If I Had A Pet Turtle...

If I had another pet turtle, I would name him/her/it "Reeky" (pronounced as Riiiicky as in Ricky Martin).

I had 2 pet turtles back in college (millions of years away). One was named Smelly, the other one Stinky. I know it's not usual for young girls to choose turtles for pets, but I think they are loads of fun. At least more fun (and less troublesome) than the usual choices of cats or dogs or birds.

I remembered playing Peek-A-Boo with them, although they only know how to peek and I only know how to boo. Our other favorite game was Spin-A-Wheel, or in this case, Spin-A-Shell. I also loved to tickle them, esp. when they're on their back shells and their arms and legs are all flailing sideways. It's just too cute for words.

On the practical side, I also remembered that they weren't high-maintenance at all. I don't need to feed them too much food. Plus when they actually poop (though I haven't actually seen them do that yet), I don't have to wipe their butt. I just need to remember to change the water and throw in some turtle food once in a while.

Alas, despite my pet turtles having excellent entertainment value, it still wasn't enough to sustain a nineteen-year-old girl's attention.

As with any hardworking college student during finals week, I crammed and studied until my eyes popped out of the sockets. Unfortunately, while I studied, I forgot to feed and change Smelly's water. After finals week, I suddenly remembered my dear pet turtle #1 Smelly. But it was too late. Smelly dried up. I had nightmares for days afterwards. Till now, I still remember what a dried up used-to-be-cute turtle looks like. Poor Smelly!

I emphatically told my parents that I won't ever have children ever. I can't even take care of a pet turtle. How can God trust a human being with me?

The solution? My overprotective (and generous) parents brought me another pet turtle. I was a bit unsure of my parenting abilities, but eventually, I was having another close and fun relationship with pet turtle #2 - Stinky. I learned my lesson. I changed his/her/its water regularly. To make sure he/she/it doesn't die of starvation, I kept feeding him meal after meal... Sigh, after a couple of weeks, Stinky died of gluttony and obesity. Imagine how horrible I felt when Stinky died. I told my parents, no more pets, no more children, no nothing.

After 10 years (oops you guessed my age now ), I finally decided I'm all grown up. I can handle pet turtle #3. I'm looking forward to having Reeky within the next few days. Hopefully, he'll live a longer life this time. Or else I'll really be traumatized for life.

P.S. I'll post some pictures

once I bring Reeky home.