OOFDAH...!

Today was EXTREMELY eventful.
While I don't intend to break down the nitty-gritty details of each hour, I will give you a list of the 5 Big events of today!

1. The U of M Invite! (part I) ... today was an early morning! I up and down to the State Fairgrounds from my home in Bailey hall at 7:45 this morning to help with the Minnesota FFA , University of Minnesota Invitational. Over 1,000 FFA members from chapters across Minnesota and Wisconsin, came to test their knowledge and skills in Soils judging, Poultry Evaluation, Dairy Cattle Evaluation, General Livestock Evaluation and Horse Evaluation. I had a great time working with Sara, Trevor and Justin in the Poultry Eval. contest. I was in charge of the room with the: Keep/Cull class, Carcass Evaluation, and parts identification. I also got the perks of watching the Dairy Cattle competition because it was held in the same proximity of the poultry contest. It was great to see familiar faces from camps, conferences and state fair competing!
2. Norman Borlaug Memorial ... After dedicating part of my school day to the U of M invite, I then hopped on the campus connector to the Minneapolis campus, to the McNamara Alumni Center. Today was the day that a memorial was held for Nobel Peace Prize winner, Green Revolutionist, U of M alumni and father- Dr.Norman Borlaug. Dr.Borlaug passed away just one month ago.I have always wanted to meet him, but I had the privilege to meet his daughter and listen to others speak about his life. It was a great program, and Dr. Borlaug's favorite song by John Denver, "All this Joy", was played while nostalgic photos were projected on a screen. I feel blessed to have lived on the same planet as a person like Dr. Borlaug. His daughter spoke of some of her "daddy's" last words being..."Africa.I didn't get to complete my mission in Africa..." His words still resonate in my mind, even though I never heard a single word he spoke himself. It is because of people like Dr. Borlaug that I aspire to take my talents and gifts to places where war, politics and environment account for the decline in agricultural prosperity. I want to serve others on a level bigger than myself. Thank you Dr. Borlaug.
3. BLOOD ! ...no I didn't get attacked by mutant a pack of ninja walrus, causing me to bleed. I took part in the University of Minnesota's Homecoming Blood Drive. I gave blood! I love doing it, and can't wait until the next. (I heard there is a plasma bank near Baily Hall...)
4. U of M Invite (part II) ... the CDEs and contest in FFA are my favorite part. CORRECTING them: not my favorite. I helped correct the Soils contest right after class at 5:00 until about 8:00. In that amount of time, I memorized the entire key to Pit #2. I have gained a true appreciation for those who dedicate their time to organizing CDEs and making sure (our favorite part), the results are posted. Thank you Mrs. Addington and Mr. Doug Hanson!
5. Pomp, pomp, pomp ... this week is the "Ultimate Homecoming" at the U of M. A pretty big deal is the parade, in which the Greek life (fraternities and sororities) make floats. I have been bouncing in between helping the FarmHouse Frat and Alpha Gamma Rho this past week with pomping. It's basically taking two pieces of tissue paper and sticking them ever-so precisely onto the design of the float. The floats are COVERED! Tomorrow is the parade and I'm excited!
6. ... no #6, I'm exhausted.