And it all comes down to this...

A few weeks ago, it was brought to my attention that my bloggin' was slackin'. To that I say, MY life is flying by faster than I can type (which is pretty darn fast when I get on a roll!) and I dare YOU to TRY AND KEEP UP!


Summer 2010 has been a whirlwind of greatness! Last night I calculated that over my 3+ months in Louisville, I've put somewhere in the 15,000 mile range on the "little, black Monte Carlo," and I'm proud to say I don't regret a mile!


Working with KSF YAP has been a spectacular experience and is an opportunity that I'm beyond thankful to have had! This program has so much potential and I'm confident that the YOUth of Kentuckiana will continue to grow this awesome entity. (Obviously there are still four days left of the 2010 Kentucky State Fair) and YAP's biggest event - Battle of the Bands - is yet to come! If you have time, definitely stop by the tent, ask about FREE T-shirts and buttons, the Ultimate Photo Booth and the ALL NEW KSF Fan Bandz (our custom silly bands!) I'm currently sporting my green rabbit! YAP truly does offer something for everyone, and I'd love to see as many people as possible take advantage! Shameless plugging... who, me?


In addition to 37.5 hours per week hanging out at the KEC, I've managed to fill my "free-time" -what's that?- with more than my fair share of adventure and memory making with the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for! From celebrating my grandparents' 50th Anniversary (I hope I get to see that milestone in my own life!), to fearlessly (or at least with a lot less fear than I had six months ago) rapalling in Red River Gorge, to savoring memories of a very special "gone-home" Saint of God who's impact on my life, and many others, will never be forgotten, to sleeping in just about ANY desperate setting imaginable (including, on occasion, my car), to reconnecting with a million old friends (and even family - you should meet my Aunt Thumb!) and making dozens of wonderful new ones... it's definitely been a ride worth taking. A good friend recently noted that every year somehow manages to be better than the last. She's right. I remember thinking that my high school summers of traveling softball teams and memorized TV schedules would always be my favorite, and then a summer spent traveling the state/eastern continent with 10 of my favorite people topped the charts followed by months of life changing work at KY FFA camp, and yet somehow I'm continually blessed to live a life of never-ceasing awesomeness!

Alas... in true word-obsessed Me fashion, enjoy some of my favorite quotes from Summer 2010:


1. Why are you mean muggin'? You're the one looking like a Golden Retriever!
2. It'll eat.
3. THAT IS A FORD FOCUS! (and numerous other Katt Williams classics!)
4. Something in the basement growled at me!
5. You like pickled eggs?
6. Are you wearing underwear? (just realized that this quote has occurred on multiple occasion)
7. Here Am I... Send Me.
8. Do you wanna be exclusive?
9. Hey buddy... you want some Doritos?
10. Kacie just donated me a mirror...


...there are far too many more to list!



The remainder of 2010 already proves to have me constantly on the go, and I can't imagine living and loving my life in any more fitting fashion. Though I can hardly fathom that my senior year of college has ALREADY begun, I'm chomping at the bit to relish every last taste of Murray State University - of 100s (or hopefully more) new friends, out-of-my-comfort-zone experiences and jam-packed days before embarking on a lifetime of whatever fantastic journey God has in store! Thus far it's been remarkable...


P.S. 5 Things I've Learned from the Kentucky State Fair


1. (2) Krispy Kreme Donut + (1) Hamburger + (X) Bacon Slices = FABULOUS IDEA!
2. Even the quickest jaunt through the hog barn leaves a lingering odor on your clothes...
3. Be nice to Security. They know people.
4. Don't share a remote trailer with an elephant. (And no... that's not a fat joke.)
5. WATCH YOUR STEP!



Peace, Love and Nachos (B/C They are my Favorite Fair Food!)

-Ashlee

"That there is an R.V."

For anyone who's kept up with my blog to this point, you're fairly well versed on some of the ?eccentric? occasions/conventions/people that I've "awe-strickenly" noted throughout my summer spent in the gray/brown NAILE office at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center... With something like 20 graduations in one week, millions of square dancers young and old during another, livestock shows left and right, Walking Dinosaurs and even a ?fun-filled? night of WWE, I do believe that after this summer I'll truly be more.... "cultured." :-) Alas, pulling onto the grounds each morning of this week, my now INCREDIBLY HIGH expectations have NOT been disappointed. Rather, I've been cheerfully greeted by ridiculous amounts of security and a colorful explosion of the ultimate family vacation mobile. Until this week, I was unaware that a National Annual Recreational Vehicle (RV) Convention (I think that's what they're calling this mass of moving hotels) even existed... much less was I aware that Louisville, KY is home to it! Guess it literally goes to show, today's world truly offers SOMETHING for EVERYONE!

Personally, I'm quite enthused by this particular venture. Not so much because I'm itching to jump in one and take off across the country (doesn't sound too bad, actually,) but more so because each morning I've nearly doubled over in laughter as I'm reminded of the quote in this edition's title, and more specifically of the movie that brought the quote's fame (well, it's famous in my family, anyway.) Know the movie???

If you said "Christmas Vacation," award yourself 5,000,000 points and a pat on the back. And smile because you, too, are well acquainted with Clark, Ellen, Buzz, Audrey, Snotz, Cousin Eddie and the rest of the gang! The phrases, "Squirrel!"; "He's just yackin' on a bone."; and "Oh, Dear, did I break wind?" are likely to spark a twinge of Christmas cheer at any given moment. And if you're like my family, you've sat around the dinner table after many-a-Thanksgiving meal and quoted the entire movie in preparation for the marathon of viewings that will ensue between then and Dec. 25th! Sigh.... Gotta love a little taste of Christmas in July.

Before I can move onto Christmas, however, I have to finish what to this point has been the most fantastic summer I have ever had! Between a gazillion late night convos/adventures with the bestie, numerous first encounters (i.e. The Movie Tavern, Pickled Eggs, Mom's Music, and Goodwill!), a fabulous "re"-connection, a rocking photo shoot with a very talented young lady, hanging out with numerous long-lost friends, celebrating my grandparents 50th anniversary, re-taking up slow pitch softball and a thousand other memories that currently escape me, 2010 will surely go down in the record books! And it's no where near done!

This adventurer can't wait for an upcoming weekend of camping and rock climbing with some of my favorite people! Then there's a fantastic Church ladies trip to the Galilean Home in Casey County, KY! Somewhere in there, I have to manage to spend time with my college roomie before she rides off to Oklahoma for a semester! And PLEASE don't tell me I've run out of opportunities to lay by the pool! With no vacay this summer, that 3.5 ft deep vhat of chlorine has been my haven!

But, THIS summer, all roads ultimately lead to one off-the-charts culminating event - the 2010 Kentucky State Fair! I couldn't possibly be more ooberly excited about mounds upon mounds of fattening, fried goodness, piled atop 11 days of non-stop FUN (and almost ZERO sleep), topped off with YAPtastical awesomeness in the all new YAP Tent! I'm blown away with the talent of Kentucky's (and Southern Indiana's) YOUth - Battle of the Bands, Songwriters Contest and Discovery Farm Video Contest applications have flooded my office for weeks! The YAP Advisory Council is non-stop with fresh ideas to make KSF as YOUth oriented as possible! And I'm having the time of my life watching (and helping) it all come together! It literally doesn't get any better!

It may not be time to bust out my Christmas Vacation DVD (had to buy the DVD last year when the 15+ year old VHS finally bit the dust) and enjoy my absolute favorite time of year, full of holiday food, snuggly clothes and all-around good tidings... but if Summer 2010 is any indication, I may convert to a fan of the heat before long! In any season, it's clear that I am unbelievably blessed with a wonderful family, inspiring friends, growing faith and a passion for fun that promises a lifetime of smiles, no matter where my RV may take me...

What ever happened to those blue robes, anyway?

Valiant in my ongoing battle for creative stimulation amid walls of plastic gray and panel brown (a man OBVIOUSLY designed this office!), much of today's computer/paper work has been done alongside one of the greatest distractions to ever challenge the college student: YouTube! Before you accuse me of shirking my YAP duties and wasting valuable State dollars on downtime leisure, let me assure you that thanks to two things: 1) Observing and learning from the incessant work ethic of my mom and grandpa; and 2) the fact that my job pretty well rocks-my-socks; this is not the case! Lucky for me, those blessed creators of the YouTube site instituted "Auto Play" - look into it if you don't know what I'm talking about. (Maybe YouTube will give me a fat check for directing ALL MY MANY READERS to their site...) Alas, I digress... A LOT! In short, YouTube lets you continually play videos without having to constantly revisit the site and click on a new one. Handy little tool!!! Especially when you spend the day like I have - revisiting my childhood, and specifically reliving my introductory years into the world of Gospel music! Let me tell you about..... Melody Makers!


Melody Makers = the 1990's Children's Choir of Bellview Baptist Church. We're talking somewhere between 30-50 kiddos from ages 3-14ish, fully decked out in blue robes with white monogrammed ?stoles? (I really don't know what else to call the overgrown handkerchief that Velcroed around my neck - one girl really did blow her nose on it during a performance once...) all fully armed with an impressive track list and prepared to belt out tunes choir style or solo at a moments notice! This was no small fete for the two ladies who so bravely conducted our motley crew (and even hosted one MASSIVE camp-out that probably left several of us in trouble for any number of things...)


For a bunch of Baptist boys and girls (with a few Methodists added to our harmony), I must admit that we weren't half bad. Sunday and Wednesday nights while our parents attended preaching/prayer groups/Bible Study, we practiced hard! No pizza or playground until every note had reached perfection (try doing that with a bunch of puberty-stricken preteens). Somehow though, we managed to learn more songs than I could possibly remember and most of us picked up a love for Southern Gospel music that you don't find among too many - now 17-25 - year-olds.


I'm willing to bet any fellow Melody Maker could hear any of the following phrases, and pick up right where we left off some... ?TEN? years ago. (For those of you who can't, utilize YouTube and you, too, can (re)learn some awesome tunes!)


"Out of His great love, he picked me up..."

"I need you like flowers need the sunshine..."

"Everybody outta know..."

"Who can do, who can do, who can do anything..."

"Soon and very soon..."

Bottom line: at the mere age of 7, I was perhaps the best performer I've ever been. Backed by a multitude of friends (some participants more willing than others), confident in my instructors' preparations, and assured by the words in the songs I sung, I never thought twice about standing in front of the masses -err... 250 people in a BBC Homecoming service- and being proud of my passion.

So what happened? Somewhere on our road to rivaling the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Melody Makers lost it's luster. Other extra-curriculars somehow replaced nights spent practicing vocal solos and on-beat hand claps, and by the time I hit middle school, our robes were hitting most of us at the knees. For whatever reasons, the group disbanded. There really isn't a sob story attached. We don't all hate each other and most of us are still active in Church (probably largely thanks to those early influences). Some of us take the occasional opportunity to sing on our own or with a few buds. Alls well that ends well. Just a bunch of kids who grew up in an era of a pretty good thing.

I, not realizing it so much until... well, now, owe a great bit to Melody Makers. Among the most lasting of those impressions:

1.) An avid love for Pizza!

2.) Respect for any woman (and particularly THE WOMAN) who can hem (and re-hem) THAT MANY blue robes and never complain once!

3.)The realization that coming in on the wrong cue happens... rather frequently... and at the end of the "show," you still get lots of hugs and candy.

4.) Knowledge that when you absolutely go blank on your words, MAKING THEM UP is not always the best option.

5.) Gaining the ability to Stand/Speak/Sing before a crowd and not be the kid with wet pants...

6.) And, all jokes aside, maintaining an avid love for and becoming a PROUD-to-be fan of Southern Gospel Music, and an EVEN MORE PROUD-to-be Christian.

We're all grown up. Some are married, a few have kids, one or two are now serving our country, the youngest are just graduating high school, we're all fighting to get and keep jobs, and whatever path each of us have chosen, there is little doubt in my mind that we aren't all thankful for this part of our history. If you were a Melody Maker, you knew how to have fun, you knew how to sing (slightly) on cue, you know that your faith is the most important decision you could ever make, and you sure as heck know that you'd better not EVER blow your nose on that darned white thing!

Ode to my Allergies...

Anyone who has spent a significant amount of time with me -and by significant, I mean 30 minutes or more- knows that I sneeze often and I sneeze in multiples. My record exceeds 20 in-a-row of this blasted bodily function that almost always manages to steal my breath. It's been described as "painful" (sometimes), "cat-like" (thanks?), "darling" (hardly!) and "wimpy" (you try it), but never-the-less, it's part of the unique nasal (mal)function that God chose to bestow upon me. Guinness-worthy sneeze attacks probably rate somewhere near the faucet-like nasal action that provokes a rather frequent retelling of how the 5-year-old me once announced to an entire wedding party that, "I got snot!" Let's just say... sinuses ain't my thing!

Quite frankly, there are days when I absolutely HATE my allergies. In fact, a few days ago when I walked around my office looking like I'd just gone through a bad breakup -puffy red eyes, tear stained cheeks, tissues coming out of every nook and cranny- that was one of those days. But then there are times, like now, when I realize, accept and am somewhat thankful that they are just another way God managed to set me apart. (How many people can say they reacted to 60 of 66 tested allergens? Granted that was back in '95 before all this new-fangled technology managed to find a gazillion more possible reasons for my skin to turn red and itchy and for breathing to become and Olympic event... but who's counting?)

In some crazy, roundabout way, I suppose I'm saying what we all know... Everyone is different. I may question why I can almost sneeze on cue, or why my eyes are two different shapes, or why my hair frizzes no matter what they weather or any other aspect of what makes me who I am. But quite frankly, I choose to believe that there is reason in everything. There's a purpose for every talent, for every flaw, for everything friendship, for every breakup, for every scar... you get it.

I'm the type of person that needs reason. I crave closure. But as a good friend recently pointed out, if you have closure for everything in life, what's the point in continuing to live? I comfort myself with reassurances that I'm just not meant to know everything - yet! Does it really matter why my left foot is bigger than my right; that my 2nd toe extends farther than my 1st? Do I really have to understand why my relationship with friend A is totally different than with friend B? Why I am geared to try so hard in certain areas (MOST sports, writing, relationship building) and couldn't care less about others (science, golf)? Does it really matter?

Nah... But there again, I guess agonizing over wanting to know everything is just another one of those traits that make me... Me. :-)

Please excuse me while I go find a tissue...

So... do you like pickled eggs?

"Just off of the beaten path, a little dot a state road map; that's where I was born and where I'll die. Things move at a slower pace. No body's in a rat race. And these days that's a special way of life."

-Alabama

I am the poster-child for supporting Smalltown, USA. Well... the "poster-woman" now, although that opens up an entirely different subject all-together. You get the point. I'm enthusiastic in my efforts to stimulate the county's lackluster economy through buying gas locally (forget that it's $0.30 higher than anywhere nearby.) If there is a BBQ dinner fundraiser within 10 miles of my house, you can bet I'm probably there (I've even provided the entertainment once or twice - anyone remember my two-year-old version of "Victory in Jesus"?) And I'm quite proud to say that (until I moved to Louisville) my version of a traffic jam involved multiple instances of getting stuck behind a convoy of farm machinery on my way to school in the mornings...

Throughout high school it always bothered me to hear someone gripe about how they "couldn't wait to get out of this place," but truthfully, in the three years since graduation, I've probably been "out" as much as or more than anyone. And though I'm thankful for all my travels, opporunities, new friends, etc. and count them all as blessings, I've discovered that after a while of "big city living," I manage to forget how much I love being "country as corn." (Thanks to my good buddy, Quint, for that phrase.) Alas, recent events did much for revitalizing the "bumpkin" in me, and likewise taught me yet another important lesson on life.

Since I'm such a lover of quotes, let me begin by sharing a few of my favorites from my latest adventure. No matter if you don't know the stories behind them... invent your own. It's more fun that way.

1.) "Dude held it for like an hour."

2.) "How did I wind up on only FIVE inches of MY sleeping bag?"

3.) "You okay?" "No" "Wanna do it again?" "Yeah!"

4.) "Where the heck is that? And why aren't you here!"

And my personal, all-time, chart-topping FAVORITE...

5.) "So... do you like pickled eggs?"

Are you smiling? Cause I'm smiling. :-) The human mind never ceases to amaze me. The things we remember, meaningless to most - as those quotes probably are to you - trigger a wealth of emotion. See, THOSE quotes bring with them the shock of COLD creek water swelling against my legs, the whoops and laughs and looks of fright accompainied by a few daring four-wheeler rides, the reassurance of being surrounded -picked on, laughed with, punched and hugged- by good friends and the serenity of retiring the day on a blanket under a star-filled sky.

But my delve back into Smalltown, USA did more than re-kindle the flame for home that I sometimes ignore. A few days of limited cell service, incredible sleep deprivation and a whopping amount of time outdoors reaffirmed a fact I'm still learning to accept: Given the chance, people will surprise you! The person you thought you could never like, is actually really nice. The guy you'd summed up as "blue collar," has a brilliant head on his shoulders. People you might have considered lowly or desolate, are always the first to lend a hand. The toughest man you've ever met still won't get his boots wet in a creek. And the friend you knew to be absolute "High Society," is about as 'cuntry' as they come.

Life = Perceptions. Is he or she good enough? Do they wear the right clothes, eat the coolest food, listen to the best music, drive the attention-grabbing car? WHO CARES? Why aren't we concerned with, "Do they make a difference?"; "Are they doing something worthwhile with their life?"; "Can I help them, not to change their look or style or values, but to simply be a better them?"

My Smalltown, USA soapbox is a cousin to my stance on Perceptions of American Agriculture. More of late, publics are subjected to efforts to ruin the image of American farmers, to downplay their importance to the world's livelihood and to eventually wipeout the hard-work, disciplined, family core values that us Smalltown Advocates hold dear. I'm proud to say that the KSF YAP Adult Project has developed an awesome way to get Young Adults involved in the fight against these injustices. The Discovery Farm Video Contest (click on this blog title for more info) allows YOU to tell YOUr story about Kentucky Animal Agriculture. From "Sheering Sheep" to "Milking Cows" to "Economics of a Livestock Project," educating our national public about the safe practices, necessity and committment involved in KY Ag is literally the first step to generating a positive global PERCEPTION.

You've been given the chance. Now surprise me.

And could someone pass the pickled eggs?

SQUARE Dancing My Way to the Top???

Can I just say that I love EVERYTHING about my summer job!?!? Seriously, the people are fantastic; the ever-challenging work truly keeps me on my toes, and every day I'm learning valuable skills that promise to aid in my future, no matter the path I opt for. That said, could I change ONE-THING-AND-ONE-THING-ONLY, the (long-lost) girly-girl in me would boldly stand up and scream, "THIS PLACE NEEDS MORE PINK!"


No, that's not a testament to my extremist feminism; in fact, we've got what some might consider a true estrogen ocean - los senors are in significant minority. Besides, I'm not even all that partial to pink. I could deal with blue, green, yellow, purple, red... anything really. Anything, that is, that might offer the slightest hope of stimulating creativity. Seriously... just a little bit of feng shui... is that too much to ask?


Alas, until my wishful thinking becomes State Government reality, I've taken to "creativity boosting" in Freedom Hall. Generally it's quiet, comfortable and spacious (ya think?) It's filled with many of my most amazing FFA memories -i.e. the first time I witnessed a sea of blue stand and recite "To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess," - plus a plethora of awesome basketball and NQC moments. I've heard astonishing speeches, witnessed back-breaking dunks and seen thousands of people moved by a gospel song, but I'm not sure anything comes close to the muse I found today!


The Square Dancer's Convention has come to town! Smack dab in the center of Freedom Hall, a school of 20 or so quite enthusiastic dancers were tapping their hearts out, handing off partners and making me rather dizzy, all to the beat of an (?)impressive(?) country remix I'd never heard. :-/ Still, jokes aside, these guys (and gals) were good, and not just by my CLUELESS standards. The longer I watched, in awe, I realized that these weren't the.... tactful word.... (?)senior(?) ladies and gents I've seen (and chatted with) throughout the KEC over the past few days. Rather, these talented dancers were obviously high schoolers (at the oldest), full of excitement at the thrill of performing in such a prestigious venue! What an awesome thing to have such a desire and commitment to something so early on in life.


It's all chocked up in one word: PASSION. Along with my fellow 08-09 Kentucky FFA State Officers, I spent of year of my life campaigning for the 14,000+ members across our state to rise to one simple challenge: "Ignite Your Passion." But over a year after our "retirement" -great to achieve that at such a young age, eh?- it occurs to me that we are all continually learning to Seek, Ignite and Fuel our passions on a daily basis. And little do we know just how integral a part we play in that endeavour for those around us. I'm ever thankful for those individuals who, though they may not realize it, consistently encourage my dreams, guide my efforts, admonish my transgressions and literally shape my being. :)


Besides triggering my inner philosopher -hey, these kids know PASSION at an early age!- the Square Dancer's sparked a considerable bit of creativity, and thus it's back to the drawing board -err, Dell- in the still tragically colorless office (minus Brenda's -dwindling- stash of gumballs!), blasting Pandora on the iPhone as I work to bring YOU the most awesome Young Adult Project YOU have ever seen! (Easy enough... since it's gonna be the ONLY "YAP" you've ever seen!)

2009-2010 KSF YAP Youth Advisory Council

Just one more example of PASSION, the KSF Youth Advisory Council has been working diligently since November 2009 to make the 2010 Kentucky State Fair the absolute best you've ever seen! They've developed 11 days of awesome programming that will have you finding every excuse in the book to skip school and hang out with us in the YAP Tent! Aug. 19 - 29, there is no where else you'll want to be! Click on their photo to meet the crew, learn more about YAP and find out how you can get involved!


As for me, it's time to refocus. Battle of the Bands contacts. Check! Ultimate Photo Booth props. Check! Now I wonder who I should talk to about installing a window above my desk... or maybe I'll just move my desk to Freedom Hall and start hollerin' PROMENADE!

Living Life with Regard to Abe, Dolly and Pa...

"You have to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was." -Abraham Lincoln

Abe's always been my favorite president; maybe because I'm a bit of a history nerd and the Civil War Era pretty much consumes my interest. Not that I'm all that obsessed with the North vs. South issues. I just love the time period. Life of those long ago days appears simple, rustic and drenched in hard work, peppered with intense pride in family values and devout belief in 48,000 different causes - take your pick! Best of all, the country was on the brink of abundant development, and if you consider the rush of expansion, technology, population growth, etc. that has followed, the Civil War was ironically a "calm before the storm." Of course, Abe had that tall, lanky appeal to him as well. Sigh...

Sometimes I wonder if we ever really know whether we're living in the "calm" or in the "storm." Obviously, a bad day feels storm-like for a bit, but a few years down the road will what happens today really be a big deal? Who knows? Well, He knows. But YOU know what I mean... right?

If I had to guess, I'd say these days I'm living in the calm. Thank goodness, because anyone that knows me well is very aware of my irrational terror when it comes to storms. My life's weather forecast, for a setting somewhere in fog covered mountains carved out by crystal clear streams and blanketed by a purple star filled sky -hmmm... no wonder I'm also a HUGE Dolly Parton fan- would grant me mostly days of sunshine, a cloud or two here and there, and of course, the occassional rain shower. But as the song goes, "along with the sunshine, there's gotta be a little rain sometimes."

Life's latest gust of wind has dropped me in Louisville, KY for the summer, where I'm happily employed by the Kentucky State Fair Board. Working specifically with the Young Adult Project (YAP) I get to spend my days emmersed in social media -living it up on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace- in effort to help Kentucky's young adults make KSF 2010 their absolute favorite yet! I'm so pumped about the ALL NEW Battle of the Bands, the Ultimate Photo Booth, YOUth Vote Day, Friday Night Dance parties and a million other fantastic projects we've got going that are going to absolutely ROCK YOUR SOCKS! We announce new contests and events constantly on Facebook, so definitely check it out! Best of all, I've already met so many fantastic people (both at work and YAP participants statewide!) I can't wait to hang out with everyone during State Fair (if they'll let me out of my office, that is!)

Alas, I'll be hard pressed to ever follow Abe's advice and eventually outgrow my grandpa (who I legitimately think is the coolest guy in the world, but hey, I might be a tad partial.) But I'm certainly working on it...