Running Around

Today I crossed something off my bucket list!  I finished my first half marathon!  After competing in track and field for nearly ten years, you'd think that I'd love running.  This is a common misconception.  In case you didn't already know, I was a long and triple jumper throughout my college career.  My 30 meter approach to the sandpit was the extent of my running.  In fact the furthest I had ever run at one time prior to training for this race was about 3 miles.  My brother, being the wonderful brother he is, signed me up for the Rock the Parkway half marathon in Kansas City for his Christmas present to me.  At the time I was terrified but he was right- I needed a new goal!





It ended up being an awesome experience and I definitely plan on training harder for longer races.  One thing I learned is that the running community has a sense of humor.  People lined the streets to cheer on family members and friends with signs, bells and t-shirts.  Some of my favorite signs said things like "Worst Parade Ever" and "Chuck Norris never ran a half marathon".  It was so much fun to cross the finish line with hundreds of people cheering- and not because I won but simply because I did it!  I beat my goal of two hours and finished in a time of one hour, fifty-six minutes.  My brother and his girlfriend also ran personal bests.  It was a successful and memorable morning.

After I stretched, showered and refueled, I drove to Columbia for a couple of appearances.  I first went to MoJo's for a St. Baldrick's Fundraiser sponsored by Mizzou medical students.  They raised nearly $40,000 for kids with cancer by collecting donations as community members shaved their heads.  I mingled with kids, college students, physicians and parents and was so glad to have been a part of such a special event!

I ended the night at the annual Paintbrush Ball, a fundraiser for the local art museum in Columbia.  Toni, one of the board members of the Miss Columbia Scholarship Pageant is also a board member for the art museum and invited me to join her for the evening.  I was able to speak, dine and dance with many prominent members of the Columbia community- from school board members and doctors to lawyers and university professors.  It was an elegant ending to an exciting day!

Miss Missouri Orientation

After dancing the night away at the Heartland Task Force's Daddy Daughter Dance, I drove to Mexico for Miss Missouri Orientation.  What an exciting day!  We were incredibly fortunate to have Katie Stam, Miss America 2009 as a special guest.  She spoke to us about her experiences with the Miss America Organization, gave us preparation tips for competition and also inspired us to take full advantage of all the good there is to be done with our local titles.  She was the epitome of grace, humility and charm.

with Miss Audrain & Miss River City

It was fun to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.  For example  from the moment I met her I knew that Stephanie, Miss Moberly, and I were going to get along great.  Before we knew it we were quoting lines to Pitch Perfect, a favorite movie of mine.  I also had the opportunity to learn about all the awesome stuff my fellow titleholders have been up to- from starring in theatre productions to being accepted to colleges and graduate programs these women never cease to amaze me.

My beautiful sister queen

Charlee and Me

J- my little sister!

The Heartland Task Force's Daddy Daughter Dance

One of my former health science professors is a board member of the Heartland Task Force in Kirksville and she invited me to make an appearance at the annual Daddy Daughter Dance.  This organization is a substance abuse prevention group that works to strengthen community ties, encourage positive behaviors in youth and foster healthy family relationships.  This event is a community favorite.  I joined the 8 other titleholders from the Northeast Missouri area in dancing the night away with about 800 young ladies and their significant male role models.  Talk about a night to remember!  Every single girl looked like a princess and I had a blast simply singing along to One Direction and starting a conga line.  Unfortunately I don't have many pictures from the event because I was too busy dancing.  I'm going to try to track down some other pictures but in the meantime, here's one of me and Caitlin, Miss Western Missouri!

February is Heart Month- Love your heart!

As my platform is all about promoting healthy hearts, I have had a blast this month working with Northeast Missouri Heart Health Corporation and the American Heart Association.  I've teamed up with the local newspaper and NEMO Heart Health to distribute heart healthy tips for every day in February.  Not a subscriber to the Kirksville Daily Express?  Follow NEMO Heart Health on Facebook!

Every weekend in the month of February, NEMO Heart Health is doing AED and CPR demonstrations in the Kirksville HyVee.  This is a great opportunity to get people familiar with how an AED works and how they can save a life!  The AEDs that NEMO Heart Health has been placing around the community are completely automated, so in the case of sudden cardiac arrest all you have to do is open it and it will tell you exactly what to do- even give a beat when doing chest compressions for CPR.  We were able to show people that AEDs are nothing to be afraid of and that it won't deliver a shock if it isn't necessary.

I encourage you all to located the nearest AED in your workplace and familiarize yourself with how to use it. Using an AED increases chances of survival by nearly 60% in a case of sudden cardiac arrest.  Also, get CPR certified.  The American Heart Association offers classes in all communities and even online!


This evening I volunteered with the Mid-Missouri chapter of the American Heart Association at the annual Mid-Missouri Heart Ball.  Nearly 700 people were in attendance with the goal to raise $180,000 for heart research, treatments and education.  It was an incredible evening to see the community come together to put on such a special event.  They honored the lives of heart disease survivors and the work everyone has contributed to stopping the number one killer of Americans.





I had the very fun job of working the "Purse-onality Action".  52 fabulous purses were donated to the event and each was sold for $100.  Inside each purse was a raffle ticket for a $1000 travel credit or a pair of 14-karat gold earrings.  Talk about a win-win!  After this evening, I think I might have a future in sales as all 52 purses were sold.  

I look forward to sharing more about Heart Month soon!

Pancake Day!

Today the Miss America Organization and IHOP teamed up to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network.  Talk about a fun day!  I was traveling for work so unfortunately I couldn't be in Columbia to celebrate free pancakes and donations to local children's hospitals.  Instead I joined Miss Spirit of St. Louis Darbi Fuhrman, Miss Zona Rosa's OT Debrielle Merrill, and Miss Branson's OT Jaqueline Janorschke at the St. Joseph IHOP.  We stood in the lobby and spoke with people about CMN as they waited to be seated.  Of course, we were also up photos upon request :)

This young lady told me that she did a pageant once but she didn't win.  I was able to remind her that it isn't about the crown we wear on our heads, but the one we carry in our hearts.  

Missouri Western Griffons

The IHOP cowboy wanted a picture with the queens!

Three Maryville Spoofhounds!

I think this guy was jealous of all the kids getting to take their  pictures with us.  He wanted one too.

My absolute favorite picture of the night!

The title holders with the manager.  Thank you to everyone at the St. Joe IHOP for making the night a success!

This gal caught a glimpse of me through the window.  She was smiling from ear to ear when she came in.  Of course we had to get a picture together- we had both had crowns!

Giving a donation- what this night was all about!

This young man was so excited to meet us!

What a fun night!  I am so proud of the partnership between the Miss America Organization and the Children's Miracle Network!

Pageant Prep Weekend- a success

This weekend I headed to one of my favorite cities to spend some time preparing for Miss Missouri Week.  Saturday I met my mom and directors at Sassy Chic Boutique to look for an evening gown.  If you are in need of a new dress, I would highly recommend visiting these ladies.  Even in the hustle and bustle of prom season, they gave me individual attention and helped me find literally exactly what I was looking for!  Thank you so much to Danielle, Ashley and Faith!  I cannot wait to hit the Miss Missouri stage, feeling amazing in my gowns!






Saturday evening I headed up to North Kansas City to watch the Miss Zona Rosa pageant.  It was a wonderful evening and congratulations to Maddie Chambers, Miss Zona Rosa and Debrielle Merril, Miss Zona Rosa's OT!  I'm so proud of these two ladies!

 






Of course, it never hurts to get a picture with your sister queen!









Finally, Sunday I met with the fabulous Bill Wolfe to work on my talent.  I'm so excited to perform for the Miss Missouri pageant- talent in my favorite phase of competition!

I'm looking forward to enjoying the Super Bowl with some co-workers and getting to bed early after this very full and exciting weekend.  Have a great week folks!

End of an Era

This evening I crowned the new Miss Northeast Counties 2013. I had an incredible first year as a local titleholder and because I had such positive experiences in Kirksville I decided to compete for Miss Columbia.  As I have reflected on the past year I feel so blessed to be part of such an incredible organization.  After seeing all of the work that was put into organizing the pageant, I realized how lucky we are to have such amazing individuals that volunteer their time and efforts!  A huge thanks goes out to all executive directors and local boards- you give so generously of your time to assist young women in developing skills and talents that will follow them the rest of their lives.   Congratulations to Mikaela Carson, Miss Northeast Counties 2013 and Shade Bullock, Miss Northeast Counties Outstanding Teen 2013 (a former Miss Boone County Outstanding Teen)!

Interview with Mediacom Newsleaders

This morning I was in Columbia for an interview with Mediacom Newsleaders.  I had the opportunity to speak with James Mouser about the Miss America Organization, my experiences as Miss Columbia as well as discuss my platform.  Though I was battling a sinus infection, I managed to make it through without coughing!  I had a great time and have a new respect for news anchors- it isn't always easy speaking under pressure!  It was however a fantastic experience as the ability to communicate effectively is so important and one of the many reasons for my involvement with the Miss America Organization!