Telling my co-workers Happy Friday the 13th has gotten me a few glares and even more confused looks today. I was born on a Friday the 13th in the month of November, and since I was little, I just decided that it MUST be a great day to be alive. I refuse to accept the bad luck theory, and I am convinced that a little extra optimism on this day is the perfect way to debunk this silly superstition.
Another thing I would like to debunk is my typical farm girl stereotype that seems to be following me everywhere in D.C. My urbanite roommate is the perfect example of sticking me with this Little House on the Prairie image...
She was talking on the phone to a friend from Lehigh University, and she was describing me as the beef queen. Well, for one...I have never and will never wear a crown, glittering sash and rhinestone outfits. I'm not a queen. Her friend on the line guessed that I was short with curly blonde hair in pigtails. My roommate revealed that prediction of my "farm girl" appearances, and I replied... I'm all that, with overalls to match.
My roommate has also gotten into the habit of asking me what the weather will be like for the day as she insists on modeling her outfit selections for my approval around our dormitory at George Washington University. Well, I knew what the weather was doing back home, but I have never really bothered to track the predictions of a place where I'm surrounded by cement and towering buildings. So today, I finally told her that I really had no clue what the weather was going to be like. To which she replied, But you are a farmgirl. Don't farmers always know the weather?
Just like Friday the 13th is a myth, so is this butter-churning image of a country girl. I don't really fit the mold...I travel across the country promoting agriculture to consumers and producers alike, I own more than one business suit, I'm interested in world events and politics, I have tried and enjoyed sushi and eggplant, I can hail a cab and catch a train, and I'm not scared to ask people why they are so obsessed with Boca burgers (processed, ground up vegetables molded into a chewy, rubbery mass)! I am independent and proud to be from a cattle ranch!
So there you have it...I don't have to prove that I'm a farmgirl by wearing overalls, chewing on my piece of straw, and putting my hair up in pigtails. The truth of that matter is, no matter where I go or what I'm doing, I will ALWAYS have the farm in my heart and the urge to share my story with those who need to hear it most.
Happy Friday the 13th to all...
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Comments (11)
Very entertaining blog Amanda! I think every farm girl holds a piece of the farm in her heart no matter where she goes, it's who we are and I personally wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for such an upbringing.
Posted by Chris Molinaro | July 14, 2007 5:18 PM
Posted on July 14, 2007 17:18
Thanks for your comments Chris! It's great to be a farm girl, and its important to ditch the stereotypes and embrace the adventurous, independent, and strong females in agriculture that we are!
Posted by Amanda Nolz | July 16, 2007 11:44 PM
Posted on July 16, 2007 23:44
As fellow farm girls it is so exciting watching you share your farm girl stories with all the urbanites in Washington DC. Goodness knows those urbanites need to hear the farm girl's side of the story. Keep up the good work!!!
Posted by The Older Farm Girls | July 17, 2007 6:10 PM
Posted on July 17, 2007 18:10
We chose your article “Typical Farm Girl” Friday 13th! Birthday1
In our group we had another CattleWoman who had the same Birthday! Friday 13th! She has also made it a positive and over come the myth just as you.
Your positive attitude toward the challenging roommate is such a breath of fresh air. You are the cream of the crop in our eyes!
Continue to have the farm in your heart and share your story with those who need to hear it most.
CattleWomen’s workshop at the Summer Conference – NBAP WorkShop
Posted by ANCW - NBAP Workshop group | July 17, 2007 6:17 PM
Posted on July 17, 2007 18:17
Dear Older Farm Girls!
Amen Sisters! Cheers to all women in agriculture! Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by Amanda Nolz | July 17, 2007 10:42 PM
Posted on July 17, 2007 22:42
Thanks ANCW (American National CattleWomen) for stopping by and reading the blog!
Also, thanks for your dedicated support of the National Beef Ambassador Program, a youth spokesperson organization for the beef industry.
Cattlewomen like you prove that we all can share our stories with passion and heart...
Thanks again!
Posted by Amanda Nolz | July 17, 2007 10:44 PM
Posted on July 17, 2007 22:44
Amanda..you echo the sentiments of so many women involved in agriculture. No matter where we end up, we will always have the backbone that was strengthened by years of hard work, tenacity and a stong loving farm family. With that kind of constitution we farm girls can do anything...the sky is the limit! Keep up the good work in D.C.!
Posted by Knolltop Farm Wife | July 18, 2007 4:51 PM
Posted on July 18, 2007 16:51
Knolltop Farm Wife,
I really appreciate your comment and for serving as a role model to all working women in agriculture! Thanks for visiting my blog! Stop by anytime!
Posted by Amanda Nolz | July 20, 2007 12:44 AM
Posted on July 20, 2007 00:44
Hi Amanda:
Way to go. We need more farm bloggers telling it like it is.
I've let my AgWired readers know what you're up to: http://agwired.com/2007/07/20/beef-ambassador-blogs/
I'm sure I'll see you again soon.
Posted by Chuck | July 20, 2007 10:48 AM
Posted on July 20, 2007 10:48
Chuck,
Thanks for your support and for the recognition on AgWired.
Hope to work with you again sometime soon!
Posted by Amanda Nolz | July 20, 2007 12:59 PM
Posted on July 20, 2007 12:59
"Tell y'what. I hear-tell those coons y'all cook are fancy ! Tell y'that much, mmhm." "..." "Naw, now wait jus'a darn minute here. This aien't no blog about them coons !" "Damn it !"
Posted by Cletus | April 23, 2008 8:12 AM
Posted on April 23, 2008 08:12