Everyone, at some point, has probably signed up for something without really thinking it through.  I’ve done this quite a few times actually.  Most recently I did just this back in December and now I have to deal with the consequences of my actions this weekend. 

Here’s what I did…

I had just returned to town after a work trip and my friend called and left a message that I should listen to CBC Radio.  It was BC’s Food Bank Fundraising Day and if I donated a bunch of cash, me and nine other lucky people could spend a day with Simon Whitfield (this was just one of several packages being offered).

Those of you who know me, know I am crazy about Simon Whitfield.  Not crazy weird, but crazy in awe of his athleticism and coolness.  I’ve met him twice very briefly and he kindly let me get a photo with him each time.    

Back to the story…I decided to sit on the idea for a bit as I had a few errands to run, had to pick up Kobi from her godmother’s house and had to get home.  I decided I’d call hubby and run the idea by him. 

I get home, talk to hubby and totally forget to run the idea by him.  That was my subconscious consciously telling me not to run the idea by him as he knows my obsession with Simon and is way too practical (and maybe concerned Simon will have to get a restraining order placed on me).    

I waste a bit more time and then text my friend and ask, “should I do it?”  

“Of course!” she says, adding something about regret. 

I make the call and when I explain I’d like to make a donation for the day with Simon, the lady on the phone says she thinks the last spot was just taken.  “Oh darn,” I say, but I’m thinking, “oh thank god.”  She says to wait one second and she’ll go confirm. 

At this point I am debating just hanging up and then wondering how much I’m going to donate if I don’t get the day with Simon.  She gets back on the phone and says, “you’re in luck, there is one spot left!” 

“Awesome!” I say, but in my head I say, “what the heck was I thinking!?”

I take some time to digest what I’ve just done and the money I’ve just spent (not counting the money I’m going to have to spend to get my butt to Vancouver). 

Then I convince myself that this will be a very cool experience and Simon will just chat with me and the other lucky nine folks about his Olympic experiences, maybe show us his medals, talk a bit about training, all over tea and yoghurt. 

Wrong.  It’s an actual training day!!  Like biking, running, swimming, yoga, and weights with some healthy eating thrown in.  Wait a minute, swimming?  That means I have to wear a bathing suit in front of Simon Whitfield!  I think I am going to die. 

To make me even more nervous, they emailed asking for my triathlon experience.   Oh dear, I don’t have a lot of triathlon experience.  I did 2 maybe 3 triathlons back in the Jurassic age (1993) and more recently, 2 in the last 4 years plus 1 half Ironman 3 years ago.  I haven’t even ridden a bike outside since last October. 

On the upside, I will make the other nine look pretty good.  Did I mention I also get quite clumsy when I’m nervous?  Like trip-and-fall-down clumsy? 

Besides falling down lots, I may also attempt to distract this group of athletes from my lack of triathlon-ability with my brilliant humor.  I have this survival mechanism of resorting to humor when I get nervous.  I’ve actually surprised myself at how funny I can be when scared out of my mind.  Well, I think I’m funny (which is probably just another survival mechanism).    

Writing about this doesn’t seem to be helping much so I’m going to stop now.  I just hope Simon doesn’t Google his name and come across this blog…

What’s your funniest “regret”?  Do you rely on humor or other mechanisms of survival when scared to death?  Want me to pass on any messages to Simon for you?