Catch Up

To say the last few months have been busy is an understatement, but I’m definitely blessed to have the opportunities and memories that each has presented.

I’ll start with May:

AFC sponsored the Dragon Boat Race which benefits the Decatur/Morgan Hospital Foundation. We had a team of 21 people, 20 rowers and 1 drummer. It was the first year for us to participate in the event and we definitely will be back next year. We not only did really well, we got 2^nd in our heat, but we won the best decorated tent area out of over 50+ teams. 

My brother, Josh, graduated from The University of Alabama with a Masters in Accountancy. He got offered a job with EY this past winter, which is pretty impressive and exciting. He starts his job in September and will be based out of Birmingham, hooray for my parents having both of us close by.

That same weekend, my great-grandmother turned 91! She is still sharp as a tack and hilarious. How blessed we are to have 5 generations living and enjoying life.

I've been golfing with my Dad some lately, he has taught me everything I know and is so patient and encouraging. I even played in my first golf tournament with AFC board member, Larry Bennich. I haven’t played since, but had such a good time and look forward to playing again soon!

 

Mr. Bennich and I after the tournament

June:

FFA State Convention was held in Montgomery. Lauren got to meet me there and help me spread the word about AFC and our support toward the future farmers and agriculture leaders. It was rewarding to see the same students and members that I had seen at each district meeting this spring and congratulate them on a successful year, while welcoming in the new team of state officers. I’m excited to see what the new executive team accomplishes this year, especially since AFC committed to being the corporate sponsor for the 15-16 year!

My friend Courteney, the equine extension specialist, hosted an equine event here in Greenbrier and AFC sponsored the lunch. It was such an educational event, got to see old friends, make new ones and spend time with one of my best friends!

Lauren’s family hosted the Moulton Rodeo at their arena, literally in their back yard! She has become one of my best friends and her family is sweet as can be. I’m so thankful for her!

July:

July means booking show! After a fun-filled 4^th of July weekend with family and friends, we packed up and headed to Montgomery for a few days full of hard work and a lot of fun. Lauren and I headed down Sunday afternoon and help get everything going and set up started until dinner with the trainees and a few managers. Monday was full of set up and dinner. Tuesday started out with a few presentations, which I did way better than I thought possible thanks to supporting co-workers, and finished with dinner full of sushi, saki and laughs. We finished up Wednesday and headed home after clean up and re-packing shipments for the December show. A ton of details went into the week, but that’s for another day, or maybe not.

I got to attend my first AFC Company Picnic! It was a Friday night at Point Mallard Water Park here in Decatur. We went down the water slides at least 20 times and laughed the whole time. Celebrating such a great company with the 20^th annual picnic at the park was fun to be a part of.

I attended my first Alabama Council of Cooperatives conference in Orange Beach, AL. My mom got to go with me, and we spent a few extra days just enjoying the beach. Helping host and give presentations while meeting so many new young couples from all over the state was such a fun experience. I also got added to the board of directors and will now be attending more events and meetings across the state and country. I’m excited to be a part of such a wonderful organization and support agriculture from yet another aspect of the industry.

Even though it's been a whirlwind few months (this feels like only half of what I did), I couldn't have asked for better family, friends or events to spend my time with. August is shaping up to be busy too, but I'll welcome it with a grateful heart and be thankful for every day. 

xoxo
Samantha