This is one SMALL world!!!

So, I sent a good freind off on a mission. She is headed to Okalhoma City, and I wanted to get her address as I didn't have it. I called her mom and she was in the process of looking ofr it when she asked me where I was from. Of course, everyone knows someone from Burley, and as luck would have it, she was actually from Burley! She graduated about the same time my folks did and she knew mom and dad. She mentioned that we were DISTANT counsins, I say that so that folks won't think I am nutty for "writing" to a sister missionary that is my cousin... It's not that close. ANYHOW: work is going good and I am helping get ready for our big conference this week (to find out more about the conference check out www.iwua.org). I have made all sorts of copies and booklets. NICE. I want to tell you paperwork is not my favorite thing in the world, but hey, whats an intern to do? Right, you just bow your head and do whatever. If any of you reading this want to, feel free to leave commments!!! I haven't seen any yet. Anyhow, I hope all of you are functioning well and enjoying life. If you're not it's your own fault!!!

Happy Human Rights Day!!!

That is a Holiday for some of you, but not me. I don't mind though. Good day to get some decent work done. I am scheduling conference dates for our Ditchriders and Pestcide Applicators. Tons of fun... I went over to the State House, or as a coworker calls it the Great Wind Tunnel, and sat in on the few meetings that were going on. I missed a perfect opportunity to take a good picture of a protestor, thats right I said 1 protestor. Her sign said "Impeach Bush and Cheney!!!" She was all alone and wasn't making a ruckus, I hope freinds showed up later to add support, but I did't notice any on my way out, back to the office. A great photo opportunity missed... Zannen da yo. So downtown is free parking on holidays, in case you didn't know.
OH YEAH, this weekend Chad and I went out to Black's Creek with some of his freinds and some girls and went shooting. We had a few 12 gauges and a 22 pistol as well as a Bereta 40mm. Fun stuff. I may have to get into that stuff. I was shooting the Bereta and I couldn't hear ANYTHING. It was sooo loud, but it was fun. Chad also bought a used Bereta 40mm, it is a sweet feeling pistol, quite nice indeed. I know he got a great deal on it, but I just don't see myself dropping $500 for a gun anytime soon, I'd rather spend it on entry fees and fuel to get to the roping.
Also went out dancing at the Cowgirl in Kuna. I know it's a bar, but it's was the best option for going dancing. Yeah, so they played one song and some girls climbed up on the bar and started dancing. At this time I felt a fist in my back. I turned around to see an old roping buddy. He looked at me and said "I'm tellin your dad I saw you here!" Course, I told him that the strongest thing I had to drink was a water. He asked who I was there with I looked around for my date, she was on the bar dancing!!! Nothing vulgar mind you, but it was quite the shock to the system. Fun night, oh boy!!! We had quite the time dancing and we danced quite well together, I would have to say. That is the first thing I think that matters about a girl, after the usuall things; can she dance? Not only that but can she dance with you? Don't worry kids, nothing serious and I am not replacing my old dance partners (you know who you are). I just need somebody to dance with in the Treasure Valley...

Good crud, What a week.

I have almost made it through my first week as a lobbyist intern. What a different world! I attended a fancy luncheon yesterday. I saw the size of the salad and thought, crud if that's the salad, the main course is going to rock!!! However, I soon discovered, that WAS the main course! Dadgummit! I reckon people with lots of power don't need a whole bunch to eat... I made the aquaintance of an older gentleman and he took the time to talk with me and offer some sage advice. He told me that if you wanted to make a name for yourself, be patient and work at a constant pace and don't try to basically ram your name down people's throats.
I sat in on some interesting meetings. Here is my summary:

Legislative week in review

For the week of January 9-13, 2006

This week started of with the Governor’s State of the State address. Some of the issues addressed were the need to redesign the Medicaid system, create a law to keep government for misusing eminent domain for gains on a private level, and to use the surplus of money the state has. He has developed a plan for the surplus which includes putting away $67million for a rainy day fund, $67million to improve parks and for prison expansion, as well as $63million in an energy rebate (a check to virtually each Idahoan for $50). To read the entire State of the State or listen http://gov.idaho.gov/.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture, ISDA, made presentations to the Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee. They covered the issues of Brucellosis and the measures needed to get Idaho back to a rating of Class Free as well as animal I.D. Worker safety and protection during pesticide application was also addressed. The ISDA has a plan to broadcast via radio to Hispanic workers safety public service announcements dealing with pesticide and general safety. Noxious Weed Program Manager, Matt Voile, addressed the need for funding in fighting a new threat to Idaho’s waterways, the Eurasian Water Milfoil. Milfoil can infest rivers and lakes. This would mostly be devastating to recreational water users, but the economic costs to water users and the general public would definitely be felt as it could cost roughly $4million annually to control and hopefully rid Idaho’ waterways and lakes of this noxious weed. ESPA CREP (Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) a program to enroll up to 100,000 acres to reduce groundwater and surface water consumptive use was also explained, as well as the goals associated with the plan. (For more information please see http://www.agri.state.id.us/, official website for the ISDA).

Another hot topic this week was the current status of the wolf population in Idaho. Estimates are that roughly 600 wolves are roaming our state, enough to shortly become delisted from the Endangered Species Act. The wolf packs have had an adverse affect on some Idaho elk populations, especially the Lolo and Selway regions. The Idaho Fish and Game Department has proposed cutting wolf pack numbers in the Lolo region by roughly 75%, in order to correct the problem. This measure is pending approval by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To read what the Idaho Statesman has to say on the issue please visit www.idahostatesman.com.

New kid in town

I have made it to the big city of Boise. I have my own office, parking spot and a name tag. I know that isn't too impresive, but for a kid who is still a bit wet behind the ears to big city livin', I don't think I am doing too bad. I commute to work and it takes about 18 t0 30 minutes to travel a whopping 11 miles. That is not normal for me... I used to drive from Rexburg to I.F. in 30 minutes and that is 25 miles! Good crud. I have been shown the capitol building, could have attended the State of the State with good seats, but didn't. I was beat. Life is funny in the way you are presented with opportunities to get toknow more people, I have met a whole bunch of folks that have fancy titles and carry alot of weight with them. I can honestly say its a bit intimidating, but heck I guess that is life... Life is going pretty good and I am not one too complain, remember that when you complain 50% of the folks you complain to don't care, and the other 50% are glad that you have the problem. Off to more meetings this afternoon and wahooey!