Deer Season Follow Up

Not exactly what I was looking to kill this season, but it got the job done.

You can check out the rest of this year's entries for the Buck Country Classic here

Hope everyone had a safe and productive deer season!

What My Christmas Break Has Consisted of Thus Far.

This Christmas break I decided I would really focus on deer hunting and shoot a big one. Well, Mission Impossible! I have not shot once but twice, at two really nice bucks.

Opening weekend was a good weekend. When I saw the buck step out of the woods, I seriously started singing. After watching him for about 30 minutes, I shot and shot high. I blame the gun and the bullets. I no longer trust Remington bullets. Ha! The buck was shot the following weekend, by one of our hunters. Just my luck.

This past weekend, I got in the deer stand excited and ready to go. Plenty of deer had been out and about, but I wasn’t seeing anything but doe and hogs. Until about 4:30, I saw him. Huge. I seriously got nervous looking at him. Talk about buck fever.

I waited for 45 minutes for him to get closer, but couldn’t stand it anymore, so I finally shot. He went down. I unloaded my gun thinking all was perfect. Texted my dad to come pick me up as I did my happy dance. As my luck would have it, my buck started kicking! Before I could reload and shoot, he had already gone into the woods pushing from his back legs.

At this point I’m livid at myself and praying that he is lying just in the woods.

Unfortunately, he was nowhere to be found. I’ve looked and searched, my dad and brother have rummaged through the woods for hours for him. Trust me, he was worth it.

So now, four days later, I’m still literally sick to my stomach that he isn’t hanging in the cooler.

…Yet.

And to top it off I missed out on some good hog hunting last night.

Not only that, but I have to watch hunting shows. Talk about depressing.

Hopefully, things will start going my way so I can finish out this season on a high note. Cross your fingers for me!

I Adore Hummingbirds.

Just something that I ran across and fell in love with:

"Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and to savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation. "

(picture from blog post on howstuffworks.com)

Jon Hart, TOMS, Silvers & Polo = LOVE

Okay so I will be pushing products in this post. I am by no means a "fashionista" but I like dressing comfortable and still looking adorable. These are just a few things that I think every girl should have!

JON HART DESIGN:

There's a little Texas based luggage company, Jon Hart design that has fabulous leather bags and everything else that you could think of! It started out in Houston, Texas in 1973 and I say has been going pretty strong since! Monogramming is available and comes in different options and of course they come in tons of colors. I personally have the pink single zipper backpack! SO PRESH! I have had it for almost three years and is still going strong (that means it lasts!) The leather is worn in and just perfect for any (preppy or country) girl on campus. I also have some other products like koozies and make-up bags.

Prices Range from $25.00 – 700.00


TOMS SHOES:

In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Otherwise known as TOMS.

I have two pair and LOVE both of them! Of course, I have pink glitter.

My next pair will be these adorable maroon & white ones!

Price: $50.00


SILVER JEANS:

I swear to you Silver Jeans are the only jeans I wear. So comfortable and they can go casual or dress up! They are semi-expensive for a pair of jeans but totally worth it because they last a LONG time! I especially like the dark wash. Did I mention, COMFORTABLE?!

Price Range from $70.00 – 90.00


POLO (RALPH LAUREN):

A Ralph Lauren Sport Women’s V-Neck Pony Logo T-shirt and a Polo cap is the way to go on those days where you want to go casual or just wear polo everyday! Embrace the polo. Wear the polo!

Price Range: Go to an outlet mall, TJ Maxx or Amazon.com. They are sold at a very low price compared to department stores and no one knows the difference. (You can get more that way.)


Now you’re set year round!

Happy shopping!

Junior Year.

So I “technically” started my junior year of college life at Texas A&M this past week. A-A-A Whoop!

I am a typical college junior with around 85 credit hours pursuing a dual degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Communications. I’m an undergrad but also an upperclassman. I will be getting my aggie ring next semester. I am twenty years old (115 days until 21), and yet people expect me to know what I want to do with my life?

Basically, I am stuck in the middle and the “real world” is knocking on my door. And suddenly, all of my high school friends are in serious relationships, married or already have children. Where does that leave me? I’m still looking for the right guy to come along while I’m at the bar on Thursday nights. (I’m sure my parents LOVE hearing this.)

It’s overwhelming to know that this year presents challenges that I haven’t faced before. People other than my ever faithful and proud parents are asking me what I want out of my life and out of a career, and they expect a long, sophisticated, thought-out answer. And sometimes, well most of the time I can’t give them enough information about what I want to do for my answer to even make sense.

I get asked, “What can an animal science degree get you?” and “Why a double major?” and “Do you plan on graduate school?” or “Why didn’t you go into something else?” or my personal favorite, “Is there any money in an ag job like that?

To answer these questions, I will briefly list some of my personal conclusions on each subject.

1.       Basically, I have learned (so far) that Animal Science majors can get hired to almost anything in the agricultural field i.e. extension agent, livestock management, state and federal government, equipment/ representative or sales rep, head of breed associations, livestock marketing, journalist, agricultural teacher, inspection and grading services and the list can go on and on.

2.       I decided to double major because I felt the need to do something more with my education. One of my ideas of a career path is in agriculture public relations, to do this I figured it would be better to also learn and train in this environment along with animal science. I stand by decision and I am proud of myself for taking on this challenge.

3.       Graduate school has always been a part of my plan. As of now, I have three different directions in which I would like to go. One being teaching or extension, but with the way extension and teaching positions have been falling, I am still considering other options. Another choice would be consulting for feedlots or cattle marketing companies. This would involve a lot of travel which I would gladly participate in. Especially due to the fact that I have decided that I will NOT be able to have a 9 to 5 job in an office. And lastly, University research and development, more importantly under beef cattle specialization. Beef cattle are what I have grown up around it is what I know and love and besides that I have no other answer.

4.       To me, there is nothing else.

5.       Is there money in any of these jobs? Well truthfully, I wouldn’t care if there wasn’t or even if there is. My philosophy is that I am going to the thing that makes me happy every day or I am going to find something different. If there is money in what I end up doing, it will be just icing on the cake.

The closer I get to graduation, the more I understand that these questions are going to be more frequent, but honestly, I keep looking around wondering when I grew up. When did I get old? Oh my gosh is that a grey hair?! Oh that’s definitely because of organic chemistry.

I just have to keep reminding myself that I will be okay. Take a deep breath, count to ten and smile.

I have made smart decisions in the past and look at how far I have gotten. I have set my goals high and have developed aspirations that are true to me.

I have also decided that it is okay that I do not have every aspect of my life planned out. That is God’s job.

I’m finding that balance this year and enjoying the little bit of time I have left at college, like going to the football game tomorrow with over 85,000 of my closest friends.

BTHO SMU! Thanks & Gig’em!

Please Read the Warning Label.

WARNING: I tend to talk about myself more than usual in this blog post. It is also abnormally long for a blog post. Please refrain from reading if you do not want to know more about me than you already do. I do think that this blog post is incredibly funny, entertaining and a bit educational for children and adults everywhere (well maybe).

Hello all,

I usually don’t brag about my grades or myself for that matter, or at least try not to, but I am very proud of myself this week and all of the accomplishments that I have achieved.

You did read the warning label, right?? I really wasn’t kidding.

For one, I was honored by having the privilege to judge a youth competition, the Texas Beef Leaders of Tomorrow Contest. Which already struck a chord with me because it is put on by the Texas Cattlewomen organization; I was asked to judge the “Issues Response” portion of the contest. It was a real feeling of pride as I sat there and read the contestants entries. I even stopped and had a little pep talk with myself. It went along the lines of this:

Me #1: “I can’t believe we are actually judging this contest?!”
Me #2: “Remain calm. We have to focus.”
Me #1: “But aren’t you excited!?”
Me #2: “Yes, but we have a job to do. We can celebrate later.”
Me #1: “As long as you’re excited!!”
Me #2: “YES I’M EXCITED!! Better?”
Me #1: “Exceedingly. Uh okay. So what was all that grammar stuff we learned???”
Me #2: “That’s why we have to focus. I don’t remember anything!!”
Me #3: “I will take over as long as the both of you SHUT UP!”

(Insert uncontrollable laughed here. I really needed a good laugh. If you actually read that 3-way conversation I had with myself, I applaud your commitment to reading my blog. )

Although I was very excited I did have to remain calm and professional.

This week I was also overjoyed about a grade that I received on an assignment for one of my Agricultural Communications classes (AGCJ 203). We were instructed to write a profile story over anyone that has or had a news worthy life. An interview had to be taken place with that person and one to two other people that “know the profiled person well.”

I had a really hard time thinking of someone to write about, and I only had about two weeks to get all of this done. Of course, I called my mother to ask for her advice (this happens a lot). She gave me several ideas like professors, my boss at the time, or even my sister. My dad had ideas as well, like Temple Grandin. Yeah my father didn’t get the interview part?? But then he suggested I interview my grandpa (his dad), Mackie Lee McCullough. Perfect!

I was so thrilled and excited and to tell you the truth, NERVOUS!! Conduct an interview with my grandpa, and get a six to eight page paper out of it?! And of course being the Type A personality that I am, it had to be perfect.

It ended up being a great experience! I love my grandpa and respect him even more now. I have learned so much from him already. I owe him my livelihood. Without him, I would not have gotten the chance to grow up on a cow-calf operation and grow up to love the cattle industry even through the bad times. He is an incredible man and I look up to him and thank him from the bottom of my heart. He really couldn’t be a better person.

So without further adieu, an insert and of my ode to grandpa, “The Cattle Rancher: Mackie Lee McCullough.”

He takes a sip of coffee, black, and then adds two packets of sweet-n-low to the cup. Satisfied he leans back in his chair and pulls on his boots. He is dressed for his long day of work, from his red and green plaid shirt to his relaxed-cut wranglers.

They might come to town in their truck every once in awhile, maybe to check in at the bank or at the local feed store. They try to avoid the hospital at all costs. They might not say much, but they will share a story or two with anyone willing to listen about the days when life was harder, but a lot simpler and it’s guaranteed that those stories are worth listening to.

They aren’t many true cattle ranchers left in Texas. They have all died or have gotten out of the business when times got too tough. It’s a hard job. A cattle rancher has to have common sense and enough knowledge to know when to buy and when to sell. A cattle rancher has to know how to live and to have dreams, big or small.


Now, I received an A+ on this paper and I got called out in class for it being “an example of fine journalism,” (gasp, embarrassing!) but all in all it made it that more special.

I thank you for actually making it to the end. That means so much. And if you skipped things that’s cool too.

I promise to have a post this long never ever again.

Much love.

Family. Friends. Events.

Wow. Summer has just been a whirl wind of things going on in my life. From 12 hours of summer school to catching up with “new” and “old” friends to organization events and wedding showers to more babies being born into the family!

It feels weird saying “old” friends, but frankly that is what they are. These “old” friends are people that we grew up with, that now we do not see as much or spend as much time with. I am very blessed to say that my friendship with these said friends is still intact! We may have our ups and downs but we stick together. We may get all together once or twice every now and again, but we pick up right where we left off. It truly is amazing.

Here is a shot from a few weeks ago when us “old” friends got together

Now my "new" friends are a handful! Each one different, unique and absolutely stunning! They have all been there for me and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for all of us. One of the organizations I am a part of has really touched my heart and soul. I feel a great passion for the cattle industry and the Texas Cattlewomen is a great way to feed said passion!

A picture from a TCW event from this past weekend

It was an event with Texas Cattlewomen
The young women picture are a part of Texas Aggie Cattlewomen

Now my family has gotten big enough, but somehow more babies keep popping out (ooh pardon the pun)!

A picture of baby cousin Nixen, born just last night.

Life is pretty great and I am totally blessed to have all that I have in my life.

Now only if summer school would finish. Next Wednesday can't get here soon enough!

Photography.

One picture is meant to say a thousand words. The fact that this past weekend I took over 500 pictures. That says a lot.

It was quite an adventure. I got sunburnt, head butted, chased by “crazy, but just needing some love” dairy calves, oh and I cried.

Out in the pasture, fishing and FFA Banquets – story of my life.

Can I get a pat on the back for a good weekend? Yes, I think I can.

Laughing – It really is the best medicine.

I have been told that I’m funny and sarcastic, and I happen to agree. I have a comical vision of myself in being the next Chelsea Handler minus the inappropriateness.

Although, sometimes my humor does not connect with other humans. Close friends get me, and strangers stare, which is fine. I probably would to.

I also have a loud, annoying laugh that I use when something is hilariously funny. I think that people respond negatively to that. Which is weird because I am so lovable.

Life without laughter is just not going to happen for me. My one goal everyday is to make someone laugh, or at the very least smile.

Smiles are contagious. In case you didn’t know and smiles release endorphins, which make people happy. Just like Ms. Elle Wood said, "endorphins make people happy and happy people just don't shoot their husbands... they just don't."

Now step outside your bubble and make someone’s day.

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.” ~Irish Proverb

Yes, I’m half Irish. Now kiss me I’m lucky.

See that’s funny.

March is almost gone.

Can life just slow down a little bit? Here lately I feel like I need two days fit into one. Nothing gets done, and now it is almost April, which means semester is almost over (Whoop!). But besides that, it is now spring. Beautiful weather is everywhere and I absolutely LOVE it!


Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

Trust.

"Prayer is not so much about convincing God to do what we want God to do as it is about convincing ourselves to do what God wants us to do."

This is just a powerful sentence. It is sometimes hard to see what God wants us to see, but when we slow down our lives, sometimes we realize that what we want is not what we need.

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. We just have to trust.

corrente.blogspot.com - nope I did not take this picture, I wish I did. I like it a lot.

God knows all. Trust in Him.

Okay, I'm done preaching...well for today.

Music Speaks

Have you ever just listened to music on repeat? Just one song over and over again, because it made you feel like you weren’t the only one in the world to feel the way you do. Yep. I do all the time. It is a wonderful experience. Music speaks to your soul. Try it sometime.

Here are some of my all time favorites:

1) Carrying your love with me - George Strait
Oh, George! Of course, he would be my number one.

2) Lover, Lover - Jerrod Niemann
From songwriter to singer he has my heart.

3) The House That Built Me - Miranda Lambert
My hero, Miranda. Finally getting the recognition she deserves.

4) Are you gonna kiss me or not - Thompson Square
Can boys learn from this song, please?

5) Dust on the Bottle - David Lee Murphy
I grew up listening to this song and I still love it.

6) Homespun Love - Keith Urban
The BEST performances from him just because he calls this song the "white trash trailer park love song."

7) Crazy - Patsy Cline
Goodness she could sing to anyone's soul!

8) Forever and Ever, Amen - Randy Travis
I would love this song anyways, but this is the song my parents danced to at their wedding. (Cue the "Awws")

9) Don't you want to stay - Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson
Who doesn't like a rough rebel cowboy singing??

10) Hello Darlin - Conway Twitty
When he sings to Loretta, I cry. Every time.


I feel like 10 isn't enough to describe my love of music, but it's enough to hold your interest.

Softball.

This weekend I am to play in a Breast Cancer Awareness Softball game at my alma mater. Normally, I would be super excited to partake in the event, but as I have not picked up a softball in a non-joking matter, in two years I am deathly afraid of what is going to happen on Saturday.

Softball was a great part of my life in high school; I loved every minute of it! Spending time with friends for a few hours all with a common goal was a great experience. I can still remember the signs to give to the pitcher. I have so many memories that I cannot even begin to describe. Those girls, doesn’t matter which season it was, all made an impact on my life, and I can’t wait to see and play with them all again.

This past semester, I signed up for an intramural softball team for an organization at Texas A&M, it was slow pitch, and I realized that I was in no shape to play fast pitch anytime soon! That was December, here it is February and the game is in 6 days, and I am still not ready for this game. Procrastination at its best.

The only thing that I can think of to do is find my old cleats, and my glove. I know where my bat is, it’s under my bed for protection.

Wish me luck, and Lord help me to survive the game on Saturday.

List of Me

If you know me or not, I like making lists. If I travel anywhere, I make a list of what I bring. I make grocery shopping lists and lists of things to do during the day. I make lists at work for me to get things done on a day to day basis. I make pro/con lists as well, just call me Rory Gilmore. So, today as I was cleaning up my Facebook profile, I thought it would be fun to make a list of things that describe me. Well, the list turned out to be kind of long and it rambled. I, then, decided to make a game out of this "List of Me." The list is an alliteration list, words that all describe me or it is a part of my life or it inspires me.

Here is that list:

Faith. Family. Friends.
Stars & Saturdays.
Books. Believe. Barefoot.
Christmas. Cattle.
Writing. Western. Wishing.
Agriculture. Ambitious.
Love. Laugh. Loud.
Daisies. Dancing. Dogs.
Old & Over-analyze
Thinking. Texas A&M. Talking.
Night. Nature.
Pictures. Puzzles. Pockets.
Kids. Keys.
Mind. Music. Me.

Is that too complicated?

Christmas vs. Math. Which one wins?

This winter break, I foolishly decided to take a winter semester class and Math 142 no less. This class has been the vain of my existence since before it even started. First, you must know that I hate math and I have never been all that great at it. I mean I can add, subtract, multiply and divide, but throw in derivatives and limits and letters, and I am lost. More lost than the show “Lost,” with that gorgeous man, Joshua Lee Holloway. Not only do I have to worry about the limits of x and if it is negative infinity, but when the homework is due. This is horrible pain. Why did I decide to take this class? Well, in my mind it was simple, and if you aren’t an Aggie then I won’t try to make the tradition of the Aggie Ring into a big deal, but all Aggies know that it is. Taking this math class of five weeks would bring me every close to being able to experience the magical world of wearing the coveted little gold ring.

Before the festivities of the Christmas holidays began I was on track. Perfect. Then four days before Christmas I packed up all the clothes that I thought I would need, and wrapped all the presents and left College Station. Full into the spirit, I listened to Christmas music the whole way home.

Two days later I celebrated my first Christmas celebration with my dad’s side of the family, and then Christmas Eve another get together with my mom’s family. Both families are wonderful, loud, exciting, and loving. Being able to spend time with all of them is quite amazing and I cherish every moment. The next morning, Christmas morning, the joyous event of Santa being in the house and leaving gifts. The night where however old you are, you can’t sleep to save your life, but that morning after only a few hours of sleep, you wake up as early as possible. The morning that has all the possibilities in the world, I can remember one such morning where I received a kitten from Santa, along with a letter, saying to hold her tight because she had gotten spooked on the ride from the North Pole. The mornings I spent with my brother and sister going through all those presents, absolutely beside ourselves with excitement. Those are the days that I will remember most. Being able to spend time with the ones that mean the most to you, those are the moments that you take in and never forget.

As I sit here, back in College Station, a whole week behind on math homework I should be studying away, but instead I am taking down my Christmas decorations, I can’t help but think about those memories from the past and the ones are still to be made for years to come.

Oh back to math I guess.