Singin' Oldies Goldies

The first time I ever encountered Billy Bob at Show Biz Pizza, I was two and giving him my pacifier because evidently, Billy Bob had an illegitimate baby (possibly with the blonde duck cheerleader?) and that baby needed my paccy. In other words, my mother bribed me. This was in 1985 and I remember distinctly that "Walk of Life" by Dire Straits was a hit that was played at Show Biz over pizza and skeeball.

Flash forward to 2009...very close to 25 years later. Today I joined my mom, step-dad, and baby sister, Gracie, at the reformed Show Biz, now hosted not by a big loveable bear, but a very large rodent named Chuckie. You got it. Today I dined at Chuck-E-Cheese. It still has that same charm...mediocre pizza, endless refills of sugary soft drinks, silly games, and the prize table that holds approximately $15 worth of toys that MAY cost you $1500 in tickets to "win." And of course there is Chuck-E himself, an automated vermin that sings unintelligble songs to excitable toddlers and school age children. GJ loved it, of course, as did I when I was young.

I have to tell you the truth - being there makes me feel old. I was literally exhuasted when we left - following an almost 3 year old around hyped up on punch, carbohydrates, and sheer energy is enough to wear anyone out. And she of course she wanted to see Chuck-E. Actually, she wanted to climb onto the little enclosed stage where robot rat was mouthing songs. I'm guessing her next question would have been "sissy, can we take him home?" if I hadn't made her get off the stage.

I am blessed though, ya'll. I get to relive my childhood early through my sister. And hopefully sooner than later (like 3 years), she'll be with 'lil Butlers at Chuck-E-Cheese. I just wish they would find a new mascot.

"And after all the violence and double talk
Theres just a song in the trouble and the strife
You do the walk, you do the walk of life" - 1985...you were a good year.