Independence Day – The Good Stuff

So There’s That Vol. 23

July 15, 2017 Amanda

{Sort of like a “Friday Five” or a “Life Lately” except it’s probably not Friday, and I gave up on the idea of a catchy alliteration. These are some bits and pieces of my not-so-glam 20-something life. See past posts HERE}

New Blog Look

If you haven’t noticed, things are looking a bit different around here. Recently I have been wanting to freshen up my blog with a white-based background and decided to follow that with a bit of a simpler overall look. I am making a few other updates here and there… but I tend to be a bit indecisive so those are happening as I go.

While I love blogging, it often takes the back burner when life gets a bit busy, which makes habit building a bit of a challenge. But I am doing some planning for some posts and series that are not just focused on my “So There’s That” series or my travel (which is all I’ve blogged about for most of 2017) so stay tuned!

Promotion

I’m not shy about sharing that I love my job working for U.S. wheat farmers, so it was nice to receive a promotion!

You can read about it here… unless you are my Mom and in case, I’m pretty sure I’ve already made the fridge 🙂

4th of July Holiday Weekend

Independence Day is my favorite holiday and this year my (4-day!!!) holiday weekend did not disappoint.

On Friday, I headed out to Mt. Vernon with some Kansas friends. This ticketed event had all sorts of colonial demonstrations, including dancing, which we all somehow got sucked into trying. There was also foods and drinks to purchase, a live band and of course fireworks!

I’m pretty sure there are few things more American than watching fireworks on the back lawn of George Washington’s crib. I would highly recommend this to people next year. Tickets were $30 dollars, which is actually pretty reasonable for events in this area.

Saturday morning was spent at brunch at SEI in Chinatown, where I failed to take any group photos, partially because I was drooling over these quinoa french toast that I ordered. Don’t worry, they still were made with wheat, but the quinoa added a great crunch! Brunch may have turned into a mini-wheat lesson for the group after I asked the manager about the french toast… #sorrynotsorry #wheatie

Saturday night was spent back with the Kansan’s at Red, White and Brew, a drinking festival down by the waterfront.

This guy had to work all weekend so Monday was spent relaxing.

I wrapped up the weekend on Tuesday with BBQ with friends and sparklers.

Annapolis

This past weekend I had to travel to my work summer board meeting, but instead of hoping on a plane, I just had to make a short drive to Annapolis. Visiting here has been toward the top of my to-do list since moving to the area so I head over early to check things out, and I may have had a tag along 🙂

Not that I thought it was going to be anything otherwise, but the main downtown area near the harbor is adorable!

We explored, walked down by the harbor and the U.S. Naval Academy (I need to visit again so I can go on a tour) and tried out a few stops.

The Maryland State House was just a block or two over from where we were so we swung by. There is SO MUCH U.S. history associated with this little building and it’s so pretty!

We rounded out the day with crabs #wheninmaryland! This guy grew up on “picking” crabs (taking them a part), so he (patiently I would add) taught me how to do it myself.

Summer Board Meeting

It’s rare that our staff stops and takes a picture like this. Although our team is MUCH bigger than this (and stretches around the globe), I am thankful to work alongside these people.

This gentleman below represents everything that makes me passionate about agriculture and the reason why I never want to work for anyone but farmers. Leonard has actively served on the USW Board of Directors for 21 years and this summer board meeting marked the end. I remember before my first board meeting 2.5 years ago, my boss was chatting about some of the farmer board members I would be meeting, and finally he said, “and then there is Uncle Leonard.”

Leonard has a one of kind personality that makes you feel like you’ve known him your whole life. In just two words I would describe him as funny and kind, two of the things that I respect most in people. But what has stuck out to me about Leonard, is his ability really listen and take in the discussions around him, while so many others are only focused on what they are going to say next. When Leonard does respond, it tends to be with more patience and thought.

At the end of the meeting, Leonard reflected on his year’s on the farm and on the board. I considered sharing the whole thing (I take the meeting minutes so I do have it!) but here is the bit of it that stood out to me:

“In our world of farming, we take over some land or lose some land, but our main goal whenever we take over new land is to make it better than when we got it. That’s how we gauge ourselves on whether or not we are successful … I have said yes to four different governors to sit on this board, and it has allowed me to discover this passion I have for wheat. It has helped me define who I am back at home to my neighbors, because I am Mr. Wheat back home. I think it is very rare how other people’s choices allow you to discover your passion.”

Thanks Leonard, we sure are going to miss you!

Big 12 Schools as Harry Potter Characters

I’d say most of these are pretty darn accurate and the descriptions are pretty funny.

https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2017/6/28/15883470/big-12-schools-as-harry-potter-characters

My People

This little note speaks to me in leaps and bounds, and after sharing it on social media and receiving quite a few comments, apparently it does for a lot of people. I think I have learned many times over that you just can’t be everything for everyone and on the flip side, some people are only in your life a “season” and that’s completely OK. But that makes it so much more important to INVEST in those core people around you who just really “get it” and let your crazy fly, whether they are near, or in my case for most, are far away.

Out and About

A few snippets (and Snapchats) of life lately.

Why does it all of a sudden look like baby Wes is NOT a baby anymore?!

My Life in Memes

Memes that are speaking to me right now… both thought provoking and just plain funny.

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So, There’s That.

Cheers!

So There's That Series

So There’s That: Vol.9

July 8, 2015July 10, 2015 Amanda

{Sort of like a “Friday Five” or a “Life Lately” except it’s probably not Friday, and I gave up on the idea of a catchy alliteration. These are some bits and pieces of my glam #postgradlife. See past posts HERE}

1. Furious Dancing

No, I do not really have a reason to be that mad. But I am cracking up.
I saw this on Pinterest last week, and well, it spoke to me, so I printed it and hung it up at work.
I am pretty sure that dancing solves most problems.

2. My New Camera!

I had always thought someday I would get a nice camera when I had a family, but recently with my move and lots of upcoming work travel, I decided why wait? I live an adventurous life in a beautiful and historical place right now, and I want to document it. I have a teeny tiny bit of photography experience being an agricultural communicator, but I am excited to learn more. I had an idea of what I wanted, but I am lucky to know a few talented photographers who also gave me some advice. I should also give a shout out to my parents and grandparents, who were pretty easy to convince that my birthday and Christmas should come early this year

3. Best Friend’s Visit and Independence Day

We are already part way through summer…umm, what?! The past two weeks have been so full that it has taken every bit of discipline I have to not take a nap every day after work just to keep up. This past weekend was my first Independence Day in D.C. and the weekend before that, my best friend Richole (from Oregon) was my first official visitor here in my new home.

4. Food for Thought

The Myth of Big, Bad Gluten – New York Times Article

Even though I am in communications, I personally do not post or share a lot of opinionated content. Social media is a powerful and great tool for networking and sharing information, but too often it is abused. I think it becomes too crowded with people who have a false sense of confidence and a platform for rants — usually about things that they actually know very little truth about. So usually I do not like to add fuel to the conversations that just go in circles. With that said, I do want to share this article because I think it tackles the topic from a bit of a different perspective than I have seen lately. Listen, yes I work in agriculture and represent the U.S. wheat industry, but choice is choice. I choose to eat gluten for a various number of reasons, and I respect your decision not to. My argument only comes out when people do not think for themselves, and instead let fear-mongering, trends and false information dictate their decisions. Always be hungry for the truth and choose what is right for your own body and values, not just because you saw a colorful infographic or read something on a mommy blog.

And that goes for the article for me and I shared. One article is not the end all and I am not a dietician or a food scientist. I work for farmers, and as such, I want people to want to know more about their food without tossing their common sense and reasoning aside.

5. Inside Out

Everyone. Should. See. This. Movie.
And do not roll your eyes because you “don’t like animated movies.”
It is seriously cute and will make you ~~cry~~ think more than you ever thought a simple cartoon could.
Plus it is voiced by people like Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling and Bill Hader. How could you go wrong?

6. Typorama

This is one of my new favorite apps! I use Canva.com (something I could go on and on and on about) almost everyday for projects at work but I wanted something that was similar for my phone. The images below are the only things I have created so far, so I have not used any of my own imagery yet or used it for work, but the possibilities are endless. If I remember correctly it did cost $0.99, but definitely worth it.

7. Upcoming Travel

This upcoming weekend kicks off two months of lots of travel for me! Just looking at the calendar makes my head spin just a bit. There are both work trips and vacation, to be honest the work trip destinations are not too shabby. Here is a quick look…

July
San Diego (work national board meetings)
Eastern Oregon (visiting home)
Phoenix (work – Ag Media Summit)

August
Las Vegas (taking my sister for her 21st!)
Guatemala (work – world staff conference)

Yeah, I would say my camera is going to get a lot of use! Stay tuned.

8. A Steal

So I think I am in a bit of a transition with my wardrobe.
Since moving to D.C. my work attire has changed to business casual, and on some days, professional. But it is not just at work. I have never lived in the city before, so everything from going out for drink or even to the grocery store is a bit of a change for this small town Oregon/Kansas girl #imissmybluejeans. On top of that I turn 25 this year and I am starting to feel that some of my clothes are not really my style anymore. For the most part I fully embrace the change but overhauling a wardrobe does not happen over night #thankyoustudentloans, and well, I hate shopping.

So it is a slow process, but finding skirts like this at 40% off for $15 is what I like to call a steal.

And it is purple, obviously. #GoKState.

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So, There’s That.

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Joining these Linkups this week.

Friday Favorites
Thinking Out Loud

Washington D.C.

Independence Day in D.C.

July 7, 2015 Amanda

To know me is to know how much I love fireworks and Independence Day.

For example, on Saturday I texted my college roommate:
“Trying to explain to people all day, just how excited I am for the 4th in D.C. has only resulted in weird looks.”

To which she responded:
“Oh good grief. You really do need me there to help explain your love for fireworks and America…Let’s be honest, you’ll probably tear up.”

On the steps of the National Archives for a reading of the Declaration of Independence that was eventually cancelled because of the pouring rain!!

Celebrating the holiday in D.C. and watching the fireworks on the National Mall has been a big bucket list item of mine for a long time. It’s been raining a lot here this summer, so while the weather did interfere with some of our other plans during the day, the evening did clear up for the show. We chose to brave the chaos and watch from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and honestly, even after trekking through the mud and dealing with cranky people, it was still worth it. And I would say after my three naps on Sunday, that my first 4th of July in my new home was a success.

Justin and Lauren, my holiday weekend sidekicks.

I’m not sure if this is where I should admit that yes, I did tear up a teeny tiny bit during the fireworks show. But honestly, I have no shame. I love everything about the holiday’s festivities and the true reason we celebrate. I am so thankful for our freedoms and for those who dedicate their lives for us to have it.

I took way to many pictures on my new camera, but here are a few of my favorite shots from the day! (Click on them to see them full-size.) I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend!

So There's That Series

So There’s That: Vol. 2

July 9, 2013July 8, 2015 Amanda

{Sort of like a “Friday Five” except it’s probably not Friday and I gave up on the idea of a catchy alliteration. This is my# postgradlife.}

1. Blog Makeover

As you can see I did a little bit of a makeover on the blog this weekend. There is still one more section that is being finished. Be looking for that addition next week. What do you think about the new digs? What are some blog must-haves, and what do you like about other blogs that make them unique?

2. Leah is getting herself hitched!

One of my best friends announced her engagement this weekend. After knowing about it for the past two weeks, it was about all I could do to not freely jump for joy. Leah was my roommate in Smurthwaite Scholarship House my freshman year at K-State. She was the hippie and I was the country girl. But we bonded over our curly red hair, soft spots for a cheesy love song, love for flowers and plants, eating pickles and peanut butter, and adventuring through the many trials and memories of college together. She is one of the kindest, loving and humble girls that I know and I am over the moon that she has found someone to love her like she deserves. And I am honored to be standing up with her and Ryan next year when they say I do!

3. Professional reading
I read some interesting thoughts over the top five personality traits that employers look for on AgCareers.com, which is a wonderful resource for new grads, seasoned employees and employers alike. I had the opportunity to write them a two years ago and made it a habit to see what they have to say on a regular basis.

This past week I read: Employers look for executive personality traits before hiring.

With a pretty comprehensive description for each trait I can personally identify which traits that I do well emulating and which ones that I need to work on. What do you think of their list? How do you work toward polishing these traits? Or, is there a more valuable personality trait you would rather see on the list?

4. My Fourth of July

City of Manhattan firework show.

4th of July with roommate Kyla

BLTTC’s…Because a plain BLT is too boring.

Even Carl and Ellie (yes the plants) were patriotic.

My roommate Kyla in the Manhattan City Band

My favorite holiday was a success! I got my starry night extravagant fireworks show that I always look forward to and earlier in the evening I added to my jams for the week at the Manhattan Municipal Band Independence Day concert that my roommate Kyla played in. Though the fireworks are always my favorite, the Armed Services Salute was played at the band concert, inviting servicemen and women to stand up when they heard their tune, stole the show. The college aged kid who helped his grandpa stand up out of his wheelchair put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.

5. Big Kid Business
Whelp, I guess that I am now really, really official now. My business cards came in today! AND since everyone in the office was about ready to reorder, I got to redesign them. Whatcha think? The back features a new project that we are working on that will launch at the end of July. Excuse me, while I do a little happy dance.

Yah, So There’s That.

Music - What I'm Listening To

Friday Jam Session: Red, White and Blue

July 5, 2013December 12, 2014 Amanda

I LOVE the 4th of July.

It is definitely my favorite holiday. I like it better than Christmas.

When I tell people that, I find that I get two different responses. Most people kind of look at me strange and add a “oh that’s nice.” But those who do understand, usually REALLY understand. I love the 4th of July because it’s in some ways a laid back, low maintenance holiday. It’s about celebrating hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and our past, present and future. Regardless of what is going on in the world around us or even on our home turf, it seems to put everything on pause, even if it is just for a day, and reminds us of how lucky we are to live here. And we celebrate with some of my favorite things, like family and friends, summertime, grilling, being outside, music and of course – fireworks.

Let’s be honest, it really all comes down to my love for watching fireworks. I’m only kind of slightly obsessed.

Anyways…you get the picture. I might be a tad bit patriotic and therefore I also have a long list of tunes to with it. What are some of your patriotic tunes? Enjoy!

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue by Toby Keith
Okay I’ll make this simple. No, I’m not going to ask you to like Toby Keith. I know enough people who don’t that its not worth the arguement. However, opinions aside you have to have at least a little bit of respect for his patriotism and time he takes to honor our service men and women. Plus this song and these others, Made in America and American Soldier, make me smile.

Independence Day by Martina McBride
This song has an indirect, more metaphorical connection to the holiday, that focuses on some of the human themes we associate with this day. Plus, I just think its beautiful.

Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band
The debut single for the Zac Brown Band is another one that has even less of a connection to the holiday. But it encompasses many of the favorite things that I enjoy about the holiday, as well as the way of life and simple things that I value about being an American. But seriously, what is there not to love about these guys?

This Ragged Old Flag – Johnny Cash
This one has had my heart since I was little. I’ve always had a special place for Johnny Cash and this one would play almost every Sunday on the AM station that my dad would have on in the mornings. It’s technically not music, but when Cash is the narrator, you don’t need music.

Amazing Grace – Alan Jackson
It wasn’t a question of whether or not I was going to include this song. Amazing Grace is one of my favorite songs and I tear up almost every time I hear it. But I struggled a bit with what version I was going to share. Someone from almost every genre has recorded it, and my favorite is actually with bagpipes and no vocalist. But Jackson just recently recorded his version, and because I enjoyed it so much, I wanted to share.

Here are some other suggestions that were on my mind: America Saturday Night – Brad Paisley, Only in Ameria – Brooks & Dunn, God Bless the U.S.A. – Lee Greenwood, America the Beautiful – Ray Charles, Have You Forgotten-Darryl Worley, Letters From Home-John Michael Montgomery, Arlington-Trace Adkins, Born Country-Alabama, American Child-Phil Vassar, My Town-Montgomery Gentry, Back Where I Come From-Kenny Chesney, American Beautiful- The Henningsens