The News

Below is the article I spoke about previously. We have to keep pushing for more media coverage of anti-bullying work or these tragedies will continue to occur! Thanks to the Bixby Bulletin for running this news release!

Truman: Take 1

I’ve scheduled several school assemblies and speaking engagements, and am beyond excited to share my experiences! Recently, I was able to visit Truman’s 5th grade, and today I spoke with 3rd grade! Next week I’ll be speaking to the rest of the school.

(Where’s Waldo Miss Sooner State?)

First, I have to say that the teachers at Truman are fantastic. I met Mrs. Barr (P.E.) and Mrs. Tune (Music…funny right?) who were so supportive of the relational aggression initiative. Mrs. Barr was concerned about the 5th graders move to middle school, along with the 3rd graders who were learning more about manipulation and bullying. Mrs. Tune used to teach Kindergarten and said she once had two girls (keep in mind, they were 6 or 7) who were fighting over a boy! I’m sure I will learn so much more when I begin teaching next year, but I am simply amazed at how much social norms have changed even just since I was in school. (Ok, so now I realize that was quite a while ago…it doesn’t seem so long ago!)

The third graders were VERY responsive and inquisitive! They’re at an age where they want to share everything about themselves with you and have hundreds of millions of questions. Needless to say, I love it! They were so quick and fully understood the concept and everything I said. Something I was floored by was their use of the word “blackmailing.” I don’t know if it was a spelling word, but everyone seemed to want to use it and often described bullying incidents related to blackmail. This issue is obviously not the same for an 8-year-old and 30-year-old, but the idea is basically the same.

The kids LOVED my bracelets and were too excited to wear them! I’m so glad they maintained interest, since the subject can often become heavy. With so many tragedies happening (even in Oklahoma) relational aggression is something you must tread lightly around. I’m always careful not to overwhelm the students and aim to educate more than frighten. After my program ended, I allowed some time for questions since they were such a curious bunch. I answered several questions about my favorite color, how the crown stays on and what to do in certain bullying situations. My favorite question of the day was “Do you have a boyfriend? Does he have abs?” HAHAHA! Through near giggles, I told him that yes I do have a boyfriend and asked if he was aiming to take his place. Needless to say, the group thought that was about the funniest thing that had ever happened. I was also asked if I had to take a foreign language in college (they were seriously curious!) and then taught the group how to say “hello” and “goodbye” in Cherokee!

The 5th graders were much quieter! In third grade, they wanted to tell stories or ask questions every 15 seconds. Fifth grade had great listeners and a few students led the discussion. At first, I was worried that this age may think they’re “too cool” for a talk about relational aggression, but they hung on every word. This group is between a rock and a hard place. They are the oldest, and most looked up to right now, but that will change in August when they move to middle school and are at the bottom of the food chain. I remember exactly what that was like and relayed my experiences to them. They were excited about many things: Spanish class, sleeping in later, and eating Pizza Hut for lunch. Overall, they all seemed to be worried about one aspect: being bullied.

Fifth grade is such a great group to spread my message to because they’re about to embark on a new part of their life and are afraid of what might come with it. Fortunately, they soaked up everything we discussed and I believe they now have the tools to work against relational aggression. Bullying is not something that can end in one day, but it can most definitely be suppressed. If even one life is saved from anorexia, substance abuse or suicide, then I’ve done my job. Looking forward to speaking to more Truman students next week!

Sidenote: Check out my little sis through the Big Brothers Big Sister program, Kim! She knows all about the Miss America Organization and thought wearing my crown was the best thing ever. How cute does she look?!

Capitol Kind of Day

Thursday morning I went back to the capitol to visit with Representative Pittman. She is always going 100 miles an hour and I was amazed she was able to schedule a date and time to further discuss the bill and upcoming events. It was a cold morning for April, hence my call to Selby for a little “What Not To Wear: Capitol Edition.” Big news: I didn’t get lost on my way!!! There’s hope after all…

Rep. Pittman and I chatted for a while about where the bill is and the opportunities ahead. As of today, HB 1461 authored by Rep. Denny and co-authored by Rep. Pittman has passed the House, and passed the Senate, though amendments were made. If the amendments made by the Senate are approved  by Rep. Denny, the bill will go directly to Governor Fallin. Hopefully I will find out more in the coming weeks!

While at the capitol, I met with the pages from the House of Representatives. The students paging were from across Oklahoma, and one was even from Shawnee! While there, I was able to explain my platform and define relational aggression. I spoke individually with the pages as well, and several asked me to speak at their high schools. Rep. Pittman’s personal page also told me about issues she and her friends have had recently with relational aggression and bullying at Capitol Hill High School.

Though I’ve been working with my platform for several years and heard dozens of horrible stories, it never ceases to affect me and continues to break my heart. No one of any age, race or gender should have to face relational aggression on a daily basis and live in fear. Stories like hers remind me to not stop reaching out to schools and students, because while it may have gotten better for me, it hasn’t yet changed for them.

While at the capitol, I ran into Rep. Kris Steele, another Shawnee native. Each time I visit the capitol, I stop in to say hello to Kris and Charlie Laster, but they are always working too hard outside of the office! Today I also met one of Selby’s close friends, Kyle. He graduates with his Master’s degree from OU the same day I will be receiving my undergraduate degree and I really enjoyed getting to know him! He worked in the office adjacent to Valorie, the policy director, who asked me for several quotes. Rep. Pittman is working to put out a news release about my platform and the work she and I have been doing to stop bullying. If I catch it when it’s published, I’ll add a link and copy of the story!

Rep. Pittman also asked me to speak at a walk which is being held on May 14th (the day I graduate!) in Oklahoma City. It begins at a nearby church and is being put together by Kirk Smalley and Stand For The Silent. The walk will start around 8:30 am and I look  forward to sharing a few thoughts with those in attendance! Overall, great visit at the capitol and a busy week ahead!

Just Keep Swimming

I will start by saying just this:

Brian Attebery may be the smartest person I know. 

Maybe I’m feeding his ego a bit much, but seriously….in order to make the jump I’ve been hoping to make from average swimsuit body to great swimsuit body, I have realized that all I have to do is exactly what this man says. Yesterday I met with Brian for another check in and program update. I have lost 6% of my body fat since we began working together just a few short months ago! He was really happy with my progress and we made some changes to my work out. While there, I also picked up an entire box (don’t judge!) of my new favorite snack, which just happens to be loaded with protein and taste JUST like a cinnamon roll. If you follow this blog or my twitter, you know that I love nothing more than carbs cinnamon rolls. Not only is Brian completely supportive, but I really enjoy catching up with him and chatting about everything under the sun. I’ll be back in 3 weeks and I’m hoping to take off another 3% of my body fat before then!

Yesterday I also met with the seamstress who is transforming my dance costume from what was once an evening gown into a performance outfit. It’s about 75% finished and I am L-O-V-I-N-G it! Hopefully, it will be finished within the next two weeks and I can begin practicing in it. Kayne helped me design my costume and I am so grateful for his ability to understand my visions and make them become a reality!

I’m home for Easter weekend and could not be more thrilled to spend an entire weekend here. For the past month, I’ve only been able to come home every now and then, and for less than 24 hours at that! I have already accomplished a lot of homework for next week, since I’m visiting several schools in the coming days. Today was the first day I have had the opportunity to sleep in since…March? Obviously, I can’t remember – so it has been far too long! Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Healthy Living

Tonight, I went into the kitchen ready to grill up my normal chicken and veggies, but really wanted a bit of variety! If you know me, you know I love to bake. I make cupcakes for everyone, dabble in cookies for kicks, and have a Butter Nut Cake that no one can turn down. When it comes to cooking, I’m a bit new to the game! Baking has always been so simple…combine ingredients and throw it in the oven. Cooking seems to take a little more attention, time and patience (three things I do not have when it comes to food!).

I follow several recipe and cooking sites through Twitter, but can never find the kind of recipes I need. My new best friend is the crock pot, but I don’t always have time to whip it all up in the morning and let it stew all day. Basically, I need some good recipes for chicken, turkey, vegetables and snacks which are low in sugars, carbs and fats. I seem to be a proteinatarian right now, and am afraid I may turn into a protein bar soon! Luckily, I’ve been eating nothing but turkey and chicken for years now (can we say picky eater?) and have yet to start clucking! I sometimes forget to eat meat, so anything which is quick and simple for meat would be fantastic. Any great recipes you’d be willing to share? I know you’re looking at this blog…might as well pass on a great, healthy recipe. If you do, I’ll make it and share on the blog!

Also, you can vote until April 25th for the June Twenty Something Magazine Girl! Since June is the month of Miss Oklahoma, I would really appreciate your help in making Miss Sooner State the featured twenty something! Keep checking back (or subscribe!) because I have A LOT of speaking engagements and appearances coming up in the next few weeks. I love being able to share my platform with others and create safer social environments!

Twenty-Something Girl

This morning I received a message with VERY exciting news! I was selected by Twenty Something Magazine, a new Oklahoma based publication, as a candidate for the Twenty Something Girl! Each month, the magazine features a local young woman who is highly involved in the community and making a different in the state of Oklahoma. I am beyond honored to be recognized as a nominee, and have to thank the University of Oklahoma Pi Phi’s for selecting me! Oklahoma has a great market for a magazine of this nature and you can even check out the first edition online. Click this link – Twenty Something Magazine Girl – to vote!

The Line Up

This is the contestant order for Miss Oklahoma 2011. Enjoy!

Mu Group

• 1. Miss Creek County – Maddie Pritner
• 2. Miss Lawton – Lindsey Allen
• 3. Miss Tulsa County – Ashley Wheeler
• 4. Miss Langston – Micah Byrne
• 5. Miss Ada – Lacey Newport
• 6. Miss Mustang – Sarah Klein
• 7. Miss Piedmont – Verona Wisniewski
• 8. Miss Greater Oklahoma – Talia Berning
• 9. Miss Queen of the West – Tiffany Legg
• 10. Miss Tulsa – Alex Eppler
• 11. Miss NOC Tonkawa – Weslee Simpson
• 12. Miss Okmulgee County – Dani Delso
• 13. Miss Northwest Passage – Jada Hodges
• 14. Miss Oil Capital – Brittney Whitaker

Omega Group

• 15. Miss UCO – Rachel Hill
• 16. Miss Northwest Oklahoma City – Emily Ousley
• 17. Miss Grand Lake – Heather Harris
• 18. Miss Sooner State – Britan Mills
• 19. Miss University of Oklahoma – Alicia Clifton
• 20. Miss NSU – Tawnie Goodwin
• 21. Miss Metroplex – Aly Akers
• 22. Miss Broken Arrow – Lydia Gray
• 23. Miss Collinsville – Sarah Jensen
• 24. Miss Green Country – Brittany Bisel
• 25. Miss CASC – Kellie Taylor
• 26. Miss McAlester – Jenna Partain
• 27. Miss Edmond Libertyfest  – Damaris Pierce
• 28. Miss Altus – Rachel Gover

Sigma Group

• 29. Miss South OKC – Katy Caudle
• 30, Miss Southeast Oklahoma – Bailey Robinson
• 31. Miss Tulsa State Fair – Megan Johnson
• 32. Miss NWOSU – Carmen Sander
• 33. Miss SWOSU – Rachel Denison
• 34. Miss Keystone Lake – Jordan Gaskill
• 35. Miss NOC Enid – Hannah Froh
• 36. Miss Easter Oklahoma County – Sarah White
• 37.Miss Oklahoma City – Ashley Edwards
• 38. Miss Oklahoma State Fair – Georgia Frazier
• 39. Miss Moore-Norman – Jamie Butemeyer
• 40. Miss OSU – Betty Thompson
• 41. Miss Bricktown OKC – Sheridan Fulkerson
• 42. Miss Oklahoma City University – Annalise Freeman
• 43. Miss Elk City – Sarah Simpson

Contestant’s Day

What a weekend! I’m still recovering from the combination of my 8 hour class Friday, driving to Shawnee late that night, sleeping napping for three hours, and waking up at 5 am to pack up and head to Tulsa.  I was in the early group (lucky me!), and danced fifth. In terms of my talent, it’s not where I want it to be at Miss Oklahoma, but I’m pleased with the improvement I’ve made over the past few months. I received several compliments and even my mom said the quality of the dance was much more entertaining compared to my previous performances. Over the next two months, I’ll be tweaking my dance and pushing myself to perform the best that I possibly can. Here’s a clip of my song:

After talent, we had a short meeting with Kent and then lunch. It was great to sit with a few old friends and meet new girls at lunch, since we didn’t have any other down time to chat! Kent did announce the theme: “On the Line.” He wants us to focus on bringing everything we have to Miss O and putting it all on the line. Our opening number dresses have great movement to them (example below). He described the stage which sounds fantastic, especially for swimsuit. I won’t give any more away, but think Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show! (If only we got to wear huge wings!!!)

After lunch we had time with Kent to learn a part of the opening number dance, but we also had walking lessons! Kent moves so well. Seriously – far better than ANY of us could ever hope to walk. He is always pushing us to get out of our comfort zone, be more natural and increase the sex appeal. When you are 5’2″, blonde, and often mistaken for a high school senior – sexy is the last thing which comes to mind! Looks like someone will have to practice being sexy for the next two months….

Later, Jack and Mignon spoke with us about the duties of Miss Oklahoma, what to expect, and what the judges will be looking to crown. The Miss Oklahoma Organization is fantastic for so many reasons, but one of them is because they give us the same list they provide for the judges. When we came back, we were able to watch Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan’s interview at Miss America. I love watching the interviews because when watching a pageant, you see everything except that – and it accounts for 25%! After the video, we were given the judge’s bios for Miss O 2011. The judges are from every background and are extremely well qualified! There is a past Miss America, Miss Florida, NFL superstar (Selby wanted to ask if he was single. Now I bet she comments on this post!), local Oklahomans from backgrounds including education and business, and a few others! Interview is absolutely, hands down my favorite part of competing and I’m too excited to meet the judges!

THEN we finally moved on to the best part of the day – placement selection! The three teens and miss contestants who sold the most ads were able to select their placement first, and then titles were drawn and we had 30 seconds to choose a group/number. Sidenote: Congrats to Sarah Simpson, Miss Elk City for selling 52 ad pages! Looks like the program book will be bigger and better than ever! I was hoping to be drawn somewhere in the middle, but I was the fifth or sixth to choose! Selby and I thought fast, and selected number 18 in the Omega group. Somehow, there are 4 tappers in this group, something I was hoping to spread out. Fortunately, I am the first one!

I’m so excited about the girls in my group – they’re all really nice and I already know several! I’ll be on their same dorm hall, in the same chauffeured cars as them, and we will be getting ready alongside each other before the competition. In the Omega group, I will have my interview Monday afternoon, perform talent Tuesday, compete in on-stage question/evening gown Wednesday and swimsuit Thursday.

We left around 5, and between Selby, my mom and I – we were starving. I took advantage of my cheat meal (didn’t make a day out of it! YAY ME!) and ate at Red Rock Canyon. I put away a filet, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and best of all – cornbread! Oh, the taste of carbs….it just cannot be explained. I had so much fun getting to sit with Selby for a large portion of the day and didn’t want to send her back to Lawton/Houston! She’ll be back in a few weeks, and I may be able to meet up with her next week as well. I’m beyond fortunate to have a director who is supportive, enthusiastic, and above all – a dear, dear friend.

Now that my placement has been set, I can continue working on each portion of the competition and intend to perform my very best. Someone made a good point and said to treat every aspect as if it were weighted equally. I completely agree and I think contestant’s day was great motivation to put it all “On the Line” in June! Last night I drove back to Shawnee, then back to Norman, and am now off for another 8 hours of Strategic Fashion Communication! Needless to say, I look forward to sleeping. 🙂

P.S. At the end of the day there was a VERY big announcement….

THERE WILL BE A TOP FIFTEEN!!!!!

Contestants

Contestant’s Day is Saturday and we just received an e-mail with a link to pictures, platform information, and talent selections of each Miss Oklahoma contestant. I copied this from the Miss America website, and you can also find a slide show of contestants here. Thought you might enjoy reading about the competition! 🙂 Enjoy!

Whirlwind

This time of the year has really picked up! My capstone is taking up more time as we complete the execution and my weekends are filled with a thousand and ten different tasks. Since talent is something I struggle with after the great ankle injury of 07, I’ve found a tap class in Norman and have been attending for the past few weeks. It meets every Thursday evening and has not only helped my memory, but has broken in my tap shoes and strengthened my technique. I had not taken a tap class since high school, so I often forget what steps are called and it sometimes takes me a few minutes to correct my sounds, but it’s really nice to have the opportunity to better my skills.

Our tap teacher is like a character out of a book. With just a handful of “adults” (more like young college students) in the class, he often peppers his teaching with anecdotes of shows he was in or tales of famous performers. We dance to songs from “Pink Martini” and classic Broadway shows, never anything dating past 1980! At the end of every class, though the students always ask if we can do a wing combination, he insists we must end with buffalos. After class, I tend to stay for a while and run my talent selection for Miss Oklahoma since the studio allows a lot more space than my living room!

I met with Brian of Results Fitness USA again last week, and he gave me a new full body workout and increased my cardio. He took measurements to see the change in my body and I was really pleased with the results. Brian is very supportive and I’ll be back in three weeks to check in and change it up! Though I’m not much of a morning person, I’ve been waking up early to add in the changes and continuing to stay on top of my diet plan. It’s amazing how good chocolate protein bars begin to taste when you forget what real chocolate is like! He also sent me home with chocolate chip protein cookies which are just about the best things I’ve ever had in my life. Kimberly, my future roommate and former competitor, also gave me an awesome (though cheesy) idea. She said I’ll feel a little ridiculous, but I made a chart and get to put a sticker on the chart every time I complete my work outs, a healthy day of eating, and my weight routine. I LOVE stickers, so it’s just another way I’m trying to hold myself accountable!

I have had such great fortune in terms of sponsorship and ad sales for Miss Oklahoma and could not feel more supported by family and friends. Many people have contributed to making my journey successful and I can only hope to make them proud! I have to turn in ad sales next Saturday and have started designing the pages so I won’t be up all night like last year. I had no idea what to do or expect when making the ads in my rookie year, but I think I’ve got it down now! Also, ticket orders are due Saturday so if you would like to purchase a package which includes Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday prelims and Saturday finals, let me know! The prices are: $100 Bronze, $200 Silver, $300 Gold. Individual tickets are also available for $30 or $50, or if you’d prefer to wait, you can buy them at the door.

I’ve also met with my dance teacher a few times in the past week and am feeling wonderful about the changes we’ve made! She’s so much fun, and I appreciate that I am able to tell her what I like or don’t like, or what isn’t working for me. I got caught up on a cramp roll turn at tap class last week and had a scary twist of my ankle. It’s just a little sore, but mostly it just scared the pants off of me!

I’m working with several schools to schedule a date/time to speak to their students, but am still pursuing many other schools as well. Persistence pays off!! I have a great and timely message to share and am hoping to include schools outside of Norman too! Please let me know if you have a friend who is a counselor or principal at ANY elementary/middle school in Oklahoma and I will find a time to make it to their part of the state! I am determined to increase awareness of RA and help students suppress it within their schools.

Saturday is Miss Oklahoma contestant’s day! I’m not exactly sure how this weekend will all pan out, mostly due to my class schedule. I’m taking a Strategic Fashion Communication course and in addition to meeting every other week, our professor flies in from Hong Kong to teach us for an entire weekend. Friday I have class from 2:30-9:30, I’m missing Saturday for contestant’s day, and Sunday I have class again from 8:30-6:30. It will be a VERY exhausting weekend to say the least!

Contestant’s day is a lot of fun, even though it is a full day of pageant-related activities. In the morning, each contestant showcases her talent selection for approval and submits more paperwork plus the ad pages I have been working on. Somehow, I have the fortune of landing in the early group and will perform my talent fourth. The first group begins at 9 am and the second begins at 10 am. Afterwards, we are given information about the pageant, judges, and learn part of the opening number dance. Last year we learned about the theme during Winter Meeting, but this year Kent has kept it a secret. I’m really excited to hear about what he has in store for us! Later we will have lunch and draw for placement (the order we will compete in).

I’m most excited to see my pageant friends, particularly since we are all so busy and rarely get to spend time together. I’ll also be able to meet other contestant’s I didn’t get to meet at Winter Meeting. ALSO! Selby will be in town! YAY!!!! On a side note, my gown should be in within the next two weeks…I just can’t wait to get my hands on it! This coming weekend will be tough,  but the job of Miss Oklahoma is just as time consuming and exhausting. Since Miss Oklahoma is the goal in sight, I’m looking at this weekend as another challenge to conquer in preparation for the crown. Let’s just hope I can catch a little sleep somewhere in there!