I never mentioned that I went to the zoo on April Fool’s Day. The Boy recounted the whole day, with our car being broken into and all the cool animals we saw.
I also never mentioned that the koala is my favorite animal and it’s not my favorite animal because it’s incredibly adorable.
For my sixth Christmas, my parents gave me a stuffed koala dressed in a knitted sweater and cap. He was lovely. I’m not sure why I thought he was a he, but he was. Unlike my other stuffed animals, he resided on my bed, kicking up his heels and relaxing. I even snuggled him on cold nights, holding him tightly to my shivering body and receiving some warmth. I cut the hair off my Barbie and made her live like a pauper (spoiled bitch). I pulled at threads on my pink bear ballerina until the stuffing poured from her like blood, but Koala (I never named him) was brushed daily and handled with care.
I can remember cuddling him on a particularly bad night, crying into my pillow (so I wouldn’t get tears on the little guy) and for some odd reason, being extremely comforted that he was there.
Koalas have been my favorite animal ever since.
I’ve never wanted to be a Koala as badly as I want to right now.
Comment by wanderinghome — April 10, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
You’re basically my Koala now.
I personally think I’ve upgraded a bit.
Comment by Noreen — April 10, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
Remember those little koalo pencil hugger things? They were like little clips inside and you squeeze the back to open the arms and legs, and then put it on the pencil. At least I think I remember those things… things get fuzzy.
My fave bear thing ever was the documentary “klondike and snow” about brother/sister orphaned polar bears. It’s a serious weepfest. There was one scene where they showed that the bears would hug each other whenever they were frightened and kind of chew, or suckle, on each others necks for comfort…
Comment by Khaki — April 10, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
I think I do remember those pencil things…although my memory is hazy as well.
Aww, I have to check out that documentary. Polar bears are also a favorite of mine, too.
Comment by Noreen — April 10, 2008 @ 4:15 pm