Toodle-loo Summer

Can it be? Summer is seriously coming to a close? NO!!! Was it not just a week ago that we were all having fun in Galveston for Kaitlyn's bachelorette party? Nope, that was the first weekend in May. Good golly, summer moved way. too. fast.

I know what y'all are thinking "oh, really, yet ANOTHER person griping about the speed of the season" ... Yes, this is another one of those gripes. Get off me. It went fast. For everyone involved.

This summer was pretty fantastic, though. Way too much happened for me to post, but I do want to highlight two of summer's "high points".

First - the Battle of the Cattle Shows. Good gracious these were INCREDIBLE!!!! I feel so insanely blessed to have been apart of the first three. Like seriously. Awesome events, AWESOME exhibitors... loved loved loved being able to capture all the fun! If you haven't already, go check out the Belton, Kerrville and Fredericksburg shows on my website here.

Second - the first ever Blinn College Livestock Judging camp. I am so proud of Brice and Joe. They seriously did an amazing job putting together this event. Being able to see almost 100 PARTICIPANTS learning, having fun, creating memories and representing #blinnwin was the absolute shining highlight of my summer. Thank you to everyone who helped make our first camp such a success!!

Now, that brings me to my actual post topic. I know, I'm wordy. Get off me. I was planning on doing an "Uncle Ben" post, but I think I need to do a little more research before I prefect that puppy.

I decided to give a back-to-school pep-post.... just a few words of encouragement and such for those of y'all headed back to school.

First off - for students high school age and younger ::

Okay, so here's what y'all NEED to do the first day of school - go up to your teacher(s) and introduce yourself. Next, tell them what hobbies you have (showing). Now, tell them the importance our industry plays in daily life (die, chipotle, die). Lastly, let them know that you will be missing quite a bit of school because of this absolutely amazing industry. Ensure them that what you are doing is 100% bettering you as a person, as it's both educational and allowing you to make the connections you will surely need in order to succeed later in life. Let them know you will make up any missed work... and actually keep up with that promise.

Maybe bake them some cookies or brownies... Cause who doesn't love pastries?!

If you are a high school junior/senior ::

Start looking into colleges. Explore your options. Don't hold back on ANY dream or thought or desire as far as where you see yourself going. Also, VISIT every college you have in mind. Don't be afraid to go out of state. Hustle. Get yourself out there. Introduce yourself to as many professors, students, leaders as possible. Behave. You are about to be in complete control of your future... wouldn't you like to start on the right foot?

Incoming College Freshmen ::

The actions you take from here on out will effect the rest of your professional life. Think I'm exaggerating? Oh, I'm not. Believe me on this one. So, with that said, BEHAVE. I know, I know... it's college! It's about making friends and making memories. But, remembering those fun times is far more important than actually having them. Again, trust me on this. Be smart. You have so many people that love and care about you and who are cheering you on. Don't let them down. You don't change in college... you find out who you are and become it more. You will meet people who will change your life forever. Let them. But never let them change who you are. You will be faced with some of the hardest decisions of your life. Face them head on. Don't allow yourself to slack. The effects are far greater than you now know. Go to class. HUSTLE. You are being watched. Future employers can be made years before they actually sign your paycheck. Dream. Then chase that dream. Get involved. Meet people. Try new things. Fall in love. Fall out of love. Laugh. Create/meet your future wedding party. Be happy. Love life. These will be the best days of your life. Cherish them.

And most important of all - be proud. Welcome to college... welcome to the rest of your life.

Things I don't understand

Or - in more current terminology - "I can't"

- Selfies
- People who don't smile at least 100 times a day ... you're alive. Smile
- Construction that happens outside of the midnight to 3 am time window
- Plus sized skinny jeans
- People who don't hate snakes ... That nasty thing WILL KILL YOU
- Worms
- Kids who eat their snot ... if you are that hunger, nibble on a piece of paper.
- People who don't like Lil Wayne
- Bacon ... easily the nastiest meat product that isn't chicken
- Girls who don't watch the Real Housewives ... is your life really that dramatic that you can't handle mindless, pointless humor / ridiculousness?
- People who don't sing in their car.
- PETA ... take that damn shirt off if you're gonna hate on the livestock industry, you pathetic oxymoronic piece of shit. (pardon my language)
- People who would prefer flying over driving ... insane
- Mosquitos
- People on no carb diets ... stop hating life and eat some pasta
- Kids on a leash ... I mean, we can train hogs to walk around without a halter, right?
- Oklahoma



Yeah, I think that sums it up.

Is it June already?!?

I love summer. But that fact that it's already summer of 2014 is crazy to me. This year is flying by. Oh well, I think that's a good thing. 

So obvi it's been a while since I've posted. I don't really have an excuse.... well... except for the fact that I've been busy. Like stupid busy. The month of April was crazy. Good, though. Being busy with portrait sessions isn't something I ever plan for, but it was a great way to spend all of April and most of May. Speaking of which, May was pretty awesome too. Filled with lots of fun, weddings, and other shenanigans. Which brings us to June. For the sake of time and laziness on my end, I'll just quickly bullet the updates in my life (since March)

· My best friend got hitched (it was awesome. Love you Kaitlyn VERETTE!!! Happy one month anniversary!!)

· We all lost an incredible friend/cattleman/inspiration

· Read a boat load of books (see below)

· Discovered Netflix (GAHHHH!) (see below)

· Made a huge lifestyle change of doing my own nails (scary)

· Team #BlinnWin 2013-2014 has left Brenham, America :(

· My babies all graduated from High School.... Emily June, Anna, Haley, Atalie, Jonathan, Maddy, Mason, Dylan, Team Hope&Faith, Jeb, Caleb, Logan, Ashley, Kourtney, Quinton, McKenna, and so many more... I love y'all and will miss you SO MUCH next year :(

· Chopped of all my hair ... No, I am not trying to look like Miley Cyrus. No, I'm not going through a quarter-life-crisis. I'm lazy, it's easy. I like it, and yes the coach likes it. If you don't like it, I'm sorry, but it's not on your head, so get over it. Stop asking me if I'm okay. Stop touching it. Stop singing Miley Cyrus songs when I enter a room (T-SHACK!....(though admittedly, it is really funny)). Get over it.  

· Judged a show with the coach (well... sort of)

· Spoke during state 4-H roundup 

· Pictured the state simmy/simbrah show with my showchamps fam

· Potentially have a pregnant dog (super unclear/super impossible.... but our little market lamb is looking more and more like a dang overfed southdown lately :( sooooo hopefully it was the neighbors Chihuahua that did the deed)

· The Spurs won (GO SPURS GO!). No, I'm not a huge basketball fan - but I do love the Spurs. And if you look back to last year's posts around this time, you will see I am not a bandwagoner. I secretly love watching Tony Parker play. It's freaking hilarious. I literally cheer "Go little man!" When he has the ball. And Kiwi (Yes, I call Kawhi Leonard Kiwi) is amazing - both athletically and professionally - like I want to be his friend. And, I mean, who didn't cry watching Tim Duncan with his kids? If you didn't you might be heartless. Or male. And Manu.....well, he is the easiest person for me to pick out when I'm watching the games without my glasses on. Bald white men are hard to come by in the NBA. And Lebron is a frogging baby. 

· That's essentially it. 

Since I'm such an opinionated little cuss, I figured I would go over some of the books I've read since March and some of the TV shows I've crazily become addicted to... Because if I utilized this post to vent... well.... I'm sure my lovely stalkers- I mean readers would have a few choice words to say about me. (Get over it already)

Books (yes, they still make these)

· If I Stay · Pretty incredible/horribly tragic/terrible ending/I really liked it. Back in April, I saw the previews for the movie based on this book and thought it looked really interesting. Naturally, I felt I had to read the book before even thinking about seeing the movie, I dove into this love story. It isn't typical. It is straight up SAD. If you are looking for a quick, witty, emotional read then definitely check it out. I will say, after reading this there is no way I want to see the movie. If you've read it, then you understand.

· The Stark Trilogy · Okay, I really did not like 50 shades. So sue me. But this trilogy..... well.... it's uuhhh.... it's nice. I recommend it. el oh el.

· Psychos · This is the second book written by "Babe Walker". As most of my readers know, I LOVED White Girl Problems. I will say, it is funny... and good... but it's not as good as WGP. I'm still planning on rereading it. But... it wasn't as EL OH EL funny as WGP. Still screen-shotted a boat load of pages, however. 

· Are you there vodka, it's me Chelsea ·  READ IT! Like now! and while you are at it download....

· My Horizontal Life · You'll thank me later. The Chapter 'Shut up already' is absolutely hilarious. I read a lot of the chapters out loud to the coach while we were driving somewhere. He enjoyed them. You will too.

· The Fault In Our Stars · Let me be the first to say, I DID NOT want to like this book. After seeing the  previews for the movie, I was so upset. Tris and Caleb can not be in love. That's incest. And I may be from Lancaster County, but I do not support kissing cousins/siblings/the family pet. But, I caved and read the book. And I have to admit -- IT WAS AMAZING! It's a really short, quick read... I read it from cover to cover in 6 hours (it was a slow day). But, holy gracious, it is amazing. I didn't cry like Pinterest tells you you will. Okay, maybe I did a little. But instead of being really sad at the end, I smiled. The book is so wonderfully written. I know it sounds corny, but it is the most beautiful book I've ever read. I recommend it to everyone - young, old, Christian, Wiccan, in-love, pissed-at-life, everyone! I'm still working up the courage to see the movie. I know I will cry. And again, I really do not want to see Tris and Caleb kissing. It will just ruin everything. 

Currently reading....

· Is everyone hanging out without me? · I made the mistake of starting this after reading the Chelsea Handler books. Don't do that. Mindy isn't nearly as funny as Chelsea. At least I don't think so.

· City of Heavenly Fire - Mortal Instruments Series · So far, it is much like the 5 books before it... not bad enough to scrap it completely but not good enough that you can't put it down. I don't mind it... I'm making myself finish it because I feel obligated to complete the series. But it kind of sucks. Just saying. The writer should have stopped with the first one. I'm not really into supernatural stuff, though... Unless it's Harry Potter. I flipping love Harry Potter.

T.V. Series (God Bless netflix and my ADD)

· Orange is the new black ·  Thank you, Rebecca Hamilton, for recommending this show. HOLY COW IT'S AWESOME. Except for the whole lesbian thing. Contrary to my haircut, I'm not into girl on girl anything. But again, past that, both season 1 and 2 are freaking incredible. It makes prison look fun.... something tells me I'm going to regret putting that on the internet.... :/

· Pretty Little Liars · I know, I'm super late jumping on the PLL bandwagon. But I don't care. I have to have something playing when I edit pictures. It's just a thing. My previous boss/amazing friend/about to be the most gorgeous mommy ever, Blaine Fisher, can attest to that. It just helps your productivity. So when I started editing to Netflix, it suggested I watch PLL. I was skeptical. But now, I'm addicted. And the coach hates it. End of story. Oh - one last thing.... Ezra Fitz is freaking gorgeous. That is all.

· Ladies of London ·  LOVE. Better than RHOanything. Caroline Stanbury is the definition of perfection.

· RHOC · Shannon, you're crazy. Everyone needs to stop picking on Heather. She is amazing. Right up there with C_Stanbury. 

· FIFA World Cup ·  If the coach makes me watch one more game, I will cry. Unless David Beckham is still playing.... Is he still playing? Cuz, I'll watch the shizz out of that game. 

And on that note, the coach is calling for me to meet him at the school so we can go look at our potential new home (way more important than blogging (yay for being a grown-up! (insert eye roll))). 

PS- the coach and I are judging a show together on his birthday. Isn't that kind of awesome? #nerdstatus 

PPS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MYKA BLISSARD!!!! Love you, girl!!!!

Until next time my faithful non-stalkers.

Kisses

-J

(because I am THAT obsessed)

• March •

I see a trend forming. I am really quite terrible at keeping up with this thing. I will work on this issue... maybe.

Since my last post, a lot has happened. San Antonio ended. Houston started... and finished. It was rad. Loved every second of it.... well not EVERY second... but almost every day ;). 

Team #blinnwin sophomores finished up their spring season, thus their juco career. I am extremely proud of them. In 2014, the team was either champion or reserve at every contest. Awesome job, y'all! 

I figured after Houston was over, I would have a life. hahaha, yeah no. Senior sessions, weddings, bridals, and engagements sessions are stacking up quite nicely. It looks like April will have a high frame rate for sure :) That makes me a happy photog...

Now, let's get to more important topics... Like a movie review. If you follow me on twitter, or facebook, or anything really, then you know that I LOVE the Divergent book series. Like LOVE. I mean, I have a "be brave" tattoo for crying out loud. So, with that said, I have been very excited for the release of the Divergent movie. But, since it happened around the same time as the steer show at Houston, I had to wait until after we were done with the show to see it. Since leaving the grounds Sunday night, I've seen the movie three times. Judge me. But, with that many views, you know my review is going to be pretty spot on. So here we go.

Divergent :: Overall rating 3.0 gigs out of 4

First and foremost, I completely understand that most every book-turned-movie films are not going to be 100% exact. With that said, this movie strays from the book... a lot. The first time I watched the movie, I hated it. I think this is because I knew what should have been happening next, and was anticipating it. However, with my second watch, I let those expectations go and actually just plain enjoyed the movie. Most of the parts that did stray from the book were done so well... total improvements, really. Yes, there were parts that I wish would have gone differently, but there were also some parts that went above and beyond what I envisioned while reading. Prime example would be the warrior games. I LOVED this part of the movie. Amazing. Loved the changes - and LOVED that the zip-line was added here. On that note - the zip-line scene was hands down my favorite. If you have read all three books, you should know why this scene made me cry a little. Absolutely amazing. 

I thought the general vision or artistry or whatever of the film was super BA. The graphics for the city and the different factions - especially the dauntless compound - all were super on point. Oh, and the music selection for the film... SPOT ON!

The movie was casted awesomely. However, I wish more of the characters in the book were present in the movie. But, I do understand that for time purposes, some had to be left out. I also wish the directors would have paid more attention to detail in some scenes... Like right after Tris gets her tattoo and is working late hours in the training room, you see her checking the board.... without a tattoo. Or there was the occasion when someone would have bruised knuckles one minute, then have clean hands the next, then have bruised knuckles again a second later. Or the fact that her tattoo was half coming off after her first sim during stage 2. I'm a freak for noticing things like this, but they all kind of jumped out at me the first time I watched it. 

Now, with both my positives and negatives stated, here is my final word - I LOVED the movie (changes included) up until Tris and Tobias get caught during the attack simulation. After that, I think the movie goes to heck. Why would you change how Tris's mom finds her? Or how Tris's mom dies, for that matter? (I realize she technically dies the same way... but come on...) Or how the attack simulation is being controlled? OR THE FACT THAT TRIS SAYS I LOVE YOU BEFORE TOBIAS. All big no-no's for me. 

However, I DID drag my butt to the theater three times already to watch Divergent, so obviously I really liked it. The reason it gets a 3.0 for me is due to some of the lower-budget looking scenes (I can see the blur around their heads... bad green screen editing), and for the last 15 minutes of the movie. Past that, I really loved it. 

If you haven't read the book, you'll like the movie. If you have read the book... I think you'll still like it a whole bunch.

I mean, it's a crap-ton better than all those stupid Twilight movies. 

I mean, Theo James.... need I say more?

Allow me to explain

So clearly everyone and their neighbor thought I was referring to them specifically in my last post. I wasn't. Here are the exceptions to my vent (as in, that post was not about you) ::

*Mothers/parents/siblings/ag teachers/county agents taking pictures of their kids. My mom took pictures of us. I will take pictures of my children. Y'all are not who I mean. AT ALL.
*People the show has contacted/contracted/paid to take media shots for the show's website/press release purposes ONLY. 100% of these type people introduce themselves to us, are wonderful to work with, and know what their job is as well as ours. They hand their images into the show each day, and never worry about them again. Nor do they take the time to promote them. They work for the show, not for themselves.
*iPhone photographers.
*Most breed reps. Example of awesome breed reps - the crew at the limmy association. A-mazing. That's not to say they are the only breed that is wonderful to work with... just using them as an example.
*Breeders. If you bred the calf, you have every right to take a picture of the calf from ringside.
*Publications, as long as they are not hindering the potential income of the official photographer - i.e. not selling images, or handing out images that are identical to what the official photographer is shooting.
*Around the grounds photographers. I'm talking like picturing fitters, grounds shots, people pictures, cool scenic type stuff. This does not include promotional shots of a single animal at.... oh let's say, Denver. I can think of an individual you can ask as to why that's a big no-no.
*If there isn't an official photographer, do whatcha want.

**Oh- and if you really want a picture of your exhibitor in the ring, just ask us... if we are able, we ALWAYS fill those requests.

Now, here is why I - like 100% of the livestock photographers who have ever been an "official show photographer" - am upset. I love this job. It is my everything. And, ultimately, these people are hindering my job and thus my life. It is my passion, and it is also my income. So yes, I'm upset... Because these type of photographers are -essentially- purposely taking money away from the official photographer. Stock shows seek out what photography company they would like to use. Sometimes, they even pay them to be there. They trust that we will give the exhibitors the most professional product.

On that note- Try to do those pictures at some shows, and you will be banned from the grounds. And that is NOT in our control. At all. The show is the one that watches for those type people and is the one that wants them out.

So, think what you want of me. But I can almost bet, those of you who were unhappy with my post have never been an official photographer. Now, I know my vent will not stop this issue. We have been dealing with this kind of unprofessionalism since the invention of the scissor pose (thanks, Walt;) ). But, if you read my blog...well... maybe you'll think twice about trying to be the unofficially ring shot photographer at a show or event that has not hired you or asked you to cover it.



Thank you to everyone who called, texted, messaged, voiced words of love and positivity about my last post. Y'all are the ones who know me and the person I really am.

Vent Session Saturday

Currently, I'm sitting in a hotel overlooking the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Tomorrow we start day 10 of SALE. It's been an incredible show thus far. Lots of excitement for my show babies, and also lots of disappointment for them. If y'all follow me on social media, than you know how much I love my show family and how much they mean to me....

But anyway... with the thought process of love, also comes the thought process of what you do not love. And thus, another vent session must commence.

If you are not the official show photographer, I don't give a DAMN what media credentials you have, get the eff out of my ring and away from my backdrop. I'm so sick of seeing people post their ringshots, with a tacky logo, or some GOD AWFUL effect on the image. Or a yards shot that is FREAKING TERRIBLE. And get the HELL AWAY FROM THE BACKDROP! What is wrong with you?!?!? You aren't the one that set-up the animal. I AM. You taking that image gives the indication that you did the work on getting that animal looking the way it does. AND YOU DIDN'T. And that's a copyright violation. And makes people think you are more talented than you are. Which is wrong. Cuz I know what kind of set-ups y'all are capable of. And - to put it nicely - they don't look like ours. Now why y'all gonna go and lie to a bunch of innocent exhibitors?

Done pretending. If I whipped my camera out at a show that I was not the official photog for, y'all would have a come apart. So, you pull that low budget camera out around me again, and just be prepared for me to lose all respect for you.

You want to take pictures, EARN THE RIGHT TO BE THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER. You know how many exhibitors laugh at the work y'all type of "professionals" are doing? Like a freaking lot. And, no, I am not just saying that.

I love watching "photographers" pop up and then dwindle out within three years.

Just saying.



****This DOES NOT include show mommas trying to get cool pictures of JUST their children. Or breeders who want to take pics of the cattle they bred, raised and sold, like Pearl. Cause Pearl is awesome. And she respects ShowChampions. ****

Branding myself

I'm not exactly a girly girl. Like at all. If you see me at a stock show and I'm wearing make-up... well, consider yourself lucky. Cause it hardly ever happens. And "bling"? Ha! Yeah, that word is not on my radar. I have my staple jewelry pieces that I wear daily - that being my wedding and engagement ring, my aggie ring, my grammy's ring, and my diamond earrings the coach got me as a wedding gift. Oh, and I guess my helix stud too. Can't really take that out yet. 

Anyway! That all being said, I don't typically wear a lot of jewelry or change my pieces up all that much. However, I have become addicted to Courtney Kerr and her blog What Courtney Wore - thus becoming OBSESSED with BaubleBar. When she featured her hashtag/@ necklace on her blog (around Christmas), I was immediately in love with the idea. And since it was during the "giving" season, I decided to treat myself to this beauty >>>

I am seriously BEYOND obsessed with this necklace. And yes, I look like death eating a cracker in this picture. Go ahead and judge me. But I'm just that frogging excited for my "brand". 

Yes. I am 100% aware that there should be an apostrophe in between the 's' and the 'w'. But for those of you who know how hashtags work, you know that's not an option. Yes, it drives me bat-poop-cray-cray. But I'm having to deal with it. So I suggest y'all do the same. 

Okay, I just wanted to brag about my new purchase and give a HUGE shout-out to the crew at Bauble Bar for making some seriously amazing pieces of jewelry. They might actually turn me into a girly girl. 

Ha! That's a laugh. 

2014 is looking pretty solid

Yeah, it's been a few weeks. But if you know me, then you know I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. So - let's go over 2014 thus far.

Went to the great old PA Farm Show... and got the flipping viral plague. Thought I was going to die. Thank God for z-packs. Like seriously. BUT Farm Show was pretty fun. It was wonderful seeing all my old friends and spending time with my family.

Then came Denver. National Western, once again, did not disappoint. From start to finish, I enjoyed it so much. Being back on the backdrop (and in the ring) for ShowChampions makes my heart so happy.
But there is one part of Denver I really just have to brag about... or be giddy about... or whatever.

I am SO INCREDIBLY PROUD and HAPPY and EXCITED for team #BlinnWin!!! Not only did they win the carload contest, but they also were the champion team in the normal contest (that sounds so weird), AND our dear little Cody Doubet was high individual. So so so excited for every single one of these amazing bucs. BUT! Special shout-out to Tagg Taylor for A)being Blinn's low drop in the carload contest - and placing 8th - and B)not peeing himself during the awards banquet. I almost decked him. For those of you who were at our table - you know why. But, no seriously, so happy for this dude! Brice and Joe should be extremely jazzed for their team!! 

Anyway- I know this great group is going to continue kicking butt and taking names at the rest of the contests this spring! Love my #BlinnWin babes :) They deserve all the success in the world. 

So now that I am back from NWSS, I have about a week to "chill"... which includes picturing/videoing calves for the 2014 Texas Reload Sale (website coming soon), finishing editing, doing a bridal session, and two AMAZING senior sessions ;) Sneak peeks will DEFINITELY be coming soon!!!

Oh - and for all my wonderful show babies headed to Fort Worth - GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! I will see y'all down the road in San Antonio!!!!

***

I'm going to try to post more on this... but, then again, I say that literally each time I blog.

We'll see ;)

But for now, I leave you with a cow yelling at you. Enjoy .....

The typical "End of the Year" post

Well, well, well... 2013 is hours from being history. How crazy is that? I know everyone keeps saying this, but this year really has flown by so quickly. I figured since I haven't posted in a number of weeks - and since it is the last day of the year - I would highlight some of the .... well highlights of 2013.

The Coach's Wife's official "Best of 2013" list....

-Starting "The Coach's Wife" Blog
-Successfully completing the first Texas Reload sale with the coach
-Establishing myself as an on farm photographer
-Italy

-Getting on Instagram 

-Taking the coach to his first Texas A&M football game
-Limiting myself to only ONE new tattoo for the ENTIRE year. That's just cray
-Spending time with my brother's family in Wyoming
-Reading the Divergent trilogy and thus changing my life forever
-Watching my husband judge numerous shows across the US
-Being able to call him my husband
-Videoing for some absolutely fantastic breeders/ranchers/clients for Ideal Video Production
-Picturing three wedding proposals for some wonderful friends
-Being nominated for the category of Best On Farm Photog for the Best of the Barns awards. My mind is still blown
-This is annoying.... but getting the D4.... like seriously
-Not getting into a public social media battle with anyone. all. year. long.
-Taking a stand to say I decide who my friends are no matter what ANYONE thinks of their sexual orientation, appearance, or popularity.
-With that, being proud to say I support the gay community
-Making it through our first year of marriage without getting preggers.... or making the coach divorce me (double score)
-The 50,000 I've put on my brand new car since she was "born" in November 2012
-Driving home for the Christmas Holiday with Jessie.... seriously so fun

And my top three "Best ofs" for the year are.....

3. Establishing so many wonderful new clients that I more importantly call friends
2. Picturing cattle backdrop for the most amazing company, ShowChampions Inc., thus truly fulfilling my life long dream.
1. Continuing to put a smile on almost every exhibitors face when they come to my backdrop or when they see the image we just captured. This job has never been about the money for me. It has always been about making every single exhibitor feel like I treated them better than anyone else in the barn.

And that's all there is to it.

I'm sure I missed quite a few awesome moments/memories.... Tomorrow I might actually post again... possibly.

But for now, I'm going to go work ewes with my parents and the coach... and just smile at how incredible this past year truly has been.

Thank you to all my readers, followers, and friends for making "The Coach's Wife" such a success.

Friday the 13th

I have a confession. When I was younger, my "lucky" number was 13. Is that weird? It's true though. With that said, I guess today should have been extra lucky for me. Or at least that's what inner-Jo is telling me. I suppose my inner-Jo wasn't too far off, because it wasn't an unlucky day... which for me is saying something. I mean, nothing that extraordinary happened per say... but it was a decent little day. I mean, I played with Jessie, packed for home (now leaving on Sunday morning - thanks to the nasty weather expected to hit the east coast), cooked for the coach,  and watched Courtney Loves Dallas.

On that note, can I just tell you how much I love that show? Holy crap. It is amazing. Courtney Kerr is my idol. For those of you who have not checked out her blog, do it now. I mean, she is seriously brilliant. And adorable. And a texan.

Anyway, on the note of packing... you know how hard it is to pack for a 40 plus day trip? Really froggin' hard. Hate it.




That's really all I've got for this blog. I realize this post isn't very long and contains little to no substance... but at least I froggin' posted... right?


Stay tuned for stories/ posts/ rants from my road trip.

Another #MCM

I can't even remember the last time I did a #MCM... and seeing as the coach once again proved to be the most amazing husband in the entire world over turkey break, he deserves a My Coach's Moment post.

This one - however - is not of his ... uh ... picking. It's one from my archives. Turkey break marks three years since the coach asked me to come to Bastrop to "picture his cattle" .... or, in all honesty, to meet his family (which scared the poop out of me, considering we had only been talking for about a month... and only publicly dating for about a week and a half.). I guess he really did want me to take pictures, too - but y'all get my point. Anyway, at the time I had owned a DSLR for only about three or four months. And I had only been taking livestock photos "professionally" (for ShowChamps) for about two months. So I was pretty terrible. Well, I thought I was awesome... but looking back, I was terrible.

Which brings me to this version of #MCM. The coach and I bonded - years before we started dating - over our mutual love of cattle. So when he asked if I would come to Bastrop and take pasture shots at his family's ranch, I jumped at the opportunity. He loved the shots and used them as Christmas presents for his parents that year. He still has some of those 'original' pictures hanging in his office. It drives me nuts, because I think they suck. So every time I stop by while he's working, my skin crawls.

Well, anyway, this past turkey break we had a bit of an emergency involving our dear Jessie. She's fine. Crisis over. She'll heal in no time. But back to the point of my story. I planned on taking pictures of the cattle this year like I did three years ago... Well, that wasn't exactly possible. So, after picking Jessie up from the vet on Friday, we went to the pasture about an hour before the sun went down.... Not exactly enough time to see all the babies AND shoot more than two or three groups. But I still got a few... check out one of the shots from three years ago compared to a very similar pose taken this year. No, the 2013 picture isn't my favorite from that night, but I think it's cool from a comparative standpoint. PS- the recent image has not been run through photoshop, lightroom or even bridge. I shoot on jpeg, not raw... because honestly, I'm too lazy to do any kind of editing. I don't remember editing the image from 2010, but I really can't remember.

Thanksgiving 2010 shot

Thanksgiving 2013 shot

Things certainly have changed over the past three years. I mean, we honestly knew back then that we would be married at this point... but I'm not sure we could have guessed that we would be almost exactly where we always hoped we would be, professionally speaking. Don't get me wrong, I still have an insane amount to learn. But, I look at the image taken in 2010 and just have to smile. So much has changed, and I really think I'm headed in the right direction. But, I don't think that would have been possible without the coach.

This holiday season I'm most thankful for having such a wonderful, handsome and supportive cattleman/husband that pushes me to be a better person on a daily basis and is behind me 100%, no matter what I do. He loves my career as much as I do... and I love his as much as he does. That's really something wonderful.

Thanksgiving 2013 shot

It's a beautiful life. Take the time to notice how breathtakingly unique your every day truly is.

Road Warrior

It's no secret that the coach and I travel a lot. And by a lot I mean 8 months out of the year. Well... maybe 9. Regardless - we travel. So it really should be no surprise that when I decided to go home (PA) for Christmas, I figured I would drive instead of fly. And take our pup. Am I cray? Yeah, probs. 

For those of you who failed geography, Texas and Pennsylvania are not neighboring states. Note picture below....

Like I said... not next to each other. I'm cool with that. I love road trips and I think J-cray will enjoy being in PA for a few weeks.

With that, I plan on arriving in Lancaster Co. on the 14th (tentative) and be home until January 6th.  This way, I will actually be able to go to Farm Show (PA's state fair) which I haven't done in God knows how many years. Oh, and the coach will be flying in (up?) after he gets back from winter workout. So, yes, we will actually be spending our anniversary together. He's such a wonderful husband. 

And of course, I will have my camera and lighting equipment (yes I now have lighting equipment... and it's awesome!) with me. I've got a number of sessions scheduled while I'm in PA, but if you are interested in getting pictures done, just let me know. I will be posting my schedule in a week or so. 

I'm excited to head home, and to see some wonderful folks along the way. 

Only three more weeks. I kind of hope it snows. 

Eww, what the heck is wrong with me?!?

Holy weather change

Yes, I'm blogging one post after another. I just couldn't see tying my last post into this one... Johnny deserves his own post. 

Anyway, it's cold outside. Really stinkin' cold. I appreciate the rain, but it is currently messing up some plans. I should be currently at an engagement session with my dearest future Mr. and Mrs. Verette. But no, that shoot has been postponed. Oh well.. I know where she lives. I can capture her (both the amber alert kind and the picture taking kind) whenever I want. Maybe I shouldn't have used the aa analogy. It was a joke. I promise. Please no one send the authorities. 

This weather better clear up before tomorrow... Or else I'll have to reschedule another shoot. And then I might have a panic attack. I only have three open days until I leave for PA... soooo I'm gonna need this chill to chill the crap out like pronto. 

Speaking of shooting.... Whoever nominated me for "Best On Farm Photographer" for the Best of the Barns... is your head okay? No, seriously though - I am extremely honored to even be on that list with some of my favorite photogs. Makes me feel pretty awesome. I encourage all me readers to go to www.bestofthebarns.com and vote for your faves. You don't even have to vote for me, just vote! Oh, Blinn is up for best juco.... sooo ahhh.... *cough, VOTE FOR BLINN, cough* Annnd I guess you can vote for me too... if you want ;)

In other news, another Louisville has came and went. HUGE congrats to Texas A&M for bringing the bull back to aggieland!!! Super excited for them. We didn't quite have the same luck. And Louisville ended in one of the worst ways possible. Like the original coach's wife, Lauren Poe, said... "we will have a lot of "children" in our lives'. That's what the team becomes. They become our children, and our friends. And when one of our team members is hurt, we hurt. The amount of tears that came from me were just a small portion of what was shed from team #blinnwin. We are a family, and watching the team be there for their 'sister' was/is nothing short of amazing. We are all continuing to prayer for our beautiful girl and hope for a speeding recovery. We love you, gorgeous!

Okay, on a lighter note... It's officially the season of giving... so I figured I'd 'give' y'all something... a movie review -

Catching Fire hit theaters yesterday/early release Thursday. And yes, I went. And made the coach go with me. Of course. (Sayde, he kept checking his phone, looking at the time... he was so anxious to get to bryan. It was funny... or it will be in a month or so ;) ) 

Here is my official review - GOOD GOD IT WAS AWESOME!!!! I get weird about book-turned-movie movies. But this one (just like the Hunger Games) was almost perfect. I saw only a handful of differences. But none were huge and didn't change the movie in any major way. It was awesome. Jennifer Lawrence is seriously the most perfect Katniss. Oh, and Johanna... YES! So glad she was portrayed EXACTLY like I was hoping. And the ending... oh my lanta... so perfect. Made me want to reread the series for the tenth time. OH! and the preview for Divergent.... AHHHHH!!!!! March 21st better hurry up!!!

I give Catching Fire 5 gigs out of 5. I plan on seeing it again before the weekend is over. No, coach, you don't have to come.... unless you want to! (Which I secretly know you do)

Okay, I'm about to get ready to stuff my face. #verettepartyof2 and the JoeRathmanns are headed to Fogo annnnnnnd I'm excited!

Oh, and BTHOlswho?

Often Controversial, Always Talented

Questionably the most anticipated game of the year - TAMU/LSU. Well, at least it is for most Aggies. Today, we play in the icy chill of Death Valley. It's a big game, no doubt about that. Whether you like TAMU football or not... whether you like Johnny Manziel or not... you have to admit - 'often controversial, always talented' sums up JFF pretty well. 

The coach and I watch our ags from the comfort of our living room. With the heat turned way up. And snuggled up in long-johns and blankets. Heck, I think I might even make some hot chocolate. 

I'm gonna go back to watching the game now... Sorry. I just liked those four little words that created - to me - a pretty awesome quote. 

Gig 'em aggies. BTHOlswho?

This crazy thing called the Truth

Lying is one of those things that I do not take lightly. If you lie - even if you think I (or anyone/everyone) will recognize it as the truth - my respect for you is flushed down the toilet. 

No matter how great you think you can cover your falsities, you never fully cover them. The truth always comes out.

And if you lie with the intention to hurt someone, you are scum. Not just to me, but to yourself. Disgusting. That's what you are. 

I hate liars. I always have. 

How dare you?

Give me those green shavings!

Okay, obvi I'm a terrible blogger. For what it's worth, I've contemplated writing a post for the past week or so... buuuuut it just never happened.

So let's catch-up slightly.

The American Royal happened. Oh my lanta, did it ever! I had an absolutely awesome time working the backdrop. Such a great week. I miss shooting already. Anyway, team #blinnwin didn't quite have as great of a time... But I do want to give a shout-out to the Douby bros for High Ind in the senior college contest (Curtis) and third high ind in the junior college contest (cody). Just love these two... even if I did just meet douby sr. Poor guy had a great first impression. Anyway, also great job to the baa-man, RS3, for winning sheep! And the lovely miss Sarah for snaggin' fifth in hogs! Awesome job y'all!!

Post Royal... not much happened... at least not worth discussing on here. Aside from two extremely awesome portrait sessions that happened this week. Oh my lanta. I will be posting pics... eventually.

BUT! Team #blinnwin just landed in Louisville... EEK! So we've got the green shavings on our minds! I fly out Monday morning.... which I am SO EXCITED about!


####

hang on.....

wait wait wait...

E!News just said something about a fourth book in the Hunger Games series.....

IS THIS REAL LIFE?!?!?!

More on Louisvillle later.....

ADD just kicked in and I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS!

Wait... nope.... false alarm. TERRIBLE JOKE! UGHHHHH!

#####

Anyway. Back to the green. Louisville is my absolute fave stock show. For those of you who have been there, you kind of get it. For those of you who have judged there, you get it a little more. For those of you who have shown there, you totally get it. There really is no place like it. Ah! I die. I need to go NOW!


I think that's all for now. Until next time.... which could be.... I dunno maybe a month from now.

Oh Kansas City

I have missed this life.

Oh my lanta, I have missed picturing at shows. The American Royal is where so much started for me. I kind of love this place.

Don't judge me.

Is it Thursday yet?

Let's play catch-up

Okay, so obviously it's been a while. The fall kind of got the best of me. I've been running around like a crazy person and on my "off" moments, I've either filled them with spending time with the coach or with our four-legged daughter, leaving minimal time for blogging. So let me try and catch y'all up on the important stuff that's been going on.

-My birthday present from the coach is insanely amazing. Still.
-I got another tattoo.
-I've traveled. A lot.
-The coach wants sheep.
-No, he really and truly wants sheep.
-I broke a video camera. And when I say "I", I mean TSA and their greedy, rough, fast moving hands broke a video camera. All resulting in potentially the worst three days I've experienced in my adult life.
-I no longer will fly to video places.
-I read a lot of books and saw a lot of movies. But more on some of that later.
-The coach and I had a Hannibal Lector moment with some random couple on twitter. I apologize for saying this, but I'm still creeped out. Like who does that?!
-Team #blinnwin fish rocked the first two contests this year.
-I cut my hair. And went blonder. It's awesome.
-Sophomores left for Kansas City this morning.
-I leave for Kansas City tomorrow!

I think that was all the major stuff... ish.

Anyway, since it has been a long month plus of no posting, I figured I would start up with current events and leave the past to the list noted above. I really don't feel the need to go into detail on anything and plus, none of y'all care. Am I right? Exactly.

Let's start up with a little review.

So if you follow me on twitter then you know that this past tuesday was a big one for me, entertainment wise. The new season of Awkward premiered and the final book in the Divergent series, Allegiant, hit my kindle.... And here is their reviews

Awkward :: TEAM COLLIN! Like honestly. Need I say more? Other than the fact that the premiere was totes awesome. I am THRILLED for this season. Matty doesn't deserve Jenna.

Allegiant :: If you have not read the first or second book in the Divergent series, all I have to say is WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!? These books are beyond all normal levels of incredible. Typically in trilogies, I dislike the second book... but not with this one. I loved it. And then the third happened.... ERRMAHGERRRRD. So good. I just finished this book earlier today and am still crying. I will say, I wish the ending didn't happen the way it did, but I think it made the book just that much more incredible. Such an awesome story. And not at all typical with what has been hitting book stores in the past five/ten years. It's an insane mix between The Hunger Games ... and The Hunger Games on crack. Speaking of that series... I honestly didn't think a trilogy or any book for that matter would top the story of the girl on fire. But Tris absolutely stomped that idea. Without question the best series I have ever read. So good. Could not put it down. Now, if only I could give the coach some kind of serum so he would get tattoos like Tobias....

I'm kidding.


For the most part.


Anyway... Like I said earlier, I leave for The American Royal tomorrow. I've missed the thrill of picturing shows and cannot wait to work with ShowChampions once again.

Oh, and this will be the first time I've been back to the Royal since 'happily ever after' started in the P&L district. Crazy to think it's been three years already. I'm sure I'll have more on that in a later post...



Then again... I can't promise I will return to being a frequent blogger.


Opps.

The day our Nation will never forget

September 11th will never be "just another day" for our Nation. 12 years ago, our country changed forever. Where were you when the world stopped turning?

I will never forget September 11th, 2001. Less than a week after my 14th birthday, I was an eight-grader at Manheim Central Middle School in Manheim, Pennsylvania... Approximately 3 driving hours from New York City, approximately 3 driving hours from Somerset, PA and approximately 2 1/2 driving hours from Washington D.C.

I remember what it was like to fly before that day.

The first whispers of the first attack began in the middle of second period. By the bell signifying the change from second to third period, the halls echoed with the news. By the beginning of fourth period Manheim Central School District sent the entire student body home. I remember my brother and I getting to the house, sitting on the couch, turning on the TV and watching - neither of us saying a word.

There was nothing more terrifying than the footage playing over and over before our eyes. I don't know that there ever will be anything more terrifying. 

We can never forget. We stand as one. We honor the day. We fight for that day. We fight for our freedom, for our country's continuous safety. We fight in dedication to all those who were lost.

We fight so they can remember just as we will never forget.

I realize this is not the typical post you see on my blog. However, I feel it's necessary. I am asking all of you to take a few minutes out of your day and think back to 9/11/01, when you heard the news. And please, pray for those we lost and for those who are tirelessly defending our country. May God Bless them in every way He can.

#MCM

I should have posted this yesterday. I even had time to post this yesterday. But I was way to caught up in a book to desire to post this yesterday. It's true. Go ahead, judge me. But for those of you who have read the Divergent series/trilogy/two books that are currently out... you completely understand. I can't even begin to describe how awesome the first two books are. There is a trailer out for the first movie. Google it. Then buy the book. And nod your head in agreement.

Back on track....

This week's #MCM :: appropriate and professional social media posting for the collegiate age.

Yup. You read correctly. For those of you who have been through the trials and tribulations of college, you understand where the coach is coming from. AND if you are in a coaching position and have access to the internet, you REALLY know where he is coming from. Let me make one thing clear - the coach does not have a facebook, twitter, instagram or any other type of social media outlet. But his wife, mother, friends and coworkers do. And, he has a phone. What does that mean? When he is looking over my shoulder at my facebook or he hears someone talking about a picture or status that was posted about his students doing something they shouldn't be, he gets a little irritated.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Joelynn, you are a froggin' hypocrite for even posting this. And you're right. I am. However, I'm old. Above the legal drinking age. I have a career. I post some pretty nutso, blunt, rude and even somewhat humorous stuff on this here blog of mine. Since you see the way I am now, just imagine how I was in college.

Here's the difference - 8 years. In the past 8 years, social media has gone from "oh hey, what's a Facebook?" to "you DON'T tweet? You must be a loser". That doesn't make my past actions right. But it does mean that if you post something stupid on any forms of social media, it is just that - social. That means your dirty laundry or night long beer olympics is now viral. Anyone can access that information.

Just about every single employer now-a-days will run a standard "stalk-out" on a young person before they hire them. This way they can see what a person is actually like, not just the robot in the interview chair, trained to respond exactly as they should to impress their hirer. Heck, the coach had me facebook stalk each recruit as they came in - sorry guys! This is just what our society is leaning towards. If you don't like it, don't post stupid crap! Then you won't have to deal with the repercussions!

I'm not saying 'don't have fun' ... go ahead, act like underage idiots. Risk your future. See what happens. But I am saying keep that crap off the internet. You look trashy. You look lazy. You look like a depressed drunk. You look factionless (book worm humor).

*****

So here's the take-home message.... No matter what you post, the people you don't think will see or you don't want to see it, see it. So every time you are about to post something, think to yourself - would I say these words, show this picture or video or talk this way directly to my parents, my grandparents, my coach, my professors, my future employer, my future spouse, my future children or even my friends? If you hesitate or answer no to ANY of these people... backspace, delete, rewind and DON'T FROGGIN' POST IT!

*****

Oh, and if he breaks up with you... please.... for .... the .... love.... of... God.... KEEP THE TEARS TO YOURSELF! Twitter doesn't care.


Whew! That was fun.