Falling and Failing

Earlier this year, I slipped on ice.I tried to do my usual morning shortcut on pavement that wasn't clearly marked with a caution sign. I went slow; I've been north of Florida long enough to not take snow-covered pavement at face value. And sure enough, the boots crunched through the white fluffy stuff, met ice, and I slipped. The accident report was filed despite my insistence on feeling fine. (And for the record, always file that report no matter how you feel.) But, I did! I slipped, got up, double-backed, and went the no-snow route. The only thing hurt was my pride; that was embarrassing. Not even my now-common aches and pains were worse for it. I distinctly remember thinking, "Oh. I'm going down. Might as well roll with it." I bent my knees and managed to fall ass-first. The training from the self-defense martial arts kicked in, too, and I spread my arms to even out the impact.That's how you're supposed to do a breakfall. I'm proud of myself for pulling it off. If only other…