superballs

Jodi and I are headed to Ohio this weekend for the Ohio reception to ease my family’s need to torture their in-laws (just kidding Jodi!). Actually it was our plan all along to have a reception for the northies who couldn’t make it to the wedding. In the midst of eating, showing pictures, playing videos, and other torturous acti…oops sorry…other fun activites, we will be handing out superballs to everyone just like at the wedding. The idea to use superballs came from Jodi, with good reason. I’ve been asked to write the superball story so we can share it in writing to those who come to the reception. I figured I’d stick it in the journal too. Here you go.
When Jodi and I first started dating, I made it a point to regularly have candy in my pocket, like some Dum-dums or a Tootsie Roll. Incidentally, I’m addicted to the mint-flavored Mentos. I always shared whatever I had with Jodi at the most random times. Jodi was amused (actually, she usually laughed — a good sign — I think…hmm…), and readily accepted the sugary offering. I consistently had the Mentos on Sunday mornings to freshen the food hole. I figured that would be the best time to give her candy; it’s least expected then and there, and thus much more humorous (try it and see!). In retrospect, I think I was the person who was most amused.
I diverge for a moment to set up the superball story. My old 2×2 Bible study group has established a tradition of eating at Denny’s on Sunday mornings. Well, besides the usual candy vending machines and the toy machines little boys occasionally get themselves stuck in, they have a superball vending machine. So, this day, for some variety, I bought one.
The arrival at church was uneventful. Jodi and I greeted, and I reached into my pocket. Today, however, Jodi did not display the eager anticipation and joy of not knowing what kind of candy might be on its way to her tender lips. She was dutifully performing her role as excellent leader in the church community; conversing, preparing.
Jodi took the “candy” and popped it right in. No questions asked. The chewing, she quickly realized, was not only difficult, but unlike anything she had chewed before. Out it came. Laughter. Breathe. Whew.
Ever since, superballs have replaced candy as the random-time gift of choice. Not the least of reasons being the hope that she eats another. <wink> Over the months, she has accumulated a whole pile of superballs! All of the most unique superballs you can think of are now in Jodi’s collection; small ones, egg-shaped ones, some with bubbles on them, some with water and a plastic fishy inside, on and on. She probably has over 120 of them!
Hence the superball party favors. Enjoy…but do not eat!