Miss Illinois USA 2010

Well well, today is Wednesday. It has been such a fun and busy few weeks!! I judged a crazy hat contest at the Barker family picnic, I attended Winfield Days and judged a talent contest, I participated in a shoe kicking contest (its exactly like it sounds, lol), I was on the radio to promote the SOS Children's Village, I helped raise money for the Castle Challenge in Dekalb with Miss Iowa USA ... and the list goes on and on! Excitement is never more than a day away, and as the days go on I am beginning to realize how fast it all goes by. ITS CRAZY!

I continue to be excited that there are so many young women looking forward to this year's competition. It is definitely going to be a great year to compete since this is the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Miss USA Pageant system. I think its going to be an absolute ball of a time, and I can't wait to meet all of the lovely and driven women in person at the seminar in October. For those competing -- make sure you keep asking questions, getting help wherever you can, and working hard! Only two months left!! YOU CAN DO THIS!

The best part about life for me lately has been reconnecting with old friends and figuring out what I want to do with myself. For the past few years I have had such a strong focus on finishing college, getting a job, and winning a pageant title that I haven't given myself much time to just enjoy things. I am excited because although I am still quite busy, I have taken some time to get back in touch with old friends, finish reading a few books, and practice the piano again. It may seem petty, but its very exciting for me! Also ... I am THRILLED because I have FINALLY found my calling. After quitting my job with Robinson & Maites, exploring the world of Sales with IST Management, working part time as a freelance designer, writer, and training at the gym, I have FINALLY decided what the heck I want to do with my life! It is such a relief too, because this is something that has really been bothering me. I have had a lot of experience this year with radio and television, getting up at a microphone in front of an audience, and participating in some really cool things that get me very excited. I have decided that I absolutely 100% want to be in broadcasting in one form or another. I am very excited about it, I am driven to do it, and I am determined to make it happen. I am grateful for the Illinois pageant system, Daphne Ortiz, my mom, and all of the people who have helped me this year for giving me the opportunity to realize this!

Sooo, besides that, I am very much looking forward to the next events I have lined up. I will be volunteering at the SOS Village Balloon launch to help raise money for the orphan and foster children in Lockport. I will be working with the Save Abandoned Babies organization to help kick off their newest awareness campaign. I will do a ribbon cutting at a new restaurant in Arlington Heights called Salsa 17, I will be mingling with the Boy Scouts of America at their 100th Anniversary celebration, doing a photoshoot, working with the Honor Flight, and so much more. Fit it all in before the title is passed on to the next girl you say? Well, alright!! :)

Have a wonderful week everyone!