When legacy becomes legend!

I love my family! Over the years hard work, knock-down-drag-out fights, and laughter has made us very close. My mom and dad are enjoying their older kids (Jake-22, Me-20, Jud-18), and the best moments happen when we sit down around the table for a meal, or just a snack, and talk. Our conversations range from funny stories, to politics, concerns, and of course cattle. There was however one conversation that we had at NJAS 2010 that has got me thinking.

While at the show, I did more than just compete in the show ring. Read more about it here. While accepted my award for Extemporaneous Speaking from Sheri Spader, I learned about her advocacy work with NCBA. We had a great chat, but she seemed so familiar, I just couldn't put my finger on it. When I made it back to mom, she explained that I had interviewed Sheri before as a member of the Jr. Angus publication, The Scoop, and she had known my grandfather Otto.

After the evenings events were over, my family and I took time to visit with Sheri. She laughed recalling my interview with her, and spoke again of Otto. I never met my grandfather, but he has been the inspiration behind my involvement with cattle, and more specifically Angus Cattle. Mom had told countless stories, but it is always cool to hear someone else's perspective. Sheri commented on grandpa's 2 loves, cows and the Cornhuskers. She said that she was impressed with Otto's integrity, passion, and honesty in the business, and simply put: "he was a great man."

(Grandpa Otto on the far right)

Not many folks remember my grandfather, as he died more than 25 years ago, but those that do, recall him much like Sheri did. That in itself makes me think. How will folks remember me after my time on earth is done? While Otto didn't win accolades, or hold important offices, folks still respected him, and he earned that respect by working to be a man of character. Awards fade, Leadership terms end, and what is left, is what becomes your legacy.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Patience is a Virtue

Have you ever planned a vacation 3 years in advance? Well, to be completely honest, it wasn't just my vacation, but a vacation for my family and over 800 others. That's right the largest single breed show in America will kick-off next Monday in Denver, CO. In a National Jr. Angus Show first, 3 states: Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska teamed up to take on the huge responsibility of hosting. Serving as a co-chair, has been a blast, but the real fun starts when we get to Denver. I have never been a patient person, but these past 2 days have been killing me. It is probably a combination of no chores to do (mom and dad drove out with the heifers early, and the steers have gone to town, and the cows are in the pasture) and being home alone. With all the packing done, all that is left to do is wait. Just thinking about "NJAS 2010 Rush to the Rockies" makes me excited, so here are my top 5 favorite things about going to the National Jr. Angus Show.

5. Exploring different places. This Show has taken my family to: Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; Tulsa, OK; Des Moines, IA; and Perry, GA. Each place means a different fairgrounds, and different restaurants.

4. Participating in contests/activities. Sure a 1 week cattle show may sound boring at first, but the show-ring is hardly the only action of the week. From speech to cooking contests, and then socials, and even a junior newspaper, there is enough to keep everyone busy.

3. State bonding. Every person is stalled according to their home state, and many contests involve teams made up of fellow Nebraskans. This leads to closer friendships, and more mischief. One of my favorite memories from the last time the show was in Denver, was a 3-year-old boy drinking directly from the heifer water bucket!

The Nebraska Juniors at the 2009 National Jr. Angus Show

2. Family time. This is our "family vacation." My brothers and I laugh and talk on the walk up from tie-outs, while we rinse, and as we feed. It is the perfect balance of time with family, and breaks to escape them.

1. Meeting new people. Shocking, I know from a girl who says laughing and talking are her favorite activities. It's the easiest place to make new friends. We already have Angus cattle in common, and all it takes is a card game or just an empty seat to make a stranger a new amigo.

Can you tell I'm excited? If you're in Denver next week, stop by the stockyards and check out all the happenings. It's an example of what is so great about beef people. We are passionate folks who work hard, but also know how to have some fun.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie