Thursday, November 30, 2006

Lil' Tony's Mortality

A while back, I typed to y’all about a little lizard named Tony, one of many (and I do mean “many”) little Florida lizards that live in Tampa. During Game 1 of the World Series, I had to keep my door open so the St. Louis Cardinals would win the game (don’t ask) and Lil’ Tony moved in.

He’s kind of my roommate.

He seems pretty cool. He also seems genuinely interested in every flashing light and electronic device in my place (also, for whatever reason, he likes being around when I take a crap—your guess is as good as mine). Now, I don’t know if it’s possible for a lizard to warm up to a human, but this one seems to really like me and I’m pretty much cool with any living thing that seems to really like me. So I don’t want any harm to come to Tony, which is why I had the following conversation with my landlady:

Me: Those chemicals you guys spray in the apartment every month… do they kill those little lizards that are running around?
Landlady: I’d have to check with Pest Control, but I’m pretty sure they do. At least I’ve never seen one in my place. Do you have some in yours?
Me: Just one.
Landlady: Just one. Well, umm, are you afraid to kill it or something? I mean, he’s just one lizard, right?
Me: No, you don’t get it. I like him here. He’s welcome.
Landlady: I see.
Me: Yeah, I’m just curious if he’ll survive the spray.
Landlady: Let me get you Pest Control’s number…

Later, I had the following conversation with Pest Control:

Pest Control Guy: Maintenance.
Me: Wait, I wanted Pest Control.
(I guess) Maintenance Guy: It’s all one division.
Me: Oh. Hey, I got a question.
Maintenance/Pest Control Guy: Shoot.
Me: Do your pest sprays kill the lizards in this complex?
MPC Guy: Only the ones that are dumb enough to ingest it. Usually, they hide or go outside during sprays. They track bugs and they can go damn near anywhere. So they’re tough to get.
Me: Do you do the spraying?
MPC Guy: Not anymore, thank God. Can’t say I liked that job. Why?
Me: Nothing. Have a great Christmas.
MPC Guy: You too.

So there you have it. The complex is spraying next week and Lil’ Tony may or may not live.

And I spent five minutes of my life actually worrying about it.

I’m messed up.

By the way, I’m picking Cincy for the game tonight. In case you’re keeping track.

On November 30, 2006 9:31 PM, Anonymous Mich said...

You're adorable. Has anyone ever told you that?

You and lil' Tony can come stay with me next week..

;)

 
On November 30, 2006 11:36 PM, Anonymous Thomas said...

Yeah, you're messed up, but this isn't one of the things that proves it. This is one of those redeeming things ya hear so much about.

 
On December 1, 2006 12:04 AM, Anonymous Jenn said...

Why do they spray your building so much? That stuff probably is bad for you too.

Maybe since Tony seems to like you you'll be able to catch him and put him in a box or somewhere to take him out of your place while they spray.

 
On December 1, 2006 11:46 AM, Blogger Court said...

i enjoyed the way you led up to the "Maintenance/Pest Control Guy" name.

let's hope tony's a tiger.

 
On December 1, 2006 12:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

So, Nate, how women are actually vying for you at the moment? Are you accepting aplications?

;)


-Kelly

 
On December 2, 2006 4:01 PM, Anonymous Nicole said...

Everyone together now: Awww...

That was cute.

 
On December 2, 2006 5:01 PM, Anonymous Catherine said...

On behalf of everyone who said "Awww..." along with Nicole, I'd like to say that you must do everything in your power to see that Tony survives the spray.

You HAVE to keep us updated on this little guy.

 

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