::Herd::

When I go to the zoo, the animal I want most to see is the giraffe. I love seeing them walk--I think they have a certain grace and elegance. And the long purple tongues make me laugh. Several years ago, knowing my like for these creatures, my mother bought a wooden statue of one as a gift and I took it to work. Someone asked why I had a giraffe on my desk, and once the word got out how much I like them, it wasn't long before I had a herd. I have received giraffes in all shapes, sizes, and materials (toys, candles, wood, stuffed, lamp, coasters, frames, pitcher, books, pins, socks, and so on). They come from stores around town, yard sales, and even as souvenirs friends have brought from traveling overseas. I admit that even my previous cell phone had a giraffe faceplate on it--better than the basic black that it was! People let me know if they've heard about a new giraffe born at the zoo; they let me know if they saw a TV special that included a giraffe; they let me know if they saw a giraffe item and thought of me. About ninety-five percent of my collection lives at work--within my cube (or are stored). Co-workers like how personalized my space is, and some will try to guess which is the latest addition!
How many do I have? Too many to count!