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

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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 :)

No Greater Calling

Miss Nebraska= Proud Big Sister

Just two days after Veterans Day I was honored to attend the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Dining Out in Lincoln, Nebraska. Dining out is a formal dinner and banquet for the cadets family and friends. It wasn't exactly a typical appearance, I was there for support.
My younger brother, Christopher, is a Cadet 3rd Class at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Air Force ROTC Detachment 465. Chris is an engineering major at UNL, Full academic scholarship, 4.0, wants to fly for the Air Force. Sorry I'm obnoxious, but I can't help it. I'm a proud sister.
In addition to being a gloating sibling, the event only furthered the feeling of appreciation and gratitude deep within my heart for the veterans who have served our country and for the young men and women who are preparing to. Sitting in the audience I was just in awe of the selflessness, not only in the service men and women before me but in those across the country. My mind started to wander to the tragedy at Fort Hood, realizing that regardless of where you live and what you do for a living, as an American our lives are touched by the military.
I recently reported on the send off for the Nebraska Army National Guard unit that was stationed at fort hood for training. Thankfully, all of our soldiers from the NE unit were safe but it was an eye opener and reminder on how these events touch all of us.
This is a little late but THANK YOU to all of the men and women who serve our country.

I'm not on my soap box, just appreciative.
Brittany


Picture before dinner

Frequent Flyer Miles

“The journey not the arrival matters.”-T.S. Elliot


In a word, my journey as Miss Nebraska has been, incredible. Daily I get to experience joy on so many levels and....I am racking up an impressive amount of frequent flyer miles too!
My latest excursion took me back to the sunshine state. Even though I love the Cornhusker state I have to say, Florida's 80 degree weather was a nice little treat in comparison to the snow storms we've had in Nebraska.
The trip went a little something like this; Lincoln to Kansas City, Kansas City to Miami and then a road trip from Miami to Orlando. Did I mention this all took place in 48 hours and I only took a carry on bag?? (an impressive feat if you understand my love for packing up pink suitcases) I worked on designing a gown for Miss America with the very talented Juan Carlos and Fernando. I had a great time playing dress up and am completely thrilled with the design! Sorry no pictures, you"ll have to come to Las Vegas to see it on the stage! In Orlando I worked with the incredibly creative Becky Bangert to design my dance costume. She is simply amazing and a native Nebraskan!
After the fittings I was even more thrilled because I got to stay with my Aunt and Uncle and little diva cousins in Orlando. There really is nothing better then family time, nothing. I'm just so thankful for all of my family, friends, sponsors, board members and volunteers who have had their hand in making sure my Miss America is experience is memorable and I don't mean by providing a stellar wardrobe or rhinestones. I will never be able to express how grateful I am to be surrounded by people who make me feel so happy, so loved and so alive each and every day...cue the happy dance music!
I'm leaving on a jet plane...kidding! Actually, I'm driving to the next Miss NE appearance.
xoxo
Brittany

Dress up with Juan Carlos and Fernando

Family Time

Creature of Habit

Driving...Presenting...Dancing...Reporting...Driving...REPEAT

That pretty much sums up what I have been up to since my last blog! Lately my mantra has been pretty simple, Breathe. Unfortunately this is easier said then done however, there isn't a day I don't wake up and do a happy dance because I have the coolest/most rewarding job ever. After a long stretch of appearances I spent a few days reporting at Channel 8. Now I'm packing up for another fun excursion to Florida for some Miss America wardrobe preparation as well as visiting some pretty fabulous family. 3 little diva cousins in particular! 

I'll post pictures after the trip.

Happy November!!!

Britt