I’m A Dork

I don’t really know what’s happened to me. I was this typical…ok…maybe that’s it…I’ve NEVER been typical. I’ve tried, but to be perfectly honest…I’m not. It never fit right..typical that is.

• I homeschooled back in the 80’s when they told me I “couldn’t”….and my kids and I are friends today.
• We didn’t do tiny tot sports or big kid running around. I wasn’t a soccer mom.
• We did do piano and guitar lessons…I know dorks.
• Sweet Girl’s friends think I’m a modern day hippy.
• I’ve been eating organic before it was cool and quite fashionable.
• We’ve been “green” before green was a color.
• I’ve been married to the same man for nearly 30 years.
• I talk to my adult kids….and sometimes about very personal subjects…including SEX ..although I blush!
• I grow most of our food right here.
• We pack a side of beef in our freezer each year.
• We have 2 Jersey heifers.
• We have 18 laying hens.
• We’re raising 50 Freedom Ranger chicks for meat birds….raised by Label Rouge standards!
• We drink raw milk.
• I cook from scratch.
• I sew.
• I knit.
• I spin wool.
• I throw mud and make pottery.
• I shop 1X month and hate it.
• I hate shopping, especially for clothes.
• I hate “going to town”! That means the city….I hate, hate, hate it!
• We live on 5 rural suburban acres surrounded by McMansions. We’re zoned RR (rural residential)…they say I can have animals so I do! Farm animals that is!
• I DON’T drive an SUV!
• I wear the bumper sticker….“NO FARMS NO FOOD” and not OBX. (Outer Banks for you other dorks)
• I’m “Born Again”! I was a Jesus Freak in the 70’s! Jesus is still the lover of my soul after nearly 40 years! And the feeling is mutual!!!
• I come from a dysfunctional family….we’ve got a little bit of everything and everyone….we’re all unique children of God!
• I’m not preppie…never have been, never will be…not that I have anything against preppie people…but it’s just not comfortable…and I only do comfortable.
• I’d rather go to a BBQ than a Banquet.
• I’d rather camp in a tent than sleep at the Hilton.
• My house is clean enough to be safe but dirty enough to be comfortable.
• I’d rather have a farm then a manicured lawn.
• I’m fighting an “incurable” infectious disease that they told me I couldn’t kill….I AM! I’m winning that battle!

Yeah, I don’t think you’d say my life is a typical suburban mom’s life. I really am a dork. Don’t get me wrong…I’m not against any of these things…they just aren’t me!

I do dry my hair every morning after I shower. I do put on a little make-up and clean clothes. But fuss I don’t do.

My sisters would of told you that I fussed more than any of us growing up. But not any more.

I’m really comfortable in my own skin… FINALLY. And frankly I really ought to be after nearly 52 years. I will go out in public “as is”.

I like staying home! That took years of therapy, but I’m finally glad it stuck and it’s paying for itself! Home is where my heart is.

And that leads me to the newest addition to my life….a new addition or two to the farm.

I’ve wanted a milk goat before I wanted a Jersey cow. Ok…I never wanted a Jersey cow…Honey did…not that he really even wanted a cow…but if he had to pick one over the other…and he did..he chose the Jersey cow(s)! Okay…so maybe I twisted his arm just a tad…but he willingly chose the cow(s)!

The (s) was my doing. It gets me every time. You can’t have just one herd animal…..you have to have at least 2.

Honey finally gave in and is allowing me to acquire a milk goat(s)….do you know how long I’ve been waiting on these heifers to become cows????? It seems like an eternity. A cow’s gestation is 9 months a goat 5. A goat is much smaller and takes less to feed and care for…it’s manure is MUCH smaller! I can load them in my mini van….(I’d love a truck!)…but as I’m finding…one thing at a time!!!

Case settled. I’m going to look at Sophia next Thursday. Her name alone has won my heart! And since Sophia can’t live alone….the heifers aren’t enough for her….well, Tiny might come along for the ride to keep her company. Tiny will be her companion until she kids in mid April….or there is Annie who is also ready to kid in June….and she needs a home too.

Can’t you see it now….Sophia’s Soap!

(Ann did you hear that…another name sake…another picture for your office!)

See, I told you that I’m just not typical. I like straw stuck to the cow poop on the bottom of my boots. I love my Carhartt and my relaxed fit Wranglers!!! I love talking to animals more than people.

Okay so there might need to be more therapy sessions for that….but I’m a dork…what can I say!