One year!

Wow, it's hard to believe that about a year ago, I was getting ready to compete in the National Beef Ambassador contest. It has been a fast year full of fun, and hard work. My eyes we opened to new sides of the beef industry, and of course my favorite part was meeting all kinds of great folks along the way.

The most important thing I learned was to speak up about being a cowgirl. It is nothing to be embarassed about no matter how many friends tease you. Starting a blog and sharing my story online both helped me grow as a writer, and a advocate. Just because the year is coming to an end doesn't mean I'll stop being a beef ambassador. Once you're BA, you're always BA!

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Life isn't fair

I can't count how many times my mom told me that. After I had whined to her about some injustice, her response was matter of fact, and always caused me to storm off in a huff. As the years went by I discovered more and more that she was right. What has come as a suprise is how bent people are on making life fair.

American's love justice. We have crime shows that highlight criminals getting what they deserve. We also love to make everybody equal, in an election, a reality TV show, or in the classroom. Every kid gets a prize, or participation award. Honors like valedictorian, champion, and best, are eliminated. Everyone deserves the same chances to succeed, to win, or to get ahead.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with giving opportunities to everyone, but there is a limit. If everyone is equal, there is no striving for better. There is no motivation to improve. Instead we stay stuck in mediocrity. Competition is good, and no matter how hard we try, there will always be someone smarter, faster, stronger, better-looking than me.

The secret is balance. I am by no means an expert, but I have learned that there is a difference between the drive to improve and envy. I will always be growing and changing, but I must realize that things will never be "fair."

'till the cows come home,

Ellie