I Always Wanted to Be Homecoming Queen

My emotions are all over the place right now, and I'm afraid this post may end up in the same boat. I'm still exhaling and I don't even know where to begin, but I felt compelled to just start writing.

I arrived in Muskegon an hour and a half late on Friday morning after getting lost in a snow storm. My first stop was the Frauenthal Theater to drop off my wardrobe and talent music. I remember saying to myself when I left the theater in June that it would be a long time before I was back there. It was surreal walking through the lobby because it looked and smelled like Miss Michigan week - and this time, it was my Miss Michigan week.

After checking into my room, I rushed back to the theater for our rehearsal. As soon I walked out on the stage I was reunited with my friend, Jill Stevens, Miss Utah. This was the first of many times that I would cry over the weekend. It was such a thrill to see her again and I was so happy that I could congratulate her in person. She is such an inspiration to me.

We rehearsed the opening number first, and I could not absorb it for the life of me. Luckily, we had dancer decoys dressed as pageant contestants leading us on stage. Honestly, production numbers have always been one of the most stressful parts of competing for me, but the best part about this weekend was that I already knew I won. Seriously, I could have done my own interpretive dance solo and I still would have come out on top. That was comforting.

After a long day of rehearsal we piled in a fancy schmancy limo and headed to the House of Chan for dinner. I had a blast catching up with my Miss Sweetheart sisters (Jill, Elyse, & Nicole) and meeting Diana, Miss Iowa, as well as some of Kirsten's close friends.

Before I knew it, it was show time. Without the nerves of competition, I was able to really enjoy being a part of the production and absorb its significance. I will always remember the moment I shared on stage with my sister, Christina, as she sang 'Oh Heavenly Day' to me. It felt like we were the only two in the theater. I listened to the lyrics and thanked God for this day and for giving me such a loving and supportive sister. That song was one of the best gifts I've ever received and I'm so proud to be her sister.

The first act closed with my official crowning moment. Being on the same stage in front of such a huge crowd made me honestly feel as though I had just won. It felt exactly as I had imagined it would so many times before, and taking my first walk as Miss Michigan was just as real and exciting to me as it would have been last June.

In the second half of the show, I performed my talent for the first time as Miss Michigan. I didn't think it was possible to have a better performance than I did during preliminaries last June, but I was wrong. It was different this time. I was not playing to prove myself. I was playing to share myself, and that made all the difference. I felt completely free and I enjoyed every second of that performance. I really can't believe how far I've come. My deepest gratitude to Regina, Stacey, and Gabe for believing in me and bringing out the best in me through music. What an incredible gift and blessing you have been.

After the show I had a chance to spend some time with my fan club (Mom, Stan, Christina, Dan, Katie, and Jen). I just love how well my friends and family get along. We always have such a good time together. This was the first time in several years that Dan, Katie, and I have been together in the same place. We've been friends since my camp days (1999) and we laughed ourselves sick in the lobby of the Holiday Inn until 2am.

I had a 9:30am appointment to have photos taken the next morning. Needless to say, I was tired. Of course, my lack of sleep was no match for Origin's No Puffery cooling eye gel. I tamed the bags under my eyes, threw some rollers in my hair and gussied up for my glamour shots. Big thanks to Alan of Tourcotte for donating the photographs used for 7-Up Company promotions. We had a great time taking some goofy shots with Diet Rite, a fancy Snapple water, and Fiji (the most elitist water on earth). I really can't wait to see the proofs.

We managed to squeeze in some more family time during lunch and headed to Racquet's (a fine local establishment) to celebrate Dan's upcoming birthday. He asked me to broadcast to everyone that he's turning 30 this year. Don't worry Dan, you're like a bottle of Charles Schwab... age is not a factor.

We lost track of time dining on a cake that could feed a small army (thank you, Kelli Leep), and I rushed back to get ready for the autograph session. I broke out my new autograph cards (thank you again, Kelli Leep) and signed my name approximately 200 times. It really started to look distorted toward the end. It's just like when you say a word enough times and it starts to sound funny. I couldn't believe how many stood in line for well over an hour to collect our John Hancocks. It's fun to feel like a celebrity, but then I look at myself lounging in my sweats with crumbs stuck to my shirt, typing away, and I wonder why anyone would want my autograph.

After the signing I took Ashley and Christina (Miss North Dakota & Miss Wisconsin) on a tour of the Muskegon Meijer. I can't imagine a more fitting destination than the most famous destination among Miss Michigan contestants' families.

When we got back to the hotel I laid down for a nice long nap. Just kidding! That word isn't even part of my vocabulary any more. I actually had about 20 minutes to get ready for the gala dinner. I feel like I've already become a pro at making myself look presentable in a pinch. Talk about a resume builder...

The dinner was an absolute blast. I spent a good portion of the meal giggling like a little girl at ridiculous inside jokes made by my sister and Dan. I would share them here, but no one else would think they were funny.

Kay Lani Rae Rafko (Miss America 1988) was the emcee for the evening, and she is a one-woman riot. We watched several dignitaries present Kirsten with gifts and plaques and all I could think about was how her poor mother would have to cart all of this home and figure out where to put it. Seriously, she has enough to cover a few walls in their entirety.

I truly was not expecting any sort of presentation, so you could imagine my surprise when a representative from Krautheim Jewelers presented me with the official Miss Michigan pendent. It's a beautiful solid gold pendant in the shape of the state of Michigan. Honestly, a number of people asked me if I would receive all of the prizes that Miss Michigan normally wins and my answer was always, "I'm not sure, but the only thing I really want is the Miss Michigan pendant". Thank you, thank you, thank you Krautheim for this special gift. I will wear it with pride. In fact, I have yet to take it off.

The night culminated with an emotional speech from Kirsten. Every time I see her speak, whether in person or on TV, I start beaming like a proud parent. She is such an incredible young woman and I could not be happier for her. Some people have asked me if it has been difficult for me to "play second fiddle" (if I may use such a cliche), but the truth is, it's not hard at all. Really, it's not. I can see why the judges would choose her over me, and apart from that, I am entirely at peace with the fact that God had different plans for us.

Throughout the entire weekend, I felt as though I was watching myself from the outside. I listened to my own thoughts and paid attention to everything that was happening around me so as not to miss a beat. At times like this, people always seem to remind you to take it all in and enjoy every second. I don't think I've ever been able to really do that until this past weekend. I was fully present, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I savored every joke, every tear, every kind word. It was a love fest I will never forget.

A special thank-you to my mom, Stan, Dan, and especially my sister. Your presence made the entire experience more meaningful than you could imagine. I am truly, truly blessed. I love you.

gv