Teenage Mutant Ninja Frogs
A Day In The Life...
In his inaugural address, Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself"—definitely a statement that makes me go hmmm! I thought about this when a property manager in Austin sent in a story about a young woman who showed up to tour the community one day. The peculiar prospect was quick to share her ranidaphobia—or, in layman’s terms, fear of frogs, with the manager. Taken from the book I Have A Complex, But I’m Managing It!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Frogs
It was a day like any other—non-stop phone calls from residents, piles of maintenance requests, overflowing email inbox, etc. Just when I was starting to tackle the mountain of paperwork, an unassuming Millennial appeared in my doorway.
“How may I help you?” I asked.
The young lady smiled sweetly and said, “I’m thinking about renting here and I have a few questions.”
I nodded happily and motioned to the chair in front of the leasing desk. I’ve always appreciated it when people do their research before signing a lease, believing that pertinent, intelligent questions show a level of maturity and common sense. (Then again, there are those who ask off-the-wall questions, which says a lot about them as well!)
Ever Heard This One?
As she sat down, the young woman asked, “Do you have wild animals on your property?”
“Well,” I said thoughtfully. “Since a creek runs through our community and we’re next to a nature trail, we occasionally encounter some wildlife—but they’re harmless.”
Her face fell. “Like, what kind of wildlife?” she inquired as she began nervously biting her bottom lip. “I have a problem with frogs. I absolutely cannot, under any circumstances, live someplace that is overrun with frogs!”
Frogs? I thought, raising my eyebrows. Of all things frogs were what concerned her! “Due to the creek, I wouldn’t be surprised if we do have frogs . . .” I told her.
The Millennial’s eyes grew big.
“But,” I quickly continued, “they typically stay hidden. Besides, frogs are harmless.”
Never Mess With A Gang Of Green
Grimacing, she leaned forward in her seat. “I don’t think you understand how dangerous they are. They can be downright vicious!”
I had to stop and put my hands over my mouth to hide the grin and hold in the sarcastic remark that loomed in the back of my mind. After a few seconds, I took a deep breath. “I guess I should be grateful that I’ve never encountered a mean frog!” I exclaimed.
Giving me a sympathetic look, she said, “Oh, you are so lucky! You have no idea! They are so mean and they’ll also attack if they’re in a gang!”
I sat there for as long as I could, listening to this girl ramble on about gangs of violent frogs. She was completely serious, yet all I could think about was buffed-up amphibians in cut-off jeans, bandanas, and muscle shirts reading Crips or Bloods.
In the end, this ranidaphobiac decided not to lease at our community. However, she left me with a final lesson—frogs by themselves can be trusted, but together, they develop a gang mentality and will attack!
From the book "I Have a Complex, but I'm Managing It!" Stories from property managers compiled by Monica E. Simmons.
