we all have our day jobs, but then . . . .


My brother Leif is a doctor by day. Actually, now that I've been initiated into the hours that new doctors keep, it would be more correct to say he is a doctor by day and by night and by day. He's also an officer in the U.S. Navy and currently deployed.


Being away from his family for 7+ months and missing the birth of his daughter stinks. It's hard on him, on Kristen, and on his kids, especially Kathryn and Andrew who really miss their dad.


But Leif is getting to indulge his dream job just a little bit. His secret identity that I am about to reveal to the world. Leif is the Lizard Hunter. Like the Crocodile Hunter, just without the stupidity and Australian accent. Oh, and without the crocodiles. But anyway. . . . The Lizard Hunter.


He has indulged this secret identity since he was a small boy. Hours spent on Little Hill in Ephraim, UT turning over rocks, hoping to discover a reptile. Many a tail has come off in his hand. So many lizard friends living alongside him (and his dismayed family!) in carefully maintained aquariums. I've lost track of the names and species. Lizards with horns. Lizards with spots. Lizards with teeth. Lizards that eat pineapple and lettuce. Lizards that eat crickets. Lizards with four foot long tails that leave long welts on your skin if they get close enough to whip you. Who can forget Lisa, the six foot iquana, whose glass cage was the size of a small apartment?


Leif, I'm glad to see you have made some lizard friends while you are away. (The photo shows one of MANY lizards that have found their way into Leif's life!) I hope it won't be too hard to leave them when your deployment is over.

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