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.