Big steps

When I returend home from convention, I completely passed out until 9 o'clock in the morning. I thought..what am I going to do today? I knew I didn't want to do any laundry until Monday. Save the lil things for last..I know. I really wanted to attend a church I attended back in early Setpember when I first moved to Indy. The church is called Northview Christian Life Church in Carmel, IN. Its about 15-20 minutes away from my place.

I have been church hopping earlier this fall...I definitely participated in some "interesting" worships but good to get a different perspective of the church. This church is so awesome...awesome worship, live music and really talented musicians. I really like the pastor, Steve Poe. He has messages that really relate to the present. He mentioned that last weekend the entire church packed up and left the church to do outreach work. Basically the members came to the church, got in their life groups, and were seprated to go to various "lower income" sites throughout the Indianapolis area. People were able to help various places with trash pickup, restoring apartments, raking leaves etc....It was very moving seeing what they've done this past weekend. I wish I would've know about it. I did this with the Orientation Leaders a few years ago...basically the same concept. In the end, lots of fun and you really feel good about yourselves..helping others and giving back to those less fortunate.

Then the band played the song, "Time of your life" by David Cook. Not only do I love that song, but it was quite motivating......

Northview Christian Life Church's campaign this fall is called "Life on Loan" There were potatoe bags on the back of each seat. It stated on one side, Every seat tells a story" and "How have you loved today?" There are three postcards that allows you to share your story with the congregation. The church will let the members know when to bring your postcard and post it on the wall. The cards kind of go in season..christmas card and then spring. This should be a good reminder for that...

After church, I went into the Capstone Bookstore and coffee shop. I found myself looking at Bibles..which is something I never thought I'd do. I found myself a Bible that I could actually understand and also got this book called Boundaries. A book of personal property lines that define who you are and who you are not, and influence all areas of your life...I'm excited to read it..... random thought...I just downloaded some songs of the christian band, 33 Miles..kinda like a Christian Rascal Flatts band...they're awesome....

The other side of things..

It has been three years since I've attended National FFA Convention. My last convention was competing quiz bowl at ATA Conclave and promoting the U of M at the career show. To tell you the truth, I was probably just as blown away being in Indy downtown as a first FFA Member attendee! My heart just pumped with excitement as I see old friends and see the faces of FFA members.

Being fairly new to Indianapolis and downtown, I felt like a lost puppy not finding its way back to its mother. When we got to the Indianapolis Convention Center (ICC), we unloaded my car and I drove back to park in the Hilton hotel. Trying to find the stupid parking lot was more difficult than I thought. I found msyelf going in circles and trying to find the place. Finally I found my way back to the hotel and asked the bell hops. Once I found it, I screamed with joy. Right then and there, I tried to use the observation skills I have.

Our set up was fairly simple and quick. I quickly learned how difficult/"FUN" it is to set up my booth. Once its set up, it looks awesome....I was able to meet up with some U of M'ers at Claddaugh..it was soo good to see them!! Made me realize how much I miss everybody there.

I used convention to my advantage and met as many members that I could for the Consortium. It was nice to put a face to the name...definietely a visual person. I didn't get to visit with everyone but tried to meet as many as I could. Instead of being a hermit, I ate lunch right in the cafe. I was able to meet a few good advisors/students..Good to see their perspectives of convention and views of the convention site.

I keep telling myself that this position that I am in will push me..It has and continues to. Each day gets better but some days are worse than others..I continue to tell myself that rome wasn't built in a day. I know it wasn't..and I know I can't work miracles in a day. By random, I ran into one of my high school FFA Advisors, Mr. Voss. It was soo good to see him! Mr. Voss and Ms. Bidne have been such an inspritation and motivation for what I've done. He told me, "I'm so proud of you and you are such a good kid." Hearing that from him made my day. He told me to "take baby steps." Take one mountain at a time, which is my goal to do. I am just having a positive attitude and working towards our goals.

Wow...so convention was almost over..done w/ our events...my first convention done! I tell ya, no matter how many conventions I attend, I always tear up at the parents recognition and retiring officers...emotional in every way....I thought convention went well..glad its over...but had fun along the way..hopefully will try to recoop for a bit before I back into the daily grind...

Pledge to capture the moment

Ever since I was little, I have always valued the essence of a good photo. Seeing the pure beauty in a single shot can truly move you. Whether its viewing a new baby born calf, watching a bee take pollen from the flowers, or a fast action sport. All are exciting and fun to at least attempt to take a great picture.

Who knows where I got my inspritation from, perhaps my dad? Dad's always the "typical" tourist wearing shorts with long white socks, a hawaiian shirt, and a camera permanently attached to his hands. Perhaps his inspiration has been a great thing for me. For years I have been envying people who are great photograhers. If you knew me, I would bring my camera with me...wherever I would go! Whether it would be out to dinner or on top of a glacier mountain. Again capturing something..spectacular!

Photography is something I am starting to really get into. I recently became Ms. amateur photographer during one of our college tailgates down south. I really enjoyed walking around trying to find people chatting and so. So now I'm in the process of learning more...taking more photos...actually learning how to use a high tech camera..not just digital.

Anyways..that's my thought for the day..

Change in a dress....

Wow, where do I begin? It seems just like yesterday I was in my hometown state, Minnesota. I was so busy with job interviews and moving, I didn't even get to go to the great Minnesota get together, the Minnesota State Fair. I tell you, that event is the event of the year for me. The fair is something I have always grown up with....everything on a stick! You know that Teddy Roosevelt was the first president to speak at the Minnesota State Fair? He said, "speak softly and carry a big stick." Anyways..any of you who have not been to our fair, it is one of the musts, or at least in my eyes :).



I am so happy to be living in a different part of the country just living the dream. My parents kept telling me your whole life is going to change. I really didn't realize this would happen until I moved into my apartment, changed my license, and all that jazz. I felt pretty proud of myself for not knowing anybody in the great city of Indianapolis, IN. This really gives me a fresh start to yet a new chapter of my life. I get to work with students and their organizations, promote, and help students become successful leaders in the agricultural industry.

Regardless the whole month I have been working has been quite the challenge. I forgot how difficult it is to get the swing of new things. People that know me probably know that I am a very independent person, fun, quirky, hard working, and loves to laugh..They also know it takes quite a while for me to open up to people. I know Rome wasn't built in a day..Same as friendships. I believe what you put into your relationship with anybody is what you will get out of it. I am excited for the upcoming months of convention, website planning, and oh more planning! Everyday I feel more confident and the more reasons to love what I do.