The troof

You lied to me friend. But for my own good. Because of your lie, I continued to believe that I was a good caretaker of plants and now it is one of my favorite hobbies. I have so many houseplants that I have to keep some at my brother's house because I don't have enough natural-light-filled windows to keep them thriving.

In June 2006 I went to Italy for three months and left behind two plants. I left them with a babysitter. A dear friend. When I came back, we reunited -- both friend and I and plants and I. I went about my life and my plant collection grew. I learned that I loved succulents and decided that no less than three jade plants would do. I resurrected an aloe three times and am still desperately clinging on to the notion that I can bring Señor Kalanchoe back from his impending grave. See, the thing is... I attach great sentimentality to every plant.

Exhibit A: Typical leafy houseplant. First plant ever. Gift from mom while living in dorms. Accidentally left to die over Christmas break but brought back to life after months of bedside care. Still have to this day. Isn't very pretty. Special place in my heart.

Exhibit B: Similar to A. Ivy. Gift from mom at age 19. Easy to keep alive. Been with me a long time.

Exhibit C: Aforementioned kalanchoe. Gift from my daddy. Can't let it die. It's really ugly. But I can't let it die.

Exhibits D, E and F: Jade 1, zebra plant and aloe. All cuttings from my parents' plants. Feel special connection to them. Want to pass their babies on to my babies. Already started by passing on to sister-in-law.

Exhibit G: TJ. Yes, he has a name. This jade comes from a giant, 40-year-old tree named Tom. I purchased him in Yachats and all of Tom's babies are called Son of Tom. I renamed him TJ for Tom Jr. He is my pride and joy.

Now, let us return to Exhibit B for just a moment. This ivy is the plant from my original story. "Friend" sends me a message tonight and says something along the lines of, "Oh hey, I never told you this, but back in college when I babysat your plant, it died but I just replaced it and you never knew."

OH. MY. GOD. My whole life would have been different if I'd known. I would have stopped saying "look at this cute ivy! I've had it for 7 years and it's always been so healthy." Okay, I don't really say that. But here's my point. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger... or something. I'm glad I never knew because this lie has helped turn me into the plant-lover that I am today.

But Marcy Ann, you can bet your socks that it won't be so easy to foil me again. My taste in plants has progressed significantly and fooling me again will be next to impossible. Try replacing this guy without me knowing:
But on another note, thanks for babysitting. I'll be sure to never leave my children with you in case you kill them and try to replace them without me knowing....