More pics from Andrea

Kirstin and Andrea talking Miss America

Chillaxin' with Harvey

Earlier that day, CSU graduation day!

Miss Greater Cleveland meet Miss America!

Andrea Andrysick had the unique opportunity as Miss Greater Cleveland to be an honored guest during Cleveland Fashion Week, and this year was even more special, considering that they also brought in Miss America, Kirstin Haglund. What a day! I know it had to be an exhilirating and draining day all in one. You see, Andrea also took part in her college commencement, only to hurry home and don an evening gown and her crown and get right back out on the road. She really does exemplify the dedication and organization it takes to be a great titleholder, and she does this still maintaining a great sense of humor and grace under pressure. I'm very proud of her and the exceptional woman she has become.

Kirstin was very gracious and even remarked that their conversation was very similar to one she'd had with Lauren Nelson the year before. Most importantly, she reiterrated to Andrea that the job of Miss America is exactly that-a job, first and foremost. Kirstin was very candid with her thoughts and advice and I think it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get the scoop straight from Miss America.

There really is an exceptional group of ladies going to Miss Ohio this year, and any one of them would do a great job at the top spot. Do I think there are some that may not be truly prepared for what the job of Miss Ohio entails? Absolutely. Do I think some are better equipped to handle it than others? Definitely. It takes an independent minded, mature young woman to juggle all the balls you'll have in the air, while still trying to be gracious, thoughtful, and selfless. I am so fortunate to have had the chance to get to know some of these wonderful young women and have them become a part of our extended family. What wonderful role models for my own daughter. She really has reaped the benefits of having so many strong, active role models throughout her life because of the Miss Ohio program. For that, I'm very thankful. To whomever will become Miss Ohio, remember it goes by very quickly, and it can be arduous at times, but it will fly by in a second, so take the time to take pictures and enjoy what it can bring to your life. And my last bit of advice would be to learn the fine art of compromise and knowing when to pick your battles. It will lead to a lot less heartburn. ;-)

I did it my way!

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal ...a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance ...a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to lose and a time to seek; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.
ecclesiastes 3:1-8

It's time!

Full-figured Whitney wins America's Next Top Model! Could a full-figured Miss America be far behind?

Anyone who knows me well, knows I'm a HUGE America's Next Top Model fan. This year, I have been pulling for Whitney from the very beginning. She not only embodies beauty, but more importantly, a confidence that is lacking in many fuller-figured women. I was ecstatic when she pulled off the big win, and I think it is sending an extremely important message to young women about body image and acceptance. Noone can deny that this girl is hot! Could the MAO be as accepting of a girl like Whitney? Time will tell, but my hope is that this event will be the catalyst for the change that is necessary to stop the madness of crazy dieting and ridiculous amounts of exercise that some of these young ladies partake in to become what's considered "attractive", by pageant standards.

Laura Pennington wins VA Sweeps title, Miss Commonwealth!

Even more exciting news to report from this weekend's worth of Sweeps pageants is the newest VA sweeps pageant winner, Miss Commonwealth, is Laura!! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you this year. You are a truly remarkable young woman and a testament to work ethic, determination, and perserverence. I'm extremely proud of you and happy to call you friend! Now, off to the grindstone with you...lol...

Amy wins Miss Southern Ohio!!!!

Miss South Central Krystle Formosa, Miss Portsmouth Katie Camp, Miss Southern Amy Allen, and 1st Runner-Up Lauren Hogan

To say that I was excited is an understatement of epic proportions! Amy, you are by far, one of the most deserving and worthy young women to wear the crown and your can-do attitude, and unwavering spirit are the reasons that so many of us have been praying for this dream of yours to be fulfilled. To say that I'm happy for you and proud of you just cannot do my feelings justice. You know how much I love you and have wanted this for you. You truly are a bright light! Now shine, girl, shine!! Congratulations also go out to Kristy and Krystle. I haven't had the opportunity to meet either of you, but I know how much the opportunity to go to the state pageant can mean and both of you seem to be extremely deserving young women. Relish this opportunity and work hard these next few weeks to be the best you can. I can tell you from personal experience, winning the Sweeps pageants can get you to the Top Ten just like winning the first pageant can.

Dear Abby...

I can't believe it's finally time for you to go. You're such a great young woman and yes, you are brave! I cherish our friendship very much and hope you don't forget the "little people" back home when you're a big star. Just remember, I'm always a free Verizon cell phone call away. Call me!!

Hot Mess!

I had the pleasure of attending an art class Sunday morning with Mrs. Olmstead and Mrs. Lux. We had a fabulous time creating out little glass paperweights and are planning our next trip back to take the glass blowing class. It was great doing something new that I'd always wondered about but never really thought about trying. Thanks Meghan for the invite. I never knew how much fun I could have making a hot mess out of hot glass!

Surprise! Happy Birthday Zaina!

Me and the birthday girl

Kirk and Meghan (party planning princess)

The Raymaley's

Jilly and Amy

Lexi and Brian

Last week, party princess Maynan scored big by planning our pal Z's surprise birthday dinner at Wasabi's in Fairlawn. Zaina was appropriately surprised and we all had such a great time catching up. I even tried sushi for the first, and probably, last time, but I tried it. Zaina, thanks for being such a great friend. Happy Birthday!

Never underestimate your competition!

Anyone who knows my style of training for pageants will know that the above statement is, basically, my mantra. As soon as you start thinking that noone else is working as hard as you, you get the contrary slappin you upside the head. Just let that one simmer a minute. Someone else could want this as badly as you do!

JillyBean is the new Miss Central Ohio!

Jilly's been working towards getting back to Miss Ohio and this year, Miss Central is her ticket. For those of you who may not know, Easter weekend is a pretty lucky draw for Jill. You see, the first title she ever held (Hilary and I had the honor of being her first EDs), Miss Buckeye State was also held over the Easter holiday that year. She had also had her share of frustration that year, but she overcame and channeled it positively and worked hard. After winning the last local pageant of the year, she made Top Ten and was competing on Finals night for the title, much to the chagrin of many titleholders who had previously beaten her during the competition season.....never underestimate your competition.

For those of you who can't make Miss Central and need a pageant fix, there's always Miss Ohio USA

Tomorrow night, March 22nd, ONN will be showing the Miss Ohio USA pageant at 8:00 p.m. I'm really excited that ONN has chosen to embrace both the USA and America systems and we now have an outlet to showcase many of Ohio's outstanding young women. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday evening than watching a pageant in my jammies, with a glass of wine and all the commentary I feel like making without offending anyone other than my family. Yeah!!

Sweet Sixteen!

It's so hard for me to believe that my little man is a big man now. Sixteen years ago today, I was looking at his tiny, scrunched up face and wondering what he would think, and feel, and how he would act. Well, he's grown up to be one of the most intelligent, thoughtful, and wonderful people I have ever known and I'm so lucky to call him my son! I love you beautiful boy!

The last of my fave photos from Mrs. Ohio International

Former Miss Ohio (America) and Mrs. Ohio International Renee Brown

Spirit Award Winner~Mrs. Columbus, Ocipare "Key" McKinley

Mr. & Mrs. Torres

The moment!

More photos from Mrs. Ohio International

My favorite part of the Mrs. competition was Evening Gown. The look of love and pride in each husband's face as he watched his wife was priceless. (My personal fave of these is the third up from the bottom. The look between these two is beautiful, and the composition with their shadows makes it even better!)

The new Miss Ohio International is...Kent Stater, Amanda Stevens!

Former Ohio Teen USA and Miss Ohio USA Top 15 Amanda Stevens is the new Miss Ohio International 2008. Amanda is obviously no newbie when it comes to the national stage, so hopefully she can bring home the Miss International crown, the only such national title to elude the Ohio International system to date.

The new Mrs. Ohio International is...

Mrs. Perrysburg, Gerri Walczak! Gerri has competed in Mrs. Ohio International before, and according to my great pal, Leslie Ondrey (1st RU to Brittany Jordan, Miss Ohio International 2007), she had a feeling this was going to be Gerri's year. Congratulations to Gerri and her entire family, and good luck at Mrs. International in July. I know you'll make all of us Buckeye Proud!

Just a few fun pics from the Ohio International Pageant

Meghan, Amy, and I scooted on down to Zanesville to support our buddy, Vicki (the new ED of Ohio International) and cheer on my girls Jackie and Jillian. I also had a chance to catch up with former, Heather Strickland Torres. Everyone looked totally fabulous and it was a great time!

Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the Others gold

I gotta say that I love my crew! They listen to me rant about politics, pageants, and just about everything in between. Last weekend, we had the chance to take take this picture while supporting our close pal Vicki, the new Executive Director of the Ohio International Pageant. Unfortunately, we're missing a couple of Others that had previous engagements, but I'm sure a mandatory Others Fun Night will be in order soon.