I always hated the way city people indirectly referred to the country as “uncivilized.” You know, you hear someone passing through a small town saying, “I can’t wait to get back to civilization.” I can’t help but laugh at that, … Continue reading
I’m sure you’ve all heard the Brenda Carlisle song, “Heaven is a Place on Earth”. It has all the wonderful catchiness of just about all 80′s pop songs. Although it was made 3 years before I was born, I willingly … Continue reading
I’ve wrestled with this question a lot lately. Agriculture is one of my passions, so much that I chose to make it my career. I love agriculture, and I love advocating on behalf of agriculture. But, my blog content patterns … Continue reading
I’ve blogged many times in the past about Relay for Life. I’ve participated in five of them, four as a student participant and a fifth as a volunteer DJ with a friend. If you aren’t familiar with Relay for Life, … Continue reading
As I prepare for my 4th week in my full-time big kid job, and start my 4th week here in Kansas City, I realize I’m behind on chronicling this massive adventure. Two years ago, I never would have believed that … Continue reading
I’m typing this from my phone. I don’t have Internet. You see, on Friday my mom, brother and I packed up all of my belongings and headed to Kansas City, Missouri. For those of you who don’t know, that’s roughy 450 miles from my parents’ place, and almost 500 from the town I grew up in. So, we spent Friday night in a hotel and moved in on Saturday.
You know, Saturday, July 7th, 2012? The hottest day Kansas City has ever recorded? Yeah, that Saturday. Continue reading
My city slicker friends won’t get this, especially not the ones who are born-and-bred suburbanites or urbanites. And that’s okay; different strokes for different folks. As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my life, a chapter wrapped in urban life, a one-bedroom apartment downtown, I’m more sentimental than ever about rural life. I’m thrilled for the next step, but I also know that the fond memories I have now of these wide open spaces and familiar places will have to last me a little longer.
The road my mom and stepdad live on.
I’ve been listening to one song on repeat a lot lately. Usually, I’m in the car with the windows down, the wind whipping my hair, sunglasses on and my left arm (which is now a darker shade of “pale” than my right arm) resting on the edge of the driver side window. And, I’m usually on a wide open road, tar-and-chip or gravel or dirt.
Change is scary. Even if my college years haven’t been exactly “easy” they’ve been mine; and despite the fact that I’ve been in a rush to get out, the people and things that kept me sane through this chaotic part of my life have left a permanent mark on me. I am a better, happier, more mature person because of college. And it isn’t just that I’m graduating…it’s that I’m stepping into a new, scary chapter of my life.
I’m moving 500 miles away from home. Kansas City. While that’s less than 1/4 of the distance to California, there isn’t a set timeline. I don’t go there for a few weeks or months and come back. I’m moving there. I’m starting my big girl career. There will be no “intern” in my job title. This is huge. In some ways, it feels like it isn’t real yet. It feels too good to be true.
I’ve worked for years to get to this point. Now it’s here, and I’m nervous. But, there are coping mechanisms for these things. Continue reading
My last post was over three and a half weeks ago. Wow. That’s a long time. It’s because I’ve been busy living real life; sometimes, life goes so fast that you don’t have time or energy to document it. That’s the nature of social media: the thing we often write about and share online, will often keep us from the venues through which we share it.
I only have a week and a half left as a college student. That’s big enough news. (Also, can I take a moment to thank my awesome friends and family for a few early graduation/birthday gifts?)
This “Guy on a Buffalo” shirt was a graduation gift from my good friend Ty LeGarde over at Cowdog Blog. It says “PUNCH THAT COUGAR IN THE FACE.” I like to think the cougar is metaphorical for obstacles in life.
This BEAUTIFUL handmade jewelry box was care of Mike Davelaar, who I got to know through his involvement with The Truth About Agriculture and other agvocacy projects. It’s a one-of-a-kind, unique, beautiful gift. It also came with a very touching letter about the origins of the wood he chose for it.
And my absolutely fantastic family member bought me a….drumroll please…iPhone 4. And I am in love with it. And forever indebted to them for bringing this wonderful technological masterpiece into my life.
But there’s more.
Most of you probably already know this, but I’m sharing it here anyways. Continue reading
