This would only happen to me

Crap happens to me. It just does.

Seriously. Someone should follow me around with a video camera and air it and call it something like, "Life Sucks," or "Adventures in Tripping," or "Can You Believe This Just Happened? Kate Can Because This Stuff Always Happens To Her."

That last one isn't catchy. If I had a TV show, I would keep the title to one or two words. I heard research indicates shows with short, catchy titles do better, but I digress...

This afternoon (which was ridiculously HOT) I was doing something outside for work. I was walking back to the parking lot with my car in it and it happened.

I dropped my keys in the gutter. One of those manhole, sewer thingys.

I froze. I could see the keys. Luckily it wasn't a really deep sewer thingy.

I didn't know what to do. I was in a big hurry and really needed my keys. I didn't think I could get my hands through the slots of the gutter, and I don't have Inspector Gadget arms. What the hell am I going to do???

I'd like to point out here that my car key and my apt. keys, a key chain that doubles as my Chicago Marathon souvenir and my gym swipe card thing were all in the murky, leavy water below. I'd also like to point out my spare car key was in my apartment (not super far, but definitley NOT walking distance away), and my roommate is out of town, and the peeps of our apt. complex do not open doors. They make you call a locksmith.

Again, I had to leave, like, immediatley to go somewhere else.

I immediately grabbed my phone, but realized, there isn't really a service for this...and anyone I'd call would just make fun of me (my editor/dad/anyone else that knows me) and I needed to fix the situation fast.

So, I did what any American gal would do, I happen to see a police officer a few feet away and asked for help.

Me: What would one do if one dropped one's keys in a gutter type thing?
Officer Hero: Cry maybe...ha, ha, ha.
Me: OK...so what can YOU do to help with that, while I cry (I didn't for the record.)?
Officer Hero: I'll help you out.

Apparently, there is a device in squad cars that is really good for getting keys out of gutters. It's kind of low-tech version of those things on infomercials that allow people to reach objects on high shelves. It was a long, metal rod with a hook on the end.

This was not the officer's first time. The keys were out in minutes. Surprisingly not really, really gross. They still need a washing as soon as I get home though.

Crisis averted. At least this stuff makes good stories.