So let me begin by saying:
I LOVE VET SCHOOL.
I realize this is day 6, and I'm sure that in another six days, I will be shouting the exact opposite (as the first anatomy exam approaches).
But for now, I can't help but be excited. THIS is what I've wanted to do since I can remember. THIS is why I spent a boring three years in undergrad, keeping my nose to the grindstone and doing everything in my power to make the grades.
I like studying, although I tend to fall asleep at my duplex. So I come back to campus in the evenings, set up shop in the anatomy lab, and go to town. So far, I understand everything we talk about in lecture, so that is a relief. I just need to review it, and understand what each professor is asking us to remember.
The biggest difference I see in vet school and undergrad is this: In undergrad, you learn the material for the exam, because a.) grades are a huge deal in undergrad, and b.) because 95% of the classes you take in undergrad are NOT what you will be doing for the rest of your life.
In vet school, you are learning this for LIFE. For your career. You MUST know this material. Which is not as stressful as it sounds-- in fact, it's quite exciting and motivating. I WANT to learn this stuff, so I do.
I'm trying desperately to make good, good grades in vet school, but as any 3rd or 4th year will say "C = DVM is the most important equation in vet school." Clearly, I do not want C's. However, I have to remind myself that it is more important to understand the clinical relevance of a topic than it is to memorize minute details in order to get an A.
Today I got SO excited because I realized that this is one of the last steps. I AM going to be a vet. I just have to show up, shut up, and fake it 'til I make it. I wouldn't be here if lots of people didn't think I could make it.
In four years, I will be a DVM.
For any pre-vet followers out there: Tip for Microanatomy lab. TAKE IBUPROFEN, TYLENOL, ASPIRIN, NAPROXEN, SOMETHING BEFORE LAB. My head hurts for hours after lab.
And on a less happy note: Honor spilled water all in my lovely, dear laptop. It is dead. I am not sure if I can resurrect it. Probably not. I am, at this point, praying that I can retrieve my photos and Word documents from it.
Well, back to learning origins and insertions of the muscles of the thoracic limb. They get confusing after a bit.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Study Break!!!
Well, I should be studying, but there is only so much my brain can take.
Also, I will let you in on a secret:
This is not hard.
Yet.
I understand we are in the first week, but I know most of this material like the back of my hand. Thank you, Rao, the insanely difficult Cell Bio/Genetics professor.
Also, most of our professors are lecturing over material that is very, very similar, so the lectures overlap. That makes studying easier.
Wednesdays will typically be my *short* days, unless I have Physiology lab. I get out at noon, otherwise.
Big news:
I got an iPad. It rocks.
Now. I do not condone the purchase of a $500-$800 (or more!) device. However, if you are in college/university/grad school/professional school/etc, here are my thoughts.
I took notes on my IBM laptop for two days. I could not draw the pictures or diagrams that the professor was putting on the power points. I could keep up with the lecture, however, and found that typing is far superior to hand-written notes.
My laptop is 4 years old and LOUD. I love my laptop more than just about any material item I own, except for my Dan Post cowboy boots. And perhaps my Jeep.
Anyway. The screen already had to be replaced on my laptop, and I suspect the cause was toting it about. I do not want to go through that again, and due to then elderly-ness of my computer, I would rather not haul it around.
So due to the bulk, loudness, delicate nature, and lack of drawing capabilities, I started searching for a tablet-like device. I looked at many Google/Android/Windows machines, as well as the iPad. I talked with people who used both.
And I ultimately settled on the iPad. The other devices are less expensive, for sure, but I doubt I would have been as happy. It is not perfect, but it does everything I need it to do, and much, much more (haha!)
Here is how I use mine:
I use my computer to download my professor's power points to my desktop. Then I upload them to Box.net. From my iPad, I download the PPTs to Noterize, a free app from the app store.
Then in Noterize, I make them BEAUTIFUL. Lots of highlighting, coloring, underlining, handwritten notes, and typed notes.
There is a way to download the PPTs directly to Noterize, but my internet connection doesn't seem to like it. I can make it all work faster with the above technique.
So. I will get my money's worth of use from this device, although I cringe every time I think of the price. Additionally, although I know that the iPad will most likely be obsolete at this point, I could use it once I get to clinics and after I graduate. I can store photos and information about cases in it, and use it to review treatment plans and histories with my clients.
So it was an investment. I know that the more I use it, the more I will like about it.
And now I am off to the anatomy lab. I've already been there once today, but I forgot to give Tippy her shot first. Good thing I only live 12 minutes away. I was still mad at myself.
So think of me, as I learn the markings of the thoracic limb of the dog and cat. Woot woot.
Also, I will let you in on a secret:
This is not hard.
Yet.
I understand we are in the first week, but I know most of this material like the back of my hand. Thank you, Rao, the insanely difficult Cell Bio/Genetics professor.
Also, most of our professors are lecturing over material that is very, very similar, so the lectures overlap. That makes studying easier.
Wednesdays will typically be my *short* days, unless I have Physiology lab. I get out at noon, otherwise.
Big news:
I got an iPad. It rocks.
Now. I do not condone the purchase of a $500-$800 (or more!) device. However, if you are in college/university/grad school/professional school/etc, here are my thoughts.
I took notes on my IBM laptop for two days. I could not draw the pictures or diagrams that the professor was putting on the power points. I could keep up with the lecture, however, and found that typing is far superior to hand-written notes.
My laptop is 4 years old and LOUD. I love my laptop more than just about any material item I own, except for my Dan Post cowboy boots. And perhaps my Jeep.
Anyway. The screen already had to be replaced on my laptop, and I suspect the cause was toting it about. I do not want to go through that again, and due to then elderly-ness of my computer, I would rather not haul it around.
So due to the bulk, loudness, delicate nature, and lack of drawing capabilities, I started searching for a tablet-like device. I looked at many Google/Android/Windows machines, as well as the iPad. I talked with people who used both.
And I ultimately settled on the iPad. The other devices are less expensive, for sure, but I doubt I would have been as happy. It is not perfect, but it does everything I need it to do, and much, much more (haha!)
Here is how I use mine:
I use my computer to download my professor's power points to my desktop. Then I upload them to Box.net. From my iPad, I download the PPTs to Noterize, a free app from the app store.
Then in Noterize, I make them BEAUTIFUL. Lots of highlighting, coloring, underlining, handwritten notes, and typed notes.
There is a way to download the PPTs directly to Noterize, but my internet connection doesn't seem to like it. I can make it all work faster with the above technique.
So. I will get my money's worth of use from this device, although I cringe every time I think of the price. Additionally, although I know that the iPad will most likely be obsolete at this point, I could use it once I get to clinics and after I graduate. I can store photos and information about cases in it, and use it to review treatment plans and histories with my clients.
So it was an investment. I know that the more I use it, the more I will like about it.
And now I am off to the anatomy lab. I've already been there once today, but I forgot to give Tippy her shot first. Good thing I only live 12 minutes away. I was still mad at myself.
So think of me, as I learn the markings of the thoracic limb of the dog and cat. Woot woot.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Livin' the Dream
Well, so much for writing everyday.
Onward to better things.
If you are just now reading this, please start at the beginning (oldest post) for a complete-ish record of my journey from February until now.
I just finished my first day of vet school. I'm slightly confused, not because of the curriculum, but because of the schedule. I'm sure it's no different than undergrad, it'll just take me this first week to get it figured out.
So here's a recap of my day:
Alarm went off at 6:00 am. My first thought was "Why the heck did I set my alarm for 6?!?!?"
I shoved a pillow over my head.
And then I remembered:
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF VET SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So out of bed I lept, slammed the alarm clock, and began the day.
Put on coffee (I hate coffee).
Walk the dogs.
Shower.
Dress.
Gather computer.
Sit and wait for 7:00 to arrive.
Check lunch.
Check supplies.
Re-pack lunch.
Leave at 6:50.
I arrived at school just after 7:00 am, and most of my classmates had already arrived.
I found a seat, plugged in my computer, and waited for my Veterinary Cellular Biology class to begin at 8:00. It was pretty basic for the first day.
9:00 am rolled around, and Physiology began. Pretty basic.
10 am: two hour break. I ate lunch and chatted with my new buds.
Noon, and it's time for Microanatomy. Two hour lecture/lab, and we're done.
Back at home, I walked the dogs, went over my notes, checked my lectures for tomorrow, and watched Hannah Montana: The Movie.
I had cheesy vegetables for dinner.
And that's it. Bo-ring so far. I'm sure it's going to get much, much, much, much, much, much worse.
But such is life, and hey, this was MY dream, right?
Until next time...
Onward to better things.
If you are just now reading this, please start at the beginning (oldest post) for a complete-ish record of my journey from February until now.
I just finished my first day of vet school. I'm slightly confused, not because of the curriculum, but because of the schedule. I'm sure it's no different than undergrad, it'll just take me this first week to get it figured out.
So here's a recap of my day:
Alarm went off at 6:00 am. My first thought was "Why the heck did I set my alarm for 6?!?!?"
I shoved a pillow over my head.
And then I remembered:
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF VET SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So out of bed I lept, slammed the alarm clock, and began the day.
Put on coffee (I hate coffee).
Walk the dogs.
Shower.
Dress.
Gather computer.
Sit and wait for 7:00 to arrive.
Check lunch.
Check supplies.
Re-pack lunch.
Leave at 6:50.
I arrived at school just after 7:00 am, and most of my classmates had already arrived.
I found a seat, plugged in my computer, and waited for my Veterinary Cellular Biology class to begin at 8:00. It was pretty basic for the first day.
9:00 am rolled around, and Physiology began. Pretty basic.
10 am: two hour break. I ate lunch and chatted with my new buds.
Noon, and it's time for Microanatomy. Two hour lecture/lab, and we're done.
Back at home, I walked the dogs, went over my notes, checked my lectures for tomorrow, and watched Hannah Montana: The Movie.
I had cheesy vegetables for dinner.
And that's it. Bo-ring so far. I'm sure it's going to get much, much, much, much, much, much worse.
But such is life, and hey, this was MY dream, right?
Until next time...
Friday, August 12, 2011
Well, I'm not hungry!
Well, today is the last Friday before IT BEGINS.
I think that may translate into "the last care-free Friday."
Boo.
I did not go to the pre-orientation get-together because I felt crummy all day, crummy enough to feel the need to stay near a waste receptacle or toilet.
I never actually got sick, though.
I DID get a lot done. Between naps and while on ibuprofen highs, I made food! Mini foods. Besides my mini llama pizzas, I made mini chicken pot pies (to DIE for), mini meatloaves, and corn muffins. When I get some cash, I'm going to make lasagna, tacos, shepherd's pie, and spinach quiche. I'm so excited! I'll be able to grab a couple of little meals, an apple or banana, and call it lunch!
I just realized that I never introduced Tippy. Oh, Tippy. Tippy is my 12 year old Border Collie that I got when I was 8. She is the dog who introduced me to the wonderful world of dog sports. I only attained a CD title with her, but that's my fault not hers. She's absolutely fantastic. Here's a cute pic of her at age 9:
She had several bouts of pancreatitis a few years back, and was diagnosed with diabetes in May. We've got her all regulated; she gets 10 units of insulin twice a day.
She is completely blind now. She has good days and bad moments, but nothing too serious yet. Many articles I've read state that after diagnosis, you have two months to one year. We're well past the two month mark.
Honor is straight up BLOSSOMING here. I brought him along because a.) he fights with our other male Great Pyrenees, Little John, and b.) I wanted a big barking dog.
Well, he barks. I can usually get him to stop. But heaven forbid someone come over. I pretty much have to sit on his head.
And when I decided to bring him, he was a pretty mellow fellow. He must like it here better than our old home.
Imagine, for a moment, a 115 pound dog leaping around an apartment. On the couch!! Off the couch!! Under the table!! Grab the tablecloth!! Let it go quick because she's after me with a pillow!! Run!!! Leap!! Jump!!
Great Pyrenees have two outlooks on most activities. Either it is below them, or they do it with great gusto. Daily apartment calisthenics are NOT below Honor.
So we spend a lot of our days running around the field across from the duplex.
Well, I've convinced myself to make a grilled cheese, let's see if I can eat it. Then I'm going to turn in because I need to clean and pack for Sunday! I'm meeting Mom to trade the dogs for a carload of *stuff* tomorrow evening.
I think that may translate into "the last care-free Friday."
Boo.
I did not go to the pre-orientation get-together because I felt crummy all day, crummy enough to feel the need to stay near a waste receptacle or toilet.
I never actually got sick, though.
I DID get a lot done. Between naps and while on ibuprofen highs, I made food! Mini foods. Besides my mini llama pizzas, I made mini chicken pot pies (to DIE for), mini meatloaves, and corn muffins. When I get some cash, I'm going to make lasagna, tacos, shepherd's pie, and spinach quiche. I'm so excited! I'll be able to grab a couple of little meals, an apple or banana, and call it lunch!
I just realized that I never introduced Tippy. Oh, Tippy. Tippy is my 12 year old Border Collie that I got when I was 8. She is the dog who introduced me to the wonderful world of dog sports. I only attained a CD title with her, but that's my fault not hers. She's absolutely fantastic. Here's a cute pic of her at age 9:
She had several bouts of pancreatitis a few years back, and was diagnosed with diabetes in May. We've got her all regulated; she gets 10 units of insulin twice a day.
She is completely blind now. She has good days and bad moments, but nothing too serious yet. Many articles I've read state that after diagnosis, you have two months to one year. We're well past the two month mark.
Honor is straight up BLOSSOMING here. I brought him along because a.) he fights with our other male Great Pyrenees, Little John, and b.) I wanted a big barking dog.
Well, he barks. I can usually get him to stop. But heaven forbid someone come over. I pretty much have to sit on his head.
And when I decided to bring him, he was a pretty mellow fellow. He must like it here better than our old home.
Imagine, for a moment, a 115 pound dog leaping around an apartment. On the couch!! Off the couch!! Under the table!! Grab the tablecloth!! Let it go quick because she's after me with a pillow!! Run!!! Leap!! Jump!!
Great Pyrenees have two outlooks on most activities. Either it is below them, or they do it with great gusto. Daily apartment calisthenics are NOT below Honor.
So we spend a lot of our days running around the field across from the duplex.
Well, I've convinced myself to make a grilled cheese, let's see if I can eat it. Then I'm going to turn in because I need to clean and pack for Sunday! I'm meeting Mom to trade the dogs for a carload of *stuff* tomorrow evening.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
More of the boring life...
I'm positive that I will MISS this when school gets in full swing.
But I am BORED.
B-O-R-E-D
I took a three hour nap this afternoon, and was still tired. I watched 5 episodes of the Odd Couple. I sort of cleaned. I researched a billion things on the internet. I bemoaned the fact that my printer is out of ink.
But here's a brief synopsis of what's been going on since yesterday morning.
Last night, Melodie came to visit.
I got my hair chopped off. That's right, all my pretty curls on the floor of the hair salon. It's just shorter than chin length when it's dry and curly. I love it.
Melodie and I went to visit with her friend Lindsey, who walked us all around downtown. I got a whirlwind idea of where the hot hangouts are.
Melodie left this morning.
I sat around all day. Bought a swimsuit that is neither attractive nor comfortable. Apparently waiting until the middle of August to purchase a swimsuit is a bad idea.
Then I got hungry and made mini deep-dish pizzas. This is my grand plan:
Make lots of meals, but make them in muffin tins. Then I can freeze the left overs in easily-grabbable and tote-able portions.
So I made the sauce from tomato paste (working on my own recipe!) and made the crust.
Topped it with several types of cheeses, and finished up with llama sausage.
I <3 llama sausage. It's good, try it.
And now I am ready for bed, I think. Tomorrow I plan to CLEAN the WHOLE house, go to this dinner thing for a couple of hours, and be back here by 8 to give Tippy her shot.
Then I am taking the dogs to Mom on Saturday, and Sunday...
I'm going to be a vet student.
But I am BORED.
B-O-R-E-D
I took a three hour nap this afternoon, and was still tired. I watched 5 episodes of the Odd Couple. I sort of cleaned. I researched a billion things on the internet. I bemoaned the fact that my printer is out of ink.
But here's a brief synopsis of what's been going on since yesterday morning.
Last night, Melodie came to visit.
I got my hair chopped off. That's right, all my pretty curls on the floor of the hair salon. It's just shorter than chin length when it's dry and curly. I love it.
Melodie and I went to visit with her friend Lindsey, who walked us all around downtown. I got a whirlwind idea of where the hot hangouts are.
Melodie left this morning.
I sat around all day. Bought a swimsuit that is neither attractive nor comfortable. Apparently waiting until the middle of August to purchase a swimsuit is a bad idea.
Then I got hungry and made mini deep-dish pizzas. This is my grand plan:
Make lots of meals, but make them in muffin tins. Then I can freeze the left overs in easily-grabbable and tote-able portions.
So I made the sauce from tomato paste (working on my own recipe!) and made the crust.
Topped it with several types of cheeses, and finished up with llama sausage.
I <3 llama sausage. It's good, try it.
And now I am ready for bed, I think. Tomorrow I plan to CLEAN the WHOLE house, go to this dinner thing for a couple of hours, and be back here by 8 to give Tippy her shot.
Then I am taking the dogs to Mom on Saturday, and Sunday...
I'm going to be a vet student.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Sttttreeetccchhhh. Yaaaawwwwwwwnnnn. Repeat
So this post is going to be lusciously BORING simply because I have nothing to talk about. I'm trying to get in the habit of remembering to blog, so I'm going to try to write everyday for the next few days. So forgive me!
I've gotten to the point where I am tired. Not the good kind of tired; it's that sort of tired you get from being lazy. I've got to figure out something to do. I did unpack my bathroom stuff. It's a start.
I'm still on the cast iron kick. Today I fried some bacon, then some eggs.
HOLY MOLY. The eggs rocked. And they didn't stick to my nifty Griswold skillet, either. Definitely a keeper. Going to use it for EVERYTHING.
I finished the whole first season of Simon and Simon. Sad. Every once in a while I stumble upon these TV shows that I fall absolutely in love with. They just don't make them like they used to.
The worst part is, these companies get permission to release the first season of an older (pre-90's) TV show, and then Tora purchases it, fairly enjoys it, and begins searching for season two. What's that? Release season two???
Never.
So then I am stuck being sad, until the next lovely show comes along.
Today's agenda includes:
Going to Walmart to get green beans for Tippy
Finding stamps somewhere
Mailing in some vet school paper work.
Clean the house and unpack at least one box.
Guess I'd better get started.
I've gotten to the point where I am tired. Not the good kind of tired; it's that sort of tired you get from being lazy. I've got to figure out something to do. I did unpack my bathroom stuff. It's a start.
I'm still on the cast iron kick. Today I fried some bacon, then some eggs.
HOLY MOLY. The eggs rocked. And they didn't stick to my nifty Griswold skillet, either. Definitely a keeper. Going to use it for EVERYTHING.
I finished the whole first season of Simon and Simon. Sad. Every once in a while I stumble upon these TV shows that I fall absolutely in love with. They just don't make them like they used to.
The worst part is, these companies get permission to release the first season of an older (pre-90's) TV show, and then Tora purchases it, fairly enjoys it, and begins searching for season two. What's that? Release season two???
Never.
So then I am stuck being sad, until the next lovely show comes along.
Today's agenda includes:
Going to Walmart to get green beans for Tippy
Finding stamps somewhere
Mailing in some vet school paper work.
Clean the house and unpack at least one box.
Guess I'd better get started.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
My newest favorite thing.
I'm going to quit the vet school idea.
No, really!
Actually I'm kidding.
BUT... I have found something to take up my time, and it's right up my alley.
My mom's good friend gave me two old, crusty, rusty, flaky, icky, grungy cast iron skillets. In short, they were pretty gross.
No biggy, you just use them, right?
WRONG.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love SHINY things. And OLD things that look PERFECTLY NEW.
So I found out about this little technique...
Put the skillets in the oven, set the self-cleaning to go, and leave it.
Oh, open all the windows. Turn on some fans. Have a fire extinguisher, just in case... and don't really leave.
In a couple of hours (more or less), turn off the oven and let it cool.
Open the oven door and voila!!! A rusty, ashy, terrible-looking skillet!!! It's like magic!
Then, with piping -hot water, and a good plastic scrubby, and a COOL skillet, scrubby all that ash away!
Now you have a grey skillet- but not for long! It's rusting as we speak!
You can take a bit of vinegar and wipe any stubborn rust away, but that bronzy color is fine.
Now, with olive oil, bacon grease, Crisco, whatever, wipe that baby down.
Then wipe it all off.
Bake at 500 or so for an hour or so, with the pan facing upside down.
Let 'er cool.
Do it again (Just the from the Crisco step forward... any farther back then that and you are UN-seasoning it).
Over and over and over and over and over until the pan is black and shiny and smooth like glass.
Then fry some bacon (Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE BACON).
And then USE it!! For everything! Except boiling water. But seriously, use it for everything else! Browning hamburger, baking cornbread, fighting off intruders! Cast iron is versatile!
And this, ladies and gentlemen, is all I have done today. With the exception of walking the dogs.
Cheerio.
No, really!
Actually I'm kidding.
BUT... I have found something to take up my time, and it's right up my alley.
My mom's good friend gave me two old, crusty, rusty, flaky, icky, grungy cast iron skillets. In short, they were pretty gross.
No biggy, you just use them, right?
WRONG.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love SHINY things. And OLD things that look PERFECTLY NEW.
So I found out about this little technique...
Put the skillets in the oven, set the self-cleaning to go, and leave it.
Oh, open all the windows. Turn on some fans. Have a fire extinguisher, just in case... and don't really leave.
In a couple of hours (more or less), turn off the oven and let it cool.
Open the oven door and voila!!! A rusty, ashy, terrible-looking skillet!!! It's like magic!
Then, with piping -hot water, and a good plastic scrubby, and a COOL skillet, scrubby all that ash away!
Now you have a grey skillet- but not for long! It's rusting as we speak!
You can take a bit of vinegar and wipe any stubborn rust away, but that bronzy color is fine.
Now, with olive oil, bacon grease, Crisco, whatever, wipe that baby down.
Then wipe it all off.
Bake at 500 or so for an hour or so, with the pan facing upside down.
Let 'er cool.
Do it again (Just the from the Crisco step forward... any farther back then that and you are UN-seasoning it).
Over and over and over and over and over until the pan is black and shiny and smooth like glass.
Then fry some bacon (Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE BACON).
And then USE it!! For everything! Except boiling water. But seriously, use it for everything else! Browning hamburger, baking cornbread, fighting off intruders! Cast iron is versatile!
And this, ladies and gentlemen, is all I have done today. With the exception of walking the dogs.
Cheerio.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Woahwoahwoah
So, apparently the month of July didn't exist.
Actually, it did, and it flew by so fast I hardly knew it was there.
So here's an update, from the end of June till now. In thirty seconds or less:
Iturned21June14thandtwoweekslaterIranfromatwisteritwasthescariestthingthathaseverhappenedtomethenIgotreallyhurtinafallfromahorsetwoweeksafterthatTeriwonReserveGrandChampionmeatgoatwithherhome-bredwetherGalileoandGrandChampionmeatpenwithherhome-bredrabbitsattheCrawfordCountyFairthenIfoundaduplexinColumbiaandleaseditGrandmaConnieandEdcameupforourfamily"vacation"mylastdayatthecavewasFridayandImovedintomynewhhomeyesterday.
Whew. Okay, so here is the whole, drawn out version. I'm just hitting the highlights here:
Turned 21 without fanfare or drama. In fact, I worked. Blah
Teri competed at the Meramec Community Fair and placed middle of the class all the way around with the goats. Better luck next year. The highlight of the fair was the tornado that touched down between the fairgrounds and I-44. I have never experienced mass panic and hope to never do that again. Everyone was still reeling from the deadly tornado that hit Joplin just a month earlier, so people were screaming and sobbing and running from this huge swirling monster. We never saw the whole thing; over half was hidden behind the grove of trees behind the barn. It was headed straight for the fairgrounds, towards Rodney Atkins and the midway and the livestock barns with our precious goats--the core of our herd (remember, this was show-- we take the best!) I just got a sick, sick feeling in my stomach and started running, along with Mom and Bobby, towards a ditch near the big lake. We didn't really have a choice, it was either run or get trampled. By the time we dared to look behind us, the twister had turned towards the hospital and was ascending into the clouds. No damage, no injuries, a lot of frightened people.
On the 30th of June, I went to get paid for a ranch-sitting job. The owners had just returned and had picked up their Haflinger mare from the trainers. Would I like to ride her? SURE!!!! I gleefully swung up into the saddle and off we went-- me, riding Cotton, and owner, driving her other mare.
To the trainer's credit, Cotton was definitely well-trained. I wouldn't have bet a nickel that a Haflinger could spin like this mare, and with just a lift of the reins and a tap with a heel! Amazing. Until she decided to beat Baby May back to the barn and took off in a full gallop.
Now. If you have never ridden an older (say, 14 year old) Haflinger mare at a high rate of speed, let me describe it for you:
First, Haflingers are DRAFT horses. They are powerfully built for pulling. Not for riding. It's something like riding a barge.
Their necks are like steel. Like a cylinder of steel, two foot in diameter. Try bending it to slow your barge.
Now, as I said, they are built for pulling, and their conformation reflects that. They have short pasterns and CHOPPY strides. So it's like riding a kayak in the wakes of a huge speed boat. Up down up down up down up down.
And they are stubborn. Add a loose cinch (hey, we were almost done with the ride-- I knew it was loose, but didn't bother with tightening it since we were ALMOST DONE.)
Sooooooooooooo... I still don't know if I hit the tree and was dragged off by a limb, or if I landed by the tree coincidentally, but the owner found me sprawled out on the ground, unconscious. Nothing like being knocked out to smash your ego. The saddle was dangling on the ground under Cotton, who was standing cheerfully at her hitching post.
The injuries are as follows: GIANT goose egg on head; huge purple bruise covering my upper left arm, shoulder, and part of my back; a little bruise on my right shoulder; injured ribs, and a large hematoma behind my left knee. As the days went by, everything went away except the rib pain and the black bruise that ran from halfway up my thigh to my heel. And the large cut from Cotton's shoe that graced the back of my knee.
Eventually, I went to the doctor. Apparently you are supposed to go to the doctor right after you fall off a horse?? Especially if you were knocked out. They radiographed my ribs and said that my ribs were not broken, but definitely bruised and there could be some damage to cartilage and intercostal muscle. Recovery time-- approximately 4 weeks.
Flash foward to the Crawford County Fair. Teri did much, much better here. Here second-generation home-bred wether, Galileo, took Reserve Champion market goat! If you aren't familiar with county fair livestock, winning Grand or Reserve in a market class is a big, big deal. Do it with an animal you bred and raised yourself-- pure ecstasy. She also won Grand Champion meat pen with bunnies she raised herself.
She won Grand and Reserve Champion Dairy Goat, and some awards in the Meat Goat division.
I won Grand Champion Meat Doe and Meat Buck with Lane and her son, Rory.
I also exhibited Stella, my Dorper ewe. I'm going to get back into Dorpers in a big way at some point.
And then I went apartment shopping. I didn't have the money AT ALL but amazingly enough, right before I had the time to go look for a place, Lindenwood sent me a check for $720. So I went to look at the first place I found, and it fit the bill. Cheap, two bedroom, washer and dryer hookups, and pets allowed. Best of all, they let me bring Honor (my Great Pyrenees, if you don't know him).
My Grandmother, Connie, and her husband, Ed, came up for a week. My aunt, uncle, and cousins came back up for awhile, too. It was a lot of fun and I found some AMAZING deals to furnish my house. I'll have to add it all up, but I was able to furnish this place for less than $300, easily.
Lane, my Grand Champion Meat Doe (two years running!) died. We don't know why. Heartbreaking; she was my herd core, the base of my foundation.
And then I moved. My last day at the cave was sad, but that's okay. Life is about moving on. I rented a U-Haul trailer and loaded everything (well, almost everything) and started the two-hour trek. And now I am settling in with Tippy and Honor and Loki (the fish) and waiting on Mom and Teri to bring the rest of my things.
And that's just about all for now. I have teambuilding camp ("VET") next week, and classes start the week after that. It's happening!
Actually, it did, and it flew by so fast I hardly knew it was there.
So here's an update, from the end of June till now. In thirty seconds or less:
Iturned21June14thandtwoweekslaterIranfromatwisteritwasthescariestthingthathaseverhappenedtomethenIgotreallyhurtinafallfromahorsetwoweeksafterthatTeriwonReserveGrandChampionmeatgoatwithherhome-bredwetherGalileoandGrandChampionmeatpenwithherhome-bredrabbitsattheCrawfordCountyFairthenIfoundaduplexinColumbiaandleaseditGrandmaConnieandEdcameupforourfamily"vacation"mylastdayatthecavewasFridayandImovedintomynewhhomeyesterday.
Whew. Okay, so here is the whole, drawn out version. I'm just hitting the highlights here:
Turned 21 without fanfare or drama. In fact, I worked. Blah
Teri competed at the Meramec Community Fair and placed middle of the class all the way around with the goats. Better luck next year. The highlight of the fair was the tornado that touched down between the fairgrounds and I-44. I have never experienced mass panic and hope to never do that again. Everyone was still reeling from the deadly tornado that hit Joplin just a month earlier, so people were screaming and sobbing and running from this huge swirling monster. We never saw the whole thing; over half was hidden behind the grove of trees behind the barn. It was headed straight for the fairgrounds, towards Rodney Atkins and the midway and the livestock barns with our precious goats--the core of our herd (remember, this was show-- we take the best!) I just got a sick, sick feeling in my stomach and started running, along with Mom and Bobby, towards a ditch near the big lake. We didn't really have a choice, it was either run or get trampled. By the time we dared to look behind us, the twister had turned towards the hospital and was ascending into the clouds. No damage, no injuries, a lot of frightened people.
On the 30th of June, I went to get paid for a ranch-sitting job. The owners had just returned and had picked up their Haflinger mare from the trainers. Would I like to ride her? SURE!!!! I gleefully swung up into the saddle and off we went-- me, riding Cotton, and owner, driving her other mare.
To the trainer's credit, Cotton was definitely well-trained. I wouldn't have bet a nickel that a Haflinger could spin like this mare, and with just a lift of the reins and a tap with a heel! Amazing. Until she decided to beat Baby May back to the barn and took off in a full gallop.
Now. If you have never ridden an older (say, 14 year old) Haflinger mare at a high rate of speed, let me describe it for you:
First, Haflingers are DRAFT horses. They are powerfully built for pulling. Not for riding. It's something like riding a barge.
Their necks are like steel. Like a cylinder of steel, two foot in diameter. Try bending it to slow your barge.
Now, as I said, they are built for pulling, and their conformation reflects that. They have short pasterns and CHOPPY strides. So it's like riding a kayak in the wakes of a huge speed boat. Up down up down up down up down.
And they are stubborn. Add a loose cinch (hey, we were almost done with the ride-- I knew it was loose, but didn't bother with tightening it since we were ALMOST DONE.)
Sooooooooooooo... I still don't know if I hit the tree and was dragged off by a limb, or if I landed by the tree coincidentally, but the owner found me sprawled out on the ground, unconscious. Nothing like being knocked out to smash your ego. The saddle was dangling on the ground under Cotton, who was standing cheerfully at her hitching post.
The injuries are as follows: GIANT goose egg on head; huge purple bruise covering my upper left arm, shoulder, and part of my back; a little bruise on my right shoulder; injured ribs, and a large hematoma behind my left knee. As the days went by, everything went away except the rib pain and the black bruise that ran from halfway up my thigh to my heel. And the large cut from Cotton's shoe that graced the back of my knee.
Eventually, I went to the doctor. Apparently you are supposed to go to the doctor right after you fall off a horse?? Especially if you were knocked out. They radiographed my ribs and said that my ribs were not broken, but definitely bruised and there could be some damage to cartilage and intercostal muscle. Recovery time-- approximately 4 weeks.
Flash foward to the Crawford County Fair. Teri did much, much better here. Here second-generation home-bred wether, Galileo, took Reserve Champion market goat! If you aren't familiar with county fair livestock, winning Grand or Reserve in a market class is a big, big deal. Do it with an animal you bred and raised yourself-- pure ecstasy. She also won Grand Champion meat pen with bunnies she raised herself.
She won Grand and Reserve Champion Dairy Goat, and some awards in the Meat Goat division.
I won Grand Champion Meat Doe and Meat Buck with Lane and her son, Rory.
I also exhibited Stella, my Dorper ewe. I'm going to get back into Dorpers in a big way at some point.
And then I went apartment shopping. I didn't have the money AT ALL but amazingly enough, right before I had the time to go look for a place, Lindenwood sent me a check for $720. So I went to look at the first place I found, and it fit the bill. Cheap, two bedroom, washer and dryer hookups, and pets allowed. Best of all, they let me bring Honor (my Great Pyrenees, if you don't know him).
My Grandmother, Connie, and her husband, Ed, came up for a week. My aunt, uncle, and cousins came back up for awhile, too. It was a lot of fun and I found some AMAZING deals to furnish my house. I'll have to add it all up, but I was able to furnish this place for less than $300, easily.
Lane, my Grand Champion Meat Doe (two years running!) died. We don't know why. Heartbreaking; she was my herd core, the base of my foundation.
And then I moved. My last day at the cave was sad, but that's okay. Life is about moving on. I rented a U-Haul trailer and loaded everything (well, almost everything) and started the two-hour trek. And now I am settling in with Tippy and Honor and Loki (the fish) and waiting on Mom and Teri to bring the rest of my things.
And that's just about all for now. I have teambuilding camp ("VET") next week, and classes start the week after that. It's happening!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)