It's been an interesting day. I've been called many things in the past, but "spirit animal" isn't one of 'em, even though the delivery was one of sincere appreciation. I also garnered a couple more at my local where I got supper.
When pinned about what sort of animal I might be, I thought about it for a moment and mentioned, "platypus" -- which was widely regarded as a joke or hoax before live specimens were brought to the "old world" or, perhaps as likely, filmed in situ Down Under. I think that fits as well an anything else, and I am quite possibly the only adult male in the USA that has a plush platypus on my bed along with a teddy bear. I feel no shame whatsoever in this.
Later in the day, when I got to my local, only to find the bar completely socked in, I opted to sit next to the "piano" and one of the wait-staff. "Is this spot taken?" // "Yes! By you!" which was delivered with a big smile, and once I sat down was peppered with compliments on my attire by a member of the staff there who's going to migrate south to Florida next week and who seemed thrilled to have time to actually chat with me. She made it a point that she appreciated my attire and attention to detail. She's a dear and I'll miss her.
Later still, after several pints of Guinness, a pair of patrons exited past me, including one regular whom I chat with frequently, and her friend was astonished by my legwear: "He's werirng fishnets! I used to wear fishnets back in the '70s!" My retort to that was, "Yes, I am, and I, too, have recollections of the '70s although I'd not have worn these then." which garnered some level of respect.
There was also very sad news today, as one of the women there whom I greatly enjoyed chatting with passed away earlier in the week. A couple of the bar staff made sure to tell me, and whilst it was sad news indeed, I thanked them for it. That definitely threw a wet towel over everything else, so it's with a bit of a heavy heart that I write this now. Bon nuit milady. It sucks getting old because so many friends and acquaintances seem to drop dead before it's time.
