Knowledge Is Power!

I know we have heard this many times over the years, but it is so true! Without knowledge, we rely on other individuals to make decisions for us. We rely on experts, but what most of us do not consider is the alternative, the other side of the story. We go to the doctor, and we expect that he or she know best in regards to our health. We go to the dentist, and we expect that he or she knows best for our teeth. But are we asking enough questions to be certain that the results make sense for us? What if I told you that by doing just a little research on your own, you could be armed with the information you need to make some vital decisions that could change your life?

Part of my persistence in the journey to become a title holder was to be able to have a voice in matters in which I feel passionate. My platform – Healthy Today, Healthy Forever – is just that. It’s an all encompassing stage for issues of health and fitness, nutrition, emotional strength, financial stability, and ethical and personal values. I pride myself on living a healthy lifestyle. I work out regularly (even if it’s just my 15 minute morning bathroom routine), eat well, have worked hard on gaining financial stability, and have created my list of what I call “non-negotiables” on a personal and ethical level. I have created a place for myself where emotional strength is always a possibility by taking control of the reactions I have, and while I’m far from perfect, I have made tremendous strides.

What I have not done, and what I feel needs to be done, is change the focus, even if just briefly, from what we are doing or should be doing as listed above to what we are NOT doing as a society…research!

I suppose I should give you some history on what prompted this post. In a recent visit with my mom, I read an article about a school district that had scheduled the nasal vaccination for the H1N1 virus (the “Swine” Flu) for every student. It was a little disheartening for me to read on so many levels - first and foremost on a personal level, having a very solid belief that these decisions should not be forced upon everyone but a choice of the family/parents -- which leads me to this post.

People today are not dependent on the Encyclopedia Britannica to find the answers. Only a small percentage of society spends time researching information for the purpose of gaining knowledge and having a better understanding of how and why things work. The majority of people do not know why they do what they do – they just do it, because it’s what they were told, because it’s what they observed, because everyone else is on the bandwagon, or because someone said it was appropriate or right. But how many of you consider that maybe the latest breaking news and what the majority of the population is doing may not be the best decision or the right decision for you?

If I help any one person do something for themselves through my reading, my hope is that I inspire you to do your own research! Don’t believe what you hear just because it’s on the news, or it’s the next “big thing”. The media does not always tell us the whole truth. Instead, because of financial funding and marketing, the media tells us what certain individuals want us to hear. The media, advertising, magazines ads, billboards, are designed to encourage us to purchase the products, not necessarily to be a healthier individual. Don’t fall into the trap that society has set to keep us in need. Read, ask questions, Google, search your library, talk to experts, get both sides of the story – and then ask yourself, what makes sense for YOU? We are not always given both sides of the story, and sometimes that is used against us for propaganda purposes, marketing and advertising, and to drive the economy. Fair? No. But true nonetheless, and sad that more people do not take advantage of the resources available to create our own destiny.

Do not get me wrong -- the media has many advantages, and some of what is written or produced is very beneficial for most. Just make sure it's right for you!

Imagine, for just a moment, being so healthy that cancer cells cannot survive or multiply within your body. Imagine being at the top of your game and in a peak performance state all the time, not being tired. Imagine being emotionally healthy, standing strong in your personal values and having to confidence to not waver for anything. Imagine experiencing financial freedom and not having to work to live, but being able to work so that you can enjoy life.

All of this is possible within everyone. We all have the ability to create our own future, to be whatever we want it to be. Society tells us otherwise, and through the years and over time we have just been inclined to trust what we should question, and question those we love. The only way to overcome this, the only way to have true freedom, is to create it for ourselves, within ourselves! So get curious, get opinions, ask questions - start today! The more you know, the better....

Congratulations!!!

Congrats to Steffi Holmes and Nicole Bosso -- Miss New Castle County and Miss Diamond State -- as they begin their journey to become Miss Delaware America 2010.

It was a great pageant, and all the ladies did a FANTASTIC job!! It was a very close competition, and I'm really proud to have been able to be a part of it!

Back to the Grind....

Hi All!!

So I'm FINALLY settling back into the daily routine after a nice long stay out in Vegas! :)

The Ms. United States pageant was a GREAT experience! I met some great people out there, had a chance to spend time with girls from each division and get to know what they have been doing since they have won their respective state titles. Of course, I was hoping to make the top 6 and didn't, but that's the way the cookies crumble sometimes. Besides, how many can say they were in the MS UNITED STATES PAGEANT right??

Since I've gotten back, I've jumped full force into getting this golf tournament up and running. I'm really excited about it...18 holes, a putting contest, dinner and a mini exhibit, possibly a fashion show, and a silent auction benefiting Supporting KIDDS! It's going to be a good time for sure!

Most recently, I spent an hour with Tony Maxwell on the UD campus...WVUD radio show! It was a pretty fun time...I've never been on the radio to talk about myself and what I believe, but it was a great experience, and I had a lot of fun being behind the scenes in the production of a radio show. AND...I wasn't nervous at all! Tony Maxwell was a great host, and I was able to go into some details about what I have done to get healthy and to prepare for the state pageant and my role as Ms. Delaware United States.

Well, back to the grind once more (I should be working, not writing....). Until next time....

oh no....what to say now that Vegas is done???? Thoughts?? lol

And the fun begins....

The first day went VERY well...except for the tiny bit of time change that hadn't caught up with me!! I made some new friends already...Ms. DC is really cool, and Radiah is definitely a sweetheart, as always! The women in my division are each unique in their own way, and it was clearly evident from the first day that it going to be a fierce competition, but fun nonetheless!!

Last night we paraded through the hotel to the bowling alley in ball gowns!! Talk about drawing attention to yourself!! I even met a really nice couple from DOVER!! YAY!! They're here for the week, and I think I gained two more fans in the process!! :)

I scored pretty high at bowling...I think I may have earned the highest score of the evening! 159 -- not too shabby in a evening gown! The funniest moment was when my shoes got caught on my dress, and I slid into a split with a bowling ball in hand! I may not be the greatest at staying on my feet, but at least I'm graceful when I fall!! LOL

Off to rehearsals today....then fashion show tonight!! Wish me luck! Until next time....

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!!

VEGAS!!!!!

The challange of packing the suitcase (or 2) for 9 days in Vegas was not easy...it required planning, drawings, and strategic placement of all items -- at least 12 complete outfits, evening gown, opening number dress, bowling dress, casual dresses, pajamas, curlers, hair stuff, make up, and at least 8 pairs of shoes -- so that they all fit in two medium sized suitcases. It was packing, re-packing, and re-packing it several more times to make sure both were under 50 pounds, and realizing that packing light just wasn't happening. Finally I went to bed around 3:30 last night because I was tired of looking at suitcases and clothes!! lol Only to wake up this morning and re-pack AGAIN...one last time!!!

I'm not much for airport check ins, or plane rides, but it was a fairly smooth ride. Sleeping on the plane is not the easiest, and I was so anxious about this coming week, that I couldn't stay asleep anyway! I kept running through interview questions and answers in my head....thanks Siouxzan, Meredith, and Julia. :) The cab ride was short (and cheap, thank goodness!!), and the Orleans Hotel is just off the main strip and is very nice!! I ordered room service because I hadn't eaten yet, unpacked, and watched a movie....except I fell asleep during it because it was 9pm back home and I didn't sleep much last night.

And after all that...I ACTUALLY FORGOT A PAIR OF SHOES!!! lol Thank goodness I have friends in high places with shoes I can borrow...and a sister who will pack my left behinds with her when she comes out here to cheer me on from the audience!!! :)

Everything starts tomorrow...I cannot wait to meet everyone, and get this journey started! It's been a long road traveled to be here, and I am ready for this next challenge!

I'm feeling very confident this evening, well prepared thanks to Siouxzan, and my great friends and family who are my support system who have helped me get ready by shopping with me, offering advice, lending clothing or shoes, interviewing me, or just being a phone call away! Thanks for everything...keep your fingers crossed, and if all goes well, we will celebrate upon my return!! :)

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!

OMG -- where did the time go???

It's officially 2 weeks until Finals night!!! AAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

okay --breathing again! Ya know, my state director asked me yesterday if I was nervous....well, gee, I wasn't until you asked me! :) But when I think about how the time has flown by, and that NEXT SATURDAY I will be on a plane to VEGAS for the national pageant...WOAH!!

I am excited, nervous, lucky, happy, exhausted, and anxious all at once!!!

haha If anyone is interested, I'm sure there is still room on the plane!! Come cheer me on with my biggest fans...my mom and my sister! Ya know, they haven't missed a pageant yet!!! :) They are the best...the best cheering section, the best criticizers, the best complimenters, and the best family and friends a girl can have. They have stood by me year after year in these competitions, when I refused to change to be like the stereotypical pageant girl, and they are really have been my support system! :)

Okay -- back to the screaming because...I LEAVE FOR VEGAS IN 8 DAYS!!!!!
AAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!


Until next time...
VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!

The shoe fiasco!!!!

Okay -- so I was in desperate need of new shoes going into the national pageant! The clear princess shoes I have used for the last few years have finally seen their last day! They are no longer comfortable, the rhinestones are falling off, and my ankles swell like potatoes when I wear them!! I could probably stand them for one more, but I thought...new shoes, what a better excuse! And besides, nationals will probably only happen once for me, if for no other reason that I don't think I have the patience for 13 more years of pageants before I have another state title! lol

"Piece of cake!" I thought to myself! Between department stores, and shoe specialty stores like DSW, and bridal salons, I'll be able to find shoes no problem!!

YEAH RIGHT!!!!

I'd find the color but not a high enough heel, or I'd find the heel height but not the right color. Then, I get lucky enough to find the right color and the right heel, but it doesn't come in my size!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME????

Someone (namely, Ellie, former Mrs. Delaware) suggested I try pageantresale.com. So I do, and low and behold, shoes galore!! Now of course, with anything previously owned obviously you have to wait until you are lucky enough to have someone who is your size sell what they don't want. AH HA!! I'm THAT lucky!! The ad reads...."Size 8, 4 inch strappy sandal in taupe. Perfect for swimsuit, or anything. Only worm once, EXCELLENT like new condition. $40 or best offer."

WOO HOO!!! I email....and they are still available!! I'LL TAKE THEM!!!

I anxiously wait, and check the mail every day. In a weeks time, what arrives on my doorstep priority mail? THE SHOES!!! I'm so excited, that I rip into the packet almost tearing the box lid with it, and I pull out the like new taupe colored size 8, 4 inch heel!! I am in total AWWW. I put them on.....what?? You have to be kidding me???? THEY'RE TOO FREAKING BIG!!!!!

My dilemna -- I am a size 8. Actually, sneakers I wear an 8 1/2 (my foot expanded a half size when I was pregnant with my son). But I have a very narrow foot, so when it comes to dress shoes and heels, especially strappy heels, sometimes I need a 7 1/2. That would be the case with this shoes. So, do I try desperately to find a replacement or try to make this lovely perfect shoe work for me??

Well, after some facebook replies to my "how-to-make-a-shoe-fit" inquiry, I am happy to report that after doctoring the shoes with Dr. Scholl's for the ball of the foot, inspirational Sole Expressions in leopard print, and double sided tape to reduce friction on the strap...THEY FIT!!!!

Thanks for all the advice everyone!! I have a shoe for the swimsuit competition!!! YES!!

Until Next Time....

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!