Reinforcement

There comes a time in every person's life when they need to learn the difference between "in" and "out".  Most often, if things are designated as "in" things, they need to stay "in".  "Out" things frequently need to remain "out".  Walls and fences are a good way to keep "in" in, and "out" out.  But what happens when "in" things need to stay in, and "out" things need to stay out, and SOMEthing needs to be able to move fluidly between the two realms?  This is the express purpose for such inventions as doors, gates, and the like--to make said transfers smooth and seamless.

And therein lies the problem--that transition stage between "in" and "out", and the possibility of "in" things becoming "out" things and vice versa.  "In" things like air-conditioning, parakeets, cats, and dogs do not mix well with "out" things like hot summer weather, hawks, coyotes, and cars.  And "out" things like flies, dogs, and mice do not mesh well with food, alpacas, and MY SHOES.

Just such a conflict has arisen in my peaceful household.  My niece, Kayla, does not understand her fundamental responsibility to participate in keeping "in" things in, and "out" things out.  Reinforcement of these vital principles was necessary.  Her grasp of the concept--guarding "in" from "out" and "out" from "in"--was in jeopardy.  Drastic measures needed to be taken. 

Observe:

We can only hope and pray that the lesson has taken hold, and the fine balance between "in" and "out" will continue to be maintained....