Miss Utah Scholarship Pageant

Well, it came and went in the blink of an eye. The week that I had spent months preparing for was over before I realized it had begun. It was harder than I thought it would be, I made more dear friends than I would have thought possible, I learned wonderful lessons about myself and others, and found myself in a much better place physically, spiritually, mentally, and intellectually than I started. I know you are probably having a hard time seeing how this could be, considering I left Capitol Theater on Saturday night exhausted, drained and thinking about earthquake prevention (one of the funnier answers that came out in the on-stage question).
But in all honesty it was an experience that I will take with me throughout my life and helped refine who I already am. It showed me my weaknesses and my strengths and helped me overcome some of my own personal fears. I didn't win anything in the competition, however I left the experience with more than I could have ever asked for. It was the ride of a lifetime and I couldn't be happier with my performance. If given the chance to do it all over again I would, and I wouldn't change a thing! :)

So now on to the fun stuff...PICTURES!

This is my evening gown. It was quite the experience finding and remodeling the dress. If you ever need a really good seamstress just ask because I found a WONDERFUL one who made this dress possible.
Interview! My very favorite part of the competition. I also like the on-stage question...even if mine was the dreaded 'gay-marriage' question. Good thing I was prepared for everything they threw at me! :)
oh swimsuit.... my least favorite part, but it was still fun.
Talent! I performed a classical Tarantella on pointe. The judges didn't seem too interested in the classical performances, but I sure had fun. Dancing on that stage is like coming home for me. I don't even get nervous because i've performed there so many times. The memories I have on that stage have all been so fun, and now I have a few more. :)
Just a few pics of me and some of my friends for life. Who knew pageant girls were such fun, kind, genuine, helpful girls!

There is no way I could have done any of this without all the support of my wonderful family and friends. I couldn't surround myself with any better people, and I appreciate all of the hours that were spent helping me prepare. Each time I was on stage I knew I wasn't alone, I was just the representative of all the hard work that many people put in.

Thank You Thank You Thank You for all of your love, patience, understanding and support. It means more than you'll ever know!



And just so you all know, my platform is the Strengthening Families Program. I'm trying to raise awareness about this wonderful program that will be available to all Utah families that will strengthen our families, and in turn strengthen our communities and nation as a whole. Please watch this short promotional video to find out more!

My little train ride

You know how when the train is leaving the station, it's moving rather slow? You're excited to get where you're going but just as excited about getting there and seeing what adventure that brings {if you wanted to get there fast you would have taken a plane}. You settle into that window seat and look out at the life you are leaving and imagine what this same window will be framing when the train stops again?

Well that has been my life for the past 6 months or so. I had my destination in mind, had my ticket and a window seat so I could take everything in...but then that train started to speed up. I didn't have a chance to do all the things I thought I would. In fact looking back on the trip, most of it was a blur because I was moving so fast. And the funny thing is that at times I don't think I was moving at all, and yet life propels you forward.

So here I am. I've reached my destination and it's now time to make my mark on this new experience i've brought myself to...or let it make its mark on me.

Regardless, i'm in a different place than I was 6 months ago. It's new, different, exciting and scary all at the same time.

I'm looking out the window and i'm seeing wonderful things! Just as I'd hoped. Now it's time to get out of the train and explore!

Wish me luck!

What I do when i'm not blogging...

It's been a little while, so here is the update on my life:

Most of my time is spent working...yup, I sit at this desk for 8 hours a day.

Someday I will have a treadmill in my office. Then I won't have to just sit all day!

But as for now i'm quite happy in my new little cubicle in my new building. But mostly i'm happy that this adventure is about to come to an end! I've loved my time working in the IT department, but lets face it - I still struggle with how to turn my computer on/off, so working here has been a stretch for me! ( ok, ok...I can now turn my computer on and off, and I know a little more about html and java, and how giant computers run the entire university web infrastructure - so i've learned lots...but it's still a stretch).

I have also been working on Miss Utah stuff! This has somewhat taken over my life, which i'm totally ok with. So among the daily duties of any twenty-something i'm spending my evenings reading newspapers, going to dress fittings, dancing my little heart out, making shoes that represent my title (Miss Pioneer Valley), working on my platform, running up mountains, practicing being interviewed, running down mountains (because as we all know, what goes up, must come down), volunteering for CMN, going to community events, and trying to keep a little balance in my life!


I went to a Miss Utah service day for the Children's Miracle Network a few weeks ago, and it was so much fun! This day was especially great because I got to spend it with my Little Miss, Michaela.

Making fun jewelry for the children at Primary Children's Hospital.
Puppets - who new they were just as fun to make as they are to play with?!So that's what i'm up to. If you don't hear from me in the next few weeks, i'm not dead....just a little busy. And if you want to come to Miss Utah you can get tickets HERE. And my schedule is as follows:

Wednesday: Evening Gown & On-stage question
Thursday: Talent
Friday: Swimsuit
Saturday: Final night (the top 10 are named, and they compete in all areas of the competition again -then they crown the queen - so exciting!)

Thank Goodness for my girls!

Thank goodness for girl friends.

*Someone who always knows how you feel (or is at least willing to act like it's ok that you feel the way you do)

*Someone that understands your struggles and fears

*Someone that makes you laugh when you want to cry

*Someone that always has your back

*Someone who understands that some paths have to be traveled alone, but stays on the sidelines just to cheer you on

*Someone that isn't afraid to laugh at/with you

*Someone who will tell you that sweater DOES make you look fat

*Someone that will answer the phone no matter what time it is

*Someone who will tell you No when you're wrong

*Someone that will tell you Yes when the world is saying No

*Someone that can understand where you're coming from when you're not even sure

*Someone who pushes you to your limits to help you realize your potential

*Someone who still loves you on your bad day...or early in the morning....or really late at night

*Someone you can sit in silence with and completely understand what they are talking about

*Someone who understands when advice is needed and when you just need to talk

*Someone that supports your dreams even on the days you don't know if it's worth it

*Someone who calls just to see how your day was and share a funny experience

*Someone you can share your deepest darkest secrets with

*Someone it's ok to cry with

*Someone who makes you your very best!

*Someone who can make the everyday jobs extrordinarily fun

God didn't give me any biological sisters because he knew I would always have such wonderful girl friends. I love you girls and thank you for continuing to be there for me. I'm looking forward to all the fun times still to come!

*MUAH*