Some Recent Revelations

A few things I've learned recently:

1. Zoopies - Last Saturday, we went to the zoo. Early. I really wanted to be on the grounds right after the sun came up so we could see the animals in their early morning rituals. Granted, these rituals consist of little more than eating and waiting to eat, but it is more fun than the general mid-day lulls that most animals get (including me, now that I think about it)

The thing I wasn't expecting were the zoopies, a term Nicole created for "zoo groupies." There is a segment of zoo goers who arrive early, multi-thousand dollar cameras and lenses in hand, and wander around the zoo, calling the animals by name and generally having a fun time. The zoopies all seem to know each other and have an interesting community feel to their interactions. One zoopie, apparently spying newbies to the community, immediately grabbed us and led us to the Great Ape House so we could see an early viewing of the new baby gorilla. I'm not sure we'll ever have quite the same dedication to learning the name of every animal or becoming acquainted with all the zookeeprs, but it is nice to know that we were generally accepted in the early animal viewing society.

2. Darwin - I was very little when I learned I shared a birthday with Abraham Lincoln, but I only just realized that I also shared a birthday with Charles Darwin. I was even more surprised to learn that the two historical icons were born in the same year. I remember having a lengthy question and answer session as a small child with my parents, wondering how Lincoln could be so much older than me (or, at least, have a beard) if we were born on the same day. I suspect the frustration from that conversation, and my general inability to understand the rationale of being born in different years, was reason enough to not exposed shared birth dates regarding any other person.

Keep in mind that, as a child, I also thought Jesus was born every Christmas, miraculously aged 33 years in 3 months, and was crucified every Easter. Yes, it took me many years to grasp the concept of Time.

3. White House - We drove by the White House twice in the past week and for the first time in, oh, about 8 years, I can actually look at the building without feeling dread and disgust. In fact, it kinda makes me happy to see the building now. I can't say I ever thought much on the negative feelings, but it is great to have the opposite sensation now.