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

..Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks...

Take me out to the ball game!! As many know, I am a big baseball fan! That being said, when I say I enjoy the great American game I mean I like to WATCH, not necessarily PLAY! MY rookie arm had its debut at one of my recent appearances when I was asked to throw out the first pitches for the North Platte vs. Ogallala Senior and Jr. Legion baseball games.

Since community members would be showing up to watch my hometown and second home town go head to head I was excited but a little nervous about my baseball skills...I'm a dancer remember! To add to the pressure, my youngest brother, John, plays on the Ogallala Jr./Senior team and my host family's son, Luke, plays for the North Platte Jr. team. Miss Nebraska or not my 16 year old brother did not want me to embarrass him! Thus, came the preparations or should I say practices for this appearance.

A week before the big games my host family and brother had me working on my game in the back yard. What I thought was an innocent game of catch turned in to a full blown lesson on "crow hopping" and "follow through throwing motion" etc. I was a work in progress to say the least!



When the big day arrived I was decked out in my crown and high heel wedges (really? did you expect any different?) prepared to throw "the heat." The first pitch was solid. I made it to home plate, right in the glove. The second pitch was a different story...I got served a slice of humble pie. Let's just say it was more of a low, low, low curve ball! I guess I'd better keep my day job and leave the baseball to the professionals but it was still a lot of fun.

It looks like the month of July will be as busy as June, and I can't wait! I'll keep you posted on appearances as they come. On the upcoming agenda I'm really looking forward to attending and performing at the Miss Washington Pageant the first week in July!

Much Love,
Brittany

A little bit about Brittany...

I THINK TO BETTER UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU ARE GOING, YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHERE YOU ARE FROM...


I am from my collection of worn out dance shoes, from rhinestones and coffee.

I am from the house on the hill on Valley View Drive that was too hot in summer but looked beautiful decorated in Christmas lights.

I am from sitting on the white porch with mom watching the summer storms roll in.
I am from the sweet smelling Russian olive tree outside our back door, to the peony bushes my grand dad planted.

I am from eating peanut butter right out of the jar, and stubbornness to a fault, from my father, whose laugh I can pick out of crowd, and my mother, who never slows down, and my little brothers who heckle me like its their job.

I am from hazel eyes and flat feet and a competitive spirit that shows through the generations.

From, “ Just because they’re different doesn’t mean they’re bad” and “never apologize for being yourself, falling in love or speaking your mind little girl.”

I am from 4 generations of faithful women. From prayers before bedtime and my great-grandma Fern’s silver cross.

I am from a small town you’ve never heard of and Colorado and a cabin in Seattle. I’m from stove popped popcorn and white frosted cupcakes.

I’m from making up elaborate plays in the garage with the Volz’s, from dance parties with A-phi’s at the big white house by the union and Rockies Baseball games with Dad and the boys.

I am from small town values and big city dreams. From family and friends that will never know their worth, accepting that change isn’t always bad and from inside jokes that are only funny to one person in the world.

I am from working for what you want and from faith that surpasses all understanding.

NE Land Days

For the past two weeks I’ve been enjoying all that is NEBRASKAland Days in North Platte. I’ve truly been on the ground and running…in a dress and 4 inch heels…but running non-the less! From parades, style shows, cake auctions, quilt shows and rodeos (I think I’m officially an honorary cowgirl now!) I have been busy from sun up to sun down partaking in western themed festivities.

I hail from Ogallala, just a little ways down the road from North Platte. As a western Nebraska girl I grew up attending NE Land Days events but I can tell you the events committee has definitely upped the ante since I was a little kid! Much like Miss Nebraska week the community involvement and support of this event is simply amazing.

There were many highlights of the week, including the “All Male Cake Bake.” That was a riot! Men from local businesses and civic organizations congregated to decorate cakes to be auctioned off as a fundraiser to benefit NE Land Days. I was responsible for helping out with the auction as well as giving cake-decorating tips. I can barely make toast so, needless to say, my advice wasn’t very helpful!

As I mentioned, I became somewhat of an honorary cowgirl this week as well. I had a fabulous time attending the rodeo, style show and Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant. The ladies who participate in the pageant are so dynamic and I really enjoyed getting better acquainted with them. I even got to ride in a horse drawn wagon on to the rodeo arena with sailors from the USS NE. Apparently the rodeo coordinators didn’t trust me to ride a horse on my own! Good judgment on their part.

The Kids Fun Fest event took the cake when it came to memorable moments. Taking pictures, talking with the children and letting all of the little “princesses” try on the crown was SO much fun! I think I smiled and laughed for 4 hours straight.

I don’t know if it has fully sunk it that I get to do this job for the next year but I do know it’s going to be a busy/amazing ride! I’ll be in the eastern part of the state for a few days before I blow back to North Platte again for more appearances.

Fondly,

Brittany

Wohoo First Blog!!!!

Wow! The past week has truly been a whirl wind… interviews, paper work, appearances, and plans for the year! No rest for the weary, I’m basically running off of coffee and adrenaline but I’m loving every minute of it. I’m so incredibly grateful, honored and SO excited for the journey that awaits me. However, I’m incredibly humbled as I write this as Miss Nebraska 2009 because this job and opportunity was because of a long list of people who simply believed in me. Every step, bump in the road, triumph and road trip I’m so thankful for the amazing support of family and friends. Believe me, I felt each and every one of your prayers on stage June 6^th.

On the 25^th anniversary of the Miss Nebraska Pageant in North Platte I felt honored to share the stage with 14 talented, intelligent and driven young women. Being surrounded by these ladies as well as to be in a community full of volunteers and supporters that truly believe in the purpose of the Miss America organization made the week one that I won’t soon forget. Ever!

After five years of applying for the job, now more than ever, I can appreciate those who give to this amazing program and how they along with former Miss Nebraska’s have touched my life over the years. When I was in first grade former Miss NE Vicki Train Harris signed my ballet shoes, they are still hanging on my bed in my room. Watching in awe of Jennifer Love Timmons and Myra Katherine Hale sing to my choir class, having Becky Smith Wagner choreograph my dance for my first pageant and then later receiving an encouraging phone call from Kristy Hilliard to just keep working hard… and the list goes on!

Suffice it to say, I still feel like I did the night of the crowning. Not sure if I should cry (happy tears of course) or dance! What better time to bust a move than this week? Nebraska Land Days kicks off in North Platte and I promise to get pictures posted through out the week!

Here’s to a fabulous year!

Brittany