Sunday, August 5, 2012

Beef Day, Calving Season is here!, My B-day, Extended Stay, and the Perfect Storm

It's been a hell of a couple weeks. I have been prepping for Beef Day, an event for local beef producers that we presented our research projects at, and also the end of summer intern presentation. I was so nervous for Beef Day. The thought of speaking in front of 150 +/- cattle producers who have been doing this forever had me shakin' in my cowgirl boots. But to my surprise, it went off without a hitch! As I was presenting my study, I was looking into a sea of people that were genuinely interested in what I had to say! It was so reassuring! Many even came up to me after to ask more questions and get my opinion on different things. They liked me, they really liked me! LOL. Frank (my boss) even said we did a good job and that he was proud of us! Needless to say, I had a great time meeting such great people and showing them what I have been workin on.

I also celebrated by 21st birthday this past Monday. I actually celebrated a little early by getting a tattoo and baking a cake with the boys. And no, I didn't get sloppy drunk. I worked all day and got covered in cow poop and blood. We had to work the heifers that morning, taking weights and blood. It was great to get the practice though. Later that night, I went to Shawnee Mart to buy some hard lemonade (not as good as I had thought it would be). At the counter, I was all ready to hand her my ID. But get this! She didn't even card me! Anyways, I spent the night relaxing after the long day and resting up for another early mornin. I did go visit some premature calves before the night was over. I just sat there on the dirt and petted their soft little bodies. It was so peaceful. What a great way to end such a special day!





Lastly, if y'all didn't know, I'm spending an extra week down here to help with calving season. I hope I get to see one being born! And don't worry, I'll take video! It's weird having the place to myself. Today was the one the only times that I went to the grocery store by myself. This is where the perfect storm comes in. Fabiola (that's my car's name) got into an accident. First things first, I was ok and...it wasn't my fault. I was driving in the right hand lane of a 4-lane road when the conversion van to the left of me decided to turn right....right into me. I slammed on my breaks but there was nothing I could do. CRUNCH. The worst part was that they wouldn't admit that they hit me. They claimed they just hit the curb. Ummm, excuse me? Do you see my car? Anyways, now my car is in the shop because the front wheel suspension is messed up and I have to rent a car. But luckily, I was able to get a ride from Frank back to the Center. Thanks, Frank!


Well that's all I got for now! I'm sure I'll have more stories to tell later!