(S)nake Handling

I went to my reptile handling course this morning. This did not happen:

Maybe next time.

 Thankfully, neither did this:

Hopefully never.

There was a biting incident, but it didn't involve me, or a snake. Just a tiny little box turtle who wasn't happy about getting her nails trimmed, so she brought an intern to his knees until the keeper stuck the turtle and the intern's hand under cold water. Once we realized no blood was drawn, it was fairly hilarious.

My own handling experience was far less dramatic, but it made an impact on me nonetheless. It was a small thing: for an hour and a half, I rehearsed taking snakes, lizards, turtles, and tortoises out of their enclosures; I practiced handling and showing techniques; and I learned the ins and outs of transporting the reptiles (pillow cases, coolers, newspaper, hot water bottles, and towels). But it was a big thing: I did something I've never done before. Something I was simultaneously afraid and excited to do. Something I'm clumsy at now, but I know I will improve. And more than that: I have the confidence that I will be good at it.

There are days when I miss going to a comfortable office job, Monday through Friday, and having free time to do with as I wish. And then there are days like today, when I get a glimpse of the future I'm working so hard for.

And a sassy box turtle showing us how much bite she has in her beak ... the crazy sensation of a snake's tongue tickling my skin ... the crazier sensation of feeling the incredible musculature of a larger snake ... the small scratches on my wrist serving as evidence of holding a blue-tongued skink ... these things keep me focused and motivated.