You are so close, yet so far away. Gah. It's only Wednesday.
Not much of an update, but I am procrastinating. I don't WANT to study (or cram, at this point) for my micro practical. Or my anatomy exams.
I just finished physiology. PRAISE JESUS.
I have no idea if I got a B or a C in that class. I had a 79.93 going into the final. I needed a 96/120 to get a B. I didn't check my score.
Now it's just a written Micro exam, a practical Micro exam, a written Anatomy exam, and a practical Anatomy exam.
So a little tip for anyone planning to take part in a professional program-- don't let grades rule your life. Have a life outside of school. Have fun. Watch that television show. Read a fiction novel. Take your dogs to the park every day.
My extracurriculars are varied and numerous because I get bored easily and am easily distracted... probably didn't know that ;-)
I usually have a book I read for a chapter or two before I fall asleep. That is my constant, every day "fun" or "me" time.
I also take dog training classes with at least one of my dogs at all times, so that means I have class one or two nights a week. SO much fun and definitely gets my mind off school.
I tend to have some crafty project going all the time.
If I don't go home on a particular weekend, I make sure to plan time to take the dogs to one of the two (insert shameless advertisement here-->) FANTASTIC MO State Parks nearby-- Rock Bridge Memorial or Finger Lakes. Both preserve and interpret the best of Missouri's natural landscapes and cultural landmarks and provide recreation for all ;-p. Seriously, they are fabulous parks and I enjoy taking a few hours on Sunday afternoons to get out and play.
And above all, I find time to go HOME. Home home. Bourbon home. I was pretty scared coming into vet school because it was a rare, rare weekend when I didn't go home during undergrad. I decided to try coming home every third weekend at first. In reality, I was going home every other weekend, and then there was a stretch where I was home EVERY weekend!! The noble Jeepie just doesn't get good gas mileage (its ONLY fault!) and finances and time just couldn't support that habit. Turns out, sometimes it's six weeks before I get to go home! It drives me crazy, but I'm okay with it. I know that I will get to go home eventually.
Well. This post was sort of (okay, really) random and you can probably tell I am tired and want to just be done with this week. So I'm off to study and perhaps have lunch (at 9:38).
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Well now.
So my last post was from six days into vet school, and I am just now posting, six days from the end of the first semester.
Vet school takes a lot of time.
I should be in bed right now... I am. What I mean to say is that I should be asleep. I have a Phsyiology exam tomorrow (today, actually, since it is now 12 AM) at 7:20 AM. But I am not tired, yet.
This semester has been, without a doubt, the most fun school time I have ever had. I love it here. I hate Columbia, more or less, but I absolutely love vet school. Sure, there are times when I am really tired and stressed and really wonder WHY I thought this was a good idea, but I can't bring myself to even remotely dislike school. It's fab.
At this point in my life, I have one A and three B's in my classes and I am thrilled. Although I love school, it is hard, and I am struggling a bit to keep my grades at B's or higher. Ah well. C=DVM, remember??
On the home front: I'm not sure. I don't get to go home a lot, but I try to keep up with the news. The Goatherdess Mother gets stressed, I'm sure, when I'm not there (I'm just so darn NECESSARY!) so we are cutting back little by little. We've yet again re-worked our goat goals, so as to create a herd that is just all but self-sufficient. We have a few great big does and are planning to go from there. We are done buying does, any replacements will be off the farm.
I miss being home SO MUCH. I read my The Boer Goat or Countryside and let me tell you, it makes me homesick. It's hard to be a good Goatherdess when I am stuck in a duplex on a snippet of land in the middle of the "suburbs."
But, this is an means to an end. I just have three and a half more years and I will be well on my way to purchasing my little bit o' heaven in The Middle of Nowhere, MO.
As far as my life now: I get up at 5:30 or 6:00 or 6:30 or 7:00 or whenever I can drag myself from bed. If I am up early, I workout or run a bit. If I am not, I take a world-record-challenging shower, feed/medicate the dogs, grab my books, and I'm out the door. I study for a bit before class, have class/lab, come home, walk dogs, head back to school, meet Stacy, study, rush home, fall into bed.
Notice there is NO TIME for cleaning. Or laundry. Or dishes. Stuff just piles up and up and up and up and up and up and up and it is just frightening. I usually try to do dishes as I go, or at very least rinse them very well. Friday nights are my "clean EVERYTHING and do mountains of laundry" nights. Sometimes I get to go home on the weekends, more often I don't. Sad sad.
Well, a wave of sleepiness just came crashing over me. I have my Phys test tomorrow, anatomy lab for awhile, then I can come back to the duplevision and nap for awhil before cleaning. Then it's finals week and then CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!!!!
Wahoo!
Adios, drive safe, and check back more often-- I'm going to try, try, try to post more often.
Vet school takes a lot of time.
I should be in bed right now... I am. What I mean to say is that I should be asleep. I have a Phsyiology exam tomorrow (today, actually, since it is now 12 AM) at 7:20 AM. But I am not tired, yet.
This semester has been, without a doubt, the most fun school time I have ever had. I love it here. I hate Columbia, more or less, but I absolutely love vet school. Sure, there are times when I am really tired and stressed and really wonder WHY I thought this was a good idea, but I can't bring myself to even remotely dislike school. It's fab.
At this point in my life, I have one A and three B's in my classes and I am thrilled. Although I love school, it is hard, and I am struggling a bit to keep my grades at B's or higher. Ah well. C=DVM, remember??
On the home front: I'm not sure. I don't get to go home a lot, but I try to keep up with the news. The Goatherdess Mother gets stressed, I'm sure, when I'm not there (I'm just so darn NECESSARY!) so we are cutting back little by little. We've yet again re-worked our goat goals, so as to create a herd that is just all but self-sufficient. We have a few great big does and are planning to go from there. We are done buying does, any replacements will be off the farm.
I miss being home SO MUCH. I read my The Boer Goat or Countryside and let me tell you, it makes me homesick. It's hard to be a good Goatherdess when I am stuck in a duplex on a snippet of land in the middle of the "suburbs."
But, this is an means to an end. I just have three and a half more years and I will be well on my way to purchasing my little bit o' heaven in The Middle of Nowhere, MO.
As far as my life now: I get up at 5:30 or 6:00 or 6:30 or 7:00 or whenever I can drag myself from bed. If I am up early, I workout or run a bit. If I am not, I take a world-record-challenging shower, feed/medicate the dogs, grab my books, and I'm out the door. I study for a bit before class, have class/lab, come home, walk dogs, head back to school, meet Stacy, study, rush home, fall into bed.
Notice there is NO TIME for cleaning. Or laundry. Or dishes. Stuff just piles up and up and up and up and up and up and up and it is just frightening. I usually try to do dishes as I go, or at very least rinse them very well. Friday nights are my "clean EVERYTHING and do mountains of laundry" nights. Sometimes I get to go home on the weekends, more often I don't. Sad sad.
Well, a wave of sleepiness just came crashing over me. I have my Phys test tomorrow, anatomy lab for awhile, then I can come back to the duplevision and nap for awhil before cleaning. Then it's finals week and then CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!!!!
Wahoo!
Adios, drive safe, and check back more often-- I'm going to try, try, try to post more often.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Lovin' the Life!
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.
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.
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!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Update!
Where to begin.... whew. Luckily not too much has happened since last time...
I'm done with school! Well, Lindenwood, at least. I finished up with 4 A's and 1 B and a 3.74 overall GPA. Not as good as I'd hoped but hey, I did my best, and it was good enough.
I've been out for a month and all my stuff is still in the living room. That isn't a shocker.
My room is still a mess, too. I have a psuedo-path to my bed.
I've still not found a good place to live. Just no where within a reasonable price and with a yard and allows pets... phooey.
Fair season is coming up!!!!!! I can't wait! Meramec Community is first, then Crawford Co. I'm entering a bunch of home economics items in the exhibit hall at both fairs, and my goaties at Crawford. I <3 fairs!
Oops... I'm supposed to be cleaning. I'll sign off for now, and hopefully get back here in a bit...
I'm done with school! Well, Lindenwood, at least. I finished up with 4 A's and 1 B and a 3.74 overall GPA. Not as good as I'd hoped but hey, I did my best, and it was good enough.
I've been out for a month and all my stuff is still in the living room. That isn't a shocker.
My room is still a mess, too. I have a psuedo-path to my bed.
I've still not found a good place to live. Just no where within a reasonable price and with a yard and allows pets... phooey.
Fair season is coming up!!!!!! I can't wait! Meramec Community is first, then Crawford Co. I'm entering a bunch of home economics items in the exhibit hall at both fairs, and my goaties at Crawford. I <3 fairs!
Oops... I'm supposed to be cleaning. I'll sign off for now, and hopefully get back here in a bit...
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Gulp
Okay, here I go! I have to go sign into oral comm, watch a presentation, then head back to my dorm. I'll pack up the last little (erm... lot) bit into the car once Mom and Teri get here, and then I'm headed home.
Oh, I can't forget-- my friend Alex is giving me two rats! They were part of her animal behavior study, and the home she had lined up for them backed out. So... they're mine! Their names are Remi and Leelu. I'll post pics of them later.
I ripped the headliner of the jeep with my fridge... grrrrrrrrrr. But I have about 70% of my things packed up and ready to roll... the other 30% will *hopefully* go in the blue beast when it arrives... if not, I guess I'm picking and choosing what stays and what goes.
Tonight we have to process some baby goats and move some animals around, then....
It's time for the semi-annual yay-school's-out-all-night-movie marathon!!!!!! Teri and I stay up as long as possible to watch movies. Not at all sure what the line up will be, but we'll figure it out.
It's just about time for class to start, so I'll sign off. I hope to be out of here, rats and all, by 1:30. I heard the Cards did well again yesterday, so I'll pick up a 25 cent drink... then drive away from LU for the last time. Bittersweet.
Oh, I can't forget-- my friend Alex is giving me two rats! They were part of her animal behavior study, and the home she had lined up for them backed out. So... they're mine! Their names are Remi and Leelu. I'll post pics of them later.
I ripped the headliner of the jeep with my fridge... grrrrrrrrrr. But I have about 70% of my things packed up and ready to roll... the other 30% will *hopefully* go in the blue beast when it arrives... if not, I guess I'm picking and choosing what stays and what goes.
Tonight we have to process some baby goats and move some animals around, then....
It's time for the semi-annual yay-school's-out-all-night-movie marathon!!!!!! Teri and I stay up as long as possible to watch movies. Not at all sure what the line up will be, but we'll figure it out.
It's just about time for class to start, so I'll sign off. I hope to be out of here, rats and all, by 1:30. I heard the Cards did well again yesterday, so I'll pick up a 25 cent drink... then drive away from LU for the last time. Bittersweet.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Now is the time!
I just got excited again. Not that I haven't been excited, but I was a little sad about leaving everything I've come to love in these last three years.
I thought I'd be used to it by now... I felt the same way after high school, the same way after moving to Bourbon. Now I'm feeling it again and I know I will when it's time to leave vet school.
Growing up sucks.
The Cards game on Saturday was fun, but I realized that Dr. Welsh reached a whole new level of professor evilness when I found myself sitting, at the Cards game, with my microbiology book open on my lap and my final spread out in front of me. Yeah. That got me some strange looks. We went out to Outback for dinner after the game, and I learned that my sister doesn't understand rhetorical questions. For example, if I, glancing at the last piece of delicious warm bread, ask the rest of the table, "Does anyone want that?" most people would say, "No, go ahead!" or "Nope, all yours." Teri, on the other hand, pounces on the bread and pops it in her mouth with the gusto that would accompany a line such as "Don't mind if I do!" or "Hey, thanks for offering, I didn't even see that there!" Thus the demise of the last piece of delicious warm bread.
On Monday, I went out to eat for breakfast with my World Lit class. It was fun and I'm glad I went, but it was sort of unnecessary. Professor Cole, Vykky, Amanda, and I went out to Trailhead for lunch (noticing a trend here? Too much food!) These three people are just about my favorite people in the world... I had such a good time that I forgot to be sad until we were leaving. Sigh.
Then it was time to go to Dr. Little's. Even though I only see these people about once a week, I'm super attached to them. Luckily we were just the right balance of busy to allow us to chat and have fun, but stay busy enough that I wasn't thinking about the fact it was my last day there. Beth bought a huge delicious cake for me (ahem... more food. Tora's weight loss plan was SHOT DOWN over these few days) and we all enjoyed.
Dr. Little's son stayed with us at the clinic for awhile. What a cute kid! His favorite word is "No" and he uses it all. the. time. I'm going to try to hang out at Elm Point a couple days before I head off to MU and maybe over Thanksgiving break. I miss those people already :-(.
And I have to edit my paper for biochem, write up a cheat sheet for biostats, buy AAA batteries for my calculator, and pack up my room. Then I am done with this life and headed towards the next.
I thought I'd be used to it by now... I felt the same way after high school, the same way after moving to Bourbon. Now I'm feeling it again and I know I will when it's time to leave vet school.
Growing up sucks.
The Cards game on Saturday was fun, but I realized that Dr. Welsh reached a whole new level of professor evilness when I found myself sitting, at the Cards game, with my microbiology book open on my lap and my final spread out in front of me. Yeah. That got me some strange looks. We went out to Outback for dinner after the game, and I learned that my sister doesn't understand rhetorical questions. For example, if I, glancing at the last piece of delicious warm bread, ask the rest of the table, "Does anyone want that?" most people would say, "No, go ahead!" or "Nope, all yours." Teri, on the other hand, pounces on the bread and pops it in her mouth with the gusto that would accompany a line such as "Don't mind if I do!" or "Hey, thanks for offering, I didn't even see that there!" Thus the demise of the last piece of delicious warm bread.
On Monday, I went out to eat for breakfast with my World Lit class. It was fun and I'm glad I went, but it was sort of unnecessary. Professor Cole, Vykky, Amanda, and I went out to Trailhead for lunch (noticing a trend here? Too much food!) These three people are just about my favorite people in the world... I had such a good time that I forgot to be sad until we were leaving. Sigh.
Then it was time to go to Dr. Little's. Even though I only see these people about once a week, I'm super attached to them. Luckily we were just the right balance of busy to allow us to chat and have fun, but stay busy enough that I wasn't thinking about the fact it was my last day there. Beth bought a huge delicious cake for me (ahem... more food. Tora's weight loss plan was SHOT DOWN over these few days) and we all enjoyed.
Dr. Little's son stayed with us at the clinic for awhile. What a cute kid! His favorite word is "No" and he uses it all. the. time. I'm going to try to hang out at Elm Point a couple days before I head off to MU and maybe over Thanksgiving break. I miss those people already :-(.
And I have to edit my paper for biochem, write up a cheat sheet for biostats, buy AAA batteries for my calculator, and pack up my room. Then I am done with this life and headed towards the next.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Purple Tiger Stripes???
Yesterday was one of the most emotional and bittersweet days I can remember.
To start it off, I was up until 3:00 AM with Irene and Gaby at Steak n' Shake, studying for our micro exam.
Then, at 9:59, Dr. Ronnie Elmore from K-State called with the news I've been waiting for... I was accepted to Kansas.
Which, of course, was exciting and terrifying and confusing all at the same time. I asked for a while to think about it; he gave me until Monday. I cried.
Then, I made it through the last day of undergrad classes, and my last day of classes at LU.
I finished 101 of my 200 question take-home micro final.
Then I went to the LU Biology graduates' dinner. Of course, I'm not graduating, but I am leaving for grad school, so the faculty invited me along. Everyone is being so nice. And I cried a little.
And then I went home to discuss this whole K-state vs. Mizzou thing. All day yesterday, I really couldn't decide. I talked to everyone and everyone had a different idea or view or point to make. On one hand, Kansas is my dream school. On the other, MU is practically in my backyard (if my backyard extended for 2 hours). MU is cheaper. KSU gives out tablet PCs and microscopes. MU has a 2 years lecture/2 years clinical curriculum. KSU lets second years do spays and neuters.
I've definitely lost sleep over this and cried and prayed and thought and discussed and basically made myself sick. Part of me wants to be rash, accept K-state, move to Manhattan, and live on my own for 4 years. The other part of me still is set on moving to CoMO and being with my friends.
This morning, I knew what I needed to do. I'm headed off to make the phone call to close one door...
To start it off, I was up until 3:00 AM with Irene and Gaby at Steak n' Shake, studying for our micro exam.
Then, at 9:59, Dr. Ronnie Elmore from K-State called with the news I've been waiting for... I was accepted to Kansas.
Which, of course, was exciting and terrifying and confusing all at the same time. I asked for a while to think about it; he gave me until Monday. I cried.
Then, I made it through the last day of undergrad classes, and my last day of classes at LU.
I finished 101 of my 200 question take-home micro final.
Then I went to the LU Biology graduates' dinner. Of course, I'm not graduating, but I am leaving for grad school, so the faculty invited me along. Everyone is being so nice. And I cried a little.
And then I went home to discuss this whole K-state vs. Mizzou thing. All day yesterday, I really couldn't decide. I talked to everyone and everyone had a different idea or view or point to make. On one hand, Kansas is my dream school. On the other, MU is practically in my backyard (if my backyard extended for 2 hours). MU is cheaper. KSU gives out tablet PCs and microscopes. MU has a 2 years lecture/2 years clinical curriculum. KSU lets second years do spays and neuters.
I've definitely lost sleep over this and cried and prayed and thought and discussed and basically made myself sick. Part of me wants to be rash, accept K-state, move to Manhattan, and live on my own for 4 years. The other part of me still is set on moving to CoMO and being with my friends.
This morning, I knew what I needed to do. I'm headed off to make the phone call to close one door...
Thursday, May 5, 2011
What is this feeling?
Indifference, I think.
I should be uber-stressed and panicking about now... but I am just chilling. I have a clinical microbiology exam tomorrow and I simply don't care. I've studied a bit, here and there, all week, so I may just be more prepared than I consciously think I am. But the fact remains, I should be doing something productive.
I think I'll go to Mobil On The Run and get a 25 cent drink. Love my Cardinals.
I just want to go HOME and be done with this school. I think my indifference is tinged with irritation. I am ready to move on. Mentally, I've quit school and am in the summer mode. Which isn't as relaxing as you might think... once I'm out, I'm allowing myself a couple days to recuperate. Then:
Figure out housing ASAP. <<< This is stressing me out, majorly
Figure out financial aid
Figure out my summer schedule
Apply for jobs
Go through everything I have acquired over the past 20 years and 11 months and see what goes with and what stays behind (this includes animals!)
Make money, make purchases. I'd love to get a road/street bike and cut down on gas (not to mention get fit) by biking as mush as possible. And I want an ipad/netbook/slate/whatever for taking notes in class. And I need a new phone. Too much, too much.
Well, I suppose I should head to MOTR and get myself a drink. Then it's really back to studying and cleaning. One more day of class! Then three days of finals and it's over.
I should be uber-stressed and panicking about now... but I am just chilling. I have a clinical microbiology exam tomorrow and I simply don't care. I've studied a bit, here and there, all week, so I may just be more prepared than I consciously think I am. But the fact remains, I should be doing something productive.
I think I'll go to Mobil On The Run and get a 25 cent drink. Love my Cardinals.
I just want to go HOME and be done with this school. I think my indifference is tinged with irritation. I am ready to move on. Mentally, I've quit school and am in the summer mode. Which isn't as relaxing as you might think... once I'm out, I'm allowing myself a couple days to recuperate. Then:
Figure out housing ASAP. <<< This is stressing me out, majorly
Figure out financial aid
Figure out my summer schedule
Apply for jobs
Go through everything I have acquired over the past 20 years and 11 months and see what goes with and what stays behind (this includes animals!)
Make money, make purchases. I'd love to get a road/street bike and cut down on gas (not to mention get fit) by biking as mush as possible. And I want an ipad/netbook/slate/whatever for taking notes in class. And I need a new phone. Too much, too much.
Well, I suppose I should head to MOTR and get myself a drink. Then it's really back to studying and cleaning. One more day of class! Then three days of finals and it's over.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
YAY I'M ALMOST THERE!
I can see the end... it's close... really close.
The end of undergrad, that is. I can't really believe it's almost over. I feel like I've not had the chance to really live the college life. I'm definitely okay with it, just a bit melancholy. I'm a little sad about leaving my friends... the other rising seniors who I am leaving behind, and my fellow leaving-students who are traveling to all ends of the earth. Obviously, there's Facebook, and I'm going to make new friends, but it's just... weird.
So as far as my list of to-do items. Here's an update:
Biochem take-home test, due tomorrow.
Microbio exam in-class, Friday
Seniors' dinner, Friday night
Cards game, Saturday evening
Work, Sunday
Microbio take-home exam, due Monday
Lunch with Amanda and Mrs. Cole!! Monday
My last day at Dr. Little's (Definitely going to cry a little over that), Monday
Biochem gene annotation paper, Tuesday
Biostatistics final exam, Wednesday.
And there is the Cards game on Sunday, and my lunch date on Monday, and then on Wednesday, on my way home, I think I'm gathering up the greatest little five-year-old in the world and keeping her for a couple days.
Oh yeah... my room... bleh. It needs HELP. It's bad.
On the home front... The goats are doing great... we are going to try a new homeopathic treatment on the whole herd and see if it makes a difference. I'll keep you updated on that.
AND... THIS happened last weekend:
Baby Shakespeare!! He's out of Teri's doe Noel and our old buck Toby. He's HUGE and has white spots on his neck!
Cute cute cute. He's a keeper, for sure.
Ginger Belle and Ladybug continue to improve. I am not sure Ginger Belle ever ate grass before she came to us... she didn't know quite what to do with it at first. Then she started munching away greedily on the dark, thick chunks of grass while the other goats nibbled on the tender, lighter shoots far away. I think they were making fun of her for eating the grass growing out of the poop piles. Both girls have gained about 15 pounds each since their arrival.
Time to get back to my homework. I do have a presentation today but I don't think it is that big of a deal. Once that is over, I'm dedicating the afternoon to this silly biochem take-home and studying for my micro exam. Probably ought to spend about an hour or so on my room, too. We'll see what happens.
I can see the end... it's close... really close.
The end of undergrad, that is. I can't really believe it's almost over. I feel like I've not had the chance to really live the college life. I'm definitely okay with it, just a bit melancholy. I'm a little sad about leaving my friends... the other rising seniors who I am leaving behind, and my fellow leaving-students who are traveling to all ends of the earth. Obviously, there's Facebook, and I'm going to make new friends, but it's just... weird.
So as far as my list of to-do items. Here's an update:
Biochem take-home test, due tomorrow.
Microbio exam in-class, Friday
Seniors' dinner, Friday night
Cards game, Saturday evening
Work, Sunday
Microbio take-home exam, due Monday
Lunch with Amanda and Mrs. Cole!! Monday
My last day at Dr. Little's (Definitely going to cry a little over that), Monday
Biochem gene annotation paper, Tuesday
Biostatistics final exam, Wednesday.
And there is the Cards game on Sunday, and my lunch date on Monday, and then on Wednesday, on my way home, I think I'm gathering up the greatest little five-year-old in the world and keeping her for a couple days.
Oh yeah... my room... bleh. It needs HELP. It's bad.
On the home front... The goats are doing great... we are going to try a new homeopathic treatment on the whole herd and see if it makes a difference. I'll keep you updated on that.
AND... THIS happened last weekend:
Baby Shakespeare!! He's out of Teri's doe Noel and our old buck Toby. He's HUGE and has white spots on his neck!
Cute cute cute. He's a keeper, for sure.
Ginger Belle and Ladybug continue to improve. I am not sure Ginger Belle ever ate grass before she came to us... she didn't know quite what to do with it at first. Then she started munching away greedily on the dark, thick chunks of grass while the other goats nibbled on the tender, lighter shoots far away. I think they were making fun of her for eating the grass growing out of the poop piles. Both girls have gained about 15 pounds each since their arrival.
Time to get back to my homework. I do have a presentation today but I don't think it is that big of a deal. Once that is over, I'm dedicating the afternoon to this silly biochem take-home and studying for my micro exam. Probably ought to spend about an hour or so on my room, too. We'll see what happens.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Help, I'm running out of things to distract me...
It's so hard to be motivated right now. I can get a C in all my classes and vet school will still be waiting for me in August. Right now I'm rocking an A in everything but Microbiology, in which I have a B+. Soooooo....
Rather than do homework in this lovely 9 hour block of time, I have thoroughly inspected all craigslist ads, researched show rails for my goaties, studied up on some agility equipment plans, drawn up plans and materials list for said equipment, and basically procrastinated my life away. I also made up a list of everything that stands between me and summer:
3 tests
2 quizzes
2 presentations
2 projects
2 scientific papers
2 journal entries
1 epic
2 final exams
Totally do-able. But I need to get motivated... I'm about 1/4 of the way finished with one of the presentations, 1/4 finished with the epic (it's about a peacock named Padmakar), 3/4 of the way finished with both projects, and... that's it. I'm going to try to get the journal entries done tonight so I can feel good about myself.
I think I need to get up and retrieve myself some peanut butter M&Ms and life will be good. It's sort of tempting to just go to bed, though... you know, that whole the-earlier-I-go-to-bed-the-earlier-tomorrow-gets-here sydrome. I also have a very BRIGHT blanket that I am crocheting for Melodie and I would much rather cuddle up in my bed, turn on some music, and relax. But since I've sort of squandered the day anyhow...
Rather than do homework in this lovely 9 hour block of time, I have thoroughly inspected all craigslist ads, researched show rails for my goaties, studied up on some agility equipment plans, drawn up plans and materials list for said equipment, and basically procrastinated my life away. I also made up a list of everything that stands between me and summer:
3 tests
2 quizzes
2 presentations
2 projects
2 scientific papers
2 journal entries
1 epic
2 final exams
Totally do-able. But I need to get motivated... I'm about 1/4 of the way finished with one of the presentations, 1/4 finished with the epic (it's about a peacock named Padmakar), 3/4 of the way finished with both projects, and... that's it. I'm going to try to get the journal entries done tonight so I can feel good about myself.
I think I need to get up and retrieve myself some peanut butter M&Ms and life will be good. It's sort of tempting to just go to bed, though... you know, that whole the-earlier-I-go-to-bed-the-earlier-tomorrow-gets-here sydrome. I also have a very BRIGHT blanket that I am crocheting for Melodie and I would much rather cuddle up in my bed, turn on some music, and relax. But since I've sort of squandered the day anyhow...
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Welcome to Dr. Tora's Goat Hospital... would you like a cave tour?
So I started my job this weekend. I love my job dearly, but it is exhausting. Basically, I lead groups of people of all ages through the cave while chatting with, talking to, talking at, or screaming above them. I only take groups of sizes up to 30 people, normally. It's interesting and I meet a lot of people, and anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE to talk.
So why was I ready to quit this weekend? Because I am soooooo sore. And tired. We walk at least 3 to 4 miles a day, up and down hills, on a concrete path, BACKWARD. Remember that we face the group...
So try it one day. Two, actually, Saturday and Sunday, and see how your legs hold up.
On top of that, I trimmed Heather's horses on Sunday and Summer sort of smashed my toe. So I am pretty achy.
But I feel better by now, so I've psyched myself back up for another weekend of work. Plus I have Friday off school and off work (Thank you, Jesus!-- I'm being literal, by the way) so it's all good.
But the main point of this post was an update. We ran a regular hospital in our shop this weekend. Here was the list of patients:
The foundling-- I believe we are calling her Ladybug-- apparently has no owner. At this point we're holding on to her indefinitely. Anyway, just continuing with supportive care/maintenance. She looks fantastically better and is shaping up to be a pretty nice doe.
Ginger Belle-- we already have a Ginger Spice, so when "Ginger" arrived, we had to add a surname-- bleh. She came to us severely anorexic, moderately-to-severely anemic, and mildly hemorrhaging. We got the hemorrhage to stop and her red blood cells on the upswing, but she still had hardly any interest in eating. But she's on the mend.
Quinn-- presented mild dystocia. She progressed for awhile and then, despite hardy contractions, nothing was happening. So I clipped my nails and scrubbed up. I went in and just had to tip the baby's nose down and search for a leg.
And the two neonates-- Sam and Reese. They are bouncing and happy in their playpen in our kitchen. Unfortunately they are both bucks, but they are darlings, too.
So by the time the weekend was over, I was so exhausted I made the decision to drive back to school on Monday morning. I made it through class, 7 hours at Dr. Little's, drove to Zach's to pick up some stuff from the old house, and made it back to my dorm and fell into bed. I feel lots better today and am ready to take on this week! Just two days and one presentation between me and Thursday night... and back to my caprine hospital :-)
So why was I ready to quit this weekend? Because I am soooooo sore. And tired. We walk at least 3 to 4 miles a day, up and down hills, on a concrete path, BACKWARD. Remember that we face the group...
So try it one day. Two, actually, Saturday and Sunday, and see how your legs hold up.
On top of that, I trimmed Heather's horses on Sunday and Summer sort of smashed my toe. So I am pretty achy.
But I feel better by now, so I've psyched myself back up for another weekend of work. Plus I have Friday off school and off work (Thank you, Jesus!-- I'm being literal, by the way) so it's all good.
But the main point of this post was an update. We ran a regular hospital in our shop this weekend. Here was the list of patients:
The foundling-- I believe we are calling her Ladybug-- apparently has no owner. At this point we're holding on to her indefinitely. Anyway, just continuing with supportive care/maintenance. She looks fantastically better and is shaping up to be a pretty nice doe.
Ginger Belle-- we already have a Ginger Spice, so when "Ginger" arrived, we had to add a surname-- bleh. She came to us severely anorexic, moderately-to-severely anemic, and mildly hemorrhaging. We got the hemorrhage to stop and her red blood cells on the upswing, but she still had hardly any interest in eating. But she's on the mend.
Quinn-- presented mild dystocia. She progressed for awhile and then, despite hardy contractions, nothing was happening. So I clipped my nails and scrubbed up. I went in and just had to tip the baby's nose down and search for a leg.
And the two neonates-- Sam and Reese. They are bouncing and happy in their playpen in our kitchen. Unfortunately they are both bucks, but they are darlings, too.
So by the time the weekend was over, I was so exhausted I made the decision to drive back to school on Monday morning. I made it through class, 7 hours at Dr. Little's, drove to Zach's to pick up some stuff from the old house, and made it back to my dorm and fell into bed. I feel lots better today and am ready to take on this week! Just two days and one presentation between me and Thursday night... and back to my caprine hospital :-)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Bleh
Let's just say, senioritis has kicked in. But since I'm a senior (by credits) but a third-year student and not graduating (just merrily skipping away), I think I have "I'm-outta-here"-itis. I have no motivation to write an epic, or put together a presentation on the role of Christian values in world literature of the western hemisphere (so basically, it's not world lit, right?). And I particularly don't want to give my speech on pet actors tomorrow, or put together a paper on a bacteria whose identity is so far eluding me. Let's not talk about annotating base pairs 52,000-58,000 of fosmid 12 of the long arm of the third chromosome of Drosophila erecta. (It's fruit fly, and no, I'm not sure why I care to annotate its genome).
So I have been looking up agility equipment plans. I want to get our current equipment up and working, and then start on some new. I have found a fantastic site:
http://www.instantagility.com/
It has great instructions for making good-quality agility equipment on the cheap. A lot of it isn't exaclty regulation, but for home use, I think it's great. I think it's best to expose your dogs to lots of sizes, shapes, and colors anyway.
And if all goes right and we welcome Moxie to our home (SHHHHHHH... it's a secret!!! More on that later!), we are going to need a lot of doggie stuff (like we don't have a ton already!).
So I am NOT going to K-state's open house this weekend... I have to work! I am looking forward to working (read: MONEY), but I wanted to go to Manhattan or Teri's rabbit/poultry show. Phooey.
And on the home front: We are acquiring another goat, another commercial doe, and this time it's my fault. If you know me and my herd well, you know I ALWAYS push to move our herd towards the Fullblood side.
A tiny side-trail to edjemacate you on goats:
For Boers... there are different "levels" of purebred-ness.
Fullblood South African (abreviated FB SA): Absolutely 100% Boer, all ancestors came directly to America from South Africa with no detours.
Fullblood: Absolutely 100% Boer, but ancestors may be from Australia or New Zealand or Canada.
Purebred: Anthing 96% or higher. So these could have other breeds in them a few generations back.
Percentage: Anything 50% or higher.
Commercial: Some amount of Boer but no proof (basically, not registered.)
So, back on track: I like the FB SA goats. FB at minimum. Buuuuutttttttt.....
A long time ago when I was free with no worries or responsibilities and we had dairy goats, I had a lovely wonderful crazy fantastic doe named Tammie. Tammie KNEW she was special; she was delivered by c-section and was a pretty nice doe to boot. Then her udder was torn up as a first freshener and we did surgeries and blahblahblah... unfortunately Tammie died after her second kidding. She only ever had buck kids, but one of them was named Brett. Brett and Belle (out of our dear doe, Annabelle) had a bouncy baby girl named Adelle. I kept Adelle for about a year but had to sell her when we cut back on our goats. But I always wanted her back, because she was a Tammie granddaughter and to my knowledge the only one.
Unfortuantely Adelle passed away last year. BUT-- she has a daughter who just happens to be half Boer. So guess who wheedled and whined to get her.
Her name is Ginger and she just kidded, but isn't doing so great. The Goatherdess Mother loaded up the GoatMobile and went to get her. Hopefully we can bring her around!
Well I suppose it's time to gather my dog jump instructions and my materials concerning Christianity in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and go study some more.
So I have been looking up agility equipment plans. I want to get our current equipment up and working, and then start on some new. I have found a fantastic site:
http://www.instantagility.com/
It has great instructions for making good-quality agility equipment on the cheap. A lot of it isn't exaclty regulation, but for home use, I think it's great. I think it's best to expose your dogs to lots of sizes, shapes, and colors anyway.
And if all goes right and we welcome Moxie to our home (SHHHHHHH... it's a secret!!! More on that later!), we are going to need a lot of doggie stuff (like we don't have a ton already!).
I worked with Nike last weekend, and I swear, she's ready to walk into an obedience ring and score a 198/200.
(this is an old pic of her creeking)
She has definitely sharpened up in her old age (just kidding, she's only four!). I worked a tiny bit on rally and she's smoking hot there, too. I'd like to get Gonzo into doing something he loves, but he is a mess. More on him later. Agility may be his best bet.
So I am NOT going to K-state's open house this weekend... I have to work! I am looking forward to working (read: MONEY), but I wanted to go to Manhattan or Teri's rabbit/poultry show. Phooey.
And on the home front: We are acquiring another goat, another commercial doe, and this time it's my fault. If you know me and my herd well, you know I ALWAYS push to move our herd towards the Fullblood side.
A tiny side-trail to edjemacate you on goats:
For Boers... there are different "levels" of purebred-ness.
Fullblood South African (abreviated FB SA): Absolutely 100% Boer, all ancestors came directly to America from South Africa with no detours.
Fullblood: Absolutely 100% Boer, but ancestors may be from Australia or New Zealand or Canada.
Purebred: Anthing 96% or higher. So these could have other breeds in them a few generations back.
Percentage: Anything 50% or higher.
Commercial: Some amount of Boer but no proof (basically, not registered.)
So, back on track: I like the FB SA goats. FB at minimum. Buuuuutttttttt.....
A long time ago when I was free with no worries or responsibilities and we had dairy goats, I had a lovely wonderful crazy fantastic doe named Tammie. Tammie KNEW she was special; she was delivered by c-section and was a pretty nice doe to boot. Then her udder was torn up as a first freshener and we did surgeries and blahblahblah... unfortunately Tammie died after her second kidding. She only ever had buck kids, but one of them was named Brett. Brett and Belle (out of our dear doe, Annabelle) had a bouncy baby girl named Adelle. I kept Adelle for about a year but had to sell her when we cut back on our goats. But I always wanted her back, because she was a Tammie granddaughter and to my knowledge the only one.
Unfortuantely Adelle passed away last year. BUT-- she has a daughter who just happens to be half Boer. So guess who wheedled and whined to get her.
Her name is Ginger and she just kidded, but isn't doing so great. The Goatherdess Mother loaded up the GoatMobile and went to get her. Hopefully we can bring her around!
Well I suppose it's time to gather my dog jump instructions and my materials concerning Christianity in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and go study some more.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Eish! An Update!
Well, I'd say it's been a bit too long. ESPECIALLY because I have good news!
I GOT INTO VET SCHOOL!!!!
Really, I'm more excited than that. This has been my dream forever, so the fact that I've finally reached it? Pure heaven. Now there is just a ton to do.
I received my acceptance from the University of Missouri-Columbia's College of Veterinary Medicine on March 26th, 2011. I mailed my $100 deposit and acceptance form the Monday following.
Yippee! So here's my list of things to do:
Rock at least a C in all my classes (check! First time I've not had to worry about my grades!)
Check out housing... my bestie and I are hoping to find a place together.
$ave $ave $ave.
Figure out finanacial aid.
And have fun this summer.
I got my summer job back, as a tour guide. It's going to be fantastic again. Really, that job made my summer 2010 the best ever, and I hope 2011 is better! I want to kayak a bit and backback some, and get Nike to some trials to get her CD and RN titles (obedience and rally competition awards, for those who aren't aware).
So that's the news on the school front. Just have a few more exams, a couple papers, finals, and 4 1/2 weeks of undergrad!!!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch... we have a lovely crop of kids on the ground. Actually they are just ready to be weaned, which means that our whole herd dynamic is about to change. Not so fun.
The babies go in the weaning pen, but so does Misty, so her boys will have to stay in the field with all the other mommies. And of course some mommies are crazy and try to jump fences, so we've got to keep an eye on that. Yay children.
Quinn, my older Nubian doe, has been stringing us along for several weeks now. We don't have an exact due date on her, so we are just impatiently waiting.
And, I guess word has gotten out around our new town that we are a family of goatherdesses. Someone called the Goatherdess Mother about some loose goats. So, what do we do?
Why, we load up in the Goatmobile and go searching. Unfortunately we were only able to get our hands on one. We're still searching for the others. We brought the captive one home and gave her plenty of water and some food. She is very dehydrated but doing better. Now, to find her rightful goatherd/ess... that is the trick.
Well, I'm off to go work on my speech for Friday. My topic is "How to make your pet a STAR." So far, it's pretty excellent, I must say.
I GOT INTO VET SCHOOL!!!!
Really, I'm more excited than that. This has been my dream forever, so the fact that I've finally reached it? Pure heaven. Now there is just a ton to do.
I received my acceptance from the University of Missouri-Columbia's College of Veterinary Medicine on March 26th, 2011. I mailed my $100 deposit and acceptance form the Monday following.
Yippee! So here's my list of things to do:
Rock at least a C in all my classes (check! First time I've not had to worry about my grades!)
Check out housing... my bestie and I are hoping to find a place together.
$ave $ave $ave.
Figure out finanacial aid.
And have fun this summer.
I got my summer job back, as a tour guide. It's going to be fantastic again. Really, that job made my summer 2010 the best ever, and I hope 2011 is better! I want to kayak a bit and backback some, and get Nike to some trials to get her CD and RN titles (obedience and rally competition awards, for those who aren't aware).
So that's the news on the school front. Just have a few more exams, a couple papers, finals, and 4 1/2 weeks of undergrad!!!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch... we have a lovely crop of kids on the ground. Actually they are just ready to be weaned, which means that our whole herd dynamic is about to change. Not so fun.
The babies go in the weaning pen, but so does Misty, so her boys will have to stay in the field with all the other mommies. And of course some mommies are crazy and try to jump fences, so we've got to keep an eye on that. Yay children.
Quinn, my older Nubian doe, has been stringing us along for several weeks now. We don't have an exact due date on her, so we are just impatiently waiting.
And, I guess word has gotten out around our new town that we are a family of goatherdesses. Someone called the Goatherdess Mother about some loose goats. So, what do we do?
Why, we load up in the Goatmobile and go searching. Unfortunately we were only able to get our hands on one. We're still searching for the others. We brought the captive one home and gave her plenty of water and some food. She is very dehydrated but doing better. Now, to find her rightful goatherd/ess... that is the trick.
Well, I'm off to go work on my speech for Friday. My topic is "How to make your pet a STAR." So far, it's pretty excellent, I must say.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Nothing better to do
It's currently 1:01 AM, Wednesday, March 2nd.
Yesterday, I got out of micro lab early, skipped over to the cafeteria for supper, and came back to my dorm to crash. I woke up at 10:00 after a 4 1/2 hour nap. Needless to say, I'm not tired anymore.
I've been dogsitting and have several more jobs lined up. I really enjoy this, but occasionally the pet owners get a little crazy, and it's hard to reassure them when they are thousands of miles away and you can only communicate by text message. The past weekend was uber-stressful.
Tomorrow (today?), I'm going home to get some things done. It's sort of difficult to juggle school, making money, and work the ranch but I wouldn't change it for anything. We are selling our old Boer buck to make room for new genetics, so I have to work over both boys this afternoon. We have to work baby goats as well; most of the boys are tagged but we have to remove them from their man-parts, and the girls need to be tattooed. Scirocco has been ill... I need to deworm him again and see if that helps him to gain weight. If not, looks like Dr. KC will be visiting again. I also hope to make a small dent in the mess I call my room, but that's not happened for about three months. My dorm is just as bad...
My eyes are finally involuntarily closing, so I am going to see if I can convince my brain to shut down for the next five hours.
Until next time, adieu!
Yesterday, I got out of micro lab early, skipped over to the cafeteria for supper, and came back to my dorm to crash. I woke up at 10:00 after a 4 1/2 hour nap. Needless to say, I'm not tired anymore.
I've been dogsitting and have several more jobs lined up. I really enjoy this, but occasionally the pet owners get a little crazy, and it's hard to reassure them when they are thousands of miles away and you can only communicate by text message. The past weekend was uber-stressful.
Tomorrow (today?), I'm going home to get some things done. It's sort of difficult to juggle school, making money, and work the ranch but I wouldn't change it for anything. We are selling our old Boer buck to make room for new genetics, so I have to work over both boys this afternoon. We have to work baby goats as well; most of the boys are tagged but we have to remove them from their man-parts, and the girls need to be tattooed. Scirocco has been ill... I need to deworm him again and see if that helps him to gain weight. If not, looks like Dr. KC will be visiting again. I also hope to make a small dent in the mess I call my room, but that's not happened for about three months. My dorm is just as bad...
My eyes are finally involuntarily closing, so I am going to see if I can convince my brain to shut down for the next five hours.
Until next time, adieu!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Holiday
Today is Sibley Day. Sibley Day is a highly celebrated holiday that brings joy to thousands of college students. What's that? You've never heard of Sibley Day??
Well, it's just another Lindenwood invention. One of their better ideas, in fact. Sibley Day honors the founders of the school, George and Mary Sibley. After George quit his job as major in Andrew Jackson's Indian wars, his wife decided she wanted to start a school for young ladies. For some strange reason, they choose the wilderness of the furtrading post called St. Charles, MO, just west of the Mississippi where the Linden trees grow. That was in 1827. In 2009, the school decided to create Sibley Day. It is a day without classes, so students can enjoy some of the fun activities offered on campus, sleep, catch up on homework, or go home.
I chose the latter. I am still dog-sitting, so I loaded up the puppies and headed back to Bourbon. Here's a list of things to catch up on:
Get hay (Check)
Get feed (Check)
Get propane (Check)
Feed (Check)
Water (Currently doing)
Band Stella's (lambykin) tail and vaccinate
Work adult goats
Work on ads
Clean room
Fix fence
And some other stuff. I also went to the library and got two of my favorite books, James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small and All Things Bright and Beautiful. The former has one of my favorite quotes:
"Animals are unpredictable things so our whole life is unpredictable. It's a long tale of little triumphs and disasters and you've got to really like it to stick it. One thing, you never get bored. Here, have more whiskey."
It pretty much sums up everything about working with animals. Since I'm done with my exams for the next few weeks (they went pretty well, thanks for asking), I'm going to do some reading.
Well, off to go check the horse water and see if our excruciatingly low water pressure has filled the trough yet.
Well, it's just another Lindenwood invention. One of their better ideas, in fact. Sibley Day honors the founders of the school, George and Mary Sibley. After George quit his job as major in Andrew Jackson's Indian wars, his wife decided she wanted to start a school for young ladies. For some strange reason, they choose the wilderness of the furtrading post called St. Charles, MO, just west of the Mississippi where the Linden trees grow. That was in 1827. In 2009, the school decided to create Sibley Day. It is a day without classes, so students can enjoy some of the fun activities offered on campus, sleep, catch up on homework, or go home.
I chose the latter. I am still dog-sitting, so I loaded up the puppies and headed back to Bourbon. Here's a list of things to catch up on:
Get hay (Check)
Get feed (Check)
Get propane (Check)
Feed (Check)
Water (Currently doing)
Band Stella's (lambykin) tail and vaccinate
Work adult goats
Work on ads
Clean room
Fix fence
And some other stuff. I also went to the library and got two of my favorite books, James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small and All Things Bright and Beautiful. The former has one of my favorite quotes:
"Animals are unpredictable things so our whole life is unpredictable. It's a long tale of little triumphs and disasters and you've got to really like it to stick it. One thing, you never get bored. Here, have more whiskey."
It pretty much sums up everything about working with animals. Since I'm done with my exams for the next few weeks (they went pretty well, thanks for asking), I'm going to do some reading.
Well, off to go check the horse water and see if our excruciatingly low water pressure has filled the trough yet.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
PRO-crastination
Because I am doing what I do best (procrastinating), I decided to jot a few notes about the last few days. I should be studying for my microbiology and world lit exams, but... there is only so much to know about blood agar and plate methods and Gilgamesh and the theme of revenge vs. justice in the Odyssey.
On Saturday, my little Ginny died. My mom found her when she got up to let the dogs out. Ginny was my cleft palate puppy that we tube fed for several weeks. She was finally big enough to eat food and she figured out how to drink water without it running out her nose. We took her to see Dr. Paul last week and discovered that she did have a heart defect. We didn't expect her to go this soon, though. She was full of cheer and joy; I'm glad we gave her the nine weeks she had here. Life sucks for the rest of us for whom life moves on.
I think sometimes they are yours to keep, and other times they are just on loan. At any rate, dogs should live at least as long as people.
I am currently dog-sitting for a King Charles Cavelier Spaniel (Cooper), a Maltese (Max), and a Miniature Poodle (Annie). And bird-sititng for a sun conure (Moses). Yesterday I had to leave them for a few hours to go home and tag baby goats and water horses and bury baby Ginny. I also had a trimming job in Sullivan; two pygmy-cross goats.
I have spent waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy too much time on http://www.studentdoctor.net/. It rocks, but is terrifying. I did find out that my academic evaluation score at Mizzou is 30.2, and last year's average accepted student's eval was 24.5. So that is good news for me. I also have picked out the stethoscope I want:
http://www.medisave.net/3m-littmann-cardiology-iii-stethoscope-hunter-green-27-p-33.html
And I have made a list of things that need to be done if/when I get into vet school. For example:
Go to eye doctor
Get new glasses
Get prescription shades
Go to regular doctor
Load up on Singulair
Go to dentist
Get bite block
Get a tetanus vaccine
Get a rabies vaccine
Check about other vaccines
Update puppy doggies' vaccines
Update the horsies' vaccines
Find a place to live
Pack up my room
Go through clothes
Go clothes shopping
And all sorts of other things that I would like to get done...
Maybe I should get into vet school first.
And maybe I should start by studying Micro and Lit.
On Saturday, my little Ginny died. My mom found her when she got up to let the dogs out. Ginny was my cleft palate puppy that we tube fed for several weeks. She was finally big enough to eat food and she figured out how to drink water without it running out her nose. We took her to see Dr. Paul last week and discovered that she did have a heart defect. We didn't expect her to go this soon, though. She was full of cheer and joy; I'm glad we gave her the nine weeks she had here. Life sucks for the rest of us for whom life moves on.
I think sometimes they are yours to keep, and other times they are just on loan. At any rate, dogs should live at least as long as people.
I am currently dog-sitting for a King Charles Cavelier Spaniel (Cooper), a Maltese (Max), and a Miniature Poodle (Annie). And bird-sititng for a sun conure (Moses). Yesterday I had to leave them for a few hours to go home and tag baby goats and water horses and bury baby Ginny. I also had a trimming job in Sullivan; two pygmy-cross goats.
I have spent waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy too much time on http://www.studentdoctor.net/. It rocks, but is terrifying. I did find out that my academic evaluation score at Mizzou is 30.2, and last year's average accepted student's eval was 24.5. So that is good news for me. I also have picked out the stethoscope I want:
http://www.medisave.net/3m-littmann-cardiology-iii-stethoscope-hunter-green-27-p-33.html
And I have made a list of things that need to be done if/when I get into vet school. For example:
Go to eye doctor
Get new glasses
Get prescription shades
Go to regular doctor
Load up on Singulair
Go to dentist
Get bite block
Get a tetanus vaccine
Get a rabies vaccine
Check about other vaccines
Update puppy doggies' vaccines
Update the horsies' vaccines
Find a place to live
Pack up my room
Go through clothes
Go clothes shopping
And all sorts of other things that I would like to get done...
Maybe I should get into vet school first.
And maybe I should start by studying Micro and Lit.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
I've got some explaining to do...
Hi!
This blog is mainly for myself, mostly because a.) I get bored studying (I just completely ROCKED a biochemistry exam and am currently sick of textbooks, thus I am on the computer) and b.) I want to remember this craziness I'm living. BUT, if you like what you read, by all means follow along! You're sure to get some laughs and probably some tears along the way... and who knows, you might learn from my mistakes.
And hopefully this blog will help my friends and family keep up with me while I pursue my dream of vet school. So read on, get acquainted, and once I'm done I'll get back to studying biostatistics.
I'm currently 20 years old and a third year student at Lindenwood University. I plan to attend veterinary school this fall ('11) but the vet schools might have other plans... I've been waitlisted at Kansas State (sigh... dream school!) and my interview at Mizzou is March 7th. I have a pretty strong academic score and should have a strong non-academic score, so Mizzou is looking pretty viable. And I didn't get rejected at K-State, but I am a very impatient person, so waiting is no fun. And they tell me I may have to wait until August 15th. Of course, I could just not get in this go-round and be waiting until August 15th 2012. Ugh.
Oh yeah, and you might have guessed by my blog's name-- I'm a goatherdess. What's that, you say? Well, like a shepherdess (I'm that too, admittedly), but with goats. I raise Boer goats and as strange/weird/odd/awkward as it may sound, they are my life. Don't get me wrong, I love my dogs and horses and everything else, and will likely have to spend the next 4-5 years of my life woefully goat-less, but I love goats.
So as you come along with me, you're likely to hear about goings-on around the farm, trials and tribulations of college life, and my journey to vet school.
Mi vida loca-- welcome to my crazy life.
This blog is mainly for myself, mostly because a.) I get bored studying (I just completely ROCKED a biochemistry exam and am currently sick of textbooks, thus I am on the computer) and b.) I want to remember this craziness I'm living. BUT, if you like what you read, by all means follow along! You're sure to get some laughs and probably some tears along the way... and who knows, you might learn from my mistakes.
And hopefully this blog will help my friends and family keep up with me while I pursue my dream of vet school. So read on, get acquainted, and once I'm done I'll get back to studying biostatistics.
I'm currently 20 years old and a third year student at Lindenwood University. I plan to attend veterinary school this fall ('11) but the vet schools might have other plans... I've been waitlisted at Kansas State (sigh... dream school!) and my interview at Mizzou is March 7th. I have a pretty strong academic score and should have a strong non-academic score, so Mizzou is looking pretty viable. And I didn't get rejected at K-State, but I am a very impatient person, so waiting is no fun. And they tell me I may have to wait until August 15th. Of course, I could just not get in this go-round and be waiting until August 15th 2012. Ugh.
Oh yeah, and you might have guessed by my blog's name-- I'm a goatherdess. What's that, you say? Well, like a shepherdess (I'm that too, admittedly), but with goats. I raise Boer goats and as strange/weird/odd/awkward as it may sound, they are my life. Don't get me wrong, I love my dogs and horses and everything else, and will likely have to spend the next 4-5 years of my life woefully goat-less, but I love goats.
So as you come along with me, you're likely to hear about goings-on around the farm, trials and tribulations of college life, and my journey to vet school.
Mi vida loca-- welcome to my crazy life.
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