A Series of Unfortunate Events, or, Spatial Intelligence Can Save Your Life

Three months ago, while on an early morning (and dark) run with my friend Michelle, I tripped and skinned both knees. In the interest of channeling my inner Rocky Balboa, I soldiered on and practically springted the rest of our three mile route. Yay endorphins!

Two days before a December 5k race, I tripped at the bottom of my stairs and heard the snapping of a thousand tendons. No breakage--have ankle brace, will travel. My skinned knees healed and I prepared to re-enter The Land of The (mostly) Coordinated once again.

Then, while carrying my travel mug of hot tea into school Monday morning, I tripped on the rug and briefly went superman before landing on the entryway tile, cracking my mug (the tea, not my face), and giving myself carpet burn.

The saving grace: No one saw me and my day went exceptionally well thereafter.

And no one saw me.

Now I know my geometry teacher was right--spatial intelligence may save your life. I have a brand new New Year's Resolution, to somehow raise my kinetic IQ and avoid my own Darwin Award.

This is all to say if you see me coming, clear a path. I've become a one woman slapstick show. These experiences have found their way into scenes I've been writing, and physical comedy can be funny; the research, however, is a bit tedious.