For those of you that have read my blog , you know that my posts normally have one subject…my wrangler wearing cowboy. Today I’ve decided to blog about myself B.C. (Before Cowboy).
Our short travel back in time will take us to Panama Canal Zone (Circa 1975) I was 7 and such a tomboy. Yep, I was a running-shoe wearing, football playing tomboy! I know y’all are surprised that this cheetah print, stiletto loving gal could wear anything other than dresses BUT back then you would never catch me in anything other than shorts, jeans and running shoes. I played football with my brothers and the neighbor boys (touch only). I was fast and I loved to run. And, to this day if the weather permits, I’ll wake up early and beat Cowboy out of the door to get my “run on”. Okay, that’s a lie, I have never in my life beat Cowboy out of the door.
Back to Panama-
My favorite day of the week was Saturdays. It was the day that the chiclet boy came into our neighborhood and I would chase after him. It was a game that we played every Saturday. He would run and I would chase him. And boy was he a cutie! He always sported a tan…duh, he was panamanian, hence the year round tan. I think he was my first crush. Actually, since I was only 7, I’m pretty darn sure of it.
The next Saturday came and I laced up my favorite running shoes and out the door I went. I ran to my favorite spot so I could see him as he turned onto our street. I stood at that stop sign FOREVER! Okay, it was probably 15 mins but to a 7 year old it was half of a lifetime. With crushed spirits, I decided it was time to head home.
MAJA (a nickname I have for my mom): (She was speaking to me) What’s the matter honey? You seem sad.
ME: He didn’t come today.
MAJA: Who didn’t come?
ME: The chiclet boy. He comes every Saturday and we play chase. And, he never came today.
MAJA: I’ve been meaning to talk to you about him. His name is Eduardo and the reason he comes into the neighborhood is to sell his gum. That’s how he makes money. When you chase him he doesn’t get to make his money.
ME: But he likes it when I chase him.
MAJA: No, honey he was running from you to get away, so he could work.
ME: What? Boys are dumb!
MAJA: Yes, sometimes they can be.
