In third grade, Mrs. Jones took us all to Fort Ricky Game Farm in Rome, NY.  I always rememebered that trip.  Most of it of course dependant on the photos in that year's school year book.  I recall the bus ride, the packed lunch, and the picnic near the old fashioned out house... 

 

What sticks out though most in my mind, is we gathered around a large square pen with the Prairie Dogs inside.  Our next stop was viewing the bunnies.  Our petting zoo guide that day, then asked us to all fashion our best bunny noses!  We each scrunched, squinted, and wiggled as he walked around to each of us.  Finally a winner was declared!  I of course was the only one there with a pet rabbit at home, and was certain to be a shoe-in as bunny nose champ!

 

I waited confidently for the results...

 

Brett Batson won... 

 

I was heart broken, and disgusted, but was a great sport and lost with a great deal of humble class.  My close friends on the other hand, were outraged and made a stink about his decision.  I shushed them and conceded to my defeat. 

 

This is a moment of failure that I still remember vividly.  The winner?  Doesn't even remember going to Fort Ricky.

 

 

(dream crusher...)