This is my favorite challenge yet! Music speaks to my soul and can change or amplify my mood like nothing else. My anthem is Brave by Sara Bareilles. Give it a listen!
Some tough questions to answer, but here goes.
1. What are you intensely interested in?
I am intensely interested in how we grow food, particularly animals, for human consumption. I like to know the ins and outs and the day to day operation of producing a safe, wholesome, and nutritious product. Another part to that interest is figuring out how I can be an integral part of this community. I love to talk about beef and how it's raised with consumers, but what I really want is to get in there and get my hands dirty and be outside raising or caring for the animals.
Another intense area of interest is riding and training horses. The art of breaking out a colt so he understands what you want when you aren't speaking the same language is something both fulfilling and frustrating all at the same time. When you have a breakthrough with an animal and they lower their head, lick their lips and put all of their trust in you and what you're asking, it fills my heart.
2. You go to the best cocktail party ever. It's a life changing event because you meet the most with-it, interesting, empowered people, and each of them can contribute to your career and interests in some way...
-Who was there?
Passionate people who live a life which makes them whole. They provide positive interactions and are supportive without being political.
-What kind of information did they share with you?
They share about positivity and how to lead a successful life, while sharing their struggles and hardships but most importantly how they overcame those obstacles to get where they are today.
-What did they ask you?
My dreams and how I can make them into goals which can then turn into reality.
-How did they offer to help you?
Sharing their knowledge, offering help whenever I'm stuck, and making me promise I would actually reach out because my tendency is to put my head down and just plow forward even if I'm trying to plow through a brick wall.
3. If you could go to five conferences or events this year, which ones would you go to, or what would they be about?
I'm fortunate to be attending one of my five conferences this year and that is the National Cattlemen's Beef Association meeting in San Diego. Other events or conferences I would love to attend are seminars on food safety, how to improve animal handling, and horse training.
4. What could you talk about late into the night with like-minded people and never run out of things to say?
This one is easy! Agriculture! Whether is cows, horses, FFA, food safety, or how we're going to feed people in 50 years, I could talk for ever about these subjects.
5. What activities make you feel really useful, alive and strong?
Riding, sharing my passion about beef, learning by doing, etc.
-When do you feel like a rockstar?
When I've completed a presentation I've worked so hard on. When I'm standing in the line up at a horse after a great class before the results are announced. After a great night out with friends.
-When do you feel like a gifted contributor?
When people look to me for advice or to contribute to the conversation. When Trish tells me to get on a horse and fix a problem another rider has been having then handing the horse back to the rider and watching them complete a successful ride.
-When do you feel like a very cool and purposeful human-
being?
being?
I love to organize nights out with my friends and then hear about how much fun it was while we enjoyed each others company and even make new friends.
-In terms of the things you do, when do you feel most like
yourself?
yourself?
When I'm at the barn with a ball cap on my head, jeans and boots to protect me from the leather of the saddle, and legs swung over a horse.
6. What do you want to be known for?
Honesty, dedication, ambition, passion, knowledge.
Your true strengths are living right here.
Today's challenge from Sarah, the Mill Coach, is to look at life from a medicine wheel point of view and to listen to our inner mentor while telling our inner critic to take a hike. She also suggested naming our inner mentor. I think this is a marvelous idea and I am going with Shakira. Yup, the latin, hip shaking hottie! But more importantly her honesty, ambition, and fun loving attitude are why she is my inner mentor.
The east points us towards new beginnings. Shakira is telling me there is always time for a new beginning. At this point in my life, my new beginning is to breath fresh air and life into my work. I am passionate about the beef community and I want to feel that passion more in what I do day to day. In the hopefully near future, these new beginnings will be sitting behind a desk again, learning about animal care and working on my DVM.
The south represents the child within. My 13-year-old self might not understand where I am at this point in my life as she was extremely ambitious, but she'll be thrilled with all the fun I've had! Not to mention all the horses I've gotten to show and do well on.
The west is all about introspection. When I look inside myself I feel happy and content with my husband, our family, and my job. But I also hear Shakira saying, "There is more for you to do. Go do it!"
The north represents wisdom and gratitude. Sarah asked us to think about what our grandma's would say. Well I was lucky to have just talked to my grandma a few weeks ago and she said, "Don't give up and work really hard." Something which makes sense in many areas of my life right now.
Finally, the center is the heart. What do I need to do to make my inner critic go away? I need to work hard, focus, and incorporate more things, like riding and seeing my friends, which make my heart happy.
So I'm way behind, but I'm hustling to catch up. Here goes!
The south represents the child within. My 13-year-old self might not understand where I am at this point in my life as she was extremely ambitious, but she'll be thrilled with all the fun I've had! Not to mention all the horses I've gotten to show and do well on.
The west is all about introspection. When I look inside myself I feel happy and content with my husband, our family, and my job. But I also hear Shakira saying, "There is more for you to do. Go do it!"
The north represents wisdom and gratitude. Sarah asked us to think about what our grandma's would say. Well I was lucky to have just talked to my grandma a few weeks ago and she said, "Don't give up and work really hard." Something which makes sense in many areas of my life right now.
Finally, the center is the heart. What do I need to do to make my inner critic go away? I need to work hard, focus, and incorporate more things, like riding and seeing my friends, which make my heart happy.
So I'm way behind, but I'm hustling to catch up. Here goes!
I have so much epic shit to offer! Why do I hold it back?
Fear of judgment, lack of confidence, feeling unprepared, so many directions? All of those things plus some!
But I'm not holding back anymore! I want to go to vet school and I want everyone to know that fact. And guess what, it will happen.
I also want to run a cattle ranch. That will happen in my lifetime too.
Both of these goals are lofty (also achievable) but when I really start to think about it there are so many different things I want to do. My challenge is focusing on efforts and not spreading myself too thin. This is not only in my long term goals, but everyday life.
So for me, focusing in on what I want and how I am going to do it is what I need to do to make my epic shit happen.
Fear of judgment, lack of confidence, feeling unprepared, so many directions? All of those things plus some!
But I'm not holding back anymore! I want to go to vet school and I want everyone to know that fact. And guess what, it will happen.
I also want to run a cattle ranch. That will happen in my lifetime too.
Both of these goals are lofty (also achievable) but when I really start to think about it there are so many different things I want to do. My challenge is focusing on efforts and not spreading myself too thin. This is not only in my long term goals, but everyday life.
So for me, focusing in on what I want and how I am going to do it is what I need to do to make my epic shit happen.
What is my spirit telling me? It's telling me that I want a happy life with my wonderful husband and a few rambunctious kids. It wants our family to be happy and comfortable in our lives built on love, stability, and fun.
When it comes to my career, my spirit tells me to do something I'm passionate about. Sitting behind a desk might have to be there for certain portions of any career, but that isn't where I want to be for the majority of my time. I want to be outside, working with people and animals, sharing my passion for agriculture and the life it brings.
It also wants to make a difference. I want to help those in need but not to prop them up but to help them stand on their own two feet and make things happen for themselves.
I want to go to vet school. Always have. There is a lot of things which could hold me back. It's a huge endeavor which will require a major lifestyle change, moving, and way less income for a number of years. But it's my dream. And it's worth it.
Guiding what comes into my mind and only allowing the positive thoughts about my future is a huge challenge, but one I'm so excited to try!
"Your spirits dream of a perfect life is your destiny."
When it comes to my career, my spirit tells me to do something I'm passionate about. Sitting behind a desk might have to be there for certain portions of any career, but that isn't where I want to be for the majority of my time. I want to be outside, working with people and animals, sharing my passion for agriculture and the life it brings.It also wants to make a difference. I want to help those in need but not to prop them up but to help them stand on their own two feet and make things happen for themselves.
I want to go to vet school. Always have. There is a lot of things which could hold me back. It's a huge endeavor which will require a major lifestyle change, moving, and way less income for a number of years. But it's my dream. And it's worth it.
Guiding what comes into my mind and only allowing the positive thoughts about my future is a huge challenge, but one I'm so excited to try!
"Your spirits dream of a perfect life is your destiny."
I'm behind. Oh, what's new there? I'm catching up and will stay caught up!
Day Uno
I am gifted with the ability to make myself work really hard. If I set my mind to doing something, especially a physical something, such as working horses or working out, I can get it done. I also have the ability to read people. This stems from all the work I've done with animals through the years and really does translate over to the human world. I have a hard time giving up on anything. This could be seen as a gift or a curse. Sometimes it is both.
I am passionate about training horses, the great world of agriculture, my husband, and my dogs. Training and showing horses is where I feel most alive. I love to work with a young horse and take it through the learning process. You have to listen really well to hear what they are trying to say to you and if you get nervous or in a hurry those lines of communication get fuzzy. That is when things go wrong.
Agriculture and that way of life is something I simply adore. Growing safe, wholesome food for our nation and other countries is a huge deal and I want to be a part of it for my whole life.
I love my husband. He is my rock and helps to keep me centered while I try to dive head first into every project I have on my plate. My dogs are part of my family. My little old dog, Jack, is one who has been with me for 14 years, through thick and thin, good times filled with loved ones and sad times when it was just him and me. Willard, the big, dumb dog, is teaching me how to take my horse training skills over to the dog world. He frustrates me and annoys me, but makes me laugh every single day with his antics and goofiness. He is a great dog who just needs some time and understanding.
Day Dos
My roles in life include wife, friend, AGvocate, and horse girl.
As a wife, I am there to love, support, and encourage my husband. I feel more amazing in this role when Jordan is having a bad day and needs me to talk to him and share a different perspective, while keeping my cool and not sounding like I'm lecturing or chastising him. When he smiles at me and the little dimple in his right cheek shows, I know I've done my job to make him truly happy.
My close friends are amazing people and our friendships have evolved into something I consider more like a family. When I remember an important event or pick up the phone in the middle of the night, that is when I feel like I'm at my best in this role. We all get busy, but making time for these important people is a priority,
I love agriculture and a big part of my heart is dedicated to the beef community. My job is so important to me and I can honestly say that is because I'm passionate about what I do. I believe the people of agriculture are working hard to provide us with safe and affordable food and I want more people to believe the same. Of course, there is always room for improvement and I want to show people that we work hard to do just that. When I'm organizing tours or coming up with a new innovative way to show people how beef is raised I feel like I'm contributing to our goal of ensuring more people reach for beef at the grocery store while knowing they are eating a safe, wholesome, and nutritious product.
Horses are my escape from the "real world." They allow me to step away from the normal day to day stresses and focus solely on what they need. I love to show and always have. As a younger person, showing brought me great anxiety. Anxiety to the point of complete meltdown and paralysis. Through lots of years of struggles, lessons, and practice I can now proudly say, I've conquered my fears of showing. I now can show and enjoy the ride.
A great example of when I felt great showing horses was the recent regional show back in April. Axl, a beautiful, big gray gelding, was my "project" as a youngster. He needed miles and I gave him that. Trish and I started showing him, she put the final touches on his training and now he cleans up in the show ring. I have successfully shown him in the amateur classes and she in the open classes. He was Champion in Hand in both the open and ammy class, Reserve Champion in the Open and Ammy Under Saddle.
At this particular horse show, I was given the opportunity to show Ester, a big trotting mare who has had a special place in my heart for quite some time. Ester isn't a horse I ride very often and boy is she strong! But I rode her in that class and came away with a Reserver Championship!
On to day 3!
Day Uno
I am gifted with the ability to make myself work really hard. If I set my mind to doing something, especially a physical something, such as working horses or working out, I can get it done. I also have the ability to read people. This stems from all the work I've done with animals through the years and really does translate over to the human world. I have a hard time giving up on anything. This could be seen as a gift or a curse. Sometimes it is both.
I am passionate about training horses, the great world of agriculture, my husband, and my dogs. Training and showing horses is where I feel most alive. I love to work with a young horse and take it through the learning process. You have to listen really well to hear what they are trying to say to you and if you get nervous or in a hurry those lines of communication get fuzzy. That is when things go wrong.
Agriculture and that way of life is something I simply adore. Growing safe, wholesome food for our nation and other countries is a huge deal and I want to be a part of it for my whole life.
I love my husband. He is my rock and helps to keep me centered while I try to dive head first into every project I have on my plate. My dogs are part of my family. My little old dog, Jack, is one who has been with me for 14 years, through thick and thin, good times filled with loved ones and sad times when it was just him and me. Willard, the big, dumb dog, is teaching me how to take my horse training skills over to the dog world. He frustrates me and annoys me, but makes me laugh every single day with his antics and goofiness. He is a great dog who just needs some time and understanding.
Day Dos
My roles in life include wife, friend, AGvocate, and horse girl.
As a wife, I am there to love, support, and encourage my husband. I feel more amazing in this role when Jordan is having a bad day and needs me to talk to him and share a different perspective, while keeping my cool and not sounding like I'm lecturing or chastising him. When he smiles at me and the little dimple in his right cheek shows, I know I've done my job to make him truly happy.
My close friends are amazing people and our friendships have evolved into something I consider more like a family. When I remember an important event or pick up the phone in the middle of the night, that is when I feel like I'm at my best in this role. We all get busy, but making time for these important people is a priority,
I love agriculture and a big part of my heart is dedicated to the beef community. My job is so important to me and I can honestly say that is because I'm passionate about what I do. I believe the people of agriculture are working hard to provide us with safe and affordable food and I want more people to believe the same. Of course, there is always room for improvement and I want to show people that we work hard to do just that. When I'm organizing tours or coming up with a new innovative way to show people how beef is raised I feel like I'm contributing to our goal of ensuring more people reach for beef at the grocery store while knowing they are eating a safe, wholesome, and nutritious product.
Horses are my escape from the "real world." They allow me to step away from the normal day to day stresses and focus solely on what they need. I love to show and always have. As a younger person, showing brought me great anxiety. Anxiety to the point of complete meltdown and paralysis. Through lots of years of struggles, lessons, and practice I can now proudly say, I've conquered my fears of showing. I now can show and enjoy the ride.
A great example of when I felt great showing horses was the recent regional show back in April. Axl, a beautiful, big gray gelding, was my "project" as a youngster. He needed miles and I gave him that. Trish and I started showing him, she put the final touches on his training and now he cleans up in the show ring. I have successfully shown him in the amateur classes and she in the open classes. He was Champion in Hand in both the open and ammy class, Reserve Champion in the Open and Ammy Under Saddle.
At this particular horse show, I was given the opportunity to show Ester, a big trotting mare who has had a special place in my heart for quite some time. Ester isn't a horse I ride very often and boy is she strong! But I rode her in that class and came away with a Reserver Championship!
On to day 3!
Heidi Prezel. Yes, that is her real last name. Well, legally not anymore. Which is partly a result of this story, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Have you ever meant a person and started a friendship which seemed like it was established years before you even knew they existed? Yup. I'm lucky enough to have one of those people and it's Heidi. She has many attributes which allow for such a friendship including her hard working attitude (like work until your kidney is about to burst), honesty (as in, if you do something stupid she'll tell you with no sugar coating needed), and sense of humor (pure ridiculousness).
After Heidi graduated from high school, she ran off to Oklahoma, and finally landed in the State of Enchantment (or entrapment, depending on who you're talking too) for her college career. Upon completion of her degree, she decided to hit the road and head for Montana where a "summer" internship at a large cow-calf ranch awaited her. Oh yea, and her long distance boyfriend.
 |
| After 24 hours of driving and lots of memories. |
Heidi had a plan. Heidi always has a plan. She planned to hitch up her old Ford F-250 to a 20 foot long stock trailer, shove her three year filly and weanling colt (yup weanling, as in weaned from his mother by two weeks) in the back, and drive her happy butt 24 hours north to the Big Sky State. Just her, her horses, her dogs and the open road. Well, I saw this plan as a problem.
So I offered to come along for the ride and help drive a little. Just to keep her company (and to make sure she didn't die). The night before I flew to New Mexico, I laminated about all the terrible things that could happen along the way, but put my big girl panties on and headed out the door.
So. Many. Hilarious. Stories.
Like when we stopped in Colorado Springs at 4pm on a Tuesday for a potty break, which turned into a grocery store shopping trip and ended with two very large iced green teas, one in each of our happy hands. Fast forward an hour later, to grid lock Denver traffic with our 20 foot plus rig stuck smack dap in the middle of commuters trying to make their way home. If you've ever gulped down a large green tea you know where I'm going with this. Yup. We had to pee. SO BAD! With nowhere to go and not even a place to hide to go. And pulling off one of the exits wasn't going to happen. The truck stop never looked so good.
And when we stopped in Tiny Town, Wyoming at three in the morning and I headed into the 24 hour gas station to check out their energy drinks and supplements. No Doz is a little caffeine pill that one can take when trying to study for a big test, finish a project for work, or drive across the country in 24 hours, and is perfectly legal, by the way. I stared at the home goods products for at least ten minutes in my zombie state and then turned to the store clerk who was already looking in my direction with concern and maybe a touch of panic. "Do you have any No Doz?" I muttered. Full fledged shock and horror shoot across her face as she sputters, "We don't do that kind of stuff around here!"
Or when we saw little tepees for little Indians and never gave it a second thought. We were about 22 hours into our non-stop drive (remember that weanling colt in the back) and mother nature hit us again. Lucky for us, it was 5am in nowhere Montana so we just pulled over on the side of the road. As we played a round of Chinese Fire Drill, we both noticed tepees in a field next to the road. Our delirious minds left it there and gave us some good laughs to help keep our eyes open. In case you were curious and hadn't figured it out, those tepees were markers for an airplane runway.
Experiences are so much better than things. Even better when you're riding shotgun to a crazy girl with a plan.
