1971, Fresno California, Morris E. Dailey Elementary, the fifth-grade math classroom. I am sent to the back of the room to finish my problem sets with two other kids, while the teacher is busy with the rest of the class. We are slightly ahead of them in our studies. Naturally, we finish our problem sets, and start fooling around. One of us has a watch with a second hand. How long can you hold your breath? How long can YOU hold your breath? "I can beat that." Research ensues. Keep perfectly still and you can surpass a minute. Closing your eyes can add 20 to 30 seconds to your best time.
Today, I learned that holding your breath is a sport and that the champion is a woman. I might have had a whole different attitude in PE had I known I could compete in this.
| ... Comments made afterwards |