Miss Nebraka Week is Here

Miss Nebraska 2010 is in this picture! Who will she be?

I feel like a little kid excited about Christmas (minus the whole blubbering/crying bit I might do at the end of the week) because I've been so looking forward to Miss Nebraska week and it is finally here! I was honored to share the stage today with some of the most intelligent, driven, compassionate and talented young women of Nebraska. I can honestly and whole heartedly say I know any one of these young ladies would be an incredible representative as Miss Nebraska 2010. We kicked off the day with brunch and then made our way to Conestoga Mall for opening ceremonies. There, the ladies introduced themselves and their little sisters to the audience. It also gave them the opportunity to get acquainted with hostesses and host family for the week.
The recipients of JoDee LynDee Paiton Hastings Princess Memorial Community Service Scholarship were also announced. Last year, I was the recipient of this award and it holds a very special place in my heart as it in given by Scotty and Johnathon Hastings in remembrance of JoDee, Lyndee and Paiton. The award recognizes the young lady who exhibits commitment, dedication and service within her community. Congratulations to Jessica States, Miss Lake McConaughy, the recipient of the scholarship for her work with "Net Smart: Being Safe in the Web." In addition, a big congratulations to Devin Howell, Miss Omaha, for receiving second place for her commitment to "Bullying Prevention."

After an evening of talent rehearsal I am back at the Volz's preparing for a big day of appearances and rehearsals bright and early tomorrow. I will continue to post pictures but you can also find them on the Miss Nebraska website!
*Brittany

Packing

You would think after a YEAR of practice I would learn how to pack all of my pink bags efficiently, alas, I have not. It is 10:30pm and I am still loading up the Miss Nebraska ride with gobs of accessories, garment bags and gowns. My 2:45am wake up call is going to hurt! Anyway, the bright side is I am leaving for Miss Nebraska week in North Platte. Bittersweet, yes. Emotional, yes. I know it will be an incredible and memorable week and I can't wait to see all of the amazing young women who have been preparing so diligently for this week to arrive. I will be updating my blog, tweeting and uploading pictures to Facebook to document the week so stay tuned!
Back to packing.
Britt

I'm beyond thrilled with the news that Miss America will be making a return to network television for the next 3 years! Yeah ABC!

In case you missed it, here's the video from Fox & Friends this morning. During the interview with Miss America 1989 Gretchen Carlson, Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron talks about her work with Children's Miracle Network, and MAO Chairman Sam Haskell announces that the Miss America Pageant will be broadcast live on ABC on January 15, 2011

AND

On another note, don't forget to visit the Miss Nebraska website for information on how to purchase tickets to preliminary nights and the final night and crowning of Miss Nebraska 2010 on June 5th. You don't want to miss the show!

13 Days and counting!!!!!!!!!

Artristry

Since the announcement in Las Vegas of the partnership between the Miss America Organization and Artistry Skincare I have been 110% on board. I've felt so fortunate to be able to forge a relationship with the Nebraska Artistry representatives and present at numerous events in the metro area and Capital city. At every event my belief and confidence in the sponsorship is always solidified because of the incredible people, products and mission of Artistry. I'm so honored to have been able to help out this year! Here are some photos from a recent event in Omaha..ENJOY!

Things I've learned

Nothing to profound, but in my 2nd to last week as Miss Nebraska my schedule has been jam packed with different appearances, here are just a few observations.

Dance parties by yourself in the car are totally acceptable and encouraged.

Kindergartner's ask the most difficult questions!

Sleep is overrated.

You've got love the job and your message with everything you've got or else it will be a long year.

You learn alot about yourself in the quiet hours in the car by yourself, lost in thought.

Nebraskans truly are incredible and hospitality isn't dead.

A mass hug from 50 elementary school kids can totally turn your day around.

The people who really care about you understand that you are busy and will forgive you for the crazy schedule.

Clippy barrettes work better than bobby pins to hold the crown on your head.

Everyone has a story tell, a cross to bare and a lesson to learn.

Never wear a strapless dress when visiting preschoolers.

Chimney Rock is beautiful with a sunrise behind it.

Memorizing every Starbucks along I-80 and having them know your name/order when you get there has its perks.

Heels and rodeos don't mix.

Amazing, absolutely, fabulous...for whatever reason are words I've fallen in to habit saying in response to people. Some of the 0ther 52 contestants at Miss America agreed they do this too!
There is 0 phone service in Thayer county.

Having a room full of attentive high school students is so rewarding.

I can win a frog race, flip pancakes, race a derby car and play golf all wearing a crown.

Hodge Podge

This is really a mess of a post at best but, all of my recent appearances have been an array of events! So top from bottom here is an update of the past two weeks(ish)
-Teammates Events
-Girls Scouts
- My Miss NE Little Sisters' Dance Recital
-Mothers Day (Not really an appearance but some quality time with the Jeffers clan!)
-Artistry Event
-American Heart Association Walk-a-Thon
-Internet Safety Awareness Month
-Other School appearances

Support

Please send your prayers and thoughts to Miss Nebraska USA, Belinda Wright, following the passing of her father. Keep her and her family in your thoughts as she competes for Miss USA in Las Vegas this week.
NE is pulling for you Belinda***

Deep thoughts from RENT...

...How Do You Measure A Year?

In miles logged?
School Assemblies addressed?
Bobby pins used?
Autographs signed?
Children hugged?
Hours of sleep lost?
Cups of coffee?

I'm not sure how to measure this unforgettable year, but I have EXACTLY one month to figure it out. That's right, in one month there will be a new young lady embarking on defining her year as Miss Nebraska. Until then, I'll keep working on mine :)
Best wishes in your preparations ladies...you will all be fabulous!

Side note: make sure you check out the Miss Nebraska website for information on preliminary and final night tickets!

Cornhusker Kiwanis

I was invited to speak at a meeting and I ended up joining!












Thanks to KLKNtv news anchor, Rod Fowler, I am now the youngest member of the Cornhusker Kiwanis Club. I went to speak for an appearance....and I ended up joining! I was looking for other activities to get involved in the Lincoln community for post-Miss NE and I think I found just what I was looking for. I just wanted to extend another thank you to the Cornhusker Kiwanis group for inviting me to be a part of the organization and I'm so excited to lend a hand in the city of Lincoln. Here are some photos from a recent pancake feed that raised funds for various youth projects.

Schools Galore

School is almost out for the summer and guess what that means? Field trips, awards nights and school assemblies. Cue: MISS NEBRASKA

That's right, its a busy time of the year (when isn't really?!) for Miss Nebraska appearances! I've been tooling around to all of the nooks and crannies of the state visiting many incredible schools. Meeting all of the educators and faculty is so much fun and its a blast to be welcomed with open arms into schools all across the state to share my message on individuality and leadership. However, it's kiddos that keep the job interesting! They are always so inquisitive and ask the best questions....both thought provoking and humorous. I've decided kindergartner's are the best at keeping me on my toes! Any way, back by popular demand I have decided to add to the list of questions I have received the past few weeks. Enjoy!

: Do you have a dog? My family has a little Lhasa apso named Jessie. This was quickly followed by how old is your dog? Has your dog ever been hurt? Does your dog bite? Do you sleep with your dog? My dogs name is Ernie...so on and so forth :)

: Are you more country or more city? I'm a mix of both, I'm a small town girl with big city dreams!

: How many speeding tickets have you got? None thank goodness! We won't mention the warnings! KIDDING

: Again, are you married/have kids? No way jose

: Were you scared when you were competing? I had a major adrenaline rush but it was more excited butterflies as opposed to nerves.

: Were the contestants nice? They were better than that, they were amazing! I keep in touch with a lot of them regularly.

: Do your feet hurt wearing those shoes? I can run, haul 4 bags, a computer case, dance shoes and balance a crown on my head in these shoes! But yes, I'm flat footed so they get a little sore at the end of the day.

: Whats your favorite color? Sparkly

: Have you met Ndamukong Suh? Unfortunately my shout out to him at Miss America didn't get me a meeting, but I still have my fingers crossed!

: Do you wear your crown when you report the news? Nope, I hang up the tiara.

: Can you yodel? (Sidenote: Miss Nebraska 2008 Gretchen Bergquist is a phenomenal singer and can also yodel! Something the kids have not forgotten about from her appearances last year! ) NO..but sometimes I try to give them my best attempt :)

: Do you get to keep the crown when you are done? I sure do

: Does your mom know you are Miss Nebraska? I think she has caught on! Just teasing, Momma Lisa is the best mom ever. She keeps me organized and moving in the right direction, plus hugs and long car ride phone conversations.

:Are you on facebook...followed by can I text you? Wait...what? Aren't you 5 years old? Yes I'm on facebook! Friend me!

: Do you ever sleep in the crown? No, aside from the night that I won! But I do have a retainer..hot.