Odd memories

It’s funny the things that fix themselves in our memories. Earlier today I invoked the phrase “pet peeve” and chuckled as I remembered the first time I heard that particular phrase. I was in (I think) 4th grade and had been sent to the principal’s office (also a first) along with my partner in crime, Randy Nichols, for returning to class after recess completely soaking, dripping wet. The fact that the object of our impromptu game was to run the gauntlet of agricultural-style sprinklers without getting wet was apparently lost on our teacher, so off to the principal’s office we sloshed.

I don’t remember in what context the principal, Mr. Mallow (Mr. Marshmallow, we kids called him), used said phrase, but I do remember that it really ticked him off when I couldn’t suppress a giggle as I imagined him putting out food and water for his “pet peeve”, which I envisioned being the size of a small dog and vaguely pig-like. He was kind enough to define the term for us, and after giving us a good talking-to, sent us back to class.

I’m not sure why I can recall this event with such startling clarity some 30 years later, but I’m rather glad that I can.