Shoelace Mishap!

Cousin Michelle (à Barney) dropped me at the Toronto Greyhound station. As I walked away I tripped over Christie Collins’ untied laces (I’m wearing her winter boots out to her in BC) and completely wiped out. It was a head first sort of superhero dive. I was able to land on my chest and shoulders sort of protecting my head. My pack, which wasn’t buckled down flew over my head and I got tangled into it. I had to take my arms out, which required a type of flopping fish movement, and push the back pack up over my head.  Three people rushed over asking if I was OK and helped me replace the stuff that had fell out of my market bag: my hockey skates and a binder. I laughed and laughed. Poor cousin Michelle drove away asking if I was OK. And I gave her the under water scuba diver OK which I guess is the same sign as excellent food or if you happen to be in Korea money. She drove away with a horrified look on her face but I certainly hope she laughed once I was out of sight. I know most people would think “OMG, I’m such a loser” but somehow these were my first thoughts “Yes! What a way to start! This is going to be a Great Trip!” By me completely humiliating myself I was able to laugh and get the help of complete strangers. It just felt so genuine. It’s always refreshing to know that there is so much good in the people of this world. I know had it been someone who really knows me they would have been kneeled over laughing with tears in their eyes over my mishap. Actually, I’m quite certain that Cousin Michelle must still be laughing about it. I always have a story and it’s often the most humiliating ones that are the most humorous to share. Sure all this could have been avoided.  I could have not stayed out late the night before, slept a few more hours, and tied Christie’s laces properly but then where would the story be? It’s the funny ones that make this game called life so amusing.

 

Moral of the story: Even for short distances you really should do up the buckles of your pack, please learn from my mistake. Those of you who don’t normally back pack your life around with you translate this to using seatbelts. Better safe than sorry.