spacealien_vamp | Let it NOT snow... (Reply)

This past week we spent most of our time learning how to use the manual detailing the proper handling of animal products. I think the biggest point of confusion in the whole lesson was, "What the heck? Beef jerky isn't considered shelf stable? That stuff lasts forever!" Also, we only have authority over certain animal products that pose a risk to US livestock or public health due to specific diseases. If you bring in some exotic product like iguana meat or kangaroo meat, we may call Fish and Wildlife Services on you, or the FDA, but we can't do anything ourselves. Some people were flipping through the manual saying, "Where's the section on reptiles? What about fish?" No, we don't regulate those.

Finally we entered the home stretch, which is our last chunk of lessons on things like anti-terrorism and other such topics. Our final exam will be this Thursday. After that, we'll just do some role play activities and prepare for our graduation.

And none too soon. Frederick got its first real, visible-on-the-ground snow yesterday. It has grown colder all week. Earlier, I slipped on some ice in the parking lot of the training center and went splat full-length on the ground. Luckily, neither I nor my new uniform was hurt. I will be glad when I get back to San Francisco, where I doubt the temperature is in the thirties.