Werid Fact #1

[purplerabbit]

So I have been realizing that there is a lot about me that most of ya'll don't know. I thought it might be fun to start my own "weird facts" about purplerabbit list. Instead of making a big post all at once, I will post them as I am inspired. If you would like to suggest a weird fact about me that I should include, please do. (I don't always remember how weird I am.)

Weird fact #1: I would love a pet monkey.

You may or may not be aware that my room is covered in toy primates -- monkeys, chimps, gorillas, lemur, bushbaby, etc. I collect primate toys & nicknacks. (As well as cats & rabbits.) I am an anthropologist by training and have always been drawn to our non-human primate (NHP) cousins. At the zoo, I have to be encouraged to finally leave the primate areas where I would probably spend hours and hours if given a choice.

I have always had a fantasy of having a NHP companion. When I was a teenager, a talking chimpanzee was my "invisible friend" who helped me survive junior high. When I became ill and then broke my leg, several people suggested a service animal would be helpful for me. I don't really get along well with dogs and cats just don't do service. Then I found out that there are such things as service monkeys. I know, it is all too like a "Planet of the Apes" scenario.

I have teased my partners about this for several years now. Last night, influenced by predizone (which makes me a spaz case), I asked airshipjones that if we were rich could I have a pet monkey. He casually said "yes." Intrigued, I asked, "So how much money would we need to have to be rich enough for me to have a pet monkey? How much a year would we have to have?" I expected him to say something ridiculous like a million dollars. He answered, "$150,000." That surprized me because it seemed like a much more possible number if we all had good jobs. So I got excited and all bouncy. (A scarry sight, mind you.) I bounced up to uncledark's room and told him that airshipjones said I could have a pet monkey if we made $150,000 a year. Since we have to have consensus on things like money and pets, I was asking would he also agree to it. After much laughing and somewhat bemused/frightened responses from him, he finally smiled and said he figured that was okay if we ever had the money. I was thrilled.

A fantasy that is more attainable is even more fun. That is why I buy lotto tickets. For the fun of the fantasy. I don't know if I would actually get a pet or service monkey. There are lots of issues besides money. Would the animal work with our lifestyle? Would it hate cats? How much work would it be versus how much help? Is it ethical to keep a NHP as a service animal or is that too close to slavery? Issues to consider. I do love the fact that my partners love me so much they would really consider the idea if it made me happy.

Monkeys are so cool!

Comments

[elphie.livejournal.com]

prednisone makes me feel mighty and invincible as well as spazzy, kind of like a teenager who has had six cups of coffee. I would almost, but not quite do it recreationally.

[purplerabbit.livejournal.com]

You got it! I love the stuff. If it would screw my immunity system so badly, it would be tempting as a recreational drug for me. You would not believe how much I got done today!