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