It is crunch time. 8 weeks left in the sandhills of NE doing research, writing, and preparing for my cumulative final exam. 16 weeks until I defend for my Masters Degree. Trying not to panic. One day at a time. That is all I can do.
In light of the closing of this chapter and the beginning of another I have been reminded that change is around the corner. I am not the biggest fan of it, but I have learned to deal with it as life happens. I have been told by friends and family over the years that I handle these changes and moving across the country well. I don't believe them, but its what they say. lol. I suppose from my perspective, I know what I need to do to succeed and thrive in a new environment. I know God has brought me to this new place for His purposes and He will help along the way to provide the new friends, church, and support that I need to thrive.
So, in thinking about transitions and adapting to new environments, I had an epiphany. Here is my new acronym: A.D.A.P.T.
A-assess
D-decipher
A-apply
P-persevere
t-trust
Now I shall explain.
A-Assess: When faced with a new challenge, situation, or change in life, start with Assessing the situation. Evaluate what is going on. What changes are happening? What is within my control and out of it? What is the same? What is different?
D-Decipher: We all make choices-poor and wise, good and bad. And we deal with the consequences of those choices daily. So, as my mom always tells me, make a list. A list of pros and cons to your options. It helps process, put things on paper and not trying to sort through everything in your brain. Seek Godly advise from those older and wiser than yourself. Its kind of like running the options through a cheese cloth to weed out the curd so that only the "milk" is left.
A-Apply: So, once you've made a decision, DO IT! You'll make those choices and apply them along with knowledge from past experiences to your life. Stick to your guns! Which leads us to P..
P-Persevere: This is the hard part. Any change/adjustment to something new takes time. Also, dedication, long suffering, and gumption. It is going to hard. These next 4-6 months are going to be some the toughest to date. I don't even know how everything will pan out. I'm not meant to at this point and that is OK. Take things one day at a time. Even one task at a time, if you must. God provides joy in each day, no matter how hard or long it may seem to be. You just have to look for it.
T-Trust: Trusting is one of the most key and hardest parts to this process. It takes faith, vulnerability, diligence, and being intentional with your life. Everything is in God's hands-THE BIG PICTURE PLAN, timing, events, and agenda. He knows my hearts desires and dreams. Yet, I am willing to follow and go where He will open doors to be used by Him in those people's lives that I come in contact with every day. He never said life would be easy, but it would be good and turn out for HIS good in the end.
Life is a journey and a process of learning, growing, making choices, and adapting to new situations, scenery, and societies. Learn to be flexible and adapt as things happen. It will make life a whole lot easier in the short and long run-trust me. I don't always get it right, but I am learning daily how to do this on deeper levels in all areas of my life. I pray that this is encouraging and challenges you in your own life. May it also be a tool to help you out as you continue down this journey called life.
27 August 2011
27 June 2011
Living Life in High Def
This was the theme that Dale Price, a man who was like a father to me, had for his battle with cancer for almost three years. It is something that I NEVER want to forget. We take for granted those who we love most and hold dearly in our hearts and lives. I get so wrapped up in the every day events of life, grad school, and future 'planning' that I, at times, forget to be intentional with my relationships. I am removed from the rest of the world-LITERALLY. lol. In some ways it is a blessing to be secluded so that I can stay on track for studying, research, and writing. In others, it is a detriment to my social circles, fellowship and communication with the outside world. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.
I received a phone call that my grandma had been sent to the ER on Sunday morning. The running joke is that my grandma will outlive us ALL, she is that healthy. I panicked and feared the worse. I asked the Lord, REALLY? I can't handle this, two in two months! Cannot do it. Granted, I was thinking worse case scenario, but it was still so hard to see someone I love so dearly in pain and very ill and there was absolutely NOTHING I could do about it. I'm 1700 miles from home. BUT, I can pray. I can pray and trust that God's timing is best for my life.
Only HE knows the number of our days on this earth. Whether we live to be 30 or 90. So, what have I learned?
I have been reminded to not take my friendships and family for granted. I keep in fairly good contact with most of my family, but through these challenging times especially, I need to be vigilant.
My letter writing will continue to keep the post office in business as I send out my weekly stash of letters and the occasional care package to people across the US.
I can unfortunately get wrapped up in figuring out what is next when the rest of the world says I need to have 'plans' 12-18 months in advanced. One day at a time. Yes, be thinking about the future, but God has proven time after time that HIS timing is perfect and plan will be revealed...eventually. :)
PRAY. I do this regularly, daily, yet to be diligent throughout each day. People come to your mind for a reason. You may not know how to pray specifically for that person, but you can still have a great conversation with the Lord about them.
My heart truly is the size of Texas. In some areas I need to guard my heart. Yet in others, keep is open and share it freely with the world, showing and sharing the love of Christ and what He has done in my life.
So, How are you going to live each day? Are you just going through the motions to get by? Struggling to stay afloat? Living on cloud nine and not even aware of whats really going on around you? Know that you are not alone and you don't have to have all the answers figured out. I sure don't. BUT, I know that I am not going to waste the precious time given to me to spend on this earth. I am going to live my life in High Def and know that everything has a purpose and place in the grand scheme of things. Every encounter with a person, phone call, text message, facebook post has purpose and meaning. Don't waste it. Live your life in High Def.
I received a phone call that my grandma had been sent to the ER on Sunday morning. The running joke is that my grandma will outlive us ALL, she is that healthy. I panicked and feared the worse. I asked the Lord, REALLY? I can't handle this, two in two months! Cannot do it. Granted, I was thinking worse case scenario, but it was still so hard to see someone I love so dearly in pain and very ill and there was absolutely NOTHING I could do about it. I'm 1700 miles from home. BUT, I can pray. I can pray and trust that God's timing is best for my life.
Only HE knows the number of our days on this earth. Whether we live to be 30 or 90. So, what have I learned?
I have been reminded to not take my friendships and family for granted. I keep in fairly good contact with most of my family, but through these challenging times especially, I need to be vigilant.
My letter writing will continue to keep the post office in business as I send out my weekly stash of letters and the occasional care package to people across the US.
I can unfortunately get wrapped up in figuring out what is next when the rest of the world says I need to have 'plans' 12-18 months in advanced. One day at a time. Yes, be thinking about the future, but God has proven time after time that HIS timing is perfect and plan will be revealed...eventually. :)
PRAY. I do this regularly, daily, yet to be diligent throughout each day. People come to your mind for a reason. You may not know how to pray specifically for that person, but you can still have a great conversation with the Lord about them.
My heart truly is the size of Texas. In some areas I need to guard my heart. Yet in others, keep is open and share it freely with the world, showing and sharing the love of Christ and what He has done in my life.
So, How are you going to live each day? Are you just going through the motions to get by? Struggling to stay afloat? Living on cloud nine and not even aware of whats really going on around you? Know that you are not alone and you don't have to have all the answers figured out. I sure don't. BUT, I know that I am not going to waste the precious time given to me to spend on this earth. I am going to live my life in High Def and know that everything has a purpose and place in the grand scheme of things. Every encounter with a person, phone call, text message, facebook post has purpose and meaning. Don't waste it. Live your life in High Def.
15 June 2011
Recap
I know, I know....its bee WAY too long. Crazy how fast time flies when you're having fun or maybe its just in grad school?
Well, here's the long and the short of it. I returned to Lincoln, NE mid last October and hit the lab hard. Our ruminant nutrition lab was scheduled to close during finals week in December, so I had two months to complete ALL of my first years worth of sample analysis. Thankfully I got it ALL done! :) I spent a wonderful two weeks at home during Christmas and was blessed to spend time with family and friends.
I started my second research project right after Thanksgiving conducting what we call an in vivo digestibility study. I used six of my research, fecal bag broke calves from summer 2010 to conduct this study. We were striving to measure forage intake and determine the in vivo or in the body digestibility of these feeds. By determining these values, we then can use these to regress values determined in our in vitro water bath analysis. We use the water bath method to determine the digestibilities of feed samples. There are standard samples run at the same time as the feeds being analyzed and compared to when calculating digestibility. The study that I did this winter, was to add more standards to the set the lab already had and make sure they were accurate.
Spring semester was a heavy load with three classes, the digestibility study, getting ready for this summer's second year trial and life. I had the opportunity to be an ACI, Assistant Clinic Instructor, at a CHA instructor certification clinic at Canyonview Camp in Oregon in April. It was my first one, but overall it was a blast with a great group of clinic participants and Clinic Instructor to work with. I unfortunately had to return to Oregon two weeks later for the funeral of man who was like my second father. He had been a part of my life since before my parents were married. He was the former executive director of Canyonview Ministries for over thirty years. His battle with cancer for almost three years is over and not hurting any more. He lived his life like no other, especially those last three years. His theme was 'living life in High Definition'. I shall never forget it and strive to do the same.
So, by the grace of God and my professors, I pushed through and finished spring semester at UNL. After a state wide Beef Committee meetings including all graduate students, extension, and faculty involved with beef research and extension, I headed west to the sandhills. Home sweet home...or what I thought it would be.
Granted, going into this summer/fall season I knew what I was getting myself into or so I thought. Yet, there has been an entire new set of challenges, trials, and struggles. So, here I go forward, one day at a time. I have approximately 6 months and six days to complete my Masters Degree in Animal Science. The beginning of the end (of this chapter) has commenced!
Well, here's the long and the short of it. I returned to Lincoln, NE mid last October and hit the lab hard. Our ruminant nutrition lab was scheduled to close during finals week in December, so I had two months to complete ALL of my first years worth of sample analysis. Thankfully I got it ALL done! :) I spent a wonderful two weeks at home during Christmas and was blessed to spend time with family and friends.
I started my second research project right after Thanksgiving conducting what we call an in vivo digestibility study. I used six of my research, fecal bag broke calves from summer 2010 to conduct this study. We were striving to measure forage intake and determine the in vivo or in the body digestibility of these feeds. By determining these values, we then can use these to regress values determined in our in vitro water bath analysis. We use the water bath method to determine the digestibilities of feed samples. There are standard samples run at the same time as the feeds being analyzed and compared to when calculating digestibility. The study that I did this winter, was to add more standards to the set the lab already had and make sure they were accurate.
Spring semester was a heavy load with three classes, the digestibility study, getting ready for this summer's second year trial and life. I had the opportunity to be an ACI, Assistant Clinic Instructor, at a CHA instructor certification clinic at Canyonview Camp in Oregon in April. It was my first one, but overall it was a blast with a great group of clinic participants and Clinic Instructor to work with. I unfortunately had to return to Oregon two weeks later for the funeral of man who was like my second father. He had been a part of my life since before my parents were married. He was the former executive director of Canyonview Ministries for over thirty years. His battle with cancer for almost three years is over and not hurting any more. He lived his life like no other, especially those last three years. His theme was 'living life in High Definition'. I shall never forget it and strive to do the same.
So, by the grace of God and my professors, I pushed through and finished spring semester at UNL. After a state wide Beef Committee meetings including all graduate students, extension, and faculty involved with beef research and extension, I headed west to the sandhills. Home sweet home...or what I thought it would be.
Granted, going into this summer/fall season I knew what I was getting myself into or so I thought. Yet, there has been an entire new set of challenges, trials, and struggles. So, here I go forward, one day at a time. I have approximately 6 months and six days to complete my Masters Degree in Animal Science. The beginning of the end (of this chapter) has commenced!
09 October 2010
September sails by
Ah, school has begun, summer is 'over', and research just keeps going and going and going. My project continues on through mid October when we will wean the calves. The project itself went well overall this month. There are always small hiccups and challenges, but overall, the calves are growing, eating more forage, and sampling is getting easier and easier. Praise the Lord!
Since probably mid Juneish my best friend Christa and myself have been plotting and planning....and we kept our mouths shut about it too! Talk about being proud of ourselves! Two of my dear friends that I have known since I was 13, got married on Sept. 11th. I REALLY wanted to make it, but wasn't sure if I could make it with research, tickets, etc. So, God totally worked it out and I was able to get a CHEAP ticket out of Denver, CO, got the ok from the ranch manager, and one of the ranch crew guys was willing to feed my cattle for me. So, neither Christa or myself told hardly anyone and didn't say anything on facebook or other communications that could leak my surprise.
It was sooo hard at times to keep it under wraps. I hadn't been home since Christmas, and I needed this pick-me-up to get me through til Christmas break this winter. The irony of me being such a homebody and God continuing to call me farther away from home. All part of His bigger plan that I don't know about yet. :) BUT, we did it! I flew in to Portland on Friday, the 10th and Christa picked me up from the airport. I was even blessed with a quick visit from a dear friend at the Denver airport who came to hang out with me for a bit before I had to go through security. Christa and I had some sweet time and fellowship together, making memories and a bit of shopping. Christa had set a coffee date with my sister Jessica that evening and I happened to tag along....tee hee hee. The surprise look on her face was priceless! I think she forgave me rather quickly and she gave me lots of hugs! I don't get any hugs being out here at the ranch.
The weekend flew by. Christa bought her first pair of real cowboy boots (black squared toed with grey/blue tops!) and I got my first pair of All Stars (kelly green). We showed up at the wedding a bit early to see my friend Drew (the groom) before the ceremony started and to find my family so they weren't in complete shock when they saw me at the ceremony. My dad was officiating the wedding and did a double take when I walked up to him and said, "Hi daddy!" (chuckle). My mom didn't believe it was me when I walked across the field to say hello. Ah, sweet success! I was blessed, so many others were, and it was a great wedding! It was like a big camp staff reunion.
I was able to spend Sunday at my church and with a mentor and her kids. Also, just family time! Much needed time with my immediate family, grandma, and aunt Faith. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do in a long time when I boarded the plane to fly back to Colorado and then drive back to Nebraska. It took sheer will power to board that plane Monday morning.
The rest of the month flew by juggling research, studying, the ranch practicum class, and 'attending' class via skype....that doesn't work so well. God is so faithful to continue to stretch me in ALL aspects of my life to grow me more into a young woman after His heart and to be more like Him. Life proved new challenges and even the possibility of not being able to go home for Christmas due to research time crunches in Lincoln. And yet, when the storm cleared and after two weeks of communicating with people in Lincoln, constant and persistent prayers, God worked it out once again-that I will be able to go home for Christmas!!!! AND make it for anther dear friends wedding. Due to research deadlines, I have to leave later than I had planned for my break and ticket prices jumped. On top, I have to be back early for a class. Someone in my church in Lincoln heard of my plight and blessed me to help me get home and timing wise with our research lab, I am able to go home! God truly knows our heart and what we need most in life.
He continues to prove His faithfulness for those who choose to serve and honor Him with their lives as a spiritual act of worship. I still have so much to learn and grow in. Thankfully, He doesn't give up on me and is there to lift me up when I slip and fall. All praise, glory and honor to HIM.
05 October 2010
August at a glance
Yes, I am alive and ta da! posting again. I am sorry to those that I have failed to do this more regularly. I decided over the next couple of days that I shall update you all about life in the sandhills and all of the mischief I've been up to. :) Last time I let you know what I did in July, so this is my tale about August.
I was able to go back to Lincoln for the weekend during the end of July/beginning of August to take care of business, check in with professors, and see friends and church family. I even had the opportunity to play guitar and sing on our church's worship team. I know...I'm a bit over zealous, but it was some much needed fellowship and spiritual filling up of my spirit! I ended up house/dog sitting for the people who are watching Bella for me this summer/fall and she could not believe that I was actually there! I miss her dearly.
The month plugged along with continuing to feed my cattle daily, collection periods, and the beginning of school. Most of the schools in the midwest begin classes at the end of August. I am enrolled in one class, Feedlot Nutrition and Management. Since I am still at the ranch, we decided to try to use Skype for me to 'attend' class. It sort of worked. Unfortunately, the connection did not work well or consistently. This has become very disheartening in trying to learn material, hear and see what is going on in class. Thankfully my professors and AMAZING TA have been very helpful, supportive, and lenient in me getting work to them.
All of the other graduate students and undergraduate worker have gone back to Lincoln for school. It became very quiet after they all vacated the dorm. It wasn't too bad. I have realized that I am a social person, loving to be with people, interact, and mentor them. Yet, I also like peace, quiet, and my own personal space. I'm definitely learning and have a better understanding/grasp of the balance of what it takes for me to be sane, healthy, and happy. :)
There is a ranch practicum class that I am attending through the university extension services. It primarily meets at the ranch (major convenience for me) and have been studying plant ID in the sandhills prepping for an upcoming exam in September. Fun fun...walking around on hills carrying my notes on a clipboard and looking at plants. I think I have the 20 or so that we are supposed to learn down fairly well. We shall see how the test goes. FYI..there are over 400 species in the sandhills alone! Thankfully I don't have to learn them all.
God continues to stretch me in all areas of my life. Relying and turning to Him first has been a biggie lately. Being in his word and keeping my focus and thoughts on Him is definitely a challenge being out here in this remote area. I am confident that He who began a good work in me, will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ's return! Learning from the past, God has used events and situations in my life to prepare me for the future and the people that come into my life. It's all part of the journey. Gotta make the most of it and look for the little blessings each day that He provides us to help us get from one day to the next.
I was able to go back to Lincoln for the weekend during the end of July/beginning of August to take care of business, check in with professors, and see friends and church family. I even had the opportunity to play guitar and sing on our church's worship team. I know...I'm a bit over zealous, but it was some much needed fellowship and spiritual filling up of my spirit! I ended up house/dog sitting for the people who are watching Bella for me this summer/fall and she could not believe that I was actually there! I miss her dearly.
The month plugged along with continuing to feed my cattle daily, collection periods, and the beginning of school. Most of the schools in the midwest begin classes at the end of August. I am enrolled in one class, Feedlot Nutrition and Management. Since I am still at the ranch, we decided to try to use Skype for me to 'attend' class. It sort of worked. Unfortunately, the connection did not work well or consistently. This has become very disheartening in trying to learn material, hear and see what is going on in class. Thankfully my professors and AMAZING TA have been very helpful, supportive, and lenient in me getting work to them.
All of the other graduate students and undergraduate worker have gone back to Lincoln for school. It became very quiet after they all vacated the dorm. It wasn't too bad. I have realized that I am a social person, loving to be with people, interact, and mentor them. Yet, I also like peace, quiet, and my own personal space. I'm definitely learning and have a better understanding/grasp of the balance of what it takes for me to be sane, healthy, and happy. :)
There is a ranch practicum class that I am attending through the university extension services. It primarily meets at the ranch (major convenience for me) and have been studying plant ID in the sandhills prepping for an upcoming exam in September. Fun fun...walking around on hills carrying my notes on a clipboard and looking at plants. I think I have the 20 or so that we are supposed to learn down fairly well. We shall see how the test goes. FYI..there are over 400 species in the sandhills alone! Thankfully I don't have to learn them all.
God continues to stretch me in all areas of my life. Relying and turning to Him first has been a biggie lately. Being in his word and keeping my focus and thoughts on Him is definitely a challenge being out here in this remote area. I am confident that He who began a good work in me, will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ's return! Learning from the past, God has used events and situations in my life to prepare me for the future and the people that come into my life. It's all part of the journey. Gotta make the most of it and look for the little blessings each day that He provides us to help us get from one day to the next.
17 August 2010
Research is like the energizer bunny...
It just keeps going and going and going. My research trial is half over. I will officially finish October 19th with my final two day weights of my calves and cows. They are finally starting to grow! My nonfistulated (the ones w/out the canluas in their rumens) calves are beginning to put on weight! PTL! It has been quite the journey to get to this point.
July was quite the busy month. I had something going on every weekend of that month; Collection period, traveling to Estes Park for a grazing livestock nutrition conference, Scottsbluff extension center for their 100 yr celebration, and my one weekend back in Lincoln. whewh.
My second collection period at the beginning of the month was still a little rough with the canulated calves not producing good (quantity) diet or fecal samples. Let's just say there is a reason professors have grad students....to do the dirty work. These collection periods are no walk in the park. Now, I am not complaining, but lets just say that once I am doing working with the calves, feeding, handling samples, and cleaning up/prep for the next day....I immediately hit the shower. Irish spring body wash seems to work to take away the smell-it is very distinct and potent. I figured after calf rumen contents and fecals, dealing w/ kids will be a walk in the park. :) I am thankful that I got 2 tablespoons worth of a calf diet this period (Period II). Not much, but a start in the right direction.
Estes Park, CO conference was a long haul, but a much needed breather. I was able to spend the night before the conference with a dear friend and former mentee in Fort Collins. The time together seemed too short, but was worth the lack of sleep. :) The conference hosted professors, researchers, and students from all over the world with our guest speaker from Australia. It was quite the educational experience and great time to spend with my advisor, Dr. Karla Jenkins. We talked about research, the ranch, and life. It was nice to hang out, outside of the school world. It was a whirlwind weekend, but I was able to have a little bit of R&R before I had to head back to Whitman. I was also able to hang out with a former student from Canyonview who is working in Estes for the summer. Estes reminds me of Eastern Oregon right over the Cascade Range. Lots of pine trees and rocks and wildlife with bigger mountains. It was a wonderful reminder of home.
The centennial celebration at the extension center in Scottsbluff was an enlightening and interesting experience. I was able to meet a lot of the educators stationed out of Scottsbluff and take in the history of the center. I was stationed at a booth that hosted both the range and feedlot research that the center has done over the past 100 yrs. I learned some as well as had the opportunity to share with people my research project and what we are striving to learn. Long day, but still a good experience.
I have to be honest that I was a little apprehensive to return to Lincoln after being gone for three months. I have changed so much and grown personally, that I didn't know how I would 'fit in' again with the people I was with before. Well, to my relief, being with my friends and church family was no problem at all. Now, I didn't like driving back into Lincoln and having to remember where things were and dealing with sooo many people and the traffic-ich! It was good to see familiar faces and touch base with my professor, Dr. Terry Klopfenstein. I was able to serve with the worship team at church that weekend and sing harmony on a song for special music. Totally blessed, convicted, and thrilled to serve on my wknd back.
Probably the best part of my time back in Lincoln was seeing my BELLA! I have missed her so dearly. It just is not the same here at the ranch w/out her. She was a little confused when I walked in the door and called her name. Once she realized that it was me, she about took me to the floor. She is a big girl. I house sat for the people who are taking care of her as well as their two dogs. I wish I had more time at home with them, but loved having her at the foot of my bed at night. The first night she kept checking to still see if I was really sleeping on the bed. I love my little girl.
God has been stretching me so much and teaching me so many things about myself, my beliefs, convictions, and other people. When one is removed from their 'normal' environment and support system, it causes them to completely rely on their Lord and Savior in ALL aspects of their life. As well as having the time to contemplate and ruminate over things. I have had lots of time to think, read, and pray. My daily morning feedings have proved good times to pray for people as well as to talk things over with God. I don't always get answers, but the open communication is amazing. My life is so open and the possibilities are endless-of which scares the heebee geebees out of me. :) Though, everyone else envy's me..? go figure. Well, I know that I will finish my Masters degree at UNL. After that, we shall see what happens next.
More to come soon....
July was quite the busy month. I had something going on every weekend of that month; Collection period, traveling to Estes Park for a grazing livestock nutrition conference, Scottsbluff extension center for their 100 yr celebration, and my one weekend back in Lincoln. whewh.
My second collection period at the beginning of the month was still a little rough with the canulated calves not producing good (quantity) diet or fecal samples. Let's just say there is a reason professors have grad students....to do the dirty work. These collection periods are no walk in the park. Now, I am not complaining, but lets just say that once I am doing working with the calves, feeding, handling samples, and cleaning up/prep for the next day....I immediately hit the shower. Irish spring body wash seems to work to take away the smell-it is very distinct and potent. I figured after calf rumen contents and fecals, dealing w/ kids will be a walk in the park. :) I am thankful that I got 2 tablespoons worth of a calf diet this period (Period II). Not much, but a start in the right direction.
Estes Park, CO conference was a long haul, but a much needed breather. I was able to spend the night before the conference with a dear friend and former mentee in Fort Collins. The time together seemed too short, but was worth the lack of sleep. :) The conference hosted professors, researchers, and students from all over the world with our guest speaker from Australia. It was quite the educational experience and great time to spend with my advisor, Dr. Karla Jenkins. We talked about research, the ranch, and life. It was nice to hang out, outside of the school world. It was a whirlwind weekend, but I was able to have a little bit of R&R before I had to head back to Whitman. I was also able to hang out with a former student from Canyonview who is working in Estes for the summer. Estes reminds me of Eastern Oregon right over the Cascade Range. Lots of pine trees and rocks and wildlife with bigger mountains. It was a wonderful reminder of home.
The centennial celebration at the extension center in Scottsbluff was an enlightening and interesting experience. I was able to meet a lot of the educators stationed out of Scottsbluff and take in the history of the center. I was stationed at a booth that hosted both the range and feedlot research that the center has done over the past 100 yrs. I learned some as well as had the opportunity to share with people my research project and what we are striving to learn. Long day, but still a good experience.
I have to be honest that I was a little apprehensive to return to Lincoln after being gone for three months. I have changed so much and grown personally, that I didn't know how I would 'fit in' again with the people I was with before. Well, to my relief, being with my friends and church family was no problem at all. Now, I didn't like driving back into Lincoln and having to remember where things were and dealing with sooo many people and the traffic-ich! It was good to see familiar faces and touch base with my professor, Dr. Terry Klopfenstein. I was able to serve with the worship team at church that weekend and sing harmony on a song for special music. Totally blessed, convicted, and thrilled to serve on my wknd back.
Probably the best part of my time back in Lincoln was seeing my BELLA! I have missed her so dearly. It just is not the same here at the ranch w/out her. She was a little confused when I walked in the door and called her name. Once she realized that it was me, she about took me to the floor. She is a big girl. I house sat for the people who are taking care of her as well as their two dogs. I wish I had more time at home with them, but loved having her at the foot of my bed at night. The first night she kept checking to still see if I was really sleeping on the bed. I love my little girl.
God has been stretching me so much and teaching me so many things about myself, my beliefs, convictions, and other people. When one is removed from their 'normal' environment and support system, it causes them to completely rely on their Lord and Savior in ALL aspects of their life. As well as having the time to contemplate and ruminate over things. I have had lots of time to think, read, and pray. My daily morning feedings have proved good times to pray for people as well as to talk things over with God. I don't always get answers, but the open communication is amazing. My life is so open and the possibilities are endless-of which scares the heebee geebees out of me. :) Though, everyone else envy's me..? go figure. Well, I know that I will finish my Masters degree at UNL. After that, we shall see what happens next.
More to come soon....
24 June 2010
Red Rock and Huggies....here we come!
Hey ya'll!
Sorry it has been a while since I have written. Things are going well out here in the 'middle of nowhere Nebraska'! This place is growing on me more and more. I never thought I'd admit to that. God TOTALLY knew what He was doing when sending me here was added to His plan. It is so peaceful and serene, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Room to think, mull over things, and just be. I have been reminded how much I love the country and as well as how much I have missed it.
I cannot believe I have been here over a month already! My baby calves are healing well overall from there surgeries and my trial has been going for just over two weeks now. The first week of my trial we had over 7" of rain alone that came down three different nights! That is a LOT of rain in a week, let alone here. They normally only get ~19-21" of rain a year. It proved some interesting challenges with feeding my dry lotted cattle, but we figured it out. Some of our roads were REALLY washed out and the only way I could get over the hill was on my four wheeler.
Ok, here is the low down of what my research project is about. I am studying the grazing intake of cow-calf pairs on the native range grasslands in the sandhills of Nebraska. My focus is in how much the calf, in particular, is eating grass. Ranchers have not accounted much for the calf consuming a significant amount of forage (grass) because they are still nursing. Well, my advisor believes that the calf is eating earlier than we think he is and more than we give them credit. So, I have 9 pairs of cattle and five of the calves have rumen canulas. Rumen canulas are portals into one of their stomach chambers so that we can collect diet samples and find out how much grass they are actually eating. They are split in half, with 4 pairs in pens where they are fed hay individually of similar quality and digestibility of what is being grazed by the other 5 pairs in a pasture throughout the summer and fall. The two groups switch treatments (grazing vs. dry lot pens) every three weeks. We collect diet samples for the cows and calves, measure fecal output with fecal bags i.e. huggies :) and milk production of the cow by weigh suckle weigh method. It is quite the process. My first collection period begins tomorrow. Thankfully they ranch crew is great and willing to help me out. I couldn't do this on my own-in any way, shape, or form.
I have named two of my calves so far. One is Red Rock-from the crew because when we were breaking the calves to their harnesses and fecal bags for the collection periods he let loose like he just came out of a buckin' chute. The other has a star on his forehead and his name is Raymond or Ray for short like the firefly in The Princess and the Frog movie who is in love with the Northern Star in the sky. :) As I name the others, I'll keep you posted. One of my calves got pretty sick last week and we weren't sure if he was going to make it, but he is lookin' like he is on the mend. Praise God! He is well mannered and easy going canulated calf. I really wanted him to stay in the trial.
Let's see....I have found a great church recommended to me by one of my advisors-Pleasant Point Community Church near Ellsworth, NE. The only hitch is that it is 1.5 hr drive away from the ranch. I am unable to attend every week, but when I can, I am blessed. It is a great group of people that gather from the sandhills in LITERALLY the middle of no where. You turn North off of Hwy 2 onto Hwy 27 and drive for 30 miles and all you see are sandhills pastures and cattle. Then, at the bottom of a hill, there is the church! There are probably 50-60 people who attend regularly. It is nice to have fellowship and be fed spiritually, even out here. :)
It has been yet again another learning experience being out here. And the learning is not over by any means. I am so blessed to have the view and serenity right outside my door every day. The weather can be intimidating and forboding, but is thrilling as well. We are lucky that we don't have the humidity that Lincoln has! I am thankful for that. I am getting to know the ranch crew more and more each day. I am thankful that they are warming up and willing to teach me things that I don't know or how to do something better. They are even beginning to tease me-which is a good sign.
This collection period should prove to have several stories in line for the next entry. I am also headed to Estes Park, CO next month for a grazing nutrition conference for a weekend as well as trying to get back to Lincoln for my mid research break. Once the other grad student Sandra and Zac-her undergrad helper leave for school, I will be alone and not really able to leave the ranch for a weekend until my research is completed. Until next time....
Sorry it has been a while since I have written. Things are going well out here in the 'middle of nowhere Nebraska'! This place is growing on me more and more. I never thought I'd admit to that. God TOTALLY knew what He was doing when sending me here was added to His plan. It is so peaceful and serene, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Room to think, mull over things, and just be. I have been reminded how much I love the country and as well as how much I have missed it.
I cannot believe I have been here over a month already! My baby calves are healing well overall from there surgeries and my trial has been going for just over two weeks now. The first week of my trial we had over 7" of rain alone that came down three different nights! That is a LOT of rain in a week, let alone here. They normally only get ~19-21" of rain a year. It proved some interesting challenges with feeding my dry lotted cattle, but we figured it out. Some of our roads were REALLY washed out and the only way I could get over the hill was on my four wheeler.
Ok, here is the low down of what my research project is about. I am studying the grazing intake of cow-calf pairs on the native range grasslands in the sandhills of Nebraska. My focus is in how much the calf, in particular, is eating grass. Ranchers have not accounted much for the calf consuming a significant amount of forage (grass) because they are still nursing. Well, my advisor believes that the calf is eating earlier than we think he is and more than we give them credit. So, I have 9 pairs of cattle and five of the calves have rumen canulas. Rumen canulas are portals into one of their stomach chambers so that we can collect diet samples and find out how much grass they are actually eating. They are split in half, with 4 pairs in pens where they are fed hay individually of similar quality and digestibility of what is being grazed by the other 5 pairs in a pasture throughout the summer and fall. The two groups switch treatments (grazing vs. dry lot pens) every three weeks. We collect diet samples for the cows and calves, measure fecal output with fecal bags i.e. huggies :) and milk production of the cow by weigh suckle weigh method. It is quite the process. My first collection period begins tomorrow. Thankfully they ranch crew is great and willing to help me out. I couldn't do this on my own-in any way, shape, or form.
I have named two of my calves so far. One is Red Rock-from the crew because when we were breaking the calves to their harnesses and fecal bags for the collection periods he let loose like he just came out of a buckin' chute. The other has a star on his forehead and his name is Raymond or Ray for short like the firefly in The Princess and the Frog movie who is in love with the Northern Star in the sky. :) As I name the others, I'll keep you posted. One of my calves got pretty sick last week and we weren't sure if he was going to make it, but he is lookin' like he is on the mend. Praise God! He is well mannered and easy going canulated calf. I really wanted him to stay in the trial.
Let's see....I have found a great church recommended to me by one of my advisors-Pleasant Point Community Church near Ellsworth, NE. The only hitch is that it is 1.5 hr drive away from the ranch. I am unable to attend every week, but when I can, I am blessed. It is a great group of people that gather from the sandhills in LITERALLY the middle of no where. You turn North off of Hwy 2 onto Hwy 27 and drive for 30 miles and all you see are sandhills pastures and cattle. Then, at the bottom of a hill, there is the church! There are probably 50-60 people who attend regularly. It is nice to have fellowship and be fed spiritually, even out here. :)
It has been yet again another learning experience being out here. And the learning is not over by any means. I am so blessed to have the view and serenity right outside my door every day. The weather can be intimidating and forboding, but is thrilling as well. We are lucky that we don't have the humidity that Lincoln has! I am thankful for that. I am getting to know the ranch crew more and more each day. I am thankful that they are warming up and willing to teach me things that I don't know or how to do something better. They are even beginning to tease me-which is a good sign.
This collection period should prove to have several stories in line for the next entry. I am also headed to Estes Park, CO next month for a grazing nutrition conference for a weekend as well as trying to get back to Lincoln for my mid research break. Once the other grad student Sandra and Zac-her undergrad helper leave for school, I will be alone and not really able to leave the ranch for a weekend until my research is completed. Until next time....
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