FYI

What lies behind us...
and what lies before us...
are tiny matters compared to what lies within us

I know I say this every month but this time I really mean it...September is going to be one crazy roller coaster! (good thing I love them, especially the upside down ones!) Despite my obsession with calendars and schedules I still spend most of my time feeling discombobulated with the array of events so here is a layout of some of the big appearances headed my way! If you'll be in the area stop and say hello or if you have another event in the region you would like me to stop at please just call Kathy! 308-520-1481

-September 3-7 State Fair Events in Lincoln
-Girl Scouts & Children's Hospital Visits with Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen Jaycee Pilkington
-Viaero Wireless Appearances
-September 13-17 Ogallala Summer Rendezvous Days
- September 21-26 University of Nebraska Lincoln Homecoming...GO HUSKERS!! Parades and homecoming judging.
-Last but certainly not least here is a plug for the Childrens Miracle Network Fundraiser Golf Tournament! Please sign up!

As always, I'll keep you posted on the events and upload pictures just as soon as I can.
Britt

Double Life

I remember the night of my crowning, Miss Nebraska 08 Gretchen Bergquists advice to me was to be flexible...

Just like any job, as a state title holder you wear many hats. Juggling various duties and responsibilities. However, this year my hats also include sporting a reporting cap and crown!
Many of you know, in addition to my full time job as Miss Nebraska I am also a reporter at the ABC affiliate KLKNtv in Lincoln, NE. I am so incredibly grateful to the station as well as the Miss NE board for understanding the importance of both jobs. Each group has been so accomodating and understanding and flexible with scheduling.
The juggling of 2 jobs (that I love by the way) is providing for a unique experience and spin on this amazing year.
I love reporting for the same reason I love the job of Miss Nebraska. I get to come in contact with and talk with all different sorts of people with various backgrounds and experiences.
On the other hand,the nature of the 2 jobs can create a lot of highs and lows. Last week was a very intense week to say the least. In my first week back since Miss Nebraska I was thrown back into the fire; covering a stand off, swearing in of Nebraska's Adjutant General and a tragic vehicular accident.I am by no means complaining about the dual schedule merely reflecting on how these 2 separate jobs are interwoven and how they are shaping my year, and me, as a person.
This year, more than ever, I know the people and situations that come into our life are put there for a reason. I'm learning you have to approach the joyous days and the tough days with open arms. Taking each experience, each appearance and each story as an opportunity because I get to do this!
With love,
Brittany

Humidity + Crowns = Blast and a Half!

MISS AMERICA CLASS OF 2010

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born"

Florida, Florida, Florida...oh where to start!?!?! Let me just first start off with I'm SO PROUD OF MISS JAYCEE! Watching Jaycee compete at Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant made me feel just like a little momma hen. I was waving my sign and taking pictures...I was basically the President of the Jaycee Pilkington fan club.

Jokes aside, she literally lit up the stage. Overall,I was blown away, but not at all surprised, by the caliber of talent that these little ladies packed. Jaycee had so much energy and performed with grace under pressure when her on stage question was nowhere to be found in the bowl! She kept her perspective and still managed to have fun and enjoy the experience. I could not be more proud or impressed. Jaycee, YOU are a rock star!

In addition to attending the teen pageant I got to hang out/get to know/goof around with the amazing Miss America Class of 2010. Let me tell you, these ladies are fabulous! I was so honored to be surrounded with the nations most intelligent, talented and beautiful young women. It was just so crazy to look around the room of ladies and think, "One of us will be Miss America". I get goosebumps just thinking about it! Chairman of the Board, Sam Haskell, put it all into perspective when he said this year, 14 thousand young women across the country worked to get to this spot. After 5 years of working towards this job trust me, I am whole heartedly and completely grateful to be holding down the Nebraska spot!

With 53 ladies running around names quickly ran out the window so now if you yell "Nebraska" or "Neb" at me, "Hey you" works too, I’ll turn around!
Highlights from the trip included trips to Sea World, filming with TLC, impromptu photo shoots with Miss Washington, Jersey and Arizona, roller coasters at Universal Studios, elegant dinners with sponsors, scholarship fundraisers, shenanigans and various antics with Louisiana and of course Miss Nev. I can’t wait to reunite with them all in January!


Another highlight was getting to spend time and chat with Miss America 2009 Katie Stam. I don't care what age you are you still get that giddy, excited feeling when it comes to Miss America! Katie is so incredibly real and down to earth and I was so glad that she reiterated the mantra I had for Miss Nebraska. When it comes to Miss America preparations, just be yourself…that is enough. Prepare the very best way for YOU.

Incredibly Motivated,
Brittany

Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant

I Promise to blog about the trip just as soon as I can! In the meantime, here are some pictures of my adventure. Jacee is doing an absolutely AMAZING job at representing Nebraska at the national pageant. ENJOY

Picture links found on the right hand side of the homepage under MISS AMERICA OUTSTANDING TEEN PAGEANT titles!!!

First Local of the Year

Congratulations Miss Scottsbluff County Queen Teresa Scanlan

Woohoo! The first qualifying local to Miss Nebraska is complete! I was thrilled to get to attend and perform at the Miss Scottsbluff County and Miss Scottsbluff County Teen Pageant. I was truly in awe of the talent, poise and elegance that the young women displayed!
A big thank you to directors Misti Stauffer and Cheryl Engelhaupt for inviting me to be apart of the festivities. These women put on the most amazing show and do so much to help support and encourage the young women in the Scottsbluff community. As a side note, a little trivia about this pageant is that former Miss Nebraska, Ashley Bauer, and former Miss Wyoming, Jennifer McCafferty, held the title of Miss Scottsbluff County Queen. Miss Jacee Pilkington, the current Miss Nebraska Outstanding Teen, also held the teen title. Neat eh?
Speaking of Jacee, the pageant was a great opportunity for me to catch up and chat with Nebraska's Outstanding Teen before she heads to Orlando to rock the stage at Miss America's Outstanding Teen.
Again, a big hand to all of the fabulous contestants! Here's to the start of an eventful pageant season!

Life is A Highway....

Shine while you have the chance to shine, Laugh even when you want to cry, Hold on tight to what you feel inside and RIDE..

Greetings all!! I can't believe A.) That July has come and gone and that B.) the amount of amazing people and adventures I have packed into 31 days! I can confidently say The Miss NE car is now officially my home away from home!
After hundreds of miles traveled this month it's a good thing I have a lot of hot jams to listen to as I zoom down the road. Brad Paisley is a big favorite however sometimes I try my hand as DJ Brittles and compile a mixed cd to listen to! I've entertained many of my fellow motorists; there has even been some pointing and staring when they see Miss NE having a private dance party in the car. We are talking singing and dancing...don't judge! Aside from traveling antics, I have been a busy lady and here are few of the highlights from July.

I kicked off the month visiting Stir-up Days in Ashland, NE. A big thank you to Mindy Stefka-Helfrich for inviting me to participate in a self-esteem intensive and "beauty day" hosted by the local cheer and dance squad. More than 400 young ladies from the surrounding area came to take pictures, learn cheers and get their hair and nails done. I had a mini photo shoot with a group of 3 year olds who wanted to pose and "show off their shoes." Talk about girls after my own heart! I even got talked into helping with a frog jumping contest. My frog "Prince Charming" didn't win...sorry Charlie ;)


In Lincoln, I was honored to be a VIP guest at the 25th Annual Cornhusker State Games. I got to speak about my platform, sign pictures alongside Husker Football players and participate in the opening ceremonies. The ABC station I work for, KLKN Channel 8, showed up to do a story on the event!

One of my other eventful days actually involved A LOT of time in the car traveling to the nooks and crannies of the state! I spent the morning and afternoon at the Phil Spady Dealership in Columbus, NE for their annual car show. I then drove 3 hours Mario Andretti style to Burwell for Nebraska big rodeo!

I was honored to be a guest at the Rodeo because I have ties to the area. My late great grandfather John Bartusiak was a long time rancher in Burwell. My Grandma Karen grew up in the vibrant little town and its where my mother spent her summers as a little girl. I remember visiting the "Dime Store" with Great Grandma Fern and checking out the sale barn with Grandpa John!

This is just an overview of the month...I still have more photos waiting to be uploaded and I'll post as soon as I can! August is going to be a fabulous month.....off to Orlando to support Miss Jacee Pilkington at Miss America's Outstanding Teen competition!
Muah
Brittany

Miss Nebraska Ventures to Washington!!!

" Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, work and play and to look up to the stars."  

Hello friends! Oh so much to tell so little space, (I’m a reporter too so my apologies for being long winded but my travels have been SO exciting!) I kicked off the beginning of July with fundraisers as well as appearances at two of Miss Nebraska’s biggest sponsors, Viaero Wireless and The Winning Crown Boutique. Speaking of sponsors I’ve already put a good chunk of miles on the Miss NE car (thank you Bob Spady!) but I can now add flying on a cross country trek to the Evergreen state to my list of adventures.

Right after the Miss Nebraska Pageant I was honored to be invited by board members and previous judges of mine to be a guest performer at the Miss Washington Pageant. The answer to the invitation was simple; sign me up! Not only was I thrilled to get to perform a dance solo and watch a fellow MAO sister crowned but the entire Jeffers’ side of my family lives in the Seattle/Kirkland area. It might sound like mixing business with pleasure but nothing about the trip was business…it was more adventurous and amazing!

              

My traveling companion was my Miss Omaha Director/friend/shopping buddy/partner in crime, Marianne Grubaugh. Our venture from Omaha to Seattle started off a little rough, we were informed at 4:30 in the morning that our flight was canceled and rebooked and thus Marianne and I had to travel on different flights. A little ironic the traveling companion didn’t travel with me?! Ha ha but I digress.  After a few bumps in the road or air, Marianne and I made it the Miss Washington pageant without a hitch thanks to my amazing family.

I’m so grateful to the volunteers and contestants at the Miss Washington Pageant for not only extending the invitation but for making us feel so welcome and a part of the dynamic show! I have a lot of memories to take back to Huskerland; Our hostess Marie Reno kept us on time and in stitches every night, I had the pleasure of meeting some amazing and talented former Miss Washington’s; one of which was a bridesmaid in former Miss Nebraska, Jodie Holen’s wedding, having my family in the audience to watch me dance and I’ll never forget right before I performed my solo to “My Strongest Suit” on Friday’s preliminary night one of the little “Pine Cone Princesses” gave me a big hug and kiss back stage and wished me good luck!  Saturday night took the cake because I got to watch my fellow Miss America sister, Devanni Partridge, crowned Miss Washington 2009 and then dance around on stage afterwards chanting “We’re going to Miss America!” Devanni will be a fabulous representative and I can’t wait to catch up with her in Orlando! Also, I have to give a huge thank you to Nicholas Latham, Darrin Emerick, Peggy Miller, Talia Hastie, Marie Reno and Sarahlynn Anderrudd for your hospitality.  

            The second part of the trip included spending time with my fabulous family. My Aunt Malia and Uncle Chris were beyond accommodating; they were flexible and fun! From family bbqs, boating on Lake Washington and cupcake shopping they made the trip so special.

            Marianne and I even had some time to explore the city on our own, and let me tell you that was an adventure! Those who know and love me understand that I am slightly directionally challenged (My Garmin GPS is my best friend) So I was very proud that I drove and navigated my way around downtown Seattle!  Marianne and I wandered around Pike Place Market, sampled food, caught up with friends, got our makeup done and did some serious shopping.   

            I remember sitting on the boat with Marianne and my family and thinking, “I get to do this.” This memory along with so many other small moments made me realize once again how INCREDIBLY grateful I am for this experience and for the job of Miss Nebraska. I didn’t have to travel hundreds of miles to realize this but even in Seattle, catching up with past judges, meeting volunteers and spending time with family reaffirms my gratitude to those who have been a part of my journey and touched my life in some way.

I’ll continue to keep you updated! All my love,

Britt