My Soap Box

***disclaimer: there are my views and my views alone, if you disagree with them you have every right and I completely understand if you do not. Best part about this country is we all can have our own views***

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."- First Amendment to the United States Constitution

Now that we are all clear on what it says. I think its important to remember what those first to lines mean....we as individuals have the right to practice whatever religion we believe in free of government. That means government can tell use what to believe in, or indorse a religious belief and also can not make it hard for use to practice our religious beliefs.
This allows as all the right to practice what we believe in...if we want to keep that right for our self we can not try and stop others who are citizen of this country from also having this right. To stop someone from doing this is in violation of the first amendment of the Constitution. This is what in part our country is about, we must protect it. Please think about that before passing judgement on others beliefs.

I also think its important that as we look at the issue in New York City right now to remember that extremist are not the majority of any religious. and the best way to fight against extremism in any religion is with open dialogue and knowledge. People fear which they that don’t understand...knowledge is power.

I am a believe that ones religious beliefs are a private matter and are between them and whatever power, source, faith they believe in also. While I understand that people who lead public lives give up some of the privacy, I can't imagine myself not being offended by having to voice my religious beliefs when they have nothing to do with my job, nor should my job have anything to do with my religious beliefs.

It is sad to me that so many Americans are misinformed and people what they hear. It is so important to question and be active citizens. Take proud in our country and look out to protect it, the best way to do that is questioning and looking for information.
18% of Americans think Obama is a Muslim. Where one I don't see an issue if he was, two however its incorrect information. IT IS NOT TRUE. Its upsetting how much time and anger people but into spreading and talking about false, unimportant things such as this. If those people put half as much anger they do now into that into coming up with ideas to fix the correct problems we are having...imagine what would be done.

Imagine if that anger was used volunteering or working with at risk youth, what a difference a person could make. Sorry I got on my soapbox, but for the White House to have to spend time of these kind of issues upsets me. And more so should upset those people who complain about the price of government and how “nothing is getting done” maybe if they didn’t have to spend they time on these types of problems they would be able to devote more time to other things.

Miss Thousand Islands

Ahh

So the season has started. I had a great time up in Clayton this year as I always do. I got up there on Friday just in time to eat a sub and get to rehearsal. As always Rachael did a great job with the opening number and I loved it. We had a great group of girls which always makes it such a fun time and relaxing.

Saturday was as always a long fun filled day. I was contestant number one so I first to go in for interview. I had a great time and got to talk about a lot of different topics and I believe that I contacted with them and make a great impression. I then have a fun filled morning of relaxing….ohh and we invented a new game…..the keep a feather in the air game. It was a great time.

We had lunch outside by the beautiful water and it was so sunny and amazing out. We had very nice lunch guest with Miss New York and Miss New York Outstanding Teen. We went back to the Opera House and had a full run through and another amazing special guest….AMY!!!!!!!!

It was so nice to get to have Amy there. The show was amazing and my talent went so great. I was honor to receive the Community Serve Award. Big congrats to Abbegal Turner, 3^rd runner up, Angela Galasso, 2^nd runner up and first runner up and one of the best eggs I know Corrie Dartnell!!!!! Finally a big congrats to Morgan Bocciolatt who is this year’s Miss Thousand Islands!!!!!!!!!

So as they always say on west wing….What’s Next?

This weekend I will be going to Boonville, NY for the Miss Forest Queen Pageant. I am very excited and honor to be able to see another part of our great state of New York. I am looking forward to the trip and to seeing the area. I however haven’t been eating that great, so we will see how my swimsuit goes. I feel great about my talent and everything. I can’t wait for my interview.

So that is what’s next

The Start

If Chris was to read this he would be very mad at me for saying the start to the end because that is a negative way of looking at it. And in truth it is not that at all. Tomorrow I will compete in the first local of the Miss New York year, Miss Thousand Islands. I leave today for Clayton, NY for rehearsal. Along the way I will have my finally phone interview and get focused on what I need to do.

I have done everything I can do to prepare and I am a better person for it. Now it is about giving it all I have and knowing I have done my best. This is the most important thing, sounds corny I know.

Sure everyone wants to win, but in the end you need to know that your best is good enough and that self growth is the most important. Even if it isn't pretty. Here is one of my favorite quotes from Charles R. Swindoll:

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”

The finally preparation has started!!!!

So we are 8 DAYS away from the Miss Thousand Islands Pageant!!!!

This has been a long summer of preparation and hopefully it will start paying off starting next weekend. Its important to note that this is only the first in a long line of pageants for the season. So what is it like knowing that this time next week I will be getting in a car to go to the pageant?
While to say its scary, would be a lie and I am not about to do that. But there is a sense of zen chill also. I have to thank Chris and his sometimes crazy ways of training me. I had a season with my amazing business/life coach yesterday and SHOCKER we finally got down to the underlying problems that hurt me in every area of my life. He is amazing and he has help me in ways I couldn’t even begin to describe. If you are someone who has issue in your business, You need Chris and Nancy!!!!!

My dress is ready and I finally have to walk down in the new and improved dress :). My jewelry is amazing guys!!!!! Every piece is a work of art made just for my outfits and brings them to life.
I have interviewed, interviewed, interviewed till I am blue in the face and have also been able to get more insight from people in my intern office and my pageant sisters.

I felt like I would feel this was the beginning to the end by truly I feel like it is the start of a great journey.

I go Monday for touch ups to my dance with the amazing Patti Simmons who’s creativity and dance knowledge never stop to amaze me. I can’t be more ready, I have done my all and while I know that I could poke and pick at myself till I don’t have a voice...I wont. Because this is me and I am ready.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. ~ Lao Tzu

The most important thing I have discover this summer, is that you can never give up because that next step could help change you. You are always a work in progress and growing into who you are truly meant to be.

God did not create you to be just mediocre, so you must stretch and grow to the greatness he has planned for you.

Throw Your Heart Over The Bar

I am very very blessed to be apart of the Mary Kay Family. Last week I was able to spend some much needed girl time down in Dallas, Texas for the Annual Mary Kay Pearl Seminar. It is true that Mary Kay throws the best parties but they also have the best people.

Mary Kay does not always tell you what you want to hear, but they tell you what you need to hear. I was blessed to learn and grow with these amazing women for almost two years, and the truth is, there is so much more for me to learn and so much higher for me to grow.

Seminar is where dreams and goals are made, and my time there was no different. I was able to regain my focus, love and belief in myself and this opportunity. Mary Kay is truly a way to change your life...if you only throw your heart over the bar. This is the theme I heard time and time again. To truly do what scares you and follow your desire, want and passion. To put your all 100% into those things and leave it in gods hands.

I learn and was reminded that we are not born winners or losers but CHOOSERS, we must create and follow our own path. You must follow your heart and choose the path that is best for you. When your truly have given it your all and can look your self in the face and say you did your best...you are never a loser no matter what.

It is when you do this and you change your way of thinking...that everything else will fall into line. Also that action is the only step that heads toward results, without acting you have nothing but a dream.

I could go on and go and it will take me along time to process and put together everything i took away from those few short days in Dallas. It has made me not only a better consultant but a better person.

What have you done for me lately

I have not been a good blog keeper lately. Life has been crazy

Once I got back from Miss New York I went and judge the state pageant for the National American Miss pageant. It was so much fun and the girls were amazing. There were different age groups and all the young girls (I am talking 5 years old) were well spoke and poised. It was amazing. I also meet great people and new Miss America Family in Maryland!!! That is truly one of the greatest parts of being part of the Miss America organization is that you really are a family and everyone is truly so caring and thoughtful.

I did however have to leave the pageant on Sunday to run up to Watertown for a meeting for Miss Thousand Islands!!!! It was a lot of fun as always and a great relaxing way to meet all the girls, we have a fabulous red jacket give us a skin care lesson. I was also able to get a mock interview and get feedback on how I am doing. There was also some good food there too.

Tuesday the Genesee County Fair Queen girls had their interviews and presentations at Bohn’s restaurant. They all did a great job talking about themselves and the topic they were given.

After that I was able to help Audit the Miss Monroe County Fair Queen Pageant, it was a really fun time and I got to hang out with some of my Miss TI girls who I will be competing with in less than a month now!!!! OMG still so much to do.

This week was also pretty crazy, I had the Genesee County Fair Queen Pageant which I am the Director for. Wednesday we had a parade and they girls got to throw out candy and hang out at the fair. And Friday night was the big event!!! The girls competed in introductions, evening gown and onstage questions. They did a great job and a big Congrats to Sam Streeter for being crowned this year’s Fair Queen.

On to my prep for Miss TI, sadly as you can see from my schedule I haven’t been hitting the gym as much as I should be lately. I do however have a new running buddy name A.J. and hopefully will be working hard now till the pageant.

I also got my dress fitting and change a little bit, and I must give a big thank you to Karen Waston the best fairy sewing godmother anyone can ask for. She did an amazing job on my dress!!!!

In other news almost all outfits are done, talent is being work on but needs some more attention to it. I am off to Dallas on Tuesday for the week for Mary Kay. I can’t wait for some girlfriend time and some time to learn and get inspired. It will be a great trip and my running shoes are coming with me.

Mary Kay always says work smart, not hard and I hope to use that in my pageant prep too. I come back and I have 14 days till I compete, it is very scary.

So much to catch up on!!!!

So I spent last weekend in Albany watching the Miss New York Pageant. First I must send out a huge amount of Congratulations to all the young ladies and to Claire for being crown Miss New York. She will represent us well at Miss America. The pageant was also a must needed get away from the area and defiantly help to recharge my battery. Not only for the pageant year but also for life in general, I feel energized. This has been a huge help with my new commitment to going to the gym two times a day. If there is one thing I saw is how far my body really has to go. More than even to help me win but to help me be healthier and happier for myself.

I also must send a big shout out the Shelley for helping to create Our HALF MILLION DOLLAR MARY KAY UNIT. I am honor to count you as my boss and friend. You are truly amazing women. I can’t wait to go to Dallas the end of this month and see you represent us on stage. I also must thank you for her wonderful advice to get pictures to help with my goal poster. I think it help lead me to meeting Miss America 1998. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come for me

Also a big thank you to all who donated to me for the MDA lock up it meant the world to me!!!!

I will update after the fourth of July weekend with some of my new and improve workout plans :)

Check out pictures from Miss New York on my face book page