Mrs. Maryland International is 3 Days Away

Boy, oh how the time has past. I can remember last year signing up for the pageant. Then it seemed so long away.

I am both wrecked with nervousness and excitement. I guess the best word to describe what I am feeling is anxious.

This year has been one filled with personal growth. I have made great strides with Beginning the Journey and have touched the lives of my community's youth by sharing the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) message. Also during this process I have learned so much about myself such as my strengths, weaknesses, the effects of negative self thought and how to believe in myself. Due to the self discovery and "stretching" involved in pageantry I have accomplished more this year than I could have imagined possibly in a 12 month period. To say I am proud of myself is an understatement.

With learning comes the opportunity for growth and with this being said I will let you know that I will continue my community service work but to a larger audience. This past year it became clear what is most important...our children since they are the future of our nation. My efforts to serve my community will embrace all programs that support empowering our youth. I began my journey but now the road is becoming more clear and the path easier to follow (if you have been a regular reader of my blog you will remember the original name of my blog was "Beginning the Journey."

I must now thank my sisters in pageantry whom I shared this year with. LaQuisha you have taught me to be brave and have faith. Lady we broke through the common "pageantry friendship" and have gained so much due to us not being competitors but instead supporters of each other and our causes. If I were to write about all that I have gained from you I would be writing for hours so I will just say THANK YOU instead. Enid, from the moment I met you I knew you had a heart of gold. Continue spreading the word about the importance of adoption because your story has authenticity and you are such a down to earth lady you will capture the attention of any room you walk into. Darlene, you are such a role model. I aspire to still have your spirit when I am your age. You have done amazing things to spread the importance of supporting our military families. I thank you for also supporting me in my platform efforts for Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) by becoming a friend circle member through your generous donation to our chapter. Adrienne, continue changing the lives of our youth. You are doing amazing things. I am still in shock that you have raised over $50,000...girl you have to share your secret with me. Deanna, I will continue to pray for you and your family. Over the past two years I have read your blog with fascination because girlfriend you have a knack for fashion and will go down in pageantry history as a fashionista. I wish we could have had more time to know one another but we can definitely keep in touch after April 4th. See you on April 25th for Carter's walk.

Good luck ladies. Remember that we are all winners and what is most important is not the crown since only one of us will walk away with it but the changes we are making in the lives of the people we serve via our platforms.

To my sponsors thank you for believing in me and always giving generously every time I emailed or called. Without you I would not have accomplished nearly as much as I have especially with BTJ.

Georgie, thank you for being the best coach a girl could ask for. Over the years (you know what I mean) I have gotten to know you and our relationship is now more than just one of business. You have encouraged me when I have been down and shared in my moments of joy such as when I received the proclamation from the Mayor and BTJ won program of the month. You were just as excited as I was or deeply concerned for my well being. Words can not express how grateful I am to have met you.

Alicia, thank you for always listening to me as I discuss my pageant plans and helping me to make just the right decisions. Also thank you for supporting BTJ over the years.

Simone, you are my "bestest" friend in the whole entire world. Thank you for being so good to me since day one. Your friendship means everything to me.

Thank you Lewis family. You all have been on this road of pageantry with me since age 15. You all know how much this means to me and I thank you for taking this long ride with me. I hope that I make you proud in my actions regardless of who becomes Mrs. Maryland International.

To my children thank you for understanding why mommy must sometimes be away and is always doing "pageant things." Girls you are my inspiration. It is because of you that I continue to want to accomplish more because I want you to each know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. To my husband, I am only a "Mrs." because of you. Thank you for believing in my dream and helping me to accomplish it. I could never have asked God for a more perfect match. I will love you forever.