[Gravity IS a harsh mistress] Tomorrow is my 50th birthday. A common phrase is to say you "hit 50". But in my case, it appears that 50 hit me first, a day early, and quite hard.

It was raining, I was running back to the office, took a turn and slipped and hit the ground. Got a cut under my chin that required 5 stitches and a cheek that looked somewhat chipmonk-like. In the big picture, it could have been a lot worse, though I have had more fun afternoons before.

The staff at the urgent care facility were really nice and helpful. The doctor said to me, "That's 5 stitches. One for each decade." She had a good sense of humor.

So I decided to take a picture of me, with my bloodied shirt, the not so elegant chin bandage, and the ice pack I had on my swollen cheek (the elastic on my forehead is just holding the ice pack on). Oh, and there's a bruise under my right eye. I had another picture of me with the neck brace they gave me before they determined it was not damaged and The Boot that I had to wear last month, but I decided simple and true was better. Plus the bloody shirt was easier to see in this one.

I suppose it's a birthday to remember, plus it shouldn't be too hard for tomorrow to be better. I hope!

Addendum: Megan had the following to say about this picture:
That would be a particularly tough entry in the "serial killer or computer programmer" game. images/Photos/hit-50.jpg