Embarrassing stories contest winner

Okay, let me say right off that I’m embarrassed at how long it’s taken me to post the embarrassing stories and the contest winner. And actually they were all posted about a month ago, but when my daughter added them to my website it caused the website to split in half, and then her computer crashed and she couldn’t fix it.

I didn’t really want to draw anyone’s attention to my oddly formatted website but now my dear friend Marsha has fixed it (Way to be techno-savvy, Marsha!)here’s the news:

The winner is: Cheryl S.

Here is her story:

When I was a senior in high school (at least 11 years ago, give or take a few months), I had the privilege of being voted as one of the representatives of our youth government group. This was good, because it meant a trip to our State Capitol (which was Boise. Quick, what state am I from? Anyone? Anyone?). Hundreds of high-schoolers from around the state took over the Capitol building in mock Senate, House of Representatives, and Judicial sessions.

It was great! We passed our fake laws, voted, created caucuses, etc. For two days, our lives revolved around debates, the mock “media”, and seeing which high school had the most controversial bill. I happened to be in the House of Representatives. I had borrowed my best friend’s incredible “power suit” for the occasion, and I did a pretty good job debating for and against various bills in front of hundreds of peers and dozens of teachers.

On the last morning of bill-passing, one particular bill came up for debate that caused quite a stir. It was a bill wanting to put condom machines in high school bathrooms. Both sides were very heated. As a conservative virgin (and yes, this is important to note), I was against the bill. I heard several people stand and declare that it was about freedom of choice and/or preventing pregnancy, since “everyone will do it anyway”. One person against the bill stood and spoke about how “30 STDs could still pass through a condom”, etc.

Fired up by the debates, I stood up. “Mr. Speaker!” I yelled. “The House recognizes so-and-so from whatever!” (that’s me; and no, he didn’t say “whatever”, but I digress). I stood up and said:

“Thank you. I rise in negative debate. As Representative So-and-So stated, over 30 STDs can still pass through a condom. See, Condoms do not necessarily make sex any better….wait…wait…” My mind went blank. What did I just say?

Soon the entire room was roaring with laughter. The teachers, some of whom were listening via microphones in the other room, were laughing. The audience up in the balcony (consisting mostly of high school students from the Senate and Judicial Court) were laughing. I finally realized what I had said and yelled “Safer! I meant Safer!” And then sat down, completely humiliated.

Luckily, I had a sense of humor and could laugh with them –even when some started calling out “How do you know!” Oh, the joy.

Thanks Cheryl, it’s nice really, to know that I’m not alone in embarrassing myself.

Oh, and honorable mention goes to Chuck, the golfing librarian, for the sheer number of embarrassing stories he’s shared on my blog. We are kindred spirits, Chuck.

For the many people who contributed great stories but still didn’t get a free book,(you check out stories on my web page) have no fear. My Fair Godmother comes out in January and Just One Wish comes out in March so I will be running more contests then.