This weekend I shaved a pig butt. Several of them actually, but I never thought I'd be close enough to a 314 pound swine to see how hairy they really are. Trips to Phillip's hometown are always interesting. I get to experience brand new things that I've never done before and I love it. I wish sometimes I was more adept to jump right in and tackle the challenge, but sometimes I need to do some observing and have a little coaching. Working with the pigs was one of those moments. I wasn't afraid of them. I just had no idea how they acted, how mean they got nor how to work with them. I hate that feeling! I didn't want to look like a stupid city girl who doesn't know facts like pigs don't sweat, but apparently I am so I guess I shouldn't let it bother me. Soon enough I was in the pens, closing off gates, slapping sides, ignoring squeals, corralling hogs to the wash station and shaving their bums.I also drove a stick shift. That is more of an accomplishment then the fact that stick shift was on a tractor. I solely know how to use an automatic transmission. Shifting gears and using a clutch at the same time is a lot to remember. Not that keeping a tractor upright on a slight grade, while avoiding running over my father-in-law isn't something to be proud of either. I like learning about how the farm works. I enjoy being in the hot sun working on new things and feeling like I've accomplished something at the end of the day. When I eat a meal or go to bed I want to feel like I earned it. I want to be famished and dead tired. I don't get that most days and I feel eternally antsy. Yes, being on the farm makes me feel happy and healthy.