First time for everything

So over the weekend I was checking my trail cameras and I made a bad decision.  I knew the ground was soft, but I had a 4-wheel drive pick-up.... so I could do anything right?  Wrong. 

 I ended up getting the assistant refuge managers truck stuck.  With my luck, I was the only one on the refuge.  After making quite a few phone calls (including one to my dad) a refuge maintenance man came to my rescue.  He came and picked me up at the closest road which was over a half mile away.

 The truck is still where I got it stuck.  The maintenance man says that he will pull it out sometime this week. 
 I tried to dig it out and put sticks behind the wheels, but I had no luck. 

I have learned my lesson and will not be going off the main roads until it has dried up ALOT. 

As an unspoken rule of the refuge system... I will be bring doughnuts for the whole refuge staff the next time I am there.  

Oh the life of a wildlife biologist in training......

This picture gives you a little piece of my world. This is a wonderful example of Sus scrofa, or better known as a wild pig or feral hog.  I have the wonderful opportunity to sort through hundreds of trail camera pictures of raccoons, rabbits, and deer in search of pictures of this intriguing invasive species.   Being a full time student, working on a thesis, teaching undergrads, and spending time volunteering at a wildlife refuge keeps a person busy.   

I Will Wait

As I watch rings go on fingers

Hear the I do’s be repeated

And watch last names change

I will wait for you

As babies are born

Houses are bought

And I watch my friends settle down

I will wait for you

For as much as I want

To know you now

And as lonely as I get (especially nights like tonight)

I will wait for you

For I am trusting the Author of Life

Knowing that His plan

Is greater than my desires

I will wait for you

Growing up

I grew up

While I was least expecting it

Living in the moment

I didn’t realize how I had it made

Time flew by

I didn't realize things were changing

Now we're all grown up

Marriage, jobs, grown up stuff

Everything has changed

We are different people

Everything seems different

And yet we are still the same.

YOLO

You only live once
I guess you better live it up
Wouldn’t want to miss out
Only one shot at life
Better make it a good one
Party
Drink, dance, hook up
Isn’t that how to live?
Only one shot at life
Why remember it?

Being a Visitor

Unfamiliar faces fill

A maze made of hallways

I just want to find the sanctuary

Can you point me in the right direction?

You find a place and sit down

People fill in all around you

Excuse me is this seat taken?

Are you waiting for someone… oh…ok?

The greeting time comes

Hands outstretched to say a friendly hello

Yet no one cares to know your name

Feeling alone yet being surrounded by people

No one would if you weren’t there

The pastor uses stories and scripture

To make his point across

Typical American church

A closing song to leave you feeling in the mood

Then people mingle throughout the crowd

You make your way back through the maze

Wondering if you will ever find your car

Thinking… will it be better next week? 

Who would have thought going to church could be so scary

Thy Will Be Done

As my life is changing

This is my prayer

Thy will be done



Thy will be done

As I hear of the deaths

Of people who have impacted my life



Thy will be done

As I hear of cancer

And my grandpa’s ongoing treatments



Thy will be done

As I walk across the stage

And receive my bachelor’s degree



Thy will be done

As I say goodbyes

And leave this place that has been my home



Thy will be done

As I watch my friends get married

And my ring finger remains empty



Thy will be done

As I enter the real world

Outside my safe little bubble



As my life is changing

This is my prayer

Thy will be done