You know how I’ve talked about the “goodness” thing? The whole — more goodness than I ever knew existed before — that I’ve gotten to see in action since being diagnosed in September. Well, one part of that goodness is some of the fun events Adam and I have been asked to be a part of to raise funds for cancer research. The most recent one took place last weekend — The Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska.I was asked to assist with a couple parts of the event. And a very kind woman purchased tickets so the hubs and I could stay for the whole event. And it. was. cool.
First of all, the hubs and I gussied up in cowboy and girl gear — we each borrowed boots {thankfully because they are insanely expensive. Did you know that?} I was searching for a boho/old country vibe and found my dress at Von Maur, on the sale rack, three days prior AND they were able to alter it, too… all for $60. Yasssss. And FWIW, I am not wearing a bra. Because radiation. But my boobs just naturally stay up there like that. Ya. Just thought I’d brag for a sec. Thanks.
And the hubs found his digs on our first ever trip to Omaha’s Boot Barn. The boys found it a fun place to run around and be completely inappropriate which was fantastic. And honestly, the hubs, in my opinion, looked super hottie mchotterton in those jeans…. mmmmmm. These are not the cowboy jeans I remember from high school. But I like em. I love em. I want some more of em.
This pic is with Julie, another breast cancer patient who just finished her rads this week! Go Julie.
I also got to spend a lot of my day with Laura and Terri, both from my old stomping grounds. They were working the silent auction. Terri and I were reallllllly tight in high school and I spent a lot of time with her family so anytime I get to see them is welcome and enjoyed.
So then… then I modeled. I know. I know what you’re thinking. “Ashli, we must have missed you on ANTM?!” No no. With no other previous modeling experience under my belt outside of the NLA fashion show circa 1988 and 4-H modeling at Saline County Fair, I sadly do not possess any modeling history. Nor do I see it becoming a regular bullet on my resume.
But yes, first, I modeled a very cute, put together ensemble from the Buckle.
And then, I got full-time fancy with a frock from The Black Swan in Lincoln accompanied by a Christian Nobel Fur. The clothes were gorgeous but I was told not to move swiftly in the dress as the hook+eye situation on the neck piece of the dress was a little dicey. And by dicey I mean, had I made too big of movement, there was a good chance my radio-red-boob would be unveiled to the whole crowd. Now THAT would have definitely been cancer awareness.
Adam snapped a photo of the screen that was up while I modeled.
Then, we had a drink… that actually a very sweet girl named Andrea wouldn’t let us pay for because she knew “my story”.
Then, I got to meet my friend Leslie’s badass sister. I’ve been honorarially adopted into their family so it was nice to meet one of my faux-sisters.
Caught up with an old friend.
Then, we saw Whiplash. The monkey who rides a dog and herds goats. It was quite the scene. During his show, I also got to chit chat with my Infectious Disease Doc, Dr. Freifeld and we also got to chat it up with the head of Oncology, Dr. Cowan. The loveliest part is they both knew my name and were as friendly as could be. I was so pleased to have that time.
THEN. Then. I got to get in the pen with this beautiful Hereford owned by Don and Jayne Kracke of DeWitt. Her name was Flamingo. We bonded. Like, seriously. She also pooped and peed. Because when nature calls…
We also got to watch the Live auction, complete with all kinds of interesting items including cow embryos and cattle trailers. It was definitely different than the items I often solicited for with my old gigs.
Dinner was delish… Prime Rib… Rolls… Veggies… Salad… Desserts. ALLLLLLLL made deliciously for 2500 people. Wowza. And I got to pose for a pic with my fave Surg Onc from Nebraska Med, Dr. Sarah Thayer. She’s balls, you guys. Balls.
We were sitting in the long galley seating and moved up closer to watch Clint Black, knowing we’d have to stand… when this kind, sweet table asked us to sit in two of their open seats. I was so touched. Each of those seats cost $450. Right before we departed, I told the guy, through tears, how thankful I was for his kindness and he told me they’d seen my video earlier in the day. And so I cried more. He and his wife are co-chairs for next year’s event which will be held near Broken Bow. And they are kind as kind gets.
It was a lovely, interesting day. I loved getting to meet so many others who have fought the same fight or are continuing on their fight. And I loved to see the event that most years raises over 1 million dollars for the Fred and Pamela Buffett Center, in person. It was a beautiful day spent at the Lienemann ranch near Princeton. And ended with a clear sky and lots of stars to cover us all the way home. We didn’t stay for the dance. Mama was too pooped. But also so very thankful for yet another day that proves that life can be so amazing.
Thank you to the Cattlemen’s Assc. for letting me be a part of the day and for letting me share my story to raise awareness, yet again.
It was so special to see so many people coming together and putting their sweat and tears {literally} into making this two day event happen. Volunteerism in action is quite a sight to see. And there are few things I love more than a clear sky over the fields in the summer. It was a great year for the event to have occurred so close to my roots.
I don’t know if I’ll be rocking boots again anytime soon. And if you’re wondering… no, I didn’t get to keep the fur. Although if I had, I think I’d be wearing every single day next winter to school dropoff. Because life’s too short to not use the china. Eat the dessert. Or wear the fur.
