Into the Wild

If you've ever encountered an animal of any kind, I'm sure you've instantly found yourself on guard, unsure of how to approach it, ultimately ready to protect yourself.Animals are a wonderful part of our world. While most animals are our loving friends, others are more dangerous, more unpredictable in their behavior. I've spent my time in my new position in the wild researching and studying the most unpredictable of them all: young homosapien offspring, specifically of the pre-training age. 

Due to the oldest of the two test subjects being in training 5 days a week, the majority of my daily research has been in regards to the youngest of the three involved, a mere 36 month old female. Despite her young age, she has proven to be the most challenging of test subjects; her behavior is often unpredictable, and her hair wild due to resisting her daily grooming. She often chews her talons to an incredibly short length, regardless of mood or situation. My studies regarding this behavior are ongoing.

Today's research began like any other day, and progressed as usual. Daily tasks were completed, meals were fixed, behaviors were dealt with, and plans modified. As one of two head-researchers on my team, I did my due diligence in making mental notes and recording any new data I encountered. I studied my subject with earnest, in awe of the creature's ability to continuously adapt to it's environment, routine and circumstances. At times, I was sure I could see it's brain growing, changing, and advancing, learning. 

Being able to watch this particular creature learn and grow every day for the past 6 months has truly been a blessing. This particular subject has been found to have limitless energy, and in fact has refrained from daily resting periods for quite some time. Although this denies me the pleasure of having downtime to catch up on my documentation, I stay the course, knowing that my efforts are bound to be fruitful. 

A trip to the correspondence depository proved to be too much for the subject, and her demeanor quickly changed. The subject was suddenly uncooperative, and I was unable to corral the creature into the vehicle. After struggling and chasing the subject for several minutes, I was able to secure her in the vehicle and we made our way to procure the other two subjects from their training session. Before long, we had picked up the other two subjects, and were on our way back to the facility.

I soon realized that I needed more supplies for meal preparations, and decided to change direction. After collecting the few supplies I was in need of, I directed the three to the purchasing area. The youngest, suddenly upset at being denied treats, began to wail. It was a wild, unrelenting, screeching wail, one that could shatter glass. In an attempt to subdue the outbursts, and maintain control of the quickly deteriorating situation, I subtly ignored her, paid for my items, and made by way back to the vehicle. 

What came next was astounding, to say the least. She screeched and shrieked louder and louder, a steady piercing crescendo of a wail, almost howling at times. Realizing I was not responding to her wild and unruly behavior, she began to flail her arms, eventually throwing herself to the ground. I was astonished. I had never encountered a deterioration in her behavior such as this before. It was truly monumental, and had to be contained. 

Onlookers were speechless and I felt their stares burning into me; I feared their judgement. I questioned my effectiveness as a researcher, as I attempted to contain her, and failed. I attempted to catch her in the vehicle lot, but was unable to, as she was much faster than I, and ran several circles around other vehicles, dangerously darting between them. After her third lap around the 7 passenger transportation vehicle, I ensnared her in my grasp, giant drops of salty fluid dripping from her eyes. This catastrophic meltdown was truly unique, and quite possibly the most public of them all. It would most certainly have to be documented for future evaluation of the species. 

After finally subduing this wild animal into the vehicle, I made several mental notes, gathered myself, and headed back to the facility. I wasn't sure if this was a phase of her growth to maturity, but knew it required further research. I wondered whether other researchers encountered similar behavior with their own test subjects, but couldn't be sure. I knew I would have to share this event with my research partner upon his return from his outpost, and I was anxious and exhausted, eager to get back.

Before I knew it, we had returned, and I entertained the subjects with some training activities, while I began my documentation. Tomorrow would be another day in the Wild, another day of learning, growing, and bonding with my animals. Despite the day's events, and the challenges I face on a daily basis,  I found myself smiling, realizing just how much I have valued this period of time I've had with them. I realized that despite it all,  I love them. 

Fever, Peppermint, Whales, and a Purple Elephant

My youngest has had a fever for the past two days. Now, as a nurse, I try not to overreact when it comes to illness and fevers (other nurses, I know you are nodding your heads in agreement). In fact, I often joke that we only go to the doctor or hospital if we think we are dying. (again, more nods). This can be a good think, or a really bad thing.

Kids however, are pretty resilient. Often times mine are sick due to a virus and that tends to run it's course after a few days. My love for essential oils has really helped with symptom management, which I attempted to implement last night, after several days of Arden not feeling well. (disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Nothing I say or do will in any way treat or cure any illness or disease).

So, last night Arden was up again during the middle of the night for several hours, and in her feverish state announced that she thought that there were whales in the bed that were trying to eat her. (ugh....dying inside).
 I paused, then said to her "Oh, I don't think whales would want to eat you."
"They ARE" she responded

So, I picked her up, took her downstairs and suggested applying some oils.
"What if mommy rubs some peppermint oil on you? That will help cool you off, you know?"
She looked at me with that feverishly dazed look and said, "No."

I decided to try to change my approach, hoping for her to allow me SOMETHING that would give her relief, and give ME some sleep.
"Well you know, I heard whales don't like peppermint oil."
"Really?" she asked, somewhat excitedly. "Yep, it's true." I said. "A long time ago, a whale chewed some peppermint gum, and then ended up blowing bubbles out it's blow-hole, and it got stuck! So now whales don't go near anything with peppermint in it!"
She stared at me as though she was contemplating my sincerity.
"I bet if we put that on you, the whales won't try to eat you" I told her.
"Okay, I'll have some peppermint oil" she said.

Inside, I was laughing, smiling at the nature of the conversation, and equally exhausted at trying to convince her of something. (any parent of young kids understands this, I'm sure). I applied it gently, thinking of all the past fevers, illnesses, colds, and sickness, as well as imagined all of the future ones to come.

I carried her upstairs, tucked her in, and hoped for the best. Soon she was breathing rapidly but quietly, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, I'd be able to sleep! It was only a few minutes later and she woke.
 "Mom! there's a purple elephant over there." she said.
"Oh, really?" I asked. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am mom." she stated clearly. I cringed, waiting for another request to go back downstairs for a drink of water, to use the toilet, or get a snack.
"Well, it's ok. It won't hurt you." I said matter-of-factly.
"No, it's with the whales and the whales aren't eating me." she said, then rolled over and fell asleep.
Go figure, I thought to myself as I quietly thanked my bottle of peppermint oil.

As I always say, life is about BALANCE. Despite our efforts, we caved, went to the doctor, gave a urine sample, and started an antibiotic...go figure.