Put your mind to it, go for it. Get down and break a sweat.

Well I did it. I read the Hunger Games trilogy. And now I don't even know what to do with myself. It was three tantalizing days of filling my mind with Peeta star-crossed love, and now I'm a little let down it's all over. Kind of like when New Kids on the Block disbanded (pun fully intended). But oh was it good. So good. If you haven't read the books, you must. Otherwise, we can't be friends. Also, I've now seen the movie twice. The End.

Just call me Kat(niss)

In spite of my friends' urging, I went and saw Hunger Games before reading the books. I'm a rebel. That and my small town movie theater (which is awesome!!) has one screen, and it's in its second and final week of showing. So now begins my life of hermit-dom as I have just bought the Triology on my Kindle. And for Tim's sake may the odds of finishing quickly be ever in my favor. Read: I'm not a fast reader. *sigh*

Is that a...balding spot?

At first I was afraid. I was petrified. And then we got our hands a little dirty...and survived. Farmer Tim and I, along with a couple of others, help with our church's middle and high school youth group and we had a lock in Friday night. This age group scares the pants right off me. Half of the time, they leave me speechless as I'm trying to relate. They're way smart and more perceptive than we give them credit, they ask (lots of) questions, want desperately to fit in and can't decide if needing their mom is passé (kids, we always need our moms). And oh, the energy. Did I mention their endless supply? I thought it was a myth too, until 3am rolled around and playing Sasquatch (apparently the latest craze in the game of tag) still sounded like a good idea.

So how's an almost 29 yr. old supposed to be cool and happening with such a crowd? I'm not. I'm just supposed to be present week in and week out. I just try to answer their questions, try to relate and give them due credit. But most importantly, I try to be a living example of Jesus. And maybe in doing that, they'll be a little less scary and think I'm a little bit cool (or not). But even if I am a little scared and not super cool, I press on because I love them and I want them, even more, to know and love Jesus.

And now, for the best part of my evening (muahahahahaha, voiced in an evil laugh). To preface, Tim is getting his hair "done" by some of the kids. And as they're working in that bottle of mousse, one of them says to Tim, "you don't have a lot of hair right there," referring to what I'll call a...balding spot. April Fool's???? We were both speechless. And I laughed- lovingly, of course.

Farmer Tim = good sport

Clearly (??) we survived- at least nothing was broken and no one got hurt. And that, to me, is grounds for a W. Kind of like KU tonight...

These things were mint for me.

And a very happy Friday to me- these things are hard to find. I hope you have a great weekend! I go chaperone our youth group's lock-in tonight, so wish me luck. Thankfully I have pizza, candy and pop in my favor! If I haven't blogged again by Monday, you know I didn't survive.

Self-Deprecating Moment. You'll Thank Me.

I try not to make too much of it; but once you get to know me, it slips out before I can take it back. 

I drive 4.5 hours to get my haircut. 

There- I said it. I realize people may do worse and even more ridiculous things, and if you do, help a girl out and let me know. Otherwise, I give you permission, just this once...to laugh. In my defense, you would too if you had a Shannon in your life. I met my hair genius some 15-ish years ago and not once has she steered me wrong in either my color or cut. And for that I remain ever faithful. This is not to say that she can never be replaced with a more sensible and economical Goodland version; but for now, as my schedule and checkbook allow, she upholds the honor. Or I uphold the honor? Either way, I appreciate her. I also appreciate the opportunity it gives me to see my parents and friends (see that positive spin?). 

This is why I said you'd thank me. You're welcome.

And if these pictures had you worried then here is the final product to put your mind at ease. Photos courtesy of my sweet mom. 

I hope that you have found a Shannon in your life. If you haven't, I'd be happy to share mine. That is, if you live in Wichita or are willing to drive 4.5 hours...

DrupalCon 2012. What Does That Even Mean?

Goodland just got a little brighter with the visit of our good friend Barry. He's from my neck of the woods in Wichita, but he had been nerding it out in Denver at DrupalCon 2012 all week. We were sad to miss his wife Paige, as she stayed home contemplating all the ways such a conference could damage her reputation. When he first arrived, we found him in a catatonic DrupalCon state, so we let him sleep that off. But it was guns blazing come morning, and for the next five hours we filled his brain with lots of farm-y knowledge.

Farmer Tim and I had fun showing him around our metropolis and how we do things around here. We started out touring the feedlot where we live. Did you know that? Well it's true, but that's another post for another day. After showing him our animal kingdom, we headed out to the "country" to a few of our fields where winter wheat is currently growing and Farmer Tim and his dad are fertilizing. But because of the most recent .6" rain (yay!), Farmer Tim has been banned from the field because it's too wet, so Barry got the abbreviated tractor tour. 

We also drove him out to the farm (aka: Gerry and Linda's) so he could see the combine, semis and pop a few wheelies on the 4-wheeler. Honestly, Barry. And for those of you who keep asking for a picture of me... 

Thanks so much for coming, Barrett! Paige, we expect to see you next time. I just hope it's not after a week of enduring DrupalCon (I'm sorry, I can't even help myself).

Labor Shmabor.

I had previously mentioned (albeit briefly) some of the current issues facing farmers, specifically as it relates to the Department of Labor's attempt at restricting our youth's ability to work on their families' farms. Ridiculous. But regardless, this is the reality for America's farmers.

ACTUAL picture from the hearing- cool, right?

I have since found a clip referencing the hearing Tim and I observed when we were back in Washington. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran sits on the Appropriations Committee, which holds jurisdiction over all discretionary spending legislation; and the DOL Secretary Solis was there to testify before the committee. 



Although I still don't always feel like I know exactly what and why something is going on, I am grateful for opportunities like these to learn about something I would otherwise be completely oblivious to (and I know I shouldn't end my sentence with a preposition, but I just couldn't figure out how to say it differently). So here's to hoping common sense prevails. And a very Happy Birthday to my Dad!!