Sky Highs and Humble Pies

Time to wrap up 2015 and fill all of you in on some of the goings-on of the year, and especially of the last five months of the year that was. A lot happened in 2015. Some of which felt like wonderful "sky highs," and others reminded us of our humanity-- "humble pies." (I am borrowing the idea for the theme of this post from THIS OISELLE BLOG POST, so credit to them). So, I present to you my Sky Highs and Humble Pies, in rough chronological order, from 2015....

Stewing over beginning this post. Coffee quite necessary!

Sky High
One aspect of my professional life that continues to evolve is my involvement with Montana Farmers Union and National Farmers Union. I am on the MFU Women's Committee, which helps plan the annual MFU Women's Conference, among other things. Last year's conference was a smashing success and I enjoyed most of all the opportunity for personal growth and connections made and strengthened with other women. I'm really looking forward to this year's conference, which will be February 5-7 at Quinn's Hot Springs in southwestern Montana. I'll do another post about this sometime soon, but it's going to be awesome!! Click here for more info: 4th Annual Women's Conference.

The other committee I'm involved in is the Next Generation Advisory Council for National Farmers Union. It's a great group of people from several different states coming together to problem-solve ways to transition National Farmers Union into the "next generation" of agriculture. We've had several meetings over the past year and done a lot strategic planning, primarily focusing on membership, leadership, and mentorship opportunities. Our big "reveal" will be at the upcoming National Farmers Union Convention in Minneapolis in March. More to come! I'm just thankful to be part of this amazing, vibrant, dynamic group of passionate people. I often feel like I get more out of these weekends than I contribute, simply by being part of this group.

Enjoying a night on the town in Fargo with the NGAC members! Great folks!

Sky High
Late Spring for me continues to be busy with coaching Track and Field at our local high school. We had another great season last year, with outstanding student-athletes that are a privilege to coach and fellow coaches who I enjoy spending time with and learning from. Our teams saw great success on and off the field. Coaching Track is something I really love, and again, I feel like the rewards that come from coaching greatly outweigh the hard work. It doesn't feel like work most of the time. Track season is always a Sky High and I look forward to seeing what the 2016 season will bring! Here is a very popular blog post I wrote toward the end of last track season:What is a Trophy Worth?

Humble Pie
Much of our farming efforts of 2015 turned out to be disappointing, largely due to unfortunate weather. While the first several years of our time as farmers had been marked by high prices combined with nice crops, 2015 was, well, not that. We experienced severe drought followed by a "storm of the century" hail storm that brought massive damages to what crops had been growing. All this was coupled with the lowest commodity prices we've seen in a while. We are very thankful for the Federal Crop Insurance programs and are learning all about how they work. We had to learn about strategically reducing input costs, among other things, which should help us manage our farm going forward. Nevertheless, hoping 2016 will not bring another crop year like 2015. Harvest was not very much fun.

Sky High
I joined the Oiselle Volee team in August of 2015. It's a nationwide running sisterhood and, I'm finding, a very supportive and FUN community of positive people! While it is a nation-wide team, there are subgroups of Oiselle Mountain West, and even Oiselle Montana. Our Montana team is made up of 7 women from all around the state and I've enjoyed getting to know them and to be inspired by them. To kick off the new year, I'm partnering with my Oiselle Montana teammate, Wendie, for a six-week challenge. Can't wait to see where this goes! I'll keep you all posted.

Some awesome gifts from fellow Oiselle teammates from this Christmas season! 

Sky High
Another running-related high from 2015 was the fact that Jeff and I (with LOTS of help from friends and especially family) directed our very first 5K Race held right here on the farm!! The race was held in September out on our farm, 20 miles from the nearest town. We were blown away by the number of people who participated in person or in the Virtual Run. It was actually a sky high and a humble pie in one because it was sort of humbling to think about how many people wanted to be there because of what we had done. 5K On the Farm was a much greater success than we ever could have imagined and I would really like to spend more time filling you all in on some of the details, so this will have to deserve it's own post very soon!!

Humble Pie
For me and Jeff, this humble pie was the biggest of all and definitely (unfortunately) what we'll remember 2015 for the most. Jeff got sick toward the end of August with what we thought was just a cold, but kept persisting. Over the course of several weeks, several doctor visits in the local clinic, and even a trip to the ER, it became very clear that Jeff didn't have just a virus. It was a very scary time. Finally, one care provider ordered some extra tests and found Jeff had an infection in his bloodstream that had also attacked his liver and caused an abscess. From there, we spent a week in the hospital in Great Falls. It turned out to be a strain of Strep bacteria that had made it's way into Jeff's blood. While it was a relief to finally know what was causing him to be sick, it was nevertheless something that we had to deal with for some time, even after his hospital stay. Jeff had a PICC line (permanent IV) in his bicep and we administered IV antibiotics every night at home for two months. This was more of an inconvenience than a problem, but still something we had to deal with. He just had his final test related to this illness on December 30.

His doctor was really outstanding, as was most all of the care he received both in Chester at our local facility, and at Benefis in Great Falls. We gained new respect for the hard work of medical professionals, especially Nurses and CNAs. Jeff has been ruled "cured" and free of infection as of about six weeks.

The most troubling part of this is that we still don't know for sure how or why the infection entered his body. Talk about humbling. One tiny, teensy-weensy little bacteria, of a strain that lives within the human microbiome anyway, entered his body and wreaked havoc, and we don't know how or why. It's simultaneously fascinating and horrifying. More than one doctor told us things like, "if you lived in different era, this would likely  kill you." We are thankful beyond words that he is happy and healthy, and that this illness is behind us.

Humble Pie
The latter months of 2015 brought us great sadness as several community members and family members passed away, including the father of our brother-in-law, Josh-- his dad Bill. While Bill had been sick with cancer for at least a year, his last months were very stressful for all the family, and it was a sad time. I think everyone is thankful for Brandon, Josh and Katie's son, our nephew, Bill's grandson. Something about babies and little kids that can't keep one from being hopeful! We love that little guy!

This little man is a huge Sky High  of 2015! 

We also lost several community members from the area, including one woman who just passed away very unexpectedly last week. I think the entire community is having a hard time coming to grips with that one. She was very involved in the community, someone everyone knew, and wasn't old or sick. It was and continues to be shocking. Another set of hard shoes to fill, and to be taken suddenly.

Some of these deaths have had me feeling very reflective of late. I'm not sure if it would be better to go slowly and have time to say goodbye, or to go fast and not suffer. On a positive note, Jeff and I have talked quite a bit over the past several months of the importance of telling people what we appreciate about them and spending quality time with friends and family. One of my New Year's Resolutions this year is to "make memories to be proud of," and it stems somewhat from this period of reflection. You just never know when your time will be, and it seems best to fill your days with positivity, good people, and time well-spent.

Sky High
Perhaps the biggest highlight of 2015 for me and Jeff was that we moved a few miles down the road and are now living on the family farm land. The house itself is an upgrade for us and we've been enjoying the process of starting to make it our own over the past two months (we moved in on Halloween weekend). We've got a few plans for minor facelifts here and there in the house and over time, are thinking about some possible remodels and maybe an expansion. We are supremely thankful to Jeff's parents for even allowing this move to be possible for us, as we all continue our transitions into the future on the farm.

When I think about carrying on the legacy of living and farming on this land, began by Jeff's Great Grandmother in 1910, I feel respect, responsibility, humility, honor, and pride, among other things. I think what I'm most excited about is just the chance to continue on in this place, and especially knowing that we have the love and support of all of our family and friends to guide us.

With my parents and brother for my Dad's retirement in December.

With Jeff's parents, Katie, Josh, and Brandon at Christmas. 

All in all, I suppose 2015 was a mix of ups and downs, but right now, at it's close, we're happy to put it in the books and move forward to what we hope will be a fantastic 2016. In the end, it's about the people you spend your time with, I think, and we've got a lot of great people in our lives.

Jeff and I kicked off the new year with a fabulous day of skiing at Whitefish. Can't think of too many better ways to ring in the new year but with snow beneath our skis and smiles on our faces!

Photo taken yesterday at Whitefish, with the snowghosts and mountains of Glacier National Park in the background.

30 Things About Me LinkUp

In honor of my 300th post to this blog (which was actually a few posts ago), I decided to participate in this link up that my blogosphere friend Jessie at The Right Fits did. It's simple and fun-- 30 Things About Me!  I decided on 30 things because I'm 30 years old and it's ten percent of 300, to celebrate my 300th post.

1. I was born, raised, graduated high school and college in Ames, IA. Central Iowa, a bit north of Des Moines.  Both my parents were also born and raised in Iowa (but not in Ames) and both also attended Iowa State University.

2. I have one younger brother. He attends school at University of Iowa and is pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. His research involves developing treatment for Cystic Fibrosis patients. My brother is amazingly smart, and also really funny. We have a very similar sense of humor.

3. In college at Iowa State University, I was a double major in Apparel Design and French. In college, I did a summer internship in Outerwear Product Development at Burberry in New York City. I also did a study abroad in Lyon, France. Both were priceless experiences.

4. I began working in retail in 2002, right after graduating from high school. I worked at Eddie Bauer, and stayed with the company for ten years before quitting in 2011.

5. While working at EB, I began as a Sales Associate, then worked my way up to Assistant Store Manager.  I started working at the store in Ames, IA, and eventually transferred to Jackson, WY, then to Bozeman, MT.  The two years that I lived in Jackson, WY were a huge learning experience for me. I wouldn't trade that time, but I also wouldn't go back to it.

6. My name is actually Katie. Not Katherine, Katrina, or anything else. Just Katie. My mom calls me Kate.

7. It was while living in Jackson that I learned how to ski! Living in Jackson and learning how to ski, and also taking up snowshoeing, made me realize how much I really do love winter and snow.

Ski selfie, circa 2008.

8. While living in Jackson, I joined eHarmony, which is how I met the man who is now my husband Jeff!

9. When I first met Jeff, I was living in Jackson and he was living in Bozeman, MT. We would drive four hours one way to see each other. Thankfully, the drive was through some of the most scenic land in our entire nation, and the drive (usually) went by quickly!

10. The first time Jeff and I met was 4th of July. We like to joke that "there were fireworks" right from the start. Har har har!

11. When I moved to Bozeman and transferred to the Eddie Bauer store there, I moved in to a condo with Jeff's sister, her boyfriend (now husband), and Jeff's best friend. Meanwhile, Jeff moved up to the farm. At this point, we began to have to travel five hours one way to see each other.

12. Jeff and I never lived in the same place until we got married in 2011. This coincides, of course, with when I moved to the farm and also quit working at Eddie Bauer.

13. I really miss living in Bozeman, but we take many trips back there because Jeff's sister and her husband live there now. We also go frequently in the fall for MSU Bobcat Football! Go Cats!

Bobcat Homecoming 2011.

14. I have no background in farming or agriculture, but now I live on a farm in extremely rural Montana. The nearest town is a 25 minute drive away and the nearest grocery store is a 50 mile drive from our house.

15. My first job after moving to this area of Montana was working in Collections at the local clinic. I did not like that job much at all, but enjoyed many of the people I worked with.

16. I am now working in our local school. My official job title is Behavioral Intervention Specialist. What this means is that I work with kids to help build skills they need to succeed at life, sort of like a guidance counselor. I teach kids about feelings, how to express themselves in a healthy way, and I work with them to build confidence. My job is really tough some days but also extremely rewarding.

17. I also have the great fortune and joy of being an Assistant Track and Field coach. This is my favorite "job" I have ever had. I love being a track coach and I don't ever want to give it up.

Me (far left, in a hat) with the other coaches and the Girls team, which took third place at State last year.

18. My love of track began in 7th grade when I first participated in track in Middle School. I found that I was a naturally good sprinter and did pretty well in track all the way through high school. I was awarded "Most Improved Athlete" each of my four years as a high school trackster, and was nominated as a team captain my senior year.

19. My sophomore year in high school, I tried out for the swim team in effort to get out of being in fall semester P.E. I actually made the team, and again improved rapidly to become a pretty good swimmer and was also elected captain of the swim team my senior year.

20. As a kid, I also participated in softball and basketball through 8th grade. Ultimately, I let my own lack of self-confidence in those sports eliminate me from continuing on with them. I now think that if I had believed in myself a little more, I probably had enough talent and, most of all, ethics to work hard in practice, that I think I would have done well in either sport by the end of high school.

21. I transitioned to distance running in college as a way to stay in shape. In 2006, I made a goal to run in a 5K race each calendar month of the year. Iowa has A LOT of race opportunities, and I think I made my goal in almost every month. This is when I ran my All Time Best 5K time of 24:04.

22. I got away from running when I moved to Jackson in 2007, but that's when I picked up skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing to stay active.

23. In February 2009 I tangled with a tree in a skiing accident and tore my ACL. I had reconstructive surgery within weeks of when it happened and began physical therapy. This is when I realized how much I missed running-- it felt at times like I could never get back to running safely again.

This is the inside of my knee.

24. In the immediate aftermath of having knee surgery, I developed a very large blood clot in my left (surgery) leg. The blood clot was more painful than the surgery and was the most intense pain I have ever felt.

25. It took me years after knee surgery to get back into running. This past year, 2014, was the most running I have done post- surgery. I ran in 9 races in 2014. Seven of those races were 5Ks and two were 10Ks.

26. I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but am more than capable of taking down an entire box of Cheezits.

27. My Co-worker at school recently gave me a t-shirt that reads: Introverts Unite... occasionally...in small groups...for very limited periods of time. This shirt is perfect for me because I am definitely an introvert. This doesn't mean that I don't like people, it just means I need time alone to recharge and being around large groups of people can be draining on me.

28. My Instagram is filled with images of runners and running. I love Oiselle and their athletes. I also have more than a few Vizsla feeds that I follow. As well as some family and friends.

29. One bad habit I am trying to give up is being too hard on myself. That's why I do Thankful Thursday posts each week. I'm trying to re-train my brain to think positive thoughts!

30. Even though it can be a hassle to live so far away from town, my husband and I talk frequently about how there's no place either of us would rather be than right where we are!

How did I get here?

I grew up a MidWestern girl in a college town in Central Iowa. A family of four in a two-story house on the North side of town.  Growing up, summers were about playing flashlight tag in the backyard with the neighborhood gang. Fall was for raking leaves and jumping into the piles, sending leaves flying up in the air and then spiraling back down. Winter began with the annual pilgrimage to the Christmas Tree Farm to pick out the perfect tree for the living room-- Dad would do the sawing and we'd bring it home on the roof of the car. Then Spring. Ah, Spring. It rained in April, bloomed in May, and then we arrived at June. June was always my favorite.  The weather was finally warm, but not too hot. And everything was green and beautiful.  When I rode my bike to the park I could feel the brink of summer and all its possibilities as the sun warmed my skin and the wind blew through my hair.

June is still my favorite month.  I got married in June. Just about one month ago.  I met and fell in love with a farmer from Northern Montana.  I hadn't been living in Iowa for several years anyway, but now probably won't be a resident there again at least for quite some time. My husband and I now live in a yellow farmhouse with brown trim just a mere 8 miles from the border of Canada.  We have a red barn in our yard with a smiley face painted on its western wall. When the sun sets, the barn and surrounding pastures and wheat fields are aglow.  We are Montanans.

Once I knew for sure I would be moving to this very rural countryside, one of the top questions I got asked was, "Do you think you will like it up there?"  For a while, I was not sure how to best answer.  When I first began visiting my now-husband on his family farm, while we were still dating, I was shocked at how remote it felt and how few people I perceived to live here.  But, as with many situations, things are not always as they seem. Over time, places I thought were empty, abandoned houses became homes filled with stories of present or former residents, and the open prairie that can look so bleak has proven to me to be filled with wildlife beyond my expectations.

So I guess that's what this is about. This is a place where I am exploring all that the prairie, the farm, and my new home has to offer to me and to all who embrace it.  I will try to be honest in my reflections.  I welcome your comments, suggestions, and discussion. Here goes another great experiment!