Did I tell you about the time that my wee little ten-year-old self was so inspired by all the fancy chefs on the cooking channel toasting their spices that she wanted to try it herself?
Tossed red pepper flakes right into a ripping hot skillet over high heat.
Immediate smoke.
Carried it out, naturally lacked the forethought to hold the pan to the side, got a face full of spicy smoke. Throat didn't like that, sinuses didn't like that, eyes didn't like that.
Haven't toasted spices since.
I'm amazed that I'm even still allowed in the kitchen after that, the egg cookie incident, and the breakfast-in-bed cheerios-in-ranch catastrophe.
Among other things.