Merry Christmas...Parade!

Yesterday was a first for me...a few firsts!  The Greater Hot Springs crew was in the Christmas parade in Hot Springs!  I've been in my fair share of parades, but only as a twirler...never as a queen! 

My mother drove us on the back of her blue convertible mustang.  So. Much. Fun!  I will always love how the kids' eyes light up when they see the crown...it just means so much to me that maybe I'm inspiring a child. 

Ashley and I rode and waved the whole time.  Our princesses joined us too; they rode in the middle so they wouldn't fall out.  Towards the end of the parade, it started sleeting on us!  That was a first too.  Luckily, it was at the very end, and we got the top back up just before the bottom dropped out of the sky.  It was cold, but so much fun!  I'm so glad I got to participate in the Christmas parade!

Before the parade, I went into Dillard's where I worked from May-November...and said hi to the coworkers that happened to be there.  It's amazing how much you can miss people that you barely knew.  I didn't know a lot of them too well, but seeing them again made me realize what an impact they made on my life daily.  There were a few coworkers that I knew I would miss before I left, and seeing them was such a joy!  At the time, I wondered why I had to work in retail if all I wanted to do with my life was help people...but seeing those special people made me realize that they have impacted my life...and that's why I got to work at Dillard's for seven months.  I'm thankful for that experience and the friendships that I've made.

Being a Better Blogger

Confession:  Obviously, I am not meant to be a blogger since I can't seem to blog more than once every couple months.  However, I do think it's important to keep trekking...I want to be a better blogger.

The past few months have been quite crazy!  But I have learned so much about myself and so many life lessons throughout this journey.  I'll take you through a short timeline of events since my last post.

1. My sister got married in October:

Doesn't she look stunning?  Kim got married on our parent's 31st anniversary and our grandparent's 65th anniversary.  The dress Kim is wearing in this picture is my mom's dress altered to accommodate the change in times and Kim's taste.  It was a beautiful wedding.  My mom wore the hat, which was my paternal grandfather's favorite accessory.  That was really special to all of us because he passed away in February, so it was like having him with us on this special occasion.

2. I gave a toast:

I'm proud of this moment because it is so hard to wrap up an entire sisterhood in one short speech.  Luckily, I got to give two...but that's a long story.  Either way, Kim is so special to me, and so is Will now, and I was thrilled to be her maid of honor and get to share what a special person she is.  Through this week in Georgia, I was reminded how special family is.  Families have a unique bond that is made with love.  I am so lucky that I have two wonderful parents, many aunts and uncles, cousins, four grandparents, and two (and a new) sibling to show me this daily.  Family is so important to me and I'm thankful that through my sister's wedding that I was reminded of this special bond and love.

3. I moved to Georgia!

In  Hot Springs, I was very lonely and unable to find a job within my field of psychology.  While I was in Georgia for my sister's wedding, I had a job interview at a safe house for domestic violence victims.  I was offered the job on the spot, and took it.  When I got back to Arkansas, I put in my two week notice and began packing up my apartment!  I lived in Macon, GA for four weeks, worked two jobs, and had only two days off.  THEN...

4.  I GOT INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL

Last  fall, I applied to four graduate programs with the University of North Texas being my number one choice.  I was rejected from all four.  I thought my life was over...but I also knew that I would have to get my master's eventually, so I reapplied to UNT.  The day that I moved to Georgia, I was invited to interview.  I interviewed last spring, so I still didn't think they'd want me.  This time, however, I was far enough away (in miles) to wear I completed a video interview rather than in person.  I got to talk about whatever I wanted and really showed them who I am.  After a couple weeks of crashing at a friend's house, I signed a lease...and within the hour, I received my acceptance e-mail from UNT!  So...

5. I moved back to Texas

I came back to my home state after Thanksgiving and started job hunting.  I will be working in Frisco at Pure Barre, which is a fitness studio.  Look it up and join one.  I love it!  I go to training next week and then move to DFW permanently.  I start graduate school January 11 and I couldn't be more excited.  My life is beginning!!  Yes, I have looked into competing in the Miss Texas organization...but more on that later.

Absence

So I know I've been kind of missing in action recently...since before Miss Arkansas really.  That was one of the best experiences of my life.  I learned so much about myself and what I can accomplish if I set my mind to it.  I will go into more detail when I receive my pictures!!

My sister is getting married in less than a month!  As the maid of honor, I planned the bachelorette party...so that's one thing I did while I was on my technology hiatus.  We went to the beach: Tybee Island, GA.  It was so good spending time with my sisters and her best friends!

I have to be honest, though, one thing that I've slipped up on recently is my goal of working out and getting fit.  I've used being busy as an excuse...and I'm here to say NO EXCUSES any more.  I work at the YMCA on the side, so I literally have access to a gym for free...not to mention, almost everything I learned from my trainer can be done at home with no equipment.  So, as I come back to the blog scene, I'm also going to get back in shape!  Who's with me??

This week, Amy Crain is competing for the title of Miss America.  I'm so excited that she was chosen to represent Arkansas and I know she will do a phenomenal job.  Follow Pageantry by Chris to get updates...and watch with me on Sunday as we see who becomes Miss America 2014!!

Dangers

I met with my personal trainer on Tuesday, and she told me about something that happened in her home town the past weekend.  I want to share this because of the devastating impact.
A youth pastor, my trainer's hometown friend, was driving home from his son's graduation and stopped to help a vehicle on the side of a highway.  There was a house nearby and that family came out to help.  The homeowner went back in to get some tools to help and came out to literal destruction and devastation.  A truck full of drunk teenagers had smashed the vehicle and the three bystanders.  The youth pastor was crushed, the wife was beheaded from the impact, and the daughter was in two pieces.  The first person on the scene was the father and husband of two of the victims.  And the youth pastor's best friend of many years was close behind.  The drunk driver fled the scene, but was later found nearby and I hope that he spends his life in prison.  Nobody deserves to go through this and it is so wrong.
I am literally crying over this story, but it needs to be told.  First, underage drinking is wrong.  These teens got alcohol somehow, and I pray that whomever provided it goes to court and gets convicted.  Second, if ANYONE has just one drink, GET A DESIGNATED DRIVER!  It's really not that hard.  I guarantee that any friend or family member close by would prefer to get out of bed than have this kind of accident happen.  I understand that teens are sometimes scared to call their parents and tell them that they're drinking because they don't want to get in trouble...however, drinking and driving is never the smart choice.  Yes, you might get in trouble with your parents for drinking if you are underage, but let's weight the difference between being grounded for a week, or living your life in prison and tearing a family apart.  You tell me which you would prefer.
I just can't imagine being in these families situation.  It is devastating, but should be a terrible reminder about how devastating drinking and driving can be.  I don't care how old you are...don't drink and drive.
You can read more about this news article HERE.

A Week of Appearances

On Monday, I had the honor of hosting a spirit night for Children's Miracle Network at Chic-fil-a in Hot Springs!  My lovely teen queen, Ashley, came to help me.  The Miss America Organization partners with Children's Miracle Network in order to raise money for children's hospitals across the United States.  Every "miss" contestant has to raise $100 in order to compete in local preliminaries, and then once you hold a title, you have to raise $250 to compete at the state level.  Through my years of competing, I have raised over $850 for Children's Miracle Network.  Currently, I still need $6 to compete in Miss Arkansas this summer.
Ashley and I handed out plastic tiaras to the little girls that came through Chic-fil-a, and it was just a hit!  Little girls are so enamored by sparkly objects and so they just loved having a crown of their own!  I love making appearances, and my week started on a high note.

If you'd like to donate to my CMN fund, click this link: DONATE HERE

On Thursday night, I had the pleasure of attending the monthly dinner and program at United Methodist Church of Hot Springs.  The men's group have a monthly business meeting, and I was asked to attend as the guest of honor.  This was actually my first time to speak to a group, and I had a blast!  I talked about my personal journey to Miss Arkansas and also spoke about my platform.  Since my platform promotes a healthy lifestyle, I encouraged the men to Get Fit: Stay Busy and Active.  The men were mostly older than age 55, so I gave them some tips to get started changing the unhealthy habits they might struggle with.  I had a blast, and I can't wait to speak again!

Last night, I went with Sam Hudon, Miss South Central, to the Relay for Life here in Hot Springs!  We love to make appearances together and do fundraising together.  This was the first relay I had been to since my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.  My mom was diagnosed last July, and finished radiation in November, so we are hoping that she is cancer free at her 6-month check up!  God has been so good to my family through this struggle.  My mom even raced her first triathlon while going through radiation!  She is a true testament of staying positive through anything.
Last night was so wonderful to see a glimpse of the support that cancer patients have.  The luminary ceremony gave me chills.  It was beautiful.  Sam and I met a 9-year-old who battled brain cancer.  She was absolutely stunning.  Her story is encouraging and unreal.  I can't imagine going through that at 22, and she was only 8 when she was diagnosed.  Her eyes just sparkled with light and hope.  I know she will tough and impact many lives!  We also met a Miss Hot Springs from the 70's!  Sam crowned me in February, so we took a picture and listened to her story from her Miss Arkansas days.  I loved meeting the legacy of my title.  I know I am lucky to wear this sash!

CRUNCH Time!

Well, as you can see, I only have 34 days until arrival for MISS ARKANSAS WEEK!  So I mean crunch time literally and figuratively!  I'll be working out 6 days a week and eating right, twirling as much as I can and getting prepared mentally so that I can hit the stage as the best Brandi I can be!  I can't tell you just how excited I am to spend a week doing what I love and sharing experiences with my sisters!  The Miss Arkansas Class of 2013 is the best yet and I know whoever is crowned will have such a great year of service for Arkansas and represent us so well at Miss America in September!

Last night, I had the opportunity to judge the Miss Gazebo pageant.  The ages ranged from 0-21 years old with seven age categories.  The contestants competed in Summer wear and Beauty wear and submitted pictures for the photogenic award.  I judged with Grace McKissic who is actually the choreographer for the opening number at Miss Arkansas.  It was great meeting her and getting to know someone I'll be working with here in just a few weeks.  Brittney Humphrey, Miss Southeastern, was the emcee for the night and did an outstanding job.  I learned a few things as a judge...for example, the first impression is what counts!  Whether you're on stage for 30 seconds or ten minutes...it's all about the first impression.  I had my scores decided pretty much within the first 30 seconds of each girl's walk on stage.  I always knew that first moment was important, but I didn't realize that the rest of it was more just for show.

Today, I will begin crunch time literally and add a "30 Day Crunch Challenge" to my workout routine.  Most programs start at 20-25 crunches, but I'm going to try to start at 100 a day...especially since I know I can do 300 at a time.  Challenges like these are great ways to get started and motivated, because they give you a set exercise and a goal to work towards.  You can find programs like this on google, pinterest, and your local gym!

Are YOU ready for CRUNCH time??

Weekly Update

This past Thursday, I had the pleasure of meeting my NEW Teen Queen, Ashley Wilson!!!  She just jumped right in with this new title and I am so excited to cheer her on at Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen in July!!  She is a beautiful girl inside and out and I am just too excited to share this year with her.  We are both newbies and we are both so excited to go on this journey together.

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to act as hostess for the teen pool party at the Gibson's house!  It was so fun getting to know the teen chaperones and seeing the girls get to know each other.  This year's class of teens is a good one!  Each of the girls brings their own set of unique qualities and they all seem to mesh.  Can't wait to see who Laura Leigh crowns!!

Sunday, I worked for the first time by myself on the floor at Dillard's!  It feels like I've been doing something right through training, because I'd only worked about a week with my manager before she sent me off on my own.  Surprisingly, retail is quite fun!  Who knew after graduating that I'd be working retail, but hey, a girl has to pay the bills and I like it!  I'm in a department where I have many opportunities to change someone's day...and that gives meaning to my job.
Dillard's partners with Miss Arkansas during the week of competition and has their own competition between the contestants.  If you shop at the Hot Springs Dillard's during Miss Arkansas week, go to customer service with your receipt and let them know that you're there to support me, Miss Greater Hot Springs, and it could allow me to win some scholarship money!!  Don't worry, I'll be reminding you closer to the date!  But it's an exciting opportunity for Dillard's and Miss Arkansas.

Speaking of partnerships, I am having a spirit night at Chic-fil-a on MONDAY, June 10!  All the money I raise will go to Children's Miracle Network.  I still have $100 to raise before reaching my goal, and anything after that would just be awesome!  I hope to see YOU there!!

Today, I met with the wonderful Mrs. Jane Slocum!  She always starts my Tuesday mornings off in the best way.  Mrs. Jane is my coach for interview and I just can't even begin to describe how much she has helped already.  Not to mention, I just love working with her!  Mrs. Jane has a clear passion for teaching and a love for learning.  This passion is translated so enthusiastically to the girls she works with and it has inspired me to learn every day and be my best intellectually so that I can make her and myself proud during the interview and on-stage portion of the competition.
This afternoon, I met with Michelle Bell for my weekly personal training sessions.  Michelle knows her stuff and works me so hard, but I have that swimsuit in mind as I'm training.  Going or the goal!  Today, this was our workout:

-Warm up for 5 minutes on glider
-THREE Rounds of the following:
--100 Jumping Jacks
--100 Crunches
--100 Squats (with weight)
--25 Push-ups
--1 minutes plank
--25 Tricep Dips
--1 minute mountain climbers

So yes, that is a GRAND TOTAL of: 300 jumping jacks, 300 crunches, 300 squats, 75 push-ups, 3 minutes plank, 75 tricep dips, and 3 minutes mountain climbers.  It is safe to say that I am sore and feeling good!  You better also believe that I will be back tomorrow for another round.  I have less than 40 days until arrival for Miss Arkansas, so it's crunch time for swimsuit body!
I've also been maintaining a healthy diet.  The most important thing for me, since I'm sculpting and not trying to lose weight, is to eat throughout the day.  I eat breakfast every morning, mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and sometimes a snack a couple hours before bedtime.  It's so important to keep your metabolism going.

That's all I have for now...how'd you like that?

Busy Weekend

Two weekends ago, I was busy, busy, busy!  I raced a triathlon as part of a relay in Tri The Village!  Will Wood swam, my brother Chris biked, and I ran.  Our name was "Save the Best for Last Place".  We went into it just to have a good time, but ended up winning first place in the co-ed relay category!  Will actually swam the fastest overall time of the entire day.
This triathlon was a sprint distance of 500m swim, 13.5mi bike, and 5k run.  I hadn't ran that far since my last triathlon in September.  It was a great experience...we had to leave at 5am from my apartment, so it was a bright and early morning!

Triathlons have become a passion of mine.  Last summer, I lived with my sister in Georgia.  She is a very good triathlete and told me I should train with her since I was living with her.  So I did.  My first triathlon was GA Veteran's Triathlon in Cordele, GA.  Once I crossed that finish line, I was addicted.  Then my second was in September, the Rose City Triathlon in Tyler, TX.  My parents raced that one with me...their first triathlon at age 57!  They are proof that anyone can get up and get moving!

So after the triathlon in Hot Springs Village, I had to go almost straight to a photoshoot for Miss Arkansas with none other than TONY BOWLS!  This was one exciting opportunity that I just loved being a part of.  I literally felt like a high fashion model!  We got to wear custom dresses, shoes, and jewelry.  And to top it off, our hair and make-up was done professionally.  I had a blast posing and working it for the camera!  These photos will be posted soon to be voted on for people's choice.  I cannot wait to see how my picture turns out!

On Sunday, we had our contestant brunch and meeting.  This was an exciting chance to meet all the contestants, turn in paperwork, and learn about the job that I'm applying for: Miss Arkansas.  Sloane Roberts gave a wonderful description of what it is like to be Miss Arkansas, and I'm just even more excited to compete and apply for the best job in the state!  I feel so much relief having all my paperwork turned in.  It really does feel good to know that all the business side of stuff is taken care of and all I have to worry about now is getting my talent down pat and getting my swimsuit body the best it can be!
We also chose our positions for preliminary nights by means of the lottery.  This was fun because everyone was on edge and just wondering if their name was in the bowl at all!  My title was called pretty late in the lottery, but I am just thrilled with my position!  I will be competing in Group A, and I'm #6!  My week will go like this:
Monday Evening - Interview
Wednesday - Talent
Thursday - Swimsuit
Friday - Evening Gown
Saturday - (hopefully) TOP TEN!

On Monday, I had the opportunity to tour Arkansas Children's Hospital in the morning.  This was such a wonderful experience because the Miss America Organization actually partners with Children's Miracle Network to raise money for these hospitals.  By touring the facility, I got to learn where the money was going that I've been raising for the past four years.  During the tour, we got to see different areas of the hospital including a psych room, the nicu, and the cardiovascular center.  Each area had its own impact on me.  As a psychologist, I personally found the psych room fascinating and I could honestly see myself working in an environment like ACH one day!  The nicu was just heartbreaking to see these tiny tiny babies fighting so hard to live.  We saw one baby that was only 19 days old, but had been born at 20 weeks after conception!  The little baby boy was so tiny, but he was alive and fighting and that was just amazing to see.  All I want to do is go back and volunteer my time at ACH!  I hope I get the opportunity to do so soon.

 Monday afternoon, we got to help out with the golf tournament which is actually the biggest fundraiser for the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization.  Thirty teams participated!  Chelsey Jones and I got to sit at Hole #13 with was a par 3, and we got to chat with the golfers.  There was something special about our hole though...if someone got a hole in one shot, then they won a pheasant hunting trip!  Chelsey and I had a wonderful time together and interacted with the players.  We obviously appreciated their support and wanted to show them that by being friendly.  We had some great conversations and even gave the golfers some tips if they needed some.  I am the first to admit that I know absolutely nothing about golf, so I'm sure the players did the exact opposite of what I said!  It was a lot of fun though, I learned quite a bit throughout the afternoon!  At the end of the day, Chelsey and I looked around, and realized we were the last people on the course and the caddy had apparently forgotten about us!  So luckily, I had my phone on me, and some other queens hijacked a golf cart and came to our rescue!!  This was a long day, but it was so worth it on so many different levels.  I had a blast meeting and getting to know the wonderful ladies I'm competing with...made some memories and started friendships that will last a lifetime.

GET FIT!

One of my favorite things about my journey to Miss Arkansas is my personal training sessions with Michelle Bell!  She is an incredible person and encourages me to be my best physically.  We work out at FBC Fitness in Hot Springs.  Michelle pushes me and works me hard every single time and I've learned what I need to do in order to be my best and live a healthy life.

Yesterday, I completed this workout:

-Warm up for five minutes (jog)

-3 rounds of this set:
--15 deep squats
--15 bicep curls
--10 full burpees (all the way to the ground)
--30 seconds of knee ups (pulling knees in and out while planking)

-3 rounds of this set:
--15 squat jumps on a bosu
--15 shoulder presses (with knees on bosu)
--5 tuck jumps
--25 twist crunches on ball

-3 rounds of this set:
--20 running lunges on bosu (each leg)
--30 seconds of mountain climbers
--15 tricep push-ups
--super man/sky dive on bosu

-3 rounds of this set:
--20 kettle ball squats
--15 upright rows
--line drills
--30 seconds of wide leg crunch ups

-Cool down/stretch

Personal training is definitely a highlight of my week!  I have learned so much from these sessions, about myself and how to work out.  I encourage everyone to get fit and stay active!

First Post!

I have never been a blogger before, but I decided that it's about time.  I am starting a couple new phases in my life, so why not start a blog too! 

A couple weeks ago, I graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a BA in Psychology.

I cannot believe that my four years of college are already over!  I am so thankful for that time in my life and it's true that so far, those four years have been the best four years of my life.  However, I am so excited for what is coming up next!

I moved to Hot Springs, AR the same day I graduated, and I'm still getting settled in to my new apartment.  I am living with my dog, Skipper.  She is a labradoodle and gives me a reason to get out of my apartment since she has to get exercise multiple times a day.

Now, the real reason I am starting this blog is because of an incredible opportunity I have coming up in about 46 days.  I am competing for the title of MISS ARKANSAS!  My personal platform is: "Get Fit: Stay Busy and Active".  It is so important to start healthy habits at a young age and re-establish healthy habits as adults.  I have been learning to do this myself as I am eating healthy food and learning portion sizes.  This is something that we can do at any point in our life and it is never too late to start!

Michelle Roberts took my headshots, and we just had a blast!  She is such a talented photographer and obviously enjoys what she does. 

I am just so excited to represent Hot Springs and the surrounding areas at the Miss Arkansas pageant on July 14-20!!