Oh hey there August… I guess time flies, when you spent half of July in the Pacific Time Zone. It’s also why I am a bit tardy with this blog post. Most of the time that I was on the East Coast was spent catching up on work, laundry or sleep. Not that I’m complaining by any means.
My first trek out west was for a summer board meeting in San Diego. Our meetings started just as Comic Con International was wrapping up, so it was fun to catch a glimpse of all the crazy (that I not so secretly wish I could have been a part of.) San Diego is beautiful, and I took advantage of the dry air by getting up and running along the marina each morning. This was my first time meeting most of our officer team and board directors, which is what I was most looking forward to. The farmers I represent are the reason that I believe in agriculture and why I love what I do for living. Back when I worked for Kansas Pork, my farmers were my daily motivation, so it was great to finally meet my #wheaties, and start to get to know them and their families. And as I should have expected, I was humbled by their kindness and commitment to their industry.
I did take pictures with my new camera during the meeting, but decided to keep work separate this time so here are just a few from my phone.
After the board meeting I took a quick trip home to Oregon for a few days, where I was able to catch up with my family and a few friends in my hometown.
The rest of my time was spent at “The Diggins,” our family cabin. It is my “happy place” and I always try to get up there at least once a year. During the drive up with Mom and a hike with Dad I was able to get some some one-on-one time with each of my parents, which after so many changes these last few months, was exactly what I needed. It was really nice to just be their kid again. Luckily my visit was right at the start of my extended families annual campout, (which I have not been home for in six years,) so I was able to catch up with a few that I do not get to see very often. For so many years growing up, Janci, Josh and I were the only kids running around, so after my absence, it was kind of a new experience with my younger cousins who are now old enough to keep everyone on their toes. But beautiful scenery and cute faces are magnets for the camera, so I was more than willing to get lots of practice in with my new camera.
Here are just a few of my favorites! (click on the them for a bigger view)
There a lot of cute anecdotes from the weekend, but my favorite was a sentimental one. At some point the girls were chatting about how strong they were and Amaia (11 yrs. old) determining that she was indeed stronger because she could pick up her Mom. Then she says, “I’m like Grandpa Howard, I could probably pick anyone up.” Our Great Grandpa Howard always, always picked you up when he gave you a hug — even my very last from him, my toes came off the ground for just a second. We lost Grandpa a little over two years ago and I am so glad that most of his great grand kids were old enough to remember him and his great hugs.
After a few days back East, I was out West again, this time for Ag Media Summit (AMS) in Scottsdale, AZ. This was the second time that I have been to AMS, so I had a good idea of what to expect. I love events like this that give you an opportunity to reunite and connect with others in your field, while also taking part in some professional development and skill sharpening workshops. Once again, attending an event for the first time at new job also provided an opportunity to put names to faces of many people in ag media and communications that I have already been collaborating with. The Summit was at a beautiful resort, so I was a little bummed that I only got to relax for a bit. I grew up in the high desert, so while most people were not digging the heat, I was pretty content.
That is my quick wrap up. I am settled in for about two weeks before I am off to the airport again. Next up…Las Vegas…and then GUATEMALA!
Cheers.
The Good Stuff 
I’m from Oregon too! I live in Seattle now. I almost named my blog, “Best Coast Living” but there was another blog with the same name. I love all the dogs, they’re so cute! And Guatemala?! That sounds awesome!
Oregonians holla! Thanks for the comment. It’s funny, my hometown is a little over 4 hours away from Seattle, but I’ve still only been there twice. Loved it though. That would have been a great blog name! And yes, when my family all gets together, we have quite the canine crew. I live in an apartment in D.C., otherwise I would have one of my own too.
Omg! I’m tired just reading this post! You really made the most of your time away 🙂 Especially in San Diego…it seems like you got a really good work/fun balance out of that trip! Now that I know I can click on your pictures (Idk why I didn’t know that before), you have a great eye! All the pictures from your happy place are so unique and pretty!
Haha my attempt to recap all at once turned into a marathon :(. And thanks! I know just enough to pass at playing pretend photographer, but know and admire too many people who do it for a living to ever take myself too seriously. Its a lot of fun though and definitely taps into my creative side.