The goods, bads, in betweens and understandings.

Originally, I was going to dedicate this post to my entire Thanksgiving weekend.  That would be my Wednesday-Sunday of last week.  No secrets about it.  But I’ve decided that’s not all I’m going to focus on.  I will post some photos and share some details about my weekend but I want to share how happy/thankful/grateful I am for the people in my life.  This last week has seemed to open my eyes to how truly blessed I am and I can’t ignore that.

But to start my weekend:  A drive to Sioux City watching the rain turn to drizzle and then to ice, on my car.  Upon my arrival my little sister Dani and I had a bit of a photo shoot.  

I had to catch up on the, apparently, new ‘cool’ wear-your-pony-on-the-top-of-your-head hairstyle.  (I beg to differ)  Thanksgiving eve and day were filled with tons of cooking and baking.  And after thanking God for the many blessing we all shared that day, my mama Teri, sister Dani, and sister Chabree and her boyfriend Travis and I got to enjoy all of our hard work.  I must say, no offense to Gma Mary, but this was indeed the best Thanksgiving dinner I have experienced. 

After dinner we all got on the computer and Skyped my sister in California, Brett.  It was great being able to see/talk to her and my bother-in-law and niece.   It has been a blessing to have a sister so close in Iowa, and a struggle having one all the way in California.  Although visiting is always a nice vacation, Brettie and her family are missed greatly.  (Here’s that shout out Bettie! Love you!)

My Friday began with dragging the sis out of bed at 6am, to get on the road to beat game day traffic.  Again, a photo shoot was a must, although my sister wasn’t thrilled with the idea, she caved.  

I then got to spend my entire day with my boyfriend Joel, my best friend Sarah, and my best friend Abby and her boyfriend Reid.  Cheering on the Huskers at the Colorado game was (much to my dismay) my first Husker game this year!!  But I bundled myself up in layer upon layers and stayed warm and had a great time.

Sarah, Abby, and I

Me and Joel

Saturday began much later, as I took a well deserving opportunity to sleep in.  I spent a ton of time trying to figure out what I would wear to my Out of State Performance and with some opinions via phone by my mom and from Joel, I decided.  I left Lincoln around 4pm and chatted on the phone with my Alabama’s Sweetheart Taylor Yates, and it wasn’t until I got off the phone with her (40 minutes outside of Sioux City) that I realized I had forgotten my cocktail dress for my performance.  With some frantic searching at the local Younker’s, mom and I found a wonderful dress (on sale at that) and I thought my problems had been solved. 

I forgot my hair product.  I forgot my tennis shoes for work Monday.  I forgot my toothbrush and toothpaste (luckily I keep an extra at my sister’s house!)  Mother and I had our fair share of arguments on the drive to Minneapolis, and a fair share of wrong turns on the way home.  By the time we got back to Sioux City after my Out of State Performance, I was eager to get home.  So instead of spending the night in Iowa I packed two pieces of pumpkin pie in some Glad-wear and left town for Lincoln.  I had a half tank of gas and nothing to drink so I pulled over at a gas station to get a redbull…and couldn’t find my debit card.  It was this moment that I nearly lost it. 

I was once asked in an interview, “Many titleholders, especially state title holders, have blogs.  All of them are always positive.  People clearly realize that not everyone is perfect, like these girls are making it seem.  Do you think its okay to include negative things in a blog that everyone can see?”  Folks, this is my negativity coming out right now.  Not everything in the life of a titleholder goes smoothly, just like anyone else.  Thanksgiving weekend was stressful and overwhelming and I take all the blame for it.  It was my decision to cram everything into the weekend that I did and understood that it would be crazy.  And it was.  But just because I’m a titleholder, I’m not excluded from stress or arguments with my mom or forgetful mishaps or complaints.  I am human like everyone else and these things happen.  But a phone call, Christmas lights, a clean house, candles and a hug solved it all.  

And the gratefulness begins.

Through all of this stress I dealt with, I began realizing how many things I have to be thankful for.  And how many people count on my good attitude daily and the smile I wear on my face.  Yes, because I am a real person, a real girl, I suffer real problems, but at the same time, I hold certain expectations of myself to turn those things around as fast as possible.  The week continued with little stresses here and there but it seemed with every stress I had, I was able to see a positive side of the same situation.  I sometimes forget that my behavior affects so many people.  I usually do a great job maintaining my normal carefree, happy, excited-self, but there are times where that fades.  But as the week progressed, my attitude was much better and my appreciation for everyone surrounding me has grown.  I got to spend my Friday night at Beta’s Formal with Joel and then family Christmas Saturday.  In the short amount of time I had to make relationships with everyone this week/weekend, I could see and feel the care in their eyes. 

As Miss Omaha I am representing so many positive programs and organizations…it’s inspirational to tell everyone all the things I get to do (like the Polar Plunge next weekend!) and everything I represent.  I find joy in being a part of such an amazing program.  At this point in my… everything, my heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude.  Despite all the things that have gone wrong, that are going wrong, or that could go wrong, I am in the happiest place I have ever been.  During my entire week last week I felt the need to cry because of my negative stresses, but this morning I fought back tears of joy; in realization that I am loved by those around me and in acknowledgement that the little negatives in life, can’t take away, me.  I’m always going to be who I am just polished at times and crazy at other times. 

Thanks for listening to my complaints, conquers, and sap story.

Youtube adventures of the day: 

 This song is for my Abby.  Cheers to a private laundry party and watching old episodes of GLEE on my own :)

I think this song does a great job in describing my realizations this week.  Please listen & I hope you enjoy.

Sealed with love,
Kayla
Miss Omaha 2011 :)

Out of state performance!!

This particular blog has been mulling around in my mind for an entire week now and I have finally found time to post it!  To all my readers, particularly Rance, here is the blog you’ve been waiting for.  I had quite the adventurous Thanksgiving weekend full of family, food, friends, and traveling.  In the course of my five day holiday, I spent 17 ½ hours driving.  Crazy, yes, but definitely well worth it.  I’m going to leave out a huge chuck of my weekend for another post to follow and focus on my BIG experience on Sunday. 

In September this year, I had the honor of competing at the National Sweetheart Pageant in Hoopeston, Illinois.  I competed with 37 girls from different states and had an amazing time.  I have been trying to stay in contact with many of the girls via phone calls and Facebook creeping.  If part of my daily creep attacks of the Sweetheart girls, I noticed that Miss Minnesota’s Sweetheart, Lauren Johnson(current Miss Twin Cities), was going to be performing at the Mall of America.  I thought to myself…”That’s only seven and a half hours from Lincoln…I wonder when she’s performing, maybe I could go watch!”

So…the adventure starting churning.  I asked Lauren when she’d be performing and told her all about my idea of coming up to visit her and make my first trip to the Mall of America.  She told me she and her sister title holder, Aja Majkrzak, would be performing on November 28^th.  A little side note here: Lauren’s pageant director, Kathy Shellum, commented on my Facebook post and told me she had judged me at Miss Omaha last year and that I should come and perform with her titleholders!! :D  Great idea?  YES!  After working out a few kinks, I had agreed to be at the Mall of America on the 28^th at 11am. 

This was originally supposed to be a trip of my own because I couldn’t find anyone who was willing to ride with me and home, but it turned out that I needed to be in Sioux City (where my big sis Chabree lives) on Saturday, making the 7 ½ hour drive only 5 hours.  And after a little convincing, I was able to talk my mom into making the drive with me.  Let’s just say that 4:45am isn’t usually my typical holiday weekend wakeup call, but in order to get to Minneapolis in time we needed to be on the road at 6am.  I conned mom into driving so I could catch some more shut eye and before I knew it, we were in Minneapolis pulling into the Mall of America parking garage.  A little wardrobe swap in the car and the mounting of my crown and I was set!

Me, Aja & Lauren

Lauren performing. 

I was SO anxious to see Lauren that I nearly screamed when I saw her beautiful face coming around the corner!  After some pictures and catch up we were ready to begin the performance.  Lauren started the show playing the piano, followed by Aja playing the violin. During their performance, I sat in the audience in my crown and sash watching the shoppers showing interest in what was taking place on stage.  One particular shopper stood out to me.  Her name is Ella. 

          Ella was with her dad and grandpa, and I caught her staring with amazement at the two “princesses” on stage.  She looked so eager to run right up on stage to say hello to them.  I got her dad’s attention and after a few minutes of trying to peel her eyes of the stage she turned, looked at my sash and then my crown, and as her eyes grew wider, so did the smile on her face.  It’s these moments that make everything worthwhile for me.  I waved and smiled at her and coaxed her into coming to talk to me.  She told me all about her day, how she was going to go on a ride in the Nickelodeon Universe.  We spent some time talking about her family; she has one brother.  When I asked her if she was older than him or younger than him she responded like this: “I’m older than him…but, but he’s older than me too.”  SO precious!  She told me that her brother was shopping with mom, and I asked if she liked to shop too.    We also counted how many princesses there were and took some pictures too. 

These moments, these little girls, make it so clear of the importance we, as titleholders have.  Ella, among thousands of other girls, looks up to each of us in so many ways.  Seeing the joy in her eyes as I took 10 minutes out of my day to talk to her, is indescribable.  I like to think that this is a moment that she won’t forget for many years.  Her grandpa told me as they were leaving; that she LOVES dressing up like a princess and that spending time with her, really made her day.  She left the rotunda with a smile on her face so large that it lit up the room.  She turned around, ran up to me and said, “It was so nice meeting you!”  She melted my heart.

I went back to watching the performance on stage where Aja and Lauren had switched things up (Aja on piano and Lauren singing).  Lauren had mentioned she hadn’t ever really performed in front of an audience, so I took the liberty in recording it for her. :)  Unfortunately, I can't share that video with you, as my blogger wont allow it...hummph.  But it is beautiful :) 

I was then asked to come on stage and talk a bit about myself and my platform, before we all performed together.  I loved watching the audience and shoppers as I was singing, especially the younger children who got big smiles when I waved to them.  After singing a few Christmas carols the performance was over.  I would have loved to perform more but I still had a great time.  It was lovely meeting Aja, and seeing both Kathy and Lauren again.  The bittersweet moments of goodbyes ended with a small photo shoot and the joys of seeing each other in a little over a MONTH at Miss America in Las Vegas, Nevada!!  WOOOOO!!

Speaking about my platform, Make Music Rock.

Performing with Lauren and Aja.

My beautiful friend, Lauren!

I had a wonderful time I gained experience as well.  I received some helpful critiques and got to do a little shopping.  I must say though, I don’t think I will be making many trips back to the Mall of America…I don’t think it was exactly my cup of tea.  I like the internet, and California, and Denver, Vegas…etc.  But I loved my first trip and am very thankful for my Sweet<3, Lauren, and for the opportunity I had in performing.  Can’t wait to see you in VEGAS!!

The real us :)

In conclusion, as always, I leave you with some videos from YouTube :)

Laughter from Sarah during our study date!
Song obsession of the week...or maybe longer :)

I have been a little loopy this week as the semester is wrapping up.  I think that it's finally getting to me, all the hustle and bustle I do on a daily basis.  This song makes me smile when I'm thinking about all that's good in my life instead of the struggles, even makes me dance :)

And a little Christmas music!

Off to bed, for the beauty sleep I'll need for my exciting weekend.

Until next time,
Kayla
Miss Omaha :)

Dining Out with the Air Force!

AS 300 Cadets-Chris' class and I, in front of what looks like a giant penny.

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity of singing the national anthem for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 465 annual Dining Out.  This opportunity came to me only moments after I was crowned Miss Omaha 2011.  After greeting my close family and friends I went out into the hallway and found Jessica States, Chris Jeffers, and Kayla Decker all running towards me in congratulations.  After some pictures and talk with friends I noticed that Chris was still hanging around.  He finally aproached me again and asked, "What are you doing November 20th?"  I almost had to laugh, because with the kind of schedule I run, thinking more than a day into the future is a challenge let alone an entire month.  But I found out what the event was and that it would be a Saturday night (usually a pretty safe free night in my planner) so I agreed.  It wasn't until the next day that I found out Miss Lincoln/Star City would be that same evening.  I will say that as Miss Omaha, I almost felt a sort of responsibility to be at the pageant.  But after consulting my director and my mama, we agreed that singing at the ROTC event would be a great place for more doors to be opened to me.  And I was a wonderful experience!  I am definintely satisfied with the decision I made. I do have to confess something here though...because the pageant was happening at the very time I was eating...I may or may not have been hiding my phone under the table at times awaiting updates from Miss State Fair, Kayla Decker :O....shhhhhh don't tell!!  Congrats to Jessica States, the new Miss Lincoln, and Rachel Foelinger, Miss Star City and Meghan Thalken, Miss Lincoln's Outstanding Teen! 

The fabulous Chris Jeffers, planner of the evening. 

Dining Out represents the most formal aspects of Air Force social life.  This event has been a tradition for many years for the Air Force, but not exclusively.  These dinners have become traditions in all the the branches of the armed forces.  It was interesting and entertaining to see some of these very traditions that were a part of the evening.  After the commencement of the Mess, I sang the National Anthem.  I had a different experience than ever before when I didn't get an applause after I sang.  I didn't take any offense to this when I realized the traditions and military procedures.  After many announcements and explanations of the evening, we were able to sit down for our wonderful meal.  I took this time to catch up with Chris and the Jeffers clan and to read the program book.  At the beginning of the night, a few rules were stated...little did I know that these rules covered an entire page in the program.  Here are just a few of my favorites:

• 5.  Thou shalt not leave the mess whilst convened.  Military protocol overrides all calls of nature.
• 9.  Thou shalt not murder the Queen's English.
• 15.  Thou shalt not laugh at ridiculously funny comments unless the President first show approval.
• 23.  Thou shalt express they approval by tapping thy spoon on the table.  Clapping of thy hands will not be tolerated.
• 24.  Thou shalt enjoy thyself to the fullest.     

You may consider some of these rules a bit...ridiculous (no clapping, no obnoxious laugher) but don't worry, we were allowed a 15 minute intermission! :)  All in all, the evening was great, even with the harsh rules.  Along with dinner and some commentary provided by Mr. Vice and Mr. Versa, I had the honor of witnessing another tradition...shown below!

The grog.

Yes, this is indeed a toilet bowl, and in my hand is a cup full of the concoction that was inside that very toilet bowl.  The bowl was filled with mildly distasteful beverages including: pickle juice, ginger ale, kool-aid, mustard, lemon juice and a few other ingredients.  Although I though it would be of great entertainment to be sent to the grog myself to drink that nasty fluid...I didn't get sent!  There were a few ways to be sent to the grog.  If you were caught committing a serious breach of protocol or violating any of the 24 rules of the mess, you would be punished by being forced to drink from the grog.  Chris was actually sent because, as the coordinator of the whole event, he set the date during a Nebraska Husker football game.  At the time everyone thought that was a horrible thing, when after seeing the results, I think we were lucky to miss it!  Cadets were also sent with rhymes.  Rhymes were created to, in a sense, humiliate or poke fun at other cadets.  One cadet had a rhyme recited to him about driving a VW bug...while his girlfriend drives a Mustang!  I would have to say this was my favorite part of the evening.  The creativity of the rhymes was very impressive, many even came up with rhymes to throw back and defend their own trip to the grog.

I asked Chris if I could be invited back again next year to sing, and when I do I will come fully equip with a stack of rhymes to send people to the grog! :)

Mr. Vice and Mr. Versa, myself, Chris and a couple lucky cadets chosen for this photo shoot.

Lt. Col Golda T. Eldridge Jr. was the guest speaker of the evening and the newest Hall of Fame inductee.

The evening ended with a speech from the distinguished speaker and Detachment 465 Hall of Fame Inductee, Lt. Col Golda T. Eldridge Jr.  His speech was directed at the cadets but I found it to be very conveniently comparable to the normal citizen, like myself, as well.  Lt Col Eldridge shared with us things that he wished someone would have shared with him; setting goals, making decisions, mistakes, and failures and how to handle them.  He explained that many of us usually seem to have short term goals and long term goals, but we lack the goals that link those two things together.  He challenged the room of cadets not only to consider the immediate goals and the big picture but also the little things that lead up to that, because those are the goals that are sometimes the most important.  In making decisions, he shared that there are three different kinds of decisions; good decisions, bad decisions, and no decision at all.  He encouraged us to make a good decision as often as possible, and when you couldn't to make a bad decision, because any decision is better than no decision at all.  "We all make mistakes," he said, but he emphasized that when those mistakes are made, make them only once and learn from them, and don't make the same mistake again.  The same idea went to failures.  We will all have failures in life, but it is key to learn from them and move past them.  I enjoyed his speech because I was able to relate to these things.  I feel that we can all relate to these situations and I felt that it was very helpful information to be reminded of.

Family picture minus Britt and Charlie.  This is my Team Jeffers...or Batt now I guess!

And this section of my blog is dedicated to my Jeffers family.  I am blessed to have them in my life!  I don't remember exactly when I officially met each of them but they have been watching me since I was a 17 year old competing for Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen 2007.  At that time I only knew them as Brittany's family, but over the years I have had the opportunity to get to know them personally and am honored by their support.  I specifically remember talking to Mama Lisa after my performance at the Saturday morning brunch at Miss Nebraska 2008.  It was the morning after I gave up my title and I was performing two songs, and afterwards Lisa came up to me and shared that I had nearly brought her husband, Scott to tears with my performance. :)  Now I don't know if that's entirely true but I was so happy to hear that.  Since then I have had their support.  It's such a great feeling knowing that I have supporters outside of my immediate family, who know the ropes, and are always there to root for me and encourage me when I need it.  It was wonderful getting to catch up on my National Sweetheart experiences and my year as Miss Omaha with them.  (By the way...Scott was one of the first people to wish me good luck finals night at National Sweetheart!  It completely made my evening!)  I am so very thankful for each of you and I love you all.  You've been some of my biggest fans, and that means the world!  I cant wait to hear the increase of cheers at Miss Nebraska this year :)

My date for the evening.  We made quite the stud-ly couple!

And for Chris, thank you for inviting me to perform and for being my date.  I had talked to Chris just moments before I arrived at the Cornhusker Marriot Hotel, and he told me to walk in the doors and look for him.  I suggested that he be the one looking for me since you don't exactly blend into a crowd with a shimmery crown on your head.  I walked into a room full of navy blues and thought I was going to have problems finding the man of the hour, luckily the whole crown search worked and he found me.  As I mentioned before, Chris planned this entire event, and because of that he looked a little bit like a chicken with his head cut off, running around making sure everything was done.  And I must say that it helped because the evening went wonderfully!  He did a fabulous job with the entire thing, proud moment!  At some point during a mini photo shoot we were having Chris told me that some of his friends were mistaking me for his sister, Brittany.  I guess the crowns do look the same...although if I remember correctly, there is quite a height difference between Britt and I :).  And not to worry, he explained that, no, I was not his sister but Miss Omaha, and his date.  I was thrilled to participate in this event and I had a blast the entire night.  Plans for the community service book page have already been thought of, thanks to Mama Lisa :)

Despite the Friday night full of doing laundry, the Huskers loss, this was a perfect weekend.  Quite frankly, I've been running into those more and more these days and I've got to admit, I LOVE it!  I am eagerly anticipating the holiday season and can't wait for Christmas.  The YouTubing experiences begin! :)

Potentially my new favorite Christmas song for the year!

A clip from one of my favorite Christmas movies :)

Of course I can't completely focus on Christmas just yet.  So I will share a couple songs I couldn't get out of my head yesterday.  A great weekend to make a great Sunday!

New bumpin' jam!

I'm all dressed up in love <3

The short week is nearing an end already, and I've got an extra kick in my step as it is...this week is going to fly!  I'm anxious to see my family and to spend my only Husker game of the year with some of my closest friends.  I am also doing something crazy this weekend but I can't explain until after I've done it!

Oh ya, yesterday was my half birthday!  The count down to my golden Birthday, the big 21, has begun!!!

Full of love,

Kayla

Miss Omaha

ps.  I purchased tires for my car Bernice this weekend (I feel great about it because I paid for them on my own...and it's not exactly a small purchase) and while at Graham Tire here in Lincoln I met an incredible woman named Judy.  We had great conversation about Toyota's, football, school, pageants (her niece is a former Miss Ohio) ballroom dancing, and life.  It was just a humble experience to hear her stories coming from Germany, being a medic in the Army, teaching ballroom dancing, to raising her family.  Her encouragement for my own experiences, is what caught me off guard.  I could tell that she was genuine.  She laughed while saying that when I become famous, I wont remember ever meeting her.  I told her that I have come to the realization that it is often the little things and little people and experiences that make the biggest impacts in our lives.  Judy, has definitely impacted my life and I am thankful for our meeting and for our conversation.  She is someone that I will not forget. 

lovin' life and everything in it <3

Pictures, Doctor, and NEWS!!!!! :D

I have so much to share today, but I thought I would start with my photos.  I explained my experience in my last post, but these are the results.  Jackie gave me a flash drive of 110 edited photos...do you realize how difficult it is to narrow 110 photos to...hmm..lets say three different headshot photos...I'm ready to pull my hair out!  I just can't decide :/  SO I decided to post 20 photos in a Facebook album and take opinions!  I have a hard enough time deciding what color of socks I'm going to wear in the morning (just for the record, I only have black, white and 4 pairs of colored ones...) so making this decision has become far more challenging that I anticipated.  I have included four of my favorites and I hope you enjoy them!

New headshot?!

This photo makes it into the top 5...I love the colors!

My last post also included a big, nasty, green, mucus man...I was suffering a very nasty cough (still am...a little bit).  I had mentioned that I was going to go to the doctor on Tuesday if it hadn't cleared...well I caved!  After struggling with sleep Sunday night and waking up for work at 5:30am, I didn't know if I would survive (over-exaggerated of course).  I got to work at 6:30am (I work at a daycare in the infant room) and as I was hacking my lungs out, trying to contain my slobber and germs under my armpits my kind-of-boss, Brenda shared with me this:  "I just don't think parents want to hear that right before they pass you their child for the day..."  So, for the first time in my life...I got sent home from work.  I took advantage of this free time and after scheduling a doctors appointment, I slept, and slept, and slept.  I've gotten into this teeny habit of completely filling my schedule with work, school, and activities and then shoving social life into whatever is left.  Because of this...I get a little rundown.  

I'm thinking this one might be perfect for autograph pages!

Extra sleep and the far from delicious medication from the doctor, and I am finally feeling better!  I have lost the constant ab workout from the severe cough attacks...at least I was considering it a workout.  But I did gain quite the two-pack from all the cough-influencing crunches :)  


On to the "NEWS!!!!!!" I mentioned in the title.  As you know, my platform has recently changed to "Make Music Rock" the importance of music education.  I have been looking into different ideas on promoting my platform in the community and I found it.  For the first time I'm announcing...I just teamed up with the Academy of Rock, here in Lincoln!!  Academy of Rock is a non-profit organization that reaches out to children and youth in the community, and teaching them "how to rock".  Professorial musicians around Lincoln  are the instructors at AOR teaching basics in guitar, drums, voice and keyboard.  They offer classes from beginning levels to advanced and place you with other students to create a band.  "AOR builds self esteem and confidence, triggers creativity, and taps into a part of each kid that is just screaming to get out."  I met with the director, Bob Okamoto, and discussed different things that I will be helping with.  I will be volunteering in some of the after school programs AOR does in the community, working with K-2 grades, providing vocal direction.  I will also be sitting in and working with some of the advanced classes and original bands.  

 A few things that I hope to accomplish, being teamed up with AOR, are getting their name out in the community (many people aren't even aware of this organization, even after being around for four year), helping them with their funding (something that Bob told me was their biggest need.  They only charge what is absolutely necessary not leaving much for supplies or instruments), and being the support that they are giving the kids.  I want to make it my own personal goal to raise enough money for Academy of Rock to purchase two guitars.  Bob gave me a tour of the classrooms and I asked him if the kids had their own instruments or if AOR provided them.  He told me that most of the children bring their own but one of the things he would love is to have guitars for children to use, especially those who may not be able to afford them.  Bod showed me the guitars that they have and referred to them as "junk."  With upwards of 140 students playing of them, they will get worn out but guitars in better condition would be very appreciated.  It was then that I made up my mind to try and raise money to purchase two quality guitars to be kept at AOR for students to use.  CRAZY right?!?!  I am beyond excited and thrilled and ecstatic to get started!  Fundamentally, AOR is exactly what I want to promote.  They aren't a public school affiliation, but they are providing children with a huge opportunity to follow their dreams in music and their passion for something that isn't offered in school. 


Academy of Rock Mission Statement:
Through positive mentorship and instruction from professional musicians and artists, the Northeast Family Center’s Academy of Rock program will provide the opportunity for youth of all ages to explore their musical and artistic interests, engage these youth in a creative atmosphere, and empower them to become strong leaders and outstanding team members within a group and their community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or income.

So there you have it: my news, my health update, and my new photos.  I am off to figure my crazy schedule for next semester.  Juggling full time student status, a full time job at daycare, 4 piano students, a boyfriend (yes I have one...a really good one at that), volunteering at AOR, and my newest edition: directing a show choir, scheduling can be quite difficult.  But I can do it!  I think I can!  I think I can!  I know I can!  I know I can!  Keep me in your thoughts as this crazy life of mine continues and I will continue to update!


YouTube favorites of the week!
It makes me wanna DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!
Great jam :) I hope you enjoy!

I leave you with this photo...wouldn't it make a great autograph page...typical Kayla I'd say :)

Your Miss Omaha,

Kayla :)

Winter (cough) is (cough) COMING!!! (cough, cough)

In my last week...mucus has been ruling.  The title of this blog includes "cough's" because I can't seem to have a normal conversation without being constantly interrupted by this big nasty green guy.  Now, some of you may know my mother and her stubborn self, well, I must inform you that I have picked up on that characteristic from her and because of it, refuse to go to the doctor.  I find sheer dissatisfaction filling out paperwork, to be poked, gagged and prodded at, for the doctor to inform me that, yes indeed I have some chest congestion.  BUT...for everyone who is worried for my health I have made a deal with myself that come Tuesday, if I am not feeling better, I will indeed go to the doctor.  The crazy thing is...my mother requested, or rather threatened that I go.  I fully understand her concern (which in reality isn't necessarily for me, but herself) because she got bucked off her horse on the 2nd of the month and has a broken rib and one fractured one as well.  She informed me that if I have this cough of mine at Thanksgiving, and I give it to her...she'll die.  SO, to avoid the death of my mother, I am dedicated to the healing process.  (Mother is doing much better too!)

(I must insert this here because on Wednesday afternoon I got some very exciting news....BUT I can't share just yet as I need some details first!  This little note acts as my reminder to include this news ASAP!)

My weekend adventures started with my drive to Omaha for my rehearsal for "Dancing With Omaha's Stars!"  I actually headed up myself for a lesson and ran into my sister title holder, Mindy Schreiber, as she had her lesson right before me.  It was lovely seeing her :) and I got to officially meet her beau as well.  After Mindy had left, my dance partner, Jeremy and I, began.  We had already decided that he and I would be dancing the waltz for the competition and Friday we choose the music I will be dancing too!  I am SO very excited for this fundraising event!  I am a musician, not a dancer, although I'm trying really hard! :)  A lot of the waltz is posture and a lot of it is in the back and shoulders, and it all seems so much easier than it is, but I am loving it!  Jeremy and I started some of the choreography on Friday and will continue until the final performance on January 22nd in Omaha!  I sometimes catch myself looking in the mirrors when we rehearse and I get so excited when I see that I really can look like a graceful lady!  I know that's a difficult image to picture but I'm making it happen!  My excitement makes me giddy and jump around like a child in an ice cream store!  I'm thrilled to get this experience.    

After a little bit of a busy weekend, I got to wrap it up with an amazing photo shoot at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, NE.  Yes, I had my photos taken outside in today's 45-50ish degree weather.  The photographer, Jackie (whom I mentioned in my last post) was bundled up in a turtleneck, sweater, and jacket with a hooded scarf.  I was wearing a short sleeved shirt.  Brrrr!!!  Not only did the cold air chill my bones...but you must not forget what state we are in and take the wind into consideration.  The combination of wind, cold, and the amount of time I spent staring directly into the sunlight, forced my eyes to water causing me to have tears rolling down my cheeks throughout the whole shoot! 

 I had to take a photo of Jackie, taking a photo of me :)

Jackie did a great job with the photos and is actually editing them right now so I will have them by tomorrow and will be able to post some of them in my next blog!  Out of the three or four she showed me today, I'm going to have a hard time choosing!  The sunlight was great today, minus the tears, and gave us some great light to take photos.  There were many times I burst into laughter though.  As I was standing in my short sleeved shirt with a crown on my head, smiling brightly at the camera, many spectators were bundled up power walking, jogging, or simply driving by.  I couldn't help but notice their heads turns and the brakes come on as they passed me.  It was this that caused my laughter.  I am very curious to know what they thought of me standing there in a crown, very obviously freezing my tush off. :)  After about five different backgrounds and a couple outfit/earing changes, decided to call it quits.  After trying to figure out how to sign my name with frozen fingers, and a frantic search for my 'lost' phone (I stuck it into my boots while I was sitting so I wouldn't loose it out of my back pocket, you know...like I would remember where I placed it!) I headed home to bake some brownies, make supper and cuddle with my kitty.  

Despite my yucky cough, and the surprise snow this weekend, I am anticipating the coming winter months.  I am anxious for the appearances and activities on my calender and will continue to share!

   

Fancy and Me :) I think this may be our Christmas card photo. 

I leave you with some more favorite YouTube obsessions of the week!

Great Jam #1

You'll be sore if you try this...and I do EVERYTIME! :)

Have a fabulous Monday tomorrow!  Mine will be great!

Ps. Jackie just sent me a sneak peak photo from our shoot today!

Until next time,

Kayla

Miss Omaha :)

It's decided!

This is a look, somewhat like the one I had on my face today, processing my thoughts!

After hours upon hours of mind boggling ideas, I have chosen a new title for my platform.  Make Music Rock.  That's it.  You may be wondering why it would take me all day, my director, and two sisters to come to this conclusion, but it was quite a process.

I began my search on Facebook and got ideas like, "Striking the right chord: the importance of music education." or "Tune in.  The importance of music education."  But, these just weren't hitting the spot for me.  Mulling ideas around in my head brought no new ideas so I choose to start my business card creation on vistaprint.com.  After searching through hundreds of layouts, I narrowed down to six options.  A few girly, feminine ones, a couple music related ones, and a guitar one.  I spent a couple of hours typing in my information, back and forth, to and from one layout to the next until I had finally come down to three.  One was a piano, one a pretty purple and gold swirly one and a rockin' guitar.

Here is where I got stuck.  Because I couldn't decide on a name for my platform, I couldn't decide on a layout for my cards.  So the YouTubing began.  After seeing the returning McDonald's rib sandwich commercial, Matt White was stuck in my head so I began listening to his music, "Love," particularly, over and over and over again.

Song of the week!-Matt White, "Love"
Song of the week 2!-Matt White, "Best Days"

Also, during this time of contemplation, I had the opportunity to speak with a classmate who will be taking new head shots of me!  I am very excited myself, as well as for her!  Our inspiration, so far, is from a photo of Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund.


Jackie and I just LOVE it!  Jackie has just recently taken her hobby of photography deeper, photographing a wedding and I now me!  The plan is to do some outdoor photos next Sunday...in the predicted 51 degrees. :) Guess that means I can bust out my long sleeves.  Jackie doesn't have a website, but as soon as she does I will share it in a blog and as soon as my photos are done they will be here as well!

In this time, I also searched through many sites looking for ideas for potential evening gowns and talent costumes for Miss Nebraska as well! :) I'm oh so excited!


After speaking with my director, Marianne Grubaugh, and both my sisters, Chabree and Brett.  I decided on, Make Music Rock.  Since this decision was now made I could finally move forward in the business card area!  Before choosing my title, I was sure I was set on the piano...but since my platform is rockin' now...I chose the guitar.  It's not necessarily the most feminine, or typical card, but it's definitely me. :)  And I think that is very important.  After editing color, and font and going through twelve pages of products that I could have bought, I ordered my business cards and can't wait to receive them in two weeks!

All in all, it was a successful day to follow a very, well deserved, lazy weekend!

Hello to a new week!
Kayla
Miss Omaha :)

ps. I just started a Twitter account too!  Add that to the list of productivity for the day. :)

Miss Amazing Pageant 2010

The title itself, expresses exactly what this pageant is...Amazing.  Twenty seven wonderful girls and women with disabilities competed in talent, interview, personal introduction and evening gown this weekend, and I had the honor to judge them.  This was my first experience judging and I don't think that it could have been any better.  Congratulations to Jordan Somer, the director and founder of the Miss Amazing Pageant.  This was the fourth annual pageant for Jordan and she was nationally recognized by TeenNick in receiving the Halo Award.  TeenNick was in Omaha filming all day Saturday during rehearsals and the show.  Jordan, along with three other teens across the nation, were chosen for the Halo Award and are being recognized for the service they are doing in their communities.  Jordan shared with us that, because of the award, the Miss Amazing Pageant has received $25,000!  This will open up so many doors for Jordan and the pageant and I know she is eager to use the proceeds to build the program and possibly spread it to other states with the hopes of a national level pageant someday!

On a personal level, the difficulty judging this pageant was overwhelming.  I have been surrounded with "typical" pageants for years and have now been exposed to this experience, watching girls, some of whom can't even speak, get on stage in front of an audience, with a smile on their faces.  There were times when holding back my tears was almost unbearable.

We had a scale of 1-7 to score off of, 7 being the highest.  In judging the girls, we had to be conscience of each individual and the disability they had.  Some of the girls waltzed onto the stage with a huge smile and won the crowd over with their singing, while others struggled making eye contact.  This became a judging of the heart.  On Friday night, there was an optional talent showcase where we saw talents in singing, dancing, verbal presentations, and violin.  As judges, we had many difficult decisions to make.  One of my favorite talents was by the lovely Stephanie Mitten.

Stephanie won the overall talent award in her division, signing to "Amazing Grace."  It was the moment the music started playing on Friday, that goosebumps starting creeping up my arms and legs.  What beautiful words, being signed by such a beautiful girl.  The restraint it took to hold my tears back was unbelievable.  The great thing though, was after this moving talent from Stephanie, we got to hear Joan Jett, and Miley Cyrus and see dances of all kinds.  Miss Kelsey Marten came onto the stage with her hands in the air and her hips shaking.  My heart was filled with warmth because of the courage and happiness I saw beaming from all the contestants.

Saturday afternoon we began the interviews.  This process was difficult because we were again challenged with the differences in disabilities; where we had many with great answers and some who wouldn't talk at all.  One girl I specifically want to talk about was Miss Jessica Shanno.  In our one minute interview, she didn't have anything to say nor did she make eye contact with me once.  But when we were beckoned to wrap up the interviews, I asked her if I could shake her hand.  She reached her hand out to me, raised her head to look me in the eyes, and smiled.  It simply melted my heart.  Brittany Uriel was unable to speak for herself but had her sister with her to answer my questions.  When she heard her sister tell me that her evening gown for the night was purple her grin grew; when I asked Brittany if the sister who was with her was her favorite, her smile grew even more and then turned into laughter.  These responses where the ones I needed.  Those smiles make all the difference.  Those girls were competing for the experience, to learn, to meet new people, and to have a chance at something that they wouldn't normally get; to be a princess.  To have a crown placed on their head and a sash across their chest.

Saturday evening brought all the girls to the stage to compete in evening gown and to present a personal introduction.  Each girl got the chance to introduce themselves with the microphone and during the evening gown competition were escorted by family and friends.  After judging those areas and hearing some special entertainment, the girls were brought back on stage to receive their awards.  Each girl was awarded a medal and trophy for the talent competition and each with a tiara and trophy for the runner's up and the winner received a sash as well.

Seeing the looks on their faces as they received them, (as you can tell) was such a reward in itself.  It was such a successful pageant and such a humbling experience.  I am so very thankful to have gotten the opportunity to participate in this event and look forward to being involved in the future!

The beautiful Baylor Mulick with her monkey :)

 Fellow judge and new friend Nicole Pannenton, Mrs. Nebraksa. 

I have to add in a little side note here: Between interviews and the evening performance I had a few hours of free time.  Being in Omaha by myself I choose to take advantage of the shopping (duh) and headed out to Village Point.  A minor detail.  I was dressed in interview attire and had managed to forget any sort of normal clothing so I walked around the mall in 4 inch heels, a pencil skirt and top.  You'd think by the stares and gockey looks I got that people never would have seen a woman dressed up before!  After my little shopping spree, I still had an hour to burn and the growl in my tummy was screaming at me to feed it.  ("Feed me Semore!" Little Shop of Horrors-love that quote!)  Not knowing the Omaha area completely, I just started driving around the area the pageant was held.  I eventually found a little park and saw a sign for JuiceStop.  JuiceStop being one of my favorite snacks, I thought I'd just grab one to take with me to the pageant, when I noticed a sign for Jones Bros. Cupcakes and Deli.  

I have to include this in my blog because I had a wonderful experience at the deli!  I had the four cheese grilled cheese sandwich with tomato basil soup.  The employees were wonderful and made sure that I was enjoying my meal.  After I had eaten and cleaned up my mess, I headed to the restrooms.  The decor was beautiful and they were clean (a great asset in itself) but even better than that...softest toilet paper I've ever experienced in a public restroom!  I know that sounds crazy and you may wonder why its included in my blog but it is SO uncommon I just had too!  And I know there are women and maybe even men out there who would appreciate the higher quality toilet paper.  :) I even made a point to thank that owner of the store and compliment him on his toilet paper choosing, which he told me was his mothers idea!  Those mom's sure know what they are talking about!  I shared with he and some other employees why I was in the area and they sent with me a box of 6 cupcakes to share with the other judges!  If you are ever in the area, stop into Jones Bros. Cupcakes and tell them you heard from Miss Omaha, that they have great food, delicious cupcakes, and AMAZING toilet paper!

:) successful weekend...I'd say its been one of my favorites!

Sincerely, Kayla

Miss Omaha :)