Updates

Today was the day we went to another fair to show cows. I actually showed at this fair and, oh my gods, I'm glad I did! It's such a thrill going into the ring again. I placed well in all the classes I was in. I even walked away with the big purple ribbon I wanted! The only bad part was the rain. It makes keeping the cows clean a lot harder, plus we were all cold and miserable. Now that I have taken a nice hot shower, changed into warm, dry, clothes, and eaten I am fine.


Update: I couldn't resist adding this picture of my cousin Braiden. He looks so cute curled up with the cows.

I leave for school on Wednesday. I am still going back and forth between nervous and excited, but I know it's going to be alright. I guess that's one thing I've learned from my past 'going away from home' experiences. The leaving is the hardest part. The difference is- this time it's for real. I'm going to be living at my dorm, and for an extended period of time. It's not just for a week. I'm mostly worried about the little things. Like getting up there and realizing I don't have something. You know, those silly little things you take for granted when you're living with your parents. The things I don't need to worry about now. I almost guarantee that within a month I'm going to be asking "Hey, why didn't someone tell me living away from my parents would be hard!" I obviously know it's going to be difficult, but I don't fully understand what it means to be 'on my own' yet. It's scary.

One thing I think I can start worrying about now is the fact that three of the eleven textbooks I ordered off Amazon.com haven't arrived yet. The last day they can get here without being late it September 10th. That's a little too late for me! I guess I have to keep my fingers crossed that they get here sooner. Other than the books, I just need to pick up a few things at the store. And pack everything into my car... that is not going to be a fun car ride!

I know there was more I wanted to say, but I'm exhausted. If it comes back to be I'll jot it down and write it in another post. I'm gonna go lay down on the couch now and hope I fall asleep watching TV. Not before The Simpsons come on at 7:30, though. I kind of want to watch The Simpsons...

Summer Fun

I wanted to put up a Youtube video of the song 'Summer Loving' from Grease. Then I realized that I haven't had a summer love, and it doesn't fit. xD Since I can't find a song that does fit I guess this post will remain video-less.

I've been doing a lot lately. I went to see Inglourious Basterds, which is an awesome movie! One that I suggest going to see. Then I went and saw Funny People, a not so awesome movie. I was disappointed with Adam Sandler. I usually love his stuff, but this movie just dragged on and wasn't funny. We actually left the theatre before it ended.

At home I've been watching all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies with Tia. We both love watching Johnny Depp. Plus it's PIRATES. Pirates totally rock. That's why I dressed up like one for Halloween last year. I'll definitely dress up like one again this year if I get the chance.

Yesterday I went for a short hike with my friend. It was short because we had gotten a ton of rain previously, so the trails were muddy, she didn't want to walk through all the mud. I'm planning on going for another hike soon. Maybe a different trail; we've got enough of them around here!

Like I said I would, though, I am running around like a mad person. I'm getting the errands done and cleaning the house. My parents say they're going to use me while they've got me here. This is one thing I won't miss while I'm at school...

Tia goes back tomorrow! She's not really looking forward to it. 8th grade isn't really any different from 7th grade at our school at least. She's lucky for the familiarity. That is what I'll miss the most.

We've got another fair on Saturday that we're showing at. I'll be going to the farm on Friday to clean cows as best I can so they're easier to wash Saturday morning. We have to be at the farm to load cows at 5AM, which means getting up around 4:30 or earlier. I am actually showing at this fair! There's the possibility of bringing home some cash, but what I really want is a giant ribbon. I've got a lot of ribbons from all of my past shows, but I don't have one of those really big purple ones. Call me silly, but I want one! It's a smaller fair, so my chances are good.

I'm wishing I had the Grease soundtrack right now, because I really do want to listen to some of the songs. Youtube, here I come!

Little Treasures

Although the picture above is not one I took of my bracelet, mine looks almost exactly like it.

In Maine I was looking in all the little shops. In one I found a wrack of gem bracelets. I looked at every one, appreciating their beauty and considering buying it. There were a lot of different colors, so obviously I couldn't buy one of each. I couldn't choose so I resorted to reading the little meanings written as a description. I chose the one that said it is ruled by my Sun sign- Sagittarius. I got a beautiful blue Sodalite chip bracelet!

I got the description below from this website. I really liked the information given on this site, but unfortunately they have something that keeps people from copy and pasting anything off of it. I suggest visiting it, though, because they really did have a lot about different stones.

A stone of the higher mind, Sodalite helps the wearer to think rationally and form logical conclusions. It aids in releasing confusion as well as over-emotionalness and creates a stable atmosphere in which to deal with intellectual challenges, and brings a feeling of competence and well-being to those pursuits. Sodalite aids in understanding ones true feelings and helps to verbalize them. It is an excellent stone for working with groups as it helps the members to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and self-esteem, enhancing solidarity and enabling the group to establish common purpose and work together toward their goals. Calming and stabilizing, Sodalite stimulates thought and allows one to access their own inner knowing. It releases stresses, nervousness, angers and fears. An excellent stone for meditiation and a promoter of inner wisdom.

I don't know if my bracelet has stimulated my thought and allowed me to access my own inner knowing, but I do like it. I would love it if my stresses, nervousness, angers, and fears were released.

Yikes!

I don't like to gripe and moan about money... especially because I consider myself lucky to have so many of the things that I do. But, damn, I can't help but wonder where all my money went? Then that little voice in my head goes "books, clothes, a Tracphone, stuff for school, A CAR!!" Oh, right... a car and college are both expensive. This makes me wonder if I should have just gone without a car while I am in college. Too late now I guess, since I've already bought it.

I've bought a lot of books lately. Both to read for fun, and just yesterday I spent a butt-load of money on textbooks for school. Even though I can look at and hold the things my money has gone to, I can't help but feel that I could have spent it more wisely. I hope that's just because I have no use for half the things until I'm actually in school. I'm sure I'll be thankful for having them once I need them.

Bad news about my computer. My grandpa can't fix it. He can't even figure out what's wrong with it. I bought it only two years ago... fully expecting it to last me beyond college. We may need to spend a couple hundred dollars (ouch!) and buy another warranty on it so I can send it back to the company and have it fixed. That may be cheaper than buying another computer, but I still need one for college. It couldn't have broken at a more inconvenient time. I may be taking my mom's with me...

As for the other stuff on my list-
My car is registered now! Luckily, my parents are taking care of the car insurance. I still need to get it inspected, have the oil changed, get good tires, blah, blah, blah (I don't understand cars).

I'm working on getting all the supplies for school.

I've cleaned the kitchen really well, but haven't started making and freezing meals yet. Thanks to the people who gave me suggestions!

I babysat Keagan for a while yesterday. He's started acting like a typical 3-year-old. I love him, though. And I got a bunch of great pictures! He's growing wicked fast. If you had told me three years ago that Jess and Dan's little boy would mean so much to me I wouldn't have believed it. I'm going to miss him so bad while I'm away.

TTFN! I am going to hang out at the farmer's market with a friend today. Maybe I can get a few more things done before I leave.

Stuff To Do Before College

In the car on the way home yesterday I was making my 'to do' list of everything I need to do before leaving for college.

Get my computer back from Poppa once it's fixed (I need it for school!)

Get my car registered and inspected ASAP

Buy all the books and supplies I'll need for school

Make and freeze meals so my mom, dad, and Tia don't have to resort to frozen pizza & takeout while I'm gone (suggestions on what meals freeze and reheat well would be appreciated!)

Clean the house really well

Vacuum my car out (the previous owner hauled hay in it)

Pack my stuff

Babysit Keagan (I haven't seen him in weeks! I miss him...)

Print pictures to bring to college with me

Get a potted plant for my dorm room (I'll be in a city, want some nature with me)

Make Great Gram's relish

Contact NECI admissions about my questions

Hang out with my friends as much as possible

Orientation is the 3rd of September. I'm flip flopping back and forth between excitement and being so scared I want to throw up. Is college supposed to be like that?

There's No Place Like Home

We got back from Maine around 11:30 this morning. We were all anxious to get going so we left pretty early. A week away really makes you appreciate everything you were away from. I missed the familiarity. Maine may still be a part of New England, but the smell and feel of the ocean and beach can make you forget that. I felt further away than we really were. I fell asleep for a while on the drive back, but once I began recognizing the scenery I rolled down my window and just smelled the air. It smelled fresh. Not like the salty ocean. Not like the exhaust fumes on the highway. But like trees and farms and, well, home.

It feels good to be back, even if I don't feel so good myself. Can you say sunburn? Yesterday I stupidly thought I could go without the sunscreen for a little while. I'd had it on the rest of the week, but with just those few hours without it I basically doomed myself to what I can honestly call my most painful and awkward sunburn ever. I was sitting in a chair and the tops of my thighs got burnt. So now every time I move my legs it hurts. It hurts even more when I stand. I got up this morning and fell back onto the bed! That'll teach me, won't it? Lesson learned. Never go without at least some sunscreen at the beach!

I'm exhausted. It's a combination of too much sun and too little sleep. I feel like a zombie while typing this. It turns out the wifi at our motel didn't work, though. So I have been dying to catch up with all the blogs I read. While I was in the middle of replying to a post what should happen? The power goes out! For about four hours. It gave me time to play with the dog and cats a bit and to read more of the latest book I'm reading. Would you believe I'd never read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes before? Once I started reading them I found it hard to put my Kindle down.

What I need right now is a shower, some more time to poke at the cats and dog (I really missed them) and for my head to hit the pillow. I'll write more soon. I've got a lot to blog about!

I Bought a Car! But Now I'm Leaving For a Week...

So today was supposed to be my last day of work. I was sick of the mind-numbing atmosphere, the ever-complaining coworkers, and the DRAMA. (High school drama is nothing compared to the drama of the cynical old ladies I worked with.) So I did the irresponsible thing and skipped for the day. I think my mom is a little disappointed that I did this, but I don't regret it. I had an awesome day!

I bought a car! I'm just wicked excited that I've bought my first car. It is a 1996 Saturn. I couldn't register it today because the town clerk now works only four days a week.


That's alright, though, because tomorrow we're heading to the beach! I wouldn't have been able to drive it for a week anyhow. I can't wait until we get back so I can finally start getting used to the way it works. It handles a little differently from my dad's car which I've been driving.

I didn't just buy a car today, though. That was all done with by 11:30. So I hung out with my friends all afternoon. We went to the new KenTaco (KFC & Taco Bell combined) and then saw Harry Potter. Since I haven't read the books in a while I didn't have any details fresh in my mind. I have no clue how close the movie was to the book and for once I don't even care. It was a good movie! Probably the best out of all the ones made so far. If you haven't seen it yet you should. The greatest part was that since we waited so long to see it there were only maybe 10 people in the theatre.

I don't know when I'll write another post. Like I said, we're leaving tomorrow. We are bringing a laptop with us, though! So, when I get sick of whatever book I happen to be reading at the time, I can come by and read about what's going on with all of you. =)

Just One More Week, One More Week, One More Week

This week is my last week of working at my summer job! Knowing this makes the week almost tolerable. I really don't want to be stuck inside all week when the weather outside is as nice as it is. We're actually getting sunshine! I'll just have to spend my evenings sitting outdoors.

Next week we're off to Maine to sit on the beach and do nothing. It's going to be just what we need. It's been so hectic lately. I hope I will have access to a computer while I'm there, but I can't be sure. Mine just died Saturday night. =(
I'm using Tia's for now, and mine won't be fixed for a while.

I feel kind of dumb because not having my computer around makes me realize just how much I depend on it. I am always checking my email. Sending off a tweet. Reading blogs. Talking on facebook. And doing a million other things, on the computer. I think I depend on it too much.

Remember that herb garden I started a while back? Well, I killed the thyme and basil. The sage is doing well, though! The problem is that I have know clue how to use sage. I've never cooked with it. I'll have to do some research. I'll post my findings when I'm done, but if anyone has some knowledge about it and wouldn't mind sharing... that would rock.

Tia wants her computer soon and I still need to check some stuff.

I'm Back and I DID IT!!

Yes I am back from the fair, finally! I smell like a cow because everyone wanted to shower before me. I had to drag all the dirty clothes downstairs to start washing them. I'm covered in mud because of the massive thunder storm we got last night. My feet hurt, and I lost my cute toe ring. But, I am happier than I have been in a while.

Since I started working at my summer job in that factory I come home feeling like I've accomplished nothing. That's because I sit at a machine all day, so I really am accomplishing nothing. I've loved the last two days. I was running around doing this or that, I was always busy with something. That is real work. No matter how much I complain about it, I really do love doing farm stuff.

Reason number two I am so happy is because I finally got my license!! My dad drove up to the fair on Wednesday morning so I could use his car for the test. My aunt took me. I practiced backing into a space before the test and I kept messing it up. I didn't park well at all on the test either... but I still passed! This is a huge weight off my shoulders. I feel more relieved than I did when I graduated.

Now that I can drive myself around I don't need to ask my parents for rides to the store. I can go visit my friends. I can go places by myself. And I can go find a new toe ring to replace that one I lost in the mud at the fair! I almost don't want today to end. Tomorrow I have to go back to work. Saturday I am going back to the fair to help in the 4-H ice cream booth. And I might be working on Sunday to make up for lost time... if not then who knows what I'll be doing. Maybe I'll actually drive somewhere.

Thank you to everyone who has been wishing me a happy Lammas! I wish you all a happy Lammas, too. I would really like to bake some bread this weekend. I have no clue what the weather will be like, though. I'll definitely spend some time outside. We'll probably get fresh corn on the cob (we know the best place in town to buy it!) and cook food on the grill.

Be Back In a Few Days!

Tomorrow afternoon (after we go to the doctor to get shots) Tia and I will be heading over to the county fair! We have to spend two nights there for 4H. We show cows. Did I ever mention that before? I must have. To be more specific Tia shows cows. I used to, but I stopped showing so I could focus on helping all the other kids. My Uncle Jay's family owns the farm, my Aunt Jen is the 4H leader, and my family makes up a large part of the 4H group. I felt bad seeing my aunt so stressed over trying to get all the kids ready for the shows. I'm still an active 4H member, though. I love being a part of it. It's been such an important aspect of my life. My summers have been filled with days of helping at the farm, walking my cow, and being at fairs in the show ring. I miss showing a little bit. Especially when I look up and see all the ribbons I've won.

Anyway- tomorrow night and Wednesday night we will be at the fair. I will have no Internet access since there is no way I'd bring my computer there! It'll be a ton of fun, even with the humid and hot weather. That's better than rain, though. Especially since we have to sleep in stalls on hay, or cots if we have them. Being there also means volunteering to help in the 4H kitchen for a few hours. Needless to say I love doing that as well!

This post is jumping around a lot, isn't it? Oh well. I want to share with you one more of my favorite things, as it ties in with the post so perfectly. Do you like pudding? How about all natural, kosher, gluten free pudding made with milk from certified humane cows? If so you should really, really, really check out this website. That is where I get my pudding. Well, I get it from the farm itself. Echo Farm is the farm my uncle's family owns. I practically grew up there! It's probably my favorite place in the whole world.