Tuesday, July 16, 2013

THE Trip

This past week we attended the annual fishing convention ICAST. This was my 5th time to attend the show, but my first time to experience anything like this. The previous times I have been we have always just walked the show. Talking to people in the industry, checking out the latest. Last year was the first time Livingston had their own booth. I was unable to attend this milestone event but for very good reason, my little just born. But this year.. what I year I picked to go! Not only did Livingston have a booth at the show, this booth stole the show. It was classy, it was educational, it was HUGE, it was catered breakfast, lunch and happy hour. It had tv's playing our stories, Pro Anglers demonstrating the lures, meetings being held, amazing displays. This booth was IT. I clearly had no idea what this bad boy was going to entail until we walked over to it. I was in complete awe. I was overwhelmed. So many emotions flooded my mind. But the one that took front and center was PROUD. I was proud of my husband first and foremost, proud of being a part of this amazing dream and proud of the company it has become. What a sight to be seen. Something so hard to put into words but just insane crazy. But that was just the beginning. The entire 5 days we were in Vegas we did it up. From the extravagant dinners to the cabana rented out just for Livingston, and the late night chats with people who have become our closest friends and partners. As I try and go back through the events of the week, I think about some of the most amazing people we met, some of the greatest memories we made, and all for one cause. Livingston Lures. And the thing that keeps playing over in my head is when we met with the Secretary of the State of Texas, she said, "right when you think you are about to give up, keep going." The things that you work the hardest for, suffer the most conquering, and sacrifice everything for, will pay off big. You hear it all the time right?! Well I have to say, I witnessed first hand, with my own two eyes, with my whole being that if you work hard enough and push through every obstacle you encounter, you will make it to that other side. And although we are still on the climb, it sure does feel good to see that the love of my life has yet again created something in his mind, taken to market, and leaving his mark in the world. Best part about it, I get to be a part of it with our precious little mini. Blessed beyond words. July of 2013 in Las Vegas, will go down in my book as an unforgettable milestone, no doubt about that.