The View from 58-inches High

If this were a TV series episode, it would open with the photo of me below. There are days when the most unexpected things happen and remembering how to you got here is half the fun. So, today’s episode starts out with Chris, Lindsey, Robert, Matt, and Charlie on the roof of our office building, with beer, preparing to watch me drive a go kart around the roof.

The day started off innocuous enough, the Monday of the last week of the year. The building is half empty, it’s 9:00 in the morning and I’m already on edge having picked a fight with one of the managers in Singapore (a fight I couldn’t win).

I passed Robert in the kitchen and was going to keep going when I thought I heard him say something to me. With a huge grin on his face, he tells me Matt has a go kart that would fit me perfectly. He and Charlie had spent the weekend welding a roll cage to it. Both had test driven it and had a ton of fun. So where was this go kart… in the back of Robert’s truck.

I asked him if he thought I could drive it on the roof, to which he replied “Why not.” I immediately asked Matt if it was cool. Pretty soon the time and place was set; Roof @ 3:30. As the time approaches, Robert starts to get pretty anxious and starts trying to sell me that it’s not a good idea ;). I’m not buying given that he’s the one who told me I should drive it in the first place.

Also as the day goes on, I’m able to get in touch with Chris about the fight I picked with SLI. He’s out of office but happens to be downtown and headed out way right at 3:30. Robert, Charlie, and I literally open the stairwell door on to Chris and Lindsey who were just coming in to find us. We’re all grins as I mumble “Go karts on the roof, now!” while trying to hold back laughter. I put my lip to my finger to hush him as he tries to repeat what he thought I said. After all, we were on a covert mission. Even though Chris doesn’t completely understand what I’m saying, he knows it’s gonna be good.

So, here I sit in a go kart for a 10-year old. I’ve never driven one before and I have no idea what I’m in for but I’m pretty sure it will be amazing and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m also pretty sure I can’t get fired for this. I’ve got my helmet and driving gloves on for good measure (all Giro!).

Off we go! It takes a little while to get used to driving with two feet. The seat is only connected on the top too, so while my instinct is to use my weight to stay stable I’m actually moving all over the place.

The part of the garage we’re on is a split tier with a stair from the bottom to the top. It’s basically 180deg turns over and over again. As I come to the end of the garage, I try pushing the speed. I get a little confused on the breaking and give it gas too early. I’m headed for the railing so I slam the break while I’m still giving it gas and I pull the steering as hard as I can. I loose the rear end and start sliding towards the other railing. At the last minute the wheels catch and the whole thing shoots left, towards the opposite side of the garage. I gain control and head back down to the crowd, who all have their jaws on the floor.

So I can now cross off go karting on the roof of my office building from my bucket list. Thanks Robert and Matt!!