The Peanut

What is happening to me? I used to be the kind of guy who recoiled when someone would describe something as cute such as, "You should see that movie, it is sooooo cute." Ugh! I have never been a touchy feely kind of guy. I have never been a big fan of kittens and puppies nor have I ever rushed to go make faces at every baby I come across. When my sister was a baby, I remember all the old Jewish woman hovering over her marveling at how "precious" she was. Yes, she was adorable, but damn I hated the word precious at the time.

But now something strange is happening. Recently, I caught myself describing a movie as cute. I've got to admit that I really like that cell phone ad with the toddler on the phone blabbering on while sitting next to a puppy. Ten years ago, I would have simply marveled at how ads push babies and dogs on us, but now all I do is chuckle. Kids do ramble like that kid in the ad! Damn, that dog is cute! What kind of cell phone is that again? Maybe I need that phone right now!

And now another troublesome event has occurred. I have recently put a picture of my niece as my screensaver at work. I can't stop looking at the picture and breaking into a huge grin. Sometimes, I have to stop myself from making an audible, "Aaaawwwww" when I look at my desktop. Oh well, at least I'm not using the word precious to describe her. Yet.

And to be honest, when you look at this picture, who can blame me for wanting to look at it all the damn time?

I dare you to look at the little peanut without crying out "Aaaawwwww." It's not easy, is it?