Why I am the way I am
I’m going to go in a different direction on this one but here goes.
A few years back I worked with a crew of dorks that asked me why I act the way I do. Well, I really didn’t know what to say. I thought about it and decided to tell them some stories that happened to me during my up-bringing. They would laugh and laugh at the stories which was sort of depressing because they were all hurtful times in my early development and were 100% true. I will only tell one at a time and will try to keep them in chronological order but may tell a few out of order if I remember something that I tried to block out.
Grade: Kindergarten
Age: 4
One day the teacher, Miss McNanny, told us that if we were all well behaved that we would have a special surprise at recess. In kindergarten what could be better than recess? Candy at recess, maybe? We were all on the edge of our seats waiting for recess. If someone even thought of misbehaving the others would grimmace at them until they sulked down into their seat. What could it be?
The bell rings and we all get our coats and head out to the recess area, which was a large covered cement expanse that reminded me of a fenced in parking garage. Where is the surprise? I thought it was a scheme to get us to all keep quiet and be good children. Pfft, next they’ll tell us that Santa is a lie.
Recess was about 5 minutes from ending and the teacher had us all congregate near the janitor door (I thought the janitor lived there because it said “janitor” on it). A lady with hiking boots came out backwards and stayed with her back to us. The teacher explained that we shouldn’t be loud or make any sudden moves when we see the surprise. The booted lady turned around and there it was! A live raccoon.
35 little gasps emitted from our little crowd. It was sooooo adorable and cuddly looking. The booted woman told us a little bit about it and that she was from “the zoo” (I didn’t know they kept people there, too) and then she asked if we wanted to pet it?
70 tiny eyes lit up with glee. She explained that we can each only pet it ONE TIME and ONE TIME only. Everyone took their turn. I waited patiently, so very patiently. Finally, it was my turn to pet the cute little fuzzy raccoon. As I reached to touch it, it turned its nose toward my hand to sniff…
“I SAID YOU CAN ONLY PET HIM ONCE!!!”, screached the booted harpy. I tried to say “I didn’t get to pet it yet.” but all I got out was “I…” and she disappeared behind the door marked “janitor”.
I got to live vicariously through the others by asking “Was it soft?”
Lesson learned: Disappointment comes in little furry packages.
Trackbacked to:
Diane’s Stuff
The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns
Stop the ACLU
Third World County
Stuck on Stupid
Don Surber
Right Wing Nation
Those Bastards!
Common Folk Using Common Sense
The Conservative Cat
NIF
On 1Mar06 at 1131 David said:
You neglected to mention in the setup that your twin was in the same class.
On 2Mar06 at 0438 Mark said:
Yeah, if only. I didn’t look like any of those other booger pickers.
On 4Mar06 at 0136 Sam said:
Although I’ve never had the chance to pet one either, perhaps it will make you feel a little better if we both just pretend they are greasy animals with coarse fur and sharp like a razorblade.
By the way, I don’t think you’re weird (I’m only assuming that’s what’s meant by you act the way you do). I think you’re cool and an awesome blog friend.
On 4Mar06 at 0148 Mark said:
Yeah, maybe that’s what they meant when they asked me. They wondered why I am so cool and awesome.
Thanks Sam!
On 9Mar06 at 0435 Diane said:
Now how rude was that? I went to Catholic school 1st and 2cd grade and never mind I’m going to blog it and link to this. LOL
On 9Mar06 at 0731 Mark said:
Diane, this is just the first installment of “Why I am the way I am”.