Miles of Memories with Morgan

The Finale!

2008-11-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

110,000 miles traveled. 107,000 audience members spoken to. 37 states and 1 country visited. Over 110 flight segments. 507,763 members served.1 incredible experience.

It was just over a year ago when I embarked upon another great journey in the blue and gold. In October 2007 I was elected to serve as the National FFA Central Region Vice President. At that time I had very little idea what my year of service would actually look like. And now, its hard to believe an entire year has flown by.

I could literally spend days telling stories of incredible FFA members I met from all across the nation, my travels to Japan, bad airport food, our meeting with President Bush, the topics of speeches I delivered or workshops I presented. I could write on and on about my 5 other talented teammates from Kansas, Florida, Indiana, Oregon, and Missouri, the new foods I tried, the many cultural differences across the nation, peoples funny accents, or the number of emails that bombarded my inbox. However, if I did, it would fill the entire newspaper and more. To sum up life as a National FFA officer is difficult, but I’ll give it a shot.

My main duties over the year included spending time with FFA members, State FFA Officers and state staff, meeting with government officials, speaking, facilitating workshops, and representing Agriculture, FFA, and Agricultural Education. Never did I imagine that I would actually be on the road more than 330 days, and never did I imagine that such an experience could happen to a young guy like me. More than anything I will treasure the relationships I have created with people from all across the nation.

It is strange to me that some of my best friends live in states on the other side of our nation. Take JP for example. He is an FFA member from Alabama who is likely one of the most genuine persons I have ever met. His faith is a shining example for everyone to follow. Jessica from Indiana is likely the most energetic person I met along the way this year—there is nothing that gets her down. Brandon from Kansas is bar-none the most driven high school junior I’ve ever met, and a professor I met from New Mexico state cares more about his students than I could ever imagine.

Someone told me this year, “It must be a real ego-booster to serve as a student executive of a multi-million dollar nonprofit student organization!” My response was that in fact it was the opposite. My year has proven to be humbling and overwhelming. I consider myself the most blessed 21-year-old in the world and the many incredible people I met along the way showed me just how much growth I need to have in my own life.

More than ever before I am convinced that the future of American Agriculture is secure. The FFA members here in Limon, in Colorado and around that Nation are dynamic young people who are going to change the world! It has been such a privilege to be a part of such an organization, and will always treasure the experience.

To say the least, I would not have been able to get here with out the support of so many people. The community of Limon, FFA Advisors, School Administrators both in Limon and at Kansas State University, Colorado FFA state staff, friends, church family, and National FFA staff have been an incredible part in this great journey. But more than anyone my family has been my biggest support crowd. You likely know that I have the best family in the world, and how blessed it is to be a part of!

To everyone, thanks for a great year and for all the support along the way. Now that my term has come to an end, I’ll be home for several days and have a few weeks of travel. I will return to school in January at Kansas State University where I’m studying Ag Economics and Ag Communications and Journalism. My ultimate plan is to pursue a career in ministry. We’ll see where the road leads!

N.O. Convention Prep Video...

2008-10-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Soon. Very Soon!

2008-10-10T06:57:00.001-07:00

Convention will be here! I can't wait...can you?

We'll see you in a week and a half! YAHOO!

What are you most excited about? What booths at the career show are you going to attend? What speakers do you want to see? How many people from other states can you meet?

Step Up; Stand Out...

Ready or Not . . . Here it Comes!!!

So Great...

2008-10-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

Quick thoughts for this wonderful Friday morning:

1. One of my great friends sent me the brand new 33 Miles album. If you like Rascal Flatts, you'll probably like this band. I LOVE their sound...and the meaning behind their songs is pretty astounding. Check out their website. They've got some great stuff going on...and even a sample of their new hit song: www.33milesonline.com

2. My time at K-State was pretty much amazing. I've decided I have some of the best friends in the world. My friend Daniel is working on getting his pilots license. My buddies Andrew and Nathan shared stories and pictures of their trip to the Philippines this summer and they even cooked me dinner. Cody and I listened to the new Hillsong CD (I admit it, I downloaded it too.) My friend Caleb shared with me his desire to outreach and just be friends to the other guys he lives with. I got to enjoy a "family dinner" at my friends Bethany, Julie, Lauren, and Andrea's house. I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at this cool nook called the 4th Street Cafe with my buddy Katie, and spent 3 hours deciding what life will look like for my next 3 years with my friend Jackie. To top it off, my fellow FarmHouse brothers Matt and Josh made a 2 hour trip to pick me up at the airport. Seriously. I have the best friends in the whole wide world!

3. I just got done polishing my shoes. Shiny shoes look so much better than dull ones.

4. Did I tell you that I'm reading the Encore Effect, by Mark Sandborn? I am really enjoying it and taking my time. Its chalk-full of great stuff!!

5. 17 days, 22 Hours, 23 Minutes and 13 seconds until Convention Day arrives! GET STOKED!

More to come soon!

Blessings,

MCP <><

What a Wisconsin Week!!

2008-09-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

This week proved to be one of the best yet for the entire year. Earlier this year I traveled to Madison, WI for the Wisconsin FFA State Convention! Getting to come back for the week made me feel so at home.

I was traveling this week with the State Officers to their Sectional Leadership Workshops (SLWs). During the morning we would travel to the new location, participate in business tours, eat lunch, then go to a high school where the SLW was hosted. We'd then set up, get everything ready and the SLW would begin. The evening is filled with workshops, skits, speeches, and tons of energy. Loved it!

Most notable things of the week:

getting to see my friend Courtney Dering again.
touring Berres Brothers Coffee Roasting facility, and enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee myself. (imagine that, Morgan excited about coffee??? hmm...)
seeing an Ethanol Plant in action
touring a metal foundry. That's where they melt down recycled metal and reform it into different metal parts, components, etc.
TEAM FEUD--that's right--it's the game show for you!
eating lunch at the Blue Spoon Cafe (sister restaurant to Culver's) and meeting with one of the founders of Culvers.
touring a vineyard. cool stuff!
seeing just how quickly a group of students can pass a hula hoop around a circle.
"Rude," "Deal," "Whoop," and "Melted" (you'll have to ask the Wisconsin State Officers about this)
The Harley Store
Top 8 Pounds of (Knuckles, depending on what you call it.)
twenty six acres of an indoor greenhouse
Salms Meat Company--they package sausage for Hillshire Farms
Presto...have you ever seen a plastic sandwich bag being made. It was cool.
Jessica hitting the man-hole cover.
11 Amazing State Officers

Oh the fun memories of this week! Wisconsin, thanks for a great week!

As for this weekend. I'm off to go to a K-State Football game!

Go WildCats!

MCP <><

Off to Wisconsin!!

2008-09-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Missouri ended with gusto and now I'm off to Wisconsin to travel with the state officers to travel around to Sectional Leadership Workshops around the state!

Yahoo! Currently I'm in the Souk Prairie FFA Van with BJ, Tommy, Kim, and Erin...and we're starting off the evening a little bit behind schedule. But thats how it goes.

Get ready...there will be more to come this week about my adventures.

----------------------------------------------

Other news headlines in the life of Morgan C. Parker:

I got to visit my sister who lives in Kansas City this weekend. It was really good to see her!
I went on a trip to Barnes & Noble. Got a new journal. I'm really excited!
My mom's cousin took me to the airport today. She greeted me with a hot cup of cappuccino. Yep. It made my day!
6 days till I get to go visit all my friends at K-State! I can't wait.

Welp. Thats all for now folks!

Peace, Love, FFA,

MCP <><

Missouri Part II

2008-09-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Quick update on my trip to Missouri.

New favorite work used this week:

"flusterate"

I heard someone use it in a combination of fluster and aggravate. I thought it was pretty humorous.

Wednesday morning started off with a crazy morning with the South Shelby FFA Chapter. We literally sat around and talked for hours. Good time! Then I was off to Paris. Mr. Bondy (Paris FFA Advisor) and Lauren Dye picked me up and we got to Paris just in time for the final hour of the day and to learn more about the cookie sales the chapter is embarking upon.

Then we were off once again to Mexico, MO for the Area IV leadership conference. We had a ton of fun there too. Students who I got to spend some time with in the band room created new, innovative products to sell to high school students and we talked about taking action. Earlier in the evening we also watched as this big clumsy guy (me) literally stepped through a 3x5 inch notecard. Yep...that just happened. Wuh-Bham!

Today began with a couple of classes in Macon. Don't worry, I started the morning off right with a large cup of McDonald's iced coffee--Hazelnut. (no, I'm not addicted if you're wondering) After Macon I headed to Marceline to hang out with some students from this chapter who is just beginning their second year! They've got some great things happening!

And finally for today I was at North Shelby high school. The students and I there discovered that flicking a ping pong ball can be very challenging...and how life is all about choices. Later in the afternoon we also unpacked a TON of opportunities in FFA.

Welp...I think that sums up the trip so far. I have enjoyed it thus far. ONE more day of a great time here in Missouri!

Peace Out Homeslice,

MCP <><

A few Crazy Days in Missouri Area III

2008-09-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Yo Yo Everybody,

I'm here in Shelbina, MO and I have had one CRAZY adventure here in Missouri...loved every minute of it!

I started off my time in Missouri by being late. My last blog mentioned (in big words) that I was stuck in Chicago. As a result I ended up missing quite a bit of quality time here in Missouri on Monday when I was still try to get here. But I finally arrived.

After a few hours on the road after landing in Kansas City I arrived at Bucklin to a warm audience and assembly where the junior class tried and tried again to flick a tiny little ping pong ball off of a water bottle. You wouldn't think it would be too hard.

That night I stayed in Chillocathe. Today started off early in New Cambria where I spent the morning with 20 Freshman who were awesome! We spent time talking about "FFA" ".ORG" and the TONS of opportunities FFA has to offer. The next class was just Catherine and I and we stepped through note cards, talked about the 7 benefits outside of the FFA mission statement, and yes even about martial arts!

Then I spent some time with the juniors and seniors. We spent some time working thru discipline, passion, and action. Combining these things ensures that we can have a remarkable performance--every time. Check out this fun picture:

Trust me, there was definitely some mad skill going on here.

This afternoon I spent time with Meadville HS, then we jumped on the big yellow bus and we were off to the Area III leadership conference. One of my favorite people in the world was there: Megan Westhoff. She delivered an outstanding speech! I spent time with some rocking awesome chapter members creating some new, innovative, creations to sell at the Missouri State Convention, and even got to argue with my new friend Ethan from Brookfield. Ethan--if you are reading this--you need to audition for the National FFA Chorus.

The evening ended off with some incredible food and a bus ride with South Shelby. Although you are crazy, South Shelby--I love you even still.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE DAY!

Don't forget to visit. "FFA.ORG"

MCP <><

The Sesquipedalian Blog

2008-09-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Yes...I did just type that word. Sesquipe-what? Well in case you are wondering, dictionary.com defines sesquipedalian as:

"characterized by the use of long words"

Certainly more than once in my life I have been known to enjoy words and specifically uncommon words. I wouldn't have thought anything about all this except that today at church the pastor used some really cool words and phrases I thought I might share with you. Thus, I have titled this blog: The Sesquipedalian Blog simply because it could be characterized by the use of long words.

1. Vivification. He described it as developing virtues and good works.

2. Atrophy. Its what happens to our muscles if they are unused--they shrink and are useless.

3. Intentional. Not a new word to most of us, but a good one at that. Its embracing action on purpose.

Interested in big words? Check out some of these: ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM, FLOCCINAUCINIHILIPILIFICATION, HIPPOPOTMONSTROSESQUIPEDALIAN, and of course: SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS.

In other news:

I'm headed to Missouri this week to have spend some rocking-awesome time with the cool-cats in Area 3. I had some flying issues today and got temporarily displaced in Chicago for the evening (surprise, surprise...its Chicago). Not to fear tho, I'll be back on the road tomorrow! I think this week is going to be spectacular!

Out of pure randomness...

Today at church we were asked to put name tags on. Okay...just to give a little bit of background. I have only been to this place a few times, just because we aren't in Indianapolis a lot on Sundays. So...I decided to put down my name as Alex--for pure sake of having fun. My pals next to me gave me the "look" (you know the one where you feel like you're in trouble--and I wanted to stick my tongue out at them back). So immediately after I stuck it to my shirt, the lady next to me said, "Well Hi Alex, I'm Sally!" Then I almost immediately said, "Alex, who's that? I'm Morgan." But then I realized I had it on my name tag. Thats the part of the story where I should have hit myself on the forehead and said, "Shoulda had a V-8." Lesson learned: don't sit next to your friends at church! haha! :)

NEW MEMBERSHIP HIGH!

2008-09-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

FFA MEMBERSHIP IS NOW:

31 year high! Get excited!!

Goofy Invisible Lists

2008-09-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Life is so much more exciting when you are goofy.

The other day we were taking some photos here at the National FFA Center, and the camera guy walked out of the room for a little while. I commandeered his camera and took a few shots of me (see above). The great thing is, he didn't even realize the photos were there until today. HAHA! Life is good when you are goofy! This is truth!

My friend Ashley told me about invisible lists the other day...you know, like our invisible grocery list, our top friends lists, our favorite music list, etc. She and I talked about much more exciting lists invisible lists though...like:

If I could choose a number of food items to catapult across a medieval battle field, what would it be? Or...if I were small...like the size of an ant, and could choose any leaf to parachute with, in order of preference, what kind of tree would I pick the leaf from.

The options are indefinite! What are your invisible lists?

Peace Out,

MCP <><

A Hint of Autumn...etc.

2008-09-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

The sun is bright and low in the sky, and a light breeze blows across the horizon. I'm on the back porch of the FFA center sitting at a patio table. Could life be any better?

Without hesitation, fall is my favorite season! Although Fall isn't in full swing yet, I feel a crispness in the air, a few leaves are starting to show their dark color, and I'm reminded just how blessed we are in life.

Funny how things like a beautiful afternoon brings simplicity back to life.

This week, go enjoy an afternoon or evening outside. Remember how beautiful this life we've been given can be.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ding! (its the sign that the subject is changing)

I'm always amazed at how many thoughts the human brain can retain all at once.

Things I've been wondering about lately:

Should I, or should I not look into buying a macbook?
Why am I so picky about what type of pen to use while journalling? Does anyone else have that problem? I like a plethora of colors, and they have to be porous point pens. Its kind of like a marker, but in pen form...does that make any sense at all? In case your wondering, Foray and Pilot V Razor Point pens are the best.
How does music flow through my headphones into my ear--through the eardrum, and somehow its transfered into a recognizable "signal" to my brain. And some song/signals make me very happy, and others, very sad, others I can't stand to listen to... HOW DO THESE THINGS HAPPEN?
I met a guy named Isaac the other day, he works the front desk at the hotel we stay at often. He was reading a book about motivation and growth. He has such a desire to grow his own abilities to write and sell products, and work better with people. We talked about books for a good 10 minutes. It was awesome! I wondered to myself why often I don't take the effort to talk to more people like that. The things we can learn from others are unreal...I just don't take time to learn them. An important lesson for the life of Morgan Parker. Next time you see me, ask me how I'm doing on working toward this. That'd be excellent!

And now, my blog has become a small novel. I must recess back to work. Happy Wednesday Afternoon!

Blessings,

MCP <><

2008-09-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends!

My teammates and I are in the great city of Indianapolis preparing for National Convention. It has been fun, intense, stressful, and exciting. I hope ya'll are as excited to be there as we are. Step Up-Stand Out is the theme and it lays a great framework for what we're celebrating at the 81st National FFA Convention.

This week I got an email with a link to a website for one of Colorado's finest FFA chapters. That being none other than: Durango! The email informed the rest of the chapters across Colorado about the free web hosting service offered by the webpage they use. Could your chapter use something like that? Yes! Check out the Durango FFA Chapter webpage: http://www.freewebs.com/durangoffa/index.htm.

They would love for you to sign their guestbook and check out what they have going on and find out about how to start your own chapter website.

Imagine the possibilities: posting pictures, news releases, chapter announcements, and chapter information for everyone in your community (and around the world) to see. What could you do with your own chapter website?

In other news:

I downloaded Chris Tomlin's new album called "Hello Love." Can I just say that this is a musical work of art? Tomlin, in my opinion, is one of the most talented musicians in the industry. And for a guy like me (whose life is a musical) that's saying a lot!
I also purchased a pair of awesome sun glasses last week at Walmart. Who ever knew that $5 could help a guy with his style and good looks (which may be lacking) so much? Haha!
"Crazy Love." thats the name of the new book that I'm reading by Francis Chan. I've noticed a couple things about this book:

1. Never before have I been so interested that every paragraph (or so) I have to doodle a picture, underline / circle / highlight / star a word, or stop and journal a profound statement or quote.

2. If you are in for a challenge...if you want an awakening book, go get it! Great book.

And...enough random for now. Tonight I think I'll be dreaming about iced coffee. I can't wait for tomorrow! Mmmm...yes,

coffee is heaven in a cup!

Sweet Action!

MCP <><

A Prayer for Louisiana

2008-09-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

What a weekend of events, the Republican National Convention started, Labor Day came and went like lightning, and Hurricane Gustav has wreaked havoc on the gulf coast of the south. As I watch the news my heart goes out to those who had to evacuate—to those who are now experiencing tornadoes in Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana, and possibly other places. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

One of the Louisiana state officers sent out a facebook message saying that they he and his family had evacuated. Cody…I hope you are your family, as well as all FFAers down there with you are safe and well!

Lets all keep these folks in our prayers! As FFA members nation-wide, let’s consider ways we can help alleviate some of the damage to get our friends down south back on their feet as soon as possible!!! There are places to donate money online; others of you may be able to offer hands on clean up services.

Keep holding on,

Morgan C. Parker

Reminiscing

2008-08-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

My teammates and I have been in Indianapolis, IN, home of the National FFA Center. The last several days have been crazy. Guess what we have been doing? Yep...you got it, we have been planning for the 81st National FFA Convention. Can you believe it. It is coming along VERY quickly.

To be honest, it boggles my mind that convention is going to be here so soon. There is still so much to do. Are you ready? I know it is going to be an awesome time!

Doing all this convention planning sure takes me down "memory lane." My screen saver on my computer here has a culmination of pictures from throughout the year so far. The ones that really get me are the ones from convention last year, when my teammates and I were elected. Check out some of these photos:

This is when they called my name. I'm pretty sure there was a "thank you" prayer right there. :)

Did you know that Jamie Cecil (former Central Region V.P.) served as the Colorado High Plains District President right before me? And then she served as a state officer 2 years before me, and then she got to install me into this office? Crazy. Jamie has been a good friend since we were kids.

When anyone talks about national convention elections, they always talk about Tyler's reaction and his face during the whole thing. I really think this picture is cool!

When Becky's name was called, she just about plowed me over. Go K-Staters????? I guess thats what it is. :)

From this moment on, our journey began. It has been amazing to say the least:

Can I just say that the six of us are incredibly blessed? Convention seems like just yesterday, but now we are getting ready for it again. I’m not sure I’m qualified to be doing this stuff. But I do sure enjoy it. Anyone ever heard the song Beyond Measure by Jeremy Camp? If not, you’ve gotta download it from iTunes or wherever you get your music from. AWESOME song. I feel like it describes my life.
We are off to California for a few days! I hope everyone’s summers have been swell! Good luck with school starting up again!

Blessings,
MCP

Texas FFA State Convention

2008-08-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

Texas State Convention

To say the least, my quick trip to the Lonestar State of Texas was amazing! I was only able to

attend for a couple days, but my time was incredible. The convention kicked off with the State Degree

Ceremony. It was cool to see so many FFA members walking across that stage. Speaking of stage,

the theme for convention was Ignite the Flame. Check out this picture (credits to Ashley Larkin):

Between workshops, attending the agriscience fair banquet, speaking, and even meeting the Eli Young Band,

I must say that my favorite part was vespers. Vespers is similar to what other state call reflections,

but this group of state officers did some pretty amazing things this year that really touched my heart.

As students and young people its easy to get sucked into the wrong things. The finale of the vespers

was acted out to the song Everything by Lifehouse and was a reenactment of this video.

Talk about a touching picture. To see it live by the state officers was amazing! Thank you, for the excellent reminder!

Hope all is well for everyone!

Until next time,

MCP

NC NLCSO

2008-07-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

(I found this in my drafts folder... apparently I forgot to post it, sorry)

North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina + Wrightsville Beach + FFA = BASICALLY AMAZING!

For some fun stories about our NC NLCSO...check out Becky's blog with the "inside" scoop. What an incredible group of states! We had such a blessed time while we were in North Carolina.

Whether it was riding in the back of the suburban on the way to Dinner with Georgia. Florida teaching us the Iggle-Wiggle song, Georgia teaching us the new Cotton Eyed Joe, and listening to the intriguing accents of the folks from the Carolinas proved to keep us entertained for a whole week.

There was a volleyball tournament; we were pleased to hear from our Sponsors: Ms. Marilynn Paulson (Mosiac), Mr. Phil Horge (Wrangler), and Megan McQuoid and Brian Anderson (Monsanto); we enjoyed some stellar sea food; and we even got to enjoy one dinner on a navy battleship.

My hat is off to Mr. Davis and the entire North Carolina crew! You are awesome hosts!

Here's a few snap shots from the week:

CHECK IT OUT! NLCSO Video

2008-07-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Washington DC where we are gearing up for State Presidents' Conference. We are super stoked to get things started.

Guess what? I finally was able to upload the Illinois NLCSO Video. Check it out below!!!

MCP <><

Illinois NLCSO

2008-07-12T21:07:00.001-07:00

Well folks, its that time again...NLCSO! But this time Becky and I headed out to the great state of Illinois where we were joined by Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin for a grand total of 48 officers! I could try to explain all day long, but I think something else might do it more justice.

Mr. Spencer, Executive Secretary, Iowa FFA Association put together this INCREDIBLE video review of the week. It makes me laugh a little in the middle (he did it just for Becky and I...you'll see--oh, and just to give you a hint, Becky and I both attend Kansas State University, if you didn't already know that).

And...how about some pictures?

What a great time!

Yep, as usual, I made up a new word: "synergistic" Everyone got to see the random, crazy, and yes, always-musical brain of Morgan come to life.

The week was complete with an amazing tour of the Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, a water melon seed spitting contest, movie night featuring Final Season, and we definitely:

discovered our rhythm!

Thanks to Mr. Spencer again for the awesome photos and video!

Mississippi NLCSO

2008-07-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Can I just say that the State Officers from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico are a TON of fun! Check out some of these really cool pictures:

Becky Sullivan (National FFA Secretary) and I have the incredible privilege of traveling together to present the National Leadership Conference for State Officers (we refer to it as" NLCSO" ... another acronym in the FFA? Can't be! haha). Throughout the summer we will be spending time with officers at four different conferences. The first started off near Jackson Mississippi at the Mississippi FFA Conference Center. MS, AL, LA, and PR state officers were all in attendance!

During the week we discovered some great tools that will aid us in our year of service, the state officers started planning major conferences, and we even had a crazy bowling night. Not only were the state officers an awesome group to get to know, the time we spent together couldn't have been any better!

Stages of Team Development, Planning, Implementation, Barriers to Team Performance, Evaluation, and Results are just a few of the big ticket items we discover throughout the week.

The theme is "DISCOVER THE RHYTHM" and we spend a lot of time "Rocking Out" with some super cheesy videos filmed by my teammates. I'm going to try and upload some of the videos for you all to see just how goofy we can be.

In the mean time, go swimming, drink iced coffee, and go hang out at the county fair for me!

Signing Out,

MCP

The FFA Center

2008-07-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

THE FFA CENTER
Indianapolis, Ind.

Did you know that our FFA center in Indianapolis is absolutely beautiful over the summer time? I didn't really realize just how much its like a small paradise during the warmer months. I took some pictures during a brief one day stop this month! Check them out!

Do you know what this is?

Well, it only part of a beautiful array of the fountain and garden in the front of the FFA center. Check out the rest of the picture:

Did you know that the garden plots were actually designed by FFA members? I think they did a pretty good job, don't you?

The bench in the picture below is in recognition of C. Coleman Harris former National FFA Executive Secretary. He retired this last year and served our organization well! I thought this was a neat tribute to him!

There is some really tall grass in the yard too!

Hope you enjoy these pictures. Happy Summer Days!

MCP <><

Home Sweet Home

2008-07-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Home Sweet Home

There is nothing like spending time with folks that you love and have known for years! The time came and went too quickly, but spending time in the great state of Colorado for the 80th Colorado FFA Convention was really cool!

First, it was great to see the state officers that my state officer team installed do such a great job during the sessions. I was really proud of them. They did some cool stuff.

Colorado FFA Convention also broke a new attendance record. We had more than 1,750 people in attendance! That was great! Our state membership is a little over 4,200 and we are excited that so many members were involved in convention.

I also was able to spend time with my state officer teammates that I served with. We had a ton of fun together!

We were missing a couple when we took the photo...but to say the least, I am so blessed by the individuals I served with as a state officer. Go 2006-2007 Colorado State Officer Team! Believe in the Blue - Trust in the Gold!

I spent some quality time with the stellar CO FFA members during some workshops.

We were doing some construction!!

On floor 3, the builders ran out of money...construction had to stop!!

Check out this group of awesome new state officers! I'm excited to see what this group is going to do this year! Way to go all!

The entire convention was a success! Thanks for letting me be a part of it all. Visions of Blue - Hearts of Gold! Well done!

What a better way to finish off the week than to spend time with my incredible family at the lake. I LOVE THE LAKE! So my parents were kind enough to load up the jet skis and head out to North Sterling Reservoir!

There we are! Don't we look like we've been to the lake? It was so much fun, even if it was only for a day!

80th Kansas FFA Convention

2008-07-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

Is there any place more beautiful than Manhattan, Kansas? Maybe there is. But for me, this place has a very special place in my heart. Not only is it the home of Kansas State University of which I am a student, (Insert Commercial Here: for more information visit www.ag.k-state.edu) :)...but, Manhattan also happens to be the home of the 80th Kansas FFA Convention! It was a true privilege to join Becky, the National FFA Secretary, in her home state for the convention.

The week was filled with great activities, but most of all I enjoyed the time I got to spend hanging out with members. Whether it was in McCain Auditorium, the Student Union, The Alumni Center, or even the time I got to spend at my favorite coffee shop, Radina's, I loved it!

I had a great time with some students during workshops!

All excited about what's going on!!

Math...yuck!

Nice shades, dude!

I also had the privilege to spend some time on the main stage speaking. My good friend Aaron was the official photographer of the convention and took some pretty funny pictures of what was going on with my expressions. I've decided that I am officially a good ball. Check them out...

Yep, its true. I am a goofball! Feel free to laugh at me.

The last day we had a big celebration at the end and the newly retired state officers took a cool pictures with all the tabs they had collected for the Ronald McDonald house. Their state wide community service project is called: "Tons of Tabs!" They filled up this whole pickup truck! Can you believe that?

Oh, and not to mention the Toyota Tundra...yep, that belongs to the Kansas FFA Foundation thanks to the incredible support of Toyota! Thank you Toyota for everything you do for us!!!

Until Next Time,

Morgan C. Parker <><

A&M, Florida and Nebraska COLT

2008-07-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

Welp...I definitely have some updating I need to get done here.

T-E-X-A-S
First things first: We spent the first couple weeks of May in the state of Texas at College Station. Home of the Texas A&M Aggies! We spent our time there preparing for and presenting NLCSO (National Leadership Conference for State Officers) with some students down there as sort of a "dress rehearsal".
I decided that I must be a real Ag Nerd, because as I was flying I found myself taking pictures of clouds and fields. Quite the view from above...don't you think?

Look at those perfect circles. I thought it was pretty cool!

Clouds pretty much fascinate me. It's like flying through cotton fields with just cotton balls. So cool!!

F-L-O-R-I-D-A
Following that, I spent some time in the great state of Florida with none other than Brady Revels! I have a few pictures that I took down there, but the most exciting were those of the alligators.

Yikes! Scary, but cool!

Brady took me to the beach, we floated down a clear, spring fed river, and I even got to tour his alma mater, the University of Florida. (Brady would insert "Go Gators" here, but I'm not going to.)

N-E-B-R-A-S-K-A
Following my trip to Florida I took a jaunt up to the state of Nebraska for COLT camp. To say the least, this was an incredible trip! I really enjoyed meeting all the state officers and hanging out with the members. The FFA camp is quite impressive, and all of us really had a JOURNEY that week.

These were my buddies playing "big booty". We also learned the salt and ketchup dance. What fun it was!

Speaking of dancing...the dance even featured the CUPID SHUFFLE. It was so exciting and fun. Its been stuck in my head since then...yep...its true!

Lauren didn't like that my shirt said Colorado on it...

So she fixed it. I can't believe it!

I don't know how this happened, but it rained about 50 inches while we were there. It definitely made for an interesting flash light relay (you'll have to ask Nebraska folks about it).

They break up into teams, and have the craziest relay I have ever seen. With the mud and such, everyone was a little antsy and by the end of the relay all that was left of the flash lights was a few batteries and some lenses. We had a blast!!

Signing off,

MCP <><

YouTube videos

2008-07-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

Favorite You Tube Videos:

Okay...lets be honest! Whats better to waste a few hours of time than to watch the millions of YouTube Vvdeos out there. Well, there definitely is some pointless stuff on there, but every once in a while I come across some really cool stuff! Check out some of my favorite YouTube videos!

Greg Patillo is a Beat-Boxin' Flute Player. Its amazingness!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crfrKqFp0Zg

Don't be that guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw4bQKiLkQ4

And last but not least:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM
(you gotta love little kids)

What are some of your favorite You Tube Videos?

Shoot me an e-mail at mparker@ffa.org. I'd love to see whats out there!

Oh...and guess what? The 81st National FFA Convention is coming up soon! Get excited!

WOO HOO!

Morgan <><