So I met with my attorney's assistant today. I haven't seen her since the very beginning of the divorce, when I was an emotional wreck. She saw me and said, "You look good! You look so happy....you just have this GLOW!" I know I feel so much relief to not have my ex or his parents on my back...but I didn't realize that it was so obvious to everyone else. The thing is, too, that she is the 3rd person to tell me this. The first person kept looking at me and saying, "There is just something different about you....you are SO happy!" The second person said the same thing, "You just have this GLOW."
I found out that he has been dating since the middle of September....which was a slap in the face for me. After thinking about it, though, I can handle it ok. That means that he was lonely and trying to fill a void....but was too immature to stand behind his vows and try to work things out with his wife. I saw him at a redlight last night at 5:45 and thought, "Oh! I wonder if he's going to meet his girlfriend or--wait--I don't care." And that was a good feeling. I really don't care. I thought about if it were he and I going to dinner....and that thought bored the snot out of me.
I can have REAL conversation now! I have opportunities open to me! I don't have to worry about my children being mentally challenged because of his genetics. I don't have to live beside his coddling nosey backwoods parents. Ahhhhhhh!
I'm loving this living by myself thing, too! My bed for my spare bedroom will be delivered next Saturday. I'm going to get my living room decorated at some point, maybe. I have curtains hung and a little wall decor. Yes, I found my stud! ;-) I have changed out 75% of the lightbulbs in this place, replaced my toilet seat, and changed out the plug on my dryer MYSELF. PLUS, I am taking out my own garbage! (That is my LEAST favorite thing to do!) By golly, who needs a man? This is awesome! Plus, when I go to clean the toilet, it is always spotless now.
So that just might be the reason for the glow....that or else I've stayed in the tanning bed too long. :-S
D-I-V-O-R-C-E
Ok, so the days are ticking down. Pretty much, I'm waiting on my lawyer to get her butt in gear and get a counter-counter offer to Cody. If he wants to keep everything, he's gonna pay me my half of it, by golly. I think once we get that settled on, we'll be divorced since our 60 days have run. I've asked Cody twice to at least TRY to work on things. He won't entertain the idea.
So here's my 2 cents on divorce: IT SUCKS! It's painful. Don't do it if you can avoid it! Today's church is WAAAAAAY too accepting of it. Cody sits his butt in church but absolutely ignores God's word on divorce....but no one will direct him on it because they're "afraid he'll stop coming." One of the articles I read said that research shows that the divorce rate in Atheists & Agnostics is 3% lower than that of Christians. Hmmmm....I can see that.
What's done is done, though. I'll try to never make the same mistakes again. I have grown very much from this experience...and continue to. Unfortunately, I have lost alot of faith in some things and people. Fortunately, though, my faith in God has grown more than I ever could have expected. I think he has just taken the biggest stumbling block out of my life.
SO! I'll continue twiddling my thumbs, waiting for a divorce settlement so that I can get rid of this last name to put on my diploma.
So here's my 2 cents on divorce: IT SUCKS! It's painful. Don't do it if you can avoid it! Today's church is WAAAAAAY too accepting of it. Cody sits his butt in church but absolutely ignores God's word on divorce....but no one will direct him on it because they're "afraid he'll stop coming." One of the articles I read said that research shows that the divorce rate in Atheists & Agnostics is 3% lower than that of Christians. Hmmmm....I can see that.
What's done is done, though. I'll try to never make the same mistakes again. I have grown very much from this experience...and continue to. Unfortunately, I have lost alot of faith in some things and people. Fortunately, though, my faith in God has grown more than I ever could have expected. I think he has just taken the biggest stumbling block out of my life.
SO! I'll continue twiddling my thumbs, waiting for a divorce settlement so that I can get rid of this last name to put on my diploma.
I'm Moving On. . .
I guess it's time for an update!
It has been 5 weeks since Cody and I split. I woke up one night this week and was like, "Where am I?!" Then I remembered everything. That was kind of weird, but it has only happened once since the first few nights in the new apartment.
I have had some very sad days and I have had some very happy days. As everyone kept telling me, the sad days will get fewer and fewer....and they have! Almost two weeks ago, I had a VERY catharsic day...and haven't been that low since! When I am happy now, I am REALLY happy! My entire world is wide open! When I am sad, it's just because I miss my usual comfort zone.
Life has taken on a different meaning since all of this. I spent 5 years doing the responsible thing and what was expected. You know what? Not anymore!!! I will do what I feel like and what makes me happy! I have had fabulous old friends and new ones come out of this to support me. I will never again take that for granted! I've seen what family really means. Some have been unconcerned and not been there...but I expected that from them. No great loss. What IS a loss is for me to take the valuable family for granted.
When all of this happened, I felt like I should never trust anyone and not let anyone matter to me anymore. Now, I see that the opposite is true. I invested so much into one person that I shut everyone else out....and THEY were the true jewels! I have realized alot in the past 5 weeks...and CONTINUE to learn more! What an experience! What a time of personal growth!
Anyway, Mel and I are headed to Nashville for a concert tonight. I am SuPeR pumped! WOO HOO! Girls' night!!! It feels awesome!
It has been 5 weeks since Cody and I split. I woke up one night this week and was like, "Where am I?!" Then I remembered everything. That was kind of weird, but it has only happened once since the first few nights in the new apartment.
I have had some very sad days and I have had some very happy days. As everyone kept telling me, the sad days will get fewer and fewer....and they have! Almost two weeks ago, I had a VERY catharsic day...and haven't been that low since! When I am happy now, I am REALLY happy! My entire world is wide open! When I am sad, it's just because I miss my usual comfort zone.
Life has taken on a different meaning since all of this. I spent 5 years doing the responsible thing and what was expected. You know what? Not anymore!!! I will do what I feel like and what makes me happy! I have had fabulous old friends and new ones come out of this to support me. I will never again take that for granted! I've seen what family really means. Some have been unconcerned and not been there...but I expected that from them. No great loss. What IS a loss is for me to take the valuable family for granted.
When all of this happened, I felt like I should never trust anyone and not let anyone matter to me anymore. Now, I see that the opposite is true. I invested so much into one person that I shut everyone else out....and THEY were the true jewels! I have realized alot in the past 5 weeks...and CONTINUE to learn more! What an experience! What a time of personal growth!
Anyway, Mel and I are headed to Nashville for a concert tonight. I am SuPeR pumped! WOO HOO! Girls' night!!! It feels awesome!
I Am Not A Duck
So I was leaving for work yesterday morning and heard a conversation between the male and female DJ's on the radio. Apparently, he had been slammed in some article and she was reassuring him. She said, "Do NOT let that bother you! If I said, 'You're a duck,' you would just be like, 'What's she talking about? Of course I'm not a duck, I don't have feathers!' It's so crazy that you know it isn't true, but since I said it about YOU, you question it. When people say things about you, you should know they aren't true, but you still worry about them. There's no reason to. Now, when you hear people say things about you, imagine me calling you a duck."
Yesterday played out to me being accused of lying and twisting the story. I twisted NOTHING. So, obviously, Cody is telling different versions. I knew going into this, that it would be ugly. I just didn't realize that the man that I loved so deeply would do so much to trash me. I know it makes him look completely innocent for him to leave big parts of our marriage out, but we are BOTH to blame for things.
Anyway, I just thought I would share the DJs' conversation. I do not care what the people who are dumb enough to only get one side of the story and think that they have enough information to judge say. I am NOT a duck! Remember that, people! (Or, as Van Wilder would say, "Write that down.)
Yesterday played out to me being accused of lying and twisting the story. I twisted NOTHING. So, obviously, Cody is telling different versions. I knew going into this, that it would be ugly. I just didn't realize that the man that I loved so deeply would do so much to trash me. I know it makes him look completely innocent for him to leave big parts of our marriage out, but we are BOTH to blame for things.
Anyway, I just thought I would share the DJs' conversation. I do not care what the people who are dumb enough to only get one side of the story and think that they have enough information to judge say. I am NOT a duck! Remember that, people! (Or, as Van Wilder would say, "Write that down.)
Daily Bible Verse
About a year ago, I subscribed to this Daily Bible Verse via email. It is absolutely AMAZING how God sends me scripture pertinent to my life at that time. There have been NUMEROUS times this has happened. Here is today's scripture:
Daily Bible Verse
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (New King James Version)
Tomorrow is a big day..I will see Cody for the first time in 2 weeks. I am scared to death of how he's going to act. (Mainly, I'm afraid he's going to try to run away from facing up to our situation.) I have been VERY anxious.
I put my husband before God in my marriage and that was a mistake. Now look who has turned his back on me and then look Who hasn't.
Daily Bible Verse
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (New King James Version)
Tomorrow is a big day..I will see Cody for the first time in 2 weeks. I am scared to death of how he's going to act. (Mainly, I'm afraid he's going to try to run away from facing up to our situation.) I have been VERY anxious.
I put my husband before God in my marriage and that was a mistake. Now look who has turned his back on me and then look Who hasn't.
5 Years...That's A Wrap!
Just for those wondering, Cody and I lasted just past 5 years. They were enjoyable. We can't get along, though, so we're divorcing. We are 2 completely different people and have kept each other from doing things that were important to us. If you have any questions about what's going on, just ask. I'd much rather tell you than to have the gossip mill add juicy details.
I appreciate all the friends that have shown me support. If I would have known that I would feel this good and loved, I would have done it sooner. Yes, it hurts me DEEPLY to lose my best friend of 7 years, but it appears that I am the only one that feels that way.
Anyway, I feel like my life has begun all over again. I loved alot, but I learned even more.
Love you guys!!!
P.S. Call me soon to hang out!!!!
I appreciate all the friends that have shown me support. If I would have known that I would feel this good and loved, I would have done it sooner. Yes, it hurts me DEEPLY to lose my best friend of 7 years, but it appears that I am the only one that feels that way.
Anyway, I feel like my life has begun all over again. I loved alot, but I learned even more.
Love you guys!!!
P.S. Call me soon to hang out!!!!
Dairy
We visited Monte Vista Dairy in Greeley, CO. Currently, they are milking 3,200 head. We toured their facilities, and I thought I'd post some pics and explain the process.
For those that don't know, there are two different classes of cattle. You have beef cattle and dairy cattle. Beef breeds are raised for-you guessed it-BEEF. Those breeds muscle up more and finish out to produce ideal steaks and other beef cuts. The milk produced by those cows is only enough to raise a momma cow's calf. (We raise beef cattle, by the way.) Common beef breeds are Angus, Hereford, Limousin, Simmental, Brangus, and many, many others.
Dairy cows, on the other hand, are raised to produce milk. The females of the dairy breeds have extremely large udders and produce massive amounts of milk. Dairy breeds include Holstein, Jerseys, Guernseys, Brown Swiss, and a few others. (FYI: Those are Holsteins in the pictures.) In the old days, everyone ha
d a cow which they milked every day for their family's milk needs. Today, however, farmers have herds of dairy cows which they milk in their "parlors" twice a day, every day. In Henry County, our dairy farms range in size from 30 head to 500 head. The parlors also range in sophistication. I've only visited the parlors that are like the one at Monte Vista, so that's what I'll explain. Keep in mind, though, that there are other set-ups. Also keep in mind that they do this on a MUCH larger scale than many dairies.
d a cow which they milked every day for their family's milk needs. Today, however, farmers have herds of dairy cows which they milk in their "parlors" twice a day, every day. In Henry County, our dairy farms range in size from 30 head to 500 head. The parlors also range in sophistication. I've only visited the parlors that are like the one at Monte Vista, so that's what I'll explain. Keep in mind, though, that there are other set-ups. Also keep in mind that they do this on a MUCH larger scale than many dairies. 
First, the girls file into the stalls. They walk down the lane then turn 90 degrees to stick their heads through the gates. As you can see in the picture, this puts their rears and udders at eye level with the farmer standing in the working area. Dairy cows are extremely gentle and docile animals.
The farmer then comes through and sprays all the udders with a cleaning solution. He then goes down and wipes off every teat on every cow. The important thing here is that he uses a clean rag for each cow. That way, no infections or bacteria will be transferred from cow to cow. Once every teat is cleaned, the farmer turns the suction on the milkers and puts a milker on each cow. If you look closely at these pictures, you can see that one milker has 4 metal tubes. Each metal tube suctions onto a teat to milk the cow. The milker carries the milk through pipes to the milk storage tanks. The milk is stored there until the milk truck comes to pick it up and take it to a local processing plant.
The frequency of the milk truck depends, of course, on the number of cows milked (which is directly correlated to the volume of milk collected).
Oh yeah...that's just the morning shift. It all has to be done again in the evening! Twice a day, EVERY day.
Another little tidbit that I find interesting is that in some set-ups, the cows decide when they want to be milked. They make their way up to the pen to be moved into the parlor. Isn't that cool? I guess the mom's that have nursed their children can relate....engorged mams aren't fun.
Need
At the YF&R Summer Conference, a rep from Second Harvest Food Bank came and spoke to our group. She stated that since she had talked to us one year ago, need in the Middle Tennessee area is up 31%. ONE YEAR and the number of people needing a food bank for FOOD is up 31%! She also showed a news clip of Second Harvest's mobile pantry. The video showed a long line of people waiting to get food to feed their families. Interviews revealed a mother in tears at the reality that she didn't have enough food for her children, along with a woman who had been laid off repeatedly. It was heartbreaking...and then they told where it had been filmed. Right next door to Henry County, Stewart County was where this had taken place.
I know, I know...I am somewhat of a bleeding heart, but this just really hit home. I know that was the purpose, so when we passed the hats, I think alot of us were compelled to give more than we usually do. I guess I'm just posting this to remind anyone reading that there is dire need right around our corner and in our own county. If you feel a need to contribute and give back, it won't be hard to find a way to do so. Contact your local food bank or even Second Harvest. Second Harvest will direct you where you need to go.
Lastly...and I hesitated about this...I'll leave you with this photo. I snapped it at the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade. There was a mission group passing out water. When I saw t
he kids, I wondered how much money they had to raise to travel to Cheyenne when I'm sure there were people in their own community who were in need. Meanwhile, in front of us, a cute little Shitzu puppy was enjoying the parade. The group came through again, and the Shitzu's owner got a bottle for the dog. Here's the cute little dog that probably cost at least $200 drinking water. That's God's work, right? When we all got back on the bus, there were several people that had bottles of the free water. Mind you, we all paid our own ways on this trip...it's not as if we would have dehydrated had this mission group not been there to hand us a bottle. So my question is this...how much did it cost for a bunch of kids to travel to Cheyenne to hand out bottles of water at the parade? How much did it cost to give the overpriced puppy and vacationing Tennesseeans a free bottle of water? Would that money not have gone MUCH, MUCH further in the group's home town with people who are homeless and foodless? I suppose it would not have been as glamorous, right? Just like it would not be very glamorous for Henry Countians to take a 30 minute drive to Stewart County to distribute collected food. I guess a "Mission Trip" has to be fun and exciting these days.
I know, I know...I am somewhat of a bleeding heart, but this just really hit home. I know that was the purpose, so when we passed the hats, I think alot of us were compelled to give more than we usually do. I guess I'm just posting this to remind anyone reading that there is dire need right around our corner and in our own county. If you feel a need to contribute and give back, it won't be hard to find a way to do so. Contact your local food bank or even Second Harvest. Second Harvest will direct you where you need to go.
Lastly...and I hesitated about this...I'll leave you with this photo. I snapped it at the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade. There was a mission group passing out water. When I saw t
he kids, I wondered how much money they had to raise to travel to Cheyenne when I'm sure there were people in their own community who were in need. Meanwhile, in front of us, a cute little Shitzu puppy was enjoying the parade. The group came through again, and the Shitzu's owner got a bottle for the dog. Here's the cute little dog that probably cost at least $200 drinking water. That's God's work, right? When we all got back on the bus, there were several people that had bottles of the free water. Mind you, we all paid our own ways on this trip...it's not as if we would have dehydrated had this mission group not been there to hand us a bottle. So my question is this...how much did it cost for a bunch of kids to travel to Cheyenne to hand out bottles of water at the parade? How much did it cost to give the overpriced puppy and vacationing Tennesseeans a free bottle of water? Would that money not have gone MUCH, MUCH further in the group's home town with people who are homeless and foodless? I suppose it would not have been as glamorous, right? Just like it would not be very glamorous for Henry Countians to take a 30 minute drive to Stewart County to distribute collected food. I guess a "Mission Trip" has to be fun and exciting these days.
Tragic Loss
On Monday July 6, 2009, Farin Lambert was killed in a motorcycle wreck. She and I weren't close friends, but she was one of those people that you don't forget. We went to high school together and knew each other. I ran into her a few months ago and we caught up. She had the most contagious, ever-present smile. Cody and I were going to meet up with her and her boyfriend one night but I ended up getting a stomach ache from one of our questionable Mexican restaurants. As she and I were texting back and forth, I told Cody how disappointed I was since she was so refreshing to be around. That was the last time I "talked" to her.
Her funeral was yesterday. When I woke up, I had the worst feeling of dread. The only other funeral I have dreaded so much was my mother's. The actual funeral was very nice. Her old soccer teammates from Bethel told stories about her. I think everyone there was like, "I can see her doing that!!" She was a truly wonderful, genuine person. If you ever met her, I'm sure you remember that smile and those blue eyes.
My heart aches so badly for her family. Her mother has always stood out to me. She has been through a great deal, yet has held her head up and taken care of her children. As she talked with sympathizers yesterday, I couldn't help but be in awe of how beautifully strong she was. There was pain and strength in her face at the same time.
For those that don't know, Farin's boyfriend, Tony, was driving the motorcycle. He is just banged up (physically). The last time I saw her was the first time I met Tony. He struck me as very goofy/funny. What also struck me was how he looked at Farin and acted toward her....it was very sweet. The next time I saw him was when he walked in the sanctuary just before the funeral. The look on his face then was absolutely gut-wrenching. I believe that is the most pained look I have ever seen. I can't begin to imagine the turmoil he is going through, but I can only pray that God grants him peace soon.
In the past few weeks, we have had 6 people who have touched our lives or the lives of our friends pass away, most unexpectedly. It makes me realize that life is too short to take things for granted. Please, friends, be careful.....I love you all.
Her funeral was yesterday. When I woke up, I had the worst feeling of dread. The only other funeral I have dreaded so much was my mother's. The actual funeral was very nice. Her old soccer teammates from Bethel told stories about her. I think everyone there was like, "I can see her doing that!!" She was a truly wonderful, genuine person. If you ever met her, I'm sure you remember that smile and those blue eyes.
My heart aches so badly for her family. Her mother has always stood out to me. She has been through a great deal, yet has held her head up and taken care of her children. As she talked with sympathizers yesterday, I couldn't help but be in awe of how beautifully strong she was. There was pain and strength in her face at the same time.
For those that don't know, Farin's boyfriend, Tony, was driving the motorcycle. He is just banged up (physically). The last time I saw her was the first time I met Tony. He struck me as very goofy/funny. What also struck me was how he looked at Farin and acted toward her....it was very sweet. The next time I saw him was when he walked in the sanctuary just before the funeral. The look on his face then was absolutely gut-wrenching. I believe that is the most pained look I have ever seen. I can't begin to imagine the turmoil he is going through, but I can only pray that God grants him peace soon.
In the past few weeks, we have had 6 people who have touched our lives or the lives of our friends pass away, most unexpectedly. It makes me realize that life is too short to take things for granted. Please, friends, be careful.....I love you all.
5 Years!
On June 30th, Cody and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. WOW! We got married waaaaaaaaaaaaay too young, but I've enjoyed the past 5 years more than if I didn't have Cody.
I just cannot believe how the time has flown.
The Big Easy
I finished my much-dreaded Chemistry class on June 26th. WOOHOO! I am 3 classes away from my Bachelor's of Science in Business with an Area in Accounting. WOOHOO! (Just wanted to reiterate that.) We also celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on June 30th (see separate blog). Given the reasons, we planned a weekend getaway to New Orleans.
I have been trying to visit New Orleans for a couple years now and was very excited to finally do it! I was not at all disappointed, either!!! We love to travel and take road trips, and this is-by far-one of our favorites. By mid-Saturday, we were trying to figure out when we were going to come back to New Orleans. We HIGHLY recommend checking out the Big Easy.
The drive down was wonderful. Traffic was clear. We checked into our hotel that we got a ridiculous deal on at 10:30. By the time we got showers and got to Bourbon St, it was 11:30. Bourbon was AWESOME! We just went from bar to bar enjoying the music. I LOVE music and that was just the PERFECT night for me. We got back to the hotel at about 3:30, so we didn't exactly get an early start on Saturday morning.
We headed out to the French Quarter. Just a little off of Bourbon, we found Oceana, a neat restaurant with a g
ood air conditioner. We both had shrimp po' boys....MMMMM! I usually don't like fried shrimp because you just taste the grease and breading, but these were wonderful. I guess the shrimp were just so fresh that you couldn't miss the great taste. After walking around the French Quarter and Riverwalk for a while, we went back to the hotel to cool off a bit before supper.
I am SOOOO glad I thought to ask Ann for suggestions on a restaurant! We wanted good, fresh seafood. Not French food with a bunch of stuff in it, just shrimp and crabs. She suggested Kenner Seafood and we tried it. YUM! We ordered "from the Boiling Pot." The shrimp was AWESOME. We got recommendations on another restaurant to try the next time we go down. We were planning on going down to Bourbon again, but we were tired so we stayed in.
We got up Sunday morning and went through St. Louis' Cemetery 1. We then made our way to Cafe Du Mond for beignets. OH----MY----WORD! Yum, yum, yum!! We checked out the flea market and got
a few souvenirs before heading out. We went back to Oceana's for lunch before heading out. I got another po'boy and Cody got "A Taste of New Orleans." It had Crawfish Etouffee, Jambalya, and Red Beans & Rice with a little alligator sausage. I tasted all but the sausage, and it was all wonderful.
After lunch, we headed home. I slept for a good portion while Cody drove, but the traffic was still smooth. We had a WONDERFUL trip and canNOT wait to go back! I HIGHLY recommend everyone experience the Big Easy.
I have been trying to visit New Orleans for a couple years now and was very excited to finally do it! I was not at all disappointed, either!!! We love to travel and take road trips, and this is-by far-one of our favorites. By mid-Saturday, we were trying to figure out when we were going to come back to New Orleans. We HIGHLY recommend checking out the Big Easy.
The drive down was wonderful. Traffic was clear. We checked into our hotel that we got a ridiculous deal on at 10:30. By the time we got showers and got to Bourbon St, it was 11:30. Bourbon was AWESOME! We just went from bar to bar enjoying the music. I LOVE music and that was just the PERFECT night for me. We got back to the hotel at about 3:30, so we didn't exactly get an early start on Saturday morning.
We headed out to the French Quarter. Just a little off of Bourbon, we found Oceana, a neat restaurant with a g
ood air conditioner. We both had shrimp po' boys....MMMMM! I usually don't like fried shrimp because you just taste the grease and breading, but these were wonderful. I guess the shrimp were just so fresh that you couldn't miss the great taste. After walking around the French Quarter and Riverwalk for a while, we went back to the hotel to cool off a bit before supper.I am SOOOO glad I thought to ask Ann for suggestions on a restaurant! We wanted good, fresh seafood. Not French food with a bunch of stuff in it, just shrimp and crabs. She suggested Kenner Seafood and we tried it. YUM! We ordered "from the Boiling Pot." The shrimp was AWESOME. We got recommendations on another restaurant to try the next time we go down. We were planning on going down to Bourbon again, but we were tired so we stayed in.
We got up Sunday morning and went through St. Louis' Cemetery 1. We then made our way to Cafe Du Mond for beignets. OH----MY----WORD! Yum, yum, yum!! We checked out the flea market and got
a few souvenirs before heading out. We went back to Oceana's for lunch before heading out. I got another po'boy and Cody got "A Taste of New Orleans." It had Crawfish Etouffee, Jambalya, and Red Beans & Rice with a little alligator sausage. I tasted all but the sausage, and it was all wonderful.After lunch, we headed home. I slept for a good portion while Cody drove, but the traffic was still smooth. We had a WONDERFUL trip and canNOT wait to go back! I HIGHLY recommend everyone experience the Big Easy.
Photographs
I've been REALLY busy lately! I am coaching a 10 and under girls' softball team, heading the committee to publish a cookbook, and trying to help organize a BackPack Program in Henry County. I also finished my online class last week, so that's a relief!!
First, my softball team! These girls are awesome! They absolutely CRACK me up! We won our second game on Tuesday night, so I took them to Ace's. I thought the dug out was crazy with 11 10-year old girls saying, "Mrs. Brittany, Mrs. Brittany, um, can I . . ." That's NOTHING compared to getting them settled at a restaurant! What was awesome, though, is how they had such a fun time together. From the beginning, we've been meeting on the field, getting gloves on, and practicing. Then at games, it's game, game, game. It was fun to see them all be able to interact and have a good time together. Included is a picture of them all. It cracks me up because each of their personalities are so evident!
Next, is the cookbook project! Our Young Farmers & Ranchers group is putting together a cookbook. I am SUPER excited about this, as we have some really good recipes. I feel that this would/will be one of my very favorite cookbooks because of what we have in it! We ARE a bunch of Farmer and Rancher wives/daughters, after all! Contact me if you want to buy one. While searching for cover options, I have started taking some pictures. I've gotten some really good ones, so I thought I'd share. These were all taken in God's country (Cottage Grove) on or near my family's farm. I'm waiting for a day with a blue sky to go back and take this shot again so the top of the silo will stand out. This will do for now, though:
The next farm picture is of wheat. Plain and simple....but vital. I like it! I had fun with the other picture. I'm glad I snapped it. I pulled over on the side of the road to snap some of this guy and his buddies. I was in a hurry to get to softball practice, so I turned to run back down the fenceline to get to my car. Suddenly, I heard what sounded like a dog chasing me, so I turned back around to see him stop and watch me. He was following me! This is why I love cows...even boney old dairy breeds! I just want to kiss them on those big ol' snotty noses! (Don't do that, or you'll end up with a broken nose, I promise.) Anyway, I had to protect Tennessee from those silly "California" claims!
You'll have to excuse the spacing and order of the pictures...I haven't quite got this figured out yet!
The last big thing I've been working on has been the BackPack Program. I'll not get too much into this now because it is so moving to me. All I'll say is that God wanted this program to come together. He presented it to three of us at very different, but vital times. The last piece came in a couple months ago, so now we're all put together and working. As I was compiling survey information on Monday, it became even more evident to me that there is a great need for this program. I was eating lunch while reading the answers from teachers. I realized that I was treating myself to a chocolate chip cookie that I didn't need as some children were eating their first decent meal in 3 days.
I often take such little things for granted.
Spring Time!
Today was gorgeous, so I went out and snapped some shots of our calves. I had a wedding shower to attend this afternoon, so I missed out on pictures of an actual calving. When I took these pictures, I saw that one of our cows was showing signs that she would calve soon. As I left for the shower, I told Cody she was going to calve this evening...but I thought it would probably be 7 or 8. When I got in my car to leave the shower at 5:30, though, he had sent me a text and picture of her new bull calf. I was too late! It's ok, though...I'll take a easy calving anyday! We now have 6 baby calves and 2 older fall calves.
Anyway, here are the pictures from today!
This girl was adamant about getting into the feed box in the back of the Gator! What a COW!!!
These calves are about a month apart. (The smaller one is a really small calf, though!)
Num, num!
Anyway, here are the pictures from today!
This girl was adamant about getting into the feed box in the back of the Gator! What a COW!!!
These calves are about a month apart. (The smaller one is a really small calf, though!)
Num, num!
Oh yes! Momma is giving a spit bath! 
Here's some mommy kisses!
AgStar
Currently, I'm participating in a wonderful leadership development program! It is designed to prepare future leaders in agriculture. There are four sessions and a trip to Nashville. It has opened my eyes to the challenges facing agriculture today. I was aware of most of the issues, but I now have a better understanding of the depth of those issues.
Our first session focused on Media. We were given tips and pointers on how to create a positive image of agriculture to the public using the media. We went in-depth in how to communicate to the media. We were interviewed on camera on controversial topics. This was a very grueling process. We were asked questions that were meant to lead us to use negative "buzz" words. I was reprimanded for using the word "chemical" instead of "crop protectant." (So, is it "Helena Chemical" or "Helena Crop Protectant?" ;-) )
The next session found us in front of the camera again. This time, we had been given a topic and we had to take 2-3 minutes to explain that topic to the general public. The video was put on YouTube. Going into the session, we were told that we could be the only POSITIVE voice for agriculture some people hear. We were told that we would be surprised at how many NEGATIVE agricultural videos there are on YouTube. I wasn't surprised....I was AMAZED! Not only are there several videos putting a negative spin on agriculture, but there are a great deal of well-meant videos that are misinterpretted!!
The third session was spent learning about the legislative process at the state level. Politicians have to make several people happy....not a fun job! That session was meant to prepare us for the last session and the legislative visit to Nashville. During that session, we met with political figures. There was a county mayor, a city mayor, a county commissioner, the field rep for a US Senator, and a state Representative and Senator. I REALLY enjoyed this! More than anything else, I realized that I am SUCH a Democrat! I just can't help it.
We finished the program by visiting the capitol in Nashville. We sat in on a meeting of the House Agriculture Committee. We also met with our senators and representatives, as well as Ron Ramsey and Kent Williams. It was very enlightening!
I highly recommend the AgStar Program in West Tennessee for any Young Farmer & Rancher who would be interested.
Our first session focused on Media. We were given tips and pointers on how to create a positive image of agriculture to the public using the media. We went in-depth in how to communicate to the media. We were interviewed on camera on controversial topics. This was a very grueling process. We were asked questions that were meant to lead us to use negative "buzz" words. I was reprimanded for using the word "chemical" instead of "crop protectant." (So, is it "Helena Chemical" or "Helena Crop Protectant?" ;-) )
The next session found us in front of the camera again. This time, we had been given a topic and we had to take 2-3 minutes to explain that topic to the general public. The video was put on YouTube. Going into the session, we were told that we could be the only POSITIVE voice for agriculture some people hear. We were told that we would be surprised at how many NEGATIVE agricultural videos there are on YouTube. I wasn't surprised....I was AMAZED! Not only are there several videos putting a negative spin on agriculture, but there are a great deal of well-meant videos that are misinterpretted!!
The third session was spent learning about the legislative process at the state level. Politicians have to make several people happy....not a fun job! That session was meant to prepare us for the last session and the legislative visit to Nashville. During that session, we met with political figures. There was a county mayor, a city mayor, a county commissioner, the field rep for a US Senator, and a state Representative and Senator. I REALLY enjoyed this! More than anything else, I realized that I am SUCH a Democrat! I just can't help it.
We finished the program by visiting the capitol in Nashville. We sat in on a meeting of the House Agriculture Committee. We also met with our senators and representatives, as well as Ron Ramsey and Kent Williams. It was very enlightening!
I highly recommend the AgStar Program in West Tennessee for any Young Farmer & Rancher who would be interested.
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