My head is swimming...

What a day!  I woke up and starting helping my mom set up for her plant sale.  After we finished setting up, I went to ask my Grandpy what he was tinkering with and ended up talking to him for an hour and learning all about his dairy farm, how he cultivated the land, how a creek used to run through where the barn is now, and how his barn caught fire!  I learned so much about my ag background, and there's still so much to learn.  I came away with two realizations:
1) My Grandpy is a mechanical genius, and 2) I should have learned all this long ago!

The awesome didn't stop there though!  I came in for lunch, checked my e-mail and saw that Angela Mayfield commented on my last post- seriously, the comment is there, check it out!  I was so excited!

I just finished up a long and extensive meeting with Rayne where we really nailed down what I'm going to talk about at the Rotary meeting on Thursday.  Now I just have to write my speech.  And I put together my to-do list for next week.

It's incredible how draining those meetings can be.  I don't know why, but afterwards my head is just swimming with new ideas, so I want to get started on a new project and take a nap all at the same time.  This week should be a good one.  I've been getting overwhelmed with everything I have to do this summer, but hopefully my new organization system will help.

Tomorrow I'm running a 5k.  I have never done this before.  Wish me luck, I will need it!


I'm realizing this post is very boring.  I'm sorry. But check out what's not boring: the word tantalize!  I'm doing Word of the Days again, so this one is for today.  It's a verb that means to excite (another) by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach, as in: The cookies displayed in the cookie jar were tantalizing to Keith.


I don't think Keith reads this blog- so he can't be offended. :)
Mom, Natalie, and I might go see a movie tonight.  You should too, it's a Friday!  Have fun this weekend!
Rachel

Changes in leadership and last names

I saw some big news on the FFA website today.  I feel both happy and sad.

First: Dr. Larry Case is retiring in January.

Dr. Case has been the FFA advisor for 26 years- longer than I have been alive.  He is an icon for FFA members, he's the Big Owl!  I've never, ever thought about him retiring.

Here's the press release, if you're interested. 

Dr. Case was my first FFA idol.  I remember traveling to SPC with Taylor in July of 2008.  As we rode our taxi to the hotel at 2 AM, we started wondering if anyone would be awake to welcome us.  Jokingly, I said, "Oh, I'm sure all the National Officers will be waiting in the lobby, and Dr. Case will give us a huge hug."  Then we laughed, and Taylor said, "Unlikely...but that would be awesome!"

We were not greeted by Larry Case in the lobby at 2 AM, but the next day he joined us for the opening session.  I was astonished!  This is a man whose name I memorized my sophomore year for the FFA info test.  This is a man who knows more about agricultural education than most people would learn in two lifetimes.  He is a legend.  I so enjoyed getting to know him, even if it was just a little bit.

The wise old owl himself, and me.  He told me when I showed this picture to anyone to also add the disclaimer that he had been flying all day and he wasn't as young as he used to be and so you have to forgive him for his disheveled appearance.  I think he looks fine.  Much better than I do when I fly (remember?)

State Officers listen earnestly to Dr. Case

Dr. Case's awesome cardboard cut-outs

[I know you're supposed to grow out of being excited to meet prominent FFA members and leaders.  So I try to act like I don't get chills when I see a National Officer's jacket, even though I do.  And I tried to control my excitement when I met Dr. Case.  Unfortunately, I couldn't quite keep my composure when I got to meet the former FFA Executive Secretary, C. Coleman Harris.  When he tried to introduce himself, I just blurted out, "Sir, I know who you are!"  Luckily, that doesn't happen with Dr. Steve Brown.  He just always talks about eating moose stew at my house with my parents. We're tight. :) ]

I'm sad that Dr. Case is leaving us, but I'm sure his replacement will do a fantastic job.  I'm looking forward to finding out who it will be!

Second: Angela Mayfield is one of the keynote speakers at the 2010 National Convention

I did a little research when I saw a picture of this woman, and felt like I recognized her.  Sure enough, Angela Mayfield served as the 2000-2001 National Western Region Vice President- only back then her name was Angela Browning.  Now, Angela Browning is not an FFA celebrity that I have met personally, but I feel like I know her because she taught me how to speak in public.  

At my very first State Officer training event, Blast-Off, in May 2008, our trainer Marlene showed us the video of Angela Browning's retiring address.  I'm not sure if that is the approved speech that all Blast-Off trainers are supposed to show, but that's the one Marlene showed us.  I watched the whole thing in complete awe, inspired and impressed.  When the video was over, Marlene said, "What if I told you that you could give a speech just as good as Angela's?" Then she taught us the "magic formula" and the rest, as they say, is history.

I also got my favorite quote from that speech, "Until you stop comparing, you will never grow."  I even used that quote in my speech at graduation.

I'm looking forward to seeing Angela speak again, this time in person.  You can see her fantastic retiring address on youtube in two parts: here, and here.

Speaking of speaking...I've got some good ideas for the Rotary speech, but I need to start writing them down and organizing them.  Have a great evening!

Rachel

Adjusting...

I am adjusting to a new schedule of working part-time and studying part-time.  At present I am feeling a little overwhelmed with how much I have to do to study, and a little nervous about starting to write my speech for the Rotary club in a few weeks.  So I thought to ease into things, I would tell you all about what I learned last Wednesday.

Although I didn't exactly follow my summer schedule last week (mostly  because of a reception that went on Saturday night and all the prep work involved) I still got quite a bit of studying done from reading on the airplane and attending a CTSO meeting with my state advisor, Jeff Werner.

I was worried that the CTSO meeting would end up being a waste of my time, but I really learned a lot from going there.  Mainly, I learned that the CTSOs (including BPA, SkillsUSA, HOSA, DECA, etc.) are all struggling with the same things- trying to secure and maintain state funding.  And dealing with counselors to build an understanding of career and technical education.   Things to think about.

Oh yeah- my favorite moment of the day was when Jeff showed me his iPhone in the middle of the meeting, with the National FFA page up displaying this picture:

Don't ask me what he was doing surfing the web in the middle of the meeting... :)

Then he says, "This could be you.  No, this will  be you.  Think positive."  

Alright Jeff, I will. :)

Also- this is what I look like when I fly:

It has occurred to me that if I become a National Officer, I'll have to work on flying without looking like crap.

Better get to working on that speech- have a fantastic Tuesday!

Rachel

Home

I am finally home.  It feels so good to be around family, play with my nieces and nephews, and drive around town without feeling anxious.

It's also a bit of struggle adjusting to a new schedule and new surroundings in terms of my study habits- hence the break in blogging.  Sorry about that.  I'm working on it.

My work situation is kind of weird this summer, but I guess it's good for me.  I'm doing an internship at the Division of Ag, but it doesn't start until July 6th.  Until then, I'm working part-time for my mom in the garden and using the rest of my time to study, do speeches and workshops, fill out my applications, and blog.  I can't wait!  Tomorrow I'm going into Anchorage with Mr. Werner (my state advisor) to a meeting about how to save Alaska CTSOs.  Then, if we have time, we'll meet with Rayne, and then head back into the valley for the Palmer FFA Chapter Banquet.

Although I haven't blogged, I've done six hours of study since last Thursday!  That is mostly because I read an entire book on Saturday while I traveled home.  It's called, "Just Don't Fall," and it's by Josh Sundquist (the speaker I wrote about before who only has one leg)...and it's awesome.  Very funny, very inspiring, and very well-written.  I got a TON out of it, which was good, because I was nervous about reading a book that wasn't a "leadership book" per se.

I'm going to blog a lot about it (I turned down the corners of the pages I liked) but I'll leave you today with a paragraph that pretty much describes my life right now.  I laughed so hard when I read it.  Self-help books will do this to your mind.

For some context: Josh is on a date at a book fair,

" 'I love books,' she says, sorting through a box of paperbacks. 'But I just never have time to read.'  I open my mouth to tell her about how she should just prioritize her schedule using The Seven Habits of Highly Effiective People method, which involves Roles and Goals and something called Quadrant II."

" 'Lydia,' I say, 'What are your goals in life?'  I ask her this because talking about your goals and dreams in life puts you in what Tony Robbins calls a Peak Emotional State.  Anything you associate with a Peak Emotional State gains importance in your mind.  If I can get Lydia in a Peak Emotional State while she is on this date...then she will associate those strong positive feelings with me, and she'll want to be my girlfriend."

Also, I didn't forget about my 35 Ways to Encourage the Heart (at least for very long).  Today I'm doing number 31, the "Do What You Say You Will Do" audit.

Have a great Tuesday,
Rachel

What Do I Do If It Doesn't Happen?

In October, I got to go to the National Convention and compete in Job Interview.  I'm so grateful I had that opportunity.  At that time, I had begun seriously considering running for National Office and I decided that I would think about it at National Convention and make my decision by the time I got back to Logan.

When I got back to my dorm, I called Rayne and said, "I want to do it.  I want to do all of it."  And the rest, as they say is history.

The facts are, I made my decision before I got back to Logan, I made my decision about halfway through the convention.  So after I decided, I payed really close attention to the National Officer Candidates: how they presented themselves on stage, who had made the cut, what they did in their spare time, etc.  It helped that a lot of them were friends of mine from SPC and NLCSO. :)

At the closing session, my chapter (well I guess, my association? most of Alaska, anyhow) showed up to the Fieldhouse over an hour early to get seats.  we ended up sitting on the right side (looking from the stage) on the wing nearest to the floor.  They weren't delegate seats (oh how I miss those!) but they were still really good, and they happened to be just across the aisle from the National Officer Candidates.

When the time finally came to announce the 2009-2010 team, I watched the candidates intently.  I said to myself, "These are the best seats ever!"  I felt like I was part of the action, watching first-hand the thrilled new officers run to their posts.  And I thought the whole time, "This could be me next year."

Then, they were all up on stage.  The wrapping up began and everyone sat down again.  Then I made the mistake of looking over at the National Officer Candidates section.

I had just witnessed six of the happiest people I had ever seen run on stage, and when I looked over at the NOC section, I saw at least ten of the saddest people I had ever seen.  I guess I had forgotten that the people who made the first cut really didn't know who was going to make it- and I expect coming so far just to be cut was a devastating blow.  Looking over, I saw people who had worked really, really, hard, and everything they had worked for had just been whisked away.  They were crushed.

I immediately wished I had not sat so close.

Luckily, loved ones and coaches came to support them and I'm sure everyone was okay after a while.  But it was a weird part of the national officer selection process that most people don't get to see.

This really bothered me, because I had just made up my mind that I was going to commit myself for the next year to prepare to run- but what if it didn't happen for me?  I didn't want to be crushed, or to feel like preparing was a waste of time, or that I didn't have anything to look forward to.  It was a dilemma.

When I got back to Logan, I told my brother I was going to run, and his response was, "Just don't cry if you don't make it."  I said I couldn't guarantee anything.

Then, a few months ago, I got a questionnaire response from 2008-2009 National Central Region VP Morgan Parker (thanks again!)  He said something that really made me think:

"You also have to have a backup plan. If I wasn't elected, I knew exactly what I was going to do. And I wasn't going to be heart broken about it. Contrary to popular belief, there is life beyond the blue jacket."

 So yes, I am committing myself fully to preparing to be a National Officer.  But if it doesn't happen, I'm not going to be crushed.  Yes, being a National Officer would be fantastic, and a dream come true.  But if I'm not a National Officer, I'll be able to do a lot of other things I otherwise wouldn't be able to do.  And here's a list of them I've been brainstorming.

See Micah as soon as he comes home in July 2011.

Do a semester abroad.

Do more improv.

Try something new here at school I've wanted to do, like the Swing Dancing Club or Latter-Day Voices.

Improve my piano skills.

Cut my hair however I want (if I don't make it I think I'll cut it all off just for fun)

Hang out with my friends.

Wear big earrings whenever I want.
Possibly go on a mission.
Be in a play or musical again. 

Take an animal production class in the spring.

Go to church every week.

Get a cool internship for next summer (like in D.C. or something!)

Spend time with my family (more than I would if I was a National Officer)

This picture was taken in 2007.  We hang out more than every 3 years, I promise, we just don't ever take pictures!

Eat a pizza (Rayne promised he'd buy me one if I didn't make it- any size, any toppings.  He has a lot of confidence I'll make it, 'cuz I don't think he goes around buying pizza for people very often. :)  Still though, it's a win-win: I become a National Officer, or I get a pizza!)

I'm sure there are more things that I could add to this list.  And don't worry- I have a list of great things about being a National Officer too...obviously I think it's a cool thing, or I wouldn't be devoting so much time to it.

The point is: I used to think I had to be National Officer.  I used to look at the National Officers in New Horizons magazine and think "That's going to be me...I want it SO bad...it has to happen!" and feel a little sick to my stomach (true story).  I used think I probably would cry if I didn't make it, and I didn't want to think about it because I knew how distraught I would be.

Now, I'm sure I'll be sad.  I wouldn't be being realistic if I told you I'll bounce back right away if it doesn't happen for me.  But I'll just look at this list, eat my pizza, and remind myself that it will all be okay. :)

Presenting With Pizzazz: Chapters Eight and Nine

Chapter Eight: You Master What You Teach
That's...pretty obvious.  If you want people to learn they need to teach others.

Chapter Nine: Be the 'Guide on the Side' Not the 'Sage on the Stage'
I need to remember,

"It's my business as a trainer to get my training participants focused on themselves and their own learning as quickly as possible."

I had never really though too much about keeping my ego in check during workshops, but it makes sense!  The workshop is not "look at me, look how cool I am," it's "look at you and what you can learn

"I am the guide who creates the learning experience and then steps back to let the learners take over."

 The book challenges me to include a learning activity for participants to focus on themselves for a few minutes the next time I give a keynote or present a workshop- and I plan to.

Happy Tuesday,
Rachel

Tonight

FYI: That title is supposed to be sung, like in West Side Story. :)

What's up guys?
Today has been an awesome day.  I think it's because of my new goal!  I got up (relatively) early and read scriptures today, and I've felt productive and focused all day.  I've gotten over 2 hours of studying done today, which is a big deal, for me.

So I just wanted to get on here and brag, and also laugh with you about something funny I read in my book today.

Josh forces me to pose for a picture in front of my handiwork: my well-loved high school car sitting in a ditch. We had a hard time driving to my friend Lauren's house in the winter of 2008. :(  Note the very red face: sheer embarrassment.

Remember how I hate driving?  As I was driving the other day, I was so frustrated and upset, and I had just been reading my book on strengths.  It defined a weakness as something we are persistently bad at- so bad, in fact, that it gets in the way of our strengths.  And I thought to myself, "You know, I am so bad at driving!  It makes everything difficult and stressful, could this be a weakness?"

And today I read this:

"Noted for his horrible accident-prone driving, one CEO we interviewed hired a college student for $7 an hour to drive his Sedan DeVille, thereby eliminating stress and potential danger."

I wrote underneath: "Can I do this?!" 

Presenting With Pizzazz: Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: The Process Is As Important As The Product

"You learn from pain and you learn from pleasure."

The book says to think of pleasant and unpleasant memories.  Chances are, you have plenty of memories of painful or unpleasant experiences- vivid ones.  I had a great childhood and wonderful experiences in school- but I can still remember almost every experience I had crying in the bathroom.  Painful memories stick!

Painful memories also affect our behaviors later on in life.  If we had a bad experience with something, we're likely to avoid doing that again or anything that resembles that.  This is the reason that we need to be conscious of how  we're teaching as well as what we're teaching.  If we teach something good in a wrong way, the only thing we're teaching is to avoid that subject. Make sense?

"How your participants 'get there' is as important as the information they walk away with. The activities they engage in will determine the depth of the learning they leave with.  Your greatest challenge is to create a learning experience that is pleasurable, stimulating, challenging, and informative...and you can do it in simple, fun, and creative ways." 

There are four ways to attempt this: Comfort, Food, Connecting to Your Audience, and Connecting People to Each Other

Comfort-

"Within the limitations of the room...create as comfortable and colorful a place for learning as possible."

Food-

"Food is a nurturing thing and gives the message to your participants that they matter and they are worth the time, effort, and money it takes to provide nourishment."  (I had never thought of this before- but who doesn't love food?)

Connecting To Your Audience-

"Before starting your presentation, take a moment to make eye contact with as many people as possible, welcoming them mentally as well as verbally.  This little exercise is a focusing of your energy and theirs as you begin your presentation.  It creates positive emotional connections.  And it gives you that friendly face to return your attention to when you need a little extra support from the group." 

Connecting People to People-

"When people are not emotionally connected to each other in positive ways, the group dynamics can be destructive to learning."

Think about this for a minute- do you do your best group projects in school or work with people you don't get along with at all?  I sure don't, and as a presenter I need to be aware that people may come into a workshop with negative vibes towards one another.  If I don't fix that problem straight up, my workshop can be ruined before it even starts.  So how do I do it?

"Connections are the keys to creating positive learning experiences, community building, the willingness to take risks, and the ability to open up to other people and learn from them.  People feeling connected to each other in positive ways is a crucial part of a successful training or presentation.  So before connecting your trainees with the content you're going to be teaching them, connect them with each other first."

 Stay tuned- there's like, four more chapters!
Rachel

 

Happiness and Success, May's Goal

I heard a neat quote by Herman Caine today at a church fireside:

"Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success."

I love this idea.  If you are happy, than you will obtain success, If you are waiting for success to bring happiness, than you'll always be waiting for something and your attitude will be contingent on the things that go on in your life.

I guess this struck me particularly because I've always had a hard time having a good attitude.  Today as I was taking all my things down off the wall, I noticed my "good attitude" sign on the door.  I made it in February, it's a red arrow that says "I'm Thinking Up" on it.  Seeing it reminded me of how far I've come.  February's month goal was to have a good attitude, and I know that through hard work, reminders and help of loved ones, I've come a long way in maintaining a positive attitude.

Speaking of monthly goals, May is here, and that means something new to work on.  So, my new goal is to focus on my priorities, which are, as listed in the last post, my faith, my family, and running for National Office.

Have a nice day!
Rachel

Renewal

Hey guys,
I've been a little burnt out the past few days..I am sick with a nasty bug which keeps me from working my usual pace- and I'm also very excited to get home...which is also making me rather useless.

I don't want people reading this to think I am constantly down on myself or anything- but lately, I have been having a hard time getting myself focused to study.  It makes me worried, because the summer is starting and that's my time to pour on the gas, not slow down!  But with all the end of school wrapping up activities I've felt really stretched thin.  And I'm worried about getting to speak this summer, because one of the venues I thought I had lined up for sure has already fallen through.

Well, tonight I went to one of my best friend's choir concerts, and the message was on renewal and restoration.  It was absolutely what I needed to hear, and it touched me.  I was there with one of my guy friends, so I had to try hard not to let him see me cry!

The concert, with its gorgeous music and dance, reminded me that I can change.  I need to re-focus on my priorities and make a conscious effort and with the Lord's help, I can do the things I need to.  So here's a list of my priorities in life right now:

1) My faith

2) My family

3) Studying for National Office

Everything else in my life is wonderful and awesome, but these are the things I am going to focus on.  I am a stereotypical overachiever, and so I always think that I am not doing enough.  Setting aside time to study for National Office is sometimes hard for me, because I think that I should be able to balance studying with all the other activities I usually do.  When that happens, I just remember this quote by Arnold Bennett:

"The real tragedy is the tragedy of the man who never in his life braces himself for his one supreme effort- he never stretches to his full capacity, never stands up to his full stature."

Right now, my "one supreme effort" is National Office.  So I'm gonna give it all I've got.  Thanks for sticking with me and reading my whinings.  Madi- thanks for inviting me to the show!  It meant a lot to me...and it was awesome!  Double yeah!

Rachel