The early kid catches the koala

I like Australia.  Really I do.  No - I've never been there...but I've heard great things, and have met some really wonderful people from Australia as a result of Facebook.  I know lots about Australia too.  There is Foster's beer, that Crocodile Dundee guy, the Opera House, dingos, and so on.  


But there's a problem.  


And normally - I'm not one to complain about small problems.  [stop snickering....this is my blog - so pipe down and just agree with me on this one].


But I do have a small problem with the Land Down Under.


Simply put?


Weird animals.


Huh?  You're asking?  


Yeah - that's right.  I said it.  Weird animals.


More specifically?  Marsupials.


You know - those cute fuzzy animals that come pre-equipped with their own luggage (pouches).


Ok - so now your thoroughly confused right?  What could I possibly have against marsupials?  What have they ever done to me?


Well....they haven't done anything to me specifically per se...but they do inspire a little boy with the need to 'spread the word' about what they are.  I'm cool with that.  I am really entertained by Nicholas's genuine interest in animals [and no Nicholas - we are not buying a goat, or an elephant, or a camel as a pet.  We have a hamster....his name is Archie, and he's pretty damn cool!].  I just don't really share the same level of interest - at least not  before 6AM.


Let me set the scene for you:


It's early....before 6AM.  I believe I just mentioned that.


Daddy is sleeping comfortably in bed.


Blankets are warm and toasty....and I was having a cool dream.


Then it happens....as it's happened many times before.


Poke Poke Poke!


"Daddy?" chirps a pleasant voice.  If any voice can actually be called pleasant at that time of day.


There are some less than polite responses....most notably - "go away!"


Poke Poke Poke!!!


"Daaaaaady!!!"


A few more "go aways"....and a non specific threat involving the possibility of Santa's spy network being aware of what's going down.


"DADDDDDDDYYYY!"


Sigh....an eyeball pops open.  "Yes little man....was there something you needed?"


"No.  I just wanted to tell you something."


"Can it wait?"


"No!  This is important!"


Sigh. 


"Ok - whats on your mind."


"Did you know that koala bears are marsupials?"


"Actually - I did know that.  I've known that since I was in grade 3 from a rather irate exchange teacher from Australia.  So yes dude - I knew that."


"Well guess what?"


"What?"


"I'm in grade 3 too!  And I know that too!  So that means I'm just as smart as you!"


"Cool."


"And guess what else?"


"What?"


"Koala's like to eat eucalyptus leaves.  They have pouches.  And they like to hang out in trees and laugh [I think he means kookaburras....and I think those guys are birds....and they hang out in old gum trees.  A little feedback from the Australian branch of the family would be good here]  And while they are called Koala Bears...they are not really bears.  Real bears don't have pouches."


"That's good to know Nicholas.  Did I really have to have Koala Class 101 so early?"


"Yes.  Yes you did.  You never know when you're going to need to know something."


And then in a flash - he's gone.  


He's right though.  You do never know when you're going to need something.  Just in case I ever actually do get on Jeopardy.


Alex!  I'll take "Australian animals I have yet to eat for $100!"