Most Hated Yet Rewarding Assignment on Campus

For the last three months my students have worked on a project (in addition to all their regular work) that has become the most hated yet rewarding assignment on campus. And I only say hated because they haven't finished it... 

The Agriscience project that I do with my all my classes is basically a science experiment on roids... No really, it's certifiably a crazy difficult project!! 

So what's the point? Why do I make my kids to a project that no one else does on campus? Why do I encourage them not to work with a best friend on the project? Why do the need to write a research paper?  

Um well short answer: Because they need it and I love it... 

Really though, a semester for doing agriscience projects is one of the most rewarding times that students spend in my class. Although I'm sure they might disagree currently, as their projects are due tomorrow.  The sigh of relief and accomplishment as they hand in the final paper is something unmatched. 

Seriously, the paper ends up being 12+ 

page research paper.  Students create a problem or question, set up an experimental design, conduct research, execute the experimental design, collect all the data and reach conclusions based on their findings. It's hard, it's complicated and yet they all survive!!! 

My favorite part about the project is the process. Watching kids who have never really conducted any research at the beginning of the semester, develop into kids that are thinking critically about agriculture and science, is amazing. They surprise themselves with how much they learn! And it's not just the research and data collection, they also learn how to use computers to their benefit, how to work together, how to read instructions, how to respond to feedback, how to take constructive criticism and how to ask questions in order to make their projects better. 

Now, there is usually some type of argument (between kids), crying and malfunction with spray glue at some point in the process but they all live to tell the stories. I love that the instructions and guidelines are the same yet for every student, yet they all create a different idea/project. Recently one of my students presented her project at the school board meeting and the board was shocked at the level of difficulty and inquiry type learning she had done with the project. Last week my VP, brought some admin from other schools into my class to show them the agriscience boards from last years projects. I love this because it just gives my Ag department, one more opportunity to be unique and stand out in a positive way. As my principal says, we're "moving away from cows and plows". While we are still learning about "cows and plows" in class, I love knowing that this project is raising the bar for my students.

I've recieved numerous texts, calls and emails this weekend from kids asking for clarification to make sure their project is perfect. At the end of the day, not all their projects will be A's but they will all be able to say they completed a project. 

Kids are finishing up papers tonight and we'll start display boards this week! I am giddy to watch them work together this week on their boards. 

I'd be lucky to have two division winners again in 2015... Fingers crossed! 

Thankful for November...Being Over

As I happily sit doing nothing but watching Hallmark Christmas movies on this last day of break, I am reminded of all the things I am thankful for...

Everyday in November, leading up to Thanksgiving I wrote what I am most thankful for:

1- Completely thankful for my job! It's the greatest profession that mixes agriculture, education, leadership, travel and high school kids!
2- Long plane rides... I really appreciate those 3+ hours of sleep while flying high
3- Good substitutes while I'm gone... They really are the shiz!
4- I'm thankful for kids who want to do more, they are my kind of people...
5- I so appreciate good school secretaries! They really are the best for chatting and listening to any needed venting... I love my school secretaries and attendance ladies!
6- I am so blessed to have a nice house... I love my house, my yard and the history that goes with it!
7- I am so thankful for a profession that has the opportunities to meet up with friends and go on cool industry tours... Today was at Neves Roses in Petaluma.
8- I love days I get to see friends from far away! Especially when we get to laugh a lot...
9- I'm forever grateful for Sundays that allow me to stay in my pajamas... They are rare and I love them!!!
10- Feeling pretty grateful that kids are willing to show up on non-school days for practice... No school today, yet no complaints about coming to school to work on opening & closing...
11- Pretty simple... Veteran's Day! 
12- I hate Opening & Closing but I LOVE these crazy kids and am so thankful for their dedication and drive!
13 - I'm grateful that kids feel like they can sit down and talk to me. Sometimes teachers forget kids have bigger issues at home than a missed assignment
14- I love and am thankful for mom&pop restaurants, where the owners know your family because you've been going there for a bazillion years... It makes dinner much better!
15- I really love being part of an organization that centers around Italian heritage and food... 
16- I am thankful for all the things I've learned being surrounded by a bunch of Italian ladies... Life skills people... And mostly food!
17: Thankful for kids that spend time with me after school to make sure everything is just perfect for the banquet tomorrow...
18- Thankful that my momma got to go home from the hospital!! Too much time spent there in the last week... So grateful my aunt can help her at home rather than her staying in the hospital longer...
19- I feel so blessed to be able to train public speakers through FFA experiences... Tonight one of my kids presented to the school board about her agriscience project that went to Nationals... Very cool
20- I'm thankful for the phone... Yep! Because without it I wouldn't be able to talk to my parents on a daily basis... I do love our chats!
21- Thankful for long drives and good friends!!! Love ya Amber!
22 & 23- It's a big one so it gets two days... I am incredibly thankful to have great friends all over the state that I get to go visit... They're pretty amazing!
24- I love that I have a job that allows me to be off school for the whole week
25- I'm so grateful that I get to have a craft day tomorrow with Heidi! Gonna be so fun!
26- Thankful for a solid day of laughing, sewing, chatting and crafting for the holidays!!
27- Happy Thanksgiving!!! I am thankful for each of you! Hope your day is blessed! I am a lucky girl and get to spend today with a table full of characters
28-30- I feel so incredibly blessed for supportive parents. They are the bestest ever, plain and simple! 

But now that I've been thankful, I can honestly say I AM SO READY for December!

I love December and the entire holiday season... I love the smells, the foods, the clothing, the weather and the holiday attitudes that many people have. December to me, brings out the best in people. Well not all people, but if it doesn't bring out the best in you then you suck and there is not much helping ya! 

I love sending and receiving Christmas cards, baking cookies, decorating the tree, spending time with friends, seeing houses decorated, watching Hallmark movies, seeing the Nutcracker, buying gifts for others and doing good deeds. November is a month of thankfulness but December is the month of giving to others. 

This year for our Sectional FFA night, we are working at the Redwood Empire Food Bank. I am so excited as many of my students have never done anything like this. This is what December is about...

Before Thanksgiving break, it was announced that my class won the Canned Food Drive with 759 cans. This is what December is about...

My students are also going fulfill hearts for the Sonoma County Secret Santa Program, last year we fulfilled over 40 hearts. This year hopefully we get closer to 60... This is what December is about...

Even the simple, Pay it Forward, at Starbucks in the Drive Thru is something.... Make sure you plan to do something for others this December. Don't do it for the recognition, do it for the warm fuzzies!

Side Note: I did go Black Friday shopping with my bestest friend... Didn't buy much, it was just a fun day hanging out with this momma of 2... Love her! 

Opening & Closing

What is opening & closing you may ask? It's a sectional contest for FFA members of all ages, that wish to learn and memorize the opening and closing parts for running an FFA meeting. It's completely scripted... 

I can without a doubt say this is my LEAST favorite contest to coach. I'm not sure why I have this great hatred for opening and closing but it literally drives me up the wall. 

Reasons I hate Opening & Closing: 

1. You're teaching novice, advanced and officer teams, all the parts to open and close a meeting-- yet in reality only the officers open and close a meeting for an entire year. 

2. It creates robots... Kids who memorize word for word information, LAME.

3. With all this memorization, let me just tell you it becomes incredibly boring to watch practices! 

4. Tap once, Tap three times... Mr. President this is not difficult to remember! 

5. Hair... Please dear lord, brush your hair children! You are showing up to look professional, which means if you rolled outta bed you should check yourself! 

6. Boys- Yes, button the dang top button of your shirt and learn to tie a proper tie.

7. Day of the contest, it is quite literally the most boring day of sitting around and waiting. 

8. We added Parli Pro to our Opening & Closing for officers this year... To be funny or serious? That is the question... 

9. Our contest is during the day... Yep another sub to prepare for! 

10. Our contest goes past noon... Yet, we don't get lunch (um yeah that sucks) 

All in all, I know the positive things about opening and closing. The hope is to get kids more involved with the sectional level, get more experience public speaking, try something new, meet new people and yada yada yada... 

Mostly, I go with flow (although not quietly) with the contest because kids love it. They might be scared shitless on the van ride to the contest but on the way home they are crazy hyped up! That to me is an FFA success, regardless of how excited I am about it. 

Positives for the day... 

My kids had fun

They won some ribbons

I made them play games

They met new people

They worked as a TEAM

Big game of concentration... Sitting and being anti social is not an option when you roll with me. 

Advanced Team- Emily was Outstanding Vice President 

Officer Team- Tony was Outstanding President and Emma was Outstanding Secretary

Aren't they precious?! 

Living to Serve

So I've been on an unintentional hiatus... I've been extremely busy at school with meetings, new curriculum, and then adding in personal life stuff, life is just been a little crazy! 

Last week I was fortunate enough to take seven students to the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Now this convention draws over 60,000 FFA members and is the largest student leadership conference in the country. Now this means that we get some pretty good speakers, who talk about agriculture, leadership, and just doing more. 

Two of my favorite speakers were from large companies. The COO of Monsanto and the president of Elanco, we're both informative and really fascinating to listen to. I personally enjoyed both speeches, because both men spoke about how we are going to feed the world. They talked about how FFA members in the room are going to be responsible for feeding, not only our country but our world. Whether they become farmers, or research scientists, they will need to figure out how to do more, feed more, and produce more with less. 

This is such a valuable concept for not only high school students but individual consumers to grasp. We live in the United States-- we live in a country of choice. Most people don't have to worry where their food comes from, if it will be safe, or if we'll have enough to feed our family each day. Sadly there are people that struggle with this on a daily basis. 

During national convention, I had our chapter participate in a National Day of Service organized by the National FFA. Anyone who attends the convention is able to sign up for one of the service activities. Although the service activity that directly related to food and packaging meals was already filled, I was able to sign our kids up for a project that allowed them to plant trees in underdeveloped neighborhoods of Louisville. They had a great time and it was a prime opportunity to give back. 

I think more kids need the opportunity to participate in community service activities. I also think that service activities that are directly related to food and hunger in communities are essential. At our officer meeting tonight we discussed all of the upcoming community service activities that the officers would like to do. I'd be lying, if I said I wasn't impressed with each of their suggestions and ideas to facilitate activities that give back to the community. 

From the Sonoma County Secret Santa program to working at the Redwood Empire Food Bank, collecting cans and nonperishable food items as well as setting up a blood drive, these are just some of the activities that the officers have planned. It really warms my heart, that the students I have, that are so fortunate in so many ways, are the first to want to do community service for others. I feel like they really listened to the speeches given by the Monsanto and Elanco presidents and how it is becoming their responsibility to feed the world and contribute to their communities. They want to do more, give more and serve more...

"Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others."

Just another reminder of why I'm thankful for my job and students... 

Before they headed out to plant trees... 

Some of the kids at the Expo! #weareffa 

The day I hope never comes...

I feel like the average high school doesn't usually have to deal with tragedy. I think for most kids in high school, they go along complete their four years and rarely ever think about losing a friend or multiple. 

Unfortunately this creates kids that think they're invincible. As a teacher I overhear all kinds of crazy stories. And I think to myself how lucky many of my students are because they never have had to deal with a tragedy or a death among classmates. But I also think because of that, they lose reality of what actually can happen when they put themselves in bad situations. And not all tragedies even come from bad situations. 

Most kids don't think twice about what they do on the weekends, who they hangout with or the choices that they make. Because nothing bad will ever happen.... Right??? 

When you're in high school you don't focus on the big picture... Because well you don't have to! Making decisions on a Saturday night rarely gets you thinking about how they could affect the rest of your life. Trust me, I was in high school not that long ago (okay it was a little while ago). But what about those Friday or Saturday nights that change your life forever??? 

When I was a junior in high school, I lost one of my favorite people that I had known and been friends with since sixth grade. You know those guys in school that are popular, super athletic, always seem to have a good day, and everybody just loves??? That was Keith. 

I'm met Keith in sixth grade after I began attending Eagle Peak Middle School. Now this middle school is about 10 minutes out of town and I knew about six people when I started. Keith was one of the first people that I became friends with because we sat next to eachother in English. He always had a smile and was always super friendly. So duh! We needed to be friends.

This time of year always reminds me of Keith. Football season and cross country season... Throughout middle school and some of high school he dated one of my close friends, so he was always kind of around. Plus his mom was my bus driver a couple years.

Keith was a runnin fool... 

As you grow older, and go to a larger high school (in our case), people you are friends with change. That's normal, but there's always those people that kind of have a part of your heart, they're just good people that will always say hi and always be there if you need to talk. That was Keith. 

Keith and his story, changed our high school class forever. I still remember getting the phone call that he had tragically passed away. It was surreal for my friends and I. And while we were juniors in high school and a lot had happened since six grade, losing a classmate was something that affected the way I viewed the rest of high school. And it affects the advice I give to kids in the classroom now. Life can be short. It's possible not to get second chances, redos, or do overs. Accidents and some bad choices don't just affect the people they harm they can affect an entire population. 

In this case the population was our high school. Keith's funeral was and still is the biggest funeral I have ever been to (and I've been to my fair share). People sat everywhere. It was also one of the most sad funerals I've ever been to.  Story after story and people sobbing, all trying to understand why we lost someone so young, so unfairly. 

I know my friends and I still miss Keith on a daily basis, and we carry his memory with us wherever we go. Our graduation he had been gone a year and a half. It had never rained in June, as far back as our principal could remember. It mostly was a dry day. We all sat out on the chairs during the ceremony and at one point, the skies opened up and it just down poured. We were completely soaked, but everybody laughed and looked around at each other, because we knew that that was Keith's way of being with us on graduation day. 

Kids today act invincible.... 

"Nothing bad can happen"

"It's all just for fun"

"We'll be fine"

"Don't worry"

I hear that every Friday as I tell kids to "have a great weekend and make good choices". But at the same time it's scary every weekend wondering if I'll see them again on Monday morning. Thankfully the answer has always been yes. Heaven forbid when it's not.... 

I hope the day never comes where I have to go to school on Monday and find out I lost a student. I pray every weekend that my kids make good choices. So many of my kids are "my kids". Well, I'm not old enough to have kids in high school but I still care about them like they're my children. Not all of them have supportive families or tell their parents everything about their life. Some need those teachers that support them, talk to them and are there for them. That's actually my favorite part of being a teacher. 

It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. -J.K. Rowling

It's Gonna Be Okay...

Last week we had our Chapter Officer Leadership Conference in Sebastopol. My kids are rather "energetic" and "lively" at conferences where they get to see old friends and make new friends. For lack of a better reference they are like flippin caged animals being let out for the first time! 

While at times it's incredibly frustrating to maintain their focus and make sure that they are absorbing everything from the conference to bring back to the chapter. For the most part they really appreciate and understand the importance of conferences and really value what they learned. I personally don't think that's a skill you can really teach to kids. 

Being energetic.

Being engaged. 

Being willing to step outside their comfort zone.

Being respectful. 

Being appropriate. 

Being there for others not part of their chapter. 

I seriously could not teach all of these things to my chapter officers. I was extremely impressed with their commitment and dedication while we were at COLC. And yes they totally make me furious sometimes! But they really do try to take in everything that is given at conferences-- which I wholeheartedly appreciate! 

My officers with the CA State FFA Officers

The best part is when we come home from conferences and they really take on those leadership roles that they learn about. I figure I've taught them and given them the tools they need, but it really takes the individual kid, to want to do a good job and want to be a leader. I've been so lucky this year to have kids that take the initiative to text me and find out if they should contact everyone for activities and how they should go about it. It's refreshing to have kids take ownership of committees and meetings, plan what they will present, games they'll play, and ideas want to discuss. 

It's times like these I have to remind myself to breathe, because it's all going to be okay. I need to remember that the kids are capable little creatures and when I start stress, I need to delegate those responsibilities to them because they are more than able to handle it. 

I can't take all the credit for the great job that they're all doing... But I can say that I set high expectations, train them and instill a little fear... A little, very rare, and on point craziness goes a looooooonnnnnggg way! Hahaha... 

Times like this and kids like these are the reasons that I am so happy and pumped to be an Ag teacher. I really love my frickin job... It rocks my socks! 

And a bonus today... It was Greenhand Conference! Little baby freshies doing fun, new stuff! Can't wait for them to continue in the FFA! 

What does it take?

In school, meaning high school I was pretty average... I got decent grades, that I had to bust my a$$ for, I played some sports and I did for 4-H and FFA. I was not a star athlete, a star student or ASB president. And magically I got into college... Even a couple of them! 

Now that I'm a teacher and I feel like I consult kids on a daily basis about college, why they should go (not all but most) and all the awesome things about college. I feel HELPLESS.

Helpless?! Yup! 

I feel like I know even less about how to help kids get to the college they want to go to-- financially, academically and emotionally. Although I only graduated five years ago I feel like so much has changed in the college system compared to when I was there. 

College and getting into college has now consumed the lives of high school freshmen and sophomores. And unfortunately by the time they get to their senior year I feel like they are even less prepared to go to college, then they really should be and they're not getting it. 

College is just such a focus for so many teachers, administrators, counselors and parents and even students. Yet, these star athletes, star students and presidents of every club on campus are not getting into college. I have kids with a ridiculous amount of AP classes, playing multiple sports, involved in multiple clubs and leadership and I hate to tell them that they might not get in the college of their dreams. 

Our school even had a girl last year who was a "ideal" well-rounded student and ideal candidate for college and that she didn't get into the one University that she wanted to go to. It's not like she was shooting for the moon or anything, it was a UC in California for jeez sake. How is that even possible?! How are 4.0+ GPAs and "involved with everything" type kids not getting into universities?? 

Kids no longer get to enjoy the great things about high school, because they are so consumed by these high-end classes and being involved with everything that they don't know how to balance anything. We are almost creating ADD kids. They can no longer focus on one thing or aspect of school and do it well. They have to do everything, they have to do it over the top, and they have to do it all at once. And that is only to MAYBE have a chance at the college of their choice (the realistic one).

Kids no longer take their time, do high quality work every time or really absorb information... They are so slammed, they rush through work just to get it done.

It's just crazy to me that so much emphasis is put into "being awesome and getting in". Kids need to be able to set goals and work hard to get into college but also enjoy the road getting there.

This is now my students on a daily basis... 

I'm not a Runner

Labor Day weekend I did something I never thought I could do. I ran... In a race... For a few miles...

Now, my entire life I have always said, "Do you see this body? It's not meant for running or cardio!" I've also said that if you see me running, you should probably start too because something is most likely chasing me. Running, and exercise of any kind, is not my forte.

So what the hell did I run in a race for? Well for starters, it was at Disneyland! Most amazing place ever! Freaking love that place! Secondly, I figured why not?? I mean really... What the hell was I waiting for? I decided it was probably best to start being proactive and the first step was some running.

I also decided a weekend with my crafty bitches would be so fun! Especially in The Happiest Place on Earth! So I signed my a$$ up and started preparing and did some training.

I trained and even got a treadmill to keep motivated. I will say it wasn't the easiest thing to stay focused for, mostly because I have never been a runner. But....

Going across the finish line was one of the most personally rewarding things I have ever done. It was such a rush of awesomeness! Then somebody handed me a medal... Pretty bada$$ to get a medal after doing something I thought was impossible. It was equally awesome that I did it with my soul sister, Jill. Our other crafty bitch, Alyssa, was with us too, but she smoked us and just ran her tushy off the whole time!

It was something that I'm pumped to do again... Like real soon... We already registered for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in May!

Some days I still do things that amaze myself... The Disneyland 10K was definitely proof of that. I learned a little about myself in the process too. Mostly that I am the one that needs to believe in myself. I need to think more about what I can do rather than what I can't do.


Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.

The finish line!!!! 

Running in California Adventure... 

The crowd at 5:30am! Crazy that 8,000 people ran with us! 

We enjoyed the parks after our much needed showers!

Wednesday Wisdom from a Young Owl

Okay so.... I don't know everything when it comes to teaching and being an advisor (not a huge surprise, right?!). BUT, I do think I try really hard to be there for my kids, make sure they are learning stuff and make my classes relevant to their life and future.

So it totally fries my tushy, when other teachers don't put in the time to really get to know their students. Blah, Blah, Blah, everyone is busy, or whatever the excuse of the day is. I feel like that is what kids want, parents want and administrators want. Shouldn't we know our students? Building a bond with a kid could be the most valuable you do all year as a teacher. Because those bonds, help you (the teacher), when you then need that kid to do an assignment or make an effort on a project. Some of the coolest kids I know and have in class are not star students. But I appreciate them for they are and give them props for what they do regardless of the score they did or didn't get on a quiz. Kids are individuals, it's important that we get to know them and treat them like individuals. Rather than another number?

If we take more time to get to know our students hobbies or interests can't we better engage them in class? Wouldn't our examples be more personal to them? If they feel invested, won't they make an effort? Typically yes... Always? Probably not... But some is always better than none.

Last year, I made an attempt to attend at least one home game of every sport (with the exception of cross country and track). It is amazing how much you can get a silent student to talk in class after attending one of their sports games/meets. Because they know you care enough about them to show up outside of school. Same goes for drama productions... And they're pretty fun on a Friday night! 

I just wish more teachers really WANTED to be part of that culture at schools. I know everyone is busy, has families or whatev but one or two outside school activities won't kill ya! 

But then again, attending too many might get ya suckered into being the Junior class advisor... Yeah that's me... What the hell did I agree to?! Guess we'll find out. 

 

"My Emblem" project... On the 2nd day of school I already knew what sports schedules to print. 

Football games are always fun! And I get to yell so that's good for my blood pressure... Can't wait for next week's 1st home game!

Back to School!

Today was my first day back to school!! Year 5 has begun!

I can officially say I am so excited to be back and with my kiddos. This summer went waaaaaay to quick but luckily I kinda dig my job so it's not a huge deal to be back. I could have used another day or two to prep my room and get things exactly how I wanted but oh well... It looks pretty good and I was able to change up quite a bit this summer so it's new and different (in a good way, I promise).

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend a staff retreat...
SAY WHAT?!?!

Yep! My high school admin take us hooligan teachers away for two days and we go through the year, have some professional development, reflect on last year and sit around and "chat" after dinner. We actually play some pretty intense games of Catch Phrase and Corn Hole. I remember last year how nice it was to meet everyone in a relaxed capacity before starting the school year. It was such a good way to get everything situated and feel like you could run to that kooky English teacher if you needed help in the first few days of school because of the time you spent at the retreat.

Something that always gets to me is the other teacher's summer stories (not just at this school). Teachers ramble about how they spent time here, and traveled there and blah blah blah... My favorite thing is when they ask what I did all summer. Ummmmm my response usually involves being at a fair. This summer it included three fairs in July and August. Some teachers are actually appalled that I didn't spend the summer tanning, traveling, surfing (we have a lot of surfers) or some other random summer activity. But instead.... wait for it.... I saw students!!!! Oh no! How could I?! What was I thinking?!

My summers are not quite as relaxing as others and I rarely travel to far away places but I like my low-key, fair-filled, hot as hell summers. They aren't too bad... This summer I got to spend a lot of time with my mom, which was really nice since she isn't working right now.

Summers are different for everyone...
I really like to read, sleep in, go to fairs and see friends (at least I try)...

Maybe someday I'll tan... But probably not because my pasty butt burns...
Maybe someday I'll travel... Well hopefully!
Maybe someday I'll surf... Hahaha maybe not!

For now... I'll be glad that I'm back in school, as the next two months are actually the most calm for my schedule.

Happy Back to School!!!!

Oh how I've missed high school kids! 

That Four Letter "F" Word

The four letter F word... Now I'm sure you can imagine what kind of possibilities there are...  But the four letter F word that I'm talking about is FAIR! This week starts my second week of Sonoma County Fair and the week of Redwood Empire Fair. 

I've spent the last couple of days reflecting on my fair experiences and how they impacted my life, as I do every year. To say I love fairs would be an understatement. But growing up they weren't necessarily all warm, fuzzy, rainbows and unicorns. There were definite ups and downs to every fair. 

I can vividly remember one year getting a nosebleed almost every day because temperatures reached 110 or higher. I can also remember hating wearing my uniform (jeans and long sleeves) and one of my leaders holding me down to put a belt on me... By the way I still hate belts! I can also remember never winning grand champion with my market animal. And always losing round-robin to my friend Miranda (every flippin time! She beat me at everything). There were even a couple instances where parents had mental breakdowns before the kids... These all helped make my fair experience, shall we say colorful? 

But those few weird and unfortunate events, never seem to trump the amazing family and successful experiences that we had together. Especially our camp time! Now some of you may know, but I actually lived in the town that our fair is held but I still camped in a trailer with my 4-H club every year. Because what is better than getting up at 5:30am and just walking to the barn with the wheelbarrow and a pitchfork?  Or sitting up late in a circle in the middle of camp, laughing about the events of the day and almost peeing our pants from so much giggling. My favorite was one year after our large Saturday night barbecue in camp with fresh oysters and everything, we took over the fire lane so that we could perform skits! 

I may not have ever won grand champion market hog but I won champion with all my breeding stock that I ever showed. I also was one of those kids that had a million fair exhibits in the still exhibits with multiple best of shows each year (my table settings were bomb.com). 

Most importantly while being involved in 4-H, FFA and attending fairs every year I gained that some of the best friendships! I made lifelong friends when I was eight years old by going to the fairs and working with people in the barns. Some of my favorite people, I met there. People from Willits, Laytonville, Hopland, Potter Valley and even Fort Bragg became family. 

I think that's why fairs are such an important part of my upbringing but also created such an impact on my life. It wasn't about the grand champion ribbons, it wasn't about the uniform... It was about the learning experience, the fun times in camp and the friends you make along the way. 

I like to win just as much as anyone... But I think people sometimes get lost in the winning and forget about the important aspects of fairs-- the people. Those friendships are invaluable, long after the ribbons and banners are faded or torn, the friendships are still there. 

2000

Deidre and I could laugh together all dang day... John and Jordan were never impressed. 

Scotty and I before the auction... French braids were in I swear!

Who takes an old, washed up team roping horse in a halter class?? This girl! 

Miranda and I our last fair... She beat me at everything... She was even born 4 days before me! But I love this girl! 

Sam! My leader, mentor, business partner, big brother, chaperone and friend!! Thank you for putting up with me for all those years. 

Water your own grass!

This is post is literally about something that I have no experience with. But that's never stopped me from having an opinion so here goes...

A few days ago, I saw a picture of a high school friend with another friend. Now, I must not pay enough attention to facebook because I was under the impression these people were married... To other people! So I texted my best friend and she informed they were both divorced now.

What the heck is wrong with people?! How have people become so accustomed to divorce? What happened to vows and all that crap?! Now, I'm definitely not the first to join the marriage bus, because I think people forget that it is partially a business deal (disagree if you want). But I also believe that when you get married, you have to work at it. Right?! It's not easy, it's not for the party, it's not to appease people nor should it be something that is a quick decision.

My unfiltered opinion is that technology has helped ruin the sanctity of marriage-- not in the way you may think. I also believe that parents help mold their children into the type of spouses they will become (stick with me...).

My generation (okay like 35-18 years old) has been ultimately spoiled rotten with new inventions, new technology and the luxury of instant information. This, in my opinion, has been to our demise. Where on earth would people learn about "sticking with" something in our age of instant information and new gadgets?

"Oh, your cell phone has a cracked screen? That's okay we will go get you a new one, even if we don't really have the money for it"
WHAT?!?
Why on earth would you buy a new phone for someone who didn't take care of it in the first place???

I feel this type of attitude has trickled into marriages. If something is broke-- that's okay, get a new one! Uhhhhhh no! You work to fix it. And you start in the beginning by taking care of it.
So many people my age rush into marriage. Not knowing enough about the other person, whether it's handling conflict, raising kids, career changes, dealing with deaths, or even just getting through holidays is where it starts. Then two years later they wonder why they are unhappy, don't have anything in common and start looking other places for love and attention.

Parents have such an impact on their children and I think marriage is one of the areas they spend the least amount of time talking about. Parents who indulge their children "just because", are not helping. You are creating future adults who are too spoiled to share, discuss difference of opinions or even some who refuse to be content with what they have. Creating people who always ask "What if..." or those who always are looking for more, better or bigger. To be real with you, you are creating a$$holes, just stop already... Teach your children to take care of what they have, save up for new stuff and create some appreciation.

Now, I'm not saying all marriages are doomed or any crazy shiz like that... I do believe that people sometimes just make it work... LIKE THEY SHOULD! But it takes work, time, effort, compromise, compassion and nurturing.

 I know there are always some extenuating circumstances for people to get divorced and I totes get that. But if more people spent as much time and effort into being married as they do working, eating, tweeting, crafting, facebooking, shopping, watching TV, reading, exercising, sleeping or whatever else, there would be far fewer divorces.

Just my 2 cents... Okay maybe fiddy cents.

For every marriage... Take some time to water your own grass

I try not to be negative but occasionally this pops into my head... People-- stop rushing it!! 

Summer Excursions

I just got back from our chapter officer retreat... For those of you that don't know what that is it's a FFA officer planning trip -- simply a couple of days where they do teambuilding, plan the upcoming year and learn more about each other so that they can work as a more effective team. 

It's the first time that a newly elected officer team, really has the ability to sit and work out the culture of the chapter, how they are going to manage the leadership team and become what I call our "FFAmily". Fortunately this year I was able to work with two other advisors to create an officer retreat for all three of our chapter officer groups. 

This was without a doubt the best idea! We were able to delegate some of the operations and leadership activities that were conducted during the retreat and have our students build new friendships with members in other chapters. Not to mention it was really nice to be able to build our teamwork activities into little competitions between the chapters. Also we broke them up into separate groups, not with their chapter, to conduct other business. Because there were three chapters we were able to bring in outside facilitators for a few workshops on a wide range of topics to help our kids get more information, more experience and gain more skills. 

This retreat reminded me of why I am so lucky to be in such a great profession. Working with other advisors in our section to create something that not only helps us, but really provides a unique experience for the kids. I just read an article on Facebook, ya know one of those trending ones that people share?? It was all about how as a student going through your teacher credential program you never are told about this baby secret, that there's never enough. 

Never enough time. 

Never enough work completed.

Never enough feedback. 

Never enough support. 

Never enough one on one. 

Never enough assignments. 

Never enough checks for understanding. 

No matter how good you are, how great you are in the classroom or outside, even though you may work your tail off there still is never enough being done. And I wholeheartedly agree that no matter what I do, it's still never going to be enough to appease my brain (and some parents). So it was really nice to work with other advisors and chapters to help us all get closer to making the experience for our kids more than enough. 

Although Ag teachers are told all the time to be careful, for fear of burnout (which I can totally understand). I sometimes feel like it's more important to give everything I have, to the kids I have right now. Because right now I can give them all my focus and time and energy. I might not be able to do that forever (let's be real-- it won't last forever) but I don't really want to pace myself. I feel like if I do, I will constantly think that I'm not doing enough, because I know in my mind I can do more. 

Thank you Grant, Felicia and Linsey for helping me do more for my kids!  

Speaking of more... Off to State Fair to watch kiddos! 

First Day! 

Planning time! 

Setting goals...

Team Building... A little competition never hurt nobody! Haha

Ready to head home...

Summer Conference

Meetings, food, familiar faces and more meetings... This may not sound like the ultimate fun bus but if you happen to be an Ag teacher, this may sound pretty similar to our CATA Summer Conference. 

For me, it's my favorite trip ALL frickin year... Mostly because I live in the North Coast Region and that means I live about 300+ miles from my credential class peeps (yeah we're still friends and hangout). While I'm not a huge fan of driving to Cal Poly to see my Fresno State friends, I'll do just about anything to see these amazing people. In all seriousness, at the conference, we attend professional sessions learning how we can do more as Ag teachers. 

The trend in Ag Education seems to focus on how we can maintain profession sustainability while planning for the future.  How can we continue to plow (haha pun intended) through the education hold ups and politics to reach kids and make a difference? What else can we fit in to a 24 hour period to go big, both for ourselves and our students? How can we serve others? How can we collaborate to work together and work smarter not harder? 

Fortunately, I was able to be part of a program this year to figure out how we are going to plan for our profession in the year 2030. It was a really great experience, meeting with teachers of all levels of experience, from all over the state. It's interesting to see how we separately have individual wants and needs and expectations but as a whole those desires become so similar and uniform. During conference today, there were reports of the 2030 group and how we have progressed towards goals set back in December. We also did an instant survey after the report with results projected. The results were kind of surprising to me. The 2030 group looked at four main areas: Curriculum, Mentoring, SAE and Funding. One of the questions of the survey asked if there are issues in our profession that are not being addressed by those four areas. There were numerous live result answers that included "leadership" "working together" and "ethics". Here we are sitting in a conference put on by Ag teachers for Ag teachers in a professional manner encouraging others to do more in the profession and people are questioning leadership, teamwork and ethics?! What the heck? 

I feel like this conference is the epitome of leadership and teamwork and by attending the conference you're kind of setting stage for the whole year as an Ag teacher. What could be important to impact our profession in a state wide capacity? I have always felt that by attending conference, I'm working to take a leadership role. Not only for myself, my section and my region but also my students. If I'm not willing to put myself out there and try new things and do more in a leadership capacity, why should they ever try? What type of role model and what message am I sending to them if I don't? My favorite part of the conference is the camaraderie among Ag teachers. Everyone sticks together, whether it's by the alumni lunch you attend or the regional meeting you sit in-- there's a spot for everyone. 

I've had the luxury of teaching in three different regions. From student teaching, to a year of long-term subbing to my current position. I think this has profoundly impacted the type of experience I have a conference.  I feel like I know more people than I can even say hello to in a day. I try to stop and chat with as many as possible but there's not enough time. I think that's what our profession needs more of. Time to sit around and hang out with other people, who do the same thing, know what we are going through and who can empathize with the amount of work that we put in for our students. 

I love sitting and catching up with the girls that I went through the credential program with.  People probably think we're a little nutty because we still see each other, hang out, talk, eat lunch and dinner together, go to the bar together and whatnot.  But we developed bonds during student teaching and the credential program. We all understood that we were there for each other and we know that we are always still just a phone call away. 

Our guest speaker today made a statement about how if you don't love it or if you want to complain about it then get out. She was referring to our profession.  And I couldn't agree more with her. The people who are negative or complain about everything that we do suck the life out of everyone... Don't be a Debbie Downer or Negative Nancy! 

We have a great profession that provides great opportunities and we need to appreciate that more on a daily basis!! 

Just in case you didn't know: 

Building a Story

I just came from a funeral... Funerals are not my favorite thing whatsoever but I've been to my fair share... Like maybe 3-5 every year since I was like 5 years old. 

Today was slightly different. Yes it was very nice, family spoke, the priest sang, music was played and so on... The difference was there was a band! In the mortuary, there was a band set up. 

Carmen was an extremely lively woman who had an extreme passion for dancing, hence the band. I had known her since birth. She worked at the Mendocino State Hospital with my grandpa and they all went dancing on a regular occasion. My mom always thought very highly of her and her family. It was a very nice service, listening to her sons and granddaughters speak about her and her life and all the really neat things that she did. 

My favorite parts were their stories about the dancing. Carmen met her husband one summer dancing, she danced late every weekend even when she had to work early, she even organized dances at our senior center later in life. The music played today was fun, old, good, solid music. And it reminded me so much of when I was a little kid and my grandpa was always dancing. It got me thinking about all of the traditions in families and communities that are lost over time. 

Dancing... How many of us can dance?? I don't mean rubbing up against each other and twerking... I mean actual dances, 10 step, waltz, old fashioned dancing?? So many of the stories today were about all of the fun times that were associated when Carmen and her husband and friends would go out to dance. 

Nowadays when kids or early 20-year-olds go out with friends all they do is drink. Is that really the tradition that we want people to remember? I've never been a big drinker, so for me it's not a huge deal. But I know so many people that can't go out with friends and have a really good time without changing themselves, so to speak. 

I think there are so many things that we are missing out on because we are infiltrated by cell phones, social media, alcohol, drugs and whatnot. We're missing those traditions to carry-on to children and friends because we're "so busy" rushing through life...  

Those stories of good times with others are what people remember... It's good to slow down, take some time, be with each other and enjoy that time... Because once it's gone, we never get it back. 

Make it a good story! 

Picture story: Remember when we went to the giants game and got hulk hands?!

Picture story: Remember at National Convention, it was Halloween and we walked to Joe's Crab Shack and we waited two hours in the rain and the kids learned to line dance in a downpour?!

Summer... A Blessing and A Curse

It is officially summer! Woohoo! Right?!

Now, I may be the only one who feels this way but summer really isn't my thing. I am definitely a creature of habit and routine, so summer kinda screws with that. People always say don't you get tired of the commute, late nights and endless phone calls and texts from kids? Uh not really...

I thrive on the routine provided by the school year. While occasionally, I could pull out all my hair from the stress, piles of paperwork, countless meetings and endless student questions. I completely love it. My days are planned, productive and predictable. I like that shiz.

I've been out of school for just over a week now and my life has been anything but planned, productive or predictable. For starters I've been San Francisco 5 of 10 days... For both good and not so good. Spent last Saturday and Sunday at the Healdsburg Relay for Life with my kiddos. I have been at school a couple of days, cleaning and meeting about the building of my new classroom. I will say, last week I cleaned my house top to bottom and that was EXTREMELY productive and much needed. haha...

Summer is complete chaos. So many things going on with no really structure. I'm still in the Master's program at Chico State, so keeping on top of classes without planned time has become a struggle. I have a couple weddings coming up, a conference in SLO next week (completely pumped) and a couple weeks of laid back relaxation in the future.

I guess I will manage, but I feel like I waste so much time during summer. Maybe it's because I read most nights till midnight and then find it difficult to get up at a reasonable time?

In the last 10 days, I have gone to 2 SF Giants games, so that can totally continue...

 With my kiddos, Top 20 Trip on Thursday

 Met my Bestie on Friday night at the game...

Gotta love how fancy Club Level is!

Cheers to Summertime!!! Before we know it, school will be back in session... I better get things started if I plan to complete them before August 12th.

P.S. Thanks to everyone for the messages, calls, comments and concern about my mom... She's home, doing good and we are watching (and listening to) lots of baseball.

 

Happy Fathers Day to all the great dads out there!!!!



Especially my dad... He's a badass... And a complete pain in the booty! Love ya Grumpy! 

My least favorite C word

So as I sit at UCSF waiting patiently, I finally am able to decompress and reflect about the last 3 weeks and the change that has now impacted my family forever.

About 3 weeks ago (prior to fair), I had a regular day, on my drive home made my normal phone calls, including one to home to let them know I was on my way. Now, yes almost everyday I call my parents to inform them that my day was good and I was headed home-- my dad is crazy about this, even for my older brother who also drives a significant distance to work.

But this day was different. When I pulled up to my driveway, I could see my mom's car parked in front of my house. When I got out and started grabbing my stuff to take inside, my mom and brother got out of the car. This was kinda strange considering my brother and I have a stressed relationship and talk rather infrequently. I looked at him and gave him a "WTF?" look and he just shrugged his shoulders as he had no clue what he was doing there.

I casually said, "What's going on?" My mom replied, "I have something to tell you guys but wanted to tell you together". Growing up, this was my mom's go-to phrase before handing out bad news. She always says, "I have something to tell you," always without fail and this time was no different. So we went inside and she proceeded to tell my brother and I that she had been diagnosed with cancer. She went through all the details-- without telling too much as she was still waiting on some tests and what not.

For those of you that don't know, she's adopted. This means, she's never had any medical history. Because of this, she has always been extremely proactive about her health and seeing doctors and making sure that she's on top of things. Fortunately, that means she hopefully caught it early. Another positive is that doctors don't think it had spread to other organs but would not have real "stage" information until after surgery to remove it and it goes through the labs.

Now, we have had many friends and family diagnosed with cancer. But this process has given me an entirely different perspective. I'm not sure why considering both my grandparents, on my mom's side, died at older ages from cancer. But they were both smokers and so to some extent I expected that. That is probably a harsh way to look at it but when you abuse your body, sooner or later, something is bound to happen not in your favor. But there are so many people lately in my life that have been "healthy" and then diagnosed with cancer. I guess God works in mysterious ways and I may never know a WHY for many things in life. But I do know that my mom is the strongest person I know. She has put up with my father for almost 40 years-- that's enough to kill ya! Has my brother and I, which have never been "easy" children. But she makes the best of everything-- hell she cooked outside with no oven or stove for almost 6 years before getting the kitchen remodeled. But she is pretty blessed too... I mean I am her child so there's that... Just kidding!

In all seriousness, the list of people I have to call after she's out of surgery in the next hour or two is pretty lengthy. There are so many people that are like family because my mom is a great lady. People love her... She knows so many people and I don't know of any that dislike her. It's probably because they've met my dad or I and they feel bad for her and how nice she is-- you just can't help but like her!

It's a weird thing to sit in the pre-op room when like 6-7 doctors and nurses, separately visited to check different things and make sure she's ready to go. They were very good at explaining things. My dad and brother just sat reading magazines. Mostly because I know some of the things were over their heads. I also know that they both were about two steps from passing out when the nurse put in her IV. My favorite was when they were telling her about one type of treatment for after, that is a shot that has to happen everyday for four weeks. She got a little nervous when they said she could do it herself. The doctor pointed at my dad and suggested maybe he could do it and we all started laughing because there is NO WAY he could do that without passing out. I volunteered.

It's still a surreal thing... My mom has cancer... Really? WTF? Nawh! She's good right?

Hopefully after today, it will be gone... Only time will tell... CANCER SUCKS!

 

End of the year reflection

The last week of school begins tomorrow. It's crazy how fast this past year has flown by... I guess time does fly when your havin fun! 

On Friday we had our FFA banquet. It was amazing that most of the kids had never really been to a banquet or received a plaque for their efforts. It got me thinking about all the things that were firsts for many of the students I had this year and the progress that was made by so many. It also made me remember about how far I had come in the past year. 

Who would've thought, in a year that I could go from being angry, bitter and unhappy to being where I am now? I didn't... I also never dreamt that I'd be at a school that could make me so excited to be a teacher and advisor. This year has included many adjustments but for the most part has been unwaveringly successful. I have students with limitless potential, administration that is supportive and parents that show up for their kids. With all these blessings, how could I possibly be anything but estactic for the future. 

I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by so much potential. And the thing I love most about my kids? They like eachother and support eachother and work together! Not many FFA chapters have that luxury. Our banquet on Friday congratulated achievements of kids but it mostly highlighted the achievements of the entire chapter. 

I cannot wait for our upcoming activities and next year! It's going to be great! From Relay for Life next week to the Officer Retreat in July, we are only just beginning this path to greatness. Everything in time, of course. 

2013-2014 Officer Team (top)

2014-2015 Officer Team (bottom)