I feel Tuvalu’s pain.

I ran track when I was in high school and I was pretty decent. There was this girl on the track team named DeAnna Zimmer who I had a bit of the crush on (she had red hair and looked like Mary Jane Watson).

There was this big meet and in my efforts to woo her, I planned on winning the 400 Meters and then I was going to ask her out.  For those who don’t know the 400 Meters is one full lap around the track.

When I ran these races I always had a plan.  Just chill, stay close to the pack and then in the last 50-100 meters turn on the jets.

Everything was looking good, I was calmly in 3rd place about 10 yards back from the leaders, as I came around the turn it was time for me to turn on the jets.

Off I went like Usain Bolt.  I passed the guy who was in second place and was stalking the guy in first place when it happened………………………..

I TRIPPED!!!!!!

I am not sure how or why, but I started to tumble like JaMarcus Russell running after an Ice Cream truck. I tried to keep my balance, but to no avail as I fell face first.  The amazing thing was I was able to get myself together and still finish 3rd, but the damage was done.

The physical part I got over (still have the scratches), but the emotional part as you can see 15 years later I am still having issues with.  Deanna and I never did go on that date (she got with some other guy) and I went on to my current Dollarnaire status.

It is all good Tuvalu, we will laugh today (I am still laughing), but keep at it man.