Cowboys, horses, and ropes are all common things seen at the Rodeo, but what about the Library? You don't usually put on your boots and handkerchief and think "Just can't wait to see the library mascot at the rodeo t'day pa!"
In this case, little Johnny Hopkins would say that and actually be telling the truth. One summer, as the Summer Reading Program was in full swing the Library was asked to join all the hootin and hollarin at the Rodeo. Little did I know that I would get to be Buddy, the most awesome-est library mascot you have ever seen.
Little did I know that my glasses wouldn't fit inside the mascot head piece. Let it be known that I can barely see my hand in front of my face without glasses. So there I was blind-as-a-bookworm traveling up slopes and dodging horse dung in a bright green mascot outfit of a worm! The best part was yet to come. Buddy was asked to participate in the DANCE CONTEST with the kids. There is nothing like a bookworm dancing to Soulja Boy to get the Rodeo started. The only problem was that I decided to wear black shorts over the green tights the costume required, bad idea! As the break dancing continued and lots of wiggling and waddling buddy's underwear (black shorts) were showing! I didn't realize at the time why all the adults kept laughing at me. Yikes, what a naughty little worm to be showing his delegates in a crowd of little kids. Well the dance competition ended and it was off to the tattoo table.
Kids ask too many questions! What are you? (a bookworm. duh!). What's your name? (Buddy, Hello its only posted on the back of my shirt). Can you talk? (obviously not, cause I'm just nodding!). How old are you? (I'm NOT real)GIVE ME FIVE, GIVE ME A HUG, I LOVE BUDDY, how much more could I take. Not to mention the pulling my bottom half (worms don't really have tails), punching, and heat. Then danger struck again. My bosses thought it was a good idea for buddy to wear and over sized red cowboy hat. Not a good idea, it didn't fit on Buddy's head and was hung off my back. We have already established the Buddy doesn't talk... So, what does one do when the over sized hat is choking the actual person inside the suit? Scream? NO! Die? Possible? Tap boss on shoulder? Is ignored! In the end the international sign of choking works and Buddy is free of the hat. Whew, I though I was going to die.
After the long day of being a bookworm it was back to the desk and my outstanding performance lead to many more Buddy appearances. They are always enjoyable, except when you make babies cry. Well, I guess that is enjoyable too. No. No.
