Incident at Heather’s party.

About two weeks ago, there was an announcement that Heather was leaving for another department. Earlier this week, we conspired a food day in her honor to be held today, her last day.

Steph's new cubicle is right outside the office that we use for the food room. She came over and asked me to help hang her pictures, the smell from the room was tempting - sweet, spicy, cheesy, all the good smells that come from a picnic. I made a mental note to never sit there.

It took a little work, but she & I lined up her photo board and got it looking nice.

Around this time, everyone started to gather in front of Steph's cube for Heather's goodbye. We remained where we were, in the background directly behind where Heather had stopped.

Supervisors said a few words. Everyone was seriously listening and solemn. Steph sat down on her desk, I leaned against it - right beside her. "How long have you been here?" Tina asked. Heather responded "16 years. Under Willie for 10!" Willie said "Wow...we have watched you grow from a little girl to a woman..you were fresh out of high school - now you're married and have a kid...ya know for a lon..."

And right then. In the middle of Willie's speech...there was a loud pop, a yelp and suddenly there was a Tamela on the floor.

Steph's desk had given way. She was able to catch her feet because she was sitting. I on the other hand, had been leaning - I had no footing. No other option. I was on the ground.

1. I don't fall gracefully. I never have. It's usually a spread-eagle flop.
2. No woman ever falls gracefully in a skirt anyway. Especially if said skirt FLIES up while falling.

Everyone was watching with a bit of amused concern.

I wasn't looking up at anyone but Steph - and she & I were laughing so hard, tears were streaming. I said "I am laughing too hard to move." Willie says "You alright, Tamale?" I said "Yeah..just embarrassed."

They clapped for me when I stood up, trying to compose myself.

Willie went back on track talking & laughing with Heather, while I stood in the background straightening out my skirt and wondering just exactly how red my face was. Steph & I couldn't look at each other for giggling.

The meeting broke up, everyone went to get food and back to talking about the part of desk that came apart - which was now at my feet.

Apparently, Ben had helped Steph with some stuff yesterday, he had said about the desk, "this isn't really stable - but it should be fine." Yeeea...

I apologized to Heather for interrupting. She said "That's okay, at least I can never say it was boring!"

Julie came to me later and joked "Were you not getting enough attention? 'everyone's paying attention to heather - someone look at ME!'" I said "Oh yes, you know me, I'll fall and bust my ass to get anyone to see me."

Willie made me file an accident report, just to cover any butts - although I'm not hurt in the slightest. It said 'What could you do to prevent this incident from occurring again?' I answered 'No leaning on desk during goodbye parties.'