Fuzzy

There is something creepy about a mascot.
Typically they're large, overly so, fuzzy, colorful and represent some sort of animal.
On occasion I am a bee.
The head is a large hollow circle with a bike helmet fused in the top for "comfortable wear."
The Body is a fuzzy black and yellow sac that houses a large butt insert to fill out the rest of the material.
Yes, I chose this particular method of torture...it pays well.
But I found myself in an interesting spot over this weekend.
My job took me to a zoo during mascot day and placed me in the role of this giant bee.
Before I knew it I found myself dancing to Phil Collins along side a variety of large, fuzzy creatures.
As I danced I wondered, who in the hell is inside of each of these costumes?
I found out during our break as we were all stuffed in a conference room and carefully removed our large fake heads.
Soon we were a group of young twenty somethings from the neck up, but from the waist down...lovable creatures.
As I sat in one of the plastic chairs breathing fresh air instead of filtered air through giant Bee eyes, i thought about what a sight this must be to people who have never had the privilege of being a mascot.
Part of me wanted to walk out after my break as half bee, half eagle. What? I'm a mutation!

Here's a tip for all of those who are thinking of turning mascot: Stay away from teenagers, they will try to knock your head off.