Some Boxes, Bags, and a Twist to an Old Tale

It's been quite the day! 

I've been shut in my room for a good part of the day going through eighteen years of memories. No, it's not for the sake of sentimentality, there is a purpose. 

I am officially packing up and moving out of my room. Down come the posters, pictures and momentos (I'm fighting to keep the plaques up- I don't want them stuffed away in boxes!). The "shrine to Courtney," as my dad puts it, will be no longer. 

Why, you wonder? We are having a visitor, a long-term visitor in fact. And since this visitor has more of a need for my room this semester than I do, I'm happy to give it up. 

You remember the MAbA story I told about how the people I met on that trip the summer after my sophomore year have become an important part of my everyday life at college? Well, there's another twist to it. 

Also on the trip were a few past MAbA members who had gone on the trip a few years before us. Before school started, I found out that one of these members was going to be a student teacher in the Trenton Ag Department. So, when I happened to run into her this fall I asked how things were going and it eventually led to getting her in contact with my parents who offered her a place to stay. 

Ironically, she shares the same name as my sister. That should be interesting!

So, here I am with plastic trash bags full of my "stuff" (though I don't like to refer to it like that) and mountains of clutter. I sure hope I am up to the task again tomorrow- it'll be another long day I'm afraid!

Good night, and enjoy this second to last evening before 2012! I wonder what new things this next year will bring... It's sure to be interesting!

Beef: It Can Still be for Dinner!

Beef: It's What's for Dinner. Oh the memories I have of hearing that commercial on the radio! I'm sure if I looked hard enough, I could even find the old magnet that featured this Beef Checkoff sponsored campaign. 

When I was younger, beef was usually what was for dinner. Nowadays, chicken graces the table most often since we raise 50 or so broilers twice a year. Even so, I enjoy being able to eat a nice juicy steak or succulent pot roast when the occasion arises. 

I think most of us can agree beef is tasty, but it often gets a bad rap as being unhealthy and something to avoid.

Rachelle Hochgraber, a registered dietitian who helps consumers at a Kansas City area Hy-Vee make healthy food choices, was a part of a forum I once had the opportunity to listen to. One thing I remember her being very adamant about was that beef is not bad. It's all about making the right choices about portion size, cut of meat and preparation style, not the type of meat.

What is the source of this beef avoidance? High levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, both linked to heart disease. 

Never fear because lean cuts are near! There are 29 cuts of beef that are considered lean, which means they have less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per three-ounce serving. Yes, it's still more fat than a skinless chicken breast, but it's less than a chicken thigh, which though poultry is still high in fat. 

So beef can be a part of a regular healthy diet, but what about for those who need an especially heart-healthy diet? A recent study done by Pennsylvania State University researchers, funded by the Beef Checkoff, has found that adding lean beef as the primary protein source to a heart-healthy diet can be just as effective as using other sources.

The Beef in Optimal Lean Diet study, known as BOLD, broke participating adults with moderately elevated levels of cholesterol into four groups each following different diets:

1. Healthy American Diet (HAD)- followed patterns of a typical healthy American’s diet
2. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)- the typical heart-healthy diet
3. Beef in Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD)- similar to DASH but replaced white meat and plant sources with lean beef as primary protein source (4 oz/day)
4. Beef in Optimal Lean Diet Plus (BOLD-PLUS)- similar to BOLD but with higher protein and lean beef (5.4 oz/day)

The findings?

The percent decrease in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in the DASH, BOLD, and BOLD+ diets compared to the HAD diet were very similar, with only 1.1% difference.

So, I guess you could stick to the traditional heart-healthy diet of turkey burgers and chicken, or you could just as effectively spice it up with some beef. Remember, the key is balance and portion control!

Check out the complete findings of the BOLD study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, for yourself!

To learn more about beef- from what to know when buying to tips and recipes on preparing, click here.

And, last but not least, for a slightly humorous, but factual, take on the chicken vs. beef misconception, check out this podcast by the Nutrition Diva. 

A New Look...

You might have noticed a bit of a change in view when you opened the blog today.

When I originally started this project before school started, I had very little knowledge on these sorts of things and opted for the easiest and most convenient route. After being around some very techno-savvy students at the university and seeing all these new possibilities, I decided to put a spin on the plain-jane blog and add a few more features.

I am especially excited about the "Useful Links" page. I am speaking honestly when I say I have come across more resources and like-minded individuals in the past few months than I have in my whole life (which granted hasn't been that long...). Anyway, I've added links to a few sites that just off the top of my head are resources I have used and enjoy keeping up with. I will be adding more (I can think of a few I'd like to add as I type) within a few days, and will continue to add as I find things.

Knowledge is power, and it is great to have a few sources of this at your fingertips. If there are any sources you'd like me to add, just let me know and I'll get on it.

As always, if you have input let me know! This is my journey, yes, but I'd also like to help you in yours.

A Word on Technology

One of my favorite cartoons has always been The Jetsons with their out-of-this world (literally) contraptions: cars that fly and fold up instead of parking (oh how I wish this was a reality!), alarm clocks that talk to you, robots that serve as caregivers… The things they could do seemed so outlandish I never expected any of it to become real. Now I’m beginning to wonder.  

This Christmas my parents surprised me with an iPhone. In my journalism classes I’ve seen a lot of iPhones, and we even talk about different applications in class. I knew I needed to learn more about these smartphone capabilities, but it was all so confusing to me, as I’d never operated one myself. I mentioned this to my parents a while back, but never expected them to act on the thought.

This morning as I was exploring some of the apps, I found a compass, weather forecast, Google maps… The list was endless. Sure there were games, but these tools fascinated me. As I held a fully functional compass in my hand, my mind was blown away! I know that must sound awful since I’m technically part of this ‘technology age,’ but I feel pretty lost compared to my classmates. I find it incredibly awesome that these things are at my fingertips (so long as the phone stays charged, which seems like it might be an issue).

Maybe I won’t have a robotic maid that can give me advice, clean the house and prepare dinner for my family, but the technology that is coming into existence rivals the thoughts of the creators of The Jetsons. 

I think with this technology we need to be careful not to become too reliant on it (such as not knowing how to read a paper map because we always have Google map), but we can use it to our advantage to be more accurate and reliable in our work. I’ve already looked at a few of the agricultural apps, which make me VERY excited, and I hope to create a list of them and their purposes soon. They may not be 100% realistic for widespread use at this point, but I do believe we have an excellent window of opportunity in this field.

The big question is, what will they come up with next? I’m excited to find out!

Christmas Time is Here

Only a few more hours until Christmas! It makes me smile to think back on past Christmases. I remember many a Christmas Eve trying to keep my eyes open as long as I could while Mom would be rushing around getting last minute details taken care of. This year, I’d rather not resist the pull of heavy eyelids, but will probably have to stay up to finish wrapping presents and to look for the gifts I bought my mom and sister a couple months ago. The plan was to hide them from my family, not from myself…

Anyway, as you enjoy your Christmas goose, ham, turkey, chicken, roast… whatever you eat for Christmas dinner, I hope you remember to thank the Lord for providin’, the farmer for raisin’, and your cook for cookin’. And of course, don’t forget the reason for the season!

Enjoy, and have a very Merry Christmas!

On Trusting, Waiting, and Preparing

Currently, my family is watching Facing the Giants. It's a good movie with a great message, I'd encourage you to watch it with your family if you haven't already. 

As the main character in the movie, Coach Taylor, is facing a difficult time and praying to God for guidance, a man tells him a story about two farmers during a drought. Both farmers prayed for rain, but only one went into his fields and prepared for the rain. Which farmer trusted the Lord would provide? The one who prepared for the rain. Just so, when we pray we should trust that God will provide in His time. That being said, we should also remember His time is not our time. He can see the whole puzzle while we can only see a piece. He knows what's best for us, even when we can't understand how that is.

Sometimes it is difficult to find the balance between being proactive and waiting on the Lord. This semester proved to be a test in this. I would consider myself to be a very career oriented person, primarily because I love to write and look forward to being able to use my abilities constructively, but I have to remember to keep everything in perspective. It is God who has given me the abilities and the desires, and it is God who has gotten me this far. It is also God that can completely change the course of my life. I have faith He will see me to the end, even if it’s not the one I am currently picturing, and spend much of my time preparing for that future.

Do you hope the Lord will provide or do you trust He will?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Senior Forum: A Freshman's Advice to Seniors

The Guidance Department at Trenton High School hosted their annual “college experience” forum today in one of North Central Missouri College’s newest buildings, Cross Hall. Every year at the end of first semester, the previous year’s high school graduates come to speak to the current seniors about college life and what to expect. This year I, along with several of my classmates, had the opportunity to come speak to the Senior Class of 2012.

This time last year I was on the other side of the equation. I was one in the sea of seniors anticipating the end of my last fall semester at Trenton High School. College was coming, but it was far in the future. There was time to worry about that later, for now I’d look forward to my last FFA contest season, banquet, and then graduation.

It wasn't too long after Christmas break that I realized the inevitable was approaching. Soon life as I knew it would end, and I would be introduced to a whole new world. With that realization came a flood of anxiety and stress, all while balancing a heavy load of classes and FFA responsibilities. I wish I could have comprehended then I what I know now. But I suppose that is all just part of the senior year experience. 

A sea of ugly sweaters blinded me today as I sat like a bug under a microscope. Being on the other side of the equation I could see how far I've come since this time last year. It was an eye-opening experience, lately I've only been able to see how much further I have yet to go.

With only an hour, not everything could possibly be said during our time together. Here are a few tips for high school seniors from the perspective of someone who remembers sitting in their seat not long ago.

• Don’t underestimate the power of extracurricular organizations and keep involved in them. Through involvement in organizations you have the ability to meet many students, many of whom you will be around in college and in your future career. I was amazed at how many people I already knew when I got to college! Many of my best friends I had met through FFA, lost contact with, and then reconnected with those first few weeks of school.
• Don’t slack off! Senioritis is so easy to get, and I’ll admit I caught it too. Keep on keeping on and you won’t regret it.
• Scholarships! Apply for as many as you can. Christmas break is the perfect time to do this. Use scholarship search engines, listen to the radio and look at the websites of organizations you are apart of to find opportunities for financial aid. Organize potential scholarships, fill out applications, count how many transcripts you’ll need and make a list of who you’ll need letters of recommendation from. It can be a bit overwhelming so be sure to stay organized.
• If at all possible, finalize your college plans and make an appointment to meet with your program chair. They can give you great advice on what to be doing this summer, and it’s nice to have a friendly face in the faculty once you get to school.
• Think about taking summer classes. You might be able to take care of a general requirement that would be much easier to do in a smaller class. Be careful to check to see if they will transfer, though!
• Plan a great last shebang with your family and friends for graduation. Be sure to take lots of pictures!
• Be prepared and proactive, but don’t stress out too much. Enjoy your senior year because you’ll never get it back.
• It’s ok to be nervous, it’d be unnatural if you weren’t. Even though it’s easier said than done, know everything will all work out. Because it will, one way or the other and for everything there is a reason.
• Most importantly, remember who you are, what you’re out to do, and keep the people important to you close.

Graduating high school is one of those important milestones in life, and entering college is another. With two significant events so close together, it is sure to be a rocky road. Even so, you will make it and you'll be stronger through it, so get your walking shoes on and prepare for the journey!

Home Sweet Home Part II

Today was my second homecoming. I’ve been baking and giving away pulla (a very tasty Finnish sweet bread) for a couple years now and couldn’t resist keeping up with the tradition. I made the trek back to the ag building to give the pulla away, and a few other goodies.

Upon my arrival, another past officer greeted me in the hallway. Michael was the chapter president the year before me, and I must say I looked up to him and Taylor, our vice-president at the time, a great deal. The pair of them were like FFA rock stars, and I wanted to be just like them. 

It was a pleasant surprise to see him, but I instantly knew he was up to something and I figured I’d eventually get roped into it. That was the story of my life my junior year, but I loved it then and I love helping out even now.

Before I could get involved in any big projects, I went in to see Mrs. Kreatz and delivered my presents to her and Mr. Wolf. It was good to see them. Sometimes email just doesn’t cut it, but I won’t complain. I love that with technology we have the ability to be far apart geographically, yet remain close.

Soon enough I discovered what Michael was up to. He and Taylor were replacing the old paper emblem that is used for every FFA parade float. In front of me was a beautiful, thick, wooden FFA emblem. Michael was engrossed in painting it, and graciously pointed me to the brushes and paint buckets.

It was good getting back to my second home, even if I was put back to work. I have so many good memories in that building. My FFA family- both the members and all of my advisors (there’s been five different ones in my four years of high school) have played a significant role in my life. I’m glad that even though I’ve graduated, I can still give back to the organization that has pushed me to where I am now. 

Home Sweet Home

There's no place like home, there's no place like home. That's what I was saying those last few days I was in Columbia. Unfortunately, I didn't have Dorothy's ruby red slippers to take me there. I've really enjoyed Columbia and the people I have the fortune to be around every day, but it's nice not to fall asleep to sirens and people yelling down the hall. I much prefer the train whistling in the night.

It was an adventure getting home, and I might not have if it weren't for a stranger's help and some jumper cables. Even as I made the trip singing Christmas carols and prayers for safety ("Jesus Take the Wheel" came into my head more than one time), I knew with every passing second I was that much closer to home.

With no classes to worry about until after I get back, I've been able to take time to relax and catch up on some of the things I've put on the back burner. I also now have some time to pick back up on my knitting, reading, writing, and cooking.

There are a lot of differences between the city of Columbia and rural Northern Missouri and some differences are bigger than others. I knew I was home when I experienced slow internet, bad cell phone coverage, and random power outages. Yep, it's good to be home!

Christmas Tree Time

With Christmas less than a week away, a piece of nature has invaded most of our homes, mine included. When I came home the tree was lit and full of our favorite ornaments, courtesy of my sister who has been in charge of Christmas decorating for the past few years. Christmas trees have decked the halls for centuries, and the industry is still going strong.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, it takes Christmas trees 7 years on average to grow to the typical height of 6-7 feet. The most common tree species to bring inside during the Christmas season are balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine and white pine.

There are over 350 million Christmas trees growing in the US on approximately 15,000 farms covering 350,000 acres. The top Christmas tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington and the industry employs around 100,000 people.

The first written record of decorating Christmas trees comes from Latvia in 1510 and commercially selling Christmas trees began around 1850. The tradition has remained strong and today over 25-30 million real trees are sold each year. 

Maybe this Christmas you will choose to support a tree farmer, or maybe you have the fortune to be able to cut one in your own backyard. Then again, maybe you value the convenience of dragging the old artificial out from under the staircase. Whatever you choose, remember the gift of everlasting life sent to us on Christmas symbolized by the evergreen tree in your living room. 

Mind your P's and Q's

Have you ever heard the saying, "mind your p's and q's"? It's one of those things that mothers tell their children. Even though it seems completely unrelated, the general consensus is that it means mind your manners. Or say your p's (pleases's) and q's (thank you's). 


As I've been studying for my Ag Econ final for the past week or so, I've come up with a new theory on this old saying. Mind your p's (prices) and q's (quantities)!

Just another random thought from a college freshman experience diminishing returns after studying too long. 

Finally it's Finals!

Well, classes for the Fall 2011 semester were officially over after classes Thursday. Now all that's left to do is study for finals next week.

Ah, the dreaded finals week. On the bright side, I only have two. So that means the only responsibilities I have this next week are going to take a test at 12:30 on Tuesday and one at 12:30 on Thursday. On a not so bright note, I have a lot riding on those tests.

So I shall study, study, study, and hopefully make the grade. Then be home Thursday night for a whole month! Whatever shall I do with myself?

Scholarships, essays, cleaning, baking, visiting with friends back home, oh and working on my record book. I'm going to be sad when I put my final entry in that old blue book that I have had this love/hate relationship with the past four-and-a-half years.

This transitional first semester of college is almost over. And so is another step in my journey. And next semester marks the beginning of a new step!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Yesterday I experienced my very first snow on campus. The funny thing is, no one was really expecting it. It did, however, make its presence known.

We woke up Tuesday morning, tired of course after working on this FIG project we had to present later that evening, and the first thing out of Kathryn’s mouth was, “do you want to just watch it on tegrity?” That was tempting, but being the responsible student I am, I told her no. We needed to just get up and we'd (eventually) wake up.

So, off Kathryn goes to brush her teeth and she comes back saying that a girl down the hall told her it was snowing hard. I look out the window, and sure enough there is a furry of snow.

We dressed super warm and went off to Ag Econ clear on the far end of campus in Waters Auditorium careful not to slip, because it was indeed slick.

After a 15 minute walk (that usually takes 10) we arrived to a half-empty (or half-full, depending on how you like to look at your glass) class and sat down. And waited. And waited some more. At 8:10, a bunch of guys, plus our next door neighbor in her spiffy cow-hat, walked out. At 8:15 even more left. By 8:20, Kathryn, Julia, another girl and I decided Dauve probably wasn’t coming and left to have a good breakfast.

Mizzou dining halls have very good hot chocolate, by the way.

We heard reports from people who had trouble on the roads, buses were in ditches, cars couldn’t get up hills… It was a mess and I’m glad I didn’t have to go out in it.

It was a blessing in disguise because we were able to use the couple extra hours to work on our FIG Food Culture projects we had been working on. And I think the snow put me in a much more Christmas-y mood.

My favorite part of this whole ordeal, though, is that just a few weeks ago I was wearing a light jacket or no jacket at all. If you don't like Missouri weather today, just stick around for a while!