You probably wouldn't think it to look at me, but I do.
I have wanted to start a blog for a while and recently two things happened that gave me the push.
I was having brunch with my friends and telling stories about my crazy street here in lovely Oakland, CA. One friend said to me that she thought people who don't have the opportunity to live here would love to hear about the happenings of my neighborhood. I had been telling the story of our local brandy lady, and I thought my friend was right, who wouldn't want to hear about the brandy lady!
The second thing was NPR. Yes, National Public Radio. I was doing dishes one evening and NPR was on the radio. There was a story about monkeys in Africa. Some scientists decided to test depression in monkeys. They found a group of monkeys, identified the depressed, removed them and went back to their lab. A few months later they returned to check on the happy monkeys and found they had all been killed. Both by predators and the next monkey group over. They were surprised and shocked and decided not to remove anymore depressed monkeys. Then they set up a camp and studied a different monkey group in their natural environment and found out some interesting things. The monkeys who did not fit the norm of their monkey group for reasons of depression or just plain personality, were always ostrasized to the fringes of the group. This is not just one monkey but several in each group. At night, surprisingly, these monkeys functioned as a natural alarm system. Due to their depression and/or social outcast status they have poor sleep patterns and sleep lightly if at all during the night hours. While the happy, content, socially oriented monkeys are sleeping away the depressed monkeys hear the python or the jaguar coming through the jungle, or the rival monkey group sneaking up to attack them in the night. One of the scientists said that "These 'grumpy monkeys' are a natural part of any society and keep the majority of the community safe through alarming them to any danger in the vicinity." When I heard the phrase I knew the time had come.
I am such a Grumpy Monkey. Not depressed, but definitely and surely grumpy.
(I promise to tell you about the brandy lady in my next post.)
If I am attacked by a python or a jaguar I will hold you personally responsible.
Posted by: Lala | July 12, 2007 at 05:30 PM
YAY! I can't wait for all the stories. I know your street is very colorful, and the little previews I've gotten so far have me looking forward to your blog. Can't wait! xo
Posted by: Robin | July 12, 2007 at 06:14 PM
Baby! I am soo glad you have a blog. You're my monkey, and I love you. Xoxo -dogearedgirl
Posted by: dogearedgirl | July 12, 2007 at 06:33 PM
Why, hello! I'm so glad to find you here on the blogosphere! Welcome!
Posted by: Rachael | July 13, 2007 at 07:26 AM
I've heard a few juicy bits about your neighborhood and wait expectantly for more amusing gems. I love that "grumpy monkey" is a scientific term now.
Posted by: Rachel | July 13, 2007 at 09:23 AM
Hi. I have thoroughly enjoyed your stories.....and I can't wait to read more.
It was a pleasure meeting you and Wife(aka Lilly) at Shelley's this past weekend. I had such a good time.
Have a great week!!!!
Posted by: Melissa | July 23, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Love your stories, but let me tell you one.
Once there was a LOVELY couple that went to a BUNCO party. They won a LOVELY car shaped planter. Another guest wanted said planter. After the party said guest found LOVELY said planter in her car. Guest was overwhelmed with love and gratitude towards said LOVELY couple. Thank you LOVELY couple!!!!
Posted by: Renee | July 24, 2007 at 07:06 AM