Haylee the entomologist?

Once upon a time I thought I liked bugs enough to become an entomologist. I still like bugs, but I could never handle the way the bugs are collected. I could never handle months out in the field without my own bed and a shower every day. I couldn't handle not eating regular and Americanized meals.

That said, I sure became Haylee the entomologist this weekend. Forget showers and good meals--it's all about the bugs! I tramped through the desert; I cut my way through willows; I trudged through a silt-filled stream and got my tennis shoes and jeans thoroughly soaked. I slept when the bugs weren't out--I got up when they were. I ate meals only to satisfy hunger, and I ate them quickly enough to inconvenience the bug catching only a little.

There was something about throwing off the girly and prissy Haylee that was exhilarating. It was pretty exciting being another sort of person. Who knew that I didn't do that kind of stuff normally? I fooled those around me, and I even fooled myself.

Now I am back to the regular Haylee. I love to shower, I love to sleep in my own bed, and I love to eat decent food.

But this weekend is yet another ento field trip . . .

. . . the other Haylee might just emerge for one final show.