Prank Your Family and Friends? Why Not?
By Blair Bryant
In an often too serious world, laughing is the best way to let off some stress and remind yourself that you are really human and not a repetitive machine. Of course, family and close friends are the best people to play tricks on. Innocent gags can build bonds and create memories that will last a lifetime. I admit that I am guilty of some harmless (maybe) pranks and gags, and I have also been the victim. Either way, I laughed and had a good time.
Way back in the winter of 1979, I really pulled off a good one on my older brother. I was only a shrimpy little third grader, and my brother, Greg, was a seventh grader. Well, he came home from a rough January school day and tossed his backpack on the bedroom floor. Then, he just collapsed on the bed and fell fast asleep. Those were the days of no technology or video games, so I was often bored and got into mischief. I looked at Greg fast asleep, and a great idea popped into my head. It was around 6:30 in the evening, and the outside was black dark, just like it was at 6:30 in the morning. Well, why not? “Greg, get up and get ready. You’re going to be late for school.” My poor older brother dragged his tired and groggy self out of bed and got ready for school. He washed, brushed his teeth, and put on his clothes. Then, he slow-walked to the kitchen and said, “What’s for breakfast?” Our stepmother replied, “It’s not morning. It’s still evening.” Of course, I laughed like a hyena. I remember my entire family got angry with me for playing such a cruel joke, but I didn’t care. I just kept on laughing.
Of course, my lovely wife was also the target of a prank. Many years ago, I had to spend the night with my elderly grandmother. Before I left, I went and took my son’s alarm clock and plugged it in under our bed and set the alarm for 2 am. Then, I shoved the clock under the bed as far as I could. Yes, the alarm went off. My wife said she jumped up startled and reached for the chain on our ceiling fan to turn on the light. Unfortunately, she broke a fingernail in the process. She wasn’t very happy as she takes great pride in her painted nails. She had a few choice words to say to me when I arrived home in the morning. Again, I just laughed.
Yes, my wife had her payback, and it happened on Father’s Day. I was all relaxed on the sofa when she said, “Blair, go outside and hang your flag. You should fly it for Father’s Day.” Sure, I was happy to fly Old Glory, so I went and grabbed my sneakers and slid my barefoot inside. Squish! My shoe was filled with shaving cream. I can still see my wife’s and daughter’s red faces as they laughed so hard. But that wasn’t all. Later that day, I took a big drink of my lemonade. Then, I ran to the sink and spat it out. They had salted my lemonade, and I think they used the entire shaker. Dang, that was some nasty stuff. Looking back, that was the only Father’s Day that I can remember. The rest were just like any other forgettable day. Although I wasn’t very pleased at the time, I am now thankful that their pranks made that day so memorable.
My coworkers were not off the hook either. I really played a good one on my office mate. I arrived very early at work and set up her desk with a fake coffee spill, which is easily made with a disposable coffee cup, glue, brown paint, and wax paper. Then, I decorated her area with empty fast-food wrappers, a stray French fry or two, and various wires and small IT equipment. She was none too happy when she walked into the office. “What happened here? I’m going to take a picture of this and send it to the boss. I can’t believe somebody would do this.” I unintentionally spilled the beans though. She looked my way and saw my body shake up and down as I tried to control my laughing. And yes, she did pay me back later.
In closing, I sincerely hope that I have not given any ideas to people on how to play a good prank on their family and friends. That would be just terrible.