Friday, April 1, 2011

April Fools Day



Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Have I mentioned that I hate April Fools Day? I know hate is a strong word and a real no-no for good Catholic girl, but there it is: I hate this day!

From the time I was a little kid, I had no sense of humor when it came to pranks. I couldn’t see the amusement in making others look and feel like idiots. Having been the butt of some of these pranks didn’t help improve my opinion on the day either.

I recall one “smart” boy in my class pouring a cup of water under my seat in school and telling everyone I wet my pants. Obviously everyone knew it was “April Fools” but I can still feel the red heat eminating from my face, I was so embarrassed. Another time, my sister told me the boy I had a huge crush on called while I was out. I was so excited I totally forgot what day it was. When I asked if he left a number or was going to call back, she and her friends began to laugh hysterically. I pretended to laugh and think it was funny, but I can tell you, my sister didn’t laugh when I put a cold rubber snake in her bed that night! (OK, so maybe I find a little humor in pranks!)

When I became a teacher, no one prepared me for the onslaught of pranks that would come from students! Even though I hated April 1st, I didn’t want to inflict my negative feelings on my fun loving kids, so I laughed at the “kick me” sign on my back and the wax apple on my desk (that they hoped I would try and take a bite out of). I have to admit, I became a pretty good actress during those years!

Upon becoming an Assistant Principal, I toyed with the idea of “outlawing” April Fools, but then I realized, the kids were too afraid of me to play pranks, but I would be free to enjoy watching my teachers endure the onslaught! I actually came close to liking the holiday during this period of time!

Now, I don’t think much about it. I’m not in a position to be “pranked” like I used to be. My husband, God bless him, may be a tease, but he’s not into pranks. My kids are both at college and my friends are all still teaching, getting “pranked” and calling me after work to tell me how much they hate April Fools Day!

How do you feel about it? Do you play pranks on people on April 1st? If so, what was the best prank you played or had played on you?




4 comments:

  1. I'm with you, pranks are for little kids!

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  2. What a lame article! I didn't like it at all!..........April Fools! Sorry Marion, I couldn't resist!

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  3. As a kid I replaced my sister's face cream with mayonnaise! I had a great laugh until she told my mom. Then I had a "great" time doing my sister's chores for a week! I still think it was pretty funny! She smelled like a deli for hours!

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  4. I can go either way on this one --- I think it depends on the giving and receiving going on that year.

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