Cold Wet and Having to Pee

The things we do for friends.

Every year I and three of my friends celebrate each other's birthdays by hanging out and doing something we wouldn't otherwise do. Its a chance to catch up because no one has time these days to get together. Today we went to the zoo in honor of E's 22nd. We bought her a membership so she can take dates there and packed lunchboxes so we wouldn't starve. Yes, Yes, the birthday had a theme. Zoo theme, man. animal crackers in lunchboxes. juiceboxes and sandwiches cut into triangles, party hats and champaign. Awesome. Nostalgic. We even forged a permission slip from her mom, so she could go on the field trip.

Today was hugely ugly. It was pouring rain and there were no kids at the zoo. We owned the place. No strollers. No parents. The place was deserted. Only a bunch of wet, cold and miserable animals. I think we cheered them up, I mean, we were definately more entertaining than they were.

I was relieved. Every birthday party has a small element of humiliation. We always go out, and we always do something slightly embarrasing. One year they took me to a hair salon blindfolded and told me to pick a new hue for my tresses. For chanukka, they presented me with a 'sunshine experience.' We went to our neighborhood coffee-joint, E. lugging a giant trash bag filled with 1. highly tacky flowered centerpeice 2. heart sunglasses 3. party hats (everyone got two-we looked like vikings) 4. trivia pursuit for dummies.... I think you get the idea. It was very funny, yes, but somewhat mortifying. So, I was secretly pleased that the zoo was empty.

Still what are friends for? I get accused of being too serious. And every serious person needs a friend to shout PLACENTA at the top of their lungs at you, as you are hurrying accross campus to your organizational theory and behavior class. Keeps things in perspective.