March 18, 2004

The Senator's Press Secretary

The Senator got a stuffed animal for Christmas. It's a beaver. He played with it a bit Christmas morning, and I assumed that this creature would go the way of all the other stuffed animals; The Bin of Little Used Toys. Goodwill fodder.

Nope. This beaver is different. He's the first stuffed animal to have a name. It's Josh.

Josh has taken control of The Senator's life. We do not make a move around here without consulting Josh.

Senator, what would you like for breakfast?

I don't know. Let's ask Josh. Josh says pancakes.

That's just a small sample. We consult Josh as to what clothes to wear, what video to watch, what books to read, and what would be a reasonable bedtime. Josh is often overruled, but always consulted. We bring Josh on walks, to the grocery store, and to school. He has to stay in the car sometimes, much against The Senator's (and Josh's) wishes, but I have repeatedly explained the dangers of bringing a beaver into public places. You never know when Josh might mistake someone's leg for a sapling.

Today The Senator's grandparents took him swimming. Josh was all set to go along for the excursion. I told The Senator that Josh needed to stay home. He wasn't too happy about that until I explained that beavers are highly sensitive to chlorine and he might break out in a rash. I think I also promised to give Josh a snack and let him watch Tom and Jerry cartoons.

The worst part of it..."Mom, you forgot to say 'Good-night' to Josh."

I can't tell you how ridiculous I feel talking to a stuffed, buck-toothed rodent. My life has turned into a Minnesota version of Calvin and Hobbes.

Posted by Cathy at March 18, 2004 07:57 PM
Comments

Funny, I would have thought the Governor more likely to adopt the Calvin role.

The phase will end, I'm sure. Pity. Just imagine an older Senator going on a date with Josh in the role of chaperone. That would probably keep him celibate for a long, long time. Either that or give the Senator a truly interesting (I think that's the word) reputation among the young ladies.

Posted by: aelfheld at March 18, 2004 09:48 PM

Are you sure that there isn't encouragement from the VP in order to give people the chance to say,
"Nice beaver!" as done in The Naked Gun movie.

Posted by: Sheriff Bart at March 19, 2004 09:32 AM

'I can't tell you how ridiculous I feel talking to a stuffed, buck-toothed rodent'

Has Al Franken's publicity agent been talking with you about shared experiences?

Posted by: Chris Muir at March 19, 2004 11:58 AM

Ha! That's great, Chris!

Posted by: Cathy at March 19, 2004 04:38 PM

May be you can get an additional $400.00 tax refund for Josh.

Did you ever take the kids slot car racing?

Posted by: Matthew at March 20, 2004 11:29 AM

Hi Matthew. Great idea about the tax credit!

No, we haven't gone yet. I planned a day in January with another of The Senator's friends, but we had a snowstorm and it got canceled. I'm going to reschedule when March is over and all chances of freak snow/ice storms are officially over. He's really looking forward to it. I showed him your web page; he can't wait.

Posted by: Cathy at March 21, 2004 02:14 PM