I saw this sign years ago. My mother and I were driving back from my grandparent’s farm and I saw this out of the corner of my eye. I laughed so hard I about peed my pants, and I BEGGED my mom to stop the car. But it was getting late and she wanted to get home. I had no idea where we were, and assumed I’d never see that comical view again. So this image has been burned into my mind for the past many, many years… (and it always brings a grin to my face).

Then when I was in Indiana 2 months ago visiting my family, I took a drive out to the farm country with my dad and my boyfriend. I told them the tale of the ironically placed sign, and how much I regret passing up that David-Letterman-eque photo op so many moons ago… “If ONLY I knew where that sign was!” I sighed… But JUST as I was finishing my story, I look up to see… yes, you guessed it!… the infamous sign.

I squealed with delight. I can’t remember the last time I felt so giddy. We looped back, parked the car, and I proceeded out into the middle of the street with my camera, my dark sense of humor feeling instantly gratified.

So what did I learn from all this? Here’s my Top 10 List:

1. Never pass up an opportunity

2. If you believe an opportunity HAS passed, it may just magically reappear one day

3. Live every day of your life to it’s fullest, so that there’s no “SURPRISE” at the end

4. Having distracting (yet humorous) signage could prove hazardous to a driver’s health

5. ALWAYS carry your camera

6. Perhaps death isn’t the serious thing we’ve cracked it up to be

7. Lighten up, and take time out to enjoy the little laughs along the road of life

8. God has a pretty great sense of humor

9. Boyfriends who are willing to take roadtrips to farms with your dad are pretty great boyfriends

10. There are actually towns named “Surprise”…Who knew?!

So, what small things are YOU passing up on your life’s journey? What light, giggly moments do you waltz past, only to hold onto regrets and longing? How can you stop to smell the roses (or photograph the signs) a bit more in your life? How can you lighten up, giggle more, and experience more pee-your-pants silly-fests?

Life is full of light and love and humor. I challenge you to prove me wrong…

Ready…

Set…

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!