Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Treadmill Surprise

A writing prompt: The last time I was surprised it nearly....
 
The last time someone surprised me was when husband, Dave, and I went to buy a used treadmill from a lady in Sebastopol. The adventure nearly landed me in the emergency room. Maureen wanted $250.00 for her treadmill saying it was rarely used.     

I was anxious to try the machine so I climbed on and Maureen started it up. She showed Dave and me a few of the controls, speed, distance, and incline levels. As Maureen and Dave talked I kept up the pace, but after a few moments the tread seemed to jump up a notch. I asked if we could slow the pace a bit.  

Both Maureen and Dave didn’t hear me. Was I imagining things? No. The speed was up from 2 to 3 m/p/h. “Guys, how do you stop this thing?” 

Maureen turned to me, but didn’t seem to register my question. What was wrong with her? I trotted along. I don’t like trotting. “Hey! Hey!” The colored buttons on the control panel blurred. Was this a carnival ride? The whirling teacups or the flying swings? I was afraid to let go of the handles long enough to push any of the buttons. All of my focus was on my feet. Run feet run.   

“Let go, and I’ll catch you,” Dave yelled, but at that point I didn’t trust him. My legs gave out and I fell flying backwards banging my knees and elbows on my way. Dave grabbed me and helped me to my feet.      

Maureen finally snapped to attention and pulled a key to stop the machine. She asked if I was okay. “NO. I’M NOT! Why didn’t you stop the treadmill?”

“Brain fart,” she said.

Brain fart?? Because I got hurt, Maureen must have felt guilty.  We were able to talk her down in price another $50.00. We bought my treadmill for $200.00.

When was the last time you were surprised?

9 comments:

Ms. Wack Sense (known also as Christina Julian) said...

this is funny and visual, this is diff than the version we read! fun

barb bits said...

Thanks, Christina. It is a little different. Amber had a good suggestion about zooming in on the tension.

Amber Lea Starfire said...

Love this version -- funny! Was the $50 worth the bruised body? :-)

barb bits said...

Thanks, Amber. No. I'd rather have my pride for the $50, but it makes for a funny story.

Laura McHale Holland said...

Very entertaining, Barbara. I was surprised you bought the treadmill after that disconcerting experience.

barb bits said...

Thanks, Laura. This story is a bit exaggerated. I did fall, but not as terrifying as this sounds. I also really did want a treadmill and it was a great deal.

barb bits said...

Thanks to Jackie for her comment in an email:
My visualization of your experience was humorous because I've done the same thing when Stella (dog) fell off the back of the couch onto the treadmill and I too was scared and had skinned knees for a week. So I felt your fear and injuries. But after it is over we just have to laugh don"t we? By the way the picture made me laugh even harder; those legs going so fast to keep up with the "run-away" treadmill. Jackie

barb bits said...

From Donna's email:
That sounded terrifying to me. You are lucky you didn't break your neck. I don't think I would have bought it after that, deal or no deal.

I don't like surprises. As a control freak, I like to anticipate every possible alternative. Unfortunately, that leads me to missing out on a lot of stuff.

barb bits said...

Thanks, Donna. I have to admit this story is a dramatization. The speed wasn't that fast, just surprised me, and the fall a couple bruises and damaged pride. The treadmill was a good deal I couldn't pass up.