The Day all Hail Broke Loose...

Saturday morning, I woke up expecting an eventful day.  However, the eventful day I was expecting was not as eventful as it turned out to be.  I woke up at 7 to prep for the Monticello Society Brunch (a brunch to honor CAFNR's donors) and pack my bags for home.  I enjoyed the brunch and dashed back to the dorm to change and load up the car to go home.  I knew that I was going to be an hour late to my cousin's anniversary party so I dashed out of Columbia as fast as I could (legally). 

As I neared the Kingdom City exit, halfway between Columbia and home, they came on the radio to announce a severe thunderstorm warning for Callaway and Montgomery Counties (the two counties I go through on the interstate on my way home).  I brushed it off as just a strong thunderstorm and continued on home.  This girl was not stopping.  She had family and friends to go see. 

Sooner than later, it started to sprinkle, then pour, then pea-size hail, dime size hail, and everything after that I was not worried about size anymore.  I could hear it pounding dents all over my car.  Next thing I know, one came down and cracked my windshield, and more proceeded to do the same.  Needless to say, when I got off the Interstate to pull under a gas station overhang, I was happy to run inside and no longer hear the banging. 

Dad came up to see if the windshield (and driver) were okay enough to finish the drive home.  By then, I wasn't as shaken up, just nervous about not having a car for a week, especially right before I move.  So here I am, stranded at the mercy of those kind enough to give me rides.  To those of you who have and will, thank you!

My poor windshield when I got to the gas station.  Ouch.

The sad thing is that I was driving along a guy in a beautifully restored Chevy pickup.  Unfortunately, he got caught in the hail as well.

Stay Safe (and Hail Free!)
Julia

Never Leave Your Past Behind

The past two days between work and classes, I have been at the Hearnes Center for the 84th Missouri FFA Convention.  I attended the Convention all four years of high school.  I have stepped on that stage before thousands to be recognized as a Missouri Agribusiness Academy Delegate in 2009, Competed in Floriculture and Agricultural Sales Career Development Events, and received my State FFA Degree.  This year, I stood on the other side of everything, assisting with the state Poultry Contest CDE. 

Over the past two days, I have heard the dreams of young minds and the excitement of winning.  There is something that happens while you wear that blue jacket.  You discover a potential that is beyond your dreams. 

Now I know that sometimes 4-H and FFA can seem like opposing forces and I often say that without 4-H, I would not be who I am today.  You see, though, life is a brownie.  4-H is the flour, the stuff that makes a brownie a brownie.  If I didn't have the eggs from FFA, all I would be stuck with is chocolatey flour.  The two have gone hand-in-hand in making me into a responsible young leader.

On another note, I am very proud and happy for my hometown's FFA Chapter for receiving 3rd place at the Floriculture contest yesterday.  Back when I competed, we achieved 4th place, just shy of going on stage.  I congratulate all who have competed throughout the contest season.

Best Wishes,
Julia