Things to Understand About Introverts

Sometimes, introverts come across as rude or condescending. Sometimes even boring or stuck up. But the truth? Well . . . let's explore some things, shall we? Being an introvert myself, I can assure you that sometimes even just the thought of talking to people can make introverts shake in their boots.

So first of all, when we stare at the floor or keep quiet during a group's conversation, there's probably one of four things going through our heads: 1) we don't feel like we have anything intelligent to add to the conversation and we just feel stupid if we open our mouths, 2) we feel rude if we butt into the conversation, 3) we don't want attention, or 4) we're tired and want to go home.

If an introvert acts like they want to go home, do not take it personally. It's not that they don't like you—it's just because introverts get utterly exhausted by people, and in order to keep from becoming grumpy and trollish, we have to go home and sit in silence for about 18028 hours (sliiiight exaggeration, I guess. Maybe.) to recharge and be ready to face the world once more. Again, it's not personal. Sometimes we even get tired of ourselves.

If an introvert stiffens when you give them a hug, again, do not take it personally. Well, I mean, if they just don't like you, that could be the case, but sometimes introverts just really, really like their personal space, and they don't like it invaded. I personally love hugs (not sure if I'm in the minority here), but some people don't. And getting hug after hug from someone I don't know well? Ehh . . .

If you meet an introvert online before you meet them in person, you may be kinda shocked at how quiet they can be in person as opposed to online. Do they have two personalities? No! Now, I can't speak for all introverts, obviously, but in my personal experience, if an introvert acts like an extrovert online, it's because we really feel more comfortable being ourselves when people aren't right there staring at us.

*gasp* Introverts are bubbly on the inside?

Actually, sometimes, yes. It's just a lot harder for us to open up and be ourselves face-to-face with real people. So when we act bubbly online as opposed to in person, it's often because we feel so much more confident when people can't actually see us. If that even makes sense.

So, sometimes when we seem to be super stuck-up or condescending, it's not because we actually are (I mean, sometimes, maybe, I guess, but everyone has their moments . . . ). We just feel really uncomfortable and out of our comfort zones, and don't know what to say, do or act. We feel conspicuous just by sneezing in a crowd. So next time you spend time with an introvert . . . be patient, 'kay?

Well, I hope that gave you a bit of insight into why we introverts are the way we are. Introverts: can you relate? Extroverts: does this help you understand us a bit more? ;)

Why Fruitcake?

Fruitcake is the stereotypical Christmas dessert.  I've personally only had it once (never again), but it's still everywhere this time of year.  So during a conversation with my mother on the subject, and amid speculation, I began to wonder exactly why fruitcake is so traditional and popular, even though few people actually like it.  So, I did some research.  And I was surprised and slightly horrified to find that some fruitcake supposedly has a shelf life of 25 years.

Fruitcake actually started in Rome, where it was almost a delicacy, only affordable to the rich because of how rare fresh fruit was in the winter.  Add liqueur to that, and you've got an expensive dish.  Our American version stemmed from the British form of plum cake, a fruity dessert incredibly popular to eat during holidays.  Obviously, it's not nearly as rare and expensive now, so it's not as popular as it used to be.  But it's still iconic.

My personal experience with fruitcake came 3 or 4 years ago, when we visited a location famous for their fruitcake, and was handing out samples.  I sunk my teeth into a bite, even though fruitcake isn't liked all that well and I'm not a fan of trying new foods.  But I figured I might as well give it a try.

The bread was... very sweet, and the fruit was... well, something I tried not to chew too much.  All this to say, no, I don't like fruitcake.  But if you do—more power to you!

Also, don't forget to visit Faith's blog for the other participators and the giveaway!

A Farmer's Rant {Feat. Birdo}

Some people have misconceptions about farmers.
Ever wondered if the things you've heard about farmers is true or not?
Maybe this post will enlighten you.  I have Birdo here with me to bust some myths that you may or may not have been told.

Note: All pictures from this post were taken by Bird himself. :)

Farmers have it easy

Uhh no

Why's that?  Please elaborate.

We Don't have it easy because it's hard.

How is it hard?

You can work 100 hr weeks busting your butt to prepare the ground and plant the crop and put gobs of money into fertilizer and chemical and pray for rain that's long overdue and finally see the rewards of your work at harvest when you have to put in even longer hours to get it out of the field...that is, if it hasn't got destroyed by wind or hail.

...Okay, you've convinced me. XD

What about working with cattle?  Is that any easier/harder?

Just different....you can raise a cow and breed her and feed her and wait all year for that calf...only to have it die during birth and try again next year.  It doesn't happen all the time, but it's always a possibility. Course if you do get the calf, you gotta hope the market holds together well enough so's you can make a profit when selling it...

Also, easy is relative

Let me define it for you:  "achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties".

No.(see above XD)

I would say farming is very challenging...but, that's not exclusive to farming. I don't care if you're a farmer, firefighter, soldier, factory worker, desk driver, or drive the Schwan's delivery truck...everything has its own challenges, farming just has its own very different set of such.

Very good point.  But since today we're talking about farming, what other challenges farmers face (other than the one's we've already talked about)?

Ohh gosh...weather, markets, politics, rules and regulations, insurance, input cost, breakdowns, physical dangers...need I go on?

Nope, I'm good. XD

Here's another stereotype:

Farmers will be rich

Uhh not necessarily.

And...?

And what

What do you mean when you say 'not necessarily'?

There's potential for profit in anything...including farming, but farming is not a "get rich quick" job.  

What keeps farmers from making fast money?  Some people think farmers are rich—they feed the country, for cryin' out loud.

True, but only a small percentage gets back to farmers. For example, 1 bushel(unit of measurement for wheat) will make between 60-73 loaves of bread.  Multiplied by the average price of bread($2.50/loaf), 1 bushel of wheat will make $150- $182 worth of bread.

The farmer gets about $3.10 a bushel, and thats gross income...not counting all the production expenses.

So in other words, out of those 60-73 loaves of bread, the farmer only gets 2 or 3?

Yep

I mean, that's if he wants bread....

I'd rather have a steak.

or bacon

or a hamburger

or donuts

Yeah, that sounds good too. XD

Farmers are stupid

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Yeah sure whatever

Okay, since this is so absurd, how would you like to demonstrate your knowledge?

I can count to 20 if I take off my boots.

Very funny. XD

Umm, I'm going to ask a question about something I'm completely ignorant of.

What should a person look for if he's driving a tractor and all of a sudden something starts rattling?

Duh look for the rattle.

But where?  The engine?  Radiator?  

Do you even know what a radiator is???

I plead the fifth.

Well...hopefully your tractor doesn't rattle...but if it does, I can't explain it...just listen to it, you can usually figure it out. And if you can't, you put it in the shop and start taking it apart till you find it.

Listen to it?  Do you speak Tractor? #kaitlynspoorattemptathumor

Actually yes! Like if it's a hisssssss its probably a tire or blown hose or if its a ticktickticktick its probably a loose shield or bolt or if its a gRrRrRrRrRr its probably a little more serious engine or transmission malfunction or if its a GGGGGRRRRRRRR you probably forgot to push the clutch :D

*tries to catch breath* Stop making me laugh, my gut hurts. XD

Got any tips on farming in general?

Pray for rain

*nods* I'm impressed, that's sound advice.

Its not a sound I bet every one of your bloggers read that, not heard it.

I'm not even going to comment on that.
So, one last stereotype (and one that is actually pretty accurate):

Farmers are strong

They are???? Wow cool I want to meet one!!!!

I'm not even sure how to respond to that.

Yeah me either that was shocking news

So you're saying it's not true?

I am?

I asked you first.

Oh wow you're fast

I know.

So are farmers strong?  Physically?  Emotionally?

Uhh how am I supposed to answer this? I AM A FARMER AND I AM STRONG *eyeroll* yeah whatever. Actually strong is relative....some of the strongest people I know couldn't lift 50 lbs.

Well, I would probably fall under that category (at least the 50 lbs part). XD

Anyway, That's a good point.  Like you so aptly demonstrated, farming requires mind as well as arms (though arms are required for a lot of farm work).

Well, that wraps it up for today.  Thanks for coming, Birdo!  I enjoyed it immensely. ;)

I like m&ms too

*unplugs your keyboard before you can make any more bad jokes*

*grabs your keyboard because I like making bad jokes*

Goodbye, Birdo.
Well people, was that as entertaining to you as it was to me? ;)
Until next time!
~Kaitlyn