If You Can't Laugh at Yourself...

The Day I Discovered I Don't Bounce

So, the other day I had a job interview. I looked good, if I do say so myself. I had the sweater, the slacks, the heels, it was a total package kind of situation. And I felt really good about how I looked, which is still somewhat of a new concept for me.

Anyway, I went to the interview feeling confident. I was witty and charming… Okay, maybe not. But, I was polite and professional. I left feeling like I nailed it. I was really happy as I walked back to my car. This was my first real interview since my life took on an entirely new direction a few months ago, and I was really excited.

As I reached the spot where I parked my car, that’s where it all went wrong. In that moment I lost a degree or two of confidence as it happened … It was as if those moments were in slow motion. Keys in hand, I reached the edge of the curb. My heel hit the crack between the sidewalk and the curb, and I felt myself fall. I caught myself with one hand has my butt hit the sidewalk’s edge.

I sat there for a moment stunned. I couldn’t believe that had just happened. I checked over the damage as I whispered expletives under my breath: hand-not bleeding, shoulder/neck- sore, but okay, butt- ouch, and most importantly… heels- still intact. I shook my head as I pushed myself up off the ground, quickly glancing around to see if anyone had witnessed my moment of what can only be described as grace.

Thankfully, it went unwitnessed. I dusted myself off and climbed into my car. I texted a friend, I just fell… As I typed out the words all I could do was laugh. There was nothing else to do. I’m too old to cry because I fell down, and I wasn’t hurt, not really. So, I sat in the driver’s seat of my car, and I laughed. I laughed really hard.

Over the next day or so, however, I came to the realization that I have hit the age where falling down is really not a good thing. Here it is, days later, and my body still hurts … a lot. But, I’m still sitting here laughing about the whole thing as I type these words and share my graceful moment with you all.

I mean, if you can’t laugh at yourself, are you really even living?

And Now a Few Words from Andrew....

When your friend texts you with the words “I just fell” it is with some trepidation that I texted back asking what she had done. I'm not saying Mandy is clumsy, although she has the unique ability to fall UP stairs or trip over a flat surface in a brightly lit room, but the phrase 'stately as a galleon' rarely comes to mind with her.

“I just fell on my ass!” was her reply to my question, what have you done?

First of all I wondered why she was going to an interview on a donkey. Then of course I remembered that Mandy is American person and those language differences were once again coming into play to confuse this simple chap from the UK and she actually meant 'arse'. I tried to offer words of comfort by saying at least it wasn't on the way into the interview so you didn't hobble into the room like an extra from Treasure Island. I'm sure that helped.

The thing about Mandy is she has a wonderful ability to laugh at herself. The gift of not taking yourself too seriously is something more people should have and that she has in spades. She never stops making me laugh.....even when she falls on her donkey....erm...I mean...ass.