Thou shalt not...

I have 10 Facebook commandments that keep me from becoming a stereotype on the increasingly popular social network. It's important not only to keep my friends from hating me, but also to keep my grandmother, and potential employers from being dismayed by what they see on my profile. So here are the contents of my stone tablets.


1. Thou shalt not post more than one status a day (unless it's a need to know event): No one needs to know every thought that's "on your mind" throughout a day. Keep it to one, unless something happens that you need to let mass numbers of people know about. Videos, photos and links are free game.

2. Thou shall tag as you wish to be tagged: When uploading photos only tag photos in which you would be happy to be the subject of said tag. If you still want to tag something embarrassing, adjust the security settings and keep the photo between your close group of friends.

3. Thou shalt not make out with your boyfriend in your profile picture: I haven't had to deal with this one yet, but I have solemnly sworn to never commit it. Yes, I'm sure people are happy that you are in a relationship, but a smiling with arms-around-each-other picture communicates the same message as making out.

4. Honor the groups by keeping them focused: Facebook groups are my favorite. I've got one for spring break, campus clubs I'm in, school projects, and even just one of funny people. Groups always have a purpose. No matter what that purpose is, honor it. Don't get distracted by posting random items (or self promotion) to the group.

5. Thou shalt not swear on my wall: I like to keep my page classy. While I'm not ultra conservative about what I post (after all, I am a college student), I still have a reputation to uphold. I also don't keep my security settings on lock down. I'd like to get a job someday that involves social media, and want to be proud to show off my savvy.

6. Thou shalt not make me gag with your romantic posts: I get it; you love each other. What I don't get is your need to say goodnight, or I love you EVERY DAY. Please do the single ladies (and guys) a favor and send that message via text. Posting once a week or adding something cleverly sweet is completely permissible.

7. Thou shalt not be vague: A passive aggressive status is only allowed if it's funny or specific. An "I hate the world." or "My friends suck." status only makes me think that you are mad at me and adds more stress to my life. If you have a problem there are plenty of people that are just a phone call away. Do your friends a favor, and take advantage of your phone contacts.

8. Thou shalt not friend someone you haven't met in person: I have met each and every one of my Facebook friends at least once. They all aren't my best friends, but they at least seen my living breathing body. I have improved many of these relationships through Facebook, but I would like to meet you before I "friend" you.

9. Thou shalt share funny stories: The reason we are Facebook friends is that I like you. I want to hear about your life, especially the funny things that happen in it. Don't be embarrassed to share the times in your day that would make me laugh.

10. Thou shalt offer common courtesy via the web: Be respectful. Facebook isn't any different from the elementary school playground. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Feel free to cleverly mock, but real hostility will not be tolerated.

So there you have it, the commandments I try to live by.  Like the real ones, I sometimes break them, but do my best to uphold the law.

'till the cows come home,
Ellie

 

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve."

It's FFA week, and the blue and gold is near and dear to my heart. It's just one of the many youth organizations I was involved with in the past. Organizations like FFA, 4-H, and the National Jr. Angus Association use the medium of agriculture to teach young people hard work and leadership. While not all the people involved in these organizations go on to careers in ag, all do use the lessons they learned in life.


These organizations wouldn't be able to function without the volunteers. A study by the Beef Check-off revealed that nearly 1/2 of all cattle farmers and ranchers volunteer with youth organizations and more than 1/3 donate their time to other civic organizations. That's great percentages, especially compared with a national average of only 7%.


I know the 50%, they were my 4-H leaders, FFA contest judges, and NJAA advisors. People, who had ranches and businesses to care for, chose to take the time to invest in youth. By helping me and my peers succeed, they showed that they value the future generations. Their encouragement and advice inspired me to work hard and achieve. The best way I can thank them is to pass it on.


We all owe someone our gratitude; after all, nobody makes it on their own. Taking the time and effort to give back isn't hard; it simply involves some sacrifice. A sacrifice somebody made for us, and one we can make for the future.

Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve.

You don't have to have a college degree to serve.

You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.

You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.  

- Martin Luther King Jr.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie   

I love you, because you're into zombies.

As a single gal, I don't hate Valentine's Day. Instead of dwelling on what I don't have, I simply choose to love the things and people that are in my life right now. I love them (and the chocolate they bring).


1. Jesus Christ-The Lord daily and richly provides everything I need for this body and life. In addition to saving my soul, Christ has blessed me with a happy spirit, and so many other gifts.

2. My Family-My mom never failed to have a card and chocolate for us at breakfast on V-day, now it's a good morning text from both her and daddy, and even one from my awesome older brother too. I have a great family that I love to work, laugh, and live alongside.

3. The Usuals- That group of friends who always have time for a chat, a cup of coffee, and any adventure. I love the rides from the airport, silly bug valentines, and the shenanigans our creative minds initiate. We are never too old to have fun.

4. The Challengers- These friends challenge me to try new things and think outside the box. I've met them at church and in the j-school, and I love how they expand my world and help me grow. Whether it's watching a new show, or taking a trip to Haiti, I'll never regret the adventures with them.

5. The Aggies- East Campus is the home of these friends. They share my love of agriculture and would never mock me for my passion. Bus rides are more pleasant with these folks to share "cattle conversations" with me.

6. The Mentors- Another diverse group. I wouldn't be anywhere without the people that offer constructive criticism and sound advice. From professors, to professionals, to lovely-hearted ladies, they all have taken the time to teach me, and for that I'll forever be indebted to them.

7. The Mentees- I won't kid myself, the younger people in my life teach me more than I could ever teach them. Their lightheartedness reminds me that being old isn't all it's cracked up to be.

8. The Readers/Followers- These are the folks that read my blog or follow me on social media. It's nice to know that somebody out there is reading my words. Sometimes I feel discouraged about my writing, so the support these folks show is priceless.

9. Cattle Enthusiasts- Now that my show days are over, I appreciate these people even more. They shared the show rings, barns, and summer days with me. These folks will be my future colleagues in the cattle world, and I can't wait.

10. The Legacies- I've never met most of the people who have had an impact on my life, but their passion and character has influenced me through the impact they left behind.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

P.S.The title of this post comes from a silly song that can be found here (it's your reward for reading the whole blog)

 

Water in the bunk

The cows have to eat, so we have to scoop!

As the stubborn independent middle child, I often listen to what my mother says, and then do the opposite. She warned me a week ago, that coming home might be a bad idea, as Nebraska was set to get a winter storm over the weekend. I glanced at the radar, and with all the expertise of one climatology class, decided to head home anyway. Friday afternoon I teased her about "all the snow" (which was none) that I had to drive through on my way home.


Then Saturday came, as I awoke and glanced out the window, my teasing was silenced. We had gotten more than 11 inches of snow. Like so many other ranch families, I donned my long underwear, pants, and coveralls and headed out the door. My dad manned the tractor and began clearing the driveways around the place while my mother and I scooped bunks so the cattle could eat. While scooping each long stretch I remembered a lesson learned not too long ago.

My brothers and I were not big fans of scooping. One time we decided not the clear the snow out of the entire bunk, and instead to simply clear a single section for our show calves. I'm not sure whether my dad never noticed that the bunk wasn't entirely clear, or that he wanted us to learn a lesson. Weeks later when the snow melted, we had a problem on our hands. Instead of clearing the precipitation in its scoop-able form, we now had a huge puddle that nearly covered the entire feeding space. Getting the water out of the bunk took a lot more work and creativity than not scooping earlier saved

A job half-done doesn't always result in immediate consequences. It may never cost money, time, or effort, but the water in the bunk serves me as a real reminder that a job worth doing is worth doing right.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie