babiegoose.com

so this weekend I was playing with my nieces and nephews at my cousin's house... they were all running around screaming asking to be thrown in the air or spun around by their ankles or being tackled...

so I'm running around with them, being the big kid I am...

I am running in the basement and there is this little plastic mat with an accompanying handrail which I suppose is for the youngsters to play as ballerinas or whatever...

flashback to physics class - any physics class - Friction: the force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion of two surfaces in contact.

socks on carpet = high friction
socks on plastic mat = low friction
two-foot tall, plastic handrail = bludgeoning object

so when you are running on carpet, you expect a good deal of traction whilst running. you cannot expect the same when suddenly transitioning to plastic.

it's simple really... reduced friction, inertia, and improper weight distribution will result in (in this case) a huge bruise on the upper torso (from the handrail), a sprained thumb (from overextension during the attempt to ease the fall), and a good dose of embarassement...

... ... ...

I'm going to have trouble playing octaves with my right hand for a little while.

... ... ...

I really should pay more attention when I'm running around like an idiot.