A bad day is one like this

It was one of those absolutely quote-worthy line by Jon, if you will - except that this time it came with an ironic twist. It's not easy to re-enact that moment in words but i will try my best. Yes, for posterity's sake, i will!

We were taking a water break at a Shell Petrol Kiosk along Upper Thomson Road (I reckon we had covered some 3km). Jon and I were resting at a corner of the kiosk while waiting for EY to come out of the toilet.

I was standing up, probably trying to catch my breath. Then Jon, looking and sounding wise, rolled off the aforesaid (trademark) Jon-ism while lowering himself to sit on the kerb: 'Today is one of those days when you wake up in the morning and you know it's going to be a bad day.'

At which point he sat down - down, meaning butt on the kerb.

Almost immediately he rose to his feet. Eyebrows arching - a sign of imminent distress - he stretched his left hand out to reveal a palm covered with slimy grey paint. Next thing we knew, we were both looking at the kerb: it was still wet with paint although this wasn't very apparent.

I can't remember if he cursed and swore instantly but he probably did; it's Jon! His singlet and shorts were also stained with grey paint. But being the forever lucky person he is (and i really do mean he's one hell of a lucky fellow), the paint was soluble - some cheapo brand! - and he managed to wash the stain off his shorts, which otherwise would have been an unsightly patch at his butt.

As for his white NIKE singlet, well, he threw it into the bin with nary a second thought, but not without cursing (again) for good measure. It was the same singlet he had wore for his first marathon in 2003. Today it died a most dishonourable death - unceremoniously dumped in a dustbin located at an obscure, dingy corner. (ok, i should qualify that the singlet was tattering already so it wasn't a completely wasteful throw - at least according to Jon, who is ever ready with a reason to justify every action.)

I don't know why but it took me a while before i burst out laughing. You know, maybe it was natural reflex that held back the laughter: we aren't supposed to be laughing at the expense of a friend's misery, are we? At least not immediately anyway. When i eventually did, i told Jon: 'Hey your remark proved very prescient!'

Here's a classic Jon-ism spouted and validated instantaneously - though it certainly wasn't meant to turn out that way, i'm sure. The timing couldn't have been more perfect; it was comedic! For once, it seemed as if the table was turned on him - and by no less a person than himself!

I know what makes a bad day now. And I know if i ever woke up feeling that it's a bad day, I shouldn't say it out, and i should also look carefully before i sit down anywhere along the roadside or on the kerb.

Jon: 'Luckily (for Shell) I am not a customer, otherwise i will definitely complain! There should be a sign warning people of the wet paint!'

I guess even the luckiest of person would also have his share of bad days.