Field Dispatch #2: Details, Details, Details . . .
by Becky Nichols
June 5, 2005

Isn’t it interesting how some of the big decisions in life – Should I go to Madagascar or stay here for the summer? – are tons easier to make than the little ones – What should I pack? Should I bring my own tent? Do I really need to take this? There have been so many small details to take care of in preparing to leave for these next two months. And now it’s getting down to the wire. I’m not nearly as prepared as I’d like to be by now! I think I’ve taken care of most of the major stuff – I’ve had all my shots, I’ve got my malaria pills, my travel pillow is ordered and on its way, mail has been forwarded (apparently the Post Office will only hold your mail for one month, not two!), my plant has a babysitter, and I’ve even found someone to take me to the airport! But everyday seems to have even more details that I’ve forgotten about. I’m always afraid I’m going to forget something important!

I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get prepared for my own project. I’m taking a different test for Toxoplasmosis than the one UT’s lab usually uses, so I’ve been trying it out, experimenting and becoming comfortable with it. One of my reagents I’m using to dye slides is flammable, and after spending an hour on hold and being transferred from one Air France official to another, I found out in no uncertain terms that there is no way they’ll let me take that chemical on board! So now I’m working on finding a way to ship it over, which is involving calling more companies and being on hold even more often.

All of the preparations have been exciting, even those decisions that are a little difficult. (I spent half an hour trying to decide which sunblock would be best, and then had to decide how much to get!) But it’s also been fun. Today I got to go over to the farm and learn how to bleed chickens. Turns out you take blood from a vein under their wing, in what we call our armpit. You can also take blood directly from the jugular vein in the really small chickens. I’m not very good now, but I bet I’ll be much better after bleeding 150 of them this summer! I need to find some really good chicken holders .

In the name of research, I went to see the movie Madagascar this weekend, and I’m glad I did! Now I know all there is to know about this island nation we’re headed to. I’ve a million and one details left to take care of, but my excitement is beginning to mount as well!