Wild, Wild West

Today I took a job offer way out west, in the Colorado Rockies working as a wrangler on a guest ranch. I am happy, scared, nervous, excited and all other emotions in between. Not to mention I had a dream I was mauled by a Grizzly Bear and bitten by a wolf recently. Eeek! It should be loads of fun, working and living with about 10+ other kids who will be on the ranch all summer long. I am super excited to get to spend time out west, I have never been to see the Rockies! My mom is a little, okay a lot, mad/sad/upset that I will not be coming home to work and live after vacation. And I will certianly miss the beach - for sure! But I went on that cruise in March when it snowed and was like freezing in Blacksburg. That should serve as my beach fix for now! Maybe I can get to Mexico to pay my uncle a visit this winter when the weather outside is frightful. Thankfully, two fo my best friends from VT are going out to Nebraska and Montana. Which I did not realize were so far away! I guess it is a summer for exploring! Worries aside, i am looking forward to experience the west and all of the wide open spaces.....

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

"So shines a good deed in a weary world." - Willy Wonka to Charlie

Today was a trying one. After a long week on cloud nine with my judging team, bad news. I found out I did not receive the internship I had been hoping and praying for nights on end. However, everything happens for a reason. I need to realize that I am not meant to do everything I wish or everything I want. Everything happens for a reason. I will try to take some of my fabulous friends, family and roommates advice...get back up on my feet and start to walk again. Trudge; Just put one foot in front of another and see where it takes me.

In ending, my neighbor's tattoo ...

"Not all that wonder are lost." I guess it is my time to wonder, find out where I am supposed to be and take full advantage of that opportunity. Adios Virginia Tech. I will miss you - but I will always remain a Hokie. <3

Dream Team

I have to say I have learned one of my all time favorite lessons with the VT Horse Judging Team. To always be true to yourself. We recently went to Texas for a National Intercollegiate Judging Contest and expected nothing. Our goal was to have our names called at the banquet, meaning we had placed top 10. This would be a huge accomplishment seeing as there were 32 teams competing and 170+ contestants. We goofed off at farms, as we are loud Hokie ladies. We are all very close friends who work hard to place classes correctly and even harder to deliver stellar reasons. And all our hard work paid off as out two teams went 1st and 3rd in the competition, beating out other schools that recruit kids and give them scholarships for judging. We were stunned. 2 trophies, 6 belt buckles 2 plaques, and oodles of ribbons later.... we are humbled by our experiences. It was a rainy week in Texas. We continued to judge. It was late at night, and we kept giving reasons. And out of everything, I have found my 9 teammates to be some of my closest friends. And my coach to be one of the most spectacular horsewoman I have ever met. I feel truly blessed to have had this opportunity. I have showed a lot of horses and competed in a lot of different sports: riding, rowing, dressage, eventing, and now judging. And I will never forget my team, our accomplishments, and how hard work really does pay off. Headline will read: Tech takes Texas.