Wow...I stink at this blog during the school year. I'll just do a short recap I guess. Things have been a little crazy. I lived through finals week...it was rather painful- no joke but I made it through with a 4.0. I was excited with it. One of the tests that I had put a lot of time into studying for (meats) actually turned out to be an optional final. We showed up to the classroom all ready to take the test and she told us we didn't have to if we didn't want to! Although I had put lots of extra study hours in I was still happy I didn't have to take it.
So on to Christmas break. I had a few days at home down in Sioux Falls with Mom and John and family. Well, we spent a day or two there, then went to Charlene's for Christmas eve supper. It was Virginia and I, Charlene, and our aunt and uncle Tom and LeAnn. We were supposed to go back to Mom's for Christmas day, but that didn't happen. We actually stayed at Charlene's for four days before we got plowed out. What a storm! Lots of snow...we lucked out and didn't have as bad of winds as expected, but there were plenty of them at that. The snow is still hangin' aroudn from that crazy storm. After we got back to Sioux Falls we celebrated with Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, John, and John's daughter Ann. We had some pizza and and a pretty good time. I was also able to catch up with a couple friends over those next few days while packing for Argentina. The night before we left (the 2nd) my friend Megan came down from Phillip. We did some last minute shopping and geared up for the big day. We got up on the third, Mom and John sent us off at the airport, and off we went to Argentina!
The trip down there actually wasn't too bad. We made all of our connections and had a pretty good time. The worst part was the 8 hour flight- but we survived jsut fine. A day later, with lots of jet lag, we managed to make it to Buenos Airies! I can't possibly begin to describe the entire trip- perhaps I will make a slide show sometime when I actually have the time to do so! Some of my favorite spots to see were Linears (a huge livestock auction market), a meat packing plant that we toured, a 57,000 acre farm/ranch, a nature conservancy, the ocean, and a ton more! I would have to say one of the most memorable things I did was ride horses on the ocean beach. Three of us went out and it was quite amazing! I loved pretty much everything we went and saw, down to the tourist trap towns! I came back with a few souveniers and gifts and lots of stories and pictures. Currently, I am having trouble getting my pictures from my camera to the computer. I'm not sure what exactly is wrong- but it's not good. I at least know that I can see them on the camera if nothing else. But ther is still hope! Perhaps my more technological savy friends and family can fix it!
Anyway, the trip was the experience of a lifetime. Heres to sunburns in January! It was beautiful and I didn't want to come home right away to the cold! In fact, we didn't. Becuase of the stupid Chilean airlines and their flights being overbooked a few of us actually stayed in Chile. Shawn Mohr, Jared Sanderson, Brianna Sandager, Me, Ken Olson (a chaperone), and Kevin or transualator watched our plane fly away with everyone else on it. So, we went back to our hotel- ate out, and tried again the next day. We were finally able to make it to the states, but every flight connection was a nighmare in itself. We were able to argue our way through it though- and managed to get home jsut a day or so late. The group that actually got out on our plane didn't get home to much earlier than we did anyway because they got stuck overnight in Chicago! It was crazy, and the people who set up our flights at SDSU should probably consider new employment... but we are all here now and jsut fine.
Since I've made it back I've pretty much spent my days catching up and doing homework. I was able to take some time to put my room back together and go out to dinner for my friend Lauren's birthday tonight. It's been ok- I just know that it's going to be a super long semester with 21 credits and two jobs. I got a crappy weekend schedule at the desk and will be working every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Horray. Guess I'll live though.
Well it's about that time. I need to do some more reading about Ed Psych and perhaps catch some zzzs early tonight!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I'm getting waaayyy too far behind!
Yes...I still exist. No...I haven't forgotten about my blog. This lovely page has been on my list of things to do (or the sticky note that will eternally be stuck to my desk) every day since the last time I wrote. I am just now getting to it.
Beings that classes are officiall over for the semester and all that is left is finals and Christmas parties I have found some time to get some of the long term things on my lest checked off. My blog being one of them. I am going to try to start doing weekly updates again- the past few weeks have just been extremely unforgiving.
Since the end of October life has pretty well been non stop. Not a lot of sleep, eating, or fun having per say...but it hasn't been horrible. My 21 credits rules my life along with two jobs, clubs, and occasional sleep! November started out with midterms which weren't bad...the only problem was that they all laid within one week. I took five tests and a quiz that first week of November- it was horrible. But, I managed to do well on the tests, although I did not manage to find time to sleep. We wrapped up the marching band season as well, so it was nice to have that extra time every day to myself. I started/finished my teaching hours in Faulkton- I ended up going three times. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it, but it did cost me a lot in gas money and time. No matter when I went I had to skip classes and leave Brookings by 5:30 (5:15 if the weather was crap). I would get there by 8:30- teach or help with teaching all day and then leave around 4, putting me back in Brookings by 7-7:30. So, it turned out to be some longs days. In fact, the last one I did not plan very well. I wasn't thinking and planned in on a Friday...but I worked the midnight to 3am shift the night before...leaving about 2 hours between the time I would get home and drive to Faulkton. Normally, 2 hours of sleep would not be a huge deal (it's doable) but I was not willing to risk driving three hours on 2 hours of sleep. So, I realized this at about 6pm that night and started calling. No one would take the shift and I had this huge project to get done- which meant I would not be able to sleep before work. Eventually, out of the goodness of a friends heart, he took the shift for me- whew!
So other than that...o I got sick, that was fun. We thought it was just H1N1, but after like three or four days I went in again and found out I also had strep. That put me out of commission for like a week and a half, and made me real slow for 2-3 weeks. I also had to miss the national Block and Bridle convention in combination with the North American Livestock Expo in Lousville...bummer. But, I was able to get out of the plane ticket and and life went on. The rest of the month basically consisted of a arrament of meetings, classes, work, and studying.
More recently at work we have been recieving corn samples and testing them for mycotoxins. Now, I dont' actually get to do all the testing (of course we can't do the fun stuff) but we do get to do all the prep work. So we orgnize and do spreadsheets along with moisture, drying, grinding, packaging...the list goes on. This has at least kept us busy enought to avoid our completely oblivious boss (alwasy a good thing).
December has teated me well this far. A slight lack of sleep and a strange illness, but nothing too terrible. Last week was the worst of all. I had all my final "regular" chapter tests to do as well as a gagillion projects. The education people like to make you do these huge projects and then tack on a final as well- annoying. My tests turned out ok. I will not have to take two of my optional finals as a result of doing well on them so I'm happy with that. Now, onto finals. It should not be too bad- I have three tests and one take home test. I started studying for a bit tonight but will do the bulk of it tomorrow.
The hardest test should be meats, but I ablsolutely loved the class and learned a ton, so studying should not be too difficult. My Indians of North America professor is doing a file test...meaning you just study the old tests (easy enough for me). The other is an education test that I am not worried about...although I have to stay until Friday to take the darn thing.
One last intersting tid bit...probably too much info but maybe someone has heard of this before- you never know. So about two months ago I had this random spot on my stomache. No big deal- looked like a spider bite. I get these things all the time and am very prone to allergic rashes and whatnot. Well it never went away and last week randomly grew like three or four times it size and spread. I decided that it must be ringworm or something that I picked up from Ace or cattle or whatever. So I went in to student death. I tell the lady about it and finally show it to her and she looks at it and goes "ummm that's not ringworm- I'll be right back". That's always a good thing to hear from a doctor! lol, so she comes back with a dermatology book and shows me some picture of what it is. Turns out it's a virus that has no defined cause. Who knows how or why I got it, but it is supposed to get worse over the next two weeks and then go away. I just though it was really random and intersting. This is one of those things most people would be grossed out by and possibly freaked out by. I, on the other hand was totally intregued! haha...imagine that- I am strange.
But, as far as that goes there isn't much else to add...I might have a friend...that's a boy. But nothing official (and we all know how much Sara loves drama) so that's all I'm sharing!
I'm thinking that sleep is a good choice at this point. So, that's where I'm headed. I WILL write back soon...sooner than a month! sorry...
Beings that classes are officiall over for the semester and all that is left is finals and Christmas parties I have found some time to get some of the long term things on my lest checked off. My blog being one of them. I am going to try to start doing weekly updates again- the past few weeks have just been extremely unforgiving.
Since the end of October life has pretty well been non stop. Not a lot of sleep, eating, or fun having per say...but it hasn't been horrible. My 21 credits rules my life along with two jobs, clubs, and occasional sleep! November started out with midterms which weren't bad...the only problem was that they all laid within one week. I took five tests and a quiz that first week of November- it was horrible. But, I managed to do well on the tests, although I did not manage to find time to sleep. We wrapped up the marching band season as well, so it was nice to have that extra time every day to myself. I started/finished my teaching hours in Faulkton- I ended up going three times. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it, but it did cost me a lot in gas money and time. No matter when I went I had to skip classes and leave Brookings by 5:30 (5:15 if the weather was crap). I would get there by 8:30- teach or help with teaching all day and then leave around 4, putting me back in Brookings by 7-7:30. So, it turned out to be some longs days. In fact, the last one I did not plan very well. I wasn't thinking and planned in on a Friday...but I worked the midnight to 3am shift the night before...leaving about 2 hours between the time I would get home and drive to Faulkton. Normally, 2 hours of sleep would not be a huge deal (it's doable) but I was not willing to risk driving three hours on 2 hours of sleep. So, I realized this at about 6pm that night and started calling. No one would take the shift and I had this huge project to get done- which meant I would not be able to sleep before work. Eventually, out of the goodness of a friends heart, he took the shift for me- whew!
So other than that...o I got sick, that was fun. We thought it was just H1N1, but after like three or four days I went in again and found out I also had strep. That put me out of commission for like a week and a half, and made me real slow for 2-3 weeks. I also had to miss the national Block and Bridle convention in combination with the North American Livestock Expo in Lousville...bummer. But, I was able to get out of the plane ticket and and life went on. The rest of the month basically consisted of a arrament of meetings, classes, work, and studying.
More recently at work we have been recieving corn samples and testing them for mycotoxins. Now, I dont' actually get to do all the testing (of course we can't do the fun stuff) but we do get to do all the prep work. So we orgnize and do spreadsheets along with moisture, drying, grinding, packaging...the list goes on. This has at least kept us busy enought to avoid our completely oblivious boss (alwasy a good thing).
December has teated me well this far. A slight lack of sleep and a strange illness, but nothing too terrible. Last week was the worst of all. I had all my final "regular" chapter tests to do as well as a gagillion projects. The education people like to make you do these huge projects and then tack on a final as well- annoying. My tests turned out ok. I will not have to take two of my optional finals as a result of doing well on them so I'm happy with that. Now, onto finals. It should not be too bad- I have three tests and one take home test. I started studying for a bit tonight but will do the bulk of it tomorrow.
The hardest test should be meats, but I ablsolutely loved the class and learned a ton, so studying should not be too difficult. My Indians of North America professor is doing a file test...meaning you just study the old tests (easy enough for me). The other is an education test that I am not worried about...although I have to stay until Friday to take the darn thing.
One last intersting tid bit...probably too much info but maybe someone has heard of this before- you never know. So about two months ago I had this random spot on my stomache. No big deal- looked like a spider bite. I get these things all the time and am very prone to allergic rashes and whatnot. Well it never went away and last week randomly grew like three or four times it size and spread. I decided that it must be ringworm or something that I picked up from Ace or cattle or whatever. So I went in to student death. I tell the lady about it and finally show it to her and she looks at it and goes "ummm that's not ringworm- I'll be right back". That's always a good thing to hear from a doctor! lol, so she comes back with a dermatology book and shows me some picture of what it is. Turns out it's a virus that has no defined cause. Who knows how or why I got it, but it is supposed to get worse over the next two weeks and then go away. I just though it was really random and intersting. This is one of those things most people would be grossed out by and possibly freaked out by. I, on the other hand was totally intregued! haha...imagine that- I am strange.
But, as far as that goes there isn't much else to add...I might have a friend...that's a boy. But nothing official (and we all know how much Sara loves drama) so that's all I'm sharing!
I'm thinking that sleep is a good choice at this point. So, that's where I'm headed. I WILL write back soon...sooner than a month! sorry...
Saturday, October 31, 2009
So it's basically meant forever.
This means I definitly won't be summarizing days but I will summarize things in clumps.
The few days before FFA convention kept me busy going to meetings and trying to catch up on homework. Needless to say, there was no way to get everything done before I left, so on Tuesday the 20th, we took off from SDSU at seven. There were six of us. Our advisor, Brad Blaha, Dani Herring, Brett Monson, Josh Johnson, Shawn Moore, and me. Yeah, so we all have our stuff for five days and all the free crap and the booth (complete with directors chairs) that we had to bring with us in the suburban. There was just hardly enough room for Josh to fit in the back!
It was a nice, long ride- I think it's supposed to be around 12-13 hours but we left early so that we could make a pit stop in Chicago. But, before we even did that we took a detour through New Ulm and saw the Shell brewery. If you don't know, that's where they make Grain Belt Beer- enf of story. lol
Brad lived there for six months and worked at the flour mill just after he graduated from SDSU. So, we took the round about route, toured Chicago, saw the flour mill briefly, and then ate at this authentic Mexican restuarant. Now, Brad had been talking up these Carne Asada (steak) burritos all night. So we all ordered one. They were huge. Absolutely ridiculous. We ended up calling them babies wrapped in tortillas because I'm quite confident they were as large, if not larger than a baby! Don't take that the wrong way, it's only size comparison!
So anyway, we left Chicago (which was fun to see). I have been there several times but never really explored the city like that. We ended up getting into Indianapolis around 2am the next day. So, needless to say it ended up being a long trip down, but we had fun.
We spent the next few days at Convention. It was quite the experience. I have actaully been to convention six times, but each time has been for a different reason. I actually really enjoyed going as a rep for SDSU and being an "exibitor". You get some extra privlages (like free breakfast and cheaper lunch) and we had more free time to roam around. I got to see lots of old friends from all over the country. And each night Brett and I found friends to go out with. One night we had to take a cab home and another night we drove the rest of our group back to the hotel...
It was a fun time, Convention is almost better than Christmas- not gunna lie. We left around 4 on Friday afternoon and stopped back in Chicago. This time we actually toured the flour mill- and it was really neat. I have done a lot of factory tours, but never a flour mill. We got to see quite a bit, and although I have a pretty nasty flour allergy (to the dust anway) I still had fun. I just lived with the after effects for a while, but turned out just fine. So we drove all night and got back into Brookings just in time for Hobo Day, at about 7:30am. That left me enough time to shower and change into my band uniform and head to 8:30am rehearsal...ugh. It was actually a pretty fun day. We did the parade (always a good time) then took a couple hours to hang out with the family (Mom brought Grandma and Grandpa up) and then went to the game. Did the whole band thing there, ate at HyVee with the family, then later that night I worked at the front desk. I honestly don't think I did anything else. Pretty sure I came home and went to bed. What an exciting Hobo Day- but hey I guess the parade and game were fun. After all we did win quite the game.
I spent the next Sunday doing homework.
This last week was basically ridiculous. Monday night was our CFFA Halloween Party/bonfire. So, I spent quite a bit of time with that whole deal and really didn't feel that amazing- but it actually turned out great and was a really good time. The weather was perfect. But, on came the rest of the week. It was basically full of studying and homework. All the time. I had some fun on Wenesday and went over to friend, Rachel's, place for pheasant and chislic. Amazingness. On Thursday I took off for Faulkton again at about 5:30. That was an interesting morning. I fell asleep without setting my alarm... I never do that but I did that night. And somehow, God was watching out for me, but somehow after going to bed at 12:30am, I woke up at 4:45am in time to take off for Faulkton. It was amzazing and I was really fortunate. But, I made it with no problem and had a great day. I had prepared a lesson and taught it- it went awesome! I was excited. By the next class period, Ms. Stratmeyer's cold was getting pretty bad, so I actually did her lesson. I had never seen the power point before, but it was just on livestock classifications- so it was fun and easy. Both of the lessons went well, and I had a good time. I've decided that I like the younger ones, Freshman and Jr. High- they are a lot of fun and still at the stage where you can mold their minds! haha- good times. At the end of the day they had parent/teacher conferences, so I stayed for a while. It was pretty interesting- I definitly learned that the apple does not fall far from the tree! It was really insightful.
Yesterday was pretty interesting. Thursday night when I got back from Faulkton I ended up studying until 4am. Then, the next day I got up at six. And proceeded to go to classes, take the test (which I'm really not sure about), work at the lab, then go to an officer meeting. After the 3:00 meeting I came home, slept for four hours, then went to my job at the desk from 8 till midnight. It wasn't all that bad except for waking up completely confused at 7:30...it was rather funny, I coudn't figure out why my neighbor was blaring his music at 7:30 in the morning- they are usuall still hung over or sleeping! But, I went to work, and came home and slept.
This morning I just got up when I woke up and basically did homework all day long. At eight I watched a couple movies with my friend and neighbor Lauren, and now I'm sitting here typing and thinking about setting up my schedule for next semester. Guess we'll see how things go! What an exciting Halloween.
From what I've heard, Merle was helping Delbert for a few days, and recently working on moving cattle around on his place again. He said that today he was able to get come calves moved out of the corral at Dicks. Apparently it was quite the task becasue the muck was deep- so it was nice to have done. I think all the calves are weaned now- but I can't be certain- guess I'll have to ask! Otherwise, it sounds like things are going well!
Well, I'm gunna think about sleeping or making a schedule for next semester...
This means I definitly won't be summarizing days but I will summarize things in clumps.
The few days before FFA convention kept me busy going to meetings and trying to catch up on homework. Needless to say, there was no way to get everything done before I left, so on Tuesday the 20th, we took off from SDSU at seven. There were six of us. Our advisor, Brad Blaha, Dani Herring, Brett Monson, Josh Johnson, Shawn Moore, and me. Yeah, so we all have our stuff for five days and all the free crap and the booth (complete with directors chairs) that we had to bring with us in the suburban. There was just hardly enough room for Josh to fit in the back!
It was a nice, long ride- I think it's supposed to be around 12-13 hours but we left early so that we could make a pit stop in Chicago. But, before we even did that we took a detour through New Ulm and saw the Shell brewery. If you don't know, that's where they make Grain Belt Beer- enf of story. lol
Brad lived there for six months and worked at the flour mill just after he graduated from SDSU. So, we took the round about route, toured Chicago, saw the flour mill briefly, and then ate at this authentic Mexican restuarant. Now, Brad had been talking up these Carne Asada (steak) burritos all night. So we all ordered one. They were huge. Absolutely ridiculous. We ended up calling them babies wrapped in tortillas because I'm quite confident they were as large, if not larger than a baby! Don't take that the wrong way, it's only size comparison!
So anyway, we left Chicago (which was fun to see). I have been there several times but never really explored the city like that. We ended up getting into Indianapolis around 2am the next day. So, needless to say it ended up being a long trip down, but we had fun.
We spent the next few days at Convention. It was quite the experience. I have actaully been to convention six times, but each time has been for a different reason. I actually really enjoyed going as a rep for SDSU and being an "exibitor". You get some extra privlages (like free breakfast and cheaper lunch) and we had more free time to roam around. I got to see lots of old friends from all over the country. And each night Brett and I found friends to go out with. One night we had to take a cab home and another night we drove the rest of our group back to the hotel...
It was a fun time, Convention is almost better than Christmas- not gunna lie. We left around 4 on Friday afternoon and stopped back in Chicago. This time we actually toured the flour mill- and it was really neat. I have done a lot of factory tours, but never a flour mill. We got to see quite a bit, and although I have a pretty nasty flour allergy (to the dust anway) I still had fun. I just lived with the after effects for a while, but turned out just fine. So we drove all night and got back into Brookings just in time for Hobo Day, at about 7:30am. That left me enough time to shower and change into my band uniform and head to 8:30am rehearsal...ugh. It was actually a pretty fun day. We did the parade (always a good time) then took a couple hours to hang out with the family (Mom brought Grandma and Grandpa up) and then went to the game. Did the whole band thing there, ate at HyVee with the family, then later that night I worked at the front desk. I honestly don't think I did anything else. Pretty sure I came home and went to bed. What an exciting Hobo Day- but hey I guess the parade and game were fun. After all we did win quite the game.
I spent the next Sunday doing homework.
This last week was basically ridiculous. Monday night was our CFFA Halloween Party/bonfire. So, I spent quite a bit of time with that whole deal and really didn't feel that amazing- but it actually turned out great and was a really good time. The weather was perfect. But, on came the rest of the week. It was basically full of studying and homework. All the time. I had some fun on Wenesday and went over to friend, Rachel's, place for pheasant and chislic. Amazingness. On Thursday I took off for Faulkton again at about 5:30. That was an interesting morning. I fell asleep without setting my alarm... I never do that but I did that night. And somehow, God was watching out for me, but somehow after going to bed at 12:30am, I woke up at 4:45am in time to take off for Faulkton. It was amzazing and I was really fortunate. But, I made it with no problem and had a great day. I had prepared a lesson and taught it- it went awesome! I was excited. By the next class period, Ms. Stratmeyer's cold was getting pretty bad, so I actually did her lesson. I had never seen the power point before, but it was just on livestock classifications- so it was fun and easy. Both of the lessons went well, and I had a good time. I've decided that I like the younger ones, Freshman and Jr. High- they are a lot of fun and still at the stage where you can mold their minds! haha- good times. At the end of the day they had parent/teacher conferences, so I stayed for a while. It was pretty interesting- I definitly learned that the apple does not fall far from the tree! It was really insightful.
Yesterday was pretty interesting. Thursday night when I got back from Faulkton I ended up studying until 4am. Then, the next day I got up at six. And proceeded to go to classes, take the test (which I'm really not sure about), work at the lab, then go to an officer meeting. After the 3:00 meeting I came home, slept for four hours, then went to my job at the desk from 8 till midnight. It wasn't all that bad except for waking up completely confused at 7:30...it was rather funny, I coudn't figure out why my neighbor was blaring his music at 7:30 in the morning- they are usuall still hung over or sleeping! But, I went to work, and came home and slept.
This morning I just got up when I woke up and basically did homework all day long. At eight I watched a couple movies with my friend and neighbor Lauren, and now I'm sitting here typing and thinking about setting up my schedule for next semester. Guess we'll see how things go! What an exciting Halloween.
From what I've heard, Merle was helping Delbert for a few days, and recently working on moving cattle around on his place again. He said that today he was able to get come calves moved out of the corral at Dicks. Apparently it was quite the task becasue the muck was deep- so it was nice to have done. I think all the calves are weaned now- but I can't be certain- guess I'll have to ask! Otherwise, it sounds like things are going well!
Well, I'm gunna think about sleeping or making a schedule for next semester...
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Meetings and more meetings...
This last week has been pretty average...nothing too horrible, nothing too exciting. On Tuesday, I went to classes as usual and did quite a bit of homework and errands in between times. I went home after my later lab- it was about 5:30- to find that our kitchen sink was clogged. My roomates asked me what to do...lol. Gotta love it- so Cody and I went to Wal Mart and bought one of those cheap little sink plungers after scavenging around to find that we did not have a pluger that hadn't been used for its intended purpose! haha- so we ran to Walmart, entertained the dude in the checkout line with our story and then went home. It unplugged the drain quite easily, and I was glad because I seriously think Ellie may have passed out if I took the trap off- she's doesn't like that sort of thing. I'm sooo not used to living with a "normal" girl who doesn't particularly like those types of things...haha, it's good for me! But, the most ironic thing of all was that the plumber was just over to our apartment earlier that afternoon to put a gasket in our faucet, boy we have quite the timing. Anyway, we got the sink situation undercontrol and I headed off to a benefit supper. I got there just in time to find out that they had quit serving, so I put in my money and left hungry...dang. Then, headed to a Little I meeting and learned the ropes of this year, and went home did homework and went to bed.
Wednesday was jam packed as usual. The day started with a 7am ambassadors meeting. Then, I went to my normal course load and managed to get some homework and studying done here and there but then came the headache. I went to work at the lab in the afternoon and really needed the hours because I"ll be gone next week for national FFA convention, but it ended up being quite pointless. I felt pretty nasty from either a cold or a lack of sleep, or both and my boss was teaching lab and I had nothing to do that I knew of. So I stayed for a couple hours and left without the hours...oh well. I ran home and started to make this chip dip for our optional Spanish pot luck night for Argentina class and realized (with the help of my roommates) that it would be much smarter to skip it and stay home and study and sleep. So, I did. I went to my Block and Bridle meeting at seven, gave my report and went home to hang with the roomates while doing homework. I finally just gave up and went to bed.
Thursday was the exception of this week. I had this day reserved for quite some time so that I could travel to Faulkton (about three hours) and do my required observation time for class. Now, I originally had Faulkton as my third choice on my sheet- but somehow I ended up with it. It's a really awesome program, but a long drive! I got up at 4:30 and was on the road by 5:15. The best part was that I didn't know HWY 212 was non existant for 45 miles and only consisted of a hard, potholed, gravel surface...worse than Hisle road if anyone can believe that! Since I had already gone that far there was no point in turing back and going another way- so I drove the whole way on this crap they call a Highway- keeping in mind that the whole drive it was misting and foggy. I finally made it there about 8:20 and headed to the classroom with some time to spare. The day actually went really well. They started off with an assembly, and then went back to class. I had a chance to do some observing, but also some interaction and assisted with some teaching. I really enjoyed most of the students and love the teaching style Ms. Stratmeyer uses. I stayed all day and left around 4. That WOULD have put me back in Brookings around 7 but I got to Huron and had to wait for a train to hook up to some cars for about a half hour! It was just not my day for travel. Oh well, at least I got some phone calls made while I was sitting there. When I finally came home, I took a short nap, ate supper and then headed to Bowling for Boobs- a Coleges Against Cancer fundraiser event at the bowling alley. We ended up with twice the amount of people we had last yer..amazing. There was a line of about an hour just to get a lane! I took money at the door and I can't be sure how many people and money came through there, but it was definitly something else- and pretty fun. Although, I still had my naggin headache so I went home about 11, did some homework and headed to bed.
That made this morning a hard one to get out of bed. But, I managed. I went to classes and work at the lab and band outside in the rain...fun. Then, I had a chance to go home for a couple hours, study, and tried to sleep for an hour or two but had no luck. That will mess me up for tomorrow...I started work at the front desk at 8 and will be here for another half hour until 3am. That is one long double shift here. But, hey it's money. But, the best part of today: my roomate from freshman year, Rachael Fithian, came to visit from Lincoln! It was so exciting to see her. Cody and her stopped by and talked to me for a couple hours to keep me company between my study sessions! It was great. But, it's getting about time for me to clean up now. I'm looking forward to game day tomorrow, minus the cold factor!
I haven't heard a lot from the ranch, but I think thing are going alright- there's always something to do. As far as around here I'm beginning to think we are never going to get the crops out, hardly anyone has anything out yet at home! I guess time will tell:s
Wednesday was jam packed as usual. The day started with a 7am ambassadors meeting. Then, I went to my normal course load and managed to get some homework and studying done here and there but then came the headache. I went to work at the lab in the afternoon and really needed the hours because I"ll be gone next week for national FFA convention, but it ended up being quite pointless. I felt pretty nasty from either a cold or a lack of sleep, or both and my boss was teaching lab and I had nothing to do that I knew of. So I stayed for a couple hours and left without the hours...oh well. I ran home and started to make this chip dip for our optional Spanish pot luck night for Argentina class and realized (with the help of my roommates) that it would be much smarter to skip it and stay home and study and sleep. So, I did. I went to my Block and Bridle meeting at seven, gave my report and went home to hang with the roomates while doing homework. I finally just gave up and went to bed.
Thursday was the exception of this week. I had this day reserved for quite some time so that I could travel to Faulkton (about three hours) and do my required observation time for class. Now, I originally had Faulkton as my third choice on my sheet- but somehow I ended up with it. It's a really awesome program, but a long drive! I got up at 4:30 and was on the road by 5:15. The best part was that I didn't know HWY 212 was non existant for 45 miles and only consisted of a hard, potholed, gravel surface...worse than Hisle road if anyone can believe that! Since I had already gone that far there was no point in turing back and going another way- so I drove the whole way on this crap they call a Highway- keeping in mind that the whole drive it was misting and foggy. I finally made it there about 8:20 and headed to the classroom with some time to spare. The day actually went really well. They started off with an assembly, and then went back to class. I had a chance to do some observing, but also some interaction and assisted with some teaching. I really enjoyed most of the students and love the teaching style Ms. Stratmeyer uses. I stayed all day and left around 4. That WOULD have put me back in Brookings around 7 but I got to Huron and had to wait for a train to hook up to some cars for about a half hour! It was just not my day for travel. Oh well, at least I got some phone calls made while I was sitting there. When I finally came home, I took a short nap, ate supper and then headed to Bowling for Boobs- a Coleges Against Cancer fundraiser event at the bowling alley. We ended up with twice the amount of people we had last yer..amazing. There was a line of about an hour just to get a lane! I took money at the door and I can't be sure how many people and money came through there, but it was definitly something else- and pretty fun. Although, I still had my naggin headache so I went home about 11, did some homework and headed to bed.
That made this morning a hard one to get out of bed. But, I managed. I went to classes and work at the lab and band outside in the rain...fun. Then, I had a chance to go home for a couple hours, study, and tried to sleep for an hour or two but had no luck. That will mess me up for tomorrow...I started work at the front desk at 8 and will be here for another half hour until 3am. That is one long double shift here. But, hey it's money. But, the best part of today: my roomate from freshman year, Rachael Fithian, came to visit from Lincoln! It was so exciting to see her. Cody and her stopped by and talked to me for a couple hours to keep me company between my study sessions! It was great. But, it's getting about time for me to clean up now. I'm looking forward to game day tomorrow, minus the cold factor!
I haven't heard a lot from the ranch, but I think thing are going alright- there's always something to do. As far as around here I'm beginning to think we are never going to get the crops out, hardly anyone has anything out yet at home! I guess time will tell:s
Monday, October 12, 2009
Band Trip
Another week flies by.
So I left off at last Wednesday. I went to my gajillions of morning classes and then was supposed to work from 12 to 4. But, of course I had to go somewhere else instead of make some money! We had our field trip to Mickelson Middle School for my middle school philosophies class. O, how interesting. I met my pen pal, Katelyn. I think she was a bit dissapointed that I wasn't as cute and sporty as most of the girls in my class, but oh well! She was a really sweet girl who pretty much defined innocent, she wantd to be a vet for a while but then decided she could never give a dog or cat a shot! ...cute. So I did that whole deal and then headed for band. It was the first time I had gone that week because I was on that ambassadors trip Monday and have lab over band every Tuesday! So, I was filled in on what I missed for our trip and went on with my day. I spent the night doing homework, oodles of it. But managed to only get a little done before crashing into my bed.
Thursday was a whole different story. It was kinda nice because I didn't have middle school class becasue of our field trip, and we didn't have band because of the trip we were leaving for that night...so I just went to my 8am soils class and headed to work at the lab for the day. And it was a looong day, but hey I made some money, even if I do work for a dink. (I can think of no better word). I had a meeting for my desk job at 6:30 and then headd home to pack and put homework together for the trip. Eight o'clock came soon enough and I grabbed a ride from a friend and hopped on the bus. Virginia, me, and a few friends all ended up on this stupid "party bus". The definition of party bus is something like: a bunch of drunk idiots who sit at the back of the bus, drink more, make lots of ridiculous noise, and are generally a pain in the butt". ...once again the best I can think of for a description. So, I tried to do some homework and attempted to sleep. I ended up with my own seat, which was nice, but still not real comfortable for any kind of sleep. To top it off we stopped every 2 to 2 1/2 hours...annoying! But, eventually we made it to Springfield Missouri at about 7:30am. They took us straight to Golden Corral for breakfast...ew. But, beggars can't be choosers. So after breakfast we went stright to the Missouri State for reaherasal. It was cold and rainy ( just what I was hoping for in the south...) so the woodwinds didn't even get our instruments out, we just marched on the field. After our few hour rehearsal we went back to the busses, grabbed a box lunch, and went to the hotel to change clothes and shower! Afterward we went to the Dixie Stampede show in Brandson! O boy, I tell you what, I've never seen so many fake cowboys in one place. But the show was actually pretty good, good food, some trick riders, cool effects to go with their games and stories, and very well trained horses- pretty sure anyone could hop on and do the show on them. We came back to the hotel afterward and my room pretty much did some homework and went to bed.
Saturday was interesting, we got up and ate at the hotel around 6:30. Then, got on the busses and headed over to the stadium. We did a short rehearsal with the other band for the national anthem and then had some time to wander around their campus before getting ready for the game. We checked out the student union, bookstore, a dorm, the brand new event center, and their band hall. Pretty nice stuff, in fact it sorta felt like a campus, rather then one huge mud hole of a constuction zone (SDSU at the moment)! But, the time came and we put our uniforms on and headed over to a short rehearsal, follow by lunch from the other band. They were really nice, fed us, and a littel brass group even played some stuff while we ate. But then came the game. We were supposed to march on the field with a simple whistle roll off after they were finished with their pre game show...well somthing went dreadfully wrong. You couldn't hear the whistle (if there even was one) and we all went on at different times... it was horrible, but there was nothing we could do. We played the anthem, and got off the field. Half time was much much better, we played a great show, and so did they. Apparently it made tv? That's what I was told anyway. The rest of the time was sorta fun, Peterson (new director that few really like) wes cranky from pregame most of the time, but we didn't care. We palyed on our offense and the other band played on theirs. The only troule we had was with their fans when we went to the other side of the field for the field show. They were yelling some pretty nasty stuff at us, but I'm over it. In the very last min. of the game it looked like they were going to tie us, but SDSU intercepted a pass in the enzone and won it! Amazing win! woo hoo~ When the game was over we headed back to a pizza place called "Incredible Pizza". This was basically an arcade with a buffet line. The food was ok, I wouldn't say incredible but whatever. We filled out these little info cards and got a free game of mini golf. So me and my table indulged in our very exciting game of golf and filled out this littel questioneere card that had answers for the q's on it throughout the course and each got four free tickets. We cashed them all in for one bag of sour patch kids...ooo ahh. We spent the rest of the time there watching the indoor go carts...kinda fun! Then, headed back to the hotel and were bums once again and pretty much sat around and went to bed.
Sunday, I woke up and went to church at this Presbtyerian chuch back on the Missouri State campus. The pastor was absolutely amazing- I would go there anyday! But, afterward we headed back to the hotel and loaded up the busses with everyone who hadn't gone to church. Then, set sail for Brandson landing. We had the afternoon there. The drumline and brass line did some short performances at the landing and we spent the rest of the time eating/ shopping. I invested in some earrings and that was about it. At about four we headed back to Springfield, ate again at Golden Corral...ugh, and headed home. Again, the bus stopped every two hours or so! So annoying. We made it back at about 6am. Virginia's roomate came and got us and dropped me off at home. I unpacked, showered and wen to bed to get some real sleep for a few hours. Then, woke up and did homework all afternoon until my 7:30 Block and Bridle meeting. After which I came back here and did some more homework. Now, I'm about ready to hit the sack..kinda feel cruddy, I'm hoping it's just a lack of food/sleep.
Overall, the trip was fun, not the most amazing thing I've ever done, but definilty not the worst. From the sounds of ranch news, Glen is home recovering, and Merle says he fells like he's been running around for few days getting different errands done- it's gotta get done sometime. ...and I think he got an antelope, jealous. Otherwise it's been snowing and cold both here and there. Ugh! Hope it warms up one last time so I can mow the grass at home. They found our water leak, but now the yard looks like a bunch of land mines hit it! lol...oh well.
I'm headed to bed~
So I left off at last Wednesday. I went to my gajillions of morning classes and then was supposed to work from 12 to 4. But, of course I had to go somewhere else instead of make some money! We had our field trip to Mickelson Middle School for my middle school philosophies class. O, how interesting. I met my pen pal, Katelyn. I think she was a bit dissapointed that I wasn't as cute and sporty as most of the girls in my class, but oh well! She was a really sweet girl who pretty much defined innocent, she wantd to be a vet for a while but then decided she could never give a dog or cat a shot! ...cute. So I did that whole deal and then headed for band. It was the first time I had gone that week because I was on that ambassadors trip Monday and have lab over band every Tuesday! So, I was filled in on what I missed for our trip and went on with my day. I spent the night doing homework, oodles of it. But managed to only get a little done before crashing into my bed.
Thursday was a whole different story. It was kinda nice because I didn't have middle school class becasue of our field trip, and we didn't have band because of the trip we were leaving for that night...so I just went to my 8am soils class and headed to work at the lab for the day. And it was a looong day, but hey I made some money, even if I do work for a dink. (I can think of no better word). I had a meeting for my desk job at 6:30 and then headd home to pack and put homework together for the trip. Eight o'clock came soon enough and I grabbed a ride from a friend and hopped on the bus. Virginia, me, and a few friends all ended up on this stupid "party bus". The definition of party bus is something like: a bunch of drunk idiots who sit at the back of the bus, drink more, make lots of ridiculous noise, and are generally a pain in the butt". ...once again the best I can think of for a description. So, I tried to do some homework and attempted to sleep. I ended up with my own seat, which was nice, but still not real comfortable for any kind of sleep. To top it off we stopped every 2 to 2 1/2 hours...annoying! But, eventually we made it to Springfield Missouri at about 7:30am. They took us straight to Golden Corral for breakfast...ew. But, beggars can't be choosers. So after breakfast we went stright to the Missouri State for reaherasal. It was cold and rainy ( just what I was hoping for in the south...) so the woodwinds didn't even get our instruments out, we just marched on the field. After our few hour rehearsal we went back to the busses, grabbed a box lunch, and went to the hotel to change clothes and shower! Afterward we went to the Dixie Stampede show in Brandson! O boy, I tell you what, I've never seen so many fake cowboys in one place. But the show was actually pretty good, good food, some trick riders, cool effects to go with their games and stories, and very well trained horses- pretty sure anyone could hop on and do the show on them. We came back to the hotel afterward and my room pretty much did some homework and went to bed.
Saturday was interesting, we got up and ate at the hotel around 6:30. Then, got on the busses and headed over to the stadium. We did a short rehearsal with the other band for the national anthem and then had some time to wander around their campus before getting ready for the game. We checked out the student union, bookstore, a dorm, the brand new event center, and their band hall. Pretty nice stuff, in fact it sorta felt like a campus, rather then one huge mud hole of a constuction zone (SDSU at the moment)! But, the time came and we put our uniforms on and headed over to a short rehearsal, follow by lunch from the other band. They were really nice, fed us, and a littel brass group even played some stuff while we ate. But then came the game. We were supposed to march on the field with a simple whistle roll off after they were finished with their pre game show...well somthing went dreadfully wrong. You couldn't hear the whistle (if there even was one) and we all went on at different times... it was horrible, but there was nothing we could do. We played the anthem, and got off the field. Half time was much much better, we played a great show, and so did they. Apparently it made tv? That's what I was told anyway. The rest of the time was sorta fun, Peterson (new director that few really like) wes cranky from pregame most of the time, but we didn't care. We palyed on our offense and the other band played on theirs. The only troule we had was with their fans when we went to the other side of the field for the field show. They were yelling some pretty nasty stuff at us, but I'm over it. In the very last min. of the game it looked like they were going to tie us, but SDSU intercepted a pass in the enzone and won it! Amazing win! woo hoo~ When the game was over we headed back to a pizza place called "Incredible Pizza". This was basically an arcade with a buffet line. The food was ok, I wouldn't say incredible but whatever. We filled out these little info cards and got a free game of mini golf. So me and my table indulged in our very exciting game of golf and filled out this littel questioneere card that had answers for the q's on it throughout the course and each got four free tickets. We cashed them all in for one bag of sour patch kids...ooo ahh. We spent the rest of the time there watching the indoor go carts...kinda fun! Then, headed back to the hotel and were bums once again and pretty much sat around and went to bed.
Sunday, I woke up and went to church at this Presbtyerian chuch back on the Missouri State campus. The pastor was absolutely amazing- I would go there anyday! But, afterward we headed back to the hotel and loaded up the busses with everyone who hadn't gone to church. Then, set sail for Brandson landing. We had the afternoon there. The drumline and brass line did some short performances at the landing and we spent the rest of the time eating/ shopping. I invested in some earrings and that was about it. At about four we headed back to Springfield, ate again at Golden Corral...ugh, and headed home. Again, the bus stopped every two hours or so! So annoying. We made it back at about 6am. Virginia's roomate came and got us and dropped me off at home. I unpacked, showered and wen to bed to get some real sleep for a few hours. Then, woke up and did homework all afternoon until my 7:30 Block and Bridle meeting. After which I came back here and did some more homework. Now, I'm about ready to hit the sack..kinda feel cruddy, I'm hoping it's just a lack of food/sleep.
Overall, the trip was fun, not the most amazing thing I've ever done, but definilty not the worst. From the sounds of ranch news, Glen is home recovering, and Merle says he fells like he's been running around for few days getting different errands done- it's gotta get done sometime. ...and I think he got an antelope, jealous. Otherwise it's been snowing and cold both here and there. Ugh! Hope it warms up one last time so I can mow the grass at home. They found our water leak, but now the yard looks like a bunch of land mines hit it! lol...oh well.
I'm headed to bed~
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Whew
O where to start.
It's like every night I say- O I should write in my blog tomorrow, and then go to bed...tonight I decded to just stay up and write before I'm so far behind that I can't recall a thing! So the last time I wrote was on the 27th! A long time ago.
Starting Monday the 28th things got pretty busy and haven't quit since. I had a few random things on the agenda that day and a PAS meeting that night. We had a quiz that was terrible in our Argentina class...but no one was too concerned because we all did bad. Hopefully those scores won't count for much- how do you fail a trip class anyway! lol The MediaCom guys actually came back that day and fixed our cable...or so we thought. It took three of them about two hours and when they left they said they still weren't sure if it was working right...ugh seriously. Now, a week or so later it isn't working again. I also decided that day that I was going to go to National FFA Convention. Yes, I will miss school, but it is an excused absense and only comes around once a year. I will have an expense paid trip with Ag Bio Ambassadors and work at the SDSU booth! It should be lots of fun:)
Tuesday was another movin' day. I had my classes and labs, and that resulted in a true highlight of the day. We had a pork slaughter lab...most amazing thing ever! I really liked being a part of the entire process and seeing and acutally doing all of the proper slaughter steps from live anminal to commercial cuts of meat. It was great! I can honesly say that I love that class...and I don't say that often, belive me. So, we killed our pig (named Ralphie II) and went to soils lab. In that lab we did legal land discriptions, something I can catch onto fast and is very useful- I actually liked that lab as well. After labs I ran home and grabbed my chip dip that I had made earlier in the day for a Spanish potluck that we were having for Argentina class that night. it was optinoal but me and my friend Melissa decided that we must go and do better with our Spanish! That was fun, be we could only stay for an hour because she had to study and I had to meet some land renters with Virginia in Brookings for supper...there's nothing like double eating! I spent that night studying my life away... as I had for several nights before.
I had my 7am ambassador meeting on Wednesday followed by a visit to the area multi-district for one of my teaching classes. As if that wasn't enough, I came back home and ran straight to Religion class, follwed by Indian's of North America class. I took my meats test that day- it went quite well and then attended a meeting for national Block and Bridle convention. It is held during the North American show in Lousville, KY during the first weekend in November, who cares about school when you can do awesome stuff like that!? lol I'm pretty sure I'll be going! I specifically recall staying up until 3:30 that morning to study for my upcoming tests-soils and middle school philosophy.
I got up at six on Thursday and went to my soils test at 7:15. O what fun. Neither test that day went to terribly, although I was a bit dissapointed in the soils results becuase I studied so much- but he curves so I ended up doing alright with a high B. I can settle for that I guess. I spent thrusday doing more odds and ends. I had a couple meetings and studied a bunch again.
Friday wasn't real exciting either. I had a Religion test and a Indians or NA test. They went fairly well too, so my tests were finally completed! Five in that last week! That night after work at the lab I came back to the apt and went and got Lauren from next door. We rented movies from Cody at the movie store he works at and came back here and watched them. It was nice to just sit back and relax after all of the studying and tests.
But, Saturday came pretty quick. I got up and spent the morning doing odds and ends and packing for my Ag Bio Ambassador retreat that started when we left a at noon. We had six state vehicles and all headed out towards the hills. The destination was a lodge in Keystone, but we played tourist along the way. There a quite a few ambassadors from MN, IA, or NE so they hadn't seen a lot of our dorky SD tourist attractions. We stopped at the corn palace and took that quick tour and then headed on. Everyone wanted to see the badlands so we went down at Kadoka and hopped on hwy 44. My car decided that since I was complaining about how close we would be to the ranch, we should just stop. And we did. We only drove fifteen miles out of our way and only stayed for about twenty minutes, but it was worth it to be there again. Merle was able to meet us and hang out for a few min, then we headed back out. We acually ended up missing supper at the firehouse restuarant in Rapid, but we just met up with everyone and then stopped for fast food on our way to Keystone. We did a quick introduction for all of our new ambassadors that night and then hung out for a while and went to bed. We learned that there is nothing to do in the "off season" in Keystone...at all.
We spent Saturday planning and doing various retreat like things. We were at this beautiful lodge tucked back on Old Hill City Road and as we were planning and whatnot is started snowing. Yup, that's right, snowing. Now it wasn't accumulating but it was chilly and kinda pretty, just not very welcomed. In case I never mentioned it, Ag Bio Amassadors represent eh SDSU college of ag and bio and go around the midwest visiting high schools for SDSU and serve at various ag events on campus. We finished up our retreat stuff for the day and went out to eat at a Mexican restuarant in town that opened just for our group. The food was great. Afterward two car loads of people decided to go to Mt. Rushmore while the older ones stayed and drank...o boy. So, we load up and head to Mt. Rushmore in the dark, in the snow. I knew what was gonig to happen but thought we should try it out anyway. We get there and there is absolutely no one around. I mean not a sole, not even a park ranger. The lights were on the mountain but you couldn't see it at all- the fog and snow were completely blocking the view and reflecting the light. So....we had a snowball fight. Yeah, that' right we had a snowball fight at night, in the snow, at Mt. Rushmore- probably won't happed again. A few of us decided to take a trail and get a little closer and we eventually could make out the faces to some extent. But, the two girls who had never been there woudn't brave the trail so they didn't get to see them at all! But, hopefully they come back someday, in the daylight, with no snow, when someone is there. So eventually we turned back around and headed toward our lodge. On the way we picked up three guys in our group who were walking back from the restuarant carrying a carton of beer... quite hillarious conisdering that it was cold and snowing! We spent the rest of the night just chatting, then headed to bed.
That next Monday morning was supposed to be the day we all went out and did some west river school vists but when we woke up arond five...there was not electricity, over six inches of snow on the ground and some still coming down, and a massive tree blocking the hotel driveway. Yeah, there was not way the six Chevy Impalas were gunna make it out. After they got the tree moved a few groups were able to get out to their school visits but ours was not. We just loaded up and went home. We made quick stop at Wall Drug for the two people I was riding with who had never been there, and then went back to Brookings. It snowed or rained the whole way...gross. We made it back in time for our Argentina class last night. Then, I came home, fell asleep doing homework and went to bed.
I spent my day today either in class or doing homework. Because I spent every spare second I had last week studying I got a little behind on the homework, but after my six hour shift at the front desk tonight I think I've got a better handle on it. In ranch news for the past week it sounds like they finished up working calves and Merle has kept busy since. He was picking up some cracked corn in Gordon and the pickup we left in Phillip to get body work on a while back. He called me and asked if we brought it there without a spare tire becuse there wasn't one in it. I had to laugh- I think we did. Other times I have called he's been fencing or moving cattle around. I think all the wheat is finished now, so it's odds and ends for the time being it sounds. I am hoping to plan an ambassador visit out west sometime soon and then just stay for the weekend- that would be awesome~
Tomorrow they will start digging with the backhoe at home to try to find our infamous water leak...we'll see what happens.
Alright, definitly bedtime!
It's like every night I say- O I should write in my blog tomorrow, and then go to bed...tonight I decded to just stay up and write before I'm so far behind that I can't recall a thing! So the last time I wrote was on the 27th! A long time ago.
Starting Monday the 28th things got pretty busy and haven't quit since. I had a few random things on the agenda that day and a PAS meeting that night. We had a quiz that was terrible in our Argentina class...but no one was too concerned because we all did bad. Hopefully those scores won't count for much- how do you fail a trip class anyway! lol The MediaCom guys actually came back that day and fixed our cable...or so we thought. It took three of them about two hours and when they left they said they still weren't sure if it was working right...ugh seriously. Now, a week or so later it isn't working again. I also decided that day that I was going to go to National FFA Convention. Yes, I will miss school, but it is an excused absense and only comes around once a year. I will have an expense paid trip with Ag Bio Ambassadors and work at the SDSU booth! It should be lots of fun:)
Tuesday was another movin' day. I had my classes and labs, and that resulted in a true highlight of the day. We had a pork slaughter lab...most amazing thing ever! I really liked being a part of the entire process and seeing and acutally doing all of the proper slaughter steps from live anminal to commercial cuts of meat. It was great! I can honesly say that I love that class...and I don't say that often, belive me. So, we killed our pig (named Ralphie II) and went to soils lab. In that lab we did legal land discriptions, something I can catch onto fast and is very useful- I actually liked that lab as well. After labs I ran home and grabbed my chip dip that I had made earlier in the day for a Spanish potluck that we were having for Argentina class that night. it was optinoal but me and my friend Melissa decided that we must go and do better with our Spanish! That was fun, be we could only stay for an hour because she had to study and I had to meet some land renters with Virginia in Brookings for supper...there's nothing like double eating! I spent that night studying my life away... as I had for several nights before.
I had my 7am ambassador meeting on Wednesday followed by a visit to the area multi-district for one of my teaching classes. As if that wasn't enough, I came back home and ran straight to Religion class, follwed by Indian's of North America class. I took my meats test that day- it went quite well and then attended a meeting for national Block and Bridle convention. It is held during the North American show in Lousville, KY during the first weekend in November, who cares about school when you can do awesome stuff like that!? lol I'm pretty sure I'll be going! I specifically recall staying up until 3:30 that morning to study for my upcoming tests-soils and middle school philosophy.
I got up at six on Thursday and went to my soils test at 7:15. O what fun. Neither test that day went to terribly, although I was a bit dissapointed in the soils results becuase I studied so much- but he curves so I ended up doing alright with a high B. I can settle for that I guess. I spent thrusday doing more odds and ends. I had a couple meetings and studied a bunch again.
Friday wasn't real exciting either. I had a Religion test and a Indians or NA test. They went fairly well too, so my tests were finally completed! Five in that last week! That night after work at the lab I came back to the apt and went and got Lauren from next door. We rented movies from Cody at the movie store he works at and came back here and watched them. It was nice to just sit back and relax after all of the studying and tests.
But, Saturday came pretty quick. I got up and spent the morning doing odds and ends and packing for my Ag Bio Ambassador retreat that started when we left a at noon. We had six state vehicles and all headed out towards the hills. The destination was a lodge in Keystone, but we played tourist along the way. There a quite a few ambassadors from MN, IA, or NE so they hadn't seen a lot of our dorky SD tourist attractions. We stopped at the corn palace and took that quick tour and then headed on. Everyone wanted to see the badlands so we went down at Kadoka and hopped on hwy 44. My car decided that since I was complaining about how close we would be to the ranch, we should just stop. And we did. We only drove fifteen miles out of our way and only stayed for about twenty minutes, but it was worth it to be there again. Merle was able to meet us and hang out for a few min, then we headed back out. We acually ended up missing supper at the firehouse restuarant in Rapid, but we just met up with everyone and then stopped for fast food on our way to Keystone. We did a quick introduction for all of our new ambassadors that night and then hung out for a while and went to bed. We learned that there is nothing to do in the "off season" in Keystone...at all.
We spent Saturday planning and doing various retreat like things. We were at this beautiful lodge tucked back on Old Hill City Road and as we were planning and whatnot is started snowing. Yup, that's right, snowing. Now it wasn't accumulating but it was chilly and kinda pretty, just not very welcomed. In case I never mentioned it, Ag Bio Amassadors represent eh SDSU college of ag and bio and go around the midwest visiting high schools for SDSU and serve at various ag events on campus. We finished up our retreat stuff for the day and went out to eat at a Mexican restuarant in town that opened just for our group. The food was great. Afterward two car loads of people decided to go to Mt. Rushmore while the older ones stayed and drank...o boy. So, we load up and head to Mt. Rushmore in the dark, in the snow. I knew what was gonig to happen but thought we should try it out anyway. We get there and there is absolutely no one around. I mean not a sole, not even a park ranger. The lights were on the mountain but you couldn't see it at all- the fog and snow were completely blocking the view and reflecting the light. So....we had a snowball fight. Yeah, that' right we had a snowball fight at night, in the snow, at Mt. Rushmore- probably won't happed again. A few of us decided to take a trail and get a little closer and we eventually could make out the faces to some extent. But, the two girls who had never been there woudn't brave the trail so they didn't get to see them at all! But, hopefully they come back someday, in the daylight, with no snow, when someone is there. So eventually we turned back around and headed toward our lodge. On the way we picked up three guys in our group who were walking back from the restuarant carrying a carton of beer... quite hillarious conisdering that it was cold and snowing! We spent the rest of the night just chatting, then headed to bed.
That next Monday morning was supposed to be the day we all went out and did some west river school vists but when we woke up arond five...there was not electricity, over six inches of snow on the ground and some still coming down, and a massive tree blocking the hotel driveway. Yeah, there was not way the six Chevy Impalas were gunna make it out. After they got the tree moved a few groups were able to get out to their school visits but ours was not. We just loaded up and went home. We made quick stop at Wall Drug for the two people I was riding with who had never been there, and then went back to Brookings. It snowed or rained the whole way...gross. We made it back in time for our Argentina class last night. Then, I came home, fell asleep doing homework and went to bed.
I spent my day today either in class or doing homework. Because I spent every spare second I had last week studying I got a little behind on the homework, but after my six hour shift at the front desk tonight I think I've got a better handle on it. In ranch news for the past week it sounds like they finished up working calves and Merle has kept busy since. He was picking up some cracked corn in Gordon and the pickup we left in Phillip to get body work on a while back. He called me and asked if we brought it there without a spare tire becuse there wasn't one in it. I had to laugh- I think we did. Other times I have called he's been fencing or moving cattle around. I think all the wheat is finished now, so it's odds and ends for the time being it sounds. I am hoping to plan an ambassador visit out west sometime soon and then just stay for the weekend- that would be awesome~
Tomorrow they will start digging with the backhoe at home to try to find our infamous water leak...we'll see what happens.
Alright, definitly bedtime!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Life...
Ugh! I get so far behind now...to pick up where I left off.
That next Wednesday, the 23rd was pretty typical. Went to my four morning classes then to work for a few hours at the lab. I kinda felt nasty all day long because my acid reflux did not appreciate the spices in the meat we had on Tuesday- tummy ache! But, after a couple days I got over that. That Wed. night was the Ag/Bio scholarship banquet. I ditched out of marching band a little early so that I could be there on time to usher for Ag Bio Ambassadors. That worked out ok and I made it right about on time. We got almost 500 people seated and made it through the ridiculously long list of recipients! But hey, I'll eat a $15 plate of food in exhcange for $500 from the SD Corn Utilization Council. I came home after the banquet and did some homework, studied, and called it a night/morning.
Thursday...I went to my two morning classes and went to the lab for about an hour. Then, ran home and grabbed lunch (got completely soaked in the rain on my treck across campus) and had Cody give me a ride to motorpool (the DOT) and picked up a state vehicle. Another Ag Bio Ambassador, Dani, and I were headed to Garretson for a school visit. We got there a little early so I gave her a tour of the parks and whatnot...lol, o G-Town. So, we finally made it to the school and attempted to recruit a bunch of lazy, inattentive high school boys to SDSU's college of Ag and Bio. Let's just say by the end of the class period they did not like Dani or I; we wouldn't put up with their crap! Haha, o teaching is going to be so much fun... The next class period was just a couple students, one of which was a friend, Alysha. We had fun with them and actually accomplished a few things in our presentation. We finished up our visit there, and headed back to Brookings. that night, I did some homework and eventually headed over to a friends house to watch the premiere of Grey's Anatomy. I'm not a huge TV watcher, but I saw the finalie so I felt it neccesary to see the premier! Afterward, Kayla and I sat and contimplated what positions we were going to apply for for Little I (big livestock expo on campus). I put down photographer for first choice- sounds like a lot of fun! We'll see... I went to work at midnight that night. It was a fine and dandy until about 1:30 when some students reported a creepy guy sleeping near the girls side windows outside. They said they woke him up and he was running around in a cape like thing just being creepy. So... I called the CA's on duty and they checked the building. Then, called UPD and they said that if we couldn't find him that there was nothing they could do- since he really hadn't done anthing illegal. So, we called the search off, deciding that he must have left. But when 3am rolled around and I was the only person awake for what seemed like miles I was not all that eager to walk out in the semi-lit parking lot to my car. But, have no fear I made it with no creeper behind me...although I think I coulda fought a weird one like that off with my backpack full of books! Ha!
That next Friday morning always comes early. Went to morning classes and studied. Since our boss was out for the day, I could only kill an hour at the Ps lab, and headed back home. I spent some time trying to study soils in the afternoon and then headed to good ol' Baltic for the homecoming game at seven. I was kinda not sure what to expect, but I ended up having a pretty good time. I got to see quite a few people that I hadn't seen in forever. Not many hs friends (didn't really have a whole lot of Baltic friends) but I saw a bunch of teachers, neighbors, and such. And..remarkably, they won! I was shocked- our fb team has been pretty bad for years and years, so it was nice to see them have a decent record so far this year. That night I headed back to Brookings, watched a movie with Eillie and her friend Brianna and went to bed.
Saturday... was not exactly a joyful one.
I woke up to Mom calling me telling me that I had better come home because Joe wasn't doing well at all. He was laying down and just plain wouldn't get up. So, I picked up Virginia and we went down to the barn. By the time I got there he had gotten up, but the problem was obvious. He had done something nasty to his front leg. It's really hard to say what, but he was terribly sore and couldn't hardly hold himself up. He had slowly been looking a little older and older this past few weeks and I think that the leg was probably just one of those old age things. Long story short, we called the vet and they had to put him down. Sad day:( Dad and Mom gave me one of those bronze statues when I was younger that had a picture of a girl facing a horse and it says "First Love". Very true. I will miss him dearly, but that's how life works and I would never want him hurting like that. It's hard to say goodbye to an old friend, but somtimes it's for the best. It's a good thing he had his buddy Ace for the weeks we've been back, and it will be good for me too, since there is still a horse around to ride. One with quite the personality at that. I'll miss my Joe and so will a lot of the folks around there, but life goes on. They actually had a colt that morning...the cycle of life.
I spent the rest of that day attempting to study. Emphasis on the attempt, I have a hard time focusing normally, so it wasn't exactly the easiest to abosorb info. I ran a few errands, paid the rent, etc. At about 1pm Ellie took off to vist her boyfriend in the cities, and Cody was home for the weekend so I spent he rest of the day by myself. I worked from 8pm to midnight and spent a majority of that time talking to Kayla and Michael who came to visit me! Michael was down for the weeked and I keep giving Kayla a hard time about not seeing him so they just came to me. It was nice to have someone to talk to and pass the time, and I got to see them! ...wayyy better than studying. I came home a basically fell into a heap in bed.
I got up today, went to church, and studied...and studied...and studied. And still managed not to get everything done on my list. I got some laundry and cleaning done and ate/ went grocery shopping with Virginia in the evening. It was nice to spend some time with her and get out of thsi apt. Then, studied some more and helped Cody move a few things in. We fought with a dresser that he brought for a while and finally decided it wouldn't fit in his closet- so instead, we rearranged his room. I spent some more time with the books and found myself falling asleep so here I am- typing, it's much more involving than staring at a page of notes!
It sounds like things went well on the ranch this weekend. They worked cattle on Friday and thing went smoothy according to sources. Apparently they didn't test as good as they usually are, but that' s just how the odds go sometimes. I can't remember if it was the black cow or Chief Bears. I think the Chief Bear cattle were done last week. Now, they will ride for quite a few days to put everyone back where they belong and move some things around. Merle went to a fire school today and said it was really good- jealous. I was originally going to come down this weekend but between my Friday classes, the four tests and a quiz I have this week, and work, I decided I shouldn't. Sounds like I missed out- but isn't that how it always works? grrr.... o well, I'll be back around sometime. It sounds like Glen is having some heart surgery on Tuesday- I'll be praying for him and hope all goes well! I can about imagine how excited he is...eh. Besides being completely jealous that I missed out, that's about all the ranch news I can think of.
It has been a long week and it will be a long week...but I think I'll make it- because "making it" and getting A's are two completly different things!
That next Wednesday, the 23rd was pretty typical. Went to my four morning classes then to work for a few hours at the lab. I kinda felt nasty all day long because my acid reflux did not appreciate the spices in the meat we had on Tuesday- tummy ache! But, after a couple days I got over that. That Wed. night was the Ag/Bio scholarship banquet. I ditched out of marching band a little early so that I could be there on time to usher for Ag Bio Ambassadors. That worked out ok and I made it right about on time. We got almost 500 people seated and made it through the ridiculously long list of recipients! But hey, I'll eat a $15 plate of food in exhcange for $500 from the SD Corn Utilization Council. I came home after the banquet and did some homework, studied, and called it a night/morning.
Thursday...I went to my two morning classes and went to the lab for about an hour. Then, ran home and grabbed lunch (got completely soaked in the rain on my treck across campus) and had Cody give me a ride to motorpool (the DOT) and picked up a state vehicle. Another Ag Bio Ambassador, Dani, and I were headed to Garretson for a school visit. We got there a little early so I gave her a tour of the parks and whatnot...lol, o G-Town. So, we finally made it to the school and attempted to recruit a bunch of lazy, inattentive high school boys to SDSU's college of Ag and Bio. Let's just say by the end of the class period they did not like Dani or I; we wouldn't put up with their crap! Haha, o teaching is going to be so much fun... The next class period was just a couple students, one of which was a friend, Alysha. We had fun with them and actually accomplished a few things in our presentation. We finished up our visit there, and headed back to Brookings. that night, I did some homework and eventually headed over to a friends house to watch the premiere of Grey's Anatomy. I'm not a huge TV watcher, but I saw the finalie so I felt it neccesary to see the premier! Afterward, Kayla and I sat and contimplated what positions we were going to apply for for Little I (big livestock expo on campus). I put down photographer for first choice- sounds like a lot of fun! We'll see... I went to work at midnight that night. It was a fine and dandy until about 1:30 when some students reported a creepy guy sleeping near the girls side windows outside. They said they woke him up and he was running around in a cape like thing just being creepy. So... I called the CA's on duty and they checked the building. Then, called UPD and they said that if we couldn't find him that there was nothing they could do- since he really hadn't done anthing illegal. So, we called the search off, deciding that he must have left. But when 3am rolled around and I was the only person awake for what seemed like miles I was not all that eager to walk out in the semi-lit parking lot to my car. But, have no fear I made it with no creeper behind me...although I think I coulda fought a weird one like that off with my backpack full of books! Ha!
That next Friday morning always comes early. Went to morning classes and studied. Since our boss was out for the day, I could only kill an hour at the Ps lab, and headed back home. I spent some time trying to study soils in the afternoon and then headed to good ol' Baltic for the homecoming game at seven. I was kinda not sure what to expect, but I ended up having a pretty good time. I got to see quite a few people that I hadn't seen in forever. Not many hs friends (didn't really have a whole lot of Baltic friends) but I saw a bunch of teachers, neighbors, and such. And..remarkably, they won! I was shocked- our fb team has been pretty bad for years and years, so it was nice to see them have a decent record so far this year. That night I headed back to Brookings, watched a movie with Eillie and her friend Brianna and went to bed.
Saturday... was not exactly a joyful one.
I woke up to Mom calling me telling me that I had better come home because Joe wasn't doing well at all. He was laying down and just plain wouldn't get up. So, I picked up Virginia and we went down to the barn. By the time I got there he had gotten up, but the problem was obvious. He had done something nasty to his front leg. It's really hard to say what, but he was terribly sore and couldn't hardly hold himself up. He had slowly been looking a little older and older this past few weeks and I think that the leg was probably just one of those old age things. Long story short, we called the vet and they had to put him down. Sad day:( Dad and Mom gave me one of those bronze statues when I was younger that had a picture of a girl facing a horse and it says "First Love". Very true. I will miss him dearly, but that's how life works and I would never want him hurting like that. It's hard to say goodbye to an old friend, but somtimes it's for the best. It's a good thing he had his buddy Ace for the weeks we've been back, and it will be good for me too, since there is still a horse around to ride. One with quite the personality at that. I'll miss my Joe and so will a lot of the folks around there, but life goes on. They actually had a colt that morning...the cycle of life.
I spent the rest of that day attempting to study. Emphasis on the attempt, I have a hard time focusing normally, so it wasn't exactly the easiest to abosorb info. I ran a few errands, paid the rent, etc. At about 1pm Ellie took off to vist her boyfriend in the cities, and Cody was home for the weekend so I spent he rest of the day by myself. I worked from 8pm to midnight and spent a majority of that time talking to Kayla and Michael who came to visit me! Michael was down for the weeked and I keep giving Kayla a hard time about not seeing him so they just came to me. It was nice to have someone to talk to and pass the time, and I got to see them! ...wayyy better than studying. I came home a basically fell into a heap in bed.
I got up today, went to church, and studied...and studied...and studied. And still managed not to get everything done on my list. I got some laundry and cleaning done and ate/ went grocery shopping with Virginia in the evening. It was nice to spend some time with her and get out of thsi apt. Then, studied some more and helped Cody move a few things in. We fought with a dresser that he brought for a while and finally decided it wouldn't fit in his closet- so instead, we rearranged his room. I spent some more time with the books and found myself falling asleep so here I am- typing, it's much more involving than staring at a page of notes!
It sounds like things went well on the ranch this weekend. They worked cattle on Friday and thing went smoothy according to sources. Apparently they didn't test as good as they usually are, but that' s just how the odds go sometimes. I can't remember if it was the black cow or Chief Bears. I think the Chief Bear cattle were done last week. Now, they will ride for quite a few days to put everyone back where they belong and move some things around. Merle went to a fire school today and said it was really good- jealous. I was originally going to come down this weekend but between my Friday classes, the four tests and a quiz I have this week, and work, I decided I shouldn't. Sounds like I missed out- but isn't that how it always works? grrr.... o well, I'll be back around sometime. It sounds like Glen is having some heart surgery on Tuesday- I'll be praying for him and hope all goes well! I can about imagine how excited he is...eh. Besides being completely jealous that I missed out, that's about all the ranch news I can think of.
It has been a long week and it will be a long week...but I think I'll make it- because "making it" and getting A's are two completly different things!
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