Spring Cleaning!

"caCA caCA....tweet tweet!" O happy day!

When I went to class today, the sun was shining bright and it felt pleasently warm on my face. :) I just can't seem to get rid of my smile! The snow is melting and I can see grass again! After a extensive, arctic, depressing, and sunless winter, I readily welcome the sounds of birds. Many households clean their houses from top to bottom during spring. They take spring cleaning time very seriously. Even I was motivated by the sights, sounds, and smells of spring today. I threw open my dorm window, and put some serious elbow grease into cleaning out my desk and underneath my bed. Now, if only my roommate would do the same! :) Just kidding, her side of the room is always ten times better than mine.

But, after all of my back breaking laborous cleaning, I sat down and thought about spring. It's a time of the year of new life. Buds are forming on trees, baby animals are being born. It's more of a beginning to the year than the month of January. So, I'm making some resolutions. And I encourage you to do the same. I mean, State Convention is so close I can almost touch it, so why not make a resolution to study REAL hard for your competition this next month. Or, maybe there was something that you really wanted to try this school year but never got around too. Make it a goal, a SMART goal, to try that activity next year.

Whatever it may be, let your bud of a goal blossom into a beautiful flower! :)
yes maybe that last comment was a little too cute, but I was proud of my creativity!

Enjoy the weather!!
Stationed by the flag,
Kirsten Pagel

it's SPAM-tastic!

QUICK!

What's the FIRST THING that comes to your mind
when you see a can of THIS? *****************************************

Up until yesterday, my first thought would have been:
"What IS that?"
Thanks to the awesome folks at Hormel Foods,
I have a better grasp on how SPAM and other Hormel products are
making the company a leader in their industry,
staying true to their values,
and breaking "the monotony".

Our team had the awesome opportunity to tour both the Hormel Plant and the Research and Development Facilities this Friday. "Originate, don't imitate" is the key concept that has helped Hormel Foods be a leader in their industry since 1891. From grocery store products to the food service industry, Hormel has found ways to keep themselves viable in the market for many years!

When George A. Hormel started his business over 100 years ago, he had no intention of doing things the way they had ever been done before. Staying true to his values, Hormel began building the business into exactly what he wanted it to be - a company that processed only the best pork in the industry. Today, Hormel Foods sticks to that same tradition. Along with their high standard for quality, Hormel has become well-known for their huge philanthropic efforts. From sponsoring student organizations, such as the FFA, to sending SPAM to Japan to aid in their relief efforts, this company has made themselves known for their generous giving!

Now, back to my previous question.
When you think "SPAM", what do you think of?

Do you think of breaking the monotony?

What is monotony? According to Mr. Webster...
mo-not-o-ny [muh-not-n-ee]: wearisome uniformity or lack of variety.

In other words?
MONOTONOUS = old-school. the same old, same old. BORING.

How is SPAM breaking the monotony of the every day meal?
Easy.
SPAM is that flash of color in your "blah" eggs.
It's the spice in your mac and cheese.
SPAM is making ordinary extraordinary.

Here's another question...

QUICK!

What's the FIRST THING that comes to your mind
when you see THIS?

Up until my freshman year, my first thought would have been:
"What IS that?"
Thanks to two great high school Ag teachers,
a handful of wonderful mentors,
and nearly 9000 Minnesota FFA members,
I have a better grasp on how
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Every day FFA members across the state are doing great things for our chapters, our communities, and the random people we meet walking down the street. We are making a difference in the lives of so many - simply because we know what that Blue Jacket stands for to us: being ourselves, doing something great, breaking the monotony.

So friends, I have one final question.











How are YOU "breaking the monotony"?










43 days until State FFA Convention 2011.
GET EXCITED!

Stationed by the plow,
LIZ

Spring Brings...

Spring brings nice weather, melting snow, and rising water. Soon the brown will be replaced by a lush green that welcomes back grill outs, fishing and lake excursions, and good old backyard sports.

Spring brings memories and feelings. I can remember when I was five years old and we had a field of wildflower out back that we loved to play in. Early on in the year, I would look out the window and ask my mom, “When are the flowers coming?” My mom always told me to be patient. Over the next few weeks, the rains washed away the last bits of mud and new shoots began to grow. Finally, after days of waiting, watching and wondering the first flowers popped up. I zipped up my little blue sweatshirt, stepped into my rain boots, and ran around the house to the field. I tromped through the field like I owned the place and was joined by a little yellow and black friend.


Spring brings bees. My little flying friend wanted to enjoy the flowers too. As I waved my little hands at him he decided to return a gift with his rear end on my left hand. Tears in my eyes, I ran back to the house and sobbing told my mom all about it. While I sat icing my hand, she explained that the bee drinks some sugar from the flower and the flower needs the bees too. After much encouragement from my mom, I cautiously returned to the field and ducked at a few flies remembering my hand. I picked some flowers, mainly the little purple violets. Clutching them in my little hand I proudly gave them to my mom who put them on our dinner table. She was very happy for my little gift and of course smothered me in a kiss which I immediately wiped off.

Looking back, there are a couple of ideas from my spring experience relevant today. I had to wait patiently for the final product of wildflowers. Many times we have to put in a lot of time, work and patience to get a final product. This should not discourage us as what we invest the most in often is the most worthwhile and valuable. I willing gave of my flowers away and we need to have the same feeling when we are giving of our time and talents. When we give flowers we are not expecting anything in return except to brighten someone’s day. When we give of ourselves, let’s have the same attitude of not expecting it to be replicated. Lastly, and the most painful lesson for a five year old is that we have to share. Sharing and giving enjoyment for others grows the joy in life.

Spring brings reminders of how we can grow, share and give!

Stationed by the Rising Sun,

Jason Troendle

we want YOU ... for State Band and Chorus!

GOT TALENT?
*******************************************************

Do you have younger siblings?

Have you ever attended one of their music class concerts?

I can remember one particular time I went to a 3rd Grade music class concert.; not because the singing was good enough to for an Opera House and not because the percussion section was loud enough to rival a rock band. No, I remember this particular concert because of one kid standing in the front row.

He was short, probably wouldn’t even come up to my shoulder, and had that hair that just screams, “I was not about to let my mom come near me with a COMB!” Regardless of how he looked, though, this young man caught my attention because of the smile on his face. The minute his teacher started plunking away the first notes of a song, he grinned from ear-to-ear, ready to sing. His voice carried over the other 50 kids standing with him on stage and that smile never left his face!

I always enjoy watching the Band and Chorus at State FFA Convention perform.

Why? Sure, the music is good, but even more than that I love to see the passion on each member’s face as they tell us a story with each note. Like being at a 3rd Grade music class concert, my eye is drawn to those who absolutely love to perform. While watching the State Band and Chorus, my eyes bounce from person to person as they sing or play. Members of the Band and Chorus allow the rest of us less-musically-inclined members to enjoy State Convention even more!

Share your talents with the Minnesota FFA Association at State Convention, May 1-3, 2011!

Click HERE to find the application.

Applications for State Band and Chorus

are due March 15.