’m there every week, but I NEVER actually go inside a bank! I do all my banking at the ATM.
Andrea says
Good luck with the cable cars — that’s something else I’ve never done!
Debby says
haha!!! I love it. I too have never read or watched a Harry Potter book/movie and I have never seen any Star Wars movies!!! LOL
Susie says
The Harry Potter books are good! They reminded me of hitler and World War Two- how one person can convince others to do mass killings. I always wondered how hitler could convince so many people to run the camp and thought that’s how jk Rowling came up with her idea.
Julie S-H says
Have to say I loved the Harry Potter books! Read them before watching the movies for sure. So many good values and important character issues. And subways are fun when you get a chance! Just a marvel what engineers can do!
I’ve never been drunk or had a hang over, although I have had a little alcohol a few times 30 years ago- was not an interest to me. Never smoked cigarettes- not once! Can’t get addicted if you never start!
Bonnie'sMama says
Andrea, as much as you love houses and good quality, I don’t think you’d find it much fun to live in a mobile home. Mobile homes feel like a disposable house. Even if you renovate on the surface, the structure feels so flimsy. We lived in one in Kansas. There was two miles of open prairie to the south of us, from whence the wind always blows. The place shook and rattled all the time.
Been there, done that, please God never again.
And that goes for porta-pottys, too!
Andrea says
good to know!… and yes, I’ll be staying away from porta pottys as long as I can!
Carlen says
What an interesting list! The only one I’ve also never done is pulled an all nighter. When I was in high school, a friend’s father (who was a doctor) told me “if you just learn things as you go, you won’t ever have to cram”. I took that to heart and always had a sufficient amount of sleep before an exam.
Christine @ The (mostly) Simple Life says
I’ve never smoked either. I have asthma so it’s always seemed like a bad idea 🙂 You’re not missing much with apartments and laundromats. I very much prefer my house. I’ve never eaten a whole PB&J. I like peanut butter sandwiches or jam on toast, but never together!
Christine says
I have never had coffee either!