Are we there yet?

“Are we there yet?” That was one of my favorite questions when my family was driving anywhere as a kid. I remember one road trip that was particularly long. We were going to Plains, Kansas to visit family. In case you were wondering, Plains is a tiny little town that is the definition of Western Kansas. Did you know Plains has the widest Main Street in the United States? Well now you do! Anyway, as you can imagine, the ride to Plains is a long one and 6-year-old Bailey was not very patient. Every couple of minutes I would ask, “Are we there yet?” Since we were obviously still moving and in the middle of nowhere, the answer was always, “No and don’t ask again”. But I would ask again and again and again. Finally, my dad said, “You know Bailey, half the fun is getting there. If you wait until we get there to have fun you’ve already wasted half the time.” As a six year old I didn’t understand this, but looking back he may have a point.

Main Street in Buhler
on a Saturday evening. 

I grew up in the small town of Buhler, Kansas. Population 1335, Buhler is a quaint town. I love my hometown, but as with any little towns there wasn’t a lot to do. Growing up we had to make our own fun. From adventuring outside to going to the library or even swimming at the pool, which even on the hottest days was freezing, we always found something to do. But when we got to high school it was different. If I had a quarter for every time I heard someone say “I can’t wait to get out here” I would be able to pay my college tuition in quarters!  We were in such a hurry to grow up and move on. Well since that time I have graduated and moved out of my beloved hometown and I realize I was a little too excited to leave. I was focused so much on the next step that I forgot to savor the little things.

A couple of weekends ago I got to go home for Buhler Frolic, our annual town celebration. For years I was a part of the parade, from being on the grade school float, to band, to the FFA float. For the first time I can remember, I got to stand and watch the parade go by.  It was so fun to see this celebration of Buhler in a new light! My heart was filled with so much Buhler pride. Later that evening I was given the amazing opportunity to speak at the banquet celebrating my high school’s 100^th year. While at the banquet I got to hear so many stories about the journey Buhler High has taken from its start in 1915. It was incredible to see all of the history and memories made in my own high school! Being back home and enjoying a fun day was just what I needed to remind me to cherish the little moments and remember that child like wonder that we seem to lose as we grow up.

So many people celebrating Buhler High School!

 It’s easy to get focused on the next event or goal and forget to stop and smell the roses. The same thing can happen during our time in FFA. Make the most of everyday, every class period, every moment because life isn’t just about the big moments, it’s about all the little ones put together too. Whether a freshman, senior, graduate, alumna, or a supporter of FFA there will come a time when we have to hang up our blue jacket. When we finally reach our destination, I hope we can all say that we enjoyed the journey.  Instead of asking, “Are we there yet?”, ask how will I enjoy the ride? Because after all half the fun is getting there. 

Tennis Shoes in a Sea of Boots

As school commences, I reflect back on my freshman year of high school. Entering high school was a big step that came with major changes. When each new chapter of our lives begins, we are faced with many possible changes; it’s our choice what we make of them. The first change I faced as an incoming freshman was that of a new school with unfamiliar faces- a lot of them. Being a bit shorter than most, it made everything seem so much bigger than it really was. The second challenge I was faced was the actual school part. I had no idea what to expect with many of my classes. Among those classes was Intro to Ag Science. I had no idea what I was getting into taking that class. I wasn’t raised on a farm, knew very little about agriculture, and I was terrified to get out of my comfort zone. With a little nudging from a friend, I took the leap and joined FFA. Joining was the easy part; from there, I was faced with many other chances to either get involved, or remain in my beloved comfort zone. Not long after the year was underway, there was an invitational livestock judging event. I decided that if I was going, I was going to do well.  I practiced and prepared a little bit every night prior to the contest. When I finally got there after a very long bus ride, I was a bundle of nerves. I promptly decided that this was no place for a city girl wearing tennis shoes as I wandered through the sea of boots.  Regardless of how I felt, it was too late to give up, so I had to go through with it. I didn’t think I was going to do very well because I was so far outside of my comfort zone. Once the day was over the bus ride stretched on for what seemed like eternity; I was ready to be back at school and back in my comfort zone where I promised myself I would stay. About 15 minutes before we were back at the school, my advisor got the fateful email with the results enclosed. He glanced at the screen and began reading off the results. I only half listened because I didn’t expect to hear my name. Then I heard my name, and it caught my attention. Mr. Seuser repeated; “In 2^nd place, Bailey Peterson.” My promise of staying in my comfort zone was completely forgotten. I was hooked on FFA.

This award reminds me what
stepping out of our comfort
zone can do for us. 

            Our comfort zones are where we reside for the greater part of our lives. If we never step out of our comfort zone, we are missing so many opportunities. If I hadn’t taken a risk and joined FFA, who knows where I would be right now? Or, if I hadn’t taken a risk and tried something new and strange to me, I never would have found my passion for FFA.  So many times we are presented with an opportunity, yet we chose to stay in the comforts of familiarity. Think of all of the things we could do when we leave our comfort zone behind. Sometimes it won’t work out perfectly, but you never know, sometimes it will. As we journey through this year, take those chances. Maybe try a new CDE, take a chance and grow our SAE, or talk to someone new at a Conference. Let’s step out of our comfort zone, embrace every opportunity, and see what we can accomplish as we dream outside the box.

            Here’s a little bit more about me:

1.     I love animals! I love cats, while at heart I’m a dog person. I have trained and competed with my dogs for close to 10 years now.

This is one of my dogs, Logan. 

2.     I enjoy Netflix watching, some of my favorite shows are Psych, The Office, and Parks and Recreation.

3.     I volunteered at my local zoo and rehab facility. I have some really awesome stories from my time at the zoo, so if you ever want to hear one just ask!

This is a baby bobcat I got to socialize at the zoo.

4.     I love the game Rumikub, which is basically numbers and puzzles put together. I’ll play anyone, several times. But I also love board games in general.

5.     I  love FFA! I couldn't get enough of it, so I have decided to become an ag. teacher and advisor in the future.

 Some of my favorite memories have been made while wearing the Blue Jacket.

Stop and Smell the (Sage)

"...What the results are showing is that your worst allergies are to hickory trees, cats, and sage. You said you were going to California next week? They have sage everywhere out there"

Thank you, Doctor. I really appreciate you pointing that out.

Yep, I went and had an allergen test last week (I'll spare you the details because they aren't too pretty). I've always known that trees and cats really set my allergies off (sorry, Taylor, I can't join your Cat Club) but finding out I'm allergic to sage was something new. And as my doctor was eager to point out, I would get an actual field test in California over spring break.

Not only was my doctor right about my allergies, but he was spot on about the sage in California as well. There are parks called "sage hill," streets named after the plant, and according to this lovely sign, the foliage of the area is basically nothing but sage:

Long story short, I might as well be surrounded by hundreds of cats. This realization made me start to dread the trip and, once we got here, pretty miserable with anticipation of the allergy attacks to follow. In the middle of worrying about myself, though, I almost missed out on an opportunity to enjoy the company of my family and this kind of view:

I know my issue with sage is just a small, menial problem, but how often do we let something like this happen in our every day lives? Do we get caught up in everything that is going wrong instead of enjoying the blessings we're surrounded by? 

Here's my challenge to you for this spring break: Take five minutes and focus on nothing but what you're thankful for (writing in a journal or creating a list could help!) Forget about whatever is the sage in your life right now and really let yourself enjoy wherever you are, whatever you're doing, and whoever you're doing it with! Stop and smell the sage!*

*Do not actually smell sage. Trust me, the allergic reaction will not be worth it.