It's Not Easy Being Green

Contrary to popular belief, The Puddle is not dead, just on a short break. Tonight, the break is over. Although I will not be posting as often as I do in Berkeley, I will still share my experiences with anyone willing to read them.

Tonight, I will tell a tale from the past. I was reminded of this while talking with a friend and discussing how all male frogs are actually toads in disguise.

Once upon a time, there were two frogs in the puddle; one a princess, and the other we will call Kermit. These two started spending time together; going to the movies, swimming around the puddle and sitting on lily pads, absorbing the sun. These activities continued for a few weeks, and both frogs seemed happy. One night, as Kermit swam the princess back to her lily pad, a fatal turning point was reached. Kermit asked the princess if he could kiss her, wishing perhaps that she would shed all remnants of her froghood. While the princess adored Kermit, she was not willing to let herself be put in a situation she was not prepared for. Many frogs will argue that a kiss is not very significant. This opinion is valid (pluralism is your right to be wrong), but it still remains true that a simple kiss is all that is needed to transform a slimy frog into a handsome prince. This teaches us to never underestimate the power of one kiss. The princess stopped in her tracks, and with a racing heart said “no.” It was not a hard decision to make. It was a matter of personal comfort, and this particular princess happened to have strongly defined borders. For a variety of reasons, the relationship was first put on hold, and later deteriorated. Timing was vital, but the princess truly speculated what role the unutilized kiss played.

With time, any significance this relationship may have held was lost in the shadows of other, more exciting friendships. The princess has not regretted her choice, and would act the same if an opportunity presented itself today, one year later. Relationships are based on respect; frogs must recognize each other’s comfort zones. Any relationship based on a kiss is not a relationship the princess wishes to be involved in.

That being said, the princess is currently involved with many cool,
nice people who make the puddle a pleasant place to be. Although some are leaving, others are staying. Some are too cool to have a blog, so I can’t introduce them to you.

Now I must I bid farewell to this puddle, and head to a new one, across the ocean. I will be updating my blog every day or two, so stay tuned!

Directly From the Source

As you have probably noticed, this blog borrowed its theme from a weekly column in Maariv, a daily Israeli publication. Meir Uziel prints reader's letters, mostly love stories translated into froggish. They are not always anonymous, and do not always have happy endings. Although I must confess to have never written in, I have identified a few of the stories as be those belonging to friends.

When I took it upon myself to keep a frog-blog, love stories were the last thing I intended to publish. Partially because love is quite lacking from my life right now, nor did I want to let readers do the writing for me. Instead, I decided to use the frog motif to tell about the puddle I live in (Berkeley, CA) and my experiences. The puddle theme is very fluid. (No pun intended.) There is no distinction between the different lily pads, or frogs in the pond. Everyone is a frog, and all frogs are equal. Those familiar with the circumstances may identify some of the frogs, other readers may recognize the general guise of events.

The Skies Are Weeping

As quickly as serenity overcame the puddle last week, it now became rainy and yucky. Suddenly the frogs could not sit on lily pads and absorb the sun as their minds absorbed information; they were forced to hide under the reeds to stay dry. As time went on, more and more frogs were leaving the puddle. Some were leaving for good, some would be back in a few months. As goodbyes were being said, the skies seemed to be weepeing with those parting from their friends. To all those frogs who are leaving for good (and you know who you are), I wish the best of luck. The Puddle will not be the same without you.

A Hop Outside Of The Pond

Our hero and her friends took a field trip the evening, to a lily pad across the puddle. Food and drinks were bought for the festive occasion. A good group of frogs met (minus a few senior ones) and hopped together to a set location, only getting slightly lost on the way. The frogs played some ball before settling down, and preparing their meal. Despite the pressing things awaiting them at home, it was an ejoyable evening, and it felt good to get out of the puddle for a few hours.

Is This It?

Friday nights tend to be exciting enough. The frogs meet, sing and dine in celebration of the day of rest. This Friday was no exception, although it was special for one reason. It would be the last time all the frogs met, as summer was looming over their heads. This was the perfect opportunity to recognize all those who had made the puddle the fun place it is. Many people have worked hard, and all were given flowers as a token of appreciation. Towards the end of the evening, people became curious who would receive the top award, given to an outstanding frog. To much surprise, our hero was chosen as the recipient. She was elated by this honor bestowed upon her. The card read: Thank you for all that you do and all that you are. Your dedication is inspiring. While walking home, a few thoughts crossed our hero's mind. This is the highest degree of recognition, there is nothing left to strive for beyond it. It seemed like the type of award granted to a frog that has finished their 4 years in the puddle, and is moving on, to a new puddle and new life. Our hero was afraid this would be the peak of her puddle career, and that nothing she would do in the future would compare. Despite these thoughts, our hero was very moved and honored.

So Long and Thanks for All the Fish

Tonight the activist frogs held a farewell meeting to sum up the year. Although last meetings have a tendency to be small, they are by no means worthless. Thanks are given, feelings are shared, and the remaining activists walk away with a good feeling. This year, an exception to the rule occurred; quite a few frogs showed up. With a lily pad full of green, slimy frogs, all present got a nice feeling. As our hero looked at the frogs surrounding her, she realized that this was it. Nothing else mattered as much as this group of frogs that fought diligently, day and night for their cause, the truth.

To all those green, slimy frogs out there, you know who you are. WE DID IT!!

An Enchanted Evening In The Pond

This evening was an exciting one in the pond; the frogs attended a formal dinner, in one of the more fancy parts of the pond. The main guests were older and more respectable frogs, which our hero and friends were honored to join for this joyous occasion. First, there was a small meeting, where the tadpoles met with an important, charismatic frog and discussed issues close to the tadpole's hearts. Next, there was a reception where small snacks were served. These small snacks were very tasty; it is not every day young frogs get the opportunity to be part of the grown-up frog world. After the reception, all the frogs swam down to dinner. During the meal, songs were sung, talks were given, and jokes were cracked. One of our hero's friends gave an inspiring speech that drew great croaks from the lively crowd of amphibians. While our hero sat next to their close friend, they also tried to make small talk with the other frogs sitting near them. All in all, it was an enjoyable evening. Upon returning home, our hero was sent a message, which was quite upsetting and disrespectful. A few minutes later, the frog heard some more frustrating news from some crazy frogs from far away. This was not the best ending for such an evening; our hero was glad to return home to the warmth of their lily pads. Tomorrow a new adventure waits, and it will surely be a beautiful day!