Zoo-a-holic

"Hi, I'm Sally and I am NOT a Zoo-a-holic."

There, it's out there. I feel a little better now. I am not like the other stay-at-home moms who flock to the zoo for a day, a few hours, for a visit. I don't sit around and gleam with a radiant smile, talking about our day at the zoo, how the monkeys were frisky, how pretty the flamingos were, or how the newest exhibit opened.

Today is the whole school field trip to the Columbus Zoo. I am thankful that there were 13 parent volunteers just in our class alone, so I was not needed. There is excitement in my son's voice this morning as we make his lunch ("no straws, Mom, the animals could choke on it."), and pick out his outfit for the day. He asks me why I am not going and I sigh. I wish I could explain it to him. I have no ill feeling towards the animals and how they are behind bars, or the cost, or even the amount of walking we do over the day. I just don't like it. Period.

I feel a little guilty that I am not going today. I am not that Mom. I get him to school early so I do not have to explain to the other parents why I am not going today. I do not have to watch them roll their eyes at me, call me a slacker, and walk away with a bit of disgust in their attitude with me.

I am praying the rain holds off for them. I am praying that he sees all the animals he wants to, that he behaves and has the best day ever!

Maybe one day....