Back in the Game?

So I got asked to do the Miss Ventura County International pageant, but after some careful consideration and a long talk with some people about it, I've decided to just take the break and compete again for the title of Miss Moorpark. I can always practice from now until then!

PS: Today is the last day I could apply to be in LA/Culver City. No opens for me yet!

AND CONGRATULATIONS TO MISS CALIFORNIA, KRISTY CAVINDER, WHO WON FIRST RUNNER UP LAST NIGHT AT MISS AMERICA! So exciting!

And the winners are...

Congrats to Ebony Taylor and Carley Ryckman,

the new 2010 Miss Ventura County and Miss Santa Barbara County Titleholders!

Our Farewell: The Rehearsal

Today's the day!

We were at the theatre from 4-10 last night. Brutal, but it went by so fast! I've got to be back there in less than an hour for some run-trus and then I'm back to the house to prep for 5pm.

Better believe I'll be posting a ton of pictures after the fact.

I'm so excited to see some of the girls from Miss California again! I hope it isn't the last time.

Last night, as I was sitting in the theatre and looking up at the girls competing for the crown, I was thinking about how they don't even know what lies in store for them if they win. They get to remodel themselves in the best way possible, they get to go to Fresno and experience some of the greatest days and meet the most extraordinary young women, they get to touch lives and be a face for the community. I loved looking up at them and thinking about who would go home with the coveted title(s) and thought about how much my life has changed because of this year.

As much as I hate to lose my title, I'm excited to see a new girl have a year that will be one that becomes a defining point in her life.

Carpe Diem, right?!

Farewell Speech

My year as Miss Santa Barbara County has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. I was beyond shocked when my name was called on January 17, 2009. I’ve grown so much in this past year, and I can owe it all to the Miss America organization.

As Miss Santa Barbara County I was able to work with my platform by talking to talk to young girls in the community and will forever treasure the events we got to attend as titleholders. The ten days I spent in Fresno in June competing for Miss California opened my eyes to the woman I aspire to become and I left there with 55 extraordinary new friends from all across the state.

Sandy, Becky, Seth, Patti, Jen and Pat. Whether it be filling out paperwork for HOURS, shopping downtown, driving to countless events or organizing my personal closet, you were all there for me no matter what. I knew that if I had a question, a dilemma, or simply just wanted to talk, I could come to you.

Our "littles", Kim and Stephanie. You two ladies are the most fantastic young girls I have had the honor of meeting. I've had the privilege of watching you grow up so much this past year and am excited to see how far you both go in life. You're incredible people and I adore you both with all my heart.

Jillian. Sharing this year with you has been a dream come true, filled with enough memories to last a lifetime. Being lost at pageants, trips to the mall, late night phone calls, adult mac and cheese, cabbage patch dolls, hundreds upon hundreds of pictures, pancake breakfasts, and so much more. Since our first lunch together a few days after we were crowned we've dubbed ourselves the "Oddballs" and there's no way I'd rather have it. I feel so beyond fortunate to have been able to have you as my sister-queen this year and I'll love you like a real sister for the rest of my life.

Trevor and Kellen. My two favorite boys. Both of you have been my backbones throughout this entire journey, trekking to parades and to Fresno to support me throughout the year. I don't think you'll ever fully comprehend how much it meant to me to be able to look out and see one of your faces in the crowd.

To all those who sponsored and supported me on the road to Miss California. The Shor’s, The Cosimati’s, The Patterson’s, Glenn Evans, Jason Sobel, The Levan’s, my grandmother and my cousin Emma. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.

Mom, Dad and Kate. Every time I thought I was going to fall, you held my hand and helped me up. The days I was stressing out about certain things and the days when I thought I wasn't cut out for being a titleholder, you helped me sort out my fears and helped give me the courage I needed to continue on. I love you all, with all my heart.

If I had been asked seconds after I was crowned Miss Santa Barbara County, how much I thought my life was going to change, I wouldn't have been able to give you an answer. Today, as I prepare to pass my title on, I stand before you a different girl. I keep reminding myself of something William Shakespeare said: "My crown is in my heart, not in my head, Nor decked with diamonds and Indian stones, Nor to be seen; my crown is called contentment" Because of my year as Miss Santa Barbara County 2009, I have become content with myself and I am immensely proud of the person I have become.

Saying Good-Bye

I'm in complete disbelief that this year has finally come to it's end. I give up my title tomorrow and it's taking every last nerve in me not to take my crown and sash and run as fast as I possibly can in the other direction.

This year has been one filled with memories and stories that will certainly last a lifetime. I've met so many extraordinary people and have grown up more than I ever anticipated.

I never would've guessed that it would be this difficult to say good-bye, but I have to remind myself that this title will bring the same blessings to a new young woman and will take her places she never thought possible. It will do the same wonders for her as it has done for me.

I owe so much of myself to this title and to this organization, for without them I would just be another girl in the crowd.

Being Miss Santa Barbara County 2009 has greatly altered who I am and has set me in line for the person I hope to become. Because of this crown I transformed from a girl to a young woman and have learned so many life lessons along the way.

Despite the fact that this blog is for "Miss Santa Barbara Co.", my hope is that it can turn into my diary of experiences through the pageant world. There's not a doubt in my mind that one day I'll be back on that stage, flaunting my stuff in a bikini or an evening gown. The pageant world, as much as I was against it in the beginning, has become a part of my life.

It's something that is a part of me, and something that I'll hold near and dear to my heart forever.

xoxo,

Miss Santa Barbara County 2009

Brings Back Memories

Expiration Date

Only 22 days left of being Miss Santa Barbara County 2009.

Where has time gone!?