Farm Life

10 things I've learned while living on a farm

1) There are many unique smells that have helped my nose along in its maturity-cows, skunked dog blankets, calf milk, rhubarb pudding, deceased mice (and other miscellaneous vermin) in my walls, the garden, the cherry tree blooming outside my window, and good old fresh dirt.

2) Raw milk, homegrown eggs, beef, fruits, and veggies really do taste better. Whenever I leave this place I will do my best, even if it means paying more, to continue eating local food. My taste-buds have been spoiled!

3) Farming is hard work. Not only does it take immense physical strength, there is also an ever-present  emotional pull between family and work. Farming isn't a one or two person job it envelops the entire family. Farmers are on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Vacations are extremely rare and difficult to take. Whether its Cory or Dennis working, the kids having a special event that is missed, or the wife resorting to watching her shows by her lonesome (shoutout to you Beth!) everyone in the family has to sacrifice.

4) Even if you aren't a biological part of the family you will be adopted and given some task to complete. The familial atmosphere of the farm helps it run smoothly. I can say that my cow herding, gun shooting, calf feeding, kitten finding, barn climbing, kid watching, 4-wheeler driving, and car towing skills have improved since moving here.

5) With all of the hard work and sacrifice that is put into a farm the people who are doing the work see very little money. Running a farm where you are creating food and milk that isn't poison is becoming increasingly difficult. Do some research and you will find out all kinds of things you didn't want to know about regulation loopholes in this country. Safe food costs more money to make; therefore, you may have to pay a little more for it. Stop being stingy.

6) Speaking of feeding calves and unique smells I cannot stand the calf milk powder. I'm the only person that it bothers around here--yes me with the strong stomach, but that stuff whew, ick. It smells like a milky cake mix but the powder tickles my nose and throat and if you ever get the chance to see me around it I will be struggling. I would rather give up the easiest job on the farm and scrape poop instead.

7) If you ever need a cat a farm is a perfect place for you.

8) Geese are mean. They are mean because a certain farmer steals their delicious eggs from their nests. Geese will hiss, charge, and bite you. Just trust me. Stay away.

9) There are many types of transportation on a farm. From 4-wheeler to trampoline to tractor to 18 wheeler if you need to get somewhere or move something not only can it be done, but done in style.

10) Mice, ants, birds flying in through my chimney and around my head at 6 in the morning (don't worry that problem is fixed now), and even geese included I love this place. It is my home. I live with people who are dear to my heart and have a new founded respect for those who grow my food.

P.S. I'm still waiting for the old orders to accept me and invite me on a horse and buggy ride. I would even wear a skirt that covers my ankles.

This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.

I have mixed feelings about this post. I am ecstatic because one of my dreams is coming true. I have a special place deep rooted within for individuals with special needs (especially autism) that I can't fully explain and others can't fully understand unless they too have it.

I am also deep-down-in-the-dumps-depressed. *Sad because I will be leaving everything I know in the teaching world-from student teaching my school has molded and supported me. *Desperate because I know I won't see many of my students and former students ever again. I want so badly to see them continue to grow and bloom into who they will be. *Devastated because I am passing up an awesome opportunity to take over the jv basketball program at the high school across the street. *Guilty because I feel I am letting my K team down.

Teaching is a work of the heart. Unlike so many other professions it is impossible not to become emotionally attached to those you pour so much of yourself into. I know everything I'm feeling is normal. And, I also know that as the school year wraps up and the summer begins I will place Clymore in a special compartment of my heart right next to the core. I will take so many experiences and friendships and cherish them forever. Words certainly cannot express how grateful I am for the K and 3rd grade teams that I have worked with, as well as the many related service providers and special education staff who have been an integral part of my room for the last 3 years. When I am having a rough day, which I'm afraid may happen often in the future (fear of the unknown) I will pull memories from that spot and remember those who taught me, had faith in me, told me when I was wrong--using the strength and words of my friends to get through whatever comes my way, if only until the next day.

I have accepted a position in Harrisonburg City for next year as a special education teacher. The position is new so I don't have a lot of details, but I do know that I will be working with students who have high-functioning autism. This means I will have my own classroom; however, my students will also go into the general education setting some so I will be co-teaching with teachers in multiple grade levels. This school is part of the Shenandoah Valley Regional Program for Special Education-students from Augusta, Harrisonburg, Page Co, Rockingham Co, Shenandoah Co, and Staunton can come to this school. In addition it is a K-4 school serving students in Harrisonburg City. Students with and without disabilities making progress together. The climate of the school is warm and inviting and the administration seems superb.

So, as difficult as it is to leave my little comfort bubble I'm ready to work 2 minutes from my gym, 5 minutes from JMU, and 13 minutes from my apartment. I'm ready to use the skills I gained at JMU to help students learn. I'm ready to be the change I want to see in the world. As I have "talk-texted" friends to tell them about this new opportunity I know there's no coincidence that each time I say "autism class" it auto corrects to awesome class.
Excited.Terrified.Moving Forward. Being an Eagle. Making A Difference.