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.

If I only had a brain ~ The Scarecrow

Much ado has been made recently of titleholders and their political opinions or support for certain candidates. Anyone who knows me personally, knows that I am a hard and fast Democrat with many opinions myself about politics and the world we now live in. As an advisor to a few of these outspoken young women (some who also happen to be outspoken bloggers), I have to say I am very proud of the fact that they aren't afraid to speak their minds and they can support their viewpoints with substance, even if I don't personally agree with what they say or how they feel. It definitely makes for spirited discussions, and pretty amazing prep. What my point is, is that you don't have to have a brain transplant to win Miss Local, Miss State or Miss America. Judges, EDs and board members may tell you that you should steer clear of certain subjects if they're controversial or if your answers are controversial. Don't do it. Stay true to you, no matter what others tell you to do, say, or think. You do have a brain and it didn't come from some wizard behind the curtain.

Win-at-all-cost attitudes, bashing boards and beauty pageants

One of the biggest reasons I find myself disinterested in the Miss Ohio organization is because of what it's become. The blood is in the water, and the feeding frenzy won't quit.

Unfortunately, I still believe in what the program can be, and that sucks. I couldn't put it in eloquent terms, since I don't feel the situation warrents it. These "discussion" boards have become an anonymous outlet for cowardly attacks, ridiculous accusations, and just downright nasty behavior. I'm so over it.

Until serious change happens, the vileness will continue and the lessons learned will not be about one's inner self, but how to win at all costs. This is not the Miss America I know and love.

Christie Youssef on Moment of Truth

So, will we get an answer to the burning question at Miss Ohio last year? Did Christie lie about her residency/full-time work status to compete in Ohio, a state she thought easier to win than California? We may just find out the answer to that next week. (Update: No questions were asked about her competing in Ohio versus California. So, no, we'll never know for sure.)

Turning 40 and one day

Yesterday was a pretty tough day for me. Turning 40 meant a time of reflecting on what I've accomplished, what I've become, and what I have still left to do. It's a very honest reflection to say that I haven't done anything without passion, I've loved what life has provided me, and if I really assess my life by the love of my family, and loyalty of my friends, so far, it's been pretty damn good! So here's to no more tears about lost years, and to the blessing of a new day everyday. On to 40 and two days...

Speaking of brides, bridal showers, and upcoming weddings, it's Mel's turn!

Matt proposing to Mel (June 2007)

She said yes!

They're engaged!

Yeah!!!

I went to my mailbox yesterday, and received my invite to Mel's upcoming bridal shower, and I figured I would blog about the engagement. To say it was exciting just doesn't do it any justice. Matt made sure that we knew it would be a very important night, and Bryan and I were both thrilled to be there amongst the family to witness this most wonderful moment. I know they're going to be a very happy, and loving couple, and will have a great life! Love you guys!