I adore nearly every animal with the exception of two creatures: Catfish and squirrels.
You may be thinking, “You’re crazy, Julie. Squirrels are adorable.”
Yes they are cute. But they are also unpredictable, beady-eyed and a little too friendly at times.
I suppose I should explain my issue with squirrels.
During college I worked as a campus tour guide for UCF. I would take prospective students and their parents around campus, highlighting important buildings and answering questions.
One time a father asked me what I disliked the most about UCF.
I answered, “The squirrels.” He laughed and asked me why. I explained that the squirrels were crazy and would stalk you for food since they were overfed by the students.
About 30 minutes later, we were walking by one of the dorms on campus and we heard a chirping noise. As we all looked up to see what was causing the commotion, a squirrel came falling down right in the middle of our tour group.
I took off running as the same dad I previously talked to about squirrels screamed the f-word nice and loud.
Once we all reconvened, the dad said, “Man, you weren’t kidding about the squirrels on this campus, were you?”
No sir.
(Just FYI, the squirrel was okay and got up and ran away after about two seconds of lying on the ground, stunned.)
Well, today my issue with the unpredictability of squirrels was reinforced yet again on my morning walk with Sadie.
It must be mating season, because all of the squirrels around the lake by our apartment are coupled up and acting especially nutty.
About 20 minutes into our walk, Sadie and I passed a tall tree. Two squirrels were chasing each other around the trunk and as they came off the trunk to cross the side walk, they literally scurried underneath Sadie’s torso.
I thought my dog was going to pee herself on the spot.
I screamed, the woman behind us jumped about three feet in the air and Sadie, once she got over the shock, jumped around in front of me like it was Christmas.
Breakfast
Holy squirrel overload! Let’s move on to breakfast, shall we?
Though not as exciting as the possibly rabid squirrels, breakfast was pretty darn delicious.
Today I made myself a yogurt bowl that included:
- Cold oatmeal
- Greek yogurt
- Granny Smith apple chunks
- Sliced strawberries
The tart apples made this dish.
I can’t wait to make my first apple pie when the air gets a little cooler!
Question of the Morning
- Are there any animals that make you feel a little uncomfortable?
Alexis @ Mission: Ambition says
So this post is old but I just HAD to comment (I’m catching up on my very neglected Google Reader).
I went to UCF as well and OMG the squirrels were crazy. Everytime I went to throw something away in an on-campus trash can I was so worried that a squirrel would jump out at me since they seemed to think the trash cans were their houses. And I had multiple friends who had squirrels run up their legs and sit on their laps when they were sitting at the boardwalk behind the Student Union!
Cassie says
I went to Oklahoma State University and we had some pretty crazy squirrels too! I think they’re adorable as long as they don’t invade my personal bubble!
Natalia@ The Health Script says
Oh my goodness girl, I can totally relate!
I didn’t have a “problem” with squirrels until I came to college. They are EVERYWHERE. We even have a “squirrel feeding club” on campus which makes them super friendly and run at you looking for food. It’s a good day if I haven’t been terrorized by a squirrel! 🙁
Danielle says
i was never a fan of squirrels. they scare me when they run up to you when you least expect it. I was walking back form the library one evening and i was texting, and a squirrel scared me so badly i jumped!!! Thank goodness no one was near me or hopefully saw me because they would have been completely weird-ed out by my fear of squirrels. Glad i am not the only one on this!!!
Alexandra says
The squirrels at UF are super crazy as well, they’re chubby, fearless, and always hungry! They stare you down as you walk past them too, I swear they would jump on my neck if I didn’t run so fast past them!
Melissa Hyde says
I am also terrified of squirrels. When I used to have a dog they would dart in front of us on our walk or jump from the trees. SO scary!
Cheyanne says
Wow! This is so weird! I just happened to find your blog tonight and I’m a current student at UCF! I completely agree about the squirrels… I avoid them at all costs, haha. How did you apply for the job as a tour guide? I always wanted to be one!