It's been a while!

August and September have been quite a whirlwind! 

I went back to USC the first week of August, following a very successful pancake breakfast with the Rowan County Court and Committee! We raised a lot of money for the Rowan County Scholarship pageant so I know it's going to be great this year! Another fundraiser we had recently was our booth at China Grove's Farmer's Day. We set up our famous "Princess Booth" and went to work at making every girl feel like a Princess! We raised a lot of money in what felt like a very short day. Kristalyn and I got to judge the Little Mr and Miss Farmer's Day pageant. It was a tough choice for every age division...they were all so precious! I definitely won't miss out on Farmer's day again, we all had a blast. 

In August, my committee and court put on the annual Miss Rowan County Scholarship pageant Golf Tournament. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of sorority recruitment at USC, so I wasn't able to attend. From what I heard, everyone had a great time! 

As of now, we've been busy trying to get ready for the Miss Rowan County 2012 pageant. My committee has been hard at work trying to establish a theme and get everything in order. Whoever wins the title this year is a lucky girl...she will have the best committee behind her! I am so blessed to have spent a year with them and with my wonderful Outstanding Teen. I don't know what I'm going to do without them! 

We haven't stopped working hard yet this year, though. We donated a check to a local children's hospital with some of the funds we raised at Farmer's Day and the Pancake breakfast. I hope I will be able to visit soon and see what all our hard work is benefitting! This week we will be set up at the Rowan County fair! I'll be there on Friday night. I'm so excited to be back in Rowan County and to see all the other booths at the fair. But most of all, I can't wait to ride the rides! Come out and see us this weekend!! 

 One of my shots from the photo shoot with Blair Phillips!

 Another great shot from Blair!

 Spray painting hair as part of the Princess package...it was so hard keeping the pink paint off of my sash!

Me with some of my sorority sisters on "bubble gum day"...This is the day we give a presentation on our efforts for St. Jude Children's Hospital! This was also the day of the Miss Rowan County Golf Tournament...I may have been in Columbia, but my heart was in NC!

See you all at the fair!

-Elizabeth

Post Miss NC

After Miss NC, my family and I went straight to Washington DC on Sunday. It was nice to get away from home for a little bit, have fun, and eat whatever I wanted! My first post-pageant meal was McDonalds, followed by waffles in the morning, Bojangles for lunch, pasta for dinner, and a HUGE brownie sunday that night! I forgot how much I love unhealthy food! 

We came home from Washington on Thursday, just in time for all of my Independence Day appearances! Saturday, I introduced a performance at the Charlotte Symphony concert in Kannapolis. I met so many kids from in and around our county and went through an entire autograph pad! 

Sunday, I threw out the first pitch at the Kannapolis Intimidators game. Charlotte seemed happy with the pitch, which means it must have been acceptable ;) 

Monday, I rode in the Faith Fourth of July parade, which was HUGE and never ending! It was so much fun, some of the kids there recognized me from other appearances. It's nice to know that they like me enough to say "hi" whenever they see me! =p Thanks to Ben Mynatt Chevrolet, who loaned us the red Camaro convertible I used in the parade!! It got TONS of compliments (not to mention publicity...)!

Monday night, I threw out the first pitch at the Rowan County vs. Kannapolis legion game. The Salisbury Post wrote an article about the game for Tuesday's paper and called my pitch "respectable." Glad to see my pitch isn't so bad after all! There's only so much a girl can do in 5 inch heels...

Today, I had a photoshoot with Blair Phillips! His photography style is very unique from the other pictures I've had taken so far. I'm very excited to see how his pictures turn out! He had me on top of a piano in my evening gown...that's something I never thought I'd do. But I'm sure they'll all be incredible! Blair is so talented!

It's been a busy but wonderful couple of days...I'm so lucky to live in such a great place!! Next up for Miss Rowan County? The Miss Rowan County Scholarship Pageant Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, July 9! If anyone is interested in coming, let me or one of my committee member know!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth! 

Elizabeth

Me and some of the wonderful kids I met at the Charlotte Symphony performance

Throwing out the 1st pitch at the Intimidator's game July 3rd

Me and Diana riding in the Faith Fourth of July parade!

Thanks again to Ben Mynatt Chevrolet for letting us borrow that red convertible!

Being interviewed on the radio at the Rowan County vs. Kannapolis legion game

Miss NC

Back from Miss North Carolina! The best week I could have ever asked for...it was probably the most rewarding experience of my life. I can't explain the feeling of being on the stage of Memorial Auditorium as a candidate for Miss North Carolina. It's simply indescribable. I made so many friends at Miss NC, and I am so lucky to know so many of those girls! They are all great representations of North Carolina. I may not have won this year, but I'll be back! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to represent our state, maybe not with the state title, but with my local title. And I LOVE ROWAN COUNTY!

Me and Diana, my Carolina Princess.

Me and My Outstanding Teen, Kristalyn.

World's best Committee!! Kendra, Kim, and Charlotte.

It's almost here!! I officially have every outfit/costume for the Miss North Carolina pageant. My tutu and cleopatra costume came in today! They both fit perfectly and are BEAUTIFUL. And....my dress from Sherri Hill finally came in!! We had it custom made and it is gorgeous. We actually ended up changing the straps on it but it's even more perfect now!! Charlotte, my ED, cried when she saw it. That just made it official- it's THE dress! I can't wait to show everyone at the wardrobe showing on Sunday. They're going to love everything!

I had a photoshoot with Jeanna Beasley a couple of weeks ago- I got the pictures back yesterday. They're incredible. She's truly talented. Here is one of my favorites (we're using it for my autograph pad):

Wishing everyone a blessed weekend!!

Anti-Bullying Vigil

I was asked to speak at a candlelight vigil held by Junior Elite Miss North Carolina, Megan Braun. The vigil was to raise awareness of her platform, bullying. Other speakers at the vigil included the Rowan County Sheriff, the Rowan County Maser Deputy, a teacher, a doctor, and a pastor. Several Rowan County citizens attended, as did News 14 Carolina! I'm proud of Megan, she did a really great job raising awareness of such a serious issue. Look out for Megan, she's hoping to hold a Rowan County title soon! Good luck Megan!

Miss Rowan County and Junior Elite Miss North Carolina

Relay for Life

I have been working on Relay for Life since March. I got the idea to have a "Princess Booth" to raise money for Cancer. At the booth, we would sell plastic crowns, crown-shaped lollipops, candy bracelets with candy crowns, gold nail polish and gold hair spray paint (Gold is the color of childhood cancer), and crown tattoos. When the day of Relay came, I was nervous. I didn't want the booth to be anything less than what I had envisioned it to be! Good news...it was a hit! We raised over $100 dollars for Relay- which means we sold 20 princess packages! It felt like it too- the Rowan County queens were painting nails, spray painting hair, applying tattoos, and crowning little girls as fast as possible. We had so much fun though, and we really felt like a family working together. I can't wait for the next Princess Booth at Farmer's Day!

Me, My Carolina Princess Diana, and my OT Kristalyn painting nails at Relay! How often do you get pampered by 3 queens?

Catawba Baseball

When my Executive Director told me I would be throwing out the first pitch at the last home Catawba Baseball game, I was nervous. I'd never touched a baseball before...I'm the definition of a girly-girl. I got my friend Cody to teach me how to throw- the first one I practiced hit a car and the second one went 5 ft in front of me. After about an hour I finally got it down! At Catawba, my pitch actually made it across the plate!! I even got a few compliments on my throw. And I did it all in 5 inch heels too. Go Indians!

Me, my Carolina Princess Diana, and 3 of the Catawba baseball players.

Visit with Angel

I had the opportunity to meet a beautiful 6-year-old Rowan County girl named Angel. She is suffering from cancer and has a tumor in her brain. Despite this, she is one of the most incredible people I've ever met. I would have never guessed she is facing a battle so solemn. Angel loves animals, and wants to be a vet when she grows up. I brought her little animal figurines when I visited, and we played with them the whole time. She named each animal, and told me who would be friends with who. I also brought her a stuffed animal, which she decided would be the mom of all the little plastic animals. During my visit, I gave her a crown. Her mom informed me that she wore it to church and wouldn't take it off. I am so happy I was able to bring some joy to this child, because she brought so much joy to my week. I am so fortunate that I have lived a healthy life, and that God has blessed me with so much. If he had not blessed me with the opportunity to be Miss Rowan County, I would have never been able to raise the same awareness of Childhood Cancer that I have during my year in this title.

It's been a while!

It's been a while since I last updated this, I've had exams in every class the past 2 weeks and tons of work. The teachers are trying to cram in their last lectures before Finals week in a month!


Since I had my surgery, I've been working out harder than ever with my trainer. She's determined to make up for lost time (the doctor wouldn't let me work out for 2 weeks). I've also begun private pointe lessons at the Columbia Conservatory of Dance twice a week. Surprisingly, it hasn't been too difficult getting back into pointe! Good news for my Miss NC Talent!


Two weekends ago, I attended Carolina's Next Top Model, an event through Search for the Cure which raised thousands of dollars for Breast Cancer research. I got to meet 10 breast cancer survivors! Diana and I got to help emcee the production for a little while and had so much fun. I couldn't have asked for a better Carolina Princess!


I've been sick with another kidney infection for the past week, but I'm starting to feel better for the first time today! Good thing, because I have an appearance today and Carolina Cup is this weekend! Today, I'll be attending a radiothon in Columbia for St. Jude Children's Hospital. I can't wait to help fundraise for such a wonderful place that has contributed so much to the evolution of treatment for Childhood Cancer. 

Diana and me helping Miss Queen City 2011 and Miss NC 2010 emcee.

On a side note completely irrelevant to anything, I just wanted to say Hi! to my best friend who always keeps up with this. Love you, Meredith! 

Surgery

On Friday, I had my tonsilectomy FINALLY! Turns out, my tonsils had become abscessed and were chronically infected. Thank the lord I got them out when I did! Maybe now I'll be able to project more during mock interviews and appearances! It's been really rough, but all the prayers from my friends and family have been so helpful.

Today is my 3rd day of recovery, and it seems as though I'm getting more and more sore from the surgery. I'm not looking forward to the 5th day, that's supposed to be the most painful. Keep me in your prayers!

Although I'm probably no physical help at the moment to my platform, I've been lying on the couch lining up appearances and volunteer work in Columbia! Hopefully, this will help me reach my goal for the Duke of Edinburgh award.

On a side note, I have THE best pageant committee in the world! They've supported me so much during all my tonsilitis issues. It made me feel so much better coming home from my first attempt to get off the couch and seeing the beautiful flowers they sent me! Yellow, of course...just like sunshine ;) I know only some of ya'll get this reference, but in a few months everyone will! The countdown to Miss NC has officially begun for me- talk about March Madness!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

 He took our illnesses and bore our diseases. -Matthew 8:17

Palmetto Children's Hospital

Today I visited the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital in Columbia. I never appreciate how lucky I am to have had such a healthy life. I met a little girl who was diagnosed with cancer a week ago. Already, she has been in surgery two times and was at the hospital today to undergo one more. Never have I been so sure of anything before..I absolutely, 100%, made the right decision for my platform. I know when I grow up I'll want to do something regarding my platform, because they deserve all the help they can get! I know that it's all in God's plan, and I'm glad that he's put me in the direction of raising awareness of childhood cancer. I hope one day someone (surely someone at the North Carolina Research Campus ;)..) will find a cure for cancer!

I really admire the children who do not let cancer defeat them- the ones brave enough to face it and conquer it. Another little girl I met today reminded me of how brave kids can be. Alana was sitting in the game room, IV drip connected to her arm, singing hip hop songs and showing me up in coloring skills. She told me she got her nickname, Beyonce, from being such a diva. I'd like to think I could ever be half as brave as she is. I'm in awe of children like her! Our world is in for a great future if their entire generation is like that...


Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass ... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Psalm 37:4-7

Carolina Princess

This weekend was ALL quality time with my beautiful Carolina Princess, Diana. I came home early to pick her up from school and take her to lunch. We also went to see the Justin Beiber movie and went shopping for appearance dresses! No matter what we do, I always know it's going to be fun. She has more personality than anyone else I know!

On Saturday, my family and Diana's family went to dinner at Cartucci's, an Italian restaurant in Rowan County (trying to support the locals ;)...). Once we were stuffed with pasta, we went to the Miss Lake Norman pageant! I was sad to see my OT's sister give up her crown as Miss Lake Norman OT, but she looked beautiful on stage! I'm so happy for Holland Felts, who was crowned Miss Lake Norman. She really deserved it. Diana has been obsessed with her evening gown since she saw her wearing it at the Miss Mecklenberg pageant. I think she might have been as happy as Holland was when she was announced the winner!

I was able to go to my church at home for the first time in a while. It put me in a good mood for the rest of the day and helped me get ready for the days ahead. I can tell it's going to be a great week! But how could it not be...it's 78 degrees here in the Palmetto State!

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
Proverbs 31:30

Self Image

The one thing I have learned from pageants (as well as being a teenager) is to never let anyone change the way I look at myself. I am confident and know that I don't need to starve myself in order to be a certain weight. I'm NOT AT ALL saying that pageants force this on girls, but some women think this is the only way to keep a "healthy" image. Someone said something to me today that made me think about this. Sure, eating a cupcake (for example) might not be the best way to prep for Miss North Carolina...but I'm in college and I'm not surrounded by carrots and celery sticks all the time! I'm going to eat junk food sometimes, but luckily I know the secret to a good body...working out! :)

I'm grateful that my mom taught me that being beautiful means being beautiful on the inside and feeling comfortable in the way God made me.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden...In the same way your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly father."
Matthew 5:14-16

Bone Marrow Drive

Today is the Delta Zeta "Sweet Caroline" Bone Marrow and Blood drive at USC. The drive is in honor of one of their sorority sisters who passed away from cancer. I am going with my friend Kayla to give a bone marrow sample. It's so important to get involved with these drives, because they really do save lives (get swabbed- save a life!). A 6 year old girl in Charlotte, Jordan Jemsek, is in need of bone marrow in order to fight leukemia. There will be a drive in honor of her March 5, and the Rowan County committee will definitely be there to support her and her family! I am so inspired by her bravery...We are praying for you, Jordan!

On a lighter note, I have training today. Just when walking was starting to become less painful. Now I get to look forward to a whole new set of sore muscles! Maybe I'll work off those Valentine's Day cupcakes my mom made for my roommates and me....:)


Article on Jordan Jemsek:
http://www.thatsracin.com/2011/02/07/55071/girl-needs-marrow-transplant-labonte.html

Miss Thomasville Pageant

I was thrilled to be able to go to my second appearance. School has made it hard to come down every weekend to appear, but my committee has been very patient with me. After all, it is a scholarship pageant, so school comes first!

On Saturday, Charlotte (my amazing Executive Director) and I went to Reign Fine Apparel, my favorite place to go for the most beautiful dresses. After trying on about a million dresses, we decided on what kind of top my dress will have for Miss North Carolina. We also decided on a swimsuit! It feels so good to be making progress for June.

Speaking of progress, I can feel it in my calves today. Mary, my trainer, has been killing me in training this week. The more sore that I am, though, the more progress I know I'm making for June! I can't wait for swimsuit season now...It was 74 degrees in Columbia yesterday!

Congratulations to the new Queens representing Thomasville! You both were wonderful Saturday night.