"Sticky" Situations

It was September and my time for birthday bashin'. My brother, eight years older, was so excellent at planning a party, celebration, entertainment and other stuff. He took it upon himself to plan this particular party. We lived in the big house on the hill and had a huge yard and front porch.
I don't recall how many friends came, but there were several of us running around. And, games, games and more games. Jim had called on some of his Baylor fraternity brothers to assist in the grand occasion, so we were rompin' and stompin'!
We had hoola hoop contests, relay races (sittin' on balloons and poppin' 'em), tug of war and tons of other stuff. One of my gifts from mother and daddy, a volleyball set. I was so excited because I knew I was going to become a champion at the game!!
Jim and Don Simon were going to set the net up in the yard...I was running around tossing the new, shiny ball in the air dreaming of stardom!
Suddenly, Jim yelled, "Pat, throw me the ball..." as he stood on the edge of the big porch. I didn't realize it, but he was carrying the poles to stick in the ground for net support. I hurled that ball like a pro and he caught it like a brother! Whoosh...zzzzz...the ball was stuck on the end of the stick. Dead. Done for. Gone. As I wailed, he and the other 'big guys' rolled in laughter! Who knew, number one that he could catch the dumb ball and on the sharp end of a long stick!
That debacle made their day, but it almost ruined mine. I learned a good lesson via a lot of pain. Pay attention to what others have in their hands and don't be so fast to REACT!!!
Incidents like that one helped sharpen my keen eye and sense of awareness. You can't react to any situation without pausing at least fifteen seconds and thinking!! Ready, Fire, Aim will getcha every time.
Having that lesson at an early age, most likely prepared me for days in the classroom. My first year teaching in the Humble District was at Humble Middle School, health education. Humble had battled for a couple of years prior to my arrival for the right to teach IT! Yep. IT! S E X E D U C A T I O N!!! Hello?
As my department chair, Lynette Calfee was calling roll on a bright, cheery day (second day of the infamous sex education unit)...a young lady raised her hand, Lynette said, "yes, Shanikwa, what is it?" The girl replied, "Ms. Calfee, what is 'ohh rule' sex???" Lynette froze in shock..thinking, what am I gonna do now, in front of 28 other inquisitive 8th graders.
Before she could say anything, a friend of Shanikwa's jumped up, slapped her hand on her desk and said, "I tell you what IT is..." Calfee sucked air deep into her lungs..."it's when you DOES IT and TALKS at the same time!" Lynette sighed, immediately said, 'that's right, now everyone turn to page...'
That was one of the funniest near disaster stories from the good 'ol health education days. We laughed over that one for years and still do when we get together!
Bottom line...be prepared. Think and don't react...and always have a 'way out' or a plan! For me, a necessity for the future! How 'bout you...do ya talk when...nah, just kidding!