I applied for a couple new jobs within my company and was called in for an interview on one of them!! I interview on Monday at 3 pm and everything I can cross is crossed! I think it would be a great opportunity and A LOT of FUN!!
I'm ready for a new challenge and think this would be a great move for me!
So wish me luck and I'll let you know what I find out!! :-)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Let the Count Down Begin Again!!
The state fair has come and gone already...how sad. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and the nights.... well interesting....
Adam placed 5th with his Berk Gilt in the breeding show and ended up getting her sold in the sale that night.
The A3 Company, Al Conover, Al Christian, and Adam Conover... :-) brought down a truckload and unfortunately had 2 pigs weigh too much and only brought one spare. They were disqualified from the truckload show, but we were able to show the individual. He placed 6th in his class.
ISU took down a Berk truckload and had reserve champion purebred truckload. They showed two individuals and placed 5th and 6th.
Overall it was a pretty good time. I was able to attend a FREE concert with the "Canadians" Lee and Wayne, while we waited for Adam to get out of his annual Iowa Berk Meeting. The concert was called "Country Gold". I think I was one of the few under 40 and not in a wheel chair or having hearing aids.... but it was great!! I only knew one of the acts... LeRoy Van Dike...but the rest were AMAZING!! Steve and Rudy Gatlin (two of the Gatlin Brothers), Helen Cornelius, and David Frizzell also performed. Adam and his dad and step-mom came up and caught the last bit of the concert. Adam came to sit with us, but Al and Jeanne ended up getting to go back stage... b/c yes, they know LeRoy!! I was somewhat jealous... how cool would it have been to actually meet them!! :-) LeRoy sings the "Auctioneer Song", which turned out to be a true story about his cousin...and I joke and tell Al I listen to it and "practice" to take over the family business!! :-) After the concert we went to the Machine Shed in Des Moines... It turns out that Adam and Al are now selling purebred Berkshire meet to the restaurant served in two and three bone sections, stuffed or not. People have been eating it like crazy!! Which is good! Anything to help promote the hog market!! :-) There were 6 of us at the table and I was the only one who didn't order pork.... I went with the tried and true chicken. :-) I did try the pork and it was actually really good!! But it was definitely a lot!!
The place mats at the table were designed by Al and Jeanne. They explain the history of the breed and have an amazing picture that Al and Jeanne found on one of their trips. Even at the bottom it specifically talks about Adam and his family!! :-) Very Cool!
I saw quite a few co-workers and their children walking around. Julie said she was tucking Ryan into bed and he asked if she thought I was tucked into my bed in the pig barn. Since they stopped and saw us that day and saw our beds in the barn! :-) I took them to "play" with the gilt in the avenue of breeds b/c she loved to be scratched and had such a good temperament!! I think they both had fun!
I think my favorite part was taking a new Berk to the Avenue of Breeds and watching the goats jump over the fences! Sorry goat people, but it was HILARIOUS! I'd heard of it happening but have never seen it happen before! I didn't realize goats were as scared of pigs as they are!! :-)
I think we were all sad to see the fair come to an end, but definitely ready for next years!! "Non-Stop Fun"...definitely a fitting theme for 2010!!
Adam placed 5th with his Berk Gilt in the breeding show and ended up getting her sold in the sale that night.
The A3 Company, Al Conover, Al Christian, and Adam Conover... :-) brought down a truckload and unfortunately had 2 pigs weigh too much and only brought one spare. They were disqualified from the truckload show, but we were able to show the individual. He placed 6th in his class.
ISU took down a Berk truckload and had reserve champion purebred truckload. They showed two individuals and placed 5th and 6th.
Overall it was a pretty good time. I was able to attend a FREE concert with the "Canadians" Lee and Wayne, while we waited for Adam to get out of his annual Iowa Berk Meeting. The concert was called "Country Gold". I think I was one of the few under 40 and not in a wheel chair or having hearing aids.... but it was great!! I only knew one of the acts... LeRoy Van Dike...but the rest were AMAZING!! Steve and Rudy Gatlin (two of the Gatlin Brothers), Helen Cornelius, and David Frizzell also performed. Adam and his dad and step-mom came up and caught the last bit of the concert. Adam came to sit with us, but Al and Jeanne ended up getting to go back stage... b/c yes, they know LeRoy!! I was somewhat jealous... how cool would it have been to actually meet them!! :-) LeRoy sings the "Auctioneer Song", which turned out to be a true story about his cousin...and I joke and tell Al I listen to it and "practice" to take over the family business!! :-) After the concert we went to the Machine Shed in Des Moines... It turns out that Adam and Al are now selling purebred Berkshire meet to the restaurant served in two and three bone sections, stuffed or not. People have been eating it like crazy!! Which is good! Anything to help promote the hog market!! :-) There were 6 of us at the table and I was the only one who didn't order pork.... I went with the tried and true chicken. :-) I did try the pork and it was actually really good!! But it was definitely a lot!!
The place mats at the table were designed by Al and Jeanne. They explain the history of the breed and have an amazing picture that Al and Jeanne found on one of their trips. Even at the bottom it specifically talks about Adam and his family!! :-) Very Cool!
I saw quite a few co-workers and their children walking around. Julie said she was tucking Ryan into bed and he asked if she thought I was tucked into my bed in the pig barn. Since they stopped and saw us that day and saw our beds in the barn! :-) I took them to "play" with the gilt in the avenue of breeds b/c she loved to be scratched and had such a good temperament!! I think they both had fun!
I think my favorite part was taking a new Berk to the Avenue of Breeds and watching the goats jump over the fences! Sorry goat people, but it was HILARIOUS! I'd heard of it happening but have never seen it happen before! I didn't realize goats were as scared of pigs as they are!! :-)
I think we were all sad to see the fair come to an end, but definitely ready for next years!! "Non-Stop Fun"...definitely a fitting theme for 2010!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Where Has The Summer Gone?
It seems like summer has come and is almost gone already!! Way too quickly.
Adam and I are excited for the State Fair to get here, but that means the nice weather is soon going to come to a close. :-(
I spent almost 3 fulls weeks working in Minnesota...it was quite an experience. :-) I enjoyed working up there but was ready to come home...where I'm still in the city, just a less busy one. I love the new office building that we have for our headquarters, but don't know if I could handle living up there. I'm still continuing my work back home, which is a blessing. It's nice to sleep in my own bed again...even though I did enjoy having someone else clean up after me. :-)
The Iowa State Fair is only 7 days away and it can't come soon enough. It is definitely my favorite time of year. We try to go every night if our schedules allow it. It's so romantic to walk the midway, enjoying a nice cold beverage or two....or more... and seeing people we haven't seen in a year.
I don't have much for now, but will update after the fair. :-)
Adam and I are excited for the State Fair to get here, but that means the nice weather is soon going to come to a close. :-(
I spent almost 3 fulls weeks working in Minnesota...it was quite an experience. :-) I enjoyed working up there but was ready to come home...where I'm still in the city, just a less busy one. I love the new office building that we have for our headquarters, but don't know if I could handle living up there. I'm still continuing my work back home, which is a blessing. It's nice to sleep in my own bed again...even though I did enjoy having someone else clean up after me. :-)
The Iowa State Fair is only 7 days away and it can't come soon enough. It is definitely my favorite time of year. We try to go every night if our schedules allow it. It's so romantic to walk the midway, enjoying a nice cold beverage or two....or more... and seeing people we haven't seen in a year.
I don't have much for now, but will update after the fair. :-)
Monday, June 29, 2009
It's Been A Long Week.....
We've had quite a few long days the past few and I think more to come.
My grandma was put into St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota this past Wednesday b/c her red blood count was so low and she's having major coughing attacks. The doctor at M.C. wanted to admit her but her regular doctor told him not to, so off to Mayo she went.
I went up there on Thursday morning and spent until Saturday afternoon with her. She's still spunky and laughing with us, but there are times when the tears flow and the rest of us have all we can do to stand there and tell her it will be ok. I did breakdown on Friday night crying to Adam and when I got home Saturday afternoon I just let the tears flow. I am very close to this set of grandparents and when I was little spent almost as much time with them as I did my own parents.
When she checked into Rochester her red blood count was down to 5.5....really bad. They ran a TON of tests on her and it seems that everything comes back as we have no idea what's causing it but we know what it's doing. She has low grade Leukemia, which we had already known. It turns out after the chest x-ray they also said she has pneumonia. The blood test showed that something was attacking her red blood cells and breaking them down faster than the body can reproduce them.
They put her on a steroid to help keep her RBC up after her transfusion. It did for a while, but fell again, and again today. They put her on a different medicine that is supposed to help stop the breakdown of the RBC's. The downside to this medicine is that it weakens the immune system so she is in isolation. Anyone who comes to visit must be healthy and wear the full gown/mask, etc to go into her room.
Mom said that she is doing better. Her blood sugar has been sky rocketing from the steroid and they're trying to control it the best that they can. Last night it was 570 and the night before that it was up to 450!! Today it's finally back down to 117.
They're moving her today to the Methodist Hospital at Mayo to the Hematology floor. So she can be closer to her "blood doctor". Hopefully thinks will start to look on the bright side for all of us soon!!
A friend commented that it was hard to get old, but I think it's even harder watching those you love and care about getting older. I remember so many happy times spent with my grandparents running around and keeping up with us kids. :-) Things are so different now. It's hard to "accept" it. No one wants to say good bye and at the same time you don't want to see them suffer anymore.
My grandma commented that she just wanted to go home. She was tired of being poked and sick all of the time. I was there on Thursday around 1130 or so and from the time I arrived until I left at 2:00 on Saturday she was stuck over 20/25 times!! I don't know how anyone can do that. Plus every time they check her blood sugar is another prick in the finger.
All in all though I would say her spirits have been high and she's been somewhat hopeful. I had a great time spending my vacation up there with her. I talked my cousin into riding up with me and we met my mom, aunt (her mom), grandpa and grandma at the hospital. Friday afternoon my mom and grandpa went home and did things around the house and came back on Saturday. On Saturday then my aunt, cousin, and I went home.
The doctors made the comment that if this is how she acted when she was sick, they'd hate to see her well. :-) She was telling them she could really go for a bloody mary with extra pickles and olives...and chicken salad sandwiches. I stole her pickles from the cafeteria and some strawberries (for her ice cream). Mom showed up on Saturday with homemade buns and homemade chicken salad. So that definitely cheered her up. :-)
Well, that's all for now. We're all just hoping and praying that things start to look better!! :-)
Take care and Happy 4th!
My grandma was put into St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota this past Wednesday b/c her red blood count was so low and she's having major coughing attacks. The doctor at M.C. wanted to admit her but her regular doctor told him not to, so off to Mayo she went.
I went up there on Thursday morning and spent until Saturday afternoon with her. She's still spunky and laughing with us, but there are times when the tears flow and the rest of us have all we can do to stand there and tell her it will be ok. I did breakdown on Friday night crying to Adam and when I got home Saturday afternoon I just let the tears flow. I am very close to this set of grandparents and when I was little spent almost as much time with them as I did my own parents.
When she checked into Rochester her red blood count was down to 5.5....really bad. They ran a TON of tests on her and it seems that everything comes back as we have no idea what's causing it but we know what it's doing. She has low grade Leukemia, which we had already known. It turns out after the chest x-ray they also said she has pneumonia. The blood test showed that something was attacking her red blood cells and breaking them down faster than the body can reproduce them.
They put her on a steroid to help keep her RBC up after her transfusion. It did for a while, but fell again, and again today. They put her on a different medicine that is supposed to help stop the breakdown of the RBC's. The downside to this medicine is that it weakens the immune system so she is in isolation. Anyone who comes to visit must be healthy and wear the full gown/mask, etc to go into her room.
Mom said that she is doing better. Her blood sugar has been sky rocketing from the steroid and they're trying to control it the best that they can. Last night it was 570 and the night before that it was up to 450!! Today it's finally back down to 117.
They're moving her today to the Methodist Hospital at Mayo to the Hematology floor. So she can be closer to her "blood doctor". Hopefully thinks will start to look on the bright side for all of us soon!!
A friend commented that it was hard to get old, but I think it's even harder watching those you love and care about getting older. I remember so many happy times spent with my grandparents running around and keeping up with us kids. :-) Things are so different now. It's hard to "accept" it. No one wants to say good bye and at the same time you don't want to see them suffer anymore.
My grandma commented that she just wanted to go home. She was tired of being poked and sick all of the time. I was there on Thursday around 1130 or so and from the time I arrived until I left at 2:00 on Saturday she was stuck over 20/25 times!! I don't know how anyone can do that. Plus every time they check her blood sugar is another prick in the finger.
All in all though I would say her spirits have been high and she's been somewhat hopeful. I had a great time spending my vacation up there with her. I talked my cousin into riding up with me and we met my mom, aunt (her mom), grandpa and grandma at the hospital. Friday afternoon my mom and grandpa went home and did things around the house and came back on Saturday. On Saturday then my aunt, cousin, and I went home.
The doctors made the comment that if this is how she acted when she was sick, they'd hate to see her well. :-) She was telling them she could really go for a bloody mary with extra pickles and olives...and chicken salad sandwiches. I stole her pickles from the cafeteria and some strawberries (for her ice cream). Mom showed up on Saturday with homemade buns and homemade chicken salad. So that definitely cheered her up. :-)
Well, that's all for now. We're all just hoping and praying that things start to look better!! :-)
Take care and Happy 4th!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Emma :-)
I can't believe I've never written about Emma on our blog yet!! :-)
Adam adopted Emma from the Story County Animal Shelter in Nevada, Iowa. At first she loved him and now she's become my girl. I know it's so sad, but sometimes she gets treated like a child and acts like she is one.
She's a very curious cat and likes to have her nose in everyones business. Before when we first got her she loved to go and visit Aunt Janet, Uncle Dennis, Cassie, Derek, and Gidget (their kitten about the same age). Now car rides have become constant meowing and running from one end of the car to the other. She also HATES visiting other people and having them come to "her home". I don't know what did it but all of a sudden she just changed and hissed or swung her paws. Luckily she has no claws and hasn't bitten anyone. I think she does it to show her "dominance" in "her house". She even waits for some people to stand up from one of "her chairs" and jumps in it. I also think sometimes she does it just to pick on them...she'll purr and rub up against you and maybe let you touch her, then when you least expect it, she'll hiss. :-) Oh isn't she so sweet. Adam says she's worthless, but I love her more than anything!!
She's so good at snuggling!! :-) I can count on walking in and having her immediately greet me and follow me around until I sit down. Before you know it we're both asleep on the couch. Same way at night time, she'll have her head on my pillow or shoulder. :-) The picture above is her sleeping on her toy she got for Christmas. She actually plays with the toys we buy her, but her favorite are the stuffed animals out of my closets or on my shelves.
Anyways, that's a little about Emma. :-)
P.S. Michelle....it's your turn now :-)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Life has come to be about two things....
I've decided today that there are two aspects of life you just can't get around, surprises and change.
I want to say Happy Father's Day to my dad, my Grandpa Jerry, and my Grandpa Joe. I love you all and hope you have a great day!! :-)
I also want to send my condolences out to the Derr brothers and family on the loss of their father this morning. I hope that they are able to help each other make it through this tragedy. Losing a loved one is never easy and to have it happen unexpectedly makes it twenty times worse.
My gilt didn't settle, so I'm not for sure what I'm going to do with her now. I was really bummed at first because I was looking forward to taking her to the show. I think her sister would've done a lot better, but she went to a good home. It's like she came running up to me saying, "Surprise!! I'm staying here longer!!" :-) I have become quite attached to her, but I know it's best to move her somewhere else, even if it is to your breakfast table. I don't like to think of it that way, but sometimes it's the way things work out.
Adam and I aren't for sure if we're going to be able to attend the Summer Type Conference either. Adam's work schedule may not allow it. I was looking forward to attending the annual meeting (my first year of voting!!), so I sent my ballots in, just incase we can't make it. Hopefully we'll be able to make it over for a little bit so we can see everyone we haven't seen since last year.
On a happy note though, we're both doing well and looking forward to everything we have going this summer. It's hard to believe that we're half-way through June already!!
Adam is going to start getting busier with livestock shows here in the next couple of months. I always enjoy watching him. I think it's amazing listening to him talk and then asking what he meant when he said it. :-) Simple terms work best for me. :-) Before we know it the state fair is going to be here and summer will be gone.
Well, that's all for now. I wish you and your family all the best and safe holiday travels for father's day. :-)
-Melissa
I want to say Happy Father's Day to my dad, my Grandpa Jerry, and my Grandpa Joe. I love you all and hope you have a great day!! :-)
I also want to send my condolences out to the Derr brothers and family on the loss of their father this morning. I hope that they are able to help each other make it through this tragedy. Losing a loved one is never easy and to have it happen unexpectedly makes it twenty times worse.
My gilt didn't settle, so I'm not for sure what I'm going to do with her now. I was really bummed at first because I was looking forward to taking her to the show. I think her sister would've done a lot better, but she went to a good home. It's like she came running up to me saying, "Surprise!! I'm staying here longer!!" :-) I have become quite attached to her, but I know it's best to move her somewhere else, even if it is to your breakfast table. I don't like to think of it that way, but sometimes it's the way things work out.
Adam and I aren't for sure if we're going to be able to attend the Summer Type Conference either. Adam's work schedule may not allow it. I was looking forward to attending the annual meeting (my first year of voting!!), so I sent my ballots in, just incase we can't make it. Hopefully we'll be able to make it over for a little bit so we can see everyone we haven't seen since last year.
On a happy note though, we're both doing well and looking forward to everything we have going this summer. It's hard to believe that we're half-way through June already!!
Adam is going to start getting busier with livestock shows here in the next couple of months. I always enjoy watching him. I think it's amazing listening to him talk and then asking what he meant when he said it. :-) Simple terms work best for me. :-) Before we know it the state fair is going to be here and summer will be gone.
Well, that's all for now. I wish you and your family all the best and safe holiday travels for father's day. :-)
-Melissa
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Congratulations ISU!! :-)
Congrats to the ISU Swine Teaching Farm on their Reserve Champion Berkshire Gilt at the 2009 World Pork Expo!! They also had gilts placing 3rd (to the reserve) and 5th in class. The boar was 1st in class. All of your hard work paid off this year. :-)
We had beautiful weather for the expo this year. We were able to make it around to quite a few hospitality tents and take in the FREE Confederate Railroad concert. :-) The embroidery/purse/jewelry vendor from last year was back again and we were able to hit up the great purse deals!! :-)
Now onto the Summer Type Conference....only 14 days until the pigs can arrive. :-)
Happy Wednesday!
We had beautiful weather for the expo this year. We were able to make it around to quite a few hospitality tents and take in the FREE Confederate Railroad concert. :-) The embroidery/purse/jewelry vendor from last year was back again and we were able to hit up the great purse deals!! :-)
Now onto the Summer Type Conference....only 14 days until the pigs can arrive. :-)
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
It's Finally Here!! :-)
It's that time of year and the World Pork Expo is almost here! :-) Let the kick off to summer begin...well for me anyways. :-)
We have the World Pork Expo in Des Moines starting on Wednesday (everyone should come check it out!!) and then June 24th we're heading to Springfield for the Summer Type Conference! :-) Not only do we get to go to another great pig show, but meet up with Michelle and her family. It will be a great time! :-)
Remember if you're bored come check out the expo!! :-)
We have the World Pork Expo in Des Moines starting on Wednesday (everyone should come check it out!!) and then June 24th we're heading to Springfield for the Summer Type Conference! :-) Not only do we get to go to another great pig show, but meet up with Michelle and her family. It will be a great time! :-)
Remember if you're bored come check out the expo!! :-)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Mine and Michelle's Theme Song :-) HA HA HA
....She's probably going to kill me for this one..... ;-)
Lip Gloss
Hello
Yeah
Uh huh
It’s poppin’, it’s poppin’
(Okay)
It’s poppin’, it’s poppin’
(Yeah)
I gotta ask ‘em ‘cause if I don’t
It’s poppin’, it’s poppin’
(I don’t know)
It’s poppin’, it’s poppin’
(Let’s go)
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know ‘bout me?
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know?
Is that my lip gloss is cool
My lip gloss be poppin’
I’m standin’ at my locker
And all the boys keep stoppin’
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know ‘bout me?
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know?
Is that my lip gloss is poppin’
My lip gloss is cool
All the boys keep jockin’
And chase me after school
MAC, L’Oreal, yep ‘cause I’m worth it
Love the way I puts it on so perfect
Wipe the corners of my mouth so I work it
When I walk down the hallway, they can’t say nothin’
Oh, oh, oh, my lips so luscious
The way I spice it up with the MAC-MAC brushes
L’Oreal got them Wa-watermelon Crush-es
That’s probably the reason all they boys got crushes
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know ‘bout me?
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know?
Is that my lip gloss is cool
My lip gloss be poppin’
I’m standin’ at my locker
And all the boys keep stoppin’
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know ‘bout me?
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know?
Is that my lip gloss is poppin’
My lip gloss is cool
All the boys keep jockin’
And chase me after school
When it’s time for lunch, my lips still rock
Lil Mama Melon with the hot pink top
Cherry, vanilla, flavors is a virtue
They lovin’ lip gloss universal
The boys really like it, the girls don’t speak
They rollin’ they eyes, they lip gloss cheap
It ain’t my fault but I can upgrade you
Show you how to use nice things with nice flavors
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know ‘bout me?
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know?
Is that my lip gloss is cool
My lip gloss be poppin’
I’m standin’ at my locker
And all the boys keep stoppin’
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know ‘bout me?
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know?
Is that my lip gloss is poppin’
My lip gloss is cool
All the boys keep jockin’
And chase me after school
‘Cause my lip gloss
It’s poppin’, it’s poppin’
It’s poppin’, it’s poppin’
‘Cause my lip gloss
It’s poppin’, it’s poppin’
It’s poppin’, it’s poppin’
Sittin’ in 8th period thought I was in trouble
Dean called me on the loud speaker on the double
I stepped in the office like, Yes Ms McClarkson??
She’s like Girl ran out of my lip gloss an’
Write down where you get yours from
‘Cause I must admit that Bubble Gum
It’s poppin’, it’s poppin’
It’s poppin’, she ain’t frontin’
And uh, I be lovin’ it, I be, I be lovin’ it, uh
I be usin’ it, I be, I be usin’ it, uh
I be rubbin’ it, I be, I be rubbin’ it
On my lips, my lips, uh, my lip gloss
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know ‘bout me?
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know?
Is that my lip gloss is cool
My lip gloss be poppin’
I’m standin’ at my locker
And all the boys keep stoppin’
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know ‘bout me?
What you know ‘bout me?
What you, what you know?
Is that my lip gloss is poppin’
My lip gloss is cool
All the boys keep jockin’
And chase me after school
Michelle's Post :-)
It seems to be almost an every day occurance that the only person who reads this blog reminds me when it's not updated. :-)
So here is an updated dedicated to Michelle in Illinois. :-) Ha Ha Ha!
Not too much has been happening with us. We spent memorial day weekend traveling. Saturday afternoon we had a wedding in Little Amana and headed to see Adam's mom on Sunday. We spent most of the day there and then the afternoon with Macha and Mindi. :-)
Monday, I got quite a bit done at my pig farm and cleaned up while Adam was working at his pig farm. Otherwise I spent my day off relaxing on the couch....enjoying the Golden Girls Marathon. :-)
Oh and Monday we went to eat at the Texas Roadhouse with my family to celebrate my little sister's engagement. Her fiances family was there too. I think they were trying to tell us something though b/c they put my youngest sister, her boyfriend, my brother, Scott (her fiance Jeff's brother), Adam, and I at our own table.... just saying ;-) Mom, Dad, Jenn, Jeff, His parents, and brother and sister-in-law enjoyed their lunch at their own table discussing more of the wedding plans. I think our table had more fun. :-) LOL! They decided to set the date for June 12, 2010. The wedding will take place down in Imogene, Iowa about a 3 1/2 hour drive for us from Ames and close to 6 hours for my family back home or a little more. Yes, we're in SW Iowa practically in Missouri. I joked with a coworker I could take my retainer out and no one would notice I was missing a tooth. LOL :-) So we'll see how things go......
Other than that we've been working and doing chores. Getting ready for my birthday this Friday. :-) Yippee..... or something like that. :-) I hope we can make it to the piano bar to celebrate!! I love that place!
So Michelle, here is your post. :-) Written with love.... for those of you that don't know... Michelle has a lip gloss obsession...and if you do nice things for her she puts on extra lip gloss..... so I sent her my favorite flavors.... LOL...sorry inside joke she's going to kill me for! :-)
Anyways, Michelle, when you get here in September plan on hitting up the piano bar with me at least one night. We'll make it to work on time with bells on I'm sure. :-)
Happy Memorial Day Everyone! :-)
So here is an updated dedicated to Michelle in Illinois. :-) Ha Ha Ha!
Not too much has been happening with us. We spent memorial day weekend traveling. Saturday afternoon we had a wedding in Little Amana and headed to see Adam's mom on Sunday. We spent most of the day there and then the afternoon with Macha and Mindi. :-)
Monday, I got quite a bit done at my pig farm and cleaned up while Adam was working at his pig farm. Otherwise I spent my day off relaxing on the couch....enjoying the Golden Girls Marathon. :-)
Oh and Monday we went to eat at the Texas Roadhouse with my family to celebrate my little sister's engagement. Her fiances family was there too. I think they were trying to tell us something though b/c they put my youngest sister, her boyfriend, my brother, Scott (her fiance Jeff's brother), Adam, and I at our own table.... just saying ;-) Mom, Dad, Jenn, Jeff, His parents, and brother and sister-in-law enjoyed their lunch at their own table discussing more of the wedding plans. I think our table had more fun. :-) LOL! They decided to set the date for June 12, 2010. The wedding will take place down in Imogene, Iowa about a 3 1/2 hour drive for us from Ames and close to 6 hours for my family back home or a little more. Yes, we're in SW Iowa practically in Missouri. I joked with a coworker I could take my retainer out and no one would notice I was missing a tooth. LOL :-) So we'll see how things go......
Other than that we've been working and doing chores. Getting ready for my birthday this Friday. :-) Yippee..... or something like that. :-) I hope we can make it to the piano bar to celebrate!! I love that place!
So Michelle, here is your post. :-) Written with love.... for those of you that don't know... Michelle has a lip gloss obsession...and if you do nice things for her she puts on extra lip gloss..... so I sent her my favorite flavors.... LOL...sorry inside joke she's going to kill me for! :-)
Anyways, Michelle, when you get here in September plan on hitting up the piano bar with me at least one night. We'll make it to work on time with bells on I'm sure. :-)
Happy Memorial Day Everyone! :-)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Happy Friday!
Happy Friday Everyone!! :-)
I received some good news on my Friday morning. My company has pushed the date back when they need me so I will be able to attend the World Pork Expo this year! :-) I'm pretty excited about the whole thing. It should be a great time!! I'm hoping with the date being pushed back I'll still be able to go to the Summer Type Conference as well.
I am excited to start my new task within the company, but now I get to "have my cake and eat it too". Which makes it that much sweeter. :-)
Well, back to work. Take care! :-)
I received some good news on my Friday morning. My company has pushed the date back when they need me so I will be able to attend the World Pork Expo this year! :-) I'm pretty excited about the whole thing. It should be a great time!! I'm hoping with the date being pushed back I'll still be able to go to the Summer Type Conference as well.
I am excited to start my new task within the company, but now I get to "have my cake and eat it too". Which makes it that much sweeter. :-)
Well, back to work. Take care! :-)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A Life Changing Decision....
Adam and I were talking the other night about a friend of his and how he's heading back up to Mayo with his wife. Basically her liver is dead. Which to me was very sad to hear. Both are such wonderful people. I told Adam I had the blood type that I could give to anyone but could only receive from my same blood type...which I believe is O...? I'd have to check my donor card. We talked and more than likely she'll have to have a liver transplant, if they can find a match. So I made a decision today and it's one that I hope can help change someone's life. I was already an organ donor if I died... but today I made it to be a living donor as well.
It was somewhat scary to read about all of the risks and that, but if it could help make someone's life better it would be worth it.
One bonus was that they have a section where you can put in a specific person's name you wish to donate to. I made a note that if her name passed through that I would be willing to be tested to see if I was a match. The material that I read said they don't take much of your liver and you're able to grow it back...so that's kind of neat.
When my dad's cousin Dave and Adam's Grandpa Willis passed away they were both organ donors. I now wear my green "bracelet" each day to remind me of what they did for a stranger. Willis had parts of the bones in his arms and legs donated to cancer patients. How wonderful is that? If the recipient starts to square dance around the room...we should probably be concerned since Willis loved to square dance. :-)
It would be great to see what a difference your organ donation could make for someone while you're still alive, but even if it's after I'm gone it's worth it. :-)
It was somewhat scary to read about all of the risks and that, but if it could help make someone's life better it would be worth it.
One bonus was that they have a section where you can put in a specific person's name you wish to donate to. I made a note that if her name passed through that I would be willing to be tested to see if I was a match. The material that I read said they don't take much of your liver and you're able to grow it back...so that's kind of neat.
When my dad's cousin Dave and Adam's Grandpa Willis passed away they were both organ donors. I now wear my green "bracelet" each day to remind me of what they did for a stranger. Willis had parts of the bones in his arms and legs donated to cancer patients. How wonderful is that? If the recipient starts to square dance around the room...we should probably be concerned since Willis loved to square dance. :-)
It would be great to see what a difference your organ donation could make for someone while you're still alive, but even if it's after I'm gone it's worth it. :-)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
When It Rains, It Pours....
Isn't that how the saying goes??? That seems to be how things are going for me at the moment.
I'm going to be ready to get away for a while and attend the pigs shows with Adam.... I hope :-) Still don't have any definite details regarding work and what's going to be happening the next few months as things progress. Hopefully they'll be able to give me a more definite answer this next week.
I had to be the "desperate woman" on the side of the road yesterday. I talked to my aunt, to see how she was doing after her surgery on her hand, finished my pig chores and headed home... or tried to. I heard a pop when I went to turn and drive off and figured my wonderful tired went flat....again...yes again.... luckily that wasn't it, so I decided to keep driving. I called Adam to let him know I may need a ride but he was still busy at work and didn't answer. The noise got worse and it didn't matter if I was going 30 or 55. I pulled over again and the tire wasn't flat, but I figured I really shouldn't be driving on it incase it's something else. I made it to the end of the road and pulled off. I checked all my belts and everything under the hood and it looked good, made sure nothing was hanging down from my car and it all looked good. I called Adam again and told him I was on the side of the road...he was still working and didn't answer. So I called the swine farm, I told Al what was going on and Adam came over shortly to see me. I told him it's really weird b/c the noise stops as soon as you hit the brakes. I wonder if it isn't something to do with those... usually the noise comes though when you're not hitting the brakes, not when you push on them. So we dropped it off at the repair shop and they're looking at it today.....
We ended up going to the Ridge last night and Adam mixed some feed and shut the barn doors b/c of the rain. He had a great idea of going to West Cyde Wings for their $0.39 wing deal. I told him that was a wonderful idea after the day I had... but I really wanted to get my commit to fit steps in for the night. Luckily he had found a weedeater at the Ridge and wanted to work on that. So I headed over to the clubhouse and walked for 45 minutes and got my 10,000 steps in :-) and he had the weedeater pretty well going. It's a good thing his Grandpa Willis gave him a toolbox full of tools b/c we wouldn't have had much to work with otherwise. I told he'd need to thank him the next time he prays for the tools b/c he sure has gotten a lot of use out of them. :-) He said he has a couple more tweaks to make and then he'd be ready to roll. I'm very proud of how mechanically inclined he's become. We'll now have way to help keep the grass down a little bit at the Ridge....that would be our only form of "mowing" there. :-) We enjoyed a great meal at West Cyde with Dan and headed home to relax and get ready for the next day.....
Which leads me to today... the repair shop called and I was right it was an issue with my brakes... I have to have new front brakes, the rear rotors are almost rusted completely through so those are being replaced, and the air filter needs to be replaced. I can do the air filter myself... but while they're working they may as well put it in. We go to Trickles here in Ames for everything we need, from oil changes, to flat tires, to brakes and rotors. :-) They know Adam well and take good care of us. Luckily this bill should only be around $426.00. However it ended up being $466.00 :-(. Not what I really needed to hear this time of the month, but luckily pay day is coming up soon!! I'm just glad I had Adam around to help me out with all of this. This is the first time I've had to take a car to the repair shop for something more than an oil change...and usually don't do that if I don't have to... I don't know how I like being an "adult" and dealing with unexpected bills. :-) I do know that I need to set a better budget and stick to it so it won't be so tight in situations like this!! That's for sure.
I'm taking part in a Commit to Fit challenge at my office. It started May 10th and ends June 20th. It's a team and individual event. My team is comprised of 10 of us from the office (the maximum on one team) from all different departments. A few of our team name ideas were "Women on a Mission", "Golden Girls", and many more. Then we added a male to the team...so I thought it would be cute to be the "Golden Girls and Shannon"...yes he is a male, but figured it wouldn't work out like that. We ended up adding on two other males so we came up with the name "Shape Shifters". Our team level is beginner and we all as individuals are beginners with one member being an intermediate.
What it boils down to... we were each given a pedometer and put it on when we get up and record the number of steps we took when we go to bed each night. As a beginner the goal was set to get 6,000 steps in 3 times per week. We can record a maximum of 10,000 steps per day. The intermediate goal is 10,000 steps 5 times per week, and a maximum of 14,000 steps per day. I thought it would be difficult to get to 6,000 steps in a day, but it's not too bad. Since we can wear it all day I leave the office with almost 3,00 steps under my belt. :-) Somedays a little more. We're trying to get a nice day so we can walk around outside and get a few additional steps in over lunch. I am proud to say though I have gotten over 10,000 steps in each day. Adam's Grandma Bev told me it really doesn't do much good if you're just walking around casually and using those steps...it would help to get your heart rate up. So instead of settling for 6,000 I've actually gone on walks and RAN...I haven't done that in years and it was only a quarter mile....thank goodness! :-) I see now how out of shape I am.
It's was a good idea on the company's part to come up with this challenge though... we're working towards getting a t-shirt and being entered for a drawing. The prize is a Wii and Wii Fit. They give one away for each of the 3 levels, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Like Adam said it helps when they give you a goal to reach and a way to track it. Plus the thrill of competition is great. :-) So I will, as captain, hopefully lead my team to first place and a prize of $150.00 for the team to split and win Wii and Wii Fit for myself. :-) YAY!
Well, back to work for the day. Hopefully the rest of the week/weekend looks up. :-)
-Melissa
P.S. Michelle--- here's your update :-)
I Heart My Car :)
I'm going to be ready to get away for a while and attend the pigs shows with Adam.... I hope :-) Still don't have any definite details regarding work and what's going to be happening the next few months as things progress. Hopefully they'll be able to give me a more definite answer this next week.
I had to be the "desperate woman" on the side of the road yesterday. I talked to my aunt, to see how she was doing after her surgery on her hand, finished my pig chores and headed home... or tried to. I heard a pop when I went to turn and drive off and figured my wonderful tired went flat....again...yes again.... luckily that wasn't it, so I decided to keep driving. I called Adam to let him know I may need a ride but he was still busy at work and didn't answer. The noise got worse and it didn't matter if I was going 30 or 55. I pulled over again and the tire wasn't flat, but I figured I really shouldn't be driving on it incase it's something else. I made it to the end of the road and pulled off. I checked all my belts and everything under the hood and it looked good, made sure nothing was hanging down from my car and it all looked good. I called Adam again and told him I was on the side of the road...he was still working and didn't answer. So I called the swine farm, I told Al what was going on and Adam came over shortly to see me. I told him it's really weird b/c the noise stops as soon as you hit the brakes. I wonder if it isn't something to do with those... usually the noise comes though when you're not hitting the brakes, not when you push on them. So we dropped it off at the repair shop and they're looking at it today.....
We ended up going to the Ridge last night and Adam mixed some feed and shut the barn doors b/c of the rain. He had a great idea of going to West Cyde Wings for their $0.39 wing deal. I told him that was a wonderful idea after the day I had... but I really wanted to get my commit to fit steps in for the night. Luckily he had found a weedeater at the Ridge and wanted to work on that. So I headed over to the clubhouse and walked for 45 minutes and got my 10,000 steps in :-) and he had the weedeater pretty well going. It's a good thing his Grandpa Willis gave him a toolbox full of tools b/c we wouldn't have had much to work with otherwise. I told he'd need to thank him the next time he prays for the tools b/c he sure has gotten a lot of use out of them. :-) He said he has a couple more tweaks to make and then he'd be ready to roll. I'm very proud of how mechanically inclined he's become. We'll now have way to help keep the grass down a little bit at the Ridge....that would be our only form of "mowing" there. :-) We enjoyed a great meal at West Cyde with Dan and headed home to relax and get ready for the next day.....
Which leads me to today... the repair shop called and I was right it was an issue with my brakes... I have to have new front brakes, the rear rotors are almost rusted completely through so those are being replaced, and the air filter needs to be replaced. I can do the air filter myself... but while they're working they may as well put it in. We go to Trickles here in Ames for everything we need, from oil changes, to flat tires, to brakes and rotors. :-) They know Adam well and take good care of us. Luckily this bill should only be around $426.00. However it ended up being $466.00 :-(. Not what I really needed to hear this time of the month, but luckily pay day is coming up soon!! I'm just glad I had Adam around to help me out with all of this. This is the first time I've had to take a car to the repair shop for something more than an oil change...and usually don't do that if I don't have to... I don't know how I like being an "adult" and dealing with unexpected bills. :-) I do know that I need to set a better budget and stick to it so it won't be so tight in situations like this!! That's for sure.
I'm taking part in a Commit to Fit challenge at my office. It started May 10th and ends June 20th. It's a team and individual event. My team is comprised of 10 of us from the office (the maximum on one team) from all different departments. A few of our team name ideas were "Women on a Mission", "Golden Girls", and many more. Then we added a male to the team...so I thought it would be cute to be the "Golden Girls and Shannon"...yes he is a male, but figured it wouldn't work out like that. We ended up adding on two other males so we came up with the name "Shape Shifters". Our team level is beginner and we all as individuals are beginners with one member being an intermediate.
What it boils down to... we were each given a pedometer and put it on when we get up and record the number of steps we took when we go to bed each night. As a beginner the goal was set to get 6,000 steps in 3 times per week. We can record a maximum of 10,000 steps per day. The intermediate goal is 10,000 steps 5 times per week, and a maximum of 14,000 steps per day. I thought it would be difficult to get to 6,000 steps in a day, but it's not too bad. Since we can wear it all day I leave the office with almost 3,00 steps under my belt. :-) Somedays a little more. We're trying to get a nice day so we can walk around outside and get a few additional steps in over lunch. I am proud to say though I have gotten over 10,000 steps in each day. Adam's Grandma Bev told me it really doesn't do much good if you're just walking around casually and using those steps...it would help to get your heart rate up. So instead of settling for 6,000 I've actually gone on walks and RAN...I haven't done that in years and it was only a quarter mile....thank goodness! :-) I see now how out of shape I am.
It's was a good idea on the company's part to come up with this challenge though... we're working towards getting a t-shirt and being entered for a drawing. The prize is a Wii and Wii Fit. They give one away for each of the 3 levels, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Like Adam said it helps when they give you a goal to reach and a way to track it. Plus the thrill of competition is great. :-) So I will, as captain, hopefully lead my team to first place and a prize of $150.00 for the team to split and win Wii and Wii Fit for myself. :-) YAY!
Well, back to work for the day. Hopefully the rest of the week/weekend looks up. :-)
-Melissa
P.S. Michelle--- here's your update :-)
I Heart My Car :)Thursday, May 7, 2009
Rain, Rain Go Away :-)
What a day for a BBQ.... or something like that. The rain has come again today. Hopefully it stays away so we can enjoy our mother's day weekend!!
Nothing too exciting is happening with us. We spent last night making potato salad for a BBQ tonight and in the farrowing barn. :-) What a great way to spend an evening.
Adam dropped a bomb on me the other night... we were asked to make potato salad for his co-workers, daughter's graduation. It's a curse that grandma taught me how to make this. :-) We'll be so good at making potato salad when we're done it can be done in our sleep. It's nice that he asked us to do it though....and I think it speaks highly of our potato salad, but after all I did learn from the best!
The Pork Expo and Summer Type are getting closer and it's beginning to look like I now won't be able to attend due to work commitments. It's so hard when you have to choose if you want to pay your rent and bills or do something you enjoy and love. :-) I am excited for what I will be doing at work. I can't really say anything at the time, but hopefully it's a step in the right direction and can help further my career. Luckily Adam is very supportive and willing to help me out with chores and getting my gilt to the show if I can't be there. :-)
We're both excited for Mother's Day.... we're spending Friday night with Adam's dad and step-mom, heading to Rockford on Saturday to see my grandma, aunt, and mom, and then on Sunday Adam's mom and grandma are coming to walk around Reiman gardens. We hope the weather cooperates and makes the weekend pleasant. :-)
Nothing too exciting is happening with us. We spent last night making potato salad for a BBQ tonight and in the farrowing barn. :-) What a great way to spend an evening.
Adam dropped a bomb on me the other night... we were asked to make potato salad for his co-workers, daughter's graduation. It's a curse that grandma taught me how to make this. :-) We'll be so good at making potato salad when we're done it can be done in our sleep. It's nice that he asked us to do it though....and I think it speaks highly of our potato salad, but after all I did learn from the best!
The Pork Expo and Summer Type are getting closer and it's beginning to look like I now won't be able to attend due to work commitments. It's so hard when you have to choose if you want to pay your rent and bills or do something you enjoy and love. :-) I am excited for what I will be doing at work. I can't really say anything at the time, but hopefully it's a step in the right direction and can help further my career. Luckily Adam is very supportive and willing to help me out with chores and getting my gilt to the show if I can't be there. :-)
We're both excited for Mother's Day.... we're spending Friday night with Adam's dad and step-mom, heading to Rockford on Saturday to see my grandma, aunt, and mom, and then on Sunday Adam's mom and grandma are coming to walk around Reiman gardens. We hope the weather cooperates and makes the weekend pleasant. :-)
This is a picture of Clint and Heather's boy and Adam's ad for the upcoming Breeders Digest. What a sweetie! He stole my heart a couple years ago and is one of my favorites!!! :-)
Well, that's about all for now. Take care!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
What a Weekend!
What a busy weekend! :-)
Thankfully we had the chance to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend! Yes, most of it was spent out at the farms, but what better way to spend it?? The pens are clean which means one less thing for us to do this week. It's so nice to have the past couple weekends to relax and do things as we felt like it, instead of being rushed from place to place. :-)
We're kicking ourselves for not placing a bet on the Kentucky Derby...even though I don't think we would've bet on the horse that won. :-) What an upset!! Adam joked with his boss' wife that they could've run off together if they'd only placed a bet...Poor Shirley! We are getting excited to go and watch the ponies run in Altoona though. I can't wait to get my big hat to wear!! :-)
We were lucky and got to spend part of the day today with Adam's mom, grandma, brother, and step-dad. We enjoyed lunch and then headed to the farms to check out the pigs. :-) It was a sad day though b/c my first gilt sold as breeding stock left today. She went to a good home and will be taken care of...it's just always sad to see them go. Yes, I get way too attached! I guess that's how I got started in "my own" operation.
Now to get ready for a busy week. I'm so glad I don't have finals anymore!! :-)
Hope you all had a good weekend as well! :-) Maybe the nice weather will be here to stay for a while!!
Thankfully we had the chance to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend! Yes, most of it was spent out at the farms, but what better way to spend it?? The pens are clean which means one less thing for us to do this week. It's so nice to have the past couple weekends to relax and do things as we felt like it, instead of being rushed from place to place. :-)
We're kicking ourselves for not placing a bet on the Kentucky Derby...even though I don't think we would've bet on the horse that won. :-) What an upset!! Adam joked with his boss' wife that they could've run off together if they'd only placed a bet...Poor Shirley! We are getting excited to go and watch the ponies run in Altoona though. I can't wait to get my big hat to wear!! :-)
We were lucky and got to spend part of the day today with Adam's mom, grandma, brother, and step-dad. We enjoyed lunch and then headed to the farms to check out the pigs. :-) It was a sad day though b/c my first gilt sold as breeding stock left today. She went to a good home and will be taken care of...it's just always sad to see them go. Yes, I get way too attached! I guess that's how I got started in "my own" operation.
Now to get ready for a busy week. I'm so glad I don't have finals anymore!! :-)
Hope you all had a good weekend as well! :-) Maybe the nice weather will be here to stay for a while!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Just Getting Started
I've decided to try my hand at the whole blog thing....with the help of Michelle hopefully it'll be cute soon. :-)
Adam and I've been keeping busy with work, school, and the pigs. :-)
I am still with Syngenta in Ames and enjoy what I'm doing. I look forward to all of the challenges and tasks that are to come in the near future!! I have a sow and a boar at my mom and dad's up in North Central Iowa and their 4 babies. I also have 2 gilts just outside of Ames. One is sold and should be leaving this weekend :-( and the other one will hopefully be shown as a bred gilt at the Summer Type Conference.
Adam is working on his masters and hopes to be done in December of 2009. Not too far away! He is going to have his masters in Animal Science, it's a broad based degree and not specifically towards nutrition, genetics, etc. He is still working at the ISU Swine Teaching Farm and would never leave if he didn't have to it seems like somedays. :-) Adam, Al Christian, and Al Conover (his dad) have 6 Berk sows together at a farm just outside of Ames. It's a "quaint" place as Adam's mom put it, but it gets the job done. They had the best farrowing season this February/March that I have ever seen! There are little piglets everywhere!!
We're getting ready to head to the World Pork Expo in 34 days!! :-) The Summer Type Conference is only 56 days away! I love show time! Plus the Michelle's (Keyser and Knight) are coming to the Summer Type to see us!! :-)
That's about all for now, but I'm sure I'll be posting often. :-)
Have a good Friday!
Adam and I've been keeping busy with work, school, and the pigs. :-)
I am still with Syngenta in Ames and enjoy what I'm doing. I look forward to all of the challenges and tasks that are to come in the near future!! I have a sow and a boar at my mom and dad's up in North Central Iowa and their 4 babies. I also have 2 gilts just outside of Ames. One is sold and should be leaving this weekend :-( and the other one will hopefully be shown as a bred gilt at the Summer Type Conference.
Adam is working on his masters and hopes to be done in December of 2009. Not too far away! He is going to have his masters in Animal Science, it's a broad based degree and not specifically towards nutrition, genetics, etc. He is still working at the ISU Swine Teaching Farm and would never leave if he didn't have to it seems like somedays. :-) Adam, Al Christian, and Al Conover (his dad) have 6 Berk sows together at a farm just outside of Ames. It's a "quaint" place as Adam's mom put it, but it gets the job done. They had the best farrowing season this February/March that I have ever seen! There are little piglets everywhere!!
We're getting ready to head to the World Pork Expo in 34 days!! :-) The Summer Type Conference is only 56 days away! I love show time! Plus the Michelle's (Keyser and Knight) are coming to the Summer Type to see us!! :-)
That's about all for now, but I'm sure I'll be posting often. :-)
Have a good Friday!
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