Miss Ohio Week
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Miss Ohio prelims started last night! I love that the weeks competition has been shortened to two nights, instead of three. So, contestants competed last night and again tonight. They'll have Friday "off" and finals are held on Saturday!
No need to drag it out, right?! These young women have been preparing for months for this week alone, don't make them wait any longer than they have to. ;-)
Kara Mitchell won the swimsuit award and Alexis Richter won talent (piano). {Pics below from Mansfield News Journal online.}
You can find photos here, on the Mansfield News Journal site. (MNJ)
You can also follow this weeks happenings on the following social media sites:
FacebookMiss Ohio 2013 Facebook page
Others who are keeping up with all things Miss Ohio:
Miss Hilliard
Miss America Junkies
Miss America Class Updates
Breakdown
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What did you think? We watched on a dinky hospital television, so I didn't think it was that bad. The most grueling part was taking 1 HOUR to announce the Top 20! The only reason they did that was because they were filling a three hour time slot... The show could've been completed in two hours.
I couldn't imagine being a contestant waiting an hour to see if I made it, then the dancing in their swimsuits and the awkward prom photo like gazebo 'thing' on stage... Kind of just all around weird show.
But I'm happy with my list and the outcome! Haha.
Mine: Actual:
~MN. ~VA
~ID. ~ND
~NY. ~GA
~FL. ~IN
~NV. ~TN
~CA. ~FL
~SC. ~CA
~WI. ~AL
~UT. ~NV
~IL. ~AZ
~GA. ~MD
~ND. ~MN
~MI. ~OK
~WY. ~NJ
~LA. ~LA
~OK. ~IA
~AL. ~NE
~VA. ~WI
~TN. ~PA
~PA. ~SC
Five of my six bubbles made it into the Top 20.
Head scratchers for me were Indiana, Arizona, New Jersey and Nebraska. My faves from the beginning were California, Minnesota, Nevada and toss-up btwn GA and WI. My mom picked Georgia from the beginning. Guess we got close.
I took quick notes on the Top 6 on-stage questions.
Iowa: NY Times report that this generation is narcissistic and self-absorbed. Do you agree? Why or why not?
~She talked about "selfies" and social media. A 4 answer at best. She was the Twitter vote winner and had to go first, could tell she was nervous.
North Dakota: Is a college degree relevant today?
~Yes, it's extremely important to further your education... And she shared a quick personal touch about her father, I think. Good solid 8 answer.
FL: (easiest question by far) What qualities set you apart from the other contestants and prepares you to be the next Miss USA?
~Great girls competing, yada yada; she would raise awareness for the disease her father had if she became Miss USA. A 6.
NV: Sexual assault on college campuses throughout the country are increasing, how do you feel universities you should handle this?
~She said we probably don't hear about the assaults much because universities don't want to get a bad reputation. But young women need to be able to defend themselves and she mentioned her black belt background, fine answer 7.5.
LA: No soldier left behind...
~Tough question, good answer; she doesn't agree with it. Easily an 8.
GA: If you had 30 seconds to talk to political leaders, what would you say to them?
~Oh my gosh, such a great question. She could've taken this anywhere. She chose to mention her faith, and that she would remind our leaders to lead our country by faith. Eh...5/6.
Miss USA 2014 (NV)
1st runner-up (ND)
2nd r/u (GA)
3rd r/u (LA)
4th r/u (FL)
5th r/u (IA)
Miss USA
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Miss USA airs tonight & I think Miss Ohio week begins next week.
I don't think I made a Top 15 list last year, but I'm stuck in the hospital again so I've got plenty of time on my hands; unfortunately. I've been back since Wednesday and will be here at least 3 more days. :( My baby is so worth all of this but I won't lie, this is a real struggle. Also... Mv babe will be here in 6-8 weeks, as they've decided to induce me. So please please keep those prayers coming.
Back to pageants... I'm so sad I can't attend M.O. this year. This will be the first time not being there since 2006 when I first competed & going back every year since 2008. I wish all contestants the best of luck. Try to enjoy yourselves that week bc it flies by. Also, as cliché as it sounds, just be yourself... Show your judges the best you. If you do that, you should have no regrets.
OK... I'm excited to take a stab at a Top 15 list for Miss USA tonight! My mom will be here at the hospital when they announce the first group... I told her she has to tell me the winner before she leaves! :)
My list is solely based off pics from Facebook and Miss USA website, and in no particular order.
~Minnesota
~Idaho
~New York
~Florida
~Nevada
~California
~South Carolina
~Wisconsin
~Utah
~Illinois
~Georgia
~North Dakota
~Michigan
~Wyoming
~Louisiana
Bubbles: Tie btwn Oklahoma & Alabama. Virginia, Tennessee, and I can't get on the Rhode Island or Pennsylvania band wagon but I wouldn't be surprised if they make the cut.
Yes, sorry no Ohio :( Beautiful girl, they are all beautiful in their own right. This should be a fun competition and show tonight!
Wonder how many I'll get wrong, or right I guess. Have fun watching!
Focus
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I'm also excited to be home.
About 3.5 weeks ago, I was sent to labor & delivery. I was about 24 weeks along in my pregnancy. Without going into too much detail, I was put on hospital bed rest for 18 days. Those days flew by so quickly but nothing could get me home fast enough.
Myself, my babe and my "complication" are stable.
I was seen by high-risk doctors and kept in the high-risk unit. :-/ Bleh. They also took me through the NICU, should my baby come early.
BUT I'm home now! 27 weeks 4 days along...I'll be 28 weeks this Thursday! And I'm pretty sure I'm in the beginning of my third trimester! Thank you Lord Jesus for letting me and baby make it this long. Each day that baby stays in the womb is a blessing and so good for their health and continued development. That's all I wanted was to hold onto this little soul...this soul that God has blessed me with. A child to raise up to love Him and be a #littlearrow for God's word.
I'm home...on bed rest. I'm not on complete restricted bed rest but there's a lot they don't want me to do. I didn't realize how much I was doing before all of this 'complicated stuff' happened. All the bending, lifting, straining, etc. Don't tell my hubs...but I snuck in a hold with my baby girl last night! ;)
I have countless doctor's appointments in the coming weeks, they monitor me and I have to monitor the babe while I'm home. It's all so worth it. My due date is August 20...we'll see if we make it that far. I'm shooting for at least 10 more weeks, we shall see!
Being home is the biggest blessing. Being able to kiss my girl and my husband good night. Read her bedtime stories. Help get her ready in the a.m. Use my own bathroom! Haha.
So I'm just trying to stay focused on the big picture here and that this situation is only temporary. Everyone's prayers and well wishes are greatly appreciated. I think God definitely heard the prayers bc I think that's what has gotten us through the past few weeks. It hasn't been easy and I don't know if it will get any easier. But that's why I continue to trust in God and know he's a good God. A miracle maker. A healer. That's all I can do right now is surround myself, my family, my loves with His word and goodness.
Thank you all so much for reading! Blessings 'til next time...
This Week
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The exhibit begins June 1st, with no end date yet. I will share more as I get more info. I'm trying to decide what to put on display. Gown? Crown? Sash? Articles, etc.? It makes me nervous putting the crown on display but I know that's the one thing people love to see. What do you think?
I was also privileged to judge the Laws of Life essay contest a few weeks back. Their award ceremony is this week. I'm happy to attend and was asked to give the invocation. I will share photos of that (if any are taken) later. It's always a nice event, they have guest speakers, good food and driven teenagers...whom I know will make a difference in this world one day.
Sorry I haven't blogged much lately. Life has been very interesting. Only 3 to 4(ish) months until I'm blessed with my second baby. Don't know the gender! ;) Trying to get things ready at home and just get through this pregnancy...which is nothing like my first pregnancy, with my daughter. Wonder if that means BOY?! Ha.
Maybe I'll do a poll for people to guess in a couple months! My friend, Crystal Jo, did one and it was a lot of fun. I was wrong on hers! Haha.
Have a blessed week.
Dresses
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And I'm STILL trying to sell my dresses. Making room for Baby 2.0. If I can't sell these and find good homes for these dresses, I'll probably take them to the local Plato's Closet then donate to Fairy Good-Mother's.
Gold gown: Craigslist
Icicle pink: Craigslist
Pale pink: Craigslist
Maggie Sotterro: Craiglist
Lauren Conrad: Craiglist
Multi-color spring dress: Craiglist
Summer dress (casual): Craiglist
Casual jersey magenta: Craiglist
Black Paris (TB) gown: Craiglist
Grey, long sleeve...: Craiglist
Denim, Joli Prom: Craiglist
Shoes: Here & Here
White halter, Landa gown: Craiglist
B/W summer dress (never worn): Craiglist
Facebook album of all: HERE
New Titleholders & Other News
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It was a great weekend. Won't lie, it was nice to travel sans-husband and sans-child. I was able to watch what I wanted to watch the night before competition. Was able to take a long shower. Read some "fashion" magazines without a little one trying to rip out the pages. Catch up on a couple of chapters out of my Kindle. Haha. It was a good weekend with a great outcome.
Gabby Bailey and Elise Budowanec will compete for the title of Miss Ohio 2014 this summer! Here is a photo, from Jon's Photo:
In other news...
My baby girl sure has some to-do list:
Many blessings.
Day Dreaming
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These gowns have me ooo-ing and aww-ing and drooling...
Miss Hilliard
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The new Miss Hilliard is Cecili Weber! First runner-up was Gabby Bailey! Couldn't be happier for both young ladies!
My Miss Ohio sister, Renee, was one of their judges. I'm sure she had a blast!
Obviously, I didn't have high expectations for the pageant because it was the first time for such a large production/undertaking. Overall, it went well and the Miss Hilliard group should feel proud. There were glitches with sound/audio, scripting, etc.; but what live event doesn't have some hiccup?
And of course there are some things I would've done differently, added or taken out; but this is why I don't run a local...yet! ;)
As always, it was an entertaining evening and great to catch up with some of my Miss Ohio family!
"Vocal Coach: Roberta"
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I have been singing since the ripe age of 9. My mother and her cousin overheard me singing "Part of Your World" from the Little Mermaid (my all-time favorite Disney movie). My mom thought I could actually sing...and she could tell it was something I really enjoyed.
I give it up to her for helping me follow-through with my dreams. She was the one who sought out a voice teacher (Jennifer Nicole!!) and found auditions in the city. She was the one who drove me everywhere and paid for everything. So of course I owe it to her.
I'm excited to have all ready received three inquiries into being a voice teacher since creating my Facebook page! I currently have one student and enjoy it so much. I love seeing her blossom and grow and become more confident in her vocal abilities. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you have! robertacampalbert@yahoo.com
Thanks for reading.
TWC & MAO
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TWC: Not The Weather Channel but...Two Way Crossing!
MAO: MAO (You better know it!)
Miss America Org.
I so wish I would've gone to this event last night. Right around the corner from the building where I work! Miss America (& Miss Ohio) was so close! Ohio State University & Ohio Union Activities Board brought Nina Davuluri to speak "about her experiences in handling stereotypes from others and her perceptions of being Miss America." (The Lantern, OSU)
Photo from Facebook
Davuluri encourages a Twitter or Instagram #hashtag of: #CirclesofUnity to promote her social issue of "Celebrating Diversity through Cultural Competency." What a mouth-full and what a cause to advocate!
Again, I wish I would've gotten my tush in the car and gone to listen and meet her! Heather was there and able to spend an extended amount of time with her Miss America...whom she said is so real & down to Earth! So great to hear!
I would also ask you to consider helping out my Miss America sister (Miss New Mexico) on her journey to Nashville!
She and her husband teamed up and want to record an album but they need our help! Watch the video to find out more...HERE!
Blessings!
Reconnecting
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Elissa McCracken, Miss Ohio 2012; Ellen Bryan, Miss Ohio 2011; Heather Wells, Miss Ohio 2013; Robyn Hancock Wenzke, Miss Ohio 1996; Roberta Camp Albert, Miss Ohio 2007
Four former Miss Ohio's with reigning Miss Ohio 2013, Heather Wells! We had a nice relaxing evening at Bravo Cucina in Columbus. The restaurant was almost cleared out by the time we were finally ready to say our goodbyes. We probably could've talked for longer but decided we'd cut our server a break. Topics of conversation were: boyfriends, how we met our significant other, Heather's Miss America experience, our MA experiences, Miss Ohio vs. Miss America, school, work, and so on and so on...It's amazing to see where each woman is in their lives. Where they've gone since Miss Ohio, where they thought they'd be but decided to go a different path; after MO. What a great sorority or sisterhood to be a part of. One I am so thankful for. Each of us had a similar but unique experience during our year of service and I know we're grateful to be able to lean on one-another. Heather even said this is one of the best parts of being Miss Ohio, is the sisters she has gained. I can't wait to do this again! Thanks for reading. God bless.
Better Late Than Never
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If we are friends on Facebook, you know we've been busy. If we're not...I'll attempt to quickly fill you in.
I still currently only have one vocal student, see post below. She was accepted into her high school talent show...I'd say with my help! Please don't hesitate to contact me today if you're interested in lessons! I can only take two students with the 'busy-ness' of our family. So I am looking for that second client...is it YOU?!
Over the passing two months, we've celebrated holidays, birthdays and the new year! We took baby girl out hunting for our own Christmas tree.
Hubs & I clean up nice. We enjoyed an evening out for his company Christmas dinner party. He was rewarded with his five-years of service award. Really it's been six, but because he started seven days into the new year; this is what they're going by. Who's counting right?! ;)
Baby girl got to see Santa again! She still doesn't like him. But she's adorable! Thanks to Tasha Braniff Photography for these awesome shots of her second Christmas! Tasha, you're the BEST for doing this each year. We truly love it!
She keeps us SO busy. She's beginning to talk in sentences. She's a 'Chatty Cathy' that's for sure. But we love it! She's growing up so fast.
I was able to take some family photos, thanks to Crystal Jo Foto. Click HERE to view my album with a sneak peek of some of the shots I got.
I'm so excited to catch up with some of my Miss Ohio sisters tonight! Some of us are gathering at a local spot in Columbus this evening, to simply chat. It will be so nice. Nice & relaxing to just fill one-another in on what's going on in our lives. Such an awesome sisterhood to be a part of. I'll be sure to share some photos.
Thanks for checking in! If I get some inspiring thing to blog about, I will!
Blessings 'til then.
Vocal Coach
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Maggie Sottero Wedding Gown
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Don't worry, it's not my wedding gown. In fact, it IS a wedding dress but I wore it as a talent gown for Miss Ohio AND Miss America!
It took me a long time to decide whether or not I wanted to part with this, but I have SO many dresses. The more important one is nestled in a box, wrapped in plastic for my daughter & I to glance at in 18 years! Haha.
Here are two photos I was able to find of my dress:
Asking 27.5% of the cost
$225, OBO
- Size 4/6 with some alterations
- Very well cared for
- Like NEW, worn approx. 3-4 times
It is also listed HERE.
Please let me know if you or someone you know is interested! It's really a gorgeous gown!
Adventures in Atlantic City
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We left on a Friday, two weeks ago! We stopped in Pennsylvania on the way over, which was a nice break in the 8 to 9 hour drive. We arrived to Atlantic City Saturday early afternoon, missing the Miss America trade-show by an hour. Arrgg. We grabbed our badges for the Miss America coronation then headed straight to the beach!
Unfortunately, I was comparing AC to Las Vegas, which I shouldn't have done. However, having the sand at your fingertips (or toes) is so nice. After soaking up some rays and trying to catch a shot of us dipping our toes in the ocean, we went back to the room to relax and get ready for the Show Us Your Shoe Parade!
After the parade I met SIX of my Miss America sisters at EVO at Trump Plaza. While catching up with my amazing, beautiful, accomplished sisters; I ran into one of the directors for the Miss New York organization; Linda! Who'd-a-thunk the MNYSP would have another Miss America the following night!
We hung out at Trump then went to Bally's then back to our hotel for the night. In Vegas, you wouldn't be able to "move around" this much. You wouldn't want to really. Everything you would need or want is usually within one hotel/casino.
I woke the next day to have an amazing brunch/lunch with my Miss Ohio sister ('85), Suellen. Suellen hasn't lived in Ohio for a very long time, so most of you may have not had an opportunity to meet her. Oh my word, I love her. I felt like we were long lost friends right from the get-go. She was a double prelim winner and was in the Top 10, her year at Miss America!
I took some "me time" and shopped at the Pier Shops...and got a pumpkin spice latte from #Starbucks! Met up with my partner in crime before getting ready for finals.
Side note: I was so excited about my hair on finals night. I had these waves going, kind of a classy look. Then we stepped outside and it went to you know where. :-(
I was also so excited to find out if Heather Wells, Miss Ohio, would make it into the Top 15. Oh the anticipation of sitting in that HUGE theater just wondering and waiting. We sat right behind a group that was there for Miss Connecticut...she made it all the way thru the talent round!
Heather is a wonderful young woman. Very talented, beautiful, kind, funny, gifted... there were some head-scratchers in the Top 15, to me at least. It's been six years since I competed, I think I can be candid here... Wisconsin, Kentucky and Missouri were a few of the questionable ones for me.
I liked Florida, but I wonder if the judges placed her in the Top 5 because they felt "sad" for her. If you didn't watch or know, Florida injured herself earlier in the week and so she wore a leg brace for finals competition. #pityparty?
While I'm sure each of these young women have their own unique positive traits and qualities...this is just me "venting" here. And I am excited for the new Miss America, Nina Davuluri!
But, these girls over Heather? You just never know! I thought for sure I was going to be in the Top 15 my year! And for my successor and her successor and so on...get the picture. The 50+ young women who compete at Miss America, are the best of the best. Every year, states send intelligent and driven young women to the Miss America stage.
For any contestants competing for a local title or even getting ready to compete at Miss Ohio, your title is won in the interview room. This is even more true at Miss America.
Heather knew what she was preparing for, what she was getting herself into. Miss America is so hard to "explain" and it's such a different experience for each young woman.
Back to the logistics of it...I was not happy with my seat either. So the first 15 minutes of the final show, ask Becky, I was Grumpy McGrumperstein. Not pleased with where we sat or with OH not placing. Boardwalk Hall is enormous. It's like a football stadium. So if you plan to go in the future, sit in the 100 section and the lower your section the better. For instance, we were in 106 and the rest of the OH gang was in 102 (I think). Their seats were really good...so keep that in mind.
I am beyond thankful that I was able to attend the 2014 Miss America pageant. It was an experience. And to be able to go to cheer on a friend, made it even better. I will probably not go again until my daughter is older, so I can take her, too.
I feel like I could say so much more, but I'll stop rambling.
Here are a couple of photos:
Click the link in the previous post to view an album I shared on Facebook!
Blessings.
Photos from Miss America 2014
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HERE
I'll write more about my time in Atlantic City later today or tomorrow!
And More Updates
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My little family traveled to Florida in early July. My hubs celebrated his birthday there...and our baby girl got sick. So it was an eventful trip...one where we ended up at urgent care because little Cookie felt so bad. Here are some fun family vaca pics:
This was one of the nights she didn't feel good...with her cousins, Cody & Camden. Yes, the three C's. No, we did not plan that!
Two days after we got back from Florida, I had the wonderful opportunity of reading to a group of students at Lincoln Park in Columbus for their summer Freedom Schools Read Aloud program! I had a great time and can't wait to go back!
We've been keeping ourselves busy with the new house. Starting small. Things like tile work and painting. Finishing up projects that the previous owners left. We don't mind that nothing was done; it allows us to pick what we want for those finishing touches.
Aside from the day-to-day grind of work, we're trying to enjoy our summer. Lots of visiting with friends and family, now that we have the space...and a pool...and a fire pit. ;) I feel truly blessed. I know Miss Ohio held her send-off celebration to Miss America last weekend. Very exciting! I can't believe she leaves for Atlantic City in less than a week!
I am thrilled to go to AC to cheer her on with our Miss Ohio sister, Becky! I'm also looking forward to meeting up with the Miss America class of '07-'08! We have plans in the works. Of course you know, photos galore upon our return!
Stay tuned...and be blessed.
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