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Asking for an extension for a homework assignment, because I spent the better part of the last-minute-night-before-time sobbing over a guy who wasn’t ready for a relationship … excusable at 15, but I’m a 35-year old mature student.  

I don’t get the extension.  

Instead I get “put your big girl pants on and never let them see you sweat.” 

I did.

Proud and super-human that I’m at the gym at 5:30.  I am a machine.  I will have a great workout.  I will look amazing.

Look at me go.

The men will flock to me.  To my amazing body and my super-human qualities … my tender charming spirit.  A cute boy, a fellow super-human-early worker-outer checks me out.  I am good.  This is good … I think as I stroll into the ab conditioning room.  The tag’s sheen is a stark contrast to my black lycra figure promoting tights.  My super-human fitness outfit is completely inside out.  

Still, I make it back to the gym another day … right side in.

I do.

I strut a little, basking in the glow that two full years of professional high-end and high-octane experience gives me.  I own the room.  My successor waffles.  All eyes point to me and I deliver.  They think and feel my smartness.  

I think and feel my smartness.  

It is lunch.  We start across the busy street.  Yellow taxi’s.  Politicians to-ing and fro-ing around the Hill.  A bus stops.  I feel good great.  A perfect storm of rubber meets oil.  I’m on all fours.  Knee skinned and screaming for a Dora band-aid.  I hop up.  I’m okay.  I AM okay.  

I don’t miss a beat.

I don’t.

Embarrassing moments.

They are humbling …

I am vulnerable …

human …

and laughing.

Update on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 10:56AM by Norma Jean Barrett

The above was prepared for “The Great Experiment” … eyes right and you’ll see the big black button, which is what this is all about!  If you enjoyed my submission, head on over to The Girl Who and VOTE VOTE VOTE for meeeeeeeee … or your favourite, which is hopefully meeeeee!

Click here … the girl who.  Yup there.  Right there.  Do it.

Do it now …

Votes close on The Girl Who at 2 p.m. EST 29 September.