The realization that I had actually formed an intimate relationship with my plastic Jesus came upon me last night as I was mourning his loss.

About a month ago I read this task and decided that Plastic Jesus was the man for the job. I started carrying him with me and took his picture in a few different places. But after a while, I got so used to him being with me that I forgot to continue documenting his adventures. I decided that I would let this task go and move on, although Plastic Jesus remained with me at all times.

It became a running joke that I always had Jesus with me in my Timbuk2 bag. Quite often I would try to take my wallet out of my bag and Jesus would escape and drop onto the floor. People would usually look at me, look at Jesus, look at me again and keep on going. A prime example would be saturday night. I was on my way to North Beach after seeing Ani Difranco at the Warfield (woot) and decided that before I kept drinking, I should put something greasy and terrible into my belly. I stopped into the Burger King on Powell for some fries and as I waited in line, out jumped Plastic Jesus. He landed on his back amidst a crowd of people who all looked at me rather strangely. I quickly scooped him up, told the onlookers "I like to keep him around, just in case" and placed him snuggly back in his pocket in my bag.

Unfortunately for me, this was the last time I saw my Plastic Jesus. My bag was stolen from me in the bar that night. The first wave of terror set in when I realized that all of my ID, credit cards, cell phone, and ipod were gone. I quickly canceled all of my credit cards and bank accounts. Seeing that I had been drinking quite a bit, it was a nice surprise to find that YellowBear was out and about and happened to be about 5 minutes away from me. He graciously agreed to pick me up. While I waited for him to arrive, I looked up to see Lowtech strolling down the street...he kindly gave me his condolences and asked me if I wanted a burrito. Once YellowBear arrived, he immediately took me out for a shot of Jack Daniels which solidified my drunkeness. I passed out on his couch and awoke to the horrible realization that both my red superhero cape and my Plastic Jesus had been snatched along with my bag. My heart sunk to my toes. He had been my buddy for such a long time...he had been on most every crazy adventure with us and now he was lost.

This loss stemmed the realization that I had completed the task. YellowBear arrived at my house and as we mourned the loss Plastic Jesus, he said "you did it, you formed an intimate relationship with an inanimate object." My overwhelming sadness was my proof. But to my delight, YellowBear had brought me a gift. As I unwrapped it, I saw the face of Plastic Jesus II poking out from beneath the wrapping paper. I was ecstatic! Plastic Jesus II has found his way into my new bag and seems quite happy. He is acclamating nicely to his new home...and since I don't have anything to put in the new bag, he has quite a bit of room to stretch out for now. I think we're going to get along just fine, although the original Plastic Jesus will always hold a special place in my heart.

Oh, I have also been informed that YellowBear's mother is already working on my replacement cape. Therefore, do not fear. I wll be a superhero again soon!

I am so fortunate to have such good friends.