Miss Illinois USA 2010

Zone 2

2010-09-16T06:32:00.001-07:00

This may be common knowledge, but I have just learned something very interesting:

I have been busting my butt at the gym trying to get my cardio in gear -- running on inclines at 7.0, 7.5, even 8.0 mph, sweating through multiple shirts, getting my heart rate up as high as 191 and maybe sometimes more, its madness ... and its extremely tiring.

Finally, I decided to ask one of the trainers at my gym to tell me why I work so hard and am not seeing much of an improvement. He took one look at my heart rate monitor that I try to wear during all of my workouts, and gasped. APPARENTLY, getting your heart rate that high is over-training and isn't really benefiting me. I'm burning the muscle I worked so hard to gain and the fat just kind of gets bypassed. When I asked him what to do to burn the fat, he said I need to do EASIER WORKOUTS!!!! WHAT?! Yes. He suggested I try to keep my heart rate right around 150, which would put me in my "Zone 2," or my fat burning zone. I tried it this morning, and all I had to do was walk at 4.0 on an incline to get it there. IT WAS SO EASY!! I couldn't believe it, and frankly, I didn't trust it. So ... I went on the Internet to see if what he said was true.

It turns out, staying in the fat burning zone is EXACTLY the way you can shed those extra pounds, which means keeping your heart rate lower and not working as hard. This concept is just beyond me, but facts are facts. I'm nervous to give this a try, but I don't think I've got anything to lose! I'm going to focus very strongly on staying in zone 2, and MAYBE it will work! WHO KNEW?! If anyone knows any more information about this or can offer some encouraging success stories please let me know, I'm doubtful and curious. YIKES. But here goes nothing ... :)

2010-09-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

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!

Cure Juvenile Myositis

2010-08-31T06:02:00.001-07:00

Please Vote!!! Cure JM at: http://www.refresheverything.com/makejmamemory

They're so close to the big win, and today is the last day to help. Its a wonderful cause, please vote!

Game Time Dine

2010-08-15T11:33:00.001-07:00

Thursday evening I had the opportunity to give a live cooking demonstration with DC Crenshaw for "Game Time Dine." I was to prepare, cook, and serve two of my favorite dishes for the live studio audience. I chose to make my home-made pasta noodles with a creamy vodka sauce, as well as crispy golden chicken with potatoes. I wasn't told to bring anything with me to the studio, so I came with nothing by myself (and my camera of course!)

This was to be the final episode for the second season of Game Time Dine, and their first ever live performance. I think it made everyone a little nervous, and sadly, we didn't seem to create the perfect show. However, we had a fabulously fun time doing it, and the viewers both in the studio and watching at home on Facebook seemed to be interested -- they asked a lot of great questions.

One question that came up a few times for me was how I choose to eat when I am prepping for a competition such as when I was getting ready to compete for Miss Illinois USA and Miss USA. Well, to be honest, it's not very exciting, guys. I try to eat as clean as possible, meaning everything is fresh. Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh fish, cottage cheese, etc. Basically, if it doesn't rot in a day or two it shouldn't be going into my body. However, that's what I do when it starts to get down to the wire. There are a lot of great, tasty and filling things you can eat for the months leading up to your competitions that will help your body get itself in the right shape. Check online or at your local bookstore for books like the Flexitarian Diet, Clean Eating, etc. I just take recipes from books like those and try to eat at least three or four times a day along with drinking lots and lots of water. Not only is it good for my body, it's great for my skin too!

Speaking of skin, I remember when I was growing up my mom always told me that I had so many pimples because I ate too much chocolate. I didn't believe it for a second and kept right on eating it ... I just saw a dermatologist to help the problem. However, it seems that mom may have been right (don't tell her I said so though!). When I was clean eating for Miss IL USA and Miss USA I really didn't have any skin problems. BUUUUT, when I got home from Las Vegas after the pageant and ate what I wanted without hesitation, my face looked like a pepperoni pizza. Not only that, but the weight I had worked hard to lose had started to come back. Sooo, I started clean eating again a few weeks ago, and I have already seen a huuuuge improvement in my skin, as well as the fit of my clothes. I hadn't changed my workout routine at all, I simply started eating better and the changes began to take place. This, again, reiterates how important I think a healthy diet is when you are trying to be in great shape. Truly, I could work out for hours and wouldn't have much to show for it if I didn't eat right. The two must work together!!

And now I'm off to the airport. I'm flying to Atlanta tonight on a business trip! I return tomorrow evening and Tuesday morning I move to Chicago. OOOOOH the madness. :) I'm looking forward to very busy and exciting week!!

Motivation

2010-08-10T14:52:00.001-07:00

Saturday evening, Brandon and I competed in the DWI4 Latin Rhythms dance competition. We rocked the show with a nearly flawless performance, and the crowd went wild. As nervous as I was right before getting on stage, hearing the audience cheer that way was the most exhilarating feeling I've had in a long time, and all my nerves turned to excitement. My advice to anyone who is ever watching a stage performance ... be a good audience! It brings so much more life into the performer, and you will definitely see a better show. The cheering helped my confidence, which improved my dancing, which made the show more exciting to watch. I can't wait to get the video and watch it from an audience view! I am so so so happy I had this opportunity to learn to dance, and I can't wait to continue learning at Latin Rhythms this fall. Look out for me next summer at DWI5!

***************

Last week, I attended a business/leadership seminar in Dallas, Texas. I was hesitant to go since it was a lot of money and I just left my full time job to pursue other interests, but I'm so glad I decided to go through with it. It was extremely motivating, and at some parts even made me cry with the stories they were presenting to us. Who knew a business seminar could be so powerful? One thing that really touched me is when one woman said this:

"God didn't have time to make a nobody. He only had time to make a somebody -- and that is you."

I thought this was an awesome quote, because its true! I keep thinking about the girls who will be competing in the Miss Illinois USA pageant this year, and as I've said in past blog posts ... it makes me excited. I remember this time one year ago, I was at the gym twice a day, thinking about what my evening gown would be, practicing my interview with my parents, and just focusing 100% on the goal I wanted more than anything in the world to achieve. I was just being myself ... a recent graduate, living at home, working a new job, wondering whether or not I would ever make my dreams come true. Little did I know in just a few short months, my life would be changed drastically. It could happen to anyone. If you just realize that you were meant for greatness and put your heart and soul into it, it could be YOU with that crown on your head in November. WHO KNOWS! But what better way to find out if Miss Illinois USA 2011 is your destiny than by giving it your best shot?

Something else that touched me at the seminar is, "If your friends don't laugh at you, your goals aren't big enough." I remember my first year trying for Miss Illinois USA I didn't tell anyone I was doing it. I didn't want to spread the news and come home without anything to show for it. But after I had that first experience I knew I had to let people know my intentions if I was going to make it happen. I told everyone. Friends, family, even strangers! It kept me accountable. A lot of people were shocked when I told them, because back then I didn't even wear make-up let alone high heels, but it gave me something to prove, I think. If everyone in my life knew I was trying to be the next Miss Illinois USA, I had to follow through. My thought was, "Even if I go home without the crown, I'll know I gave it my 100% BEST effort, and that's just the way it was meant to happen."

The trick with pageantry ... or with ANY aspect of life ... is that you simply cannot wait for your ship to come in. You have to swim out and get it. If you want something badly enough, you will find a way to get it. For me right now, there are many things I wish to achieve, but of course, some of them or closer to my heart than others. What is it for you? What do you want more than anything in the world? Now ... how do you go about getting it?

I am sooo excited for the coming months, as I'm sure many of the women in training and preparation right now are too. My wish to you is to enjoy the journey, and get help where you need it. Ask me, ask your friends, your family ... but set that goal for yourself and turn it into a reality. If you're going to bother dreaming at all, you might as well dream big ... and if you're going to bother trying, you may as well try your best. GET IT, GIRL!

Tech Rehearsal

2010-07-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

Mom and I are about to leave momentarily for the tech rehearsal to my "dancing with the instructors" competition. I am so excited for her to see the dance that my partner Brandon and I have been working so hard on over the past few weeks. It's going to be a tango that turns into a salsa ... its very fun, sexy, and fabulous. At the end we do a really cool trick where Brandon throws me up in the air and I spin around really fast, then he flips me over and pulls me into a final dip. Oh boy oh boy, it's going to be amazing. I can't wait for the competition next weekend! Lets just hope this time I don't nail him in the face like I did during the last round's tech rehearsal. YIKES!

Dew Tour

2010-07-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I attended the Dew Tour at Soldier Field in Chicago. I got to sit at the Q-101 radio station booth signing autographs and taking pictures for awhile before I was escorted to the VIP section to watch the athletes compete. I had never watched a BMX event before, and it was incredibly exciting to attend. After the competition I was delighted for the opportunity to present the awards to the winners along with NBC Sportscaster Daryl Hawks. It was a very exciting event that I am glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of as Miss Illinois USA.

Success.

2010-07-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

It really hasn't been getting any better as far as busy-ness goes. I haven't seen the sunshine much this summer ... I hear its been kind of hot out there. Late nights and early mornings with an average of 3 hours of downtime for showering (maybe) and sleeping between commutes has finally gotten to be too much for me. I've decided that I simply am not happy, and have come to the conclusion that I need a change. After all ... no one is going to change your life for you. If you're unhappy with the way things are going, you are the only one who has the power to turn things in a more positive and productive direction. So I've taken the first step -- I have put in my two weeks notice at my prestigious career. Eek! Unfortunately, I did this without having anything lined up, which perhaps isn't what most would suggest in this rough economy. However, I have come to realize that you are either going for your dreams and making your life what you want it to be, or you are giving up and settling for what you are. I refuse to settle.

So now I am embracing life's next adventure, and I am confident that the universe will produce something good as long as I continue to work hard toward my "next big thing." Its scary to be without work right now, especially since I now pay rent for my own place and am no longer living in the warm and comfy confides of my fantastically amazing parents. However, I am certain (albeit daring) that I will make something work for now.

But what is it that I want to do? I've had such specific goals for so long that were incredibly important to me that I am almost unsure I can top it! In fact, I was thinking again about the last time I *really* knew what I wanted - when I was training to compete for the Miss Illinois USA title last year. Maybe you'll be interested to hear a quote that had inspired me then:

"There is only one quality which one must possess to win, and that is the definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it."
-Napoleon Hill

Perhaps this is what I need to discover for myself, and what you reading this right now needs to discover as well. What are our true goals and desires? What do we want for our lives? Are we settling, or striving for something bigger and better which we are confident we can achieve? Maybe its a weight loss goal, maybe a career goal, or maybe its even something to do with building better relationships with friends and family. Regardless, it probably wouldn't hurt for us to take a step back, analyze where we are against where we want to be and map out a way to get there. Haha, well ... I'm glad I had this talk with my blog, because I think I may have just figured out my next steps. Woohoo!!

2010-07-08T13:27:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited for all of the wonderful young women who are in preparation mode for the 2011 Miss Illinois USA Pageant! A few girls have gotten in touch with me with their questions, and I must say ... the energy is incredible. I'm so proud of everyone who is laying out her goals and going for it! As Walt Disney once said, "If you dream it, you can do it." I believe it!

This weekend I'll be attending an event in Chicago that should be a great time. There will be live music, vendors, shows ... and I get to hang out in the VIP tent! Earlier in the week my dance partner and I began really rehearsing our dance number for the competition that will take place in Chicago on August 7th, and woooo it's gonna be saucy! We're doing a tango that breaks into a salsa, I'm so excited :) He's teaching me to do some wild moves though, and actually on Tuesday I totally threw out my neck! It still hurts to look down no matter how much I stretch. EEK! But now that my neck knows the trouble its in for, it probably won't ache as much after the next practice (at least I hope not).

Have a great weekend everyone, keep working toward your goals ... and don't let yourself get too hot with this icky weather!! :)

Quick Updates

2010-06-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it is the last day of June and I haven't had a chance to post an update since the 15th. So much has been happening, and I apologize for waiting so long to write!

Life has been nuts. I don't have a clue how I'm handling it right now ... and to be frank, I'm not really balancing it well at all. I always considered being busy as a blessing, but being soooo busy might not be as good as I once thought. I've been so stressed I'm getting sick, I haven't slept more than 4 hours a night in three weeks, and the worst part -- OK lets see if I can admit this to the world -- I have now found 9 gray hairs on my head. 9! And there are probably more in back, yikes! I blame it completely 100% on stress, although my mom tends to think it has a bit to do with heredity. Whatever mom, if you want to take the blame be my guest!

However, amidst all of the chaos and sleepless nights, I have been having some fantastic adventures: Of course as you know I advanced in my dance competition and will get to compete in the final round in August for which I've been trying to rehearse as much as possible. In addition to that, I had the opportunity to participate in my home town's "Old Canal Days" parade; I rode a float with local girl scout troops and each girl had her own little tiara -- so cute! I've been to 2 out-of-town weddings with about 5 more to come before my summer is through. It has been wonderful to see people beginning their lives together, and now that I can enjoy the cake without feeling guilty (!) its extra wonderful! I co-hosted the ABC 7 Traffic Jam 5K run in Grant Park, and I played BINGO with adults with disabilities at Bethsham in Palos Heights. I'm planning to move August 1st, so finding a place to live has been lots of fun -- we haven't found anything yet, but I am confident my roommate and I will find our gem eventually! And lastly (almost), I've been trying to be as active as possible in different areas of business to learn as much as I can about my career and being a successful business woman and entrepreneur - tonight I will attend an event in Chicago called "Step Up for Beauty and Brains." And lastly (for real), I've been setting up appointments to instruct women on proper skin care as I had planned, and have been scheduling appointments for myself on how to keep my body healthy and balanced through proper nutrition and exercise. It really has been a crazy load of different activities lately, and I've been learning so much. There really is nothing like learning and networking and having new experiences!!!

OK So now I've got to run, but that was the quick update. I hope to have a more thoroughly composed and more interesting blog post to write in the next few days, but we'll see. I hope everyone has a safe and fantastic holiday weekend!

Cheers!

Advancing to the Final Dance Round

2010-06-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday night, after many long days of rehearsal with lots of sweat, sore muscles and even a bloody nose or two, Brandon and I rocked the dance floor at the Chicago Theater for the Performing Arts advancing to the next round of competition. I was soooo excited, not only because I tried so hard, but because I really wanted to continue working with Brandon and learn more beautiful dance moves! After failing to reach my goal at Miss USA, this felt wonderful. My face beamed, I could see my mom as happy as could be in the audience, and I was just plain HAPPY. The hard work paid off -- and it was a BLAST. Brandon and I will start rehearsing for the final competition to be held in Chicago on August 7th. I am so so so pumped!! Who knew I could even dance at all, and now here I am advancing to the final round. Wow!

So theeeeen ... this morning I read something in a book that really hit home:
"Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try. Why? Because they lack self-confidence. Women, especially, have so much potential they never tap."

This really got me thinking because all my life, I never would have guessed that I would participate in the Miss USA Pageant. I never thought I'd throw out the first pitch at the Cubs game. I never thought I'd have 4 different business cards at one time, and I never thought I'd be the star in a 'dancing with the stars' competition and get to work with, in my opinion, the best dancer there ever was. Throughout my life I have tried so many things and failed them, but I never stopped exploring new opportunities. But I have to ask -- why women? Why are women the ones that fail to tap into their natural gifts? This really bugs me. I may have 'failed' at Miss USA among other things, but it opened up doors to try so many other avenues I never would have discovered otherwise! I suppose my greatest failures have lead me to my greatest adventures. Try and try again, as they say -- its worth it!

It has been said, "We fail forward to success. We learn from our failures. The person who never fails never attempts anything." I think getting back up when you're down and trying again is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Not only to experience all of the amazing things life has to offer, but also to give yourself a new thrill every now and then -- to have something for which to strive, something to be excited for, and something to dream about.

OK I'm done being a philosopher for now ... but think about it. Have you explored your inner gifts? If not, you should. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING if you put your mind to it.

BlackHawk Fever!

2010-06-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

Chicago is a madhouse! I took an early train in today because we were supposed to have an early meeting at 9, and although the meeting totally didn't start yet I'm glad I came early because it is CRAZY on the streets!

The reason it is nuts is because there is a parade today celebrating the Chicago Blackhawk's win Wednesday night when they took home the Stanley Cup. The streets are totally painted red with people and their clothing and banners supporting the Hawks. Even the fountain at Daley Plaza is dyed red!

There are police and barricades along the path of the parade. The event doesn't start until 10:30am, but when I walked through around 8am and it was packed. I can't imagine what it's like right now at 9:30!

This is a very exciting day for Chicago Hawk's fans. I can hear sirens going off constantly from my office and I wonder if its for emergencies or just crowd control and excitement. Looking out my window now, you can't even see the sidewalks -- its all just people in red. So exciting!!

GO HAWKS!

An Explanation on the New Business Venture

2010-06-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, a close friend wrote me an email in response to something I had posted on my blog a few days back. It made me wonder if others were feeling the same way ... so I have decided to address his concerns publicly.

He wrote:
"I happened upon your blog today, where after reading about refreshingly strange hair dreams that felt out of sync with the previous gauntlet of pageant preparations, I found this:

'I have decided to use the skills I gained while preparing for Miss Illinois USA and Miss USA to influence and help other women. However, I am going to take it slowly. If there is anything I have learned through all of this, it is that rushing things just causes you to do it at a lower quality than you should. I want to do this right, and slowly but surely, I think I will.'

Which felt like pure concentrate wisdom bubbling with well-adjusted purpose. But then my admiration was ... murdered?

'So what is my new goal that is going to help other women? I am going to sell make-up! LOL!'

Most of the time I make it my mission to outrageously support you, even twist my ethics a bit to explore dimensions of thought and ways of being that I find uncouth, but tonight I'm going to nix the sideshow and ask:

Are you certain selling make-up is going to lead to women's empowerment? Should (can) confidence come in products? Wouldn't you say, be better positioned to teach people how to exercise to tone their body in a healthy way or eat right instead of hide/amplify/alter what they actually look like for a cultural construction of beauty that keeps them enslaved to consumerism, objectification and emphasis on, what, at the end of the day doesn't matter that much?"

Reading this message naturally caused me to become a bit defensive. I was even a little angered, and didn't know what to think. My gut was saying, “How could he, a friend, not even a stranger, have perceived your words like that? Doesn’t he see the humor in my remarks?” I must come off differently via typing that I do via personal interactions. However, I have gone ahead and let this comment "bake" for a few days. Now ... I think I'm ready to answer his question. You see, sadly for me, he was right in much that he said. However, the problem is that I explained my motives poorly under the pure assumption that people would understand what I was thinking without a proper explanation. I caused a reader (and a friend) to misunderstand my thoughts and in turn think negatively of my intentions and actions. This is a serious thing that needs to be addressed, and I hope to do so now.

First of all, I feel that a woman's empowerment and confidence comes from a multitude of different areas. It’s unique for every woman, but for me ... I am confident when I am feeling at my best. That means my best physically, emotionally, and mentally among other elements. It's simple really -- when I look good, I feel good. When I am in a good mood emotionally, it radiates and attracts the good moods of others creating positive energy. When I am mentally in the right place I am able to take charge of myself and my surroundings, making the best of it. Those three parts create a confident woman who is happy. But that is what works for me. Other women, perhaps, work differently. However, it has been my observation that over all, women DO feel the most confident when they are happy with their appearance. This may be the driving force behind the media and displays of "perfect" looking woman achieving fame, success, beauty and love ... but nevertheless it is a feeling many women cannot avoid.

Sure, I could teach people how to "exercise to tone their body in a healthy way or eat right instead of hide/amplify/alter what they actually look like [through make-up] ..." However, I somehow feel that it is almost on the same level of insult.

Now, my intention for selling make-up is not truly just that as it sounds. My intention was to take the skills and lessons I have learned as Miss Illinois USA to bring confidence to other women. You see, before being crowned Miss Illinois USA I didn't wear much make-up. I also didn't wear jewelry, my nails were rarely manicured let alone colored and my hair was often thrown into a bun on top of my head. If you can picture this you will see a very casual girl and not the "typical" image of a beauty queen. Gaining the title of Miss Illinois USA offered me the opportunity to rethink those attributes. I was never forced, never asked, or never influenced to take hold of my appearance, but I found that as I went to different events and met various people I just felt a lot more confident and outgoing when I knew I looked my best. Maybe that is how this style and, may I say, stereotype of beauty queens came to be -- through women trying to gain confidence by looking and feeling their best.

Thinking of this early on, I wondered how I could be certain to feel as confident as possible at the Miss USA Pageant. I did my research and found some people to help me. I took lessons in walking, interviewing, applying make-up, doing hair, and more. I worked with people on developing a professional and attractive wardrobe. I worked with others on health and nutrition, as well as sculpting and leaning out my body. And still I worked with others on ‘working a room’ and creating random (but insightful) conversation with strangers. I learned to look, be, and feeeeeeeel like a confident and impressive woman ... and I liked it.

Now -- when thinking of a way to develop a NEW GOAL for myself, keeping in mind that I sincerely desire to earn additional income, I came up with a solution I thought was quite perfect. I could combine the skills I have learned, practiced and developed with the things I truly care about, while earning a living that might possibly put me in a financial position that is better than the one I'm in now. As different opportunities came and went, the one that stuck out the most was the opportunity to begin my own business selling skin care products including make-up, and instructing on application. Although this isn't something I ever thought I'd do, it has recently become attractive to me for many reasons:

1. It brings people together. I am itching for an opportunity to speak, network with, and get to know more people. I love one-on-one engagements with people, as well as the fact that you truly can make an impact on another person's life through something as simple as conversation. This new business venture provides me with the opportunity to do that.
2. It helps me help women feel confident. I have learned so much over the past year and have developed immensely. If I can turn myself from a roll-out-of-bed slug to a hey-look-at-me diva who has the world at her fingertips, why can't I educate others in taking a similar approach to embracing their inner [powerful and confident] woman? I would love the opportunity to show people the things I've learned. This new business venture provides me with the opportunity to do that.
3. It helps me develop myself as a business professional while earning extra income. Unfortunately, the idea of providing women with skin-care and make-up lessons did come with a bit of selfishness in the sense that I have tried different ways of earning additional income with little success, and truly require an increase to reach further goals of mine. The sales woman in me got excited about the possibility of marketing my knowledge and skills to yes, better the lives of others, but also ... to better my own life.

When considering my alternative options and/or interests (teaching piano lessons again, working at a gym, or further developing my freelance web-design business), sales seems like my best bet. The fact that I could do sales for products I have spent the last year getting to know inside and out and learning to love was just a bonus. I think this business venture may be good because although it may not necessarily be the thing I am the "best" at, but it is something I'm interested in, something I feel I could excel at, and something that is flexible enough to work with my extremely chaotic schedule. Another bonus! With the opportunity being dangled in front of me like a bone to a dog, I jumped at it. If it turns out to be no more than another business venture gone sour, so be it. But if it ends up being a move that helps me and others to feel good -- great!

It is disappointing to know that my ideas are not always supported, but I believe this is just part of life. I have come to learn that I can never please everyone, as hard as I may try. My dad used to tell me a metaphor that goes: "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." It means that sometimes things go great and sometimes they don't, but its all part of the game. You just have to keep playing!! Well, this is what I'm doing and I'm VERY excited about it. I have big plans to make my newest venture my best yet. I know it will be as successful and as rewarding as I make it, and although it would be easier with the support of others, a lack of support will not distract me. For any confident woman, it is important to keep your eye on your goals and never give up. This is another stepping stone toward an ultimate goal I have every intent on achieving.

And that's all she wrote! Comments welcomed and encouraged.

A Weekend of Fun Events

2010-06-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

Things really got exciting this past weekend. First, on Saturday … my dance partner and I rehearsed for the local dancing with the stars competition over and over and over. It got to be soooo much fun once we started getting the moves with the music. Its so nice to have our choreography come together with the song and I just can’t wait to get on stage this Saturday! We’re doing a salsa/rumba dance to a piece by the Four Seasons. It’s so sexy and sensual, but so fun and exciting. I think it’s really going to get the crowd going … but may make my boyfriend a bit nervous, haha. Brandon (my dance partner) has really helped me to feel my body with the music. He is teaching me how to expose my sexuality with dance, and to capture the moment in a captivating and sensual way that will excite the audience. I never thought to utilize my body this way with dancing, and it’s has been a truly amazing new experience. But truly, my boyfriend has nothing to be nervous about – he’s going to loooove our dance so much he’s going to want to become a dancer himself!

On Sunday, I attended an event for Athletes Against Drugs held by Stedman Graham. I was instantly thrust into a room jam packed with celebrities and loved every moment of it. The event was amazing, but sadly, I’m so bad at knowing celebrities I really didn’t even know who the heck I was meeting – what a waste of a ticket on me!! At one point I was talking to a group of really huge men and was thinking to myself, “Oh geez, this is probably the whole starting line of the Chicago Bears and I don’t even know it!” I didn’t know who Stedman Graham was either at first, and when Oprah walked in I was like, “Err, whoops!” I met one of the members of Destiny’s Child, an actor who is up and coming in a bunch of hit television series, the head honchos of many major organizations such as FedEx, Sara Lee and more, and my all time favorite … Mr. Jim Oberweis, founder and owner of Oberweis Dairy. I actually sat next to him for dinner which is why I’m so excited about it. Number one, the man specializes in ice cream – is there anything not to love about that? And number two, he is about to take a trip abroad with his wife in which he will spend a few days in Rome. Between ice cream and Rome, I don’t think there is much else in my life that I just truly, truly love with all my heart. This man made my whole night, and he was such a nice person too. He gave me a pass for free ice cream at Oberweis!! I mean, that was a deal maker. Mr. Oberweis – you’re da man.

OK but for those of you who don't know ... here's a little bit of history of Athletes Against Drugs. AAD is an organization of athletes, celebrities, and corporate leaders whose goals are to educate youth in making good (and healthy) life choices. Their goal is to allow drug-free athletes to influence and become positive role-models for children. Athletes Against Drugs offers great alternatives to drugs including events and activities that will help children become part of a team, or reach a personal goal – something that will get them off the street and away from drugs. It is such a wonderful cause that I am thrilled I had the chance to be a part of. I am excited to know how strong and large of a support system they have with athletes, celebrities and corporate leaders. If it can get me excited, I’m sure it can definitely get kids excited and hopefully help to point them down the right path.

Well, that’s a wrap of the weekend. It was a good one … but this coming weekend will be fun too when I get to “dance with the stars!” I can’t wait!

Strange Dream

2010-06-04T09:04:00.001-07:00

I had a strange dream last night.

I dreamt that I had soooo many hair extensions, and therefore my hair was just humongous. I was in the shower shampooing it all, and suddenly it all just started falling out. I pulled clumps and clumps of hair extensions out of my hair, but I was OK with it because I knew there was so much left I wouldn't miss anything. When I got out of the shower I looked in the mirror to see pieces of mold in different mushroom-like shapes growing out of the hair that had been underneath the extensions! It seems that I had so much hair that the under-hair had never fully dried after washing it all that time, and was growing mold. Now that all of the extensions fell out I saw the mold and knew something had to be done. However, the mold was everywhere do I ended up shaving my head completely!!

Weird dream. And who knows where that craziness came from. Maybe I fell asleep thinking about new hairstyles ... although, I don't think I'm ready to shave my head just yet. =P

Random, but I hope you enjoy my dreamy madness! I wonder if hair really can grow mold if it doesn't dry for weeks and weeks. Maybe next time I get a hair cut I'll throw some in a plastic bag and find out. Err, OK this is getting a bit strange now. Maybe I won't do that. =)

New Goals

2010-06-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

I have been itching for something interesting to blog about since my last post was well over a week ago -- for days I didn't think I had much to tell. I guess I just couldn't come up with something clever ... although it may have been a reflection of my attitude, which had been floating down into the dumps of self-pity since returning from the Miss USA competition. After all, it is such a difficult realization to work hours every day, focusing toward a goal you want so badly, just to have it end in the blink of an eye. Returning home, my life was still there and all the wonderful things that accompany it, but there was some large piece just missing.

Over the past week I have been trying to figure out the root of all of my blue moods. I think I just needed something to strive for -- a new goal if you will. So I found one! I have decided to use the skills I gained while preparing for Miss Illinois USA and Miss USA to influence and help other women. However, I am going to take it slowly. If there is anything I have learned through all of this, it is that rushing things just causes you to do it at a lower quality than you should. I want to do this right, and slowly but surely, I think I will.

So what is my new goal that is going to help other women? I am going to sell make-up! LOL! I have taken three excellent make-up lessons from two professional artists in Chicago as well as one artist in Houston. I have also received many free products to try, tips from the experts, have made fabulous contacts in the beauty industry, and have had plenty of events and reasons to practice on myself and my friends. I feel that if me, the girl who didn't know what to do with a stick of liquid eye-liner a little over a year ago, can utilize make-up to help build my confidence as a young woman ... then anyone can. And I want to help them! Literally, I wouldn't have been caught dead using false eyelashes in 2008, and last month I was asked to do make-up for two girls for their prom. WHERE did this talent come from?! I don't know, but I like it!

So as a bit of self promotion I will let you know ... if anyone would like to take a make-up lesson utilizing the products I have found to work well and that have proven themselves to me, please let me know. I am planning to host a few get togethers in the coming months, particularly for the girls who are preparing to compete in the Miss Illinois USA competition in November.

I'm so excited for my new venture, and I'm glad to have a new goal. Not only do goals give us something to be excited about, but they give us a reason to get up in the morning and work hard! They give us the push we need to be excited and energized about our talents and opportunities, and boy oh boy, I sure am excited and energized. I'm so glad to be out of my rut!!

Happy Friday ladies and gents. It's going to be a beautiful day!

Did You Know?

2010-05-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

This YouTube video is two years old, but when my boss sent it to me I was so interested, I knew I had to pass it along. It's definitely something to think about, including what an incredible globalized world we are currently living in. This is the future ladies and gents!

Beauty Queen Gone Mad

2010-05-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Take away my title as Miss Illinois USA ... I think I've earned a new one. I officially proclaim myself the QUEEN of "wants what she can't have." Goodness gracious, now this is a title I can say I live my life by. YIKES!

Let me tell you a story. One day, my boyfriend and I were on our way to the movie theater. Having had eaten salads for the past 30 some meals straight, I reaaaaaally wanted to splurge on something "bad." We happened to pass a KFC restaurant on the way, and I just couldn't handle it anymore. I begged him to pull in and order two grilled chicken legs. And like the well trained, er ... I mean ... kind-hearted boyfriend that he is, he stopped.

When the server handed him my order through the car window, I jumped up and down with delight as I asked him to hand me the bag. "No, you can have it when we get to the movie theater and eat it there," was his response. I. FREAKED. OUT. Like a crazed maniac, I demanded he give me the chicken using a forceful tone in my voice that had never, in our four years of dating, EVER been used before. His glance at me turned to fear, but he still refused me the chicken. I was soooo angry with him I thought I would scream. First of all, I HATE when people tell me I can't do something, and secondly, when someone denies me food, I REALLY HATE IT. He was doing both. I was about to kill him.

This is a prime example ... I wanted what I couldn't have. YOU SEE -- It was bad for me to want fast food, but I only wanted it because I knew I couldn't have it. The same thing happened after the Miss USA Pageant. I wanted ice cream soooooo much, but when it came down to eating it, it was no longer everything I imagined it to be. And today, when I was walking through the grocery store, going down the cookie isles where I've longed to travel for months and months, I suddenly couldn't find anything appealing. At least not as appealing as it had been a few weeks prior. I feel like now that I'm ALLOWED to eat those things, I don't even want them. Instead, I want salad. WHAT?! Well, don't worry ... I can actually eat salad with dressing now. It's amazing!! Food food food, when did you become such a wild obsession of mine? Geez Louise.

Post Pageant Thoughts

2010-05-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I boarded an airplane to begin the adventure of a lifetime. I embarked on a journey that only 51 girls get to experience each year, and I was ready to soak up every glorious moment of it.

From the minute I stepped off the plane I experienced cameras flashing, camcorders rolling, tourists screaming, exciting events, as well as outrageously beautiful, intelligent and talented women from all across the glorious United States. With thrills exploding from every angle, it’s hard to believe that it was only two weeks ago. Those quick weeks seemed to last a lifetime – I wasn’t even allowed to use the restroom without security guards! And now, much to my dismay, it’s time to get back to real life – but a life fully changed.

I say I’m returning home “to my dismay” because as I’m sure you know … Illinois did not succeed in taking home the beautiful crown for 2010. In fact, a woman from Illinois has not managed to bring the crown home for more than 30 years. The last woman to win the Miss USA competition from the Land of Lincoln was in 1974! I wish I could have been the girl to change that, but now it will be a goal for next year’s lucky lady to try. In the mean time, all I can do is share my story:

Spending two weeks with 51 of the nation’s most beautiful women who are competing for a chance at fame, fortune and opportunity can get a little messy. It is nearly impossible not to judge each other, to analyze them up and down, question them to find out their values (and also their intelligence!) and “borrow” whatever beauty tips you can get. Yes, we all laughed, smiled and had a wonderful time together, but it was a competition, the stakes were high, and unfortunately being overly judgmental is aaaaaall part of the business.

I think being in the top 15 at Miss USA was my true goal. I didn’t have my heart set on winning the crown as much as I did for the Miss Illinois pageant, but I really wanted to stand in the top 15. When the states’ names were called and Illinois wasn’t one of them, my heart sank deeper than it ever has before. For the first time in my life I felt as if I had failed at something I shouldn’t have. I trained for a minimum of 2 hours (sometimes as much as 4) in the gym every single solitary day since the beginning of December. I ate healthy food I didn’t really like. I said “no,” to outings with friends so I could practice walking, or interviewing, or building my wardrobe. I spent thousands of dollars I worked years to earn. I dragged my mom with me to cities all across the country to learn how to do my make-up, hair, and things of the like. And to top it all off, I invited everyone I knew to watch or attend the big event on May 16th. Over 50 people had flown to Las Vegas and purchased tickets to be present at the Miss USA Pageant so they could see my hard work pay off. I think it was to their dismay as well that Illinois was left behind with the other 35 broken hearted women.

As the 15 “chosen” ones stood on stage basking in the glory of the spotlight, the rest of us returned to our dressing room to change into swimsuits for the dance we were about to perform. Silent tears dripped from my eyes. I didn’t sob, I didn’t pant, and I didn’t make a sound. But the make-up that had taken over 45 minutes to apply was being ruined because I felt nothing but sadness and disappointment. Everything I worked for, everything I had given up had seemed a waste. I thought of my friends and family in the audience who were now there for nothing, and it make me cry harder. I thought of my boss who had given me time off to “be the best.” I thought of my trainer who didn’t see her kids as much as she would have liked because she was always working me out. I thought of the little girls who sent me letters and internet messages because they looked up to me and believed in me and couldn’t wait to watch me on stage. It felt awful. I tried to suck it up and wipe my eyes since I knew I would have to be on stage in only a matter of minutes, but there truly was no stopping it. Suddenly, although I was trying to stay quiet and keep to myself so the other girls wouldn’t see my sadness, Miss Alaska came up and squeezed me with an embrace so warm my body gave up. I finally let the noise out, cried to her, and apologized for being so silly. When I looked up I noticed she was crying too, as well as nearly 15 others. It wasn’t just me who couldn’t manage to be brave … we were all feeling disenchanted. What a terrible thing to work so hard and believe in yourself sooooo much, and be turned away in an instant. That moment was probably the most disappointed I’ve ever been in myself. And hopefully I will never have to feel that way EVER again.

Regardless of the fact that I am saddened by the results of the competition, I am now returning home with a brand new outlook on life. For a brief moment, I lived in the spotlight, and realized how much of a real person a celebrity is. Although at one point I thought so, I now know that fame isn’t everything, and neither is wealth. For the last few months of my life I gave up a lot that, for now, didn’t seem to do me any good. It only took two weeks for me to realize it though, and now I can move on and have no additional regrets from here on out. However, I realized that what I did for this competition, I am also doing in my daily life. In addition to being Miss Illinois USA I work full time at a marketing agency that takes me two hours to get to every morning and two hours to get home from every night. Once I return home I start working on my freelance projects … usually staying up for hours into the night designing and coding websites or putting logos and presentations together for my clients. I work work work work work and waste so much time making money that I don’t have time to spend on things I enjoy. During my time preparing for the Miss USA Pageant, I worked for six months to discover that I wish I had done it all differently. What this experience has taught me is that if I keep living my life the way I have been, I am going to eventually regret that as well – but its going to be 50 years of regret instead of only six months. I now realize how absolutely incredibly important the journey is. It is the experiences that make the memories, not the paychecks. Have you ever heard the phrase, “We spend our health to make money and then we spend our money to fix our health?” That’s how I feel right now. I don’t want life to be for nothing. I want to do it right so that in 50 years when I look back on it I can think, “Ya, I really had a good time.” This pageant has taught me that, for example, when my friends invite me to come over for a potluck dinner and movie night and I refuse because I’ve got to go to the gym, I’m being silly and I will regret it. Some things are just more important, and for me … that is life’s journey.

Now that this chapter is nearly at an end, I have some new goals. First of all, I would like to stop designing and coding websites as part of my freelance business in order to open up more time for “life.” I would like to focus on my career at Robinson & Maites, with the hope of advancing to a position within the company that would keep me from having to work side jobs. In addition, I want to participate in activities I enjoy that are NOT work related! Perhaps I will take a dance class, a cooking class, or even just visit with the Best Buddies program more regularly.

Lee Ann Womack once sang, “When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” I hope that with this lesson under my belt I will say ‘yes’ to life experiences that are worth having. I hope I will befriend people and touch their lives in positive ways. For me, family and friends are what make life experiences grand. Without them to share things with before, during, or at the end of the journey, life is meaningless. I am happy to have had this ride down the road to the Miss USA Pageant, and I will carry the memories with me for the rest of my life. Yes, now that it is over there are things I would have liked to do differently, but it is all part of God’s plan. I can’t wait to see what He has in store next. After all … the journey has only begun. ☺

Addressing the Fadil Photographs

2010-05-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Oh my, how scandalous.

Our Fadil photographs for the Miss USA Pageant are causing quite the scene in the media. I was told that this evening my picture was one of those displayed on E! News. I understand compleeeetely why the media is talking, but I also stand by the fact that the Miss Universe Organization is trying to change the pageant scene to be more "21st century." Perhaps many feel that being provocative isn't the best way to display that modernity, but as a woman in a beauty pageant trying to display confidence, sensuality, and embrace my own femininity to make myself a stronger woman, I am happy to display these photos. I feel they are well done, and although they're a little edgy, they're classy, high fashion, and beautiful black and white images. They capture our bodies in an artistic light, as if our bodies are works of art. Isn't that sort of what the basis of beauty pageants is about anyhow? I can attest first hand that each of the 51 women here has been working her body to the max trying to create the best curves possible so her body CAN be a work of art on that stage next Sunday night. Now, when we are putting that hard work on display, it has become a shock to the nation. I understand, like I said ... the controversy here ... but I would like to say this:

Women have been putting their bodies "on display" as works of art for decades in the Miss USA Pageant. Now, these women are given the opportunity to take it to the next level -- they are able to embrace the world as it stands in 2010 and show off the hours and hours of work and dedication they have put into sculpting them. There is no nudity, there is nothing uncovered that should be covered, and each girl was treated very well, and given every opportunity to cover as much as she felt comfortable with during the shoot.

I love our photos, and I think they work well for the show we've put together for Sunday, May 16th. I think the Miss Universe Organization is a classy, high quality company that works hard to create roll models and leaders, and having confidence is the first step. Fadil was able to pull that confidence out of us right from the get-go, and if we can't hold our heads up high and feel proud about our motives for the photography, then we don't deserve to hold such a prestigious title as Miss USA.

I hope I have not offended anyone. I just want to say my opinion on this current scandal.

Vanessa

2010-05-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

Having the opportunity to spend time with the people in the Best Buddies Organization was hands down the most rewarding thing I’ve done thus far as Miss Illinois USA. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but when I met Vanessa I fell instantly in love.

Vanessa is a sweet, beautiful and talented 17‐year‐old girl who suffers from a mental disability. Not only did I get to know about her likes, her dislikes, and her talents as a young woman, but I was also able to learn from her. Throughout the morning we chatted about this and that and played some games while she quizzed me on current events and the names of all the biggest stars. Vanessa knew every celebrity there ever was from John Stamos to the Jonas Brothers. However, it isn’t just her knowledge and memories I was able to learn from. I learned from her demeanor as well. The excitement filled her heart as she caught the eye of another Miss USA contestant. She gladly greeted each girl with a big smile and a warm hug, saying how pleased she was to be spending time with them. She seemed to know something about every state too, from the capitol, to the states’ sports team statistics. The girl is just brilliant!

As the day went on, some of the kids decided to show their talents up on the stage by singing to the crowd. Each performed in his or her unique way, but at the end, some of them chose to give brief talks. This was one of the most moving parts of the Best Buddies experience for me. One by one, they announced how blessed they feel, and how successful they’ve been even with their disabilities. They talked about how strongly they are against, and how hard they are working to stop … the “R” word. You know the one. Never ever again in my life will I use the “R” word as an insult. It simply isn’t something to be ashamed of. These kids have bigger hearts and a stronger will power than any people I have ever in my lifetime met. They see nothing but goodness in the world, and they want to spread it like dandelions to all the people who inspire them, care about them, and stand by them through thick and thin. They keep jobs, graduate from school, start relationships, and so much more. Having a mental disability doesn’t mean you cannot live as fulfilling a life as anyone else. It simply means you have to take challenges on a bit differently – and boy, do they.

The courage, the empowerment and the appreciation these kids showed me makes me so grateful to be in the position I’m in. They continued to say one after the other how happy they are to have had the chance to spend a day with the Miss USA contestants … but little do they know, I am the one who is thrilled that I got to spend the day with them. I wouldn’t trade those three hours for all the chocolate in Switzerland. Vanessa showed me how to stop stressing the little things and appreciate life for all its worth. She dreams to one day be a soap opera star, and I hope and pray her dreams come to life.

At the end of our time together, I hugged Vanessa tightly as I told her what a gem she had been to spend time with, and how it was something I will never forget. Sadly, I made the poor girl cry tears of joy, and she said some kind words back that made me cry too. We two emotional girls hugged each other with tears in our eyes. I wish so much we could be friends for life. Vanessa is my angel. I have never felt such wonderful things from someone I knew so briefly, and I hope I made as large a difference in her day as she did in mine.

Thursday

2010-05-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day, although it had a very early start. Most of us woke up at 4am to prepare for the swimsuit photoshoot at the Planet Hollywood pool. We lined up outside in our swimsuits in the super cold weather and smiled our best pearly whites while the photographers snapped away. We were being watched by a helicopter circling right above us almost the entire time! It was fun, but brrrr it was cold!

After the swimsuit shoot we headed to the PH ballroom to be worked out in a bootcamp. We did some cardio work as well as some ab exercises and worked up a good heart rate by the end. That was the first time we had the opportunity to work out since arriving in Vegas. I think that has the most difficult part for me ... not being able to work out. I'm not used to eating the foods they are offering me here, and then not being able to work out on top of it. It has really been paying a toll on my body. We have another work out tomorrow, which is good ... and we also start rehearsals tomorrow. I'm sincerely hoping that rehearsals will constitute as some sort of aerobic activity to get my heart going. I need a little blood pumping through these veins!

After the workout we split into groups and traveled around to different events in the city. I got to make cards for kids in hospitals, compliments of Project Sunshine. It was a really nice thing to do for the sick children, and I hope the kids in Chicago who receive my cards will be excited! :) After that, I had the opportunity to go to the Cupcakery ... a delicious little cupcake shop! We put on some super cute aprons and went to town with frosting, sprinkles, and even glitter to decorate cupcakes in all sort of different ways. They were sooooo so so so yummy. MMM! I took one lick of the peanut butter frosting and knew I was in heaven. The staff at the Cupcakery even made cupcakes that had our pictures on them!!! They were soooo cute, and also super delicious. MMMM CUPCAKES!

Later in the day we went to see the Price is Right Live in Las Vegas. It was similar to the Price is Right Game Show that you've seen on TV, just with different hosts. It was fun to participate and see the people win prizes while Kristen Dalton, the current Miss USA, modeled on stage, showing off the different products. She's so beautiful. I don't know how she does it every day!

After dinner, we went upstairs to have our evening gowns "checked" for the show. They needed to make sure everything fit properly, and that the girls knew what they were going to wear. Some girls brought more than one dress with them, and others knew exactly what they would be wearing. Everything is so beautiful. This is going to be one heck of a competition next week.

All in all, the day went well, but boy am I sleepy. I really really really want to work out in some fashion right now, but I'm worried that the moment I start I'm just going to want to go to sleep instead!! I'm considering taking a short nap since we have the night off, and getting started on a workout once I've had a moment of shut eye. The first presentation is only 5 days away, ahh!! I'm so excited for all of the action to begin!

:)

Wednesday

2010-05-05T15:45:00.001-07:00

What a great day so far! We went to Ceasar's Palace to hang out by the pool, and were welcomed by a red carpet and a team of gladiators!! Kristen Dalton, the reigning Miss USA came in on a lounge chair being held up by roman guards. It was so much fun!

We hung out poolside beneath the cabanas and dined on delightful little salads and sandwiches. Mr. Belding was there, from the television series, "Saved By the Bell," as well as a chef who gave us a fun cooking demonstration. It was such a blast!!

Tonight we're going to be heading over to Sushi Samba to have some delicious sushi and sing karaoke -- my favorite!! I am such an awful singer, but I cannot WAIT to belt it out on stage. WOO!!!

Also ... the photos for the Miss USA program book were just posted on the Miss USA website. Check them out when you get a chance. Its at www.missusa.com ... and then click on "contestants."

Thanks everyone, I'll continue to keep you posted while I'm here in Vegas preparing for the Miss USA Pageant!!!

Dinner at the Paris Hotel

2010-05-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had a welcome ceremony at the Planet Hollywood resort. We were introduced one by one, and were given the opportunity to announce our name and state. At the end, the reigning Miss USA, Kristen Dalton, came through and gave a short talk. We all posed for pictures and said some things for the news station cameras, but were sadly shocked when one of the contestants passed out. It was very hot outside, and we were standing for a very long time. I'm not exactly sure why she fainted, but it could have been due to standing with locked legs. Regardless, it was shocking, we were all very nervous for her, but in the end, everything turned out alright. WHEW!

The welcome ceremony was cool because crowds were gathering to see the contestants and to hoot and holler at their home states. We smiled and waved, cheered for each other and had a great time. Following the ceremony we split into groups for dinner. I got to go to Paris for dinner. We did a meet and greet, and then had the most amaaaaazingly delicious meal EVER! I wish it weren't so good because I just ate and ate and ate. Mmmmm! I'm going to have to do a tooon of cardio tomorrow to make up for this. Yikes! It's OK, I'll be fine. The swimsuit preview is only 6 days away. AH! I can't wait! Being at Miss USA is the most awesome thing in the world. I'm soooo excited to be here!!!!

More to come, I have so much to say but I have to get to bed for an early start tomorrow. Good night ladies and gents!

Tool Time Inspires Me

2010-05-04T11:49:00.001-07:00

"If I just believe in myself, I could win this." - Tim Allen
"No no, if you just believe in yourself, you've already won." - Al Borland

You guys can tell I'm sitting in the hotel room watching TV at the moment, right? LOL. But I think this episode of Home Improvement has inspired me to keep it up. Its going to be a fast two weeks, and we're already two and a half days done!!!

Loving life today. :) I can't wait for the Miss USA Pageant!!!

Tuesday

2010-05-04T06:50:00.001-07:00

The girls are very nice and extremely beautiful. I would hate to be a judge for this pageant! With so many different personalities, it’s hard to know who will be the next Miss USA. I guess it all depends on how each of us presents ourselves on stage. I’m so excited to start rehearsals!

Miss Iowa USA and I just moved into our rooms last night after a long day of hair, make-up, and photoshoots. I woke up at 5am this morning to prep myself for the taping I have to do today before going off to a “VIP” dinner with the whole MUO staff and the other 50 girls. It really has been a wild ride so far with everything that has taken place, but every moment of this experience so far has been better than I expected. It’s busy, yes, but its soooo much fun. I certainly hope good things will happen to me during the competition, but if they don’t … after only two days of being here I know I will have had the time of my life regardless of the outcome on May 16th.

Yesterday Kristin Dalton, the reigning Miss USA, stopped by the hair and make-up room to say hello to some of the girls. I didn’t get to meet her personally, but I saw her come in, and boy, she sure is beautiful. She seemed very nice too. I can’t wait to get into prelims next week to allow myself the chance to be in her shoes. What an amazing opportunity. AH! I’m so excited I can hardly stand it!!

OK, and now I’ve got to run to get to the taping … wooo!!! Stay tuned, there is a lot more excitement to happen in Las Vegas over the next two weeks!

Las Vegas

2010-05-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Ok its day two and it couldn't be more fun. I'm typing this on my phone while I'm waiting to be taped in an interview for the live television broadcast on NBC may 16th! Last night we did a risque high fashion photoshoot with Fadil, an awesomeeee photographer from New York. Today we were fit into our opening number outfits and swimsuits. Like I said we've also been taping and being photographed all day as well. Going to meals has been fun too. We wear our state banners everywhere we go and lots of people have been saying hi, taking pictures and getting excited.

Being here is so unreal. Its so much fun and unlike anything I've ever done. I can't wait to see what happens when we start making appearances and doing rehearsal. I will do my best to keep you updated. Check for pictures online on Wednesday or Thursday!!!

THURSDAY!

2010-04-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

Wow. It’s Thursday – only three more days until the adventure begins. All of my efforts over the past several months are finally coming together, and I simply cannot wait to get to Vegas. The excitement is out of control!

For everyone who has called, texted, sent me emails, written on my facebook wall, etc., your kind words are what remind me why I wanted to do this in the first place. I cannot begin to describe how heart warming this is for me, knowing what a great support system I have. I hope I do you proud at Miss USA!

So my wardrobe is set and my evening gown is complete. I’m still waiting on the earrings that are being made for me, but I should be able to pick them up tomorrow! Now its just time to pack, get myself mentally prepared, and maybe, possibly, if I’m really feeling good … take some time to sleep before the two weeks of busy-ness commences. AH! I cannot wait. Its going to be so busy and so nuts … but so incredibly amazing!! If time allows, I will be certain to write as much as possible while I’m there to keep you updated on all of the behind-the-scenes action. :)

I can’t believe its here I can’t believe its here I can’t believe its here!!!! I’m soooo excited!

Article in the Southtown Star

2010-04-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks Liz, this is a wonderful piece! I'm so happy to have the community's support!

Read the article: click here.

1 Week Countdown

2010-04-25T08:44:00.001-07:00

Here it is ... my last week to prepare for Miss USA. In only 7 short days, I'll be writing about leaving for Vegas. AH!

I woke up this morning feeling excited and anxious. I met my friend Molly at the recreation park at 9am and we ran hills until we couldn't feel our butts anymore. Then we did abs until they burned so badly we wanted to cry. And we did it all with peeeerfect timing, since it started to rain the moment we finished. It must have been God saying, "OK, you've done a good job, now go home and rest!"

I've got a busy week ahead of me, but I'm sure the time will fly. I'll be finishing up alterations on my evening gown, picking up my earrings for it, putting the final touches on my wardrobe for rehearsals and appearances, practicing the walk on stage, and doing mock-interviews. In addition, I'll be throwing the first pitch at the Cubs Game this Tuesday, working on fine tuning my body for the swimsuit competition, practicing putting on those dang false eyelashes (yikes!), and a bunch of other odds and ends. Thursday night my bootcamp is having a little send off party for me at the bowling alley, and Friday my mom has decided to have an open house with close friends and family. I'm so excited for this week and to leave for the Miss USA Pageant! Only 7 days. Wow. It's nearly here!

IADT Fashion Show

2010-04-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

Click here to see the shout out from FOX CHICAGO!

2010-04-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm up late thinking about all the things I have to do to prepare for Vegas. I leave next weekend already, I can't believe it! I need sleep so much, but I'm so excited I can hardly keep my eyes closed! Also ... I keep having weird dreams about the crown, lol. Last night it was the crowning moment at Miss USA, but no one could find the crown so they had to use a plastic one for the time being. Gosh, I want to do well at this event. I've worked so hard and have been so passionate about doing my best, I just hope it pays off!

The only things I have left to do are practice interview, practice walking in my evening gown (it arrived to my house today, ahh!), and finish off my wardrobe. A lot of girls ship things to Vegas beforehand, and if I'm going to do so the shipping company suggests putting it in the mail no later than Tuesday. That's only 4 days away, YIKES! I've been talking to my roommate, Miss Iowa USA, about what we can coordinate for the trip, but there is still soooo much to bring for two weeks of appearances and rehearsals! :)

Bottom line, I'm so so so excited. It's so close now ... only days away! Now if I could only get some rest ... zzzzzzz.

Checklist

2010-04-22T08:51:00.001-07:00

I love love love love love my evening gown for Miss USA. It’s going to be soooo amazing I can hardly wait to get there and show it off. I’m excited to see what the swimsuit looks like since it won’t be given to me until I arrive in Vegas. My last thing to think about – the interview.

Interview is an important part of this competition because it lets the judges know why you are right for the job of Miss USA. You have to look right, sound right, be right, while still being yourself and showing them everything that makes you the best candidate for the job – and in only two minutes time. Dun dun dun.

So what have I done to prepare? Practice, practice, practice. If you go in there prepared, there is nothing to be frightened of, after all. Even if I don’t practice answering the questions they will end up asking me in the interview, I hope that I will have practiced enough other questions to make a solid point or argument. But the other thing I have done to prepare is choose a look that will make me feel my best. In my opinion, if you feel like you look good and you’re happy with yourself, your attitude will reflect that. At least that’s what I’ve observed in my own experiences. So for interview … I have nailed down two looks right now that I just love, and now the hard part is deciding which one I’m going to use!

There is so much to think about going into this pageant, but I love every bit of it. I love the planning, the thinking, the learning, the challenges. I love it all so much that I wonder why it took me 24 years to realize it! In fact my sister asked me last week, “When did you become such a girl??” My answer being, of course, “When I won the Miss Illinois USA Pageant!” AAAAAH I can’t wait I can’t wait I can’t wait for Miss USA!!!!

Getting Close

2010-04-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

I'm in Marion, Illinois right now visiting with Michelle Holmes of the Pageant Room. We have been fitting my evening gown, going over wardrobe for Vegas, and practicing my on stage walk in both swimsuit and evening gown. Being here is making me very anxious to leave, although I know it will be here before I know it! Only 17 days to be precise :)

There are only a few things left to prepare now ... finishing up my wardrobe, practicing that interview, continuing to work on getting my body in the best shape it can be, and ... omg ... packing!! I'm so excited. I was just reading my contestant handbook I received via FedEx on Monday, and it was telling about the media photographs and interviews we should expect upon arrival to the hotel. What?! Paparazzi?! ME?! OK!!! Hehe I'm so pumped. This is going to be a blast. Woo hooooo!!!! Miss USA Pageant, I'm ready for you to be here!!

2010-04-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Last night I was recognized by the City of Lockport and their Mayor at the executive board meeting. It was great to see members of the community so excited about the local girl gaining the title of Miss Illinois USA ... I guess I am the first one in this town to do so!

They allowed me to say some words, and then they presented me with a certificate that I feel is completely awesome. It is titled, "'Person you should know' certificate of recognition." Hah! I'm a 'person you should know.' AWESOME! Then it states, "This certificate of recognition is presented to Ashley Bradarich on this 7th day of April, 2010, by the city of Lockport, for your accomplishment in becoming Miss Illinois USA 2010. Congratulations on all of you achievements and best of luck in the Miss USA Pageant and all of your future endeavors." Isn't that so nice?!?!?! It certainly makes me feel good :)

The girls at boot camp are planning to take me out bowling before I leave for Vegas. It's so nice that everyone is expressing their support and excitement as the competition grows nearer. Even as I was getting my nails done today the people at the salon had all kinds of questions for me about "this and that" ... and said how excited they are to watch on May 16th. I hope I'm in the top 15! AH! :)

This is so awesome. I've never been involved in such a community-wide display of excitement. Well, except maybe when the Bears were going to the Super Bowl ... but hey, who can't get excited about that?! And this is so much different. I've poured my heart and soul into being the best I can be ... and I certainly hope it will radiate on that stage when the pageant finally arrives. I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!

Goals

2010-04-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today that whole family went on a lunch cruise for grandma's 80th birthday. 80 -- that's a lot of years. I'm only 24, but sometimes ... I feel that's old. But geez, I've got quite a ways to go to catch up with good 'ol gram. It makes me wonder ... what was she like when she was 24? What are any of us like? Am I going to care about completely different things as I mature versus what I care about now? Are my career aspirations going to change? Will I be interested in different sorts of art, food, culture, men?

Today I spoke with my cousin who just turned 32 ... she says her life has finally begun. At 32 she knows what she wants to do, she knows where she's going, and she knows who she wants to be. She spent her 20s trying to figure out who she was. She was engaged twice, moved 7 times, changed jobs about twice that, and has finally, at 32 years old, settled in her career, opened her own business, dumped the nonsense men, and taken a hold of her life. And she's soooo happy.

When I was 23 my goal was to finish college, get a good job, save up some money, move out to my own place, and establish my freelance business. Now, at 24, my goals are somewhat different. But then again, my opportunities to grow are so much greater since winning the crown. I wasn't planning on the wonderful things that becoming Miss Illinois USA would bring, but I want to embrace them with everything I've got. My goal at this current moment is to be in the top 15 at Miss USA. Being in the top 5 would be AMAZING, and winning would be a dream come true. That's what I want for myself. My hope for this pageant and competition is that it might help me discover my life's passions, and give me a chance to really find my calling. I already know that I enjoy being involved with people a lot more than being behind a computer, sitting in the background ... but maybe there's a way for me to incorporate both. I'm open to change, in fact ... I LOVE change and welcome it. I can't wait to see where life takes me from here, whatever it may be. As much as I hate not knowing the outcome of things like the Miss USA Pageant, I think it's so exciting to know that anything is possible!! I can't wait can't wait can't wait to get to Vegas. It's like this is the new chapter in my life book. I'm so excited to see what happens!

Over Training, aaaah!!!

2010-03-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

I started doing Bikram Yoga last Thursday, which is yoga performed in a room that is heated at 105 degrees. I did it Thursday and Friday following my regular morning workout. Then on Saturday I ran the football stadium bleachers at the local highschool. After that I ran a quick mile and went on to lift leg weights for a little over an hour. Unfortunately I didn't have much time to stretch because I had to get ready for Earth Hour. Then Sunday morning I ran thirteen miles on the treadmill at the gym and did yoga again later in the day. By Sunday night, my calves were so mad at me I couldn't move. Literally, COULD. NOT. MOVE. Monday morning came, I crawled my way to the gym to meet Toni for our morning workout, and was in so much pain I could hardly stand. She demanded I stretch it out, take a warm bath, and stay off my legs for awhile. Later Monday night I saw my cousin, who is a phenomenal massage therapist and the new owner of Six Essentials Therapy in Orland Park. She rubbed out my calves for over an hour, barely able to touch them. She said I was "ridiculous," and that I should definitely try to take some time off to let them recover.

And now sadly, its Tuesday morning and I still can't really move. I talked to Toni this morning and she thinks it may have been yoga that overdid it. It's odd that the stairs and running would have put me in this much pain, because I do that stuff almost every day. However, yoga was newly introduced to my body only last week. Its odd for me to think yoga did this to me, but then again, it is in a hot room allowing me to stretch and move much further than I normally can. Perhaps I pushed myself too far and didn't realize I had done it. Anywho, YIKES! My body!!!! I hope I don't gain too much weight taking a few days off. I'm so nervous! Friday I'll be fitted in my evening gown so it can be tailored for Miss USA!! I was hoping to be ready by then, but with the next few days stuck on the couch, I don't see that happening. 4 weeks and 4 days left until I leave! I better not over train again, huh? This is nuts!

Feels Like Home ...

2010-03-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we recognized Earth Hour in Homer Glen -- my hometown. It was my first event to attend in Homer Glen with my title of Miss Illinois USA. As the crowd gathered to hear words from the mayor of Homer Glen, a state representative from Springfield, and Miss Illinois USA .. I was growing more and more excited with each additional face I recognized in the crowd. When the mayor introduced me, everyone clapped and smiled, and seeing those familiar faces in the audience excited to hear me speak gave me the GOOD kind of chills. It was awesome, and probably one of the better talks I've given thus far ... not because it was long and well developed, but because it was just ME. I didn't look down at the note cards I had prepared earlier in the week, I just talked from my heart. It was a conversation pulled out of nowhere with the information I had learned from reading about Earth Hour before arriving. My favorite part about the talk was that I was able to make the audience laugh. It was a truly wonderful feeling, and if I could make every crowd I ever talk to from here on forward laugh, I will feel like a successful person.

I never realized how much more comfortable I am doing public speaking or performing when there are people around me that I know. Some friends have told me they feel even more nervous when their family and friends are there, but it seems that I feel just the opposite. And this makes me happy to know that there will be many of my friends and family coming to watch me in Vegas. I hope if I do get the opportunity to compete among the top 15 contestants, that my fans in the audience will cheer me on making me feel comfortable and at home on that stage. Wouldn't that be just awesome?! Being in the top 15 at the Miss USA Pageant on stage in my swimsuit, hearing the voices cheering of the people who are there supporting me!? AAAHHH!!!! I hope so much that I get that opportunity!! I'm working so hard, I just have to believe I can do it, right?! 5 weeks until I leave. I'm soooo excited. :)

I'm a Crafty Lady

2010-03-28T17:54:00.001-07:00

My mom and dad are in Mexico celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary right now. They're going to be a bit surprised when they get home to find that I've done a little remodeling :)

With only 5 weeks until I leave for the Miss USA Pageant, you can only imagine the vast amount of preparations that still need to happen. Well ... part of that includes organizing and styling my wardrobe for the two weeks I will spend rehearsing and making appearances with the other 50 delegates from May 3rd until May 15th. With my teeny tiny little "walk-in" closet looking more like it has been hit by a fashion tornado than the way it should ... I thought it best to install another closet rod to hang and organize my things. Ummm, but, not in my closet.

I chose one of my bedroom walls, went to Home Depot to get the supplies, found my dad's drill in the garage, and went to town. First I had to find a stud in the wall to mount my first bracket. It took me awhile to figure it out, but I finally discovered that studs are 4 feet apart behind my walls. Once I figured that out, it was a snap! I measured and drilled my three brackets along the wall, installed the silver 8-foot pole, and said "VIOLA!" Now I have a wonderful 8 foot spot to hang and organize my wardrobe for Vegas! Sooooo much easier and more efficient. And COOL that I figured out how to do it on my own. I'm a regular cratfyman. :)

2010-03-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Oh man. I'm so excited about life today. Well, besides the fact that it was 70 degrees yesterday and today it's snowing ... but anyway ... life is GREAT! I leave for the Miss USA Pageant 6 weeks from tomorrow, I have taken my leave of absence from work so now I have time to truly focus, tonight I'm going to a really cool event with my parents in the city ... tomorrow and Monday I'm working downtown at the prom expo, Tuesday my mom and I are taking a quick trip out to the west coast, and then Thursday I get to completely absorb myself in yoga and workouts and eating well, planning my wardrobe, meeting with sponsors and sooo much more. I'm so PUMPED!!! Yaaayyy Life!!

Truly Focused

2010-03-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

I never stopped working out after being crowned Miss Illinois USA. However, I did let the healthy eating take a plunge for awhile. It was a much needed break over the holidays, and I don't regret it, per-say, but I do wish I was back at my "pageant" weight so I wouldn't be completely dreading the weeks to come. The stinky part is, what you eat contributes to about 80% of how your body looks, while working out, stress and rest make up the other 20%.

Anywho ... Toni and I have been working out like MAD. She's really been taking me to town in the weight room, and I've been kicking up the cardio like never before. It used to be that I'd run the same workout every day until I wanted to pull my hair out, but now I've learned that varying up my workouts produces MUCH better results. I've included stairs, inclines on the treadmill, track sprints, and even the pool. It's sooo great that this kind of cardio works, because it keeps me from getting bored too! However, with the busy-ness of various events that captivate my life, I can't keep up with the workouts as much as I would like. SOOOO, my mom had a revelation FOR me.

She said, "Ash, you can work for the rest of your life. You can only be at the Miss USA Pageant ONCE." She told me she doesn't want me to regret anything, and that by putting my full time job on a temporary hold, maybe I would be able to put 100% of my focus into this very important event in my life for the next 6 weeks until I leave. She's a smart lady, but boy was I nervous to talk to my boss. Talking to him could only result in two things ... either it would work out and I'd have an extra 50 hours in my week to focus on my goal and return to work on May 18th, or I would lose my job permanently. I had to take the chance. After all -- what adventurer doesn't take risks, right?!

It turns out, the people Robinson & Maites are even greater than I thought, and I always speak the world of them to begin with. They have been completely 100% understanding of this once in a lifetime opportunity and agree with my mom indefinitely. My boss has agreed to allow me to work remotely (from home) for the next 6 weeks leading up to my pageant, and to then take the to weeks while I'm in Vegas completely off from work. They have also said it is fine for me to return to work full time once the Miss USA pageant concludes, if I don't happen to move to NYC as the new Miss USA. They are absolutely wonderful, understanding people and I am so blessed to be surrounded by such a positive and supportive team. I want to give the world to them (aware that I owe them that much) when I return (if ... IF! I don't win!!!). But for now, I feel like 1000 pounds have been lifted from my shoulders because I have 6 weeks to focus on preparing for Miss USA. I can train harder at the gym, work on my walk, my interview, my wardrobe, and everything else I need to work on. And I can sleep. Sleep! It sounds slacker-ish, but it really is required to keep me sane!

I'm a very happy camper today. I just hope I reach my goal of making the top 15. Or better! Top 5! AH!! So excited!

Public Speaking ... Bust?

2010-03-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I went to an event at Lake Zurich High School where I was asked to speak at the community and business expo where about 300-500 people were expected to be in attendance. When I arrived there were many people, however, not all of them decided to attend my little lecture. In fact, there were only about 10 people there. Bummer!

I walked up to the stage after I was introduced and was handed the microphone. I spoke into it introducing myself and realized that I was now being heard all throughout the expo, but I was only actually speaking to about 10 people. This frightened me. It was strange to feel such nervousness come over me because I have spoken in front of groups of people more times than I can count. It was tying my shoes ... something I did all the time! But this was a first for me with a loud microphone in a big room with only 10 people actually there to listen.

I knew immediately that I should just put down the microphone and speak to the people straight from my mouth. With such a small group not only would it have been easier to communicate and ask questions, but it would have made me feel a hundred million times more comfortable. However, I let the "rules" get the best of me, and I continued talking over the loud mic. SHAME. ON. ME. I should have listened to my guts. In my opinion my talk completely lacked my spunky energy and was blah, lame, stupid. I was soooo bummed and disappointed with my performance and immediately after I finished I walked up to my boyfriend who had come to watch and said, "Well, I stunk up the room, lets get out of here before they start throwing tomatoes."

Adam (boyfriend) said that I did a fine job, and that I probably just thought it was a bust because its not the environment I was used to. Well ... OK. Think of it what you will, Adam ... but it stunk. However, I learned a lesson from this. I learned that you have to learn to adjust to the situation and know what is right for you. It would have been better for me to just trust my gut, put down the microphone, speak loudly and make certain with the audience that everyone could hear me. I should have asked the questions I planned to ask in order to engage the group, and I should have taken my time to speak the way I had intended to from the beginning. I let the chaos of the situation and the unfamiliarity take over my strengths as a speaker, and although I feel it was a miserable talk, I am glad to have had the experience with only a small group of 10 people instead of the 300 that were expected to show. That way, I learned, and hopefully I will have a better idea of what to do the next time something like that happens!!!

Yay! You live. You learn. You move on. I love life lessons, don't you?!

What Impresses Upon You?

2010-03-16T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have attended multiple different events over the past two weeks, and have a few more to do before this week is up. During my "travels," if you will, I've been meeting a multitude of fascinating people, some of whom still stick out in my mind and some who I have already forgotten -- even those I know I probably met this morning. Whoops! But this made me wonder ... what grabs peoples' attentions to make a lasting impression??

I am leaving for the Miss USA Pageant in 47 days. That means I only have 47 days to prepare myself in soooo many aspects of my life, many of which no one but myself can help me with. However, this one I am turning to YOU for ... my wonderful readers. When I step off that airplane in Las Vegas, I will instantly become a sort of zoo animal for everyone there to watch and observe to try and get to know me -- they must determine if I will make a quality Miss USA. But there are going to be 50 other women there vying for the same prestigious title. SO WHAT DO I DO TO SET MYSELF APART?!?!

So if you will ... please think about it. What kinds of personalities or actions have left a lasting impression on you? Is it the people who are the most helpful? Is it the people who are overly happy and jolly? Is it someone who told you a great joke? Is it someone who dressed well? What is it? I feel that for me, the people who tend to stand out the most are those that show a genuine enthusiasm for life. Well, that, or the people who are crazy, lol! However, I do love to be around people who are living for the moment, have a curiosity that explodes from within them, and who can lighten up a room -- whether it be with her smile, her attitude or her actions. However, this is broad. I need to really pin it down and know what makes a LASTING impression. Any suggestions will do guys, so please comment back!

Truth be told, I am a terrible faker, and it's easy to read when someone is faking it -- especially me. In the end, I can only be myself, otherwise I'm going to flop ginormously and that won't be good for anything. However, its still an interesting topic to think about what kinds of people and/or personalities catch others' attentions. I can't wait to hear what some of you think!!

Spring Time in Chi-Town!

2010-03-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

In spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding a ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring!

That is a clip from a poem called "A Lover and His Lass" by William Shakespeare. However, I discovered it from watching the original "Willy Wonka," many years ago during the scene where Gene Wilder is peddling his bike in the room with the Everlasting Gobstoppers. I don't know why his pretty little sing-song tune has always stuck with me, but I just love singing it as springtime approaches. I hope I haven't started singing too early ... because it certainly looks as though spring may have sprung in Chicago!!

********************

This week has been such a busy one for me and it won't let up for a bit of time. I love love love all of the things I'm doing, but I feel a major desire for some rest! I was out of the state this past weekend, came home to prepare for our important out of town guest, hung out with him for the past few days which was so much fun I'm sad its over, I'm working all day today and tomorrow, attending a grand opening tonight for my cousin's new health center in Orland Park, Friday I have two important meetings after work that will consume the evening, Saturday I give two lectures to young prospective business students about goals, Saturday night I get to take care of two sets of client work, one being a video creation I know very little about so I get to teach myself things, woo hoo! Sunday (daylight savings time!) I get to work from 8am to 5pm at the Home and Housewares Show downtown, same thing Monday and Tuesday, back to work Wednesday through Friday, a super duper important event next Saturday, and then SUNDAY I will get to rest. I think. I hope. WOO! What a stretch and boy am I pooped. I pray I don't wear myself out and can still manage to get my workouts in among all of that craziness. Only 52 days until I leave. I'm so excited I can't even stand it!!!!!!

Spring weather keeps me pleasant. Chocolate would do a better job, but that's out of the picture for the next 10 weeks. Miss USA, ready or not, here I come!

Spring Cleaning Comes Early

2010-03-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

As a recent graduate from the University of Illinois, but a woman who is passionately entailed with the dream of becoming the next Miss USA, I have to admit … I still live with my parents. Some may see this as negative, but in fact … it’s marvelous. Actually, it’s so good that I don’t really want to leave! OK, that’s not true. I’m dying for my own place. But lets put the emphasis on how wonderful living at home is for now, and talk about my future aspirations later.

My fantastic mother keeps a very clean house, but over the past few days as we’ve been preparing for a few out of town guests to visit, we’ve been cleaning Danny-Tanner-style around here. I mean … I think I evened vacuumed the underside of rugs. My dad polished the knobs on the stove and dusted in the garage. My mom cleaned the laundry room so well that it looks like it could be a contender for the Good Housekeeping Magazine! I’m telling you – it’s been a cleaning madhouse around here. And for how clean our house usually is, I’m surprised at how much of an improvement this was!

Anyway … now that the house is in mint condition, I think my poor mother feels a little bit better. Tip for all the kids reading this: Making momma happy is a good thing. Take that for what it is and believe it with all your heart boys and girls. As the saying goes, “If momma ain’t happy, nobody’s happy!” Hate it break it to you folks, but it’s soooo true. And if your mom is anything like mine, then she must also be the most amazing woman in the world. My mom has jumped through hoops of blazing fire for me over the past few months. She will bend over backwards and twist inside out to help me, and I have no idea on the planet earth how I will ever in a hundred thousand million years repay her in the way she deserves. Do any of you ever feel that way? Finding a way to repay someone who has given her heart and soul to helping you? It’s a tough battle to find a solution, but I’m sure it can be done. Like the nice man who helped me with my suitcase proved, a small kind gesture can go a super long way!

I tried some new cardio workouts this week, which I will share with you soooooon! I’m officially at 55 days until I board the flight to Vegas so its mega crunch time. My magnificent trainer Toni gave me a new eating regimen to follow, and it looks like it’s going to be suuuuper tough, but I know I can do it. As my other trainer, Josh, put it … “You can do anything for 55 days!” And that’s exactly right!

Miss USA Pageant … here I come with my body in check, whether I like it or not!! Yahoo!

Mr. Nice Guy

2010-03-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

I had a bit of a rough week last week. Seriously, nothing seemed to be going right, everything was hitting at once, and by Thursday … I most definitely cracked. During work on Friday I was a zombie. I couldn’t focus on the jobs I had to finish and I couldn’t think about my day. All I wanted was to be at home or with a friend. It was terrible, but the worst part was – nothing was making it better! I tried thinking happy thoughts. I tried calling my mom to talk it out. I even tried *dun dun dun* eating chocolate!!! My number one no-no, but number one stress killer! Even that didn’t help. Sleep was the only thing I hadn’t tried, but the chairs in our office aren’t that comfortable.

Anyway …

Friday evening as my train was pulling into the 143rd street station where I stood waiting to exit, I waited contently, ready to get home so I could let out the tears in the privacy of my own bedroom. I didn’t wear the negativity on my face, but inside I felt like screaming. Just as the train doors were about to open, a nice older man noticed the heavy suitcase I had lugged with me to work that day. Kindly, he said, “Excuse me, I would be happy to lift that down off the train for you if you’d like.” It was a very nice and unnecessary gesture that came completely out of nowhere. However, that one kind gesture made me smile bigger and longer than I had smiled all the days that week. Just one kind act from a stranger brightened my spirits and made me remember all of the goodness around me. It helped to remind me that life really isn’t that bad when you look at the big picture. My petty little problems that had been ruining my week were not all that important, and in fact, there are people all over the place who are there for me – even strangers!! As I got off the train, I thanked him sincerely and smiled all the way to my car. ☺

My lesson to you is this – never undervalue someone. You don’t know what he or she has been through, or how he or she is feeling. Please do your part to bring a smile to others, because you never know the incredible impact it could have on them. It certainly did for me! It was effortless for that man to life my suitcase off the train, and I totally could have managed it myself. However, it was kind, and I appreciated it.

So thanks, Mr. Nice Guy. I wish I knew your name so I can tell you how you turned my dreary evening into a lovely one. Instead, I’ll pay it forward. How does that sound?

Miss USA Contestant Pictures Posted

2010-03-05T04:29:00.001-08:00

Head shots of the 51 contestants vying for the title of Miss USA are up at www.missusa.com! Rate the girls and look for your favorites!

It's 15 Degrees, Lets Jump Into Lake Michigan!

2010-03-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon Lexi and I did something we never dreamed we would. We journeyed afar, trekking through mounds of cold, toe-numbing slush, mountains of white frosty snow, fearlessly battling the powerful Midwestern winds against our cheeks and the sub-zero temperatures, all while styling our teeny weeny bikinis.

OK well, it may not have gone juuuuust like that. But we did jump into Lake Michigan at the end of February. I guess if anything you could call us "nuts," instead of "adventurous!" :)

Helping to raise money for the Special Olympics, Lexi and I bared all as we entered the water. With a running start, we splashed the way up to our waists before losing all feeling in our bodies. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought since I couldn't feel anything! Aboooouuuuut ... 2 seconds later I was completely wet and was now being splashed by the other plungers. I decided to make a run straight to the heated tent to take my soaking, freezing shoes off! Sticking on some warmer (and dryer) boots, Lexi and I then posed for pictures on the beach. I think the worst part was not actually being in the icy water (yes, there was ice where we were), but standing next to it with the wind against us while we tried to smile in our swimsuits wondering "WHY AM I OUTSIDE IN FEBRUARY IN MY SWIMSUIT!?" Oh yes, for a good cause. That's right!

It was a wonderful experience, and with over 200 plungers in attendance I realized just how important the Special Olympics truly are and how much it means to people. I hope very much to be able to get involved more in this amazing cause ... but perhaps not in my swimsuit again until at least May 1st!

Message

2010-02-24T12:10:00.000-08:00

At work we have a "stress-be-gone" bowl that is filled with candies or chocolates of some sort. Today there were Dove chocolates, and although the good half of me said, "No Ashley ... leave them there. It's not worth it," the baaaaad half of me said, "Ashley you NEED that chocolate. If you don't have it you'll die. EAT it Ashley ... EAT IT!!!"

So I took one.

But I opened it up, and it had a little message inside (as they usually do). My message was "Keep the promises you make to yourself." AH!!! I promised myself I wouldn't eat JUNK until after the Miss USA Pageant! And Dove KNOOOOWWS! So obviously I couldn't eat it in fear that Dove might tell the judges about my overpowering lack of self-control. YIKES. So I taped the foil wrapper to my desk so I will always be reminded. We leave in two months, this is no time to mess around, Temptation! What the heck?!

The Butterfly Effect

2010-02-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

Mahatma Ghandhi once said, "Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it."

Sometimes I think about the steps that led me to where I am today. I think about how different my life may have been had I done even just one little thing differently. Perhaps you've heard about the Butterfly Effect. According to Wikipedia, "The butterfly effect is a metaphor that encapsulates the concept of sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaos theory; namely that small differences in the initial condition of a dynamical system may produce large variations in the long term behavior of the system." In layman's terms, it means that even the smallest occurrences could have a big impact on the future: The butterfly effect -- the idea that a butterfly flapping its wings in South America can affect the weather in Central Park.

Why is this important to me today?

I am very focused on being as prepared as I possibly can be at the Miss USA Pageant that is to come about in May. In addition to that however, I am very dedicated to the other obligations and responsibilities that make up my daily life. I care about my full time job as an art director and graphic designer at Robinson & Maites, I still hold a passion for my private work as an artist including my piano and harp performances, modeling, acting, photography, hand-made book binding and crafting, and more. I still itch to be involved in volunteering and getting children more involved in the arts, and I still have a very competitive drive in sports and fitness related things. I wish to network more, I wish to increase my overall knowledge about politics and the world, I wish to further develop my speaking in Italian, I wish so many things! There is just so much to this world, and I want so very badly to taste every part of it. But all of this thinking makes me wonder: "How the heck did I get here?"

How did I get on this road to Vegas for the Miss USA Pageant? How did I get so lucky to earn the job I have, working for the most wonderful boss in the world who is completely 100% understanding of this once in a lifetime opportunity? How did I get such a wonderful, loving and supporting family who wants nothing but the world for me and will be there for me no matter what? How have I tried and accomplished so many things thus far in my life that have completely shaped me, and how does my drive to try even more stay fueled? It's mind-boggling for me to think about the steps I've taken to get here and how it all falls right into place. It's kind of crazy! I was always an athlete, a musician, an artist, and a bit of a goody-two-shoes, over-achiever type of girl. Until about 2008, I had never even watched a beauty pageant let alone compete in one or know anything about them what-so-ever. But watch how the butterfly effect worked to get me here ...

1. Somehow, I got into the Accounting Program at one of the top 5 accounting schools in the nation -- the University of Illniois at Urbana-Champaign. When I got there and decided within a week that I wanted absolutely nothing to do with accounting, I switched into an art program where I knew I'd make less money, but would be more happy. It was this program that taught me what it really means to be hard working, disciplined and organized -- a trait I NEED for the job of Miss USA, should I be so lucky to get it. It was lucky too, that I was attending a big university that would accommodate both areas of study for an easy switch.

2. During this time, I met a boy I would go on to date for two years -- Mark. Mark taught me to care about my self-image; to not follow suit of the other girls that posted drunk pictures on facebook or did other things that might hinder their image. He taught me to always carry myself as well as I would if I were meeting the president of the United States or any other important figure. He made it clear that if I never said anything bad, then I wouldn't have to whisper. Without this, I may not have as clean a background, who knows?! And maybe I wouldn't be Miss Illinois USA.

3. Mark loved fish and owned a very large fish tank. One day he was browsing through fish forums online when he met Steve. Steve lived in Champaign as well, and the two decided to meet, talk fish talk, and become friends. As I continued in my art program, I decided I needed a job. Mark remembered Steve worked on campus and asked him to get me an interview. Steve succeeded. I interviewed for a position in a computer lab, making sure no one brought food or drinks by the computers and refilling the paper in the printers should they run out of it. I worked there for half a day when my new boss discovered I was an artist. He remembered that ATLAS, the web development part of that office, was looking for a new designer for their websites and decided to pass his new employee (me) over to them for a better position. After an interview, I got the job.

4. As the new web designer for ATLAS, I met Adam who worked there as well. Adam was in the art school at the U of I just like me, and we both found it odd that in such a tiny program, we never met. But alas, we fell in love. Mark and I broke up. And I began a whole new chapter of learning. However, Mark was crucial because not only did he ultimately lead me to Adam, but he also taught me so much about my self-image, which would later help me to best portray my true self as Miss Illinois USA.

5. While we were dating, Adam's sister randomly decided to send his picture to a modeling agency in Chicago. Adam got a contract. Adam's modeling career took off and I began to think, "Hmmm ... I wonder if I could do that too." So I tried, since one thing I will forever and for always believe is, "You won't know until you try." I got a contract as well, and life began to blossom as it never had before. All the while, however, I continued to study hard and tried to learn web coding as much as possible so I could someday advance in my job at ATLAS and be more than just the design-girl.

6. Then I studied abroad and spent all my money. When I returned from Europe I was desperate to earn back some dollars and start up my savings again. Not sure what I wanted to do, I went to Craigslist. I saw an add for a scholarship program for Miss America. Interested only because I had recently gotten involved in modeling (thanks to Adam's influence), I decided to explore it further. I ended up sending my information off to the Miss Illinois USA Pageant, and within a weeks time I was contacted for an interview.

7. The next thing I know, I'm the 2nd runner up at Miss Illinois USA. With my competitive nature kicking in more than ever, I was determined to go back and win the next year. And with a crazy-ton of hard work, I did.

8. So if I hadn't changed majors, if I hadn't met Mark, if I hadn't wanted a job, if I hadn't met Adam, if I hadn't been adventurous, if I hadn't spent all my money abroad, if I hadn't thought of Craigslist, if I hadn't had the modeling experience and confidence, and if I hadn't run across the add for Miss America, I never would have been here. Its just so strange how everything fell into place and it makes me truly believe that everything happens for a reason.

But what does this have to do with what Gandhi said? "Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." Because I'm working SOOOOO hard, but what I'm doing can be considered insignificant. In 100 years, will it matter that I made websites? Will it matter than I got in a swimsuit in front of millions of people? Will it matter than I haven't had chocolate in weeks? No. It really won't. But it's important that I do it anyway, because this is my life. This is what will influence lives for the future. Everything I do, everywhere I am, will undoubtedly have some little effect on something else, even if its as simple as causing someone to spend ten minutes of their life reading this blog post instead of something else. Those sorts of things certainly happened for me. I mean come on ... if Mark didn't like fish, I wouldn't be Miss Illinois USA! That's pretty crazy to think about.

There are about 10 hundred million other crazy coincidences that have made me who I am today and I can get emotional thinking about it all. It's as if I was meant to be here ... as if I was made for this life. Does anyone else ever feel that way? Isn't it just so strange?! I love it!! I wouldn't want anything other than what I have right now, and for that reason alone, I'm going to give the Miss USA Pageant my absolute best shot. Insignificant or not, it's important to ME, and the development of who I am, and that's pretty significant.

Happy Monday, everyone. :)

Jennie Finch

2010-02-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

Friday night I attended "A night with Jennie Finch" at the Round Barn Banquet Center in Champaign, Illinois. I was excited for this event because it gave me a good excuse to travel to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign were I graduated just a little less than a year ago. I was finally able to visit with some of my friends who are still attending school, and whom I hadn't seen for quite awhile. But in addition to all that, this event was also my first one with Miss Teen Illinois USA, Alexis Atkins. Her and I would finally get to spend some time together ... and we were going to an event with a celebrated celebrity!

Jennie Finch is an American softball player who pitches for the USA national softball team. The team won the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics and a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. It was neat to meet her, because not only is she absolutely GORGEOUS and majorly sweet, but she is widely regarded as the most famous softball player of all time. When I spoke with her about her family, her four year old son Ace, and what she planned for the future ... I was in awe. Her goals, dreams and aspirations were along the same lines as mine, and although we are shooting for two completely different dreams ... the feelings of hard work and dedication are the same. It goes to show that it doesn't matter what your dream is ... if you work hard for it, you will be that much closer to achieving it.

Jennie said this: "Compare it to taking a test in school. If you studied your butt off for that test and know the material in and out, when you show up on test day you can't wait to get that paper in hand because you know you can ace it. However, if you slacked off and didn't focus ... if you just didn't put the right amount of time in and didn't truly prepare the best you possibly could ... then when test time comes around you will be having feelings of anxiety and will question yourself. It's the same thing with softball or any other competition. If you know you have done everything you possibly could have done to prepare, then when you get there ... you're ready. You are prepared and confident and know that nothing can stop you."

That's what I want to feel like on May 1. When the day comes for me to board that plane to Vegas for the Miss USA Pageant, I want to walk with my head held high, excited for the adventure to come, and knowing that no matter what happens, I've done everything I could, I'm fully prepared, and I'm ready to show it off.

Jennie was an inspiration, a beautiful girl, and just a true gem. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to speak with her. I'm sure I'm not the first girl she's ever inspired to go for her goals ... but I admire her for giving me a little extra boost.

Gracie Chews

2010-02-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

This morning before leaving for work I decided to play with the new puppy ... she's really excited about chewing everything in the house, but she's so cute I just can't find it in my heart to stop her. LOL, I'm such a push over!

A Great Weekend

2010-02-16T11:49:00.000-08:00

This last weekend was pretty gosh-darn great. Mom and I took a little weekend get-away to get some business done, and we spent a good amount of time bonding and learning and having lots of fun. Over the course of the weekend we met with a fitness guru who was able to write up a detailed eating plan for me for the next ten weeks as I continue to prepare for Miss USA. It's going to be rough, but as he said, "You can do anything for ten weeks." When I asked him what to do when I got the urge to cheat he said, "Well, people are just people, everyone has to cheat once in awhile. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to the Miss USA Pageant in 10 weeks, so you're not going to [cheat]." WELL! That'll knock me into shape alright!! Gotta be good for ten weeks, ah! Here I go!!!

When Mom and I arrived home we found something to be a little off in the house. First of all, Dad, Carlyn and Lucas were all hovering around the kitchen and entryway ... kinda weird. Then we noticed that there were big wooden boards built to block off all openings between rooms that had carpet. Only the tiled areas had been left open. After about .0003 seconds of wondering what the heck was going on, it came to me -- "OHMYGOSH WE GOT A PUPPY!!!!!" Looking for the little puppy everywhere I was like a kid at Christmastime. Finally, I found the precious little baby asleep in one of the kitty cat's heated beds. She is sooooo tiny and so adorable and is just a complete bundle of energy and excitement. She's so little she can't even really walk right yet, and she stumbles and trips over herself all the time. It really was love at first site. I'm so excited for the new baby!!!

However, the kitties need to get used to her. My stupid 13 pound cats are TERRIFIED of the little 3 pound dog. LOL. I'm sure they'll get used to it eventually. :)

AND HERE SHE IS! Our little booger, Gracie. Mmmmm, so cute!!

Reasons you may be overweight

2010-02-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

While searching around for good stories on Yahoo! I found some interesting information about simple ways to avoid being/becoming overweight. I thought I should share!

1. Use smaller plates. Men's Health Magazine says that a larger plate tricks your eye into thinking you're not eating as much when you put more food onto the surface (and your mouth!) Try using a smaller plate and you may end up eating less in the end.

2. Don't eat while looking at food. If you are overlooking the buffet or facing the kitchen, turn the other way. The site of food can trick your mind to think you still have to eat more. And when at home, store food in the refrigerator and in the pantry ... keep it off the countertops where you can see it! Another trick ... don't put your food on the kitchen table while you're eating dinner. If you leave it in another area you will have to get up for seconds instead of just grabbing it from right in front of you (when you may not actually be hungry!)

3. You don't have to clean your plate like momma always told you. If you're full with food still remaining on your plate, just call it quits and wrap the rest up for later.

4. Chew to pieces. Overweight people tend to chew less than lean people. Take the time to chew and taste your food slowly before swallowing and moving onto the next bite. You shouldn't feel rushed while you're eating ... take your time and enjoy what you're putting in your body!

5. Don't just dive into the buffet. Take a lap around to see what is offered first. That way you won't fill up on things you don't really want and can avoid overeating.

6. DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST! You've heard this a million times, but its true. Men's Health says that skipping breakfast can increase your risk of obesity by 450 percent!! Try to eat some lean protein and fiber will help get your metabolism going while keeping you full until its time for a mid-morning snack or lunch. Think eggs, fiber cereal, protein shake, etc.

Valentine's Day Cards at Children's Memorial Hospital

2010-02-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

My mom and I traveled together to Children's Memorial Hospital yesterday morning to create Valentine's Day cards with the kids. I was a little nervous about how the day would go down, because I planned this event all on my own rather than simply attending something that had been requested of me. I wasn't sure how many kids would be there, what we would be able to do together, or how they would enjoy their time best. I brought a few boxes worth of various art supplies that I was able to collect, as well as a couple games for us to play together. Although we didn't make it to the games, I think the Valentine's Day Cards were a lot of fun -- the young kids really had a good time with stickers and glue and glitter!

The idea to go to the hospital came to mind because I am trying so very hard to get more creativity into children. I feel strongly that children are lacking creativity and imagination ... at least compared to what it was like when I was a child. I also feel that being able to focus on something, particularly something like making hand-made art, can help to take your mind off of the rest of the world, even if only for a moment. It can help to get the bad stuff away, and possibly relieve stress and worry. And just for that moment, I think I helped the kids to smile, to care about their imaginations and their creativity, and to have fun. :)

Being at the hospital was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as Miss Illinois USA thus far in 2010. One of the young girls, Sarah, made a card for me with the most perfect poem (written right on the spot!) about having a heart. It is so precious and I'll cherish it always. Its moments like this that make me so happy to be Miss Illinois USA!!

Until next time ... smile! And for those of you in Chicago, get your snow shovels ready ... it's coming!!

Aimee Mullins

2010-02-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

I received a link to this video from a friend who thought I may find it interesting. Well ... it turns out I did find it quite interesting, and therefore, I would like to share it with you.

Aimee Mullins is a record-breaker at the Paralympic Games in 1996, and has built a career as a model, actor and activist for women, sports and the next generation of prosthetics. I was impressed during her discussion on the way others fear people with prosthetic body parts -- she brings up a great point when she reminds us that there are women (and men) everywhere with "false" body parts such as breast implants, hips replacements, false jawlines, hair implants, and more ... but we don't view them with as much awkwardness as we view someone with prosthetic legs. It's interesting food for thought, don't you think!? I began to wonder why this is, and have not been able to come up with an ingenious answer. I'm wondering if any of you have ideas or thoughts. If so, please share!

:) Happy Friday boys and girls. I hope you're looking forward to a nice, relaxing, football filled weekend just as much as I am!!

Lots of Fun Events!

2010-02-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

Last week I attended three appearances: the first was at Divine Providence Catholic School in Westchester, the second at Northern College in Dekalb, and the third at the River East Art Center in Chicago.

At Divine Providence I had the opportunity to speak with two groups of students -- one group age K-4 and the second 5-8. The younger kids were soooo cute and very attentive. It felt great speaking to them and was so much fun answering all of their questions! I'm just glad none of them asked me if I lived in a castle like the girls at Kelly's birthday party did, lol! The older kids intimidated me a little bit because I feared they wouldn't care about anything I had to say. Instead, it was just the opposite. They listened very closely and seemed to be taking everything I said to heart. They asked really great questions and some have even sent me messages since then letting me know that I have inspired them! Some even want to know more about the pageant as well as other things I do in my "normal" life. Its soooo rewarding to think that I may have influenced these kids in a positive way. Again, it reminds me why I wanted to be Miss Illinois USA in the first place!

Later in the week at Northern College, I attended two basketball games (one girl's and one boy's game) between two rival high schools -- Dekalb and Sycamore. It was a lot of fun! With over 6,000 people the crowd was rowdy and the energy was high. I was delighted to get to walk out to mid-court to present the trophy to the winning teams and also hand out some of the awards to the different sponsors at half time. I even got to use the big microphone to speak to the crowd while I was there, something I had never had the opportunity to do at such a large event! It was really exciting! I got to meet with a lot of young children as I signed autographs and took pictures ... and I truly felt like a celebrity as they yelled to me, holding out and waving around their arms to try and meet me as I made my exit at the end of the night. It really was an amazing event with a lot of truly wonderful people.

One funny story I have about the event in Dekalb though ... just to prove that Miss Illinois USA isn't perfect!! At the half time of the boy's game, they had asked that I walk down to the court so that I could hand out some awards. I made my way down there, with my mom and a few security people following in line. As I got to the court level I walked behind the hoop, past about 50-100 high school girls and boys all dressed in yellow to cheer on their schools' basketball players. They were cheering at me, yelling and screaming things like, "Hello Miss Illinois, over here!! Hi!" I turned to wave to them, but continued to walk toward the court. As I turned back forward it was time for me to "step UP" to the main court, not realizing that there would be any kind of difference in level of ground and completely tripped in the most obscene and obvious way ... in front of the whole stadium, including all of the high school kids! My first thought was, "Well, maybe I just got this out of my way now so I won't do it at the Miss USA Pageant!!!" After I presented the awards on the court I lead the line to EXIT, making an extreeeeemely dramatic step DOWN, just to sort of make fun of myself, creating light of the situation and letting the kids and the audience know that it is OK to laugh at yourself sometimes. They applauded and smiled, and I think all ended well :)

And finally, to wrap up the week I attended a benefit for Pediatric Cancer at the River East Art Center in Chicago. This event was neat because it was a group of over 500 people between the ages of about 25 and 35. We ate hors doeuvres including fruits and things from a chocolate fountain, and I sipped sprites and kiddy cocktails as I walked around the gallery space meeting the guests and taking pictures. At the end of the night, the announcer decided it would be fun to auction off a kiss from Miss Illinois USA to benefit pediatric cancer. I ended up raising $150 by giving someone a kiss on the cheek and a personalized autograph and picture. Yay!

So the week went well, and I'm looking forward to the three events I have scheduled for Thursday and Sunday of this week. I'll be giving a talk at another school, attending a benefit for diabetes, and then heading off the children's memorial hospital to make valentine's day cards with the kids! It should be another great week, and I'll be sure to tell you all about it as soon as I can!

:) Happy Tuesday!

Jenna Wolfe Detox

2010-01-31T21:38:00.000-08:00

Toni's new slogan: If it ends in "os" it's gross!

She's trying to say that we should stay away from sugar and other things that aren't good for our bodies to run at their best! Toni found an article about a young woman's 30 day detox (Jenna Wolfe). I think I'm going to give it a shot -- what's 30 days, after all?!

For her detox, Jenna eliminated dairy, caffeine, yeast, refined sugars, commercially-prepared condiments, bread, gluten, peanuts, vinegar, beef, pork, veal, alcohol and chocolate from her diet. She replaced them with "clean" foods -— fresh, organic vegetables and fruits, free-range poultry, wild-caught fish, gluten-free bread, and complex carbs, such as sweet potatoes, and whole grains such as quinoa.

Instead of following specific recipes, Jenna prepares her food simply: For dinner she'll have grilled free-range poultry with a sweet potato and organic broccoli, or grilled wild-caught salmon with quinoa and organic spinach, for instance. She snacks on things like almonds, organic berries or some avocado slices. She says she enjoys eating these healthy foods and that she feels great and has tons of energy.

Soooo ... Natalie and I have a date at a restaurant called Hot Chocolate in Chicago on Wednesday, but after that I'm going to give this a real effort! Does anyone want to do it with me to try and challenge each other to stick with it?! We could do it from Feb 4 to Feb 28 ... so it will only be a little over three weeks long. Any takers?? :)

Pictures

2010-01-28T10:44:00.000-08:00

I've had some requests from friends to see photos ... and I want to let you know that I should get some soon! But for now, this is what I've got: hope it will do! I'll be certain to let you know whenever I get an album going. :)

Ashley Turns 24

2010-01-28T10:27:00.001-08:00

24 was the most uneventful birthday in the history of Ashley Bradarich, which seems a bit odd considering this is probably one of the most exciting years of my life! First, I slept through my alarm from being soooo exhausted and had to take the late train to work. But before that, I walked outside to get my car and found my sister's car had wound up in the ditch because of all the ice and snow on our driveway! I didn't get down there in time to see the car before my dad rescued it ... but here are the afteraffects!

After all that, I made it to work only 30 minutes late, headed to the gym and then pretty much just went to bed. I can't believe how tired I was! However, I did manage to pamper myself on my lunch break from work -- I went and got a delightful and relaxing pedicure ... mmm how I love those! Also, my co-worker Natalie thought it would make my day to play a movie in the background on her computer while we worked ... so we watched the original Willy Wonka. Whatever happened to Veruca Salt? She was such a bad egg.

But anyway ... back to my birthday tale: No one was really home at my house to help me celebrate (which is another oddity because there are 7 people in my family) ... and I was too tired to go out and see friends, lol. When my mom finally came home we had a make-shift celebration which ended up being so lame it was funny and I HAD to take a picture:

Its me, sweaty and gross because I just got home from the gym, sitting at the kitchen counter with no friends and no family, nothing but a simple card, and the only thing we could find in the kitchen that we could get a candle in -- a LEMON. Hahaha. It REALLY was lame. But this weekend we'll be going out to an official birthday dinner at a restaurant of my choice and will be eating delicious cake on which we will try not to burn down the house with all the candles for this old lady! Hehe.

I'm just happy to have made it another year, happy and healthy and with wonderful friends and family who are always there for me. And dad ... if you're reading this ... next year all I want for my birthday is a spot in the garage so my car isn't so cold in the morning!! LOL. For all of those not living in Chicago ... it was -2 windchill today. BRRRR!!!!!

2010-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

I thought it was fun working in the office at Robinson & Maites, but as it turns out ... it's the most fun when the employees of R&M get together at a party and cut loose. WOO! Saturday night we all gathered for a Bat Mitzvah celebration for Ellie, the boss's daughter. I have never been to a Bat Mitzvah before and didn't really know what to expect, but I was excited to see how a religious ceremony happens differently from the Catholic services I am used to. Well ... it was an awesome experience and I couldn't be happier that I got to take part in it.

Earlier that day I was getting down on myself. I was starting to feel a little pressure as Miss Illinois USA, wondering if I could match up with the other girls at the Miss USA Pageant, and just questioning if I had what it takes to be a great representative for my state. I know I have it in me, but for a moment I questioned that spark, wondering if anyone saw it other than my friends and family ... and trying to figure out a way to bring that spark to life -- to make it shine for all of Illinois and the country. I wondered, "Ugh. Where do I start?!" And then, as if it was being sent to me in a direct message from some power greater than myself, Ellie inspired me.

Ellie, a 13-year-old girl ... got up in front of nearly 200 people on Saturday, proving to all of us that she had worked hard, studied long, and was ready to be a Bat Mitzvah who would become responsible for her actions and her future. Her bravery radiated as she sang the Hebrew lyrics from the scroll and her courage never failed her. She had learned another language (and quite a difficult one), and sang it loud and clear for the people there supporting her. Some of the guests she knew and some of them she didn't, but she worked hard for that moment and couldn't wait to show it, no matter who was watching. I was so proud of her for accomplishing all of this, for working so hard to learn Hebrew and for getting up there in front of everyone. It made me think, "OK. Ellie is obviously nervous, but she worked so hard and she wants to do this for herself, so she is just going to do it!"

Her courage and her performance reminded me that this is what I want - a chance to shine as Miss Illinois USA at the Miss USA Pageant. I remembered how hard I worked to get to the Miss Illinois USA Pageant and how much harder I worked to achieve the crown. Ellie re-lit my spark in a way, and I feel better than ever ... if she can do it, so can I. :)

And then came the party ...

The guests gathered in the ballroom of the hotel for music, food, friends and fun and boy did we have it all. What a great time dancing and singing along to the music and eating all of the wonderful food! At one point I was on the dance floor breaking out my moves (or lack there of, you know ... whatever), and a little boy from Ellie's school came up to me and said, "Excuse me! Are you reeeaaally Miss Illinois USA?" My reply being a somewhat hesitant, "Yes, I am." He immediately turned around to the crowd of 13-year-old boys standing behind him (that I hadn't noticed up to that point) and exclaimed, "Guys! She is!"

Immediately, about 25 13-year-old boys ran up to me, camera phones in hand taking pictures, pushing me up against the wall to try and get closer to me, and just completely taking over my moment on the dance floor. It was so shocking and crazy that I didn't quite know what to do! Before I knew it, the adults had gotten security to get them off of me, lol, and sent me to another room so they could clear out the boys and get me back to my table safely. It was just hilarious, but awesome. I felt like I had the paparazzi on me with all of those camera phones. I had never gotten such a great reaction from boys before -- particularly 13-year-old boys. I had to have security follow me around for the remainder of the evening as the boys tried to scheme new ways to capture my photograph. I really wouldn't have minded taking pictures with them, but I think the adults were worried that I may be tackled again, haha.

At the end of the party the boys and I did manage to get a group shot of which I'm very much looking forward to seeing. It was really crazy, but definitely something I'll always remember even if I don't ever get to see the picture!

And if you've made it this far in the post, thank you for reading. I have three appearances this week -- Wednesday, Friday and Saturday ... and will be doing a photoshoot on Friday for new pictures for the Miss Illinois USA website and the Miss USA website as well. Check back to hear more later in the week! ... and wish me luck!!

:)

Another Chance to Shine

2010-01-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

Do you remember Caitlin Upton? She was Miss South Carolina Teen USA in 2007. She managed to get an awful amount of publicity over her answer to the on-stage interview question during the Miss Teen USA Pageant, including over 39 million hits on YouTube. Now it seems that she is making a comeback to prove her intelligence to the world, and to show us how successfully she can use a map! Good for her :)

Caitlin and her boyfriend Brent Horne will compete for $1 million dollars on the 16th edition of CBS's "The Amazing Race," which will premiere on February 14 at 8 PM EST on CBS. I've never watched this television program before, but I've heard it's a wonderful show -- it must be since it's in the 16th season!

Go Caitlin GO!!

Archive: Today's Miscellaneous Stuff

2010-01-19T12:25:00.001-08:00

Irrelephant

World's Largest Bunny

World's Tallest Model

The Origins of 9 Charities Named After People

Evolution of the Crayola Crayon

Balloon Dress

Benefits of Water

2010-01-19T09:07:00.001-08:00

Drink up folks ...

According to "ShapeFit":
The human body, which is made up of between 55 and 75 percent water (lean people have more water in their bodies because muscle holds more water than fat), is in need of constant water replenishment.

Your lungs expel between two and four cups of water each day through normal breathing - even more on a cold day. If your feet sweat, there goes another cup of water. If you make half a dozen trips to the bathroom during the day, that's six cups of water. If you perspire, you expel about two cups of water (which doesn't include exercise-induced perspiration).

Water is crucial to your health. It makes up, on average, 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water.

**************************

Ashley's tips:
#1
I bring a 1 liter bottle of water with me wherever I go during the day and try to get through it 2-4 times before I go to bed. 4 liters equals about a gallon of water, so if this doesn't sound right for you, I recommend trying to get through 2 liters per day instead of 4! As you may know, toooooo much water can be a bad thing :)

Also, I work in an office, so I have the ability to use the restroom all day long. I do NOT recommend trying to get through 4 liters of water if you are out about and on the go all day long. As you can imagine, the need for a restroom can come up quite often when you're going through that much water. However, keep in mind that your body is being flushed with this water, and that you are not drinking it for nothing.

#2
When you think you're hungry, drink one or two tall glasses of water first. Thirst and hunger are often confused ... and if its thirst you can make your tummy feel better without the calories!

#3
If you just don't enjoy drinking water, don't worry. I didn't used to like it either, but now that I've MADE myself drink it ... I crave it! You can too. OOR, sometimes when I'm bored with the plain taste of water I'll add some crystal light ... or I'll even purchase "Clear," the sugar free, naturally flavored, sparkling water bottles (click here to see)

GOOD LUCK DRINKING! DO YOUR BODY WELL!

World Record for the Smallest Waist!

2010-01-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

This woman, Cathie Jung, has a waist about the same size as a regular jar of mayonnaise. She's been wearing a corset every day for the past 12 years! I hope beauty pageants never go this route ... YIKES! Her waist is smaller than Barbie's!

I am Not Miss Illinois

2010-01-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

I am Miss Ilinois USA. There is a difference :)

According to Wikipedia, The Miss Illinois competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Illinois in the Miss America pageant. The Miss Illinois pageant started in 1927, several years after the initial Miss America pageant. There have been 5 Miss Americas from Illinois.

In the Miss America Pageant women are judged on personal interview, talent, lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit, evening wear, and an onstage question.

****************************

The Miss Illinois USA pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state Illinois in the Miss USA pageant.

Illinois is one of the most successful states in the competition. It is one of only four states to have won four or more Miss USA titles and one of only three states to win two Miss USA titles in consecutive years. All four winners came from the early history of the competition, with their last Miss USA being Karen Morrison, who held the title in 1974.

In the Miss USA Pageant women are judged on personal interview, fitness in swimsuit, evening wear, and an onstage question.

*****************************

So now you know :)

New Cardio I Tried

2010-01-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

It's a toughy! For the best workout, find a place that has "real" stairs ... not the stepper machine at the gym. I used the highschool's weight room and ran the bleachers at the pool.

10 min on treadmill (intervals)
... 7.0 speed, 2.0 incline, 1 min
... 5.2-5.5 speed, 0 incline, 30 seconds
... repeat for a total of 10 minutes

5 minute run up/down stairs

5 min treadmill (intervals)
... 6.5-7.0 speed, 2.0 incline, 1 minute
... 5.2-5.5 speed, 0 incline, 30 seconds
... repeat for a total of 5 minutes

3 minutes alternate butt kick/high knee every 30 seconds
2 minutes jump rope
1 min jump jack
1 minute side step up stair left foot first (2 stair at a time)
1 min stand squat
1 minute side step up stair right foot first (2 stair at a time)
1 minute stand squat
2 min jump rope
1 min jump jack

5 minute treadmill interval
... 6.7-7.0 speed, 0 incline, 1 minute
... 5.0 speed, 0 incline, 30 seconds

Does Fashion Head South for the Winter?

2010-01-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

I saw the nuttiest outfit this morning. Some girl was wearing sweatpants over her jeans tucked into black boots and a teal jacket with a pink sweatshirt poking out of the bottom. She had navy blue gloves on, a purple scarf wrapped around her neck, a black hat, and a red scarf wrapped around her head and face on top of that. Her nose was red as a stoplight, and she was walking so fast I thought she was going to knock someone over. Hah. What a dork. Oh, but by the way … hehe … it was me.

What does a girl have to do to stay warm in Chicago!?!?!

Typically during my 2-hour commute from home to the office I spend some of the time people watching – mostly because I can’t find a more exciting way to pass the time! I observe the funny quirks of the man who is always late for the train and the way he scrambles to get his dollar in the parking meter before the train doors shut. I watch for the woman with the blonde ponytail each day, because she carries the best purses. I wonder constantly how women’s hair continues to look so nice after it has been blown around by the Chicago wind (I certainly haven’t figured out their tricks). And I wonder what the stories are behind the people begging for money on the sidewalks – there must be some to tell.

But above all, I loooooove looking at the fashions … and during my walk from the train to the office I see lots of different styles. Now, of course, not everyone in Chicago has the greatest fashion sense, but many do … and so, I observe. Cute skirts, fancy boots, layers, accessories, jackets and more all make their way on to the streets of Chicago. It’s like inStyle magazine for free and in real life – woohoo!! But now, as the winter weather is fully upon us, the great Chicago fashions are slowly going into hiding. Shucks!

It seems that as the temperature gets to be below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and the breath of the people outside is there for everyone to see, the women care less and less about the way they look and more and more about keeping their ears from getting frostbitten – go figure! From time to time I see women walking in single-digit temperatures with no hat or gloves on and I can seeeeee the redness of their skin aching with numbness, poor girls. But others, wrapped from head to toe with warm fuzzy layers walk as quickly as possible to their destinations to keep their body heat up and to get out of the cold sooner.

Guys, on the other hand, seem to brave the weather a little more boldly than the women. I see men without hats or scarves much more frequently than women (typically with less hair on their heads too), and even some with frozen fingers, clenched tightly inside their pockets without any kind of additional protection. Come on guys! You don’t need to impress us with your strength against the freezing weather – we want you to bundle up! It’s the same thing when men refuse to carry umbrellas. Silly, silly boys, we’re not judging you … we know that by carrying them you just want to make it to your destination warm and dry! Geez Louise!

So anyway … as my walk to work becomes less interesting in the chills of winter, I can at least look forward to the warm weather that will soon enough arrive, and the cute fashions that will break out from beneath those big, puffy winter jackets. In the mean time, I think I’ll grab some hot chocolate … because I can’t feel my toes anymore! Brrrrr Chicago!!!

A New Year

2010-01-04T06:44:00.001-08:00

Happy 2010! Have all of you been good since the start of the new year? Have you followed your resolutions up to now? Well, I must say ... all of the people in Homer Glen who resolved to join a gym and get back into fitness have most certainly been keeping by their word thus far. Hooooolllly SMOKES was the gym crowded this weekend! I was there three times and not once was I able to get a machine right away. I felt like a stalker ... watching the patrons on the equipment I wanted until they got off, hoping I could be the first person to jump on next. Geesh! It did get me thinking though -- what can you do when you can't get a machine, OR ... when you can't get to the gym at all?

Well, I will admit ... when I get to the gym prepared for a workout with my trainer, Toni, I am the most frightened of what's to come when I show up and the only equipment she has out is a 5 pound dumbbell and a stretch chord. For some reason, working out with my own body weight is just as challenging as when we are pumping iron together, or doing suicides and sprints. It is not difficult to put a body-weight workout together if you know what areas of the body you want to work -- and let me be the first to say, with just that simple dumbbell and stretch chord you can work the whoooooole thing!

Buuuut, don't get too excited, because I haven't gotten a chance to put anything together for you yet. :( Check back soon!

Fitness

2009-12-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

Ok. We're getting serious.

I spoke with three different people tonight who were all about fitness and getting me in shape for this pageant. Now that I have people depending on me other than myself, there's no turning back. It's time to go for the gold, give it all I've got, and stop eating chocolate. Dun dun dun.

January 1st marks 90 days until I leave for the pageant ... convenient with the new year, eh? Although I really don't prefer to start my super ridiculously healthy lifestyle until Monday, I've gotta go the distance. I've got to kick it up a notch. I've got to train my body to be healthy and fit, and I've got to teach my body to like it! Luckily, this has been done to my body before, and although my 4 weeks of eating whatever I wanted was bad, it is undo-able in a matter of ways ... and manner of ways that is about to begin January 1st!

This is what I've learned so far:
1. Eat small small small small meals every 2.5 hours to keep your metabolism in check. By doing this you are training your body to remember that it will be fed and keep it away from "starvation mode." When you don't eat regularly your body is always wondering when it is going to get its next meal, and as a precaution it holds on to the food you put into it just in case. When you teach your body that it is ALWAYS going to be fed every 2.5 hours or so, it starts to expect food more regularly, and will therefore "let go" of the food you put into it rather than storing it. However, this is only if you eat small meals. If you eat huge meals every 2.5 hours it is obviously going to end up storing much of those meals. Think of it as if your stomach has a mind all of its own! Just teach it how to act. It's like potty training. Kind of. Errr, OK it's nothing like potty training.

2. Protein in the morning. Protein in the evening. Protein before and after workouts. Protein is your friend.

3. Fruits before 2:00pm. Never after.

4. Water. Water water water water water. A gallon a day.

5. Interval cardio in the morning will burn a higher amount of fat than in the afternoon. And now that I'm typing this I'm wondering why he said that to me ... I should probably ask and clarify for you. *Taking mental note now.*

6. Believe in yourself. Do it for you body, for your attitude, for your fit and healthy lifestyle. Don't call it a "diet," that's a nasty word that society has come to associate with punishment. A healthy lifestyle isn't punishment, it's WONDERFUL, and it makes you feel so so good!! You just have to teach your body how to get used to it. When it's used to eating crap, it has to ween itself off! Give it time and STAY MOTIVATED. Eye on the prize girls and boys. YOU CAN DO THIS.

Convince Your Brain to Stop Overeating

2009-12-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

This is my biggest problem: Overeating. Especially when my boyfriend is in town and we go out for dinner -- I feel like I must subconsciously be trying to keep up with him or compete with him for portion sizes consumed.

Think about it ... our stomachs are supposedly only the size of one of our fists. Can you imagine how far those suckers have to stretch out to be able to hold all of the food that is given to us at dinner restaurants? It seems to me that we weren't meant to have that much food at once ... so I did some research.

WHY DO WE EAT TOO MUCH?
According to How Life Works that's the way our brains are programmed. Throughout our evolutionary history, food has been scarce, so in order to ensure survival, humans have been conditioned to eat as much as they can whenever food is available. Unfortunately, when food is abundant and rich in calories, as it is today, the results can be ugly.

Well, again according to How Life Works, Dr. Alan Hirsch did a study and noticed that many patients who had lost their sense of smell and taste due to illness or accident experienced rapid weight gain. Certain smells and tastes seemed to be acting on the brain to control the appetite. Could it be that the smells in processed food are tricking our brains to consume more of them? Well, I believe it may have something to do with it ... maybe a similar affect to how sugar makes us crave more sugar once the high has died down.

So how do you convince your brain to stop overeating? Well, you have to get serious and know that you're just trying to help your body and your health. You have to think ... am I really hungry, or is it just my mind playing tricks on me? When you think you're hungry try drinking a huge glass or two of water first. Maybe you were just thirsty and now you will have saved yourself some calories. Also ... when you're craving that big slice of pumpkin pie during Christmas dinner you can ask yourself ... how will I feel after I eat that? Does it really taste that good or is it the cravings doing all the talking? Is that pie something my body needs?

Toni told it to me this way:
Would you buy motor oil to put in your car if you heard it might break the engine? Would you clean your clothes with soap that warned it could cause sickness? Would you brush your teeth with toothpaste that was said to possibly put holes in your teeth? NO! So why would you put sugar and processed foods into your body when it has been PROVEN to do harm? Well obviously we're all human and I, myself, am ADDICTED to sweets ... but with everything there HAS to be some moderation. We can even overeat fruits and vegetables if we aren't careful!

So lets all do our best, perhaps not to go on any crazy diets at the first of the year, but to just be more careful. Measure your food, be careful, and just eat what your body requires. Remember, whatever your body doesn't need it gets rid of, but some it saves as fat on your bootie! With 4 months until the Miss USA Pagant and 5 months until Summer, I think it's time to get serious!!

:)

Weight Training Workout

2009-12-21T14:08:00.001-08:00

Proof that you NEED to try this workout: MY BODY IS KILLING ME!!!!! In a good way. I did this routine Saturday morning and it's hard for me to get up out of my chair today at the office. A much as the aching is a pain in the butt (haha, no pun intended!!!) ... it's nice to know I worked my body, and I bet you'll appreciate it too, so go give this workout a shot!!

I'm going to call it the "Three and One Point Five" Workout:
It's easy.

At your gym I'm sure there are a bunch of weight machines. Choose three, complete three sets of 15 reps at a weight that is challenging (but do-able three times through). When I did this, I was grunting and groaning by the end of each set of 15 because it had gotten that difficult -- aim for the grunt. :) After the weight lifting ... you're sprinting. See example that follows.

First I chose two leg machines and a butt machine. After 3 sets of 15 reps on each machine I went to the treadmill and sprinted for 1.5 minutes at 9.0 speed. It's only a minute and a half, and it takes the machine about 30 seconds to get up to 9.0 anyway. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

After the sprint, go back to three DIFFERENT machines. This time I chose a bicep, a tricep, and a shoulder exercise. When I finished three set of 15 reps on each I went to the treadmill again for a sprint -- 1.5 minutes at 9.0 speed. DO IT!!!

Repeat this until you have run on the treadmill 5 times. At 9.0 for 1.5 minutes you should be traveling approximately 0.2 miles. After 5 times you have run 1 mile at 9.0, which when mixed in between weight training is amazing for your heart, your metabolism, your endurance, your everything!!

This whole workout took me about an hour, and I'm telling you ... it was awesome. And for those who have not yet conquered your fear of the free weights area -- try venturing to that scary beyond during this workout. I used the smith machine and did arm curls in the free weights area and since I was running back and forth between free weights, machines and the treadmill, it looked like I knew what I was doing, lol.

GOOD LUCK!! And let me know what you think :)

Interesting Birthday Appearance

2009-12-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

Well ... not an "official" appearance, but an interesting story nevertheless. This past Friday night, Miss Illinois USA showed up at a little girl's 9th birthday party. I thought it would be fun to visit with the girls, talk about what they do at school, encourage them to spend lots of time with their families over the holidays, telling them to help their moms and dads as much as they could because Santa was watching. You know, things you tell little girls! However, 9 year olds aren't the same as they used to be ... or maybe I just don't hang out with 9 year olds enough.

Anyway ... the story:
Kelly, the birthday girl, is the daughter of my mom's close friend. Kelly's mom thought it would be great if I could come by, but she didn't prep me for what to expect (and maybe she didn't know). I walked into a family room full of girls sitting around the couches and floor. When I stepped around the corner adorned in my crown and sash, their eyes lit up unlike any I'd ever seen -- and trust me, my eyes light up a lot because I get excited about everything. I felt like I was Hannah Montana or something by the way they reacted. YIKES!

The girls jumped off their seats, came up to me and started touching me, asking questions and wanting to take pictures without even taking a second to ask my name. I have purely become Miss Illinois USA to them with no care for what I do, what I stand for, who I am, what I can teach them, or anything like that. As much as I was disappointed by the fact that I didn't get to teach them the things I had hoped to while I was there, I was excited about their enthusiasm -- until it got a little weird.

One girl asked me if I lived in a castle, hehe. :) Another asked me if I could tell her where I lived, because she would love to come visit and possibly have a sleepover. One little girl offered me her brother's bedroom in the basement, "since he just moved away to college, and there is plenty of room for all of your stuff," she said. But after all of the cute questions were asked and all of my thoughts about, "Aww, aren't they so adorable," wore off ... their inner creeps came out to play.

One girl asked me if I could please provide her with my fingerprints. Later, when we were eating the cake, the same little girl asked me if I could put frosting on my lips and kiss a piece of paper for her. She also asked me to write down my birthday, my boyfriend's name, what town I'm from, how tall I was, and what my favorite color was. I was just waiting for her to ask my blood type! It was bizarre!

Then the little girls thought it would be a great idea if I were to hold them. Literally, 9 year old girls wanted to crawl into my arms like 6 month old babies while I rocked them back and forth. It's cute that they admired me and wanted to be near me, but it was most definitely a unique request. Later, they decided it would be fun to wear my high heeled black mid-calf boots around the house ... so each of them took a turn wearing my boots, which came all the way up to their knees or further for most of them. It was sweet, and they were very excited to be wearing "big girl shoes!" Haha.

To make a long story short, it was an interesting experience filled with good points and bad, although all points that I will always remember. I hope Kelly will always remember her birthday party, and I hope the girls will remember it as well. Even though I didn't get to teach them anything specifically, hopefully I taught them what it means to be friendly and kind, and how not to give strangers your finger or lip prints, lol. :)

Flogg Daily -- Record Book

2009-12-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

This book rocks.

I bought it in July and started using it at my 90 day mark to the Miss Illinois USA Pageant this past August. It has pages for an exercise log, a food journal, places to record your weight, sleep, measurements, etc etc. It has a spot for before and after pictures in the back, and I have inserted my own food pyramid to the space in the front. It is so useful, and it's light so I carry it in my purse with me at all times. There are pages in the back with lists of foods and exercises and the amount of calories and other facts that correspond with each. It really is an all around great record book. I would recommend it to anyone interested in getting really serious about fitness and a healthy diet.

It can be found at the Flogg Daily Website. I think I might have to order another one for the 90 day mark for Miss USA!!!

Conquer Your Fear of Weight Training

2009-12-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

If you're a woman who is anything like I was a year ago, you're terrified to enter the scary terrain at the gym known as the "free weights area." However, taking that step across the border between the lady-safe zone and the "man's-area" is not as frightening as it may seem ... let me tell you why:

For me, it was about intimidation. I was scared to lift weights with the boys because I was nervous that they were all starring at me, wondering what business I had in a weight room, and secretly making fun of me for lifting incorrectly or for lifting weights that were not very heavy. The fact of the matter is though, I had to get over it! First of all, the boys could care less about you and your weight training. Second of all, it's about YOUR HEALTH, not about the way others perceive you (although if you're at the gym lifting weights I'm pretty sure the only way they should be perceiving you is "good for her for working hard.") So I thought of it this way: In the beginning I am going to look stupid and weak, but as I progress I will be able to train more seriously and will get stronger. Someday maybe those boys won't be starring at me for looking out of place, but for looking muscular, tone, and fit! I just had to get there first.

Here are some of the reasons why you should stop being intimidated and just get in the weight room!

01
Weight training tones your muscles which looks great! Also, it raises your basal metabolism which causes you to burn more calories 24 hours a day. You'll even burn more calories while you're sleeping!

02
Weight training energizes you.

03
It has a positive effect on almost all of your 650+ muscles.

04
Weight training makes you strong. Strength gives you confidence and makes daily activities easier.

05
It helps to ease aches and pains in your back and shoulders.

06
It decreases your resting blood pressure, which is good for your heart.

07
It decreases your risk of developing adult onset diabetes (along with a healthy diet!)

08
It improves your posture.

09
It improves the functioning of your immune system (less time feeling like crap and more time feeling strong and beautiful!)

10
Weight training improves your balance and coordination (important for walking on stage in heels at pageants :) but also important for your core muscles and your daily life).

11
**Most important**
Weight training elevates your mood.

***********************************

Now, if those weren't good enough reasons for you to hit the weight room, here's my own little recep -- the boys really don't care that you're in there, so suck it up and hit the weights. After all, it's only for your benefit, not theirs! If you practice, you'll eventually get it right and won't look stupid, just awesome. If you're doing a move incorrectly, hopefully some nice boy will help you out and then you'll have a friend.

Plus ... do you really want to do the same boring cardio every day when you can be giving your metabolism a boost with weight training (which will cause you to burn more fat, longer)?!?!

Weight training ... the way to go ... NOW GO GET 'EM GIRLS!!!!

10-10-10

2009-12-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

This workout was shared with me by one of my favorite boot-camp ladies. Kathy, a true master of the 10-10-10 workout has been working her butt off with Toni and I in the gym and has lost TWO PANT SIZES!!!!! I think that's a good reason for you to try out her secret weapon ...

10-10-10 = 10 push ups, 10 sit ups, 10 squats ... 10 times.

Kathy suggests trying to fit it in once a day or once every other day. She varies her activities as well (see below)!

EXAMPLES:
PUSH UPS
1. regular push ups
2. triceps push ups -- keep your elbows close to your body when you push up. They should graze against the side of your body on the way down.
3. wide handed push ups -- place your hands wider than shoulder distance and push up.
4. triangle push ups -- make a triangle out of your thumbs and forefingers on the ground beneath your chest and push up.
5. push ups using a ball -- this one is tough (FYI) ... using a large balance ball put your hands on top and your feet on the floor and push up using the ball. You'll have to really squeeze the ball with your arms to be able to maintain your balance. This push up is great because it works your core to the max!

SIT UPS (there are a million variations, but here are a few to start with)
1. regular crunches
2. bicycle crunches -- keep your shoulders off the ground for more core work
3. side-to-side -- balancing on your rear end with your feet off the ground and legs bent in the air, put your hands together in a fist in front of you and touch to the left, then the right, then repeat ten times.
4. butt lift -- lay flat on the ground with your hands behind your head. Lift your legs straight at a 90 degree angle to your body. Raise them to the ceiling, removing your butt from the ground. *Important ... do not rock!! Go straight up and down for the best work out.
5. pretzels -- move to one side of your body with one of your bootie-cheeks on the ground. Your BOTTOM foot should be cuddled over-top of your top foot so they are linked together. Your TOP arm should go behind your head, and your BOTTOM arm should stay on the floor for support. Crunch your legs and head together up in the air using your abs to crunch and not your supporting arm. Switch sides.

SQUATS
1. regular squats
2. ballet squats
3. side squats

Don't try to do the hard stuff all at once if this is your first time. It's important to ease in to your workouts. Heck ... when I first started boot-camp I couldn't even finish a one minute plank. You just have to keep practicing and you'll get there :)

Good luck!!

Miss Iowa USA 2010

2009-12-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my beautiful friend Katie Connors who won the Miss Iowa USA Pageant last night!! I have been rooting for her, and her for I, and we are so so so so so thrilled that we're going to get to be in Vegas together in April! It's going to be awesome to have a friend along the way ... and she's a sweetheart so I know it's going to be lots of fun.

YAY KATIE -- Miss Iowa USA 2010!! We're pageant neighbors! Haha. :)

Workout

2009-12-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

OK I tried the high intensity workout below and it was rough. You just have to keep thinking that it's ONLY three minutes of each level and you can get through it. 15 minutes total. NOT that bad!

I do have another workout though that might make your bones ache:

5 minutes, Run, 3.0 incline, 7.0 speed
5 minutes, Stairs (run REAL stairs (not the machine), preferably TALL ones that make you keep going up and up and up! I use the ones at the local high school's pool in the winter, and at the football stadium in the summer)
5 minutes, Run, 0.0 incline, 7.5-8.0 speed
2 minutes, Jump Rope - QUICK!
1 minute, Squat Jump - It's going to hurt, but keep going! Only 1 minute!
1 minute, Jump Jacks
1 minute, Jump Rope
5 minutes, Run, 5.0 incline, 6.5 speed
5 minutes, Elliptical - FAST!
5 minutes, Bike - MEDIUM

and the best part ... REPEAT!!!

High Intensity Treadmill Workout

2009-12-09T14:22:00.001-08:00

3 minutes at 7.3
3 minutes at 7.5
3 minutes at 7.7
3 minutes at 7.9
3 minutes at 8.1

It's only 5 intervals and 15 minutes, but it's FAST. I'm going to give it a shot at the beginning of one of my workouts this week!

Inspiring Poem

2009-12-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

Oddly, I am designing a program for an upcoming Bat Mitzvah, which has been an interesting learning experience for me since I am not Jewish. It has been important for me to learn more about this religion before designing the pieces for the celebration and I can safely say that is has been quite eye opening! I am happy to know more about a religion other than my own and I am now excited to attend the ceremony and reception that is quickly approaching.

While going through the readings for the ceremony I found this poem. I thought I would share it with you, and hope that maybe all of us could take some time to appreciate the good. I certainly forget sometimes ... particularly while I'm walking to work in the rain and cold thinking, "UGH! THIS SUCKS!" Gotta remember to appreciate the fact that I'm walking to my JOB - something that many people wish they had right now. It's the little things, right?

Anyway, enjoy!

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watch kids play on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down, don’t dance to fast.
Time is short, the music won’t last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask “How are you?” Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head?
You better slow down, don’t dance to fast.
Time is short, the music won’t last.

Ever told your child we’ll do it tomorrow? And in your haste not see the sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die,
'cause you never had time to call and say, “Hi”?
You better slow down, don’t dance to fast.
Time is short, the music won’t last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
you miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It’s like an unopened gift . . .thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

My Body Screams "No More Junk!"

2009-12-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

I swore to myself that this week I would get back on track to the healthy and fit lifestyle I worked so hard to keep over the past 9 months, but temptation got has gotten the best of me so far -- and I'm angry! (However, anger might be good for the fight I'm about to give back. Are you ready temptation? You're gonna get what's coming to you -- a health kick like you've never seeeeen! Muahahaha).

Sitting at work today my legs are uncomfortable inside my jeans that are fitting just a bit too snug. Also, my stomach hurts -- I can feel it rumbling and burning, eeeek. I am on the fourth day of an overpowering headache, and I'm so tired I can hardly keep my head up. I've taken 4 Advil so far today, which is more than I've taken over the past 6 months combined. I NEVER feel this nasty ... until now. Why?

I am convinced that these horrible symptoms are the cause of a care-free diet that has become practically devoid of any physical activity. My body isn't used to being treated this way and it is screaming at me to stop. My motivation to work out is practically gone, where in the past my body craved a good workout. Instead, I am craving junk food instead of the gym -- it has become an unhealthy addiction that I need to kick! But I can do it. I HAVE to do it if I want to get my energy back! (Not to mention my health and being as fit as I was two weeks ago for the pageant. Yikes!)

That being said, you've heard it here first folks. It's time to get serious. No more yucky processed foods, no more sugary treats, no more over sized meals. It all stops now and you're my witnesses! I've been reading about some tricks to get fit online and I intend to utilize them. I'll keep you posted on what's working and what's not so you can try them too!

I know for many people the new year brings resolutions to get in shape, lose weight, regain our health and become overall better people. But I say ... why wait? January 1st is still weeks away and our lives are happening now! We need to treat our bodies right NOW, and we need to do it the healthy way. So lets go. Are you with me?

Food and workout plans coming tomorrow.

Being a Designer

2009-12-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

This is off-topic from Miss Illinois USA stuff ... but someone brought this to my attention today and I had quite a good laugh. For anyone who is a designer, please enjoy:

How a Web Design Goes Straight to Hell

Homer Horizon

2009-12-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

Ryan Terrell from the Homer Horizon wrote such a nice article! I'm very excited ... I've never been on the front page before -- woo hoo!!

Check it out here.

Dress Designer

2009-12-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

If anyone reading this knows the name of a fabulous dress designer please comment back! I am thinking about different colors/styles/etc for my nationals gown ... but I need some help.

Please send:
1. The name of a great dress designer I can google!
OR
2. Pictures of dresses that you think would be great for me!

Thanks a bunch!

8 Most Addicting Foods

2009-12-03T09:55:00.001-08:00

I was reading articles on Yahoo! today and laughed when I came across this one -- it's sooooo true!

1. Dark Chocolate M&M's -- Holy cow are those addicting. But you know what else is addicting in the M&M family? Their new M&M's with PEANUT BUTTER IN THE MIDDLE!!! Ohmygosh those things are dangerous. Yum yum yum. I want some right now!

2. Guacamole -- I LOOOOVE guacamole, but I can never stop there. I like to drown my chips in guacamole, sour cream and salsa all mixed together in a beautiful trio of colors from the Italian flag. Wait ... that doesn't make sense. They should relate to the Spanish flag! Regardless, it's simply delightful -- and addicting. *Hint: Never try making guacamole with an avocado that isn't ripe. I attempted this once and thought if I stuck it in the blender it would come out OK (since it was too difficult for me to mash up myself). I ended up eating guacamole beads. Yuck on the texture and yuck on the taste. Take my advice and wait for those little babies to ripen.

3. Popcorn -- OK forget the butter ... just go to Garrett's Popcorn Shop on Michigan Avenue and get delicious cheesy-caramel popcorn mixed together! Uh oh ... why did I even start thinking about these foods. Now I want to run down and buy a bag. Seriously, if you haven't tried Garrett's you just haven't tried popcorn.

4. Rolos

5. French Fries

6. PopChips

7. Chocolate Chip Cookies -- MY WEAKNESS!!!! Someone from college gave me a recipe that includes using crisco (!), making them so amazingly delicious, but soooo amazingly full of guilt! The incredible taste is almost worth the damage they do to my arteries. Err, actually ... now that I put it that way, maybe not.

8. Ice Cream -- I like to go topping-wild when it comes to ice cream. My picture perfect bowl of ice cream would include chocolate ice cream mixed with chocolate chip cookie dough, brownie pieces that have been warmed up, cherry pie filling, about 26 scoops of sprinkles, chocolate fudge, tons of nuts, tons tons toooons of whipped cream, and some peanut butter. And in case you're wondering ... YES, all of those flavors DO taste great together!! :)

Robinson & Maites

2009-12-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

I love my job. Everyone who works at R&M is very nice. They have made me feel so so great with their kindness and support, and they have given me every opportunity in the world since I began work here back in July. Moving to Robinson & Maites from my previous job was the best move I ever made ... and I'm so glad they took me aboard full time, yahoo! Not only are they sweet here, but they're also an amazing marketing team that I'm proud to be a part of.

Anyway ... they just wrote a very sweet post about me on their blog -- click here to read! It also shows their creativity, as it made me laugh out loud quite a bit :)

R&M you're the greatest. Thank you.

Eat More Protein

2009-12-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

I was reading about different eating plans that winners of state pageants were following before gaining their titles, and it seems that a lot of them eat very lightly. They have about 6 very small meals per day, most of which try to include protein in some way.

Protein is a "macronutrient," meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it. But unlike fat and carbohydrates (which are also macronutrients), the body does not store protein. Therefore, it has no storage unit to draw on when it needs a new supply. For active women, it is said that the body needs to consume about two daily servings for a total of six ounces of protein.

According to WebMD, when people eat lots of protein but few carbohydrates, their metabolisms change into a state called ketosis. Ketosis means the body converts from burning carbs for fuel to burning its own fat. When fat is broken down, small bits of carbon called ketones are released into the bloodstream as energy sources. Ketosis, which also occurs in diabetes, tends to suppress appetite, causing people to eat less, and it also increases the body's elimination of fluids through urine, resulting in a loss of water weight. There are downfalls to a high protein diet, which you can read about at WebMD if you'd like.

No one really knows the effect of eating a high-protein diet over the long term, but the diet does appear to be safe and effective for up to six months. WebMD says that when it comes to feeling full, the clinical studies consistently showed that high-protein diets increase satisfaction and decrease hunger compared with high-fat or high-carbohydrate diets. In addition, most (but not all) of the studies reviewed showed that most people on high-protein diets took in about 10% less energy (roughly 200 calories) per day, which could account for at least some of the weight loss seen with this type of diet.

Some good sources of protein include:
Fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

***

As for my own diet, I do enjoy foods that are high in protein, but I'm going to have to make it a special point to add these types of foods to my day. I'll keep you posted on any changes I see by adding protein to my diet!

Avoid Over-Indulging

2009-12-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

When eating packaged products, measure out your portions ahead of time so you won't over indulge. It is very easy to think you are eating a single serving when a package can possibly contain 2 or more. So ... when you buy a new box of cereal, granola, almonds, etc., measure out individual servings and put each one into a separate zip lock bag. Then, stick the zip lock bags back into the product's original box. Now, every time you crave that food you will know exactly how much a serving is without spending the time the measure it out, and without taking the risk of over indulging. This is especially helpful when bringing food to school or work.

For example: I measure out bags of 1/4 cup granola to add to my yogurt, which has become my typical mid-morning snack at work. I keep the bags of granola near my desk, and when it comes time to reach for the yogurt I grab a bag of granola to go with it and know I have exactly the right amount for one serving size. Now I'm satisfied, I don't over-eat, and I know it works!

Kind Friend

2009-11-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

An email from a friend that made me smile from my heart. Its people like this I wish I could give the world to:

Nov 23, 2009

"And get it you did. Just remember who you are, and who you can be – you make a difference in the lives of people around you regardless of any particular title or prestige – we’re all capable of being powerful and shaping the world for the better. You have an interesting responsibility now, though, because you get to represent something of a symbol – a cultural affirmation of beauty, yes, but also an opportunity to drive home all the rest of what constitutes your greatness – hard work, commitment and dedication to family, empathy, confidence, a burning desire to learn and understand, and most of all a person who speaks compassionately with actions. Regardless of where all of this goes in the future, titles or not, I’m thankful to have you as a friend, and love you as such."

Back on Track

2009-11-30T18:16:00.000-08:00

I definitely let loose over the Thanksgiving Holiday as far as unhealthy eating and lack of exercise go – but now I’m ready to get back on track. I did an hour long treadmill run this morning while I watched the 5am news, and although I was a lot more tired than usual I still managed to make it 6 miles. Sometimes, even with the TV on I can get bored with the treadmill, but I found a great workout that makes the time pass rather quickly. You can modify it in many different ways including adjusting the speeds and/or intervals, but in case anyone is curious … the workout is below!

TREADMILL WORKOUT #1
6 minutes at 4.0

2 minutes at 6.8, 0.0 incline
2 minutes at 6.8, 2.0 incline
2 minutes at 6.8, 0.0 incline

1 minutes at 4.0

2 minutes at 7.3, 0.0 incline
2 minutes at 7.3, 2.0 incline
2 minutes at 7.3, 0.0 incline

1 minute at 4.0

2 minutes at 7.5, 0.0 incline
2 minutes at 7.5, 2.0 incline
2 minutes at 7.5, 0.0 incline

1 minute at 4.0

1 minute at 7.5
1 minute at 7.6
1 minute at 7.7
1 minute at 7.8
1 minute st 7.9
1 minute at 8.0

1 minute at 4.0

2 minutes at 7.5, 0.0 incline
2 minutes at 7.5, 2.0 incline
2 minutes at 7.5, 0.0 incline

1 minutes at 4.0

2 minutes at 7.3, 0.0 incline
2 minutes at 7.3, 2.0 incline
2 minutes at 7.3, 0.0 incline

1 minute at 4.0

2 minutes at 6.8, 0.0 incline
2 minutes at 6.8, 2.0 incline
2 minutes at 6.8, 0.0 incline

1 minutes at 4.0
TOTAL: 60 minutes

I think it’s going to be important for me to stay on track early on. Of course, it would be crazy not to cheat a little bit between now and the Miss USA Pageant, but I’ll have to pick my battles wisely. I very much desire to look my best during the national pageant … so what better time to start than right off the bat? At least this way I’ll be ready when the time comes instead of scrambling to tone up! Hasn’t it always been the teacher's request not to procrastinate anyway? Well, this is one of those times I’m most definitely going to listen. Better be safe than sorry, as they say.

Nationals, nationals, I’m so excited!

Photos

2009-11-29T11:35:00.003-08:00

I will post pictures when I get some. So far the only ones I have are those that others happened to get during the pageant! I don't really have a functional camera right now, but I ordered one that should be delivered on Tuesday. Hopefully once it comes in I will have more to share with you!

Dinner with Friends

2009-11-29T11:33:00.001-08:00

Last night I met Jeff and Matt for dinner and we talked about what kinds of things I want to do with my year to try and make a difference. Jeff is really involved with the U of I community/campus, and he knows a lot about charity events and ways to help others. He was a great person to talk to about this sort of thing because he has such a good heart and really wants to change the world. I hope that together we can make some cool things happen this year -- I know I'm excited and I hope he is as well!!

Can't Stop Eating

2009-11-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants me to eat! People just keep feeding me and feeding me and that food is wasting no time before going straight to my thighs! I guess I owe it to myself since Thanksgiving is this week and my huge diet paid off ... but still, I don't want to have put all of that hard work into it just to gain it all back! Alexis and I went shopping together and during the trip we decided that we're going to enjoy ourselves for the rest of this week and get back to the healthy lifestyle on Monday. One week won't kill us, and we'll have to be in shape for nationals -- might as well start early!

Day Two

2009-11-28T15:02:00.000-08:00

This morning (Tuesday, November 24) Alexis and I met at the FOX studios in Chicago to appear on "Good Morning Chicago" as our Miss Illinois USA and Miss Teen Illinois USA Debut!! We were both really excited to be there and see how the television studio was run. Everyone was really nice and asked us lots of questions, then before we knew it, it was time to go on the air!

They interviewed us live, so we had to be very conscious of what we were saying. Somehow I didn't get nervous at all! It was great! I knew Alexis was scared but I tried to let her talk so I wouldn't take over the show. For as nervous as she was she did an OUTSTANDING job. I'm so proud of her! Plus, I know how much I can talk once I get excited and I didn't want to over-power her!! She did great. I think the segment ended up going really well and it was a wonderful first experience for both of us. My mom found someone who was able to tape it and burn it to a DVD for us so now we'll get to keep it forever! It was exciting too because they showed a little clip from when I was announced as the winner, and I didn't get to see that yet. In fact, I was so shocked and excited when that happened that the whole memory itself is kind of blacked out from my brain -- it was nice to be able to live it again from the video.

Day One

2009-11-23T20:34:00.000-08:00

WHAT a weekend, what a night, what a day. I can't believe this has happened to me. I seriously put my heart and soul into winning the Miss Illinois USA Pageant this year and I am thrilled beyond all belief that my efforts have paid off to make my dream become a reality.

The whole weekend was nerve-wrecking. Well, nerve-wrecking and exciting of course. I was excited to be there, but I wanted to win more than anything in the world so I had to stay focused. I trained in the gym for months and had eaten the most healthy of healthy foods for weeks and weeks leading up to pageant weekend. To prepare for the big day I worked with a trainer, a pageant coach, make-up and hair-stylists, picked out wardrobe changes, perfected my interview skills, spoke with past winners, involved my friends and family for support, went to other state pageants to pick up tips and so very much more in order to try and achieve my ultimate goal. When pageant weekend finally hit I wanted so very much to just relax, but I knew if I didn't stay focused I would lose my chance at the crown. However, during the weekend the girls were all SO sweet I was able to relax more than I thought. We talked and laughed and got to know each other as we figured out how all of this pageant rehearsal was going to work. Many times people have asked, "Are the girls caddy, like in 'Miss Congeniality?" Not in my experience. During pageant weekend the girls are all so friendly and helpful ... it is hard to choose who should get the congeniality vote! I loved getting to know those girls and I hope so very much that they will keep in touch :)

So last night after being crowned (November 22, 2009 -- a day I'll never forget!) my family took me out to dinner at the Greek Isles restaurant in Greektown. It was wonderful because I hadn't gotten to eat "junk" food for such a long time. I got a little too excited though and all of that food ended up making me sick. Whoops! It was great to be able to spend time with family though. I am so grateful to all of the people who came to support me during the pageant. Having them cheering me on in the audience really helped break my nerves, and brought a genuine smile to my face. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive and inspiring group of people to back me during my pageant experience.

Monday morning following the pageant Mom and I met all of the pageant staff as well as the teen winner in the lobby of the hotel for a photo shoot. I didn't have any of the right clothes and my hair and make-up was a mess, but I didn't sleep a wink because I was so excited, so I knew it would have to do. The photoshoot was fun because Alexis (Miss Illinois Teen USA 2010) and I got to chat and get to know each other. It also gave a chance to get to know the people we'd be working with all year. We did three wardrobe changes and shot pictures both indoors and out. It was something I thought I would be really nervous doing in front of all those people, but it really came easy. I can't wait to see how the pictures came out now, but I'll have to wait!!

Following the photoshoot the directors took Alexis and I (and our moms!) to lunch at the hotel restaurant. Again, it was great to have "real" food, but it made me a little bit sick to my stomach. During lunch the directors told us a little bit about what to expect during the year, we talked a little bit about nationals, they told us what was next on our agenda, etc etc. It was nice to be able to ask questions because I had about 15 million things I wanted to know. They tell you it's going to be an awesome year before you take the crown, but once you have it, it is kind of scary! Its nice to have such a wonderful team to help me through this adventure!

Monday night mom took me out for ice cream (MORE food that made me sick!) and then I went to boot camp. All of the women in my bootcamp knew I was preparing for the pageant, and I guess Toni (the bootcamp leader) texted them all the good news Sunday night, because as I walked in EVERYONE was already there cheering and clapping for me with their cameras in hand! Luckily I brought my crown and banner with to show the girls so we were able to get some pictures together!

I ended up talking with some of their daughters who had also come to see me, and doing that made everything worth while. Watching those little girls' faces light up and knowing that they were listening so intently to every word that came out of my mouth was the most amazing feeling in the world. It made every early morning 4:30am workout worth it. It made every sore muscle worth it. It made every bit of junk food I passed up worth it. They were so excited to hear what I had to say, to have their picture taken with me, to ask me questions ... and suddenly I knew ... OK, this is the PERFECT job for me. I knew I LOVED being Miss Illinois USA just from how excited those little girls got. If I could make such a small difference in their lives, just THINK about the difference I could make to people who really need it. I'm so excited for this job. I feel like I was made for it!

It's going to be a GREAT year. :) I can't wait!