Steps To Become A Farmer

1) Quit Your Day Job  For the past two years, I have been working full time utilizing my Master's degree of Environmental Education while working as a Naturalist for the local park system.  I have always dreamt of being a farmer ever since I was a little girl and now is the time to make that dream come true!  Even though I will not get paid to be a Naturalist anymore, I will continue to teach people about the beautiful and wondrous world that surrounds us because I simply can not help it!     

Here is a picture of my nieces Haydan & Maisie at work with me for "Bring Your Daughter  (Nieces) To Work Day."  The girls fed the birds, saved an insect that was stuck inside the nature center, and assisted me while I taught a Live Animal Show featuring this eastern kingsnake.     I love knowing that my nieces will not say "ewww!" when they see a snake because of this experience.    

2) Be Joyfully Unemployed For A Week And Post About It Non-Stop on Facebook  Posts included "I am a grown-ass, unemployed woman and I can drink wine with my lunch if I want to.  And I want to!"  And "Day #2 of unemployment.  Hmmmm, what should I do?  Anything I WANT!  (5 more days of posts like this.  Get used to it people!)"  I wonder how many people unfriended me......    
                                                               

3) It's All About Fashion
I am wearing Carhartt Women's Sandstone Bib Pants which are insulated overalls, Carhartt Sandstone Jacket and a Carhartt hat.  I will probably be wearing this "uniform" throughout March, until Spring actually arrives.  And I am happy about it because, it may sound odd but, I feel prettier in this get- up as compared to a dress.  It's a proven fact that plants grow healthier when the farmers feel pretty!   
4) Spend entire life savings on Carhartt stock since the company is the official sponsor of farming.  OK, neither of those are true.  Farming does not have an official sponsor and I do not have a life savings.  But people who work outdoors, especially farmers, depend on Carhartt for clothing that will be tough and last for a really long time.  Carhartt delivers.  A company that I will be supporting in the future is Red Ants Pants  because the company makes their workwear for women right here in the USA.  Yahoo!

5) Buy Muck Boots  and look awesome wearing them.  Because these boots are made for farming and that's just what I'll do!  Also notice the beautiful flannel lined Carhartt pants that I am rocking!  These pants are so comfortable and warm.  Farmer or not, get yourself a pair and stay warm all winter long!      

6) Throw A Farmer Shower/Birthday Party  I am at the age where my friends are having bridal and baby showers in order to celebrate an exciting change that is going on in their lives.  Well, I am making an exciting transition into becoming a farmer so I thought for my birthday, I should throw myself a Farmer Shower!  And it was a huge success!  I had SO much fun with my friends and all their kids dressed in flannels and taking pictures in front of the cardboard barn that my boyfriend Matt built.  We also had karaoke because farmers and karaoke go hand in hand.  (No seriously, my farm manager gets the local farmers in Central & South Jersey together for karaoke nights a few times a year.  I only experienced one so far and it was a blast!)  As soon as the music started, the singing didn't stop!  Whether it was me dedicating the song "Wonder" by Natalie Merchant to Bella and Mia or my friend Janine's 6 year old singing "Ho Hey," everyone had fun singing and dancing along.  My friends and family also gifted me with not only words of encouragement and excitement but with quinoa, tea, and dish soap!  Since my salary is getting slashed (and I didn't make much in the first place), I asked for practical, everyday gifts and boy did they deliver!  Click this link to see more pics.

7) Date This Guy 

Speaking of slashed salaries, I wouldn't be able to go after my dream if it weren't for the support & encouragement of my wonderful boyfriend.  Here he is doing his best imitation of Joel Salatin, a farmer made famous by raising his meat animals humanely and naturally.  I'm pretty sure Joel would be super jealous of Matt's killer beard.  Anyhoo, I'm very appreciative of not only his support, but my mother and father's as well.  And my sister for paying my cell phone bill for the next year!  Hey, I paid hers while she was a struggling student so she is graciously repaying the favor!    



Thank you to all of my friends and family for the support.  It really means the world to me!


Monday, March 10, 2014 I begin to live my dream.  Have you started living yours yet?  If yes, congrats!  If not, what is holding you back?  The best time to start is right now.