Whose to Blame?

This morning I started on my final paper for English. Impressive right, it’s not due for like three weeks. But that’s not the point. The point is I have 1500 words. So as I’m racking my brain to how I’m going write that many words when it occurs to me, that’s not all that many words.

If you reflect upon anything, even as simple as a text message or Facebook wall post, the average one is twenty to fifty words. A lot can be said. That’s like two to five or six sentences, depending on how articulate you are… and of course that you’re not a thirteen year old girl who answers in variations of, “haha ;)” “yeah” “:)” which I’m pretty sure doesn’t require to be sent if that’s all you have to say. (and a winky face is always a bad idea, unless you have weighed out the consequences).

The power of words has been sung about and written about, there have been movies and gosh known what else. Perhaps one of the most annoying misuses I know of is of the phrase “I love you.” I watched “The Last Song” yesterday which was a bad idea to start with because I don’t even remotely like Miley Cyrus and she completely ruined the book, however in that movie the couple pronounces this love for each other in like five minutes of their relationship. Yeah, I know movies speed up sequences of events. But come on. You really shouldn't say "I love you" unless you mean it.  That’s just common sense. However that brings me to my next point, if you mean it, you should say it a lot.  People forget. 

I never realized how many of my pet peeves had to do with words actually. The one that bothers me the most is bullying. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t bother saying a thing. Simple as that. People text crap every day, and they wouldn’t say majority of it, that’s a fact. So don’t be that loser it’s a waste of time. We should all just get along.

Yeah, that’s all I got.

The Truth About Being Foreign.

So originally when I knew I would be attending the National 4-H conference in Toronto I never really gave it much thought to be meeting people that were that different from me. You know the drill, we're all in 4-H, majority of us are involved in agriculture, we like to have a good time....

Then it hits me as we begin meeitng people, we are different. Even though we are all from North America, there are big differences....

Like those Sasky's.... Even though we share a border they have all these weird slang terms.

Points in question (which I learned in Weyburn in this summer but I like to bug them all about them)

1. Hoodie vs. Bunny Hug.... HAHAHAHA. I laugh everytime. A bunny hug, really?

2. Show Stick vs. Show Cane.... This is mostly just really unfair because I start to think about Christmas.

Then there were the Newfies...

They were fascinating from the start because of their wonderful accents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpV6jyGj_fY&feature=share

The tried to teach us their slang, but all we got out of it was being called an unpainted car... and they told Goose she had a face like a wet boot...

They also actually swear like sailors.

Those were the most striking differences. It was super sweet to mingle with the 4-H elite from continent wide. Once again, the sponsors rock from providing us with the opportunity. I met so many people the fact I have a friend everywhere really rings true.

Ps: a big thanks to those who told me I had an accent, that still makes my life to hear.

My Name May Not Be DQ, But I'll Sure Treat You Right

Tonight at West 57 we had a very big night. We had taco salad for supper... And we went Halloween costume shopping. Mostly for Duncan, we dropped $40 at Value Village and he's a happy little bird.

I hate to brag but his costume is kinda awesome, consisting of my yellow bedroom shag carpet I got from sexy Brett for grad, a yellow sweater (which I can see a 40 year old man jogging through his midlife crisis), black nylons (we had to youtube how to put on nylons), black gloves (wth did we pay $12 for a pair of those things in dance? we found pairs for $5!!) and red crocs.

So basically, he is going to be a VIP this halloween and I have probably never been so impressed with him.

A week from today I will be on a plane to Toronto, so that city better prepare itself. Goose and I plan on stocking up on classy attire tomorrow. I may get myself a pair of those fancy grown up boots. Who knows where the day will take me.

I am also super jacked for this week to be over! Not that it's any different from any other weekend, I just have my reasons.... I plan on using all my cheesy pick up lines and my charm. ACE!

I Have No One to Impress

Well this is going to be another bitterly cynical post about how crazy people are...

First of all, I actually put myself together for school this morning. By this I mean I went to bed with my hair and majority of my make up done from yesterday. Highly well planned if I may say so myself. The alarming part was how many people remarked on this... I apologize Momma T, apparently people do notice if I wear a pair of jeans and my hair even when i do my two day walk of shame with it the same.

Secondly, Karlee wasn't here this morning so I had to walk to school. Positive because I got to sleep in until nine.... Negative because I am about 75% sure I got brain freeze on the way to class. Not that it matters because my first class was psychology... And that of course is my main people watching class which requires some brain numbing to begin with.

I'm pretty sure I don't like college very much because I barely made it through my first mid term week and it makes me cry thinking about how horrible it went, but I am sure the next run will go better because I'm big into personal improvement. Ty informed me the only way he would disown me this weekend, and luckily is wasn't flunking out of college, so I'm golden as long as I have his support. Duncan tells me the odd fail is alright. I'm not sure how specific this "odd fail" is solely because I think Duncan's fail and my fail may be different levels...

I do like the fact I can do whatever I like but I miss when everyone cared. I even miss Mr Riise yelling at me for texting in spare when he knew I would continue to do so sometimes, but no one dare tell him that.  I have also met really nice people, like my new best friend in psych or the two brothers who sit by me in sociology who claim they're part wolverine.

And you know what this weekend is (everybody whose anybody knows)! The biggest holiday besides maybe Christmas and Halloween just because I like candy.... RED ROUND UP. Oh boy, Red Angus people come to Red Deer and it's like the whole city knows it. So West 57 will be cleaning Wednesday night and stocking the fridge, whoo babey.

A Girl Should Be Two Things...

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."
Coco Chanel

 

Being the involved college student I am, I have witness many different kinds of people in my first month on campus. It really isn't that different than high school.

-There is still that know it all girl sitting at the front of the class answering all the questions. They always make you wonder if you spend too much time with your friends making bad decisions, and if you'd rather be in pre med studying with her.

-There's the guy who always has something to say. Generally it's a "real" life story about how impressive he is, and it has nothing to do with the concept we're discussing. You wonder how he's made it this far.

-There's the pretty boys, the jocks who think they got it all. I always am impressed at how much time they spend on their appearance when you roll into your nine o'clock classes with a pony and sweatsuit.

-There's that platinum blonde at the back with her lap top, most likely Facebooking about how unattractive my sweatsuit is. She has the worst hair extensions you've ever seen and makes you contemplate if your jeans aren't tight enough.

-There's also approximately five hundred more people but they're normal and not nearly as exciting.

With that being said, I love it all. I'm so glad that stereotypes haven't changed and I can still people watch.

The fact is everyone judges you, so you may as well give them something to look at. I've already fallen down the stairs once and walked into the wrong class. It happens and I know I'm still super classy.

Last night I had an avocado for a study snack, look at me go!

Life With Three Blondes

1. The Brita is the most valuable possession in the house. Respect. And if you don’t happen to go out one night, it’s only polite to fill it for your roommates.
2. Prank Wars are serious business. Don’t start one with West 57, we take no prisoners.
3. Karlee’s countdown to the weekend is never questionable. It is on the calendar, Facebook and announced every morning at breakfast.
4. As a side note this leads to the extreme consumption of Pepsi. Always ensure the Pepsi cupboard is stocked when Karlee finishes a hard day at hair school.
5. Looking forward to a phone call after supper can get you through even the worst day.
6. Don’t take Karlee to the mall, self-explanatory.
7. Bring a candle when you come to 141 West Crescent. We will appreciate it more than you can imagine because we like fire.
8. Duncan loves his tea. This regular intake of (an old lady) beverage has the potential to solve any ailment and or trouble he is having. This includes the loud and spirited fights we have every day.
9. Wine is a staple in this house.
10. Showering is just a suggestion rather than necessity. I’m still arguing this point with Karlee and Duncan… And a lot of other people.
11. Let Karlee answer your phone. This will provide entertainment, as well as a shriek and a phone thrown at your face.
12. Ring Duncan’s bell. HA.
13. Dishwashers = the devil’s tool.
14. Dying your hair should be a roommate experience. Never believe Karlee when she tells you it’s purple. And never, ever believe Duncan when he tells you it’s going to be okay, because let’s face it he’s a boy and can’t be right.
15. You will always miss your cows. You'll miss them so bad even washing a limo sounds good...
16. If you ask Duncan for help with Biology, it usually results in him doing all the work rather than answering your questions because “you annoy him when you can’t read simple instructions.”
17. Never let Hal get into your Cherry Whiskey supply.
18. Once Duncan turns on the show tunes, he never turns them off.
19. Always have a clean sweat suit ready to go. You don’t want to be empty handed when Friday comes around.
20. Life with three blondes is not as easy as it seems, however it is a solid good time.

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.

com·pe·ti·tion /ˌkɒm pɪˈtɪʃ ən/ noun 

-the act of competing; rivalry for supremacy, a prize, etc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/competition

A five year old could give you a definition for competition. It is everywhere. In your work place, in your educational institution, even in your home.

Growing up with two brothers that were a little over two years apart, I can tell you about all kinds of fights and arguments. They were over who ran faster, who had more likes on a Facebook status, who got the girl. I've broke up more fist fights than most bouncers, and guaranteed the aftermath was a lot more serious that a ticket (have you ever gotten a punishment from Momma T?)

Now in college it is more evident. Everyone wants to be the prettiest, the smartest and the loudest. They want the girl or the boy. They want to drink the most, stay out the latest yet score the highest, and learn the most.

Huh...

Yes you see competition takes the reality out of most people's small little brains. There are far more important things than being "the best." Even if you think you're "the best," you're not. Because you know what? I am the best. I am the best dang Katie you will ever meet. But besides hypothetically, what point is being this "best" you want to be? If you ever stop being "the best" are people still going to like you? It's far better to be "your best."

So here's my food for thought today, stop worrying about what everyone thinks (except to the girl I saw wearing tights with a shirt far too short to cover her butt today, that is not okay, and you should ask what people think), and be "your best."

A Week of Dress Up

The title of this post may confuse you. But for me it's self explanatory. I have been at big kid school, more widely known as college, for a week now and it feels a lot like dress up.

It's just different and so out of the ordinary.

Don't get me wrong, I love my roommates, we have had so many classic times, it seems like we've been here much longer than a week. I like having one of my best friends in the room next to me, it's like a everlasting sleepover having her with me. I like lighting candles with Duncan, and fighting about the dishwasher every single night. I like our cosmo posters, and SMD jar, and our home-y house decorations. I like my classes well enough. I like having Goose with me everyday. I like the change in scenery. 

It's just weird not having Ty yelling at me for being a terrible driver daily, or other variations of being useless. I miss our idle bickering over whose the favourite.

It's just not the same to not hear Gus blasting "Teach Me How to Dougie," "Take Your Shirt Off" or "Drunk on You" each and every morning, much louder than necessary. I miss how he always made a point of asking how my day was.

Very few people here know about my twin that is eleven years younger. I miss Lexi pestering me to paint her nails, jump on the trampoline with her or go see the kittens.

I miss my cows.

I miss Momma T asking me to do stuff, complaining about it, and doing it anyways. I enjoy cleaning our house in Red Deer just because it makes me feel better.

I miss Papa Billy's stories because frankly they are the best.

These are all the reasons it's been a week of dressup.  I guess I'm growing up, even though I want to deny it. But now I'm getting into the routine, and everything seems to be running smoothly.



Two Hours of Reflection

Tomorrow is the big day! Well not "thee big day" just one of the big days. The day where I move out and see if I have what it takes to be a big kid.

For those who have asked me if I'm excited to go to college in the last two months, I have answered with variations of %^#Q*@! or, to be honest I'm scared, depending on whose ears it may fall on.

As this is my last real day being under my parents roof, without any real grow up concerns like a house, grocery list or mode of transportation, I have continued on like I have for every other summer. I woke up at ten, checked facebook, and now continue to lay in bed.

However this morning may be a little different.

I have thought about tomorrow. The truth is, I'm going to be fine because Momma T and Papa Billy have done an excellent job in preparing me for this world. I also will have my best friend from school, Karlee, who knows me better than I know myself most days. I will have friends to show me the ropes of RDC. I have all my show friends who will remind me not to be such a pansy. I have Lexi who looks up to me and expects me to succeed because she thinks I can do anything.

I have thought about grad. Good luck to all my classmates where ever they are headed, Edmonton, RDC, Olds, Vermilion, Camrose or those who are taking a year off. To refer to my grad speech, "It's been a classy thirteen years... This is my challenge to you. Leave behind what isn't helpful but take all the experiences and lessons we have been given to accomplish things you dare to dream. I believe each of us has what it takes to get to where we want to go. So here's to us and our journey "To Infinity and Beyond."" All of the years in Forestburg weren't the best but they weren't the worst either.

I have thought about my first camp-less summer. I estimated that through my nine years of 4-H I have attended sixteen or more summer camps. That is approximate, but astounding. Thinking back to all those weeks spent at Battle Lake, or on the Olds College Campus, I can't imagine my life without them. They gave me more than the simple sessions were meant to teach, or what I was expected to learn from the presentations. They gave me friends I couldn't live without and memories that made getting through winter easier. The camps took the sting out of the ten months spent in a classroom, because we always knew we'd have a blissful week where everything would make sense again and we could just be ourselves.

I have thought about this summer. It has been quite the time. My first real job, with a real pay check and boss. My first summer with a license and places to go. My last summer showing. A trip to show in another province, a group of new friends. Nights and days that I will never forget, that made this summer what it was. There's in the words of Momma T, "someone who would drive five hours just to see me." Memories of laughter, jokes and sunburns, that seem irrelevant.  There's the last hurrah at Redrich, the night in the washracks at Synergy, hotelling in Weyburn, and getting snacks at FJ's.

It's nice to just think about things sometimes. To reflect and realize how little things often stick with you more than the big things. Thing's are new,  I'm not really sure what to do, but I guess that's okay too.

"Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed."  ~Irene Peter

I Never Want This to End

Today Momma T woke me up to inform me we were going mattress shopping. This itself was extremely exciting, because I have the cheapest mattress in the house. She actually admitted when she bought it, that was the only information she gave the salesperson...

So i actually got to test beds, take in a little information about the different kinds of beds (at which he pointed out, i will need a bed to support my curves HAHA). Point of the story, I got a bed that I wish I could take to college (instead I'm taking the old one). As we load up our investment, Momma T smiles, "Since i bought you this nice bed, maybe you'll want to come home more." Touche Momma T, very well played...

For those who don't know, it's been non stop action over at Redrich. We've been trying to silage, packing for college (and grade two Lexi will point out), working hair on sale cattle and picturing. All of this is of course very stressful for all of us, but we're on the home stretch now.

Oh, and thanks summer oh eleven. it's been a slice, and i never want the good times to end.



TGIF

I finished my last day of work on Wednesday. It is amazing how much I can get accomplished at home when I am not spending ten hours of my day at the golf course!

Yesterday I purchased a toaster oven and my first printer. This was a big step for me, but as move is only over a week away, it's time to get cracking. I have begun packing all the necessities (if anyone has suggestions that I may overlook please let me know!)

I also got a chance to see my dance group which I haven't seen all summer. Goodness me I missed those ladies! So if they're reading this, I just want you girls to know how much you mean to me, how how much I have counted on you through the years. Please stay fabulous, you all have so much to offer the world and so much to look forward to. It was an excellent way to spend the afternoon and I enjoyed myself more than you can ever know.

The sista and I also went on a cleaning rampage and my room is cleaner than it's ever been! Not even kidding anyone who has seen my room would be so impressed!

Today Lex and I are heading to the pool with one of her friends. It is so easy to make that little girl's day. I have forgotten how rewarding it was to see that smile when I would ask if she would like a girl's day out!

This weekend marks my last truly carefree weekend and it's shaping up to be one for the record books.

The best of luck to all my friends getting ready for college or university, crazy isn't it? I am already resenting the grocery shopping, and the bills. But we all have to do it sometime right?

This summer has been so memorable up to this point, and I want to thank everyone who has been a part of it.

Most Successful Road Trip I've Ever Went On...

On Friday afternoon, my brother and two of our friends took a trek down to Provincial Judging in Vermilion. In reality this trip was supposed to start at four, but Travis decided he had to check out the calf crop, so we started about two hours later...

Taking this trip was definitely the highlight of my week even though these three boys requested haystacks (which I complied to) and that I drive on the way home (which for anyone who knows me, I don't like driving but it was Ty's truck).

We came out of the competition with three trips, Ty and Trav getting the trip I took last year to Denver, CO and I getting my senior agribition trip.

I'd like to take this oppotunity to thank all the organizers and sponsors, especially ATB Financial for providing all 4-H members with a chance like that. They award 17 trips at each Provincial Judging. I honored to have recieved my first choice trips both years, and know I am extremely lucky.

Me & One of the Guys Who Will Be Hitting Regina this Fall

With that being said, we got home about Midnight after the awards ceremony, packing and all our goodbyes. We head to our next show today, and we won't be back until next week sometime. This will be one of my last shows as an actual junior, as I am now done 4-H.

So with the summer already three quarters done, I don't know where the time has went. However I plan on making the best of the other 14 or so days I have left.

Safe travels and warm, good haying days to all!

Accepted

Yesterday the best thing happened... Well one of the best things, along with determining my future of Redron and realizing blonde's have more fun. I got accepted! Actually accepted too, not like the movie accepted, which I have been thinking a lot about reenacting as I painfully waited for my envelope.

As a side note, conditional acceptance is like being told you can go in the bouncy tent when your ten as long as the twelve year olds don't show up. You know that eventually you will get your turn, but who knows when!

Any how, let's set the scene. I had just finished work, as I do everyday I'm not showing, super greasy but on the other hand smelling of burgers, and went to check the mail as I have everyday for the last two weeks... There it was, an envelope from RDC....

Now I have spent much time trying to figure out what a thick and thin envelope is. And which would I rather have? But back to this envelope... It was one sheet of paper I could tell, probably cheap staples paper, because they send out hundreds of those things right? Just plug in a different name... Who knows this letter could include a congrats to McLovin.....

I thought about waiting until I got home to open the envelope, but that would be embarrassing if it contained an, ohh better luck next year.

So I began to tear it open when Tam Tam walked in, one of my friends mothers. I look at her, she looks at me.... I awkwardly continue to slowly tear open the envelope.... Finally I tell her, "this is my letter telling me if I'm in or not!" and she is surprised I'm opening it right in the post office. However I had already thought this out... I would've broken down and tried to open it halfway home which would lead to potential driving hazards.

After this process (which in reality took more like two minutes, not the twenty I'm making it out to be) I finally see the word congratulations!

HOLY GEEZES!

Tam Tam gives me a hug, and I then go on to buy myself a vitamin water and lottery ticket (which I won $4 on). I think I earned it after those thirteen years of education.

Seems like everything is falling into place. Karlee and I have our house all arranged, and I've been practicing on my house wife skills at the golf course, vacuuming, cleaning and cooking...

I'm even starting to look forward to it all. But right now it's just pretty great to be accepted!

A Week of Bliss

This morning my family returned home from being in Olds/ Calgary for the past week. My brothers and I got the opportunity to compete in the Provincial Beef Heifer Show as well as the second annual Summer Synergy. Ty ended up receiving a $2000 dollar scholarship, and I received an $1000 dollar one as well. Meeting the sponsors was great for Ty and I. It really impacted us to see personally how much they like to be acknowledged. We always send our twenty or so thank you cards out every summer, but there’s something to be said for a thank you face to face.

With that being said all in all the week was a success. But really it’s not the prizes, ribbons or grand champion slaps I’m thinking of…

It’s the people…

The friends you haven’t seen in nearly a year. Breaking into a run the moment you saw them in the barn. Noting that they may be a bit taller, and their hair was a bit lighter, but they still had that same bring it on attitude and lightning quick smile you remember so well.

The parents, telling you how much you’ve grown. Reminding you how far you’ve come because it was a short fifteen years ago you were just starting out as an awkward peewee.

The kids you grew up looking to as role models. Shaking their heads at how time flies. Stating that they had little to do with who you’ve become even though you know they taught you more than anyone knows.

The kids that make you smile. The ones who you used to be. That show you why these junior shows are your favourite place to be. The ones that would follow you nearly everywhere if they didn’t have their eight o’clock curfew.

All these people explain things you can’t put into words, because you know you owe everything to the days spent in Lacombe, Bashaw, Olds or wherever you may have been.  Learning, teaching and utilizing skills and talents that will stick with you for many days to come.

That is why this week of early mornings and late nights (which progressively got later as the seven days wore on) were bliss. All the bruises and scrapes were worth it. All the cans of tail adhesive, the lost wash brushes and blown breakers were small prices to pay. All the Tim Runs, nights spent with 8- 10 people in a 5 men tent, is what you’re going to remember.

There are friends and there are best friends. There are stories you tell for a month and then there are memories that are brought up ten years down the road. There are legacies, and then there are legends. Who knows, maybe we will be both.

Natural Highs

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the cashier.

5. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

6. Getting mail.

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milkshakes.

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling.

14. A good conversation.

15. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a present from you.

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

17. Someone giving you their jacket when you’re cold.

18. Looking into someone’s eyes and knowing they care about you.

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

23. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

26. Your first kiss.

27. Knowing someone misses you.

28. Watching the sunrise.

29. Having someone play with your hair.

30. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.

 

Cause It's The Least I Can Do

To Christine- by Susan Forde

I wish I could tell you

That you’re not too fat

That you’re fine the way you are

That you’re pretty enough

And you don’t have to wear punishing heels

I wish I could make you believe

That you don’t have to starve yourself

Or add to your chest

To fit this year’s fashions.

And I wish I could tell you,

To love yourself as much as you love him.

You don’t have to make yourself

Into his ideal

The real you is worth so much more.

But I’m only one voice,

Against so many

The magazines with diets and makeovers

That you read

The fairytale your mother read you,

Where the mermaid gave her voice

To be what the prince wanted.

Oh, I wish I could make you listen

But I’m only one voice

Drowned out by so many.

This is one of the most inspirational poems I ever read, and surprise, it was in grade ten English! But it has really stuck with me through the years. As a teenager, especially a teenage girl, we complain constantly about the drama, the peer pressure and all the other fooey that goes on in the hallowed hall we call high school. The fact is that you always want what you can't have. It's hard to grow up never being the "prettiest" girl. It feels like everyone has something that you don't. Your dreams always seem unreachable and unachievable.

But that's what everyone wants you to think. If you have your frends, and you always stay true to yourself, this world is a great place to be! Long as you yourself know the truth and know that you're doing your very best, no one else matters very much anyways. Additionally stay true to your friends because you never know what battle they may be fighting. Be sure to support and love all you can. Because:

"You do it for the joy it brings
Because you're a joyful girl
Because the world owes me nothing
And we owe each other the world
I do it cause it's the least I can do
I do it cause I learned it from you
I do it just because I want to..."

- Joyful Girl by Dave Matthews Band

Now & Since Then, You're Still My Best Friend



I finished my high school schooling this morning at ten thirty. Now four hours later, it still really hasn’t hit me. As I walked out of those high school doors for perhaps the thousandth time, it really didn’t carry any significance. I didn’t sigh in relief or jump for joy. It’s just a part in my life that’s over, a chapter that’s been read.

I’m sitting on my deck now, thinking back to the approximate 3800 days I’ve spent in Forestburg school and there’s sure a variation things to reflect on. The fourteen or fifteen teachers I’ve had through my thirteen years. All the binders, texbooks and looseleaf that were used. All the erasers, pencils and pens we lended and threw to each other. All the calculator batteries that were never juiced when you needed them.

But mainly there are the obvious fixtures, my friends.

Friend: –noun

1.  a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

2.  a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter: friends of the Boston Symphony.

3. a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile: Who goes there? Friend or foe? http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/friend

I like to think of myself as having numerous friends. But this last year has been eye opening to me. It has made me question what truly makes a friend. Perhaps the best insight I received was from my little sister, stating that “a friend is nice to you.”

That is something we seem to forget with age. It shouldn’t matter if you pick them up in the farm truck with gravel chips falling from the bumper or if you can lend them brand name clothes. Who cares if you’re the best player on the basketball team or if your family is a little more than the average crazy?

Your friends are going to change just like everything else does. But if you manage to keep even just one through your lifetime, you have accomplished a great feat. This kind of forever friendship is not perfect but it’s genuine, unlike any other. It’s the kind of fight-to-the-finish devotion, where even when they’re wrong, you want them to be right. You can’t imagine life without them and know that everything would be boring. If you have this, you might be one of the luckiest people on this Earth. I never would’ve made it this far without my best friend. Be sure to prize them, because they know you better than you know yourself much of the time, and that kind of deep rooted history can never be replaced.

Growing Up

Grade twelve year is unlike any other. Here are a few things you should know. It won't hit you when you wake up for your last first day of school. It won't hit you as you walk into the grade twelve locker hallway for the first time as an official grade twelve. It won't hit you when you cheer at your last volleyball game and attend your last basketball game. It won't hit you as you fill out the countless college applications. It won't hit you as you write that generic essay letter that you try to use for all your applications. It won't hit you as your college friends return for Christmas break and give you all their advice. It won't hit you as you celebrate New Year's with the friends you have known since childhood. You won't feel it when you are having the time of your life at your last spring break. When May finally comes around and you realize that it is your last Grad, but you don't really feel it when you are there having the time of your life. You begin to realize it at Graduation when you look around and realize that you will never see half of these people again. You will begin to see it more over the summer when everyone is getting their roommates, class schedules, and going to orientation. It still hasn't fully hit you when you are sitting in your room packing up the past 18 years of your life, laughing with your best friend about all the stupid stuff you've done. You might feel it the morning you leave for college as that it is the last time you will see your room, your parents, and your best friend for like 3 months. It will finally hit you when you are sitting in your dorm room with a perfect stranger, that you have to live with for the next year. Please, Please, PLEASE make every moment of your grade twelve year count, you only get to do it once. College will be a lot of fun, but in the meantime, jump at every opportunity you get to do anything that you have ever wanted to do. Spend as much time with friends as possible, for it will not be long until you meet new people and inevitably grow apart.

Hanging Up The Halter (So To Speak)

On Monday I took my last lap around the arena in Killam, Alberta. Achievement Day this year for me was more about witnessing all the levels of my 4-H career I had been at.

I helped the over active junior with his baby. I tried to remember what it was like to be worried I'd forget what to do once I got in the ring. I answered all his questions with a smile on my face, because he reminded me how we all begin, eager and unsure. When he asked me if I cried after selling my steer, I told him I would this year.

I watched the intermediates. The lot of them, trying to impress each other, throwing things, just happy to be missing a day of school. I noticed how far they had came in the one short year, one step closer to being a senior and the big dog so to speak.

I saw all the parents, sponsers, steer buyers, grand parents, all the people. The die hards who have been there through all my years as a member, who were always there for a pat on the back or a hug when things didn't go just right.

I witnessed all of this with my fellow seniors. For three of us, that was the end of our nine years in 4-H. nine heifers, nine steers, and half a dozen cow calves. Nine public speakings, nine pancake breakfasts, nine multi species judgings.

Nine achievement days....

That's a lot of days dedicated to 4-H. Throw in the camps I attended and all the days I've spent halterbreaking, it's almost like my whole life has been 4-H.

That is why when a kid I had counselled last summer told me, "You have to be here next year, we need you here."

I answered without skipping a beat, "I wouldn't miss it." 

Are You Tough Enough?

The constant buzz of 4-H members at a meeting is always overwhelming and as president it’s a never ending job to bring them back in to have a discussion. The juniors are throwing eraser chunks, the intermediates are coloring on each other with pens, and we seniors are of course perfectly behaved.

 Choosing a theme for our achievement stall display is always a chore. Most  of the best themes have been taken, under the sea, back in the day, Battle River always has barnwood and Iron Creek uses a little red barn.

So every March meeting, Hastings Coulee is left pondering…

“We need a theme people!”

            This year we chose a serious theme, which actually means something to us, breast cancer awareness. There have been mothers in our club who have battled and are currently battling this horrendous disease, as well as cancer in general so it strikes extremely close to home.

On average, 487 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer every day.

On average, 205 Canadians will die of cancer every day.

READ MORE AT: http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20cancer/Cancer%20statistics/Stats%20at%20a%20glance/General%20cancer%20stats.aspx?sc_lang=en

On average, 64 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day.

On average, 14 Canadian women will die of breast cancer every day.

READ MORE AT: http://www.cancer.ca/canada-wide/about%20cancer/cancer%20statistics/stats%20at%20a%20glance/breast%20cancer.aspx#ixzz1O8ZOTB00

Last night we dyed our twenty pink shirts, which we will be rocking on Sunday and Monday. You may say it’s been done before, but it’s never been done like this. This theme for us isn’t just going to last those two days, we are going to make a difference and it will be remembered. We are armed with our pink ribbons and we will strive to raise awareness.

As a Canadian citizen or for that much the world, cancer is an increasing problem. With your support doctors are getting closer to a cure. It is so easy to make a difference. I'm not asking you to do it for me, but for your neighbours, family members and friends. To donate please visit, http://www.cancer.ca/ontario/how%20you%20can%20help/od-make%20a%20donation.aspx?sc_lang=en or http://www.cbcf.org/en-US/How%20you%20can%20help/donate.aspx.

The question remains, “Are You Tough Enough to Wear Pink?”

It's That Time of Year...

Recently my one friend Karlee and I made a purchase of black hair dye at our local drugstore.This purchase turned a few heads as we picked up boxes of Black Licorice, with us both being blonde.

The one lady came rushing out and asked us if we needed help. We answered that we had everything we needed and started to make our way back to the counter, wondering why she seemed so concerned.

Then she asked us awkwardly, “Please tell me that isn’t for you two…”

Another clerk came along and overheard the conversation with us giggling. She surprised Karlee and I by her knowledge, “Let me guess, it’s achievement day?”

That is what the hair dye actually was for, our two steers, Turbo & Wylie. It is the time of year where black hair dye leaves the shelves at alarming rates and blondes everywhere get funny looks.

Dying your calf is a process that takes on average two boxes of black hair dye and an hour of your time. Our family mixes the dye up in a fogger adding about a cup of water. We then fog the creation on, combing it in after and washing it out after 30- 45 minutes unless otherwise outlined on the box. I wear the plastic gloves but Ty never does, but it’s always important to never get the dye in your eyes and to wash well after the process.

We now have about half of our club dying their calves, recognizing that it adds a certain eye appeal to a black calf that is starting to show his inevitable red spring tinge.

So let your local drugstore know it’s achievement day season, and they should stock up on black hair dye!

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=144fdea2-d89c-4315-988f-f88f8844b914

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=144fdea2-d89c-4315-988f-f88f8844b914

Going Gaga

These days celebrities seem to have anything their little heart desires. This includes clothing or perfume brands, nail polish, shoes, television shows, and now Facebook games.

I know what you’re thinking; a Facebook game is innocent enough. However the basis of the game is the surprising part.

Lady Gaga has teamed up with Zynga to develop GagaVille, a inspired farming game based on her “unique style including colorful crystals, magical unicorns, and sheep on motorcycles."

With the partnership being revealed May 10th it appears the joint venture is aimed at enhancing Zynga's games buzz and Gaga's soon to be released album. GagaVille acts as an alternative to FarmVille, and will give players access to music from Gaga's upcoming release Born This Way. Rumor has it, Zynga is planning a "Words With Gaga" contest, which will give users a chance to win prizes such as Lady Gaga concert tickets and signed album copies.

http://themusicgates.blogspot.com/2011/05/lady-gaga-born-this-way-alejandro-bad.html

Gaga stated on May 10^th,"I want to celebrate and share Born This Way with my little monsters in a special way that's never been done before.” She believes, "Zynga has created a magical place in FarmVille where my fans can come play, and be the first to listen to the album."

http://www.fastcompany.com/1752621/farm-monster-lady-gaga-partners-with-zynga-for-gagaville

http://blog.games.com/2011/05/17/lady-gaga-farmville-gagaville-guide/

It's Where I Come From

I'm pretty hick in my home town. They call me the crazy cow lady. Some of my best friends at school just found out what I really went for Denver for (judging on the livestock team).

This is a shocker for someone like me, who has grown up from day one on a farm. I spent my childhood chasing after farm cats, learning to stay away from the tractors. I quickly found respect for the Momma Cow and the power of the baby calf in taking your breath away.

When you're out on your farm your siblings become your best friends and the dog is your playmate.

It's important to stay true to your rural roots and never hide from where you came from.

Spread your love ffor agriculture every chance you get, whether it's posting a picture of a newborn calf on facebook or telling your friends about how good the fresh air is at seven in the morning.

Lexi, my younger sister in her glory. She asks to tie up baby calves every night so she can lead this baby around. That smile is irreplaceable and her joy is undeniable.

Something to Be Proud Of.

I always knew I had the best parents but it seems they're really out doing themselves lately. I think back to all the times they drug my butt out at six on show morning and listened to me whine about whatever happened to be wrong it my life. I think about all the mornings they waited up until my two o'clock curfew when they really didn't have to. I think about all the times they told me I was wonderful when I felt like there wasn't a hope in the world.

All the hours and dollars spent on dance competition after dance competition. All the nights Momma T spent sewing elastics onto hats and my four pairs of shoes. All the dance recitals Papa Billy had to sit through when he could have been home babysitting his cows.

All the money spent chasing the junior cattle shows across the province. The entry forms Momma T had to double and triple check. All the calves Papa Billy had to help us halter break. All the summer days spent sardined into our camping trailer.

It seems that they have gotten much smarter in the last couple months because everything makes sense. They didn't have to do anything for my siblings or I but they always have. Since we were young we were rarely told no when it came to extra curricular activities. We don't tell our parents enough what everything they do means to us.

So here's a shout out to all the parents for all the effort they've put into making us who we are.
And a reminder for you to thank your parents for all the little things that make a difference.