The Remaining 22 Days

Folks, I know I've been quite a slacker in this whole area of blogging but I've recently realized I have a LOT to talk about.  I'll briefly catch you up on what I've been up to since Miss America and then share my plans for the future.

After coming home from Miss America I took advantage of sleep, ice cream, cereal and TV.  I was so exhausting coming off the adrenaline high in Vegas and I definitely need to catch up.  After a few weeks of laziness I started another workout program with my trainer to keep my mornings busy and started up again with my appearances.

At the Morning Blend talking about my experience at Miss America.

Drove through a blizzard twice this weekend to get to Western NE for the Farm and Ranch Expo.  Even had family from Wyoming come to see me :)

I've been so happy to help KAH a few times this year and this was one of the greatest events.  The DECA group from Millard West broke the Guinness World Record for the largest hand painted sign which raised over $5,000 for KAH in Omaha.

In February I traveled to South Dakota for a local competition and was so grateful to spend time with my Miss America sister, Miss SD, Anna Simpson.

In March I worked with Education Quest at the Lincoln Westfield Mall and met up with my new friend Matt McKay from KFRX in Lincoln.  Our personalities work wonderfully together...aka, things get a little wild when we're together.  

At the end of March I had the honor of speaking at the Omaha Agri Business Banquet in Omaha where I had the opportunity to speak about my life in agriculture.  I was such a blessing to think back on so many memories that were made on the farm life.  

Before Miss Nebraska Orientation I was able to judge the a Sodexo culinary event in North Platte where the winner's breakfast recipe was entered for the national contest.  His recipe even made the top 4 in the country!  

I was asked to speak at a mother/daughter banquet in April at the E-Free Church in Lincoln where I was able to share the importance of representation and my personal testimony. 

Despite the cancellation of the Spring Game I was still able to hang out with the Spirit Squad.  Had it not poured on us, I would have been sidelines as a quest of the Spirit Squad.  

After many different appearances I decided to take a little break from reality and fly out to California to see my sister, brother-in-law and my beautiful nieces.  I loved spending the week with them and becoming their favorite auntie :)

This month has come up quickly I'm a little nervous to get everything done!  With graduations, piano lessons, and recitals out of the way I am focusing my time on Miss Nebraska 2012.  I have spent a great deal of time writing a journal for the new Miss Nebraska filled with helpful hints, encouragement, music, scripture verses, contacts and love.  One thing that has always appealed to me about being Miss Nebraska is being a mentor.  I look forward to filling that position even more in the years to come for the young women in both the Outstanding Teen and Miss Nebraska Pageant.

In the last few days I have chosen my songs for Miss Nebraska, filmed my farewell video, planned some outfits and began the process of understanding that this experience is nearly over for me.  In preparations for my farewell video I wrote a paragraph stating that I created my own path this year as Miss Nebraska and each Miss Nebraska after me will do the same.  I feel that each one of the former's have left their mark on this state and the new ones aren't to follow their path but build their own and I feel I have done just that.  I made my mark on Nebraska in the last year and I think I can say it's been quite a unique one.

I'm headed to a wedding tomorrow in Iowa, then making a trip out to North Carolina for a few appearances and time with friends.  I will keep you posted on the journeys ahead.

Thank you for the constant support!

Love,
Kayla
Miss Nebraska :)