My School Family

Being away from home is really hard for me, but having a group of close friends that I spend a lot of time with makes it a little easier.

I have become really involved on campus and these are the friends and the moments that I will remember forever! One of my favorite groups to be a part of on campus is the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Ambassadors. This is my family. They are just as crazy as my real family, and they are always there to lift me up when I need it most. So, for that I thank you all!

This past weekend was the Ambassador Retreat. This is a weekend spent learning about the college, but more importantly, this is a weekend spent learning about each other and making connections that will last all year. I couldn't have asked for a better group to spend my last year on campus with. This group includes some really amazing people, and I am really excited to see where this next year leads us.

Our weekend included a day of meetings at the office, and then we spend the rest of the weekend at the Red River Gorge, in Eastern Kentucky. First thing is first, hike up the see the Natural Bridge.

Th whole group made it to the top in one piece! 

Shelby and I being ourselves - ridiculous! 

Kaitlin and Renee - the best sisters a girl could ask for! This was before the hike (when we were still having fun!) Haha. 

 This year I have the privilege of being Kayla's mentor. She is the best mentee ever, and I can't wait to work with her all year! 

I'm so thankful for the family I have at school. These people keep me sane and help me to not be lonely.

But, I honestly could not do it without this girl. She is the best one-woman support system ever, and I am so thankful to have her all to myself! She dries my tears when my Momma can't, and always knows how to make me smile! I love you Kristina! Thank you for everything you do for me!

Next Step

Looking back on the amazing summer I had, I can't believe it is over.  Just like that.  I am so thankful for the amazing opportunities that I had this summer and I wouldn't trade the crazy schedule, sleepless nights, living out of a suitcase, or making over 1000 phone calls for anything. I had a blast! 

After a crazy-busy summer away from home, it was nice to be able to come home and spend the weekend with the ones I love the most before school starts. Daddy, Momma, Morgan and I packed up and went north for the weekend. We spent the weekend at the National Tractor Pull Association Championship in Bowling Green, Ohio. It's always a fun time, and it was great to spend it with three of my favorite people. 

 I think this one sums up our relationship quite nicely, HA. I love him! 

It's crazy to think that this was the last summer I will spend as a college student. Next summer, I will hopefully have a big-kid job and be planning my future. I can't believe that. I can't wait to see what my future holds, but for now I will pack up and head back to Lexington to plug away at school. That's the next step to my future and the next step to my goals!

264 days until graduation! 

Ready... Set... Go!! 

Texas

I have three words for my recent travel.... Texas was AMAZING!

I had such an amazing time traveling in this amazing state that I have always dreamed of visiting. I flew into Amarillo and spent most of my time in the panhandle area of the state. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel some and see this great state. A couple of farmers I had to visit were a couple hours in different directions, so this allowed for lots of travel! In previous posts you have seen that I tend to have good days and bad days on my trips. Not Texas. Texas was so good to me, and I didn't run into one unhappy person the entire time I was there. (And my Wednesday of this trip was my best day!) I don't have a lot else to say about it, so enjoy it as much as I did through my photos! 

Buffalo Lake Wildlife Refuge 

Feed Lot 

Feed Lot - this looked like a nice size feed lot until I rounded the corner and saw that it was a HUGE feed lot. Feeder calves as far as the eye could see. 

Large Wind Farm 

The storm I followed home Wednesday evening - I loved these clouds 

Because I am a hard worker, maybe the southern hospitality helped - I was able to spend all day Thursday as a tourist in this great state. I got all of my work done and was able to enjoy the day site-seeing. 

Cadillac Ranch - Amarillo, TX

Palo Duro Canyon - Amarillo, TX

I went horse back riding through this canyon. 

Historic Route 66

Heaven

I couldn't help myself - Had to get a new pair! I call them my authentic Texas souvenir! 

Ended my trip with this beautiful view. I was definitely somewhere over the rainbow all week! 

An absolute dream come true to visit Texas. I can't wait to go back in the near future just for fun!

Times Have Changed

I remember being a kid and hearing Momma tell people that I was her social butterfly. I was the one that always wanted to have friends over and go stay places. That trend never changed through high school either. Nine times out of ten I was home after dark every night of the week. 

I remember when I decided to move out of state to attend college many people told me or my family members that I would get too homesick and never stay there. What?! I was hardly ever home, how is that possible?

Yes, so I struggled a bit at first. Things got easier. I was always sad to go back to school, but never because I didn't want to go, but because I didn't want to leave my family. I would like to think that I have mastered being at school so far from home. I have good weeks and bad, but who doesn't. 

This summer I have experienced a whole new level of homesick. I'm not trying to get all sad and whiney about it, but I have. The more and more I have to be away from home, the more I am trying to see the good in it. 

I treasure every moment I get with my family. Now, even more than ever. As ridiculous as it sounds, I never know when the next time I will be home to see them again will be. I am blessed to have such an amazing, loving and supporting family that stands right behind me. Along with a second family that has accepted me as one of their own. So much love, so much happiness, but so many miles. 

So tonight, as I sit in a strange town, in a strange room, all alone; it makes me miss home. Miss the talking about nothing, but talking all night long. The tv shows I don't enjoy, but the company that surrounds them. But it is worth it. And all this time away has shown me that there is no where else in the world that I want to be than my little town, just for me. 

So the lesson here: being away from home and loved ones is hard on the heart, but I leave knowing that missing them will make the next homecoming even more special! 

Thanks for all the support! I love you guys!