Perfect Day Off

That's how I spent my morning. Reclining back in the arms of a lovely tree outstretched over the lake. It was beautiful. I woke up at seven this morning. It seems I just can't sleep in too well here on the farm which is okay. I catch a lot of amazing sights when I'm up this early. The morning started with a bowl of oatmeal and dates (6 days sugar free, thank you very much!) and I hiked my way up to the butte across the street. The scenery once you get to the lake here is unbelievable. I took a different path this time so I was hiking underneath the butte where all the trees are. It was extremely mystical feeling. I half expected Kahlan Amnell to appear in her white confessor dress from "Legend of the Seeker" (I should start that show up again). I spent a good three hours outside this morning, moving from rocks to trees just reading. What a great start to the day.

When I got back I headed to the farm to hang out with the goats and pigs a bit. Some highlights from that adventure:

Six little piggies sleeping on a hill...and Rusty.

Kanbar and her ears.

Charles Suave (I'm giving him that last name because he just is...suave) What a handsome guy!

So that was my lovely day around the farm and beyond. When I got back I did some laundry and hung it out to dry. Seriously, who doesn't want to do laundry when you've got these little babes watching?

Since they trotted up to the fence line the second they saw me hanging laundry, I went and got an apple and carrot for these guys. I mean they left the comfort of the shaded tree to come say hello! <3 Oliver and Elliot. 

Just Say No!

I hate role playing conversations with all of my being. It's probably one of my least favorite things to do, next to vomiting. It just always takes me back to the elementary school D.A.R.E program. I remember having to stand up in front of the whole class and turn down marijuana, beer, and other "gateways to evil" all while ridden with complete anxiety that everyone was looking at me. Besides that, it just feels stupid. I mean if I HAVE to have a conversation with someone, I'd rather it be a real one. But I understand how helpful role playing can be. It's great to practice before you speak. We did this at Ed Lunch today. Practiced answers to questions we are constantly being asked as vegans. I need a whole hell of a lot of practice that's for sure :) But what is frustrating is I know the answers to these stupid questions like "Well what about plants!? Don't plants have feelings?" but there is some mental block that goes up the second I'm put on the spot. My whole mind erases! Soooo annoying. Anyways though, I think I learn really well by hearing others responses. The more I hear it over and over the better I am at remembering and eventually communicating. Anyways, I've also found a few books online I want to get that deal specifically with vegan activism and how to tactfully answer some of the tougher questions. It's just frustrating to feel so passionately about something and feel completely unable to communicate it effectively.  I think I'll look into Toastmasters when this internship is over. Just thinking about that makes me want to hurl, but I feel way too old to have an issue with public speaking. Isn't this something you are suppose to grow out of?

Anyways, this morning I helped with the sheep again. And one in particular named Emmett. Which made me smile because my dog's name is Emmett :) Then I helped Leanne trim Kanbar's hoof (one of the goats). She was super sweet. I pretty much just had to hold her head while she was getting trimmed and Noel and Squishy (two of the tinier goats) kept coming up to sniff and nibble on my jacket. I love those guys! I then drove a goose to the vet for a quick visit and then picked up feed at the feed store. 

This blog post is brought to you today by Calvin:

No music necessary....this guy is just pure awesome all by himself: