Day 1

WHEW! My feet are aching – thanks Kent! 🙂 This morning we checked in for the week and had an orientation, then directly off to our full Kent-filled day. If you haven’t met Kent, you really should. He choreographs the opening numbers, creates our walking patterns, and even designs the set – and those are just the things I can remember right now! I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love him. Not only does he continually create exciting, cutting edge choreography and sets, but his personality is ideal for 43 stressed out girls to be around. I wish every state pageant could have the experience he provides for the Oklahoma contestants!

This morning we learned our first opening number dance, and later our second routine. Both are fast paced and full of energy…typical of the best state pageant in the nation! The dances are so fun, even when you accidentally do a move (or two) backwards. The dances were going so well (though running together in our minds!), and Veronica pulled me aside to let  me  know I was doing a step backwards. When I showed my choreography group what I had been doing they all burst out in laughter- we’ll just say it was definitely, maybe a bit too sexy! Ask me sometime and I’ll demonstrate…it’s pretty comical!!!

Wendy’s provided our lunch (something I could eat AND it was tasty! Thanks Wendy’s!!), and the owner’s daughter arrived in a Wendy’s outfit! She was adorable, and I later was able to speak with her at the Red Carpet event. After lunch, we had more rehearsals (probably about 6 hours overall) and also learned the swimsuit walking patterns. Today we had our swimsuits approved (this ensures that everyone is covered and the colors are correct), and I think we all passed! YAY!

We came back to the dorms and got to chat with our directors/families for a bit after checking out the decorations they put up. My room is wonderful and feels homey, British, and most importantly – calm! I’ll be sure to post pictures of my “Keep Calm and Carry On” room tomorrow. Tonight we threw on our cocktail dresses and headed to the Premiere, sponsored by BodyTrends. It took quite a while to introduce every Miss, Teen and Star,  but we made it and were able to enjoy a nice evening at the Hilton hotel.

Tonight they also announced the Kiwanis Community Service Finalists. Though I was disappointed not to be a part of it, I know I can take this opportunity to learn and grow, coming back prepared for the Community Service award next year! Congrats to Talia Berning, Alex Eppler, Alicia Clifton, Heather Harris, Bailey Robinson and Veronica Wisniewski for making the finals! Community service is one of my favorite aspects of the Miss America Organization and I love seeing the difference my pageant friends and competitors are making off-stage!

It’s time for Miss Sooner State to catch up on some sleep, but I have loved my first day of Miss Oklahoma 2011 and look forward to what else this week holds. Tomorrow we are off to church, brunch and another very Kent-filled day. Can’t wait to experience it all!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!