One Month From Today

"Happy Birthday to You...Happy Birthday to You"

16 years ago, one month from today, I was celebrating my 8th Birthday. Twelve little girls were crammed into my basement at 604 east M street in Ogallala, NE for a pink themed slumber party. We opened presents, ate cake and played the traditional birthday game we played for four years in a row...Miss America. Little girls parading around in nightgowns and my mom's old brides maid outfits, fake flowers and plastic crowns. Interesting sidenote; I was always Miss Texas and I always got to be crowned Miss America ( Birthday girl perk I suppose!)
During one of my daily chats with mom, we discussed how crazy it is that in one month from today, January 28th, I will be gracing the stage in Las Vegas to compete for the job of Miss America!
Little 8 year old Brittany would have been doing back flips to hear that news, 23 year old Brittany certainly is!

Snownami 2009

And the Grinch with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. 

And he puzzled and puzzled until his puzzler' was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. 

What if Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.

Everyone, I would like to take this time to introduce you to Pedro. Pedro the 6 foot snowman, handsome isn't he? Pedro is a byproduct of Snownami 2009. Yes, you heard it correct. SNOWNAMI 2009 aka a blustery, wintery, powder laden snow filled blizzard that pelted Nebraska and made traveling on the holidays quite tricky. I know everyone is dreaming of a white Christmas but this was a little bit much! However, when you find yourself  figuratively and literally caught in a snow storm you can become quite philosophical.

I've learned....The wonder and magic of the season never really goes away. Even if its looking forward to the people as opposed to Jolly old Saint Nick. 

The secret to a massive snowman (see Pedro) is to pack and roll the snow simultaneously. Too much force and it all falls apart. I know, deep right? 

Traditions were meant to be shared. Thank you to the Hannema family for making me feel so at home!

If you are traveling with colossal sized pink bags that might be stuffed to the brim and over the weight limit know that a Mac Book Pro weighs 5lbs and a hair dryer and straightener is 2 lbs. Just in case you need to take them out and shove them in a carry on. 

Most importantly, the season isn't about the packages, the bling, a crown, a stocking, the size of the tree or any accolades. For me, this year was about the promise the holiday brings, the people I share it with and goals bigger than any snownami. I am completely in love with my time and place. 

Wherever your egg nog is being served this year, I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy the spirit and magic of the holiday season.

**Brittany**

NYC

Jeffers = McCallisters

Greetings!!! Its the most wonderful time of the year and I've been busy busy busy! My recent travels could seriously be made into a short film and we aren't talking about Lifetime movie here, think more along the lines of Holiday slapstick. I think I'll reference Home Alone 2! Although I didn't get lost in in NYC like Kevin McCallister, my parents and I certainly got in to our own share of shenanigans! We shopped, we laughed, we ran, we lost things, we wound up at a police precinct and got frisked in security (more on that later). Suffice it to say my recent jaunt to the Big Apple was a jolly good time. I added some quotes from the movie to narrate the excursion :)

Mrs. Stone, Desk Clerk: Can I help you?
Kevin McCallister: A reservation for McCallister?
Mrs. Stone, Desk Clerk: A reservation for yourself?
Kevin McCallister: Ma'am, my feet are hardly touching the ground. I'm barely able to look over the counter. How can I make a reservation for a hotel room? Think about it. A kid coming into a hotel, making a reservation? I don't think so.

I didn't make the reservation alone. In fact, my parents are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and so they decided to celebrate/travel with their first born to the big city. I've said it a million and one times but I am SO lucky to have their unconditional support. My parents knock themselves out to help me accomplish my goals and even if I showed up on the Miss America stage and fell flat on my face they would still be whooping and hollering and love me to pieces.

Times Square always has a plethora of sites to look at but during the holidays it was truly magical! From the light shows, Macy's Santa, holiday window displays and ice skaters in Rockerfeller Center the city was absolutely buzzing with festivity!

Kevin McCallister: I went shopping yesterday while you were gone.
Jeff McCallister: You? Shopping?
Kevin McCallister: I got you milk, eggs, and fabric softener

Basically, we bought everything but fabric softener! KIDDING, kind of. Actually I was on a mission to land an interview outfit and after looking at what felt like every store, I found it. Of course I found the ensemble at the very last place I looked but it was well worth the wait. The outfit is essentially irrelevant because it is an interview and the judges want to get to know me and what I'm all about and won't be judging my fashion sense. However, dressing to impress is always helpful in a professional setting. I love the the outfit, its very "me" and I feel fab in it! But like I said we shopped and shopped. Not just for Miss America garb in fact, we found a lot of Christmas gifts for family members. My poor father, he is already the best man in the whole entire world but he officially the most patient as well!

Kevin McCallister: Buzz! Your girlfriend! Woof! ( My favorite line of the whole movie)

After a 3 hour sweat session with Shea Sullivan to clean up my dance I was certainly looking a little rough. I was a sweaty girl but my feet were the worst of it. Many people know dancers feet aren't particularly pretty, but mine are heinous. Flat foot, blisters....sorry. Too much information! My tootsies might not be lovely but the dance is looking fierce. I can't wait to perform it! Note to self; get pedicure.

Megan McCallister

: You're not at all worried that something might happen to Kevin?
Buzz McCallister: No, for three reasons: A, I'm not that lucky. Two, we use smoke detectors and D, we live on the most boring street in the whole United States of America, where nothing even remotely dangerous will ever happen. Period.

We had to go all the way to New York for a little drama. Mother lost her wallet. Fortunately nothing of huge significance was lost except for her ID BUT we had to board the plane home 3 hours after discovering it was lost. Drama. Needless to say we didn't anticipate visiting the NYC Police Precinct in Times Square to get an official stolen ID document. Neither did we plan to be delayed at security, frisked and then make a grand entrance on to the plane McCallister style. Think, Run Run Rudolph! I could write an entire blog about this little mishap and although it wasn't funny at the time I laugh hysterically every time I tell the story! Fortunately, We made it home safe and sound.

Back in beautiful Nebraska I am just so thankful, calm and most of all excited for all that is to come! I'll keep the updates coming. Happy happy holidays!

*Brittany*

Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.- Norman Vincent Peal     

JOY TO THE WORLD....no seriously, I'm doing an "Elf Yourself" style jig! The Christmas Tree Fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network in North Platte raised an impressive $4,500! $4,500 smackaroos!!!! 

A huge thank you to the Quality Inn & Suites for hosting the event and to all of the businesses for so graciously decorating and donating trees for the event.

I was so thrilled with the outpouring of support and with 15 trees on display, my "festive" cup was definitely bubbling over! I was so impressed with the degree of creativity on the decorations from Huskers, to peacocks, to top hats there was a plethora of choices. My favorite? A zebra print motif complete with bling, feathers and crystals! Obnoxious but oh so lovely. 

Thank you again to everyone who helped to make the event a big success!

*Brittany

Turkey Trot

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

The holidays are officially here and Thanksgiving was nothing short of awesome...a fabulous way to kick start the season. I reported on Thanksgiving and the dreaded Black Friday so my Turkey Day was celebrated with family a few days after.

I was honored and humbled to attend the People's City Mission in Lincoln on Thanksgiving where they served more than 1,000 meals to those in need. Local firefighters as well as Governor Dave Heineman were there helping to serve meals and chat with everyone in attendance.

This season is truly a reminder to me to count my blessings; My family, my job and a roof over my head, every day. Every single day.

Love,

Brittany

t

Career Day

What do you want to be when you grow up?

 MISS AMERICA

This lovely photo dates back to when I was in 3rd grade. I'm a starry eyed little sister posing with a former Miss Nebraska. (It was also the 90's, hence the sweet hair and Aladdin themed pageant costumes. Don't judge). It was also this year in school when the teacher asked us to make a report and drawing of what we wanted our future occupation to be. In this 3rd grade note I said I wanted to be Miss America, and an actress and have 10 kids. Well, we’ll wait to see on the last two but the first goal still rings true!

While I'm working towards the career I want (Miss America), I'm still proud to hold down my current jobs as Miss Nebraska and tv reporter on the side. I was thrilled when I got to combine all of my passions earlier week during a special Miss Nebraska appearance. I was asked to share my message about Girl Power with a local Girl Scout troop as well as give them a tour of the ABC Channel 8 station. The group of 3rd grade ladies were working on a unit on job shadowing and were looking at various possible career fields. I gave the girls a tour of the station and showed them the ins and the not so glamorous outs of reporting. The girls read the anchor prompter and even worked with the green screen in the weather station. I also got some time to share my "Uniquely ME" message and talk about my job at Miss Nebraska. I have to say, I love working with children this age!

I’m always thrilled to see them at this age because they are bubbling with possibility and they firmly carry the belief that they can do anything and be anything. Girl Power at its finest. These bubbly little ladies asked some very intriguing questions. The one that sticks out is, "How do you go about getting the job you want?"  Goodness, that is a tricky one. 

I say, Work for the job you want not the one you have. Come in early, stay late. Love what you do. Enthusiasm will carry you far and when it doesn't, coffee helps…just teasing! Most importantly, believe with every bone in your body you CAN get the job.

So while some of the troop wants to be artists, veterinarians, future Miss Nebraska's and teachers............I still want the Miss America job!

Wrapping up November

Greetings all! What a fabulous time of the year for festivity and joy! Sidenote; It's also an incredibly busy time of the year, not that I need to tell any of you that! I promise I will hit all of the highlights of my appearances during the holiday season but until then, I'm wrapping up the month of November with some exciting appearances.

Who likes Nebraska Trivia? Anybody? Anybody? Well, after emceeing Trivia Night to benefit the Boys & Girls Club in Lincoln, I've got a plethora of Cornhusker state knowledge! I had the pleasure of emceeing the sold out event with former Husker quarterback Joe Ganz. It was quite the pairing, as the organizer of the event Jack Coogan said, "beauty and brains." I was brains of course! The night was nothing short of hilarious. Adult teams representing various businesses and organizations in Lincoln answered questions to categories ranging from sports, food and geography. Did you know we have waterfalls in Nebraska? I had no clue!! The event raised thousands of dollars for the Boys & Girls Club. Nebraskans are truly lucky to live in a state that focuses so much energy on making youth a priority. 

So to round out the last week in November I will be reporting on Thanksgiving and helping at a food pantry. I'll be reporting again on Black Friday (I'm a little nervous for the shoppers!) and then heading to North Platte for the Christmas Tree Auction fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network. I encourage anyone who will be in the area to come out to the event, it will be a festive afternoon and proceeds of the auction are going to a great cause! I'll finish up with family time in Ogallala and then head back to Lincoln to meet with the Girl Scouts State Director. I'll keep the pictures coming :)

Have A Happy Turkey Day!

Britt

 

The Value

Stop and Smell the Roses...It's the time of year when the question is rolling around; "What are you thankful for?" Hmmmm....the philosophical part of me can make this question so complex. This question is really difficult for me because it's so easy to be flippant with a response and let the typical answers fall out of my mouth. Family, friends, health, opportunities etc. are my honest response.

Not that my answers aren't genuine, but its very easy to say something without appreciating the value of the statement. I hope I haven't lost you :)

Essentially, I'm trying something new this year. When someone asks me, "What are you thankful for?" the translation is "What do I value?". Where do I place worth, on both tangible and intangible things.

In a whirlwind of a year, I often have to remind myself to stop...breathe...take it in and truly be present and appreciate the moment. I'm very guilty of the go, go, go mindset but the things that I accomplish on my "To Do"list are not what I value.

Above all this year, I value the relationships in my life and the time I've had to foster them. From old friends, new acquaintances, with God, chance encounters, family and with myself. I value these relationships because they provide comfort and support with a fun twist. I'm thankful for the spontaneity in some of these relationships and the constant comfort cultivated in others, for the ones that ground me and the ones that raise me up. During the holidays this year I'm going to try to remember to be present and joyous in every moment I get with people I value most.

Here's to a Safe and Happy Holiday week,

Brittany

ps. One of my new favorite jams! 

Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser

Join me for some Holiday cheer....

... and help to benefit Children's Miracle Network!

WHAT: The Festival of Christmas Trees Fundraiser

WHERE: The Quality Inn in North Platte, NE

WHEN: The Viewing is November 27th and 28th and the Auction in Sunday the 29th at 4pm.

WHY: Funds raised from the auction will go towards the Miss Nebraska/Children's Miracle Network fund!

Miss Omaha/Douglas Co./River City

CONGRATULATIONS

photos courtesy of Julius Tolentino!

A big congratulations to the 5 new titleholders who will be gracing the Miss Nebraska & Miss Nebraska Outstanding Teen stage in June. With 14 "Miss" contestants and 6 "Teen" contestants competing, the talent level on the stage was absolutely astonishing! I was honored to share the stage with all of these dynamic ladies. Hugs and a big congratulations for Devin Howell, Amber Leider and Nicky Haverland who will be competing in June for Miss Nebraska and Staci Craighead & Jordan Sumer will be vying for the Teen title!

I have soft spot for this pageant and all of the volunteers because I held the title of Miss Omaha last year. The relationship I have with Marianne and board supercede the pageant realm, they are like family to me! It was so much fun to share the emcee podium with Mr. Bob Kropp and my adopted little sis and Miss NE Outstanding Teen, JaCee Pilkington. Bob was honored for his 20 years of volunteering at the pageant, he is an incredible asset to the organization and just plain hilarious!! For me, the highlight of the pageant for me was getting to spend the afternoon with the Little Sisters. We had so much fun with production numbers, those little ladies can dance and I have no doubt there are some future Miss Nebraskas in the bunch!

Photos Courtesy of Julius Tolentino :)