My highlights of 2009...

The last few weeks I have been reflecting upon the past 12 months. While I probably say this most years, my 2009 happenings, combined with major milestones accomplished this year,have seemed to top all previous years. I hope this sentiment holds true for the many glorious years to come, but in the meantime... a look into Stacie's 2009.

January started off with a bang, as I boarded the plane and began my 6-week journey throughout Brazil. Armed with 90 lbs. of luggage, 18 friends and classmates, and all the excitement in the world, I felt so very fortunate to travel and study abroad. January (and most of February) allowed for many new adventures. I was able to hike through the rain forest, visit many farms and see Brazilian agriculture first-hand, stay with an incredible host family, and learn more about the history and agricultural economics of this incredible country. February continued my Brazil trip, but also landed me back in the states to enjoy a lot of time with my family and friends. Was awarded Outstanding Member of the Saddle and Sirloin Club and enjoyed traveling back and forth to Columbus to visit with friends before school started back up.

March wrapped up my Alpha Zeta Partners experience with a trip to Washington D.C. My Grandma has always told me I have "potomac fever"and I understand why each time I get back inside the beltway. I love visiting the monuments time and time again, seeing our governing body at work, and learning more about the organizations dedicated to agricultural policy work in D.C. Our AZP group enjoyed 4 days in the city and got to meet with several organizations.

April was a month of big decisions for me. With graduation only a few months away, I spent a lot of time applying for full-time positions with a variety of companies and applying to graduate programs in Agricultural communication. After a lot of soul-searching, I decided my heart still belonged here at Ohio State, and I decided to stay on as a graduate teaching associate and pursue my Masters degree. (a decision I definitely don't regret!) April also allowed my best friend Erin and I to take a road trip to Manhattan, KS to see lots of great friends!

May brought with it my favorite time of the year: MY BIRTHDAY!! I spent most of May with my family and friends, who thankfully, gave way to my declared week-long birthday celebration! I also was able to be a narrator at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Recognition Banquet and was named a top 10 senior within the college.

June kicked off my summer internship with Farm Credit Services of Mid-America in Washington Courthouse, OH. My mentor, Jeff Hoak, allowed me to learn the ins and outs of the ag lending system in a hands-on environment. While the internship lasted throughout the summer, June allowed me to meet other interns, attend many farm sales, and meeting with key customers of FCS. June was also exciting as two of my very best friends got married. I was honored to be a part of the wedding of Angela Pickerel and Arik Witker at the end of the month. What a beautiful couple and wonderful celebration!

July continued my internship experience at Farm Credit. I also worked diligently on my 12 credits of online courses to complete my undergrad degree. I was able to spend a lot of time at home with my family as well.

August was spent at the Wood County and Ohio State fairs. I always enjoy watching the next generation of 4-H and FFA members continue to participate in the many traditions of competition, showmanship, and of course, FUN, that come along with county fairs. The end of the August was ultimate highlight of my year. On August 30th I received my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree from The Ohio State University. Topped off by nearly 15 of my family members present at my ceremony, I was honored and shocked to be a part of President E. Gordon Gee's commencement address.
September brought about my first quarter of graduate school and the always exciting football season for The Ohio State Buckeyes!! I enjoyed beginning my teaching experience, getting into the swing of graduate level classes, and meeting new classmates. Football gave me a reason to tailgate with great friends and even entertain a visit from friends Hyatt, Brandi, and Doug for the big USC game.

October was a huge month of campaigning and issue work for Ohio agriculture. As many of you have read in previous posts, I tried to work as an advocate for animal agriculture as we began our fight against the radical group HSUS. In my spare time I read up on blogs, wrote letters to the editor, and tried to spread the good word about farmers and Ohio ag in an effort to ensure the passing of Ohio Issue 2.

November got off to a great start with the passing of Issue 2. My brother Chad and Aunt Joan also came to visit in November and attending the big OSU-Iowa game with me in the Horseshoe. OSU also clenched a big ten football title with a big win over rival Michigan.

December was extremely exciting for me, as I always enjoy the month leading up to Christmas. After wrapping up my first quarter of graduate school and finishing up exams, I kicked off Christmas Break by spending some quality time with the Boxley side of the family at my Uncle Howard's in Dayton. I traveled home to Christmas shop, visit with my wonderful Grandparents, and pack for a week-long family trip to the Dominican Republic. We had a quite enjoyable white-sand Christmas in the 85 degree weather of the DR. I returned to the US to welcome my best friend Erin's new baby girl Claire Louise Limes Lampe (born on Dec. 24th) and to hear of the exciting engagement of my other best friend and college roommate Allison Agle to her boyfriend Luke. I wrapped up 2009 with a two days spent with good friends Hyatt Frobose and Brandi Buzzard on their visit to Wood County.Now, in January of 2010 I look forward to so much... building upon the many relationships mentioned above, planning future travels, spending time with my supportive family, and continuing to take advantage of all the opportunities my great university, state, and country have afforded me.

To each of you reading, I thank you for the role you have played in another outstanding year of my life. I appreciate your love, support, encouragement, laughter, and advice along the way.

Check back for my updates and adventures coming soon! (I plan to blog more in 2010...hopefully I can stick to it!!)