The Fish blog!  EndorphinFamily was recently debating exactly
when, but likely it was the summer of 2008, a tiny fish emigrated from a subzero degrees Finnish lake to a water jar in a New York City apartment.  The fish was transported by air in a 2.5 inch in height and about 3 inches in width plastic container filled with the cold Finnish Lake water. 

The fish was a 'pet' of EndorphinGirl™’s son; he likes to fish. At that time he and his Endorphin sister were visiting relatives in Finland.  He did a lot of fishing that summer and he thought it would be a good idea to bring a fish, one of his catches, home.  So he got a small plastic container (rumor is from his Finnish grandmother) filled it with the Finnish Lake water, gave the fish some food to sustain a long journey, and proceeded to transport the fish home via FinnAir.

Since there was less than 3 ounces of water in the container, the fish was not detected.  So fish, and Endorphin Kids, enjoyed an 8.5 hour flight from Helsinki to home!  Upon their arrival home, EndorphinGirl™ greeted her offspring at JFK airport.  As they were walking through the arrivals gate, immediately after the welcome home hugs, EndorphinGirl™’s son pulled the plastic container from his sweatshirt pocket to show EndorphinGirl™ his prized fish.

Needless to say EndorphinGirl™ was mildly surprised and pleasantly amused!  And there really was nothing to worry about at this point because the fish had already cleared customs.  And the liquid was less than 3 ounces!  All the same, immediate preparation went into place to accommodate this new family member.  A fish bowl was purchased and a family discussion followed about adding some fish friends over time. 

Several weeks into Finland fish’s assimilation into New York City tap water he died.  This was rather a sad moment especially for EndorphinSon.  So following the brief toilet burial, EndorphinGirl™ and offspring trekked to the local fish store and purchased 3 new beautiful fish.  EndorphinSon was delighted and took great care of the fish and newly purchased fish tank. 

As the years passed on so did two of the three fish.  Yes they expired within a year of Finland fish.  And suddenly several
years passed and EndorphinGirl™ realized she had taken over primary Fish care, but honestly not complete ownership of the fish duties.  Mostly only when Endorphin offspring were
travelling back to Finland for summers.  Okay for full disclosure and sometimes on other occasions too!

Just last evening, the Endorphin family unequivocally concluded that the surviving replacement Fish, who is a hybrid gold fish and something else (they used to know but don’t remember) is clearly an EndorphinFish.  And this is why. The tiny hybrid fish is over 4.5 years old. What? A 4.5-year old hybrid tiny fish.  Who knew this is possible?  The fish has survived one summer blackout and two hurricanes.  First Hurricane Irene and then Hurricane Sandy.  During all three occasions, the power to the fish tank motor did not operate due to loss of electricity over many days.  Fish survived. Survived in unfiltered water no less.  There have been unintended days when Fish was not fed, simply because of last minute trips away or frankly forgetfulness.  Fish survived.  Fish has lived alone for over 3 years in a tank of water.  Fish survived.  Fish was never named because the thought was he would not last this long.  Fish survived. [Now Fish is simply called Fish because it is such a suitable name.] 

What does this all mean?  Well, the theory for Fish's longevity is that living in an EndorphinFamily must energize Fish to swim more laps than typical.  Thus he keeps himself really in
shape.  Like really, really good shape.  He’s simply a healthy living fish.  And the fed-less days, well it must be because he is in such good shape and therefore he can go longer without food?  Or there is simply just some other explanation but so be it!  We have grown quite fond of Fish to say the least!

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Today’s image is not fish-related.  Before EndorphinDaughter departed back to college following her winterspring break she drew several images.  This one is happy face EndorphinGirl™.

Until next time, keep on endorphin, fish and all!

EndorphinGirl™