I have walking pneumonia! Keep me in your prayers!
It rattles so hard in my lungs when I cough or speak. I had pneumonia when I was 13, and it was awful, horrible, and I am sad that I am this sick again. Last time I was this sick, I missed Christmas because I couldn't get out of bed to open my presents, so at least we caught it just in time this year. Lots of sleep for me. I am so lethargic I can hardly move. I went to bed at 10PM and woke up at 3 PM... the next day.
I am sort of sad to be home in "reality" and away from the daydream of the world of Miss California. I miss all of my sisters and I hope we can meet soon. I am so proud of us all and just honored that I was able to share this experience with each and every one of them. During a week that could have been excessively competitive, we were able to support and encourage each other not as contenders but as genuine friends.
Off to bed again!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Pictures from Saturday
Before you go on, please note that I took over 1000 pictures this week. I quickly had to go through and pick out a few I liked. I have many more and hopefully I will be able to post them as I get better. I love you all!
Me with Kristy, our new Miss California!
Still in shock I won top interview! With my ED Stephanie
I won top interview! I was so honored!
Going to receive the Top Interview award
My dad, Dave, and Mr. Freeman
Me and the amazing hair stylists
Kristy and I before the show
Okay, not from Saturday, but me and Sarah Rutan at Friday night visitation
Kristy and I in our dressing room during intermission before top 12 evening wear
A picture someone found and E-mailed to me. I really like it, but I have no idea where it came from! Top 5 court
Posing on stage after getting 1st runner up
Beautiful girls. Brittney Henry and Megan Lyne were a part of the court too.
Part of top 12 and our helpers
Few of the top 12: Megan Lyne, Me, Summer, Cori, Kate
Kristy and I outside our dressing room. We had at LEAST 5 minutes to spare. We didn't even know what to do with ourselves!
Cute Alexandra Calingo and I.
Waiting for Saturday night announcements backstage!
Lindsay, me, Mandi, and Constance backstage. What a fun group of girls!
Noell-y and I backstage
My pseudo sister, Lindsay!
Me with Kristy, our new Miss California!
Still in shock I won top interview! With my ED Stephanie
I won top interview! I was so honored!
Going to receive the Top Interview award
My dad, Dave, and Mr. Freeman
Me and the amazing hair stylists
Kristy and I before the show
Okay, not from Saturday, but me and Sarah Rutan at Friday night visitation
Kristy and I in our dressing room during intermission before top 12 evening wear
A picture someone found and E-mailed to me. I really like it, but I have no idea where it came from! Top 5 court
Posing on stage after getting 1st runner up
Beautiful girls. Brittney Henry and Megan Lyne were a part of the court too.
Part of top 12 and our helpers
Few of the top 12: Megan Lyne, Me, Summer, Cori, Kate
Kristy and I outside our dressing room. We had at LEAST 5 minutes to spare. We didn't even know what to do with ourselves!
Cute Alexandra Calingo and I.
Waiting for Saturday night announcements backstage!
Lindsay, me, Mandi, and Constance backstage. What a fun group of girls!
Noell-y and I backstage
My pseudo sister, Lindsay!
Miss California Day 10: Sunday June 28th
We're going to Sweetheart! Stephanie and I hearing from Bob for the first time we were going to Hoopeston! Illinois, here we come!
One of my favorite pictures: Ryan on top of being camera man, capturing my face when I won top interview!
Coming into the gala with my dad
Walking into the gala
My dad and I
Posing on stage!
Lining up for the court
So many pictures, my cheeks started to hurt!
Posing with one of our judges, Janette Smith, after the show. It was fun meeting her up close and personal!
Well, I am HOME! And sick as can be! It took us what seemed like forever to pack up all of my stuff from my "home" in room 728. I probably will sleep for the next week. Winter hibernation in summer! Well, I was 1st runner up! I WAS SOOO excited and honored to place so high. I know it was a very difficult year and I truly believe that the decision had to have been extremely close. But God’s plan did not include me being Miss California this year. However, as Kristy Cavinder and I stood there looking into each other’s eyes, hands squeezed tightly, I felt a sense of overwhelming tranquility. Because I knew either way, California would luck out because I felt either of us would have represented California well. I was already grateful to be standing in one of those two spots.
During the top 12 announcement, I was called as number 6, and I think I was more nervous to remember which way to go, I almost didn’t have time to be nervous! Season drilled the “magic numbers” into our heads over and over, but when I was walking to center stage, I just blanked for a second so as I was saying thank you, I had to regroup and think logically, “okay, Jenna, where do you go?” Luckily I remembered and I laughed because my FIRST thought was, “Okay, Season, you better be proud!” We were rushed off of stage and I immediately had to lose all modesty because we had helpers assist us in changing, spraying “butt glue”, and putting on jewelry and doing hair and make-up. Kristy Cavinder and I shared a dressing room. We kept laughing and laughing because we were so shocked. It was fun getting ready with her, she is so sweet and sincere and we even had some time to goof off as we waited during intermission and take pictures together! I almost don’t even remember this time because it was such a flash. I happened to be in one of the worst positions (being contestant number 6) I had to race to change into talent and then race to get my swimsuit on and get onto stage. The backstage crew was so helpful and it made the night run much smoother.
When they announced top 5, I was the FIFTH to be called, so I was so shocked still that, again, I didn’t have time to be nervous for my on stage question! I was asked how the recession has affected me personally. I mentioned that as a student who paid for school I have had to prioritize spending in my life and I have sacrificed outings with friends, I never ate out, and basically I only spend money on things I know I absolutely need.
The final results were: 4th runner up: Miss Southland Brittney Henry, 3rd Runner up: Miss City of Orange Noelle Freeman, 2nd Runner Up: Miss Southwest California Megan Lyne, 1st runner up (me) and MISS CALIFORNIA 2009: Kristy Cavinder!!!
Finally, I think this is a great time to announce that I will be going to the National Sweetheart Pageant! I am so excited to be California's Sweetheart Representative. It feels surreal to be part of such an incredible bunch of ladies. Veena Goel, Cheri Gorin, Angel Blue, Elise Horner, Amy Yetasook, Jennifer Lee, Megan Lyne… all girls who I REALLY look up to and I feel so honored to now join them as California’s Sweetheart! So, for those of you who don’t know about the National Sweetheart Pageant, let me tell you a little more about it. The Sweetheart pageant is held in Hoopeston, Illinois (we googled it- population around 6,000!) And it is a pageant for Miss America state pageant runner-ups. The pageant is just like a Miss America pageant, but is not formally affiliated with Miss America. Essentially, it is an extra shot at scholarships and apparently a week to be treated like royalty in such a small town! I have heard from a few of the girls mentioned above that it was one of the best experiences they had ever had. AND there is a parade, just like Miss America does, which hosts each state representative. You know me! Parade?! I’m THERE! I hear there is a sweet corn eatin' contest, too. We are now accepting applications. I was honored that Miss California considered me to go, and I will work so hard to do my best and make California proud.
Thank you EVERYONE who has shown me unconditional love and support all week long. You know who you are so I don't need to name names. You will forever hold a very special spot in my heart and your kindness will never be forgotten.
One of my favorite pictures: Ryan on top of being camera man, capturing my face when I won top interview!
Coming into the gala with my dad
Walking into the gala
My dad and I
Posing on stage!
Lining up for the court
So many pictures, my cheeks started to hurt!
Posing with one of our judges, Janette Smith, after the show. It was fun meeting her up close and personal!
Well, I am HOME! And sick as can be! It took us what seemed like forever to pack up all of my stuff from my "home" in room 728. I probably will sleep for the next week. Winter hibernation in summer! Well, I was 1st runner up! I WAS SOOO excited and honored to place so high. I know it was a very difficult year and I truly believe that the decision had to have been extremely close. But God’s plan did not include me being Miss California this year. However, as Kristy Cavinder and I stood there looking into each other’s eyes, hands squeezed tightly, I felt a sense of overwhelming tranquility. Because I knew either way, California would luck out because I felt either of us would have represented California well. I was already grateful to be standing in one of those two spots.
During the top 12 announcement, I was called as number 6, and I think I was more nervous to remember which way to go, I almost didn’t have time to be nervous! Season drilled the “magic numbers” into our heads over and over, but when I was walking to center stage, I just blanked for a second so as I was saying thank you, I had to regroup and think logically, “okay, Jenna, where do you go?” Luckily I remembered and I laughed because my FIRST thought was, “Okay, Season, you better be proud!” We were rushed off of stage and I immediately had to lose all modesty because we had helpers assist us in changing, spraying “butt glue”, and putting on jewelry and doing hair and make-up. Kristy Cavinder and I shared a dressing room. We kept laughing and laughing because we were so shocked. It was fun getting ready with her, she is so sweet and sincere and we even had some time to goof off as we waited during intermission and take pictures together! I almost don’t even remember this time because it was such a flash. I happened to be in one of the worst positions (being contestant number 6) I had to race to change into talent and then race to get my swimsuit on and get onto stage. The backstage crew was so helpful and it made the night run much smoother.
When they announced top 5, I was the FIFTH to be called, so I was so shocked still that, again, I didn’t have time to be nervous for my on stage question! I was asked how the recession has affected me personally. I mentioned that as a student who paid for school I have had to prioritize spending in my life and I have sacrificed outings with friends, I never ate out, and basically I only spend money on things I know I absolutely need.
The final results were: 4th runner up: Miss Southland Brittney Henry, 3rd Runner up: Miss City of Orange Noelle Freeman, 2nd Runner Up: Miss Southwest California Megan Lyne, 1st runner up (me) and MISS CALIFORNIA 2009: Kristy Cavinder!!!
Finally, I think this is a great time to announce that I will be going to the National Sweetheart Pageant! I am so excited to be California's Sweetheart Representative. It feels surreal to be part of such an incredible bunch of ladies. Veena Goel, Cheri Gorin, Angel Blue, Elise Horner, Amy Yetasook, Jennifer Lee, Megan Lyne… all girls who I REALLY look up to and I feel so honored to now join them as California’s Sweetheart! So, for those of you who don’t know about the National Sweetheart Pageant, let me tell you a little more about it. The Sweetheart pageant is held in Hoopeston, Illinois (we googled it- population around 6,000!) And it is a pageant for Miss America state pageant runner-ups. The pageant is just like a Miss America pageant, but is not formally affiliated with Miss America. Essentially, it is an extra shot at scholarships and apparently a week to be treated like royalty in such a small town! I have heard from a few of the girls mentioned above that it was one of the best experiences they had ever had. AND there is a parade, just like Miss America does, which hosts each state representative. You know me! Parade?! I’m THERE! I hear there is a sweet corn eatin' contest, too. We are now accepting applications. I was honored that Miss California considered me to go, and I will work so hard to do my best and make California proud.
Thank you EVERYONE who has shown me unconditional love and support all week long. You know who you are so I don't need to name names. You will forever hold a very special spot in my heart and your kindness will never be forgotten.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Miss California Day 8- Friday June 26th
I was thinking about keeping my hair exactly as is...
Practicing on the piano
Evening Wear Competition
I am tired, so there is not much time to update everyone! We had to record our talent introductions for the top 12. I cried because I sound so horrible. I think I realized that as much as I had prayed, my voice would not be joining me that night. I finally threw my hands up and told myself it didn’t matter. The judges heard my real voice on Tuesday so I’m sure they would remember I normally don’t sound like I have been a lifelong smoker! I was the last one to be recorded and I just wanted to get it over with, so while other girls spent a long time huddled in corners scribbling something to say, I walked into the room and started talking and then said, “okay, that works! Thank you!” and walked out.
I opened up my two notes from my ED Stephanie Schutt and my Grandma Vicki. Each gave me a note for every day I have been at the competition and they really lifted my spirits today. I appreciated them every day, but especially today because I have been feeling kind of down- mostly because I am not feeling well!
I was very proud of myself for on stage question. I was asked what I was most looking forward to on President Obama’s agenda. I said (something along the lines of) I was looking forward to universal healthcare, but first I had some questions I wanted him to answer before he had my full support, including how he will screen for doctor quality, and also how he plans to protect patient confidentiality. I said once my questions were answered I could support him and we could be on our way to a proactive system. I had some claps from the audience, too. As a pre-med student I had SOOOO many other things to say about Universal Healthcare, but as any contestant could agree it is nerve wracking to stand in front of such a large crowd, knowing you are being graded and judged, and trying to say something intelligent! I kept telling myself, breathe, smile, speak. All in all, I was satisfied with my answer. I think we all come off and say, “I wish I would have said…” or “I wished I would have added…”, but I did what I did, and I was SO relieved that the competition was OVER!
At the visitation after, Bob distributed several awards, including my rookie ED, Stephanie Schutt, and two other rookie ED’s who also happen to hold a VERY special spot in my heart, Rachelle King (Gavilan Hills) and Laura Johnson (San Jose). We also received some devastating news. Jane Maxwell, who I had gotten to know very well through Miss Sacramento, had passed away earlier that day. There are no words of consolation any of us can offer to April Smith and the Sacramento committee, but I hope they know my heart goes out to them and they are in my heart and prayers during this very difficult time. I had to fight back tears because I can personally attest that I was fortunate to have been blessed with Jane’s incredible and amazing personality and experience part of her commitment and dedication to the Miss California Organization. It is women who truly believe in this organization that keep us running and she will forever be a part of our memories.
Of course, and congrats to Friday nights preliminary winners, Megan Lyne for talent (double prelim winner, you go girl!) and Kristy Cavinder for evening wear! Hey, at least I got to go BEFORE Kristy in evening gown, she is stunningly beautiful. Summer really worked her talent, too. I was such a proud roommate. I ran down from the backstage dressing room to watch her flirt with the audience in her sassy jazz ballet en point. I am looking forward to tomorrow and seeing what the judges have in store for us! Wonderful job ladies!!!
Practicing on the piano
Evening Wear Competition
I am tired, so there is not much time to update everyone! We had to record our talent introductions for the top 12. I cried because I sound so horrible. I think I realized that as much as I had prayed, my voice would not be joining me that night. I finally threw my hands up and told myself it didn’t matter. The judges heard my real voice on Tuesday so I’m sure they would remember I normally don’t sound like I have been a lifelong smoker! I was the last one to be recorded and I just wanted to get it over with, so while other girls spent a long time huddled in corners scribbling something to say, I walked into the room and started talking and then said, “okay, that works! Thank you!” and walked out.
I opened up my two notes from my ED Stephanie Schutt and my Grandma Vicki. Each gave me a note for every day I have been at the competition and they really lifted my spirits today. I appreciated them every day, but especially today because I have been feeling kind of down- mostly because I am not feeling well!
I was very proud of myself for on stage question. I was asked what I was most looking forward to on President Obama’s agenda. I said (something along the lines of) I was looking forward to universal healthcare, but first I had some questions I wanted him to answer before he had my full support, including how he will screen for doctor quality, and also how he plans to protect patient confidentiality. I said once my questions were answered I could support him and we could be on our way to a proactive system. I had some claps from the audience, too. As a pre-med student I had SOOOO many other things to say about Universal Healthcare, but as any contestant could agree it is nerve wracking to stand in front of such a large crowd, knowing you are being graded and judged, and trying to say something intelligent! I kept telling myself, breathe, smile, speak. All in all, I was satisfied with my answer. I think we all come off and say, “I wish I would have said…” or “I wished I would have added…”, but I did what I did, and I was SO relieved that the competition was OVER!
At the visitation after, Bob distributed several awards, including my rookie ED, Stephanie Schutt, and two other rookie ED’s who also happen to hold a VERY special spot in my heart, Rachelle King (Gavilan Hills) and Laura Johnson (San Jose). We also received some devastating news. Jane Maxwell, who I had gotten to know very well through Miss Sacramento, had passed away earlier that day. There are no words of consolation any of us can offer to April Smith and the Sacramento committee, but I hope they know my heart goes out to them and they are in my heart and prayers during this very difficult time. I had to fight back tears because I can personally attest that I was fortunate to have been blessed with Jane’s incredible and amazing personality and experience part of her commitment and dedication to the Miss California Organization. It is women who truly believe in this organization that keep us running and she will forever be a part of our memories.
Of course, and congrats to Friday nights preliminary winners, Megan Lyne for talent (double prelim winner, you go girl!) and Kristy Cavinder for evening wear! Hey, at least I got to go BEFORE Kristy in evening gown, she is stunningly beautiful. Summer really worked her talent, too. I was such a proud roommate. I ran down from the backstage dressing room to watch her flirt with the audience in her sassy jazz ballet en point. I am looking forward to tomorrow and seeing what the judges have in store for us! Wonderful job ladies!!!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Miss California Day 7- Thursday June 25th
John Cosby and I at the visitation
After I won Preliminary Talent
Piano picture 1- thank you Huey, Loryn Weddle's boyfriend!
Piano picture 2- thank you Huey, Loryn Weddle's boyfriend!
I was obviously SO excited! I think I am most proud of this award!
Part of my fan club: Woods cheering on Team Harvey
Ernie Koneck, Executive Director of Miss Hollywood/ President of PPA and I
Me and Melissa Chatty Miss California 2007
Incredible Mary McCaman and I at visitation. If you like anything I am wearing, it is ALL from Mary's closet!
My pageant mom... my wonderful boyfriend of almost 7 years Ryan and I
Me and amazing Joyce, my "ex" ED! Beautiful inside and out. She always cheers me on!
Stephanie and I sharing a special moment to celebrate my Preliminary Talent Award!
Coming in with food, naturally.
I had my talent tonight, and I WON PRELIMINARY TALENT! I cried, actually cried, when they called me. I have never been so shocked. Never, ever, ever. I know how hard I worked, but really? Me?? With SOOO many phenomenal talents?! Wow. I am floored, humbled, honored, ecstatic, and more excited than I have EVER been. In my opinion, I could go home tonight happy and content with no other awards. Stephanie, my ED, was sooooo worth it above anything else! She literally jumped from her seat possibly a few feet into the air and was jumping up and down. I felt a sense of pride because I have wanted to make her proud since day 1. Of course I want to do well for myself, but she has done so much for Summer, Brittany, and me that she deserves some kind of reward! Almost my whole family was there too. It was so fun to look out and see my family holding my signs just hollering with joy. It was possibly one of the best moments I have ever experienced in my life. I have no voice- not exaggerating either- no voice whatsoever. So when I went to the center of the stage I let out a little squeal of a thank you to the judges and then I shut my mouth because I didn’t want them to hear my voice like that! I need to save it so I have it tomorrow for on stage question! My roommate Summer had swimsuit and she looked incredible. She has worked so hard and it really showed off! She is a beautiful person inside and out and we have had a lot of fun together so far. As I sit here writing this I realize how fortunate I am to be surrounded by so many fantastic and loving people!
I wanted to congratulate our other Preliminary Winner, Kate Brewster, who won Top Evening Wear. What a sweet, humble, and genuinely nice girl. I was honored to share the experience with her! So, again, Congrats Kate!
After I won Preliminary Talent
Piano picture 1- thank you Huey, Loryn Weddle's boyfriend!
Piano picture 2- thank you Huey, Loryn Weddle's boyfriend!
I was obviously SO excited! I think I am most proud of this award!
Part of my fan club: Woods cheering on Team Harvey
Ernie Koneck, Executive Director of Miss Hollywood/ President of PPA and I
Me and Melissa Chatty Miss California 2007
Incredible Mary McCaman and I at visitation. If you like anything I am wearing, it is ALL from Mary's closet!
My pageant mom... my wonderful boyfriend of almost 7 years Ryan and I
Me and amazing Joyce, my "ex" ED! Beautiful inside and out. She always cheers me on!
Stephanie and I sharing a special moment to celebrate my Preliminary Talent Award!
Coming in with food, naturally.
I had my talent tonight, and I WON PRELIMINARY TALENT! I cried, actually cried, when they called me. I have never been so shocked. Never, ever, ever. I know how hard I worked, but really? Me?? With SOOO many phenomenal talents?! Wow. I am floored, humbled, honored, ecstatic, and more excited than I have EVER been. In my opinion, I could go home tonight happy and content with no other awards. Stephanie, my ED, was sooooo worth it above anything else! She literally jumped from her seat possibly a few feet into the air and was jumping up and down. I felt a sense of pride because I have wanted to make her proud since day 1. Of course I want to do well for myself, but she has done so much for Summer, Brittany, and me that she deserves some kind of reward! Almost my whole family was there too. It was so fun to look out and see my family holding my signs just hollering with joy. It was possibly one of the best moments I have ever experienced in my life. I have no voice- not exaggerating either- no voice whatsoever. So when I went to the center of the stage I let out a little squeal of a thank you to the judges and then I shut my mouth because I didn’t want them to hear my voice like that! I need to save it so I have it tomorrow for on stage question! My roommate Summer had swimsuit and she looked incredible. She has worked so hard and it really showed off! She is a beautiful person inside and out and we have had a lot of fun together so far. As I sit here writing this I realize how fortunate I am to be surrounded by so many fantastic and loving people!
I wanted to congratulate our other Preliminary Winner, Kate Brewster, who won Top Evening Wear. What a sweet, humble, and genuinely nice girl. I was honored to share the experience with her! So, again, Congrats Kate!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)