Time = Rewards

So I have just finished entering all my students fair entries online... I have these neat folders that have labels with the kids, their species, tag numbers and a checklist for all the crazy items we have to submit hard copies of. Entering online was the easiest part of collecting, checking and signing all the paperwork. I calculated the number of times I signed my name... 127 effing times!!! REDONKULOUS! I need to get a stamp or something...

In the process of entering all of them, I thought about each kid, their animal and the project visits I did during spring break. It's amazing how well some of my kids care for their animals. I can honestly say I was impressed with most of them. While all of them maintain pretty nice pens and feed them show feed, not all of them spend the extra time with their animals. Don't get me wrong, they take excellent care of them! But I mean like the sit in your pen and do homework kind of time, that really builds the bond with their animal.

I was able to hangout at one families place for clipping cattle yesterday. The amount of time these kids spend with their animals is impressive. While raising steers take true dedication and is a huge time investment, these kids have other animals also. Now, I don't expect for all my students to make their SAE project their life, but I do expect them to spend the time to build a bond that is evident in the show ring. And contrary to what my students think, every time I visit them they make it incredibly obvious who walks, works and spends time with their animals. I have one swine kid who is a senior, never been in FFA or raised any animals, lives in town and he is doing the best job of any kid I have watched since becoming a teacher. He pays attention, notices changes, asks questions, does what he's told, walks, feeds and spends time with them. I wish I had 20 of this kid. He truly cares and WANTS to do a good job.

When kids spend the time... It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see it...

So that brings me to the why... Why do kids do it if they don't care? If you aren't going to put in the time, then why? Because I guarantee if you don't put in the time, the show ring will not be a smooth ride. Unfortunately, the kids I have, have a very supportive community that spends an A$$ load of money at their auction. This is a great thing, don't get me wrong. But this is when I wish that buyers would come to the shows, watch the kids, buy based on dedication not last name, age or just for the hell of it. Because at the end of the day, they are buying a product-- a meat product-- that as far as I'm concerned better be the best damn piece of meat they've ever had because it was raised right!

Creating that awareness with students has been kind of a struggle. Making them understand that they are creating a product, for someone else and if that product is not of superior quality then those consumers will not return the next year. I try to explain to all of the kids that raising animals is not easy and it takes time. It is a living, breathing thing that depends on us for a good life before it becomes a product for us. It is important that we treat it with the utmost care while it's here....

Personally, that's why I love breeding animal projects. The kids with breeding animal projects GET IT. They understand they day in, day out feeding, care, management, time investment and what not. They know those animals rely on them for everything. Unfortunately, I only have about 5 kids with breeding projects... Project Competition is coming up so fingers crossed for those kids to be able to talk about their projects and all the time and work they put in. Don't worry I'll be making them practice till they hate me ;)

Changing the culture of a group of high school students takes time... But I see the changes everyday. And that makes me warm and fuzzy on the inside... Knowing these kids are making progress away from their bad habits reminds me I am doing my job...

My kids attitudes prior to my arrival... HAHAHA

 

We're getting closer to this now....

I think some get a little tired??? lol

The Not So Typical Ag Kid

Happy National Ag Day!!! Did you know that was today? Well it is so.... there you go!  

Today I was fortunate enough to take students to the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Ag Days. Farm Bureau does a great job of putting on this 2 day event that allows elementary school kids to tour  exhibits that completely represent the agriculture industry and it's importance. It really helps students learn about food production and how it gets to their dinner plate. The Farm Bureau always invites 4-H and FFA members to help man booths and exhibits. While handing out carrots, apples or milk and even helping students learn how to sit in a saddle, the older 4-H and FFA members get to share their knowledge. 

This trip for us was a little last minute planning (entirely my fault). I was only able to get five students for volunteering today. And the students I got permission slips back from were my less than typical Ag students. At first I was a little apprehensive with the group I had. While they are all great kids, I only had one that had any real experience with FFA and food production through her market hog SAE. What knowledge of agriculture could they share with kids they would meet? 

Now, for me this was slightly nerve racking! Taking this diverse group of kids, putting them in a uniform, sending them into the public eye to represent themselves, me, the school and agriculture. That's kinda a big job for them!

The best thing about the FFA jacket is it brings people together and evens the playing field. It gives kids confidence to speak, listen and advocate regardless of their background, color, shape and size. It empowers kids to take a leadership role and help others. 

At the conclusion of the day I had a slight lightbulb moment. Ya know-- ding ding!! The group I took today learned tons from helping the kids and working the booths. It wasn't about what knowledge they shared, it was about the exposure to such a great event that showcased agriculture. Each of my kids needed the Ag Day as much as the little guys. 

"But Ms. Hunt! Can we please have class chicks?!" 

The best part was their ideas on the way home about how they can be more involved in agriculture. We need to expose everyone in our schools and communities to the importance of agriculture and food production. 

Additionally, as a thanks to the kids, we stopped at Moustache (the yummiest cupcake place in Healdsburg) on the way home. The owner (mid thirties, hispanic man) happened to ring us up and noticed the kids jackets. He said that he was in FFA in high school and told the kids about how it really set him up for running a business. He said he didn't show animals but he learned a lot about speaking, being organized and working with a group. He commended the kids and offered to help them if the ever needed anything. 

This is the true gift of agriculture education and FFA. It's a good thing-- plain and simple. Anyone can learn something and we've got stuff for everyone! It's not always the FFA cheerleaders or RA-RA Ag kids that need us most. It's the rest of them-- the Not-So Typical Ag Kid. They need us and we need them. 

Shoutout to my college roomie for bringing her Mobile Dairy Classroom! She's awesome!

Last Day of Spring Break

So... Today is the last day of my spring break! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little sad... Mostly because I accomplished nothing on my "Spring Break To-Do" list.

My Spring Break To-Do list included:

1. Finish laundry
2. Clean bathroom
3. Dust the house
4. Do yard work
5. Make new packets for classes
6. Run at least 4 days
7. Wash my truck

See I've got a list a mile long... And NOTHING was completed. Now let's not be crazy and think I did nothing but sit around and eat bon bons... I was busy the entire spring break.

Monday I was able to get lunch with a friend and catch up about her and her family-- She's a mom of a former student of mine and she has always been a gem. For real she's awesome! I hadn't seen her since before Christmas so it was nice to sit and catch up. I then headed off to meet another teacher from the High School and discuss the Ag Department's upcoming plant sale. It's going to be kinda awesome, if I do say so myself. Then I went to a Ag Boosters Meeting... And  headed home. Simple day with some good conversation.

Tuesday was the only day of REAL spring break. I slept in, didn't do much, had lunch with my dad, looked at new cars (yeah it's really time for a new car) and got my nails done.

Wednesday and Thursday were jam packed from 9am to 6pm with project visits. I was able to weigh, tag and pull DNA off all the hogs, sheep and goats for our May fair. It was good to go around and see what kids buy and how they care for their animals. I am so impressed with some of my kids and the great jobs they do with their animals. And yes, by the end of each day I was covered in pig poop and smelled less than delightful. But I also helped every kid tag their own animals. This was really important to me, that each kid be an active participant. I'm not the advisor to do the important things FOR them, I am there to ADVISE and ASSIST them. And I can honestly say, almost every kid made an effort to do their own tagging.

Friday, I left town with four students to head to the Regional Speaking Contest. I had students competing in Job Interview and Impromptu speaking. The regional contest was in Covelo this year. While many were upset because this town is literally in the middle of nowhere, I was pumped because Covelo is a beautiful valley! We stopped in Willits for breakfast (at the Country Skillet) and then made the curvy drive to Covelo. It was a great day! The kids all did really well and one even placed 3rd which makes her eligible for the State Speaking Finals in Fresno (right before state conference). Afterwards we headed back to Willits to stay the night... We even caught the Fro-Yo place before they closed!

My speakers... They did great! 

Saturday we headed back to Covelo for the Spring Regional Meeting and State Degree Ceremonies. The kids have their meeting in the morning, while the teachers have our CATA meeting. They listen to amendments to the constitution, watch regional officer candidate speeches and meet new people. After our meetings, we headed to luncheon, where we had INDIAN TACOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you have never had one of these delicious creatures, you have not lived! They are amazing and addicting... Fry bread, beans, ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa... What's not to love?? After lunch the students who earned regional proficiencies and state degrees walked across the stage. It was a great day, student were rewarded for their hard work and parents were able to see the whole picture of FFA. 

On Saturday, the State FFA officers were also there. And two of them asked 3 of my students to de-jacket them at State Conference. This is a big deal and my kids were PUMPED! Each student has their jacket removed by 3-5 kids after their retiring address. It's a great honor to de-jacket a state officer-- I am so excited for them!

Overall, not the relaxing, sleeping in, to-do list completing, spring break I was hoping for or needed but it was a great week that reminded me why I love what I do. It also, was a true testament of why agriculture education is so important. For those of you who haven't heard-- Ag Ed is in a bit of trouble, thanks to the governor! Check out this website to learn more and find out how you can help: www.saveffa.com

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.

Albert Einstein

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_success.html#9rX2EDZIWsQpFOeS.99

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.

Albert Einstein

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_success.html#9rX2EDZIWsQpFOeS.99

Wednesday Wisdom from a Young Owl

I love my job... That being said, there are definitely some sucky (yeah that's a technical term) parts to my job. Because it literally is my life, I rarely prioritize things that may be important like doctors appointments, eating right, working out and even grocery shopping. 

In the springtime, it's Field Say season... Which means every weekend is jam packed and there are practices everyday after school during the week. This leads to eating on the go... ALOT! I'm a pretty big fan of Taco Bell and I maintain my energy during Field Days by scarfing Reese's peanut butter cups and Diet Pepsi. 

Last summer, after countless pictures exhibiting my double (okay triple) chin, I decided I needed to get my crap together. I decided to try the Paleo diet... I went Paleo for about 2 months and lost 25 pounds. I'm pretty strong willed so I was able to cut all the bad stuff cold turkey without a problem. A couple things I haven't gone back to since July, like Diet Pepsi. It actually feels amazing to not drink soda anymore... 

So about a month ago, I decided once again I needed to make some changes. I contacted a friend who is an Arbonne consultant and learned more about their 28-day Detox. I'm currently in week three of the detox and I feel great!!!! 

It's a detox from: 

- gluten

- caffeine 

- wheat

- processed foods 

- sugar 

- dairy 

I seriously would recommend it to anyone! After completing 2 full weeks I've lost 12 pounds and 4 inches around my waist. The hardest part has been the no caffeine but I've done it and I'm not dead so I'm sure anyone can give up some things that really aren't great for our bodies. 

Now there are some things that the program suggests that I don't follow, like organic produce or grass fed beef. But obliviously, it hasn't hindered my detox just like I figured it wouldn't. But overall it's a great way to get recipes, grocery lists, support and a mindset for eating good wholesome food. 

Wisdom for the day: Take care of yourself as much as you care for others. Be good to yourself! 

Off to weigh, tag and DNA pigs, goats and lambs! Happy Spring Break! 

Sunday Ranch Run

Sooooo... My family has this place we call the Ranch. It's actual name is the Terraces and belongs to my Dad's family. It was owned by Carl Purdy, my great great grandfather. He was a pretty famous horticulturalist and botanist. He created the first seed/bulb catalog, so that people way back in the day (like late 1800-early 1900's) could order seeds and bulbs. He named a couple and what not...

"Purdy, Carl–(1861-1945)–Ukiah, California–established his nursery in 1879.  He specialized in California natives.  He started collecting native seeds, bulbs and plants in about 1875 when he was only in his teens, for a nurseryman in the eastern United States.  He traveled widely as a collector and was a school teacher for a while.  In 1903 collecting native bulbs was his principal work.  His first catalog was published in 1896. He also did landscaping in the San Francisco Bay area.  He was especially interested in native lilies and collaborated with L. H. Bailey in writing on California bulbs for the Cyclopedia of American Horticulture."

That's what Smithsonian says about him... Kinda cool...
He even wrote a book called My Life and Times. You should read it.... Or not. I have and think it's pretty interesting but it's also my family. Not sure I would think your family is interesting-- just kidding, I'm sure they're awesome. Last year the Mendocino County Museum did a museum exhibit on him. My parents worked with a curator and collected TONS of stuff to put in the exhibit. It turned out pretty cool. You can check out pictures http://www.mendocinomuseum.org/carl-purdy-exhibit-2011-12.html

Anyways... My grandma Vesta was Carl's grand daughter. She always told cool stories about the Ranch and Carl Purdy and taught me a ton about flowers... Which is why I love that I live in the place that was her house. My yard is awesome! Right now, the weather has been so beautiful that my daffodils are blooming. Well they are also blooming at the ranch. So today I headed up with my parents to take some pictures and just look at all the wildflowers that are still there from Carl Purdy. When my grandma passed away, she asked to be put out on the point that overlooks the entire valley of Ukiah. She has daffodils surrounding her and her 100th birthday would have been this Friday (the 21st). Guess she thought almost 95 was close enough. It was such a nice weekend and a gentle reminder of we are who we are and where we came from has such a large impact on who we become. I feel blessed to come from such good roots (haha see plants, roots, get it?)

Happy Birthday Grandma! Into the Daffodils...

Turn it Around Tuesday

So it's been an interesting week thus far... Let's just say F the time change! For real-- it blows! Getting up at my usual 4:45am has been a complete drag this week!

But hey, it gets better! And looking on the bright side, I love that it's lighter outside later. 

Couple things have been weighing heavily on my mind lately.

#1- being chunky 

#2- kids complaining things are hard 

#3- kids not being prepared 

#4- next year 

#1- Alright so I basically have been chunky since birth! A whopping 11 pound 10 ounces baby-- yes! Seriously my mother is a bada$$! So couple weeks ago I decided that I should get my butt in shape. I started a detox, that eliminates caffeine, gluten, sugar, dairy, and basically anything else that has been a delicious part of my daily diet for the last 27 years. Pray for me! But in all seriousness it has been a great week! I've lost 7 pounds and 2 inches!!! Amazeballs! I'm slightly impressed with myself... But I'm just stubborn enough to set my mind on something and not let it go... So I committed and I'm making this detox my b***h! Hahaha (check back at the end of the month-- it's a 28 day detox). I also am training for RunDisney! Oh man! 

(Rockin a beer belly since 1987)

#2 - It's hard! It's so hard! I can't do this cause it's hard! I don't know how to do it it's hard! Seriously this has become my least favorite statement... Recently my response has been "uh yeah things are hard, if they weren't everyone would do it", my other typical response is "if you don't work hard then you'll never get ahead". Not sure if it's the age or what, but my students constantly say everything is hard. I don't understand how I can explain to them, that high school is literally the easiest thing they'll  do for the rest of their lives? I feel like we have created such good test takers, which has hindered kids abilities to critically think and be creative. To be honest, it sucks! But I continue to ask them to do more, try more and be more... If I didn't, I would just be adding to the mediocre standards that they've been held to. Cheers to pushing them to be better! 

Push those who are capable of greatness... They'll appreciate eventually...

#3- This is more directed towards my one class of middle school kids but also to high school I suppose.... What the heck is with kids that aren't prepared?! Like oh yup I wrote that syllabus with "materials you must bring daily" for fun! Actually it's like a suggestion, right? Uh no! Bring your junk, be prepared, and stop being a slacker!! Suck it up princess! 

#4- Next year... Um what about it? Yup I am keeping my job! Hallelujah thank baby Jesus! It's been overall a great year. I feel like I found my place... My forever school (well as long as they'll tolerate my craziness)... But it has had me thinking about where I live, future junk, whatnot... To move or not to move? I love my house! But should I save a little money and move the 35 miles closer to my job? Future junk? Well that kinda goes with living location because well I'll never meet anyone in this ridonkculous town I live it... Too much of a square I guess... So many options, too many choices... 

Seriously my yard is freakin awesome! 

4 years and 9 months ago...

Side note: Yesterday was UC Davis field day... I only got to take 1 kid... Um yes 1, you may be thinking don't you need 4 kids for a team? Ya, ya you do... But she's been committed and other kids couldn't go so I wasn't leaving her home and she did great! We had a fun day!

Back to my actual post... 4 years ago, the world was blessed with a little baby named Brayden Riley. Heck no I don't have a kid-- my bestie does! 

He seriously was/is a gift from God. Although Brayden wasn't planned this story is about the months leading up to his birth and the bonds that you make and break in late stages of college. 

So four years and nine months ago I had just graduated from Fresno State with my bachelors degree. I graduated with a small group of friends that are amazing! Due to some random class stuff and major change and whatnot, my bestie still had some time left to finish. My then roommate (basically sister), Kimmie and I graduated and decided we'd move into a house... With my bestie! I was pretty pumped to move in with my two best friends... I was about to start the credential program and student teaching. We had a great summer planning and looking for houses... We ended up adding another girl to lessen rent (worst mistake ever) and found a 4 bedroom place in North Clovis. 

I began student teaching, we all either worked or were in school. We had champange and Bachelor Mondays, cooked together, took care of each other and decorated for holidays together. Don't get me wrong- we had ups and downs-- parking with 4 cars in a gated community sucked, dividing bills was a pain, animals destroying other roomies stuff and well 4 GIRLS made our house an emotional place every couple of weeks... Hahahaha

At the semester, my bestie moved out... Because she was about to be a mom... To say it was a shocker is an understatement. Now if you knew Kristen you would know she is most prepared, planned out, organized and best friend that I have. Now throughout college Kristen's nickname was Mom... We frequently shouted "MOM! Meatloaf!" She got this nickname because she is the most caring and considerate person and while working at the Swine Unit, she took care of all of the babies that were sick... Therefore she was dubbed, Mom. 

Now while Kristen being pregnant and about to become a mom was a complete surprise to everyone, including her, I knew it would be something that brought us closer. Kristen becoming a mom has made her stronger, tougher and a Momma Bear. Over the last four years I've watched her progress from having no clue what to do, to reading every book possible to be prepared, to being one of the best, most consistent and most considerate moms I've ever known. Kristen has thrived and made every attempt to do the best things in her life for that little man. She took a surprising situation, finished school, got a great job for the fambam tasting room and is a fantastic mom... I am so proud of her! She continues to be my bestie although we are 5 hours away from each other. She is such an inspiration for me and I hope to someday be half as good of mom as she is. Thank God for text, Facebook, phone calls, photo stream albums and sporadic trips! 

Brayden is one of the coolest kids! He's smart, loving, gentle but he's definitely a boy's boy-- he loves tractors, planes, trucks and sports! Everything Brayden is, is a testament to what a phenomenal mom Kristen is... 

Happy Birthday to world's coolest kid!!! Love you Brayden Riley! 

So proud of my bestie and all she was, is and will be! 

Sunday Funday! I'll have a quad shot please...

Yesterday was our first real field day of the season! Whoopie!! This year due to some scheduling changes the first field day was at Chico State. Just in case you weren't aware this is kind of shitty... Chico is one of the best and hardest contest that the kids go to besides state finals. So to have a group of freshmen and sophomores who have never participated in a field day ready to COMPETE at Chico, the first contest was difficult.

But hey, aren't they adorable?! 

I had to remind myself multiple times they are young, they are green, and they don't know. If I said I wasn't disappointed with how we did I would be lying. Now, I'm extremely proud of each of them and their progress and the amount that they've learned in the last month and a half. But it seriously sucks not to do good. I am slightly competitive, just like 95% of the Ag teachers in California. I don't spend countless hours at practice and every weekend working to lose. 

Yesterday was the first time in four years that a team I have coached, at any contest hasn't been called up. My ego is a little bruised...  I love CDEs! One of the biggest goals that I set when I started teaching was to win a state championship with a horse team. And this is the first year that I haven't had a team that's in the hunt... Now I know my team is young and they'll be great when they are juniors but how do I tell them at every contest, when they lose, that they're doing better and just be positive for them??? When actually I'm losing sleep over it and cringing on the inside? 

Now I know this makes me sound like I'm a terrible person. Who can be mad when the kids are trying?? I'm not mad, I just like to win-- but I have to keep in focus the purpose of why I do what I do... 

Teaching kids to have passion, to work hard, work together and support eachother... 

I had to remind myself yesterday on my drive home, when they were so proud of how they had done that any progress is good progress and they will grow into good judges. I have to trust myself to know I will get them to the top... with time. Everything in time! And I need to be grateful that they trust me enough to join a team and put themselves out there...