School and other ramblings...

You know when you look forward to something for so long. You hype it up and you count it down. Then poof! It's over and you're on the other side. For the past almost 5 years this looking forward to has been the end of a semester. Once I get to the other side? Well more school... but not this time!

I'm tyring to psych myself up for finishing college. I feel like I should be over the moon right now. Unfortunately class stress is not allowing me to feel the excitement. I want to be excited but its just not happening. I wish I had one more extra week wiggled in there to get stuff done. O well, I just have to make it work. I foresee many sleepless nights and tears in my near future.

But can you believe it...

15 days
4 classes
3 exams
2 papers
2 forum postings
1 quiz
1 poster session

... until I'm a free bird.

I hope I feel the euphoria I have been looking forward to. But that's the problem you see. Once you finish one obstacle there's always another one to overcome. Maybe it's a matter of perspective. School was an obstacle there's no doubt about that, I keep forgetting to look at the future as an adventure. It can be hard sometimes as a 20 something graduate in this economy.

As I said to my sis, I just want a farm dammit!

As you can tell by my book selection lately, I'm trying to absorb all of the farm related info. I can gather. Specifically organic gardening, throw in some hens and a coop, with the possibility of 2 hives, some sheep, and some wabbits.

It's interesting because every author has a slightly different opinion and it clearly comes out in their writing. Specifically in terms of "farm" animals and what should be done with them. I just can't imagine butchering my hens and succumbing them to the seemingly torturous mating practices of roosters. Some authors say never to name your animals, only give them numbers so you don't get attached to them. I understand that in western culture we tend to humanize our animals but come on, if your hens are excited to see you and have distinct personalities how could you shove your unassuming hen into a crate, one that trusts you, and bring it to slaughter? I just can't imagine it. I think I'm off to a world of vegetarianism.

The authors do make good points in saying that all animals must die and with some circumstances on a farm you need to kill an animal in order to put it out of its misery. I am going to have to find a way to cope with these situations. I mean I know my dog won't live forever, but I can't ever imagine living without her.

So a post that was supposed to be about impending graduation turned into a post about organic gardening and farm animals, go figure. Well my end goal is to provide food for myself and hopefully fiber to wear and knit with. This leads into other goals of being completely self sufficient. How amazing would that be? Always something to strive for.

Riz

PS: I'm currently absorbed with (even though there are certainly other things I should be reading that pertain to ahem.. school!) The Vegetable Gardener's Bible by Edward C. Smith. AMAZING. I'll give a full review once I finish.

PSS: Continued frustration of not being a twin. I need my Lyddy to experience this end with me. It would just be so much better. I feel like I can't be excited because she still has a year to go! I don't know what it is. Maybe just the perpetual worry I have for my siblings and their well being. Hmph. Maybe she can find it in her to celebrate with me, that always makes me feel beter :)

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I'm not sure if we have mentioned this yet, but my sister and I worked at a local garden shop one summer a couple years ago.  Personally, I loved it and I was bit by the gardening bug.  Living in an apartment, I do not have the luxury of a nice backyard where I can have a huge garden.  Instead, I am stuck with window boxes on a balcony.  But last summer, I decided to try to make things grow.

I cannot tell you the sense of pride and accomplishment gardening gives you.  When your first little batch of seeds sprouts, you'll be hooked because your efforts and care created life.  It is truly the best feeling.

some baby pea shoots

Currently, I am growing lettuce and basil, along with a spider plant I have had for a few years.  With this heat we're having the lettuce is looking a little sad but it's chugging along.

my sad lettuce

spider plant and basil

What I would really like to share with you guys is a very special person whose garden makes me green with envy.  Alys Fowler is a british gardener who has a show on BBC called The Edible Garden.  This show documents a summer in which she decided to turn her entire back garden into an edible garden that is beautiful at the same time. 

photo credit

Oh my goodness people, I am literally obsessed with it.  I have only seen the first 3 episodes because that is all I can find online.  I have searched and searched for the whole season, but have come up empty handed.  If anyone from England is reading this and knows how I can get my hands on a DVD or something, please help a sista out!!

My big sis is the best and bought me both of Alys' books.  I have read them cover to cover and they are incredible. I can't even put into words how obsessed I am with this women.  For a while there I was going to sleep watching my 3 episodes every night.  I would give anything to meet her and tell her how awesome she is!

photo credit

photo credit

Check this lady out, she is amazing! Gotta love BBC shows, wish we got more of them over here.
M

PS. I know my big sis is going through some stuff right now, but as I am sure you have been able to tell by now, she is amazing at everything she does and will go on to do great things in the future.  She is the best big sister that anyone could ever ask for.  She takes care of us all like a pro and is always there for me, even when I don't think I need anything.  Riz, don't worry so much, whatever you decide I am behind you 110%.  I know you'll make the right choices for you and you will be so successful and happy!  I love you Rizzy, <3 your lil sis