My Best Days Are Ahead of Me...

Okay, not to get all "world peace-y" on everyone but I have to honestly say one of the best things about my Miss America experience was walking away with some incredible new besties. One of which is Miss Nevada, Christina Keegan, or Nev as I say. I had a particularly awesome gab fest with her this weekend and I'll spare you all of the gory details but we may or may not have discussed all of the shenanigans of our lives and jobs post Miss America. Coming to the realization that we will never again be as bronzed or toned as we were then and that's ok...opting for dessert and yoga over lifting and protein shakes now. Future plans, plotting reunion trips and discussing the mixed emotions that come as former-dom comes flying at us. Essentially, I just love that she gets where I'm at and I'm so grateful to have her as a sounding board to talk about all of the changes going on in our lives. Not just in the pageant realm, she truly is a wonderful friend and person. I've said it once and I'll say it again, never in my life will I be surrounded with the caliber of women, in regard to talent and intellect, that I was while I was at Miss America...well, not until our reunion anyway :)



That being said, I think you could really sum up this season of life as transition time more than anything. I know many equate change=bad, but its not that way at all! Although its hard to relinquish the reigns sometimes and go with the flow, I am truly enjoying all of the new opportunities and plans unfolding around me. Every day is a delicate balance to juggle work life/Miss Nebraska duties/Brittany time/missing my bf/ family life/professional goals/fun time but I guess this just means I'm at the threshold of adulthood...dun dun dun....welcome to the future I guess!
Keeping up with the demands of my new job and Miss Nebraska duties has been pretty seamless, minus the whole sleeping bit! For those of you who try to call me in the afternoon, I promise I'm not ignoring you, I'm probably sleeping. You see I've really reverted back to sleeping patterns of a toddler, and lets be honest, who doesn't enjoy a good nap? Since I'm a night person I feel like I'm being punished if go to bed at 7 o'clock soooo I don't! I go to bed at 11ish, I blame Charlie for late night phone dates, and I get up at 3. After working out, running errands, Miss Nebraska appearances, I typically pass out on the couch like a little child. My naps are coma style the longest nap to date is officially 5 hours, impressive right? The new job is incredible though. Every day it's challenging on a professional and personal level but I'm so incredibly grateful for the opportunity and am really embracing this new phase of life. (KLKN Channel 8 ABC morning and midday show..shameless plug to watch..sorry!)

Another announcement: I've moved! In Brittany fashion I decided to add to the cluster that is my life and move. I must say I love having a girl palace to come to, my closet is immaculate and my kitchen canisters are brimming with coffee and candy. perfection. I wish I was more of creative person like my Mom, but I'm really trying to dabble in decorating! I can only aspire to reach her level, but I can proudly say that I have hung pictures and valances and even arranged nick-knacks without hurting anyone or myself for that matter! Maybe there is hope for me yet.

However, with my alone time I've had way too much time to reflect on my year and I'll find myself tearing up while vacuuming (another new obsession). There is a huge thank you/reflection note coming...not sure when I will get up the gumption to do it. So it remains on stand-by. Truly, each day that goes by I realize how truly blessed I am and what an incredible year this has been in every aspect from professional to personal, you name it it's been incredible. I can't even begin to sum up all of the gratitude and appreciation I have for all of the people and organizations who have touched my life this year. I'm never for a second not felt appreciative and thankful for this year, I'm beyond beyond beyond grateful.


Once again, a good tune always sums things up well for me. My incredible host mom, Michele, suggested this song to me and she was right, it seems to fit this whole transition bit pretty well!
enjoy!

Who Will She Be?

Go on, go ahead and guess....because I certainly can't!!!!
Miss Nebraska & Miss Nebraska Outstanding Teen Orientation was certainly a success in every sense of the word. Hard to believe this was my 6th (yowza) Orientation in North Platte and yet it was probably the most memorable. I was so impressed with all of the 14 contestants, if you don't have tickets for the pageant in June you definitely want to purchase them soon! I was so proud to see so many talented, poised, beautiful and genuine girls.
All of the technicalities of turning in advertisements and paper work went very smoothly and I was so thrilled to have my interview coach Mr. Don Baker there to present his seminar and work with contestants as well.
It was really interesting to be on the other side of things this year. I was pretty much the glorified cheerleader/momma hen...a role that I am more than happy to take on! My year as Miss NE is dwindling down, 2 months to go, and I definitely am starting to feel the mix of emotions that go with it. I will spare all of you the walk down melancholy road (we WILL be taking the walk at some point, sorry!) and say how honored I am to get to be inching my way to "former" club by helping all of the 2010 contestants. I told all of the ladies, I am seriously, very seriously their biggest fan. I'm so excited I have been able to work with so many of the girls already, from fb notes, coffee dates or questions over the phone, I've had a wonderful time helping and getting to know all of them during the journey. I know this summer will be incredible!
On the job front I am absolutely LOVING my new position as morning/midday anchor at Channel 8 KLKNtv in Lincoln. The transition has been pretty seamless and I'm continuing to learn more about being an effective journalist and communicator every day. I will be very busy this month with appearances as well, and I will keep all of you updated with my adventures.
love,
Brittany

I HAVE A SECRET....kind of

So it's not so much a secret as it is an announcement!!!

Now that the dust has officially settled after Miss America, I found myself in a "transition" period if you will. No longer were people asking "are you nervous?" about competing at Miss America, they were saying "congrats on top 10....so what now?" Well I'm pleased to say that I officially have an answer to the question. I have a new job! I was promoted to the Morning/Midday News Anchor at KLKN Channel 8 the ABC news station in Lincoln! I'm so incredibly excited about this opportunity. The station has been nothing short of amazing in supporting me in my role as Miss Nebraska and I'm thrilled to be able to commit to them as a full time anchor. The schedule will be 3am-12 Monday-Friday...most people balk at the hours but since I've been juggling the job of Miss Nebraska and reporter by almost a year now I've learned to function on coffee/naps/adrenaline. I'm so excited about the new job venture as this will be a professional challenge. I will have to work diligently every day to improve my skills  as a journalist but I'm more than ready to commit to the work it entails.  Wish me luck and tune in to Channel 8 morning and middays!

-Brittany

I've been everywhere man

I've been everywhere, man.
I've been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert's bare, man.
I've breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I've had my share, man.
I've been everywhere.

In an ode to Johnny Cash and a quick synonpsis of where I've been, the real question is where havent I been??

I've been to to Teammates, Luncheons, The Sandhills, Graduations, Starbucks, Education Quest, Parades, Schools, the Panhandle, The Capitol, I-80, Malls, Girl Scout Meetings, Rotary...YIKES! The schedule may be grueling (its about to get a lot worse..hint hint) but the job is fabulous as always! I added a few pictures from some of my adventures. I'll have more updates soon, as I have some exciting "news" to share!

Honest to Goodness

OGALLALA: named for the Oglala Band of the Dakota Sioux. Town incorporated in 1884.

Above is the definition of the town of Ogallala. According to a tourist booklet, it is the cowboy capital, Home of largest lake in the state "Big Mac", The Kingsley Dam and who can forget about the Crystal Palace Review at Front Street? (A full-on shoot out, frontier themed musical, and a pair of museums dedicated to the Old West.) I am NOT making this up folks! By my own definition Ogallala is home. From memories that started 19 years ago, When I marched in my pink floral dress and mickey mouse watch to my first day of Kindergarten in Mrs. Thompkins class at Prairie View Elementary. Its the community where I played "ditch em" until 10:30 at night with every kid in the neighborhood and our parents weren't at all concerned about us roaming around. Its the same town where I taught swimming lessons at the outdoor Swimming pool in the summer and then performed in the Crystal Palace Review in the Evening. Its also the place where I not so fondly got doused with eggs and vinegar during freshman initiation but was later crowned Homecoming Queen on the same field my little brother now plays football. Yep, its home.
Hailing from the cowboy capital I was honored to serve as the co-emcee for Ogallala's 125th Birthday Celebration! It was such an honor to get to partake in the festivity with neighbors, teachers and old classmates as well as dignitaries and government officials. I hope you enjoy the pictures from the bash!
Brittany

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

Miss Nebraska Does the Crown Hurt Your Head???????

Most recently I have been hitting the roadways, visiting every nook and cranny of the state speaking at schools. I have been talking and talking and talking and listening and giggling with itty bitty kindergartner's decked out in Dora the Explorer gear to High School students applying to colleges! Although I primarily speak about loving the skin you're in/self-confidence/making good decisions my message is always altered a bit depending on the audience. But regardless of the crowd, the question and answer part of the presentation is always the kicker! As Miss Nebraska, I am an open book, from what my stance is on the economic stimulus is to well...what kind of cereal did I eat this morning?! Let me tell you, the little tykes ask the darndest things. I thought I would share a compilation of some of the frequently asked questions!

Hmmmm...that's a good one

Are those real diamonds? They are real rhinestones!
Do you live in the White House? I live in my white Miss Nebraska car, not quite as spacious.
Are you the queen of Nebraska? I never thought about it that way, kind of has a ring to it!
Do you have a mom? Sometimes followed by, Are you a mom? Yes, my mom and best friend is Lisa and to the second question obviously, Yikes and no!
Did you get grounded when you little? I didn't ever get grounded but my parents did want to sell me when I was a bossy 4 year old.
Miss Nebraska my brother is as old as you and one time I went to the zoo and my favorite color is purple.....more of a statement then a question really!
Will you be my prom date? I signed something about that.
What's you favorite Taylor Swift song? T-swift is my girl but I would have to say, Fairytale. It's on constant replay. Love love love that song.
Are you a celebrity? In my own mind :)
Did you get to hug Mario Lopez? No I didn't, but I did stare at his dimples.
Do you have a boyfriend? mmhmm
The #1 question asked by all ages and venues...How does the crown stay on your head? Duct tape. I kid, I kid. I usually kneel down and let them see the huge array of bobby pins and clips keeping it secured to my head. I swear I'm going to have a bald spot by June!

Silly but great stuff. Competing at Miss America was stellar and all but seriously, this is the best part of my job. Its the days when you've had three year olds climbing all over you, group hugs from a 3rd grade class and laughter (not eye rolling) from high schoolers that you know that you are really making a difference. It's an incredible and humbling feeling to be able to talk and interact with all of the dynamic young people in the state. To all of the Miss Nebraska contestants out there, your year is not gowns and crowns and glory and glamour. This (The schools, the children, your message) ladies, is the job. An incredible job by the way.
Hugs,
Brittany

Miss Lake McConaughy/Miss High Plains

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES
Hugs and high fives to the new Miss Lake McConaughy and Miss High Plains, Kayla Batt and Jessica States! You both are incredible and will proudly represent the area at Miss Nebraska in June. I'm so proud of each and everyone of the dynamic young women who competed for the titles. The talent, intelect and personality was truly top notch! This local holds a special place in my heart as it is in my hometown and I held both of the titles in previous years!!! A big thank you to Sally Haythorn-Mayden for all of your encouragement and belief in me over the years, Kayla and Jessica are SO lucky to have you as a Director. This concludes all of the local pageants for the season and we certainly went off with a bang! I can't wait to see all of the titleholders are Orientation at the end of the month.

Runner up to Miss High Plains, Nicki Windham. Miss High Plains, Jessica States. Moi. Miss Lake McConaughy, Kayla Batt. Runner up to Miss Lake McConaughy, Kayla Decker.The gorgeous contestants in their opening number outfits! Yeah Mardi Gras!

The incredible director and friend, Sally Haythorn-Mayden

With my Co-Emcee M. Josh Mackee

The fabulous Little Sisters