Today someone asked me how I spent my weekend.
“You can tell a lot about a person by how they answer this question”
he said, and looked at me inquisitively.
I did not have the guts to tell him that my husband had
rented a gorilla suit, and donned it for the better part of Sunday afternoon, while
I followed him around with a camera. I did not tell him. Yet, that is exactly
what I did. If this says anything about who I am. Well, quite frankly, I’m a
little scared.
A few months ago, as we sat in the movie theater, one of us
had a bright idea. “Wouldn’t it be funny if we were sitting here in Gorilla
suits?” I’m not sure who said it. I will admit we both laughed. But, John couldn’t let it go. So last week
after lots of gorilla talk he sent this email to my Minnesota hotel room:
Gorilla Suit….just ordered it. It will
be here on Thursday. I have it all weekend. I am going to the mall, Costco, Home
Depot, grocery store, etc. Grab your camera ‘cus this is gonna be fun!!!!! J
All action…and minimal good sense….now that is my kind of
guy!
One gorilla suit later, I have learned a few things. First,
he was right. It was fun!
… and in some ways strangely disappointing. This weekend I realized
the world is largely immune to rubberized, fake fur, Gorillas in public places.
It was odd to see how many people, including little kids had no reaction at
all. I think this says something about the world….and, I’m not sure I like it.
Still, there were lots of laughs and even more stares. I was
especially amused by the people who earnestly tried to figure out why a guy was walking around in a Gorilla suit on a perfectly good Sunday afternoon?
Bewildered, they asked each other questions like:
“Why do you think he is wearing that?”
“Do you think he’s part of a social project?”
I wanted to say, “Lighten up…This really isn’t a problem
solving moment people. Just enjoy the show.”
By the end of the day,
- John the Gorilla made a few kids cry. (Something he is not proud of)
- He made a group of teenage girls run screaming. (Something he is VERY proud of)
- He made the Blockbuster checker laugh as he tried to buy a copy of Planet of the Apes.
- He joined a random family photo…
- …and he created a pretty funny moment in Harmons when he
walked in and purchased bananas.
Given another choice, I’m not sure I could have come up with
anything better.
I guess you could say
I monkeyed around with my best friend.