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THE FRONT PORCH — The holiday season brings lots of wonderful things like yummy treats and beautiful decorations. Unfortunately, those beautiful decorations sometimes come at a cost, as nearly 20,000 people end up in emergency rooms annually thanks to injuries related to holiday decorations.
More often than not, these patients are hurt by falling off a ladder. I have a terrible track record when it comes to ladders, toppling off even in the most perfect of weather conditions. I refuse to go on my roof to hang lights in the winter, since adding snow and ice to an already dangerous situation seems like a risk that exceeds the scant reward of the aforementioned lights.
Of course, there are some hardy souls who are wired differently than me. Not only do they insist on hanging their holiday lights, but if they end up falling to the ground, they simply pop up cheerfully and continue on with their day.
Take the fellow in this video, for example.
From the first thuds heard on the roof, it's obvious something bad is about to happen. But the landing is nothing short of incredible.
If I had these skills, I'd probably hang holiday lights next holiday season. But my propensity for sprained ankles and broken wrists makes me think a smooth dismount like this could never happen.
