Meet Felix, our new goldfish.
Back in early June, my Dad took LPP and me to a local carnival. It rained during our bus ride out there, but once we arrived, the clouds held back and we were able to enjoy a festive evening at the fair. LPP and I rode the carousel and a mini roller-coaster and a go-cart and a spinning cup, and we ate corn dogs and snow cones. Real, old-fashioned fun!
We stopped by a stand with a golf ball toss and if you succeeded in getting one golf ball into a fish bowl, you would win a gold fish! I was so excited, because I had been thinking about getting a goldfish for LPP. The lady running the stand assured me that even if I didn't get a ball in the bowl, I could still get a fish (I guess they had overstocked). So, I tossed away and sure enough, my second or third ball landed square in a goldfish bowl. I was so excited, I officially won a goldfish! (I know, I would have walked away with one anyway, but I really won!).
The lady informed me that I could either take home a goldfish in a small tank, a stuffed animal, or a big fish balloon. I asked LPP which one he wanted. He informed me that he didn't want ANYTHING! He was cranky and tired at this point. I asked LPP if I should take the goldfish and I looked over at my Dad, who gave me a little nod of consent. LPP was completely uninterested in the entire fish/golf ball experience. So, I asked for a goldfish, and we carried our new goldfish back home on the bus. My Dad named it Felix.
Well, I didn't realize how labor intensive having a goldfish can be, particularly at the start. My brother and I each had a goldfish when we were kids. I named mine Cynthia. My brother's was named Parker. They didn't last long. And after researching goldfish care for Felix, I understand why. Having a goldfish requires so much more than just looking at it swim in a bowl and throwing fish flakes at it, I'd had no idea. I had to get a tank with a light and a filter and treat the water and the first month is critical because if you don't establish the right atmosphere with the right amount of water acidity/alkalinity and water temperature, your fish could die. I change the water twice a week with a siphoning bucket, it's the real deal here! The minute I grabbed Felix from the stand, the pressure was on, and I felt responsible for another creature's life.
I am happy to say that Felix seems to be thriving and I truly enjoy watching him. And even LPP has taken an increased interest, although it isn't to the degree that I had imagined when I first thought about getting him a goldfish. And then I realize, I think I wanted the goldfish for myself.
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