Here She is....

So, I just finished watching the Miss America Pageant.
I watch it every year. I know, I'm a dork.
But I can't help it! I can't believe it's going on 11 years since I myself wore a crown. I've been 'aged out' as they call it, when you're too old to compete... for 6 years now! And SO much has changed in the program in the past decade.... they were dropped from ABC, picked up by CMT.... now they're on TLC. They moved the location from Atlantic City to Las Vegas. They're now focusing on making M.A. an 'IT' girl! Learning to walk like you're on a runway, etc... They've even incorporated a reality show leading up to the big night called "Countdown to the Crown."
But the one thing that has never changed is that it continues to be the highest paying Scholarship Competition for young women in the world. These women who are competing in this program are so well rounded, it is unbelievable! SO much more than a pretty face. They're ambassadors, service women, students, they're talented, smart, and beautiful. It is all the other pageant competitions, the one's that award sun tan lotion and cars, and favor nothing but beauty that give M.A.O. a bad rap!

I admit, that before I began participating in the program, I was one of those people that squawked at pageants in general as a sexist display of women. I certainly had never had childhood dreams of being Miss America... never thought anything like that would be in the cards for me! With my bucked teeth and my coke bottle glasses, I was a hot mess!!
After much coaxing from my neighbor, (one of our local directors) I agreed to compete for the scholarship money and as another stage to practice performing/singing on. My first pageant, my goal was to win as much scholarship money as possible with out winning the title and all the responsibility that came with it. My second year, I was in it to win it... and win it I did.

Before then, I hadn't worn makeup or dresses, and I was very much a Tomboy! So the transformation was a bit overwhelming! My dad wept at my send off too Miss California as he thanked my committee for giving him a 'daughter'. I'm not kidding you, my dad thought I was such a dude! I was always running and lifting weights, and I guess I was kind of 'dude' like.

Anyhow, I'm not sure how all of this is relevant... I'm just rambling, really. But watching the pageant now, I'm reminded of the feeling I once felt... I find myself holding my breath and sucking in my stomach as I watch the girls parade in their gowns and swimsuits..... when your heart is racing, and you're singing in front of thousands of people on tv, hoping not to crack. When they're calling out the runners up and your praying it's not you! When you're being crowned and it feels like the entire world is spinning all too fast.
Although my moments were on smaller stages and lower levels, I will never forget the feelings.... or the excitement. I will never forget the things that I learned and the wonderful people that I was able to meet.
I will never forget the Scholarship money I earned that enabled me to attend college free of charge for 2 years.

Tonight, was Miss Indiana now, Miss America's time to shine. She was beautiful. Humble, with gorgeous cow like eyes, big wide and innocent. Although, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't Miss California
(I thought she had it in the bag... but I'm probably a bit biased considering it's where I was born and raised)... but still, any one of the girls would have been great!

Here she is.... Miss America 2009... Katie Stam