A contemplation by Bella, age 8.
One of my favorite things in the world is to hear Bella announce things. I could sit a listen to her pontificate all day. It is best to do this with Ana at your side, so you can exchange knowing looks with her and the watch her stifle a giggle at her younger sister. In fact, sitting with Ana and listening to people say strange things is my favorite thing to do with her. With Bella you listen. With Ana you observe others. Ever since she was a tiny little thing Ana possessed an amazing sense of what appropriate adult behavior was. Today, if she ever sees someone do something quirky she shoots you her shiny eyed look to see if you caught it too, and then hunches her shoulder in a silent giggle. I think having a sister like Bella, who is prone to unusual opinions and bold announcements, has helped Ana hone her appreciation for the eccentric. Come to think of it, there are many other members of the Richmond family who have helped Ana in this regard. But I digress.
Lets look at the above statement, shall we? For obvious reasons it is funny as heck but it is also very insightful. Here is a deep thinking girl. First she chooses a profession: the noble animal saver. Then she compiles an inventory of required equipment: guns and jeeps. Next she conducts a cost analysis of that inventory (way too expensive for a 8 year old). Afterward she completes an exercise in risk assessment (bathroom in the bush) and finally settles on a pair of solutions to offset excessive risk exposure: either peeing with her gun, or packing it all in and becoming a much safer-sounding zoologist. Inventories, cost analysis, risk assessments and exposure amelioration strategies: this is Harvard business school thinking from an 8 year old. I think she could be put to work on our financial crisis.
And it gets even funnier when you know that her deepest phobia is to be caught peeing outside. She comes by this honestly, however, Malawi being a very densely populated country and Bella possessing the world's smallest bladder. Any road trip one interrupts to pee in the grass is a huge gamble. Someone is always watching in Malawi. No matter how well you pick your spot 9 times out of 10 you will start your business alone but when you look up at the end, there will be a wide circle of little village-kid faces peering at you through the grass (And can you blame them? You are probably squatting in their back yard without knowing it.) Its called Pied Piper Piddling. Which is why Bella knows the importance of only peeing when armed with some sleepilizers.
A wise and modest zoologist is a gift to the human and animal worlds!
Posted by: Grampa Kurt | 19 April 2009 at 12:22
Sleepilizer darts. Beautifully said.
Posted by: Sarah | 19 April 2009 at 13:25
Bella and my boy Owen would be fast friends I'm sure. The sleepilizer darts have me smiling still.
Posted by: tara | 19 April 2009 at 14:27
I have never seen Bella look so scary in my life. What are you doing to my children, dear?
Posted by: luckybeans | 19 April 2009 at 14:32
Love it!
Posted by: Georgia | 19 April 2009 at 16:59
Nice new banner.
Simon, I'm not gonna lie. I love your wife's posts, but I kinda wish you would post more often. I like the alternate perspective.
Posted by: Jessica | 19 April 2009 at 18:20
Oh, she's a smart one!
Posted by: blur ting | 19 April 2009 at 20:15
There you go, Katurah. She has drawn a picture of herself just for you. Proof enough that she is ok?
Posted by: Luckybeans | 19 April 2009 at 22:49
My best laugh of the day so far. Your Bella is a very smart girl.
Posted by: The 6 O'Clock Stitch | 20 April 2009 at 06:44
From one small bladdered person to another, please tell Bella that I know exactly how she feels!!
Zoologist sounds like a fine profression!!
Posted by: Di | 20 April 2009 at 09:56
Oh my God you are KILLING me with these updates! Love it!
Posted by: breana | 20 April 2009 at 14:53
Oh man... I love it!! What a great idea. Go for it Bella!!
Posted by: Sabrina | 20 April 2009 at 20:15