CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS...

New Name, New Blog

2006-07-20T14:48:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone...my blog has a new name and a new beginning.

Please visit me at:

www.marykrouse.blogspot.com

The Finale

2006-07-11T10:08:00.000-04:00

This will serve as my final entry in this blog. I feel as though I should end it with a recap of my thoughts of the Miss Ohio experience. Suffice it to say, I will not be returning to the Miss Ohio stage, but will concentrate on my studies and enjoy my senior year at Ohio University.

Things I liked about the past week:

Meeting Catherine Sengenberger. Catherine is a lovely and talented young woman. She is sweet and caring and exactly what I look for in a friend.

Rooming with Katelyn Koval. Funny and entertaining. Always upbeat, with a wicked sense of humor.
My chaperone, Ginny, and my host mom, Margie.
Seeing Leslie and Abby take time after making the top ten to console those contestants who didn't make it. Class acts, both of them.
Finding Jillian to be refreshingly honest, positive and upbeat the entire week.
Winning the Miss America Academic Scholarship for having a 3.9++ GPA.

Finally, congratulations to Melanie Murphy, the new Miss Ohio. Best wishes and good luck at Miss America.

July 4th

2006-07-04T20:55:00.000-04:00

Mary's day started bright and early with interview. She was quite pleased with the interview and looks forward to talent tomorrow evening. We were allowed to see the contestants for a two hour visit (without chaperones) . With interview out of the way, she was anxious to finish breaking in her pointe shoes and run through her dance. Her host mom, Margie Joyce, arranged for studio time at Shirley Weddell's dance studio a short distance from the theater. We spent about half an hour at the dance studio, long enough to ease Mary's mind about talent.

The above photo is a group shot of all the girls at their celebrity waitressing gig at Applebee's. Much to Mary's delight, she ran into her Ohio Junior Miss host family, the Barone's, that evening. How random is that? The Barone's live in Mt. Vernon, but apparently were in town with their son, Joe, who is rehearsing for the Sound of Music.

Tomorrow it's up bright and early to watch talent rehearsal and for the Optimist luncheon. I'm getting excited!

More Photos...

2006-07-03T08:25:00.000-04:00

These photos are from the Mansfield News Journal. Isn't she adorable!

Waiving to the crowd.

Sharing a laugh with Abby Bollenbacher.

Meeting the mayor of Mansfield.

More Parade Photos!

2006-07-02T19:26:00.000-04:00

Roomies.....hamming it up for the camera Roomates...Katelyn and Mary

Jenna Wilson, Miss SEO

Roberta Camp, Miss Scioto Valley

Kyrsten Chambers, Miss West Central, the winner in the "Show Me Your Shoe" contest. The title of her shoe was "Hooked on Learning".

Elyse Healey, Miss Stark County

Random Shots

PARADE PHOTOS

2006-07-02T18:13:00.000-04:00

Hello, Mary's mom here just back home from the Miss Ohio parade ready to post a few photos. Enjoy! I have more photos to post but Blogger is being temperamental...check back later for more!

Mary, with a bag of popcorn. Her driver is her friend Brian from OU.

Mary's shoe representative of her favorite things...

Miss Ohio 2005, Marlia Fontaine.

Allie Krucek, Miss Buckeye State

Kasey Wilson, Miss Clayland. Her shoe is the OSU Horseshoe Stadium.

Kristin Haas, Miss Chillicothe.

Laura Estrada, Miss Greater Cleveland.

Note to Self: BREATHE

2006-06-29T09:22:00.000-04:00

This will, more than likely, be my last post before leaving for Mansfield and Miss Ohio. Last night I had to clean my old apartment and move out the leftover junk. After that, I went to the dance studio and ended up staying there very late rehearsing my dance. The bad news is that one of my pointe shoes is breaking down, so I will need to break in a new pair before I leave. That's not really bad news, just another item on my to do list.

I spoke with my host parent, Maggie Joyce, this week. She is a lovely woman and I can't wait to meet her. Her daughter, a modern dancer, is in a professional company in California (San Francisco, I think). Maggie mentioned that with time allowed, she would be able to get both Katelyn and I to a dance studio to run through our talent prior to the start of preliminaries. That would be great!

Most of the new apartment is in good shape. Is it wrong to be excited to have empty drawers in your dresser?

With the exception of packing a few toiletries, I am ready to travel home tonight after work. Tomorrow, I have a full day of pre-pageant pampering! Then, my mom will drop me off in Mansfield around 7:30 p.m. You may have heard President Bush is scheduled to make an appearance at a Mike DeWine fundraiser in Powell. We happen to know the people hosting the event and have been told that many of the roads in and around Powell will be closed from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Traffic will be a nightmare!

I'm excited for the pageant to begin and to get to know the other contestants. I have asked my mom to post some comments and photos on this blog in my absence.

So, wish me luck. See you after July 8th!

...

2006-06-28T07:36:00.000-04:00

Many Thanks

2006-06-27T07:59:00.000-04:00

My official send-off party to Miss Ohio was a great success. Many thanks to Shanna for the use of the lodge on her property. Thank you also to Kay, Carol Ault, Mel, Jane, Vicki Danner and everyone else who made food for the party. Everything was wonderful and I appreciate all the messages of support.

I was able to model all my competition outfits and received many compliments. I really have to thank my wonderful cousin, Ginny (Morrow) Shuster, for the use of her pageant jewelry. We like to think of it as "recycling". To purchase these items would put me in the poor house. The last time she was home, she brought over a huge fishing tackle box full of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, etc., for my use.

Combined thanks go out to my "aunts" Carol and Barb for many things. First, for suggesting the changes to my competition gown. The changes really give the gown a little more "oomph". Secondly, for my gifts. The shirt Carol gave me, I will wear for one of the production numbers. Let's just say it is very unique! And Barb gave me the "UPPPOB" --- the Ultimate Post Pageant Pig Out Box --- which will be put to use shortly after Miss Ohio is announced, July 8th. (Ginny also provided me with a new make-up case and wash cloths to take with me to my host home so I won't ruin any of theirs when I remove my make-up.) I received many other gifts, including a pair of boy short undies with a crown on them! One of my favorite gifts was from Janie who made me a soft blanket to keep warm with in the cold, cold theater. The blanket is pink and...are you ready for this...has boxes of popcorn on it! So cute!

This is a picture of me working HTC pre-college. Showing the new

kids where to get their daily dose of caffeine!

Off to work.

Happy Birthday Emily Mary Ann Goddard!

2006-06-23T15:20:00.000-04:00

Two years ago, my mom went into the hospital for routine surgery and ended up spending 20+ days in ICU in a medically-induced coma due to post-surgical complications. When she woke up, one of the first things she asked about was whether her friend, Lori, had delivered her baby. As it turns out, Lori was scheduled to go in for a C-section on the very day my mom woke up and was transferred to a regular room at OSU Medical Center. We knew my mom was going to be okay when she recited Lori's telephone number and insisted on singing a warped version of "You're Having My Baby" (renamed You're Having A Baby by mom) by Paul Anka to Lori before she left for the delivery. So here's to my mom, and to little Emily Mary Ann Goddard who came into this world full of miracles.

We won't celebrate Emily's second birthday until late in July...well after the new Miss Ohio has been crowned and after her brother's baseball season is over. Happy Day Emily!

NEW PETITION CREATED

2006-06-22T18:00:00.000-04:00

Hey all...just a note that I have successfully created a new on-line petition for the "Prevent Cancer" specialty license plate to exclude everyone's social security numbers. Instead of including your social security number, you will need to know your license plate numbers ONLY. I know this was a source of contention with some individuals, and I don't blame you. Here is the new site for the petition.

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/PVNTCNCR/petition.html

New HTC Website Unveiled

2006-06-22T10:07:00.000-04:00

The newly redesigned HTC (Honors Tutorial College) website has been unveiled. Click here to see video testimonials from HTC students, including myself. I'm the first one up. There is also an article under the "Students in the News" section about my participating in the Miss Ohio pageant with my blog link noted. Click here and scroll down the page to read the article. A minor correction to the article is that proceeds from the sale of the "Prevent Cancer" license plate will go to the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation and not the American Cancer Society. If you are reading this blog as a result of the mention in this article...welcome!

If you want to sign the petition, click the link on the right-hand side and follow the instructions. I will soon be reworking the petition to eliminate listing the social security numbers of the signees. I know this is an issue (particularly at Ohio University in light of all the recent security leaks and personal information theft) and, to be honest, until now, I didn't realize that this would deter individuals from signing. In place of listing your social security number, you will need to know your license plate number.

As I scrolled through the new website, I am amazed by the individuals who are part of my family at HTC. Under "Student Profiles" you will find some words of wisdom by several HTC students. My friend, Micah Mitchell, gives prospective students the following advice:

"I do have a few words of wisdom for new students. Be honest and highly reflexive in everything you do. Take time to reflect on what you've learned after each class, each conversation, each program, and each reading experience. If you have trouble identifying what you've learned, speak out. Ask questions and give feedback. Discomfort is most often a precursor to growth, but challenging what you find unsettling is also essential. Give back; be civically responsible. Claim each component of your higher education experience. Seek balance so that your efforts yield happiness."

Yesterday, after work, Holly and I moved into our new apartment. The last piece of furniture was moved in around 3:30 a.m. I'm exhausted, but happy. The only task left to do is clean the old apartment...then, of course, organize the new place.

Seriously...where has June gone?

2006-06-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

I am in complete awe that it is June 20th already. What has happened to the month of June? The days, hours, and minutes are flying by making move-in day and the beginning of my Miss Ohio journey a mere 11 days away. My host parents have graciously allowed me to move in with them Friday evening, forgoing an early morning commute to Mansfield Saturday morning. And, since I am a known night owl, escaping that early morning commute (albeit 40 minutes) is greatly appreciated.

The week ahead promises to to fly by as well. I am working at Scripps from 10-4 every day and dancing 3 times a week at the dance studio after work. Wednesday and Thursday my roommate and I ( along with some local muscle) are moving the majority of our furniture into our new apartment across town. On Friday after work, I will load up the desk I am currently using in my grandpa's truck and take it home to exchange for a smaller desk that will fit into my new room. I will also bring back a dresser. I am really, really hoping that Saturday I will get a chance to just kick back and enjoy being home, but I'm sure my personal shopper (aka mom) will have final wardrobe choices for me to try on and exchange if they don't work out. She has already organized much of my wardrobe for my official send-off party in Marion on Sunday. Last Friday, my cousin Ginny was in town from Nashville. While in town, she brought over all her pageant jewelry for my use. I wasn't able to see her this trip home because I was working pre-college, but she will be back the week of the pageant. I hope I do her proud!

Oh, and my grandpa is painting the chair I use in my dance this weekend, too.

Last night, I spent a little time with my good friend, Brian D. Brian will be driving me in his convertible in the Miss Ohio parade. Taking advantage of having my g-pa's truck, he helped me move some of my boxes of books (4 last count...what can I say, I love books) and other miscellaneous items into the apartment. In return, he used the truck to move a few of his boxes into his new place. Brian graduated last quarter and has a job teaching high school history this fall in Wellston. Happily, he will be commuting to Wellston and living in Athens. Luckily, his new place is very close to my new apartment, so I won't go through Brian withdrawal next year.

Now, off to work. More later....

Interview Prep, and other things....

2006-06-14T09:01:00.001-04:00

I was in the fourth grade when the Murrah Federal Building was bombed in Oklahoma City. That was 1995 and, at the time, was the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in the history of the United States and was the deadliest act of terrorism within U.S. borders until September 11, 2001.

The day of the Oklahoma City bombing, I started collecting newspaper and magazine articles about the bombing. I know, odd for a fourth grader. The clippings were kept in a file in my desk. Over the years, the file grew. When I graduated high school and moved to college, the file was removed and placed with my most precious belongings (my scrapbooks) in a large Rubbermaid container for storage. It wasn't long after the bombing, I asked my mom for a subscription to Newsweek magazine. If she was surprised, she didn't show it. After subscribing to Newsweek, I added Time magazine, then when I entered college I supplemented it with a subscription to The New Yorker.

I mention this, because I have been preparing for the interview portion of the Miss Ohio competition. I have been going through stacks of Newsweek and Time magazines that I haven't had time to read. Sunday, I was in Marion with my Executive Director and sat in on the pre-meeting with some of the girls who will be competing for the title of Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2006. After the meeting, I met with local Marion residents for a mock interview. Of all the phases of competition, I feel most prepared for the interview. My philosophy in interviews, whether it is for a job, or in competitions, like Miss Ohio, is this: Be real, be yourself and people will feel your genuineness.

Today, I have a long, long, long day. I was awakened before my alarm went off by the apartment maintenance men weed whacking outside my window. Grrrr. I work at Scripps from 10-12 and the first round of Pre-College for the Honors Tutorial College's new class of freshman from 12 to 10 p.m. this evening. There are two separate sessions, which will take me through to Friday evening. This year, since I am one of the senior members of the HTC, I get to address the parents and answer any questions or concerns they may have. Undoubtedly, the question of drinking will arise. I know OU has a reputation of being a party school, but that is only if you choose that path. All of these kids are extremely bright and have the ability to make good choices. Some do, some don't. I did.

Miss America Goes Hollywood

2006-06-13T11:50:00.000-04:00

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (June 12, 2006) -- The road to Miss America will go through Hollywood this year. Whether it leads to Las Vegas again remains to be seen.

The pageant will tape a seven-episode documentary series titled "Finding Miss America" in Los Angeles from Sept. 5 to Sept. 13, the Miss America Organization announced Monday.
The series, which is to air on Country Music Television for a week preceding the televised pageant finals in January (the exact date still to be determined), will show the 52 women in preliminary competition and give viewers a chance to choose which ones advance to the top 15 for a shot at becoming Miss America 2007.

But pageant officials still aren't saying where or when the next crowning will be held. Other cities have expressed an interest in hosting Miss America, said pageant CEO Art McMaster. He is awaiting, he added, a final proposal from Las Vegas, which hosted the last one. He wouldn't identify the other cities.

"There's no question, there's a couple of other cities that are aggressively coming after us right now. We were happy with the success of Miss America last year there. We're just waiting on Las Vegas' proposal," he said.

The changes mark the newest wrinkles for an institution still trying to find its way in a post-network TV life.

Jettisoned by ABC after record-low ratings for the 2004 pageant, Miss America broke with 85 years of tradition last year in moving out of Atlantic City, where it was founded in 1921 as a bathing-beauty revue.

Picked up by the Nashville, Tenn.-based cable outlet, the Jan. 21 crowning of Miss Oklahoma Jennifer Berry drew 3.1 million viewers -- paltry numbers by network standards but huge for CMT, which never drew more than 2.9 million for a program before Miss America. The channel reaches 82.5 million households, about one-third less than the networks reach.

The documentary series is considered a means of drumming up interest in Miss America, which existed as a once-a-year TV special since 1954 but has struggled to keep viewers who are bored with its swimsuits-and-sashes formula.

In "Finding Miss America," film crews will follow the women as they prepare and participate in swimsuit, talent and evening-wear competitions held in different places on different days. Viewers will get to vote by telephone or online.

McMaster expressed confident that ratings "are going to go through the roof" because of the interest he expects the documentary to attract.

From MSNBC.

PET PEEVES

2006-06-07T13:14:00.001-04:00

A pet peeve is defined as a minor annoyance that can instill extreme frustration in an individual. Do any of you have pet peeves? I have a couple. The first one is when a cell phone rings on television, the majority of the time, I think it's mine. I toss pillows here and there looking for my phone. It's not until I find my phone does it sink in that it was the phone on the television.

Another pet peeve is when people chew gum and crack or pop it. I don't mind people chewing gum, but chew it quietly. While we are on the subject of chewing...anyone who chews anything with their mouth open.

Then there are the driving pet peeves. Those who have a hard enough time driving, let alone multi-tasking while driving. And, don't get me started on those drivers who find it necessary to gawk at the accident on the opposite side of the road, causing the unaffected traffic to come to a halt so they can get a good look at the accident. What about the driver in the car behind you who is tailgaiting you in rush hour traffic? They are on your bumper so closely that they could never stop in time should the need arise.

Other pet peeves:

Kevin Federline and his asinine quotes. Example: "My kids are going to have to learn what a real job is, what life is. You do't have it easy with me - period. My kids are going to work at Taco Bell." Uh, yeah right Kev.
Gas prices...need I say more?

This weekend, I will again travel to Columbus for my cousin Ryan's graduation party (yay Ryan!) and for interview practice in Marion. Also on the agenda is to find the perfect pair of jeans. Got to love all the shopping venues in the central Ohio area....I think this weekend we will try the shops at Easton!

Weekend Update

2006-06-05T08:04:00.000-04:00

A wrench was thrown into my weekend plans. I had to cancel my planned trip to the Marion Relay for Life due to residual effects of strep throat and the fact that the central Ohio weather did not cooperate. Friday, when I arrived home, I was exhausted and still feeling a bit under the weather. Since the rain was pouring down, my mom suggested I stay home and rest, which ended up being great advice. We were able to go to Polaris Mall Saturday morning and finish up some wardrobe shopping. My swimsuit also arrived in time for a fitting. It turned out to be a beautiful color!

This week I finalize a couple of writing assignments and say goodbye to my personal trainer, Kate. Kate will be returning to her hometown for the summer, but has promised to return to Athens periodically during the month of June to check on my training status. I'm confident I can continue on my own, but will miss Kate's companionship.

Back to outlining my paper. Will post more later.

Happy June to All!

2006-06-01T12:42:00.000-04:00

If June flies by as quickly as May, then Miss Ohio will be upon us literally overnight. I am beginning to feel better and will attempt to regain my workout and dance schedule later today. In the meantime, here is the link to OU's website where my article on Beautification Day is posted.

http://www.ohio.edu/outlook/05-06/May/497f-056.cfm

Tomorrow evening I will attend Marion's Relay for Life event in hopes of obtaining a few more signatures on my "Prevent Cancer" specialty license plate petition.

My Miss Ohio wardrobe is coming together slowly but surely. I have my walk-on gowns and competition gown, parade outfit, production number outfits and lots of shoes. Swimsuit is "in the mail" and two suits and my dance costume are being altered as we speak. Now, all I have to do is get the Grr-animal tags out so I know what jewelry and shoes go with what outfit! My shoe is decorated for the "Show Me Your Shoe" contest and my purse is ready for the silent auction.

There is so much to do before the end of the month. My schedule is choreographed much like my dance for Miss Ohio. Here it is in a nutshell:

June 2-3 - Home for Marion's Relay for Life
June 4-9 - Last week of quarter - huge tutorial assignment due.
June 10-11 - Home for cousin Ryan's graduation party; finalize Miss Ohio wardrobe.
June 12-13 - Work at Scripps.
June 14-16 - Work Honors Tutorial College "Pre-College" for incoming freshman.
June 17-18 - Pack to move to new apartment.
June 19-23 - Move furniture; work at Scripps.
June 24-25 - Home for Miss Ohio send-off party!
June 26-29 - Work at Scripps.
June 30 - Finalize packing for Miss Ohio.
July 1 - Miss Ohio begins!

Pfffft.......

2006-05-31T08:45:00.000-04:00

Mary wishes she could join this polar bear on ice.

I can't wait to move out of this apartment complex. As some of you know, around Christmas-time, we had an issue with the elevator being out of service for over two months. While that may not be an issue for those on the lower floors, when you traipse up-and-down stairs three or four times a day, it becomes an issue for those of us on the fifth floor. The most recent problem with this apartment complex is that they have not turned the air conditioning on yet, because, "the people haven't come to switch over from the boiler to the air conditioner." My question is this: When you manage an apartment complex and winter is over, wouldn't you arrange to have this essential function completed before, let's say, Memorial Day? Temperatures in Athens over the weekend hovered over 90 degrees. It was, literally, 99 degrees in our fifth floor apartment, and, because heat rises from the apartments on the lower floors it ends up in our apartment. It was so hot, both my computer and Holly's computer overheated! We had two fans running, but that just circulated hot air. Holly escaped to her boyfriend's place, but I had no place to go. It was, and continues to be stifling.

Now, to continue this pity party, I have strep throat and a sinus infection. Holly dropped a bottle of Lipton Green Tea on our balcony and missed one piece of broken glass (not her fault, I know) which found its way to my foot. AND, while I was taking out our trash I accidentally tossed the trash and my keys into the grossest dumpster in Athens, and yes I had to dumpster dive for my keys and...no they were not laying on top of the trash, they fell to the bottom of the dumpster. It was AWFUL!

Pffft.

BLOGWORTHY PHOTOS

2006-05-26T15:46:00.000-04:00

The ImPRessions Relay for Life team members.

Me and Katie and our "Ask me about the Prevent Cancer petition" t-shirt.

The luminary in honor of my grandmother, Mary Margaret Krouse, my namesake, who died of cancer. Not to be confused with Mary Kathleen Krouse!

My dad, Joe.

The Month Ahead

2006-05-24T08:04:00.000-04:00

Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel as I enter the final weeks before Miss Ohio. My dresses have been altered and I will pick those up this Thursday. Saturday, my personal shopper (a.k.a. my mom) will bring down several items of wardrobe for final selection, including shoes, swimwear, interview suits, dance costume, production number items and jewelry. I'm also excited because she will be bringing new pointe shoes since the ones I have been wearing have broken down and I am in desperate need of the new ones. There's nothing better than new pointe shoes...so pretty.

June promises to be a whirlwind. My cousin, Ryan, graduates from Olentangy Liberty High School on June 3rd. His party will be held the following weekend. I will not be able to attend the graduation, but I won't miss his party. I won't be able to attend the actual graduation because I have a section of my honors thesis to write for my tutorial this quarter. Before writing this, I have to familiarize myself with the subtleties of thesis writing since writing a thesis is different than journalistic writing.

After I finish the tutorial assignment, my roommate and I will begin packing the apartment for our move across town and (hopefully) move the big items to our new place before I have to leave for Miss Ohio.

I plan to attend a couple more Relay for Life events in the area to hopefully garner a few more signatures on the petition.

And, why do I do this to myself? I signed up for a summer class: economics. I'm crazy, I know.

My send-off party to Miss Ohio will be June 25th in Marion. And, sometime during this final week before Miss Ohio, I will schedule various appointments, including a general teeth cleaning and hair cut.

OU RELAY FOR LIFE RAISES $82,000

2006-05-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

Last weekend's Relay for Life at Ohio University raised over $82,000 for the American Cancer Society to benefit cancer research. One of the most touching moments came approximately 3 hours into the event when teams took a break from walking the track to participate in a luminary ceremony, while cancer survivors and friends of those with cancer spoke and shared songs. Holding candles, teams took a silent lap around the track.

Photo Credit: Chris Mackler, Senior Photographer, The Post.

Between obligatory walks around the driving range, I was busy the entire night, going from team to team, collecting signatures on my petition for a "Prevent Cancer" speciality license plate. I am thrilled to report that I obtained over 300 signatures.

This week I will participate in the Women in Communication Business Dress Fashion Show. Now, all I have to do is figure out what to wear!

The Girl Next Door

2006-05-17T09:01:00.000-04:00

Last night, as I entered my 40th minute on the elliptical machine, I was reminded how I am not your typical pageant girl. While I was working (sweating) away, the perfect (and I mean this with all sincerity) vision came up to me to say hello. She: perfectly coifed, perfectly made-up, perfectly built with a killer tan. Me: no make-up, mismatched workout clothes, sweat pouring from every pore on my body, squinting to see her and translucently pale. Come on, isn't it Murphy's Law or something that says when you look your worst, you can count on running into an old flame or someone you don't want seeing you look like crap?

I don't know why, I'm not usually prone to feelings of inadequacy, but I couldn't help but think of the lyrics from the Saving Jane song, "Girl Next Door."

She is the prom queen I'm in the marching band

She is a cheerleader I'm sittin in the stands

She gets the top bunk I'm sleepin on the floor

She's Miss America and I'm just the girl next door

But I am the girl next door. Yes, I was editor of my high school newspaper, editor of the yearbook, student council president with plenty of academic honors when I graduated, and I have accomplished tons in my three years at OU. However, I think some feelings of inadequacy are normal with the big pageant only six weeks away. The young lady I ran into is also in the pageant. And, while I have never seen her perform her talent and I don't know how she interviews, I think she has that something special which will bade well for her in July.

So, when I experience these feelings of self-doubt, I have to remind myself of the reason I decided to enter the Miss Ohio system. To force myself outside the normal comforts of day-to-day life and to challenge myself at something that does not come naturally to me. I am in this pageant for myself and to represent what I stand for. Stepping outside the normal paradigms of life instead of constantly living my life day-to-day has made me a stronger, more responsible individual content with being the girl next door.

Relay for Life at OU

2006-05-16T14:26:00.000-04:00

If you are not familiar with Relay For Life, it is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Our event will take place at the OU Driving Range. A member of each represented team keeps at least one team member on the "track" at all times. Festivities begin Thursday evening with the actual relay starting on Friday afternoon and concluding Saturday. My team, comprised of 21 members from ImPRessions, will take to the driving range to do our part to raise money for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. We have three tents to set up so we can rest while we are not taking our turn around the driving range. I will have several friends on hand obtaining signatures for the "Prevent Cancer" petition for the specialty license plate. These are members of the Colleges for Cancer organization and members of ImPRessions who have said they want to help me fulfill the goal of my Miss Ohio platform. If you are an Ohio resident and would like to sign the on-line petition, go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/OHCancer/petition.html.

I HEART LOUIE

2006-05-16T14:07:00.000-04:00

More photos from Community Service Day

2006-05-15T09:31:00.000-04:00

First row: Marlia Fontaine, Miss Ohio. Second Row: Heather Strickland. Third Row: Marissa Minor, Erin Jeffrey, Kristin Haas, Catherine Sengenberger, Laura Estrada, Leslie Ondrey and Jenna Wilson. Fourth Row: Abby Bollenbacher, Becky Minger, Melanie Murphy, Kyrsten Chambers, Katelyn Koval, Kasey Wilson, Roberta Camp, Nancianne Strosnider, Jillian Dansko, Nicole Masters, Allie Krucek, Sophia Davis, Jodi Green and me.

I had a great time getting a chance to know all the contestants a bit better at Tinsman's on Friday night. Many thanks to Terri and her husband for hosting all of us. We had a chance to mingle with the Miss Ohio Board Members and had a group shot taken. My apologies that some of these photos are a bit blurry. I tried to sharpen them up a bit, but it didn't help much.

Since our host parents were out of town, Katelyn and I spent the night at Sue & Amber's home (Melanie & Laura Estrada's host home). It turns out that Sue & Amber hosted my cousin, Ginny Morrow, during her Miss Ohio years.

Community Service Day was also a lot of fun. As I stated in an earlier blog, Katelyn, Kristin, Leslie and myself went to the Butler/Clearfork Adult Nutrition Center. We sorted food and stocked shelves. It was great because we were able to chat a bit while doing our job.

After a delicious lunch, provided by the Butler/Clearfork Adult Nutrition Center, we traveled over to bowl in the Bowl-A-Thon. I could only stay for one game, due to a meeting I had back in Athens for Relay for Life, which is this weekend. I'm so sure my teammates didn't miss me...I'm not much of a bowler!

Awww, aren't they cuties...Roberta and Kasey.

Photos from Community Service Day

2006-05-14T15:13:00.000-04:00

Various photos from Miss Ohio Community Service Day in Mansfield, Saturday, May 13th. Will post more pics and write more tomorrow. Back to homework!

Sorting food at Butler/Clearfork Adult Nutrition Center.

My lovely friends: Kristen Haas, Miss Chillicothe, Katelyn Koval, Miss Open City, me and Leslie Ondrey, Miss Lake Erie.

At a local car dealership seeing how we look in a convertible! The group.
Bowl-A-Thon Team: me, Mrs. Krucek, Allie Krucek, Miss Buckeye State and Laura Estrada, Miss Greater Cleveland.

With my Miss Ohio roommate...Katelyn Koval, Miss Open City.

Miss Ohio - Community Service Weekend & Bowl-A-Thon

2006-05-12T08:03:00.000-04:00

Tonight I will travel to Mansfield for Miss Ohio's Community Service Weekend. All the contestants have been assigned service projects by the local United Way Agency in Mansfield. My assignment, along with Leslie Ondrey (Miss Lake Erie), Katelyn Koval (Miss Open City) and Kristen Haas (Miss Chillicothe), will be to tour and visit the Butler/Clearfork Adult Nutrition Center. According to the United Way's website, the Butler/Clearfork Adult Nutrition Center provides the senior citizens of Jefferson and Worthington Townships nutritious meals 5 days a week. They also provide the seniors with activities throughout the year.

After our day of community service, the contestants will join their teams and bowl in the Bowl-A-Thon. I can count on one hand the number of times I have been bowling. Let's suffice it to say I'm not very good at it.

On a totally separate note, I have the latest jingle from the Chipotle radio ad running through my head. The chorus goes something like this:

Life is burrito-ful.

Life is fajita-ful.

Life is keen with rice and some beans.

Life's okie dokie down at Chipotle.....

(at this point I was laughing so hard, I missed the ending)

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are momma's.

IDOL MOURNING

2006-05-11T10:11:00.000-04:00

I am in SHOCK. My favorite American Idol contestant, Chris Daughtry, was eliminated from the competition last night. I vow to never watch American Idol again. But I will be the first to purchase Chris's CD when it comes out. Rock on, Chris!

Fashion-able

2006-05-08T20:31:00.000-04:00

Paris Bennett.....

Miss America, Jennifer Berry, at the Kentucky Derby.

Marlia & me at the Spring Forum.

Our Miss Ohio, Marlia Fontaine, must have great taste. She owns the same jacket as Paris Bennett, former American Idol contestant and Miss America, Jennifer Berry. Marlia wore this suit to the spring forum and looked beautiful.

Weekend Report

2006-05-08T08:29:00.000-04:00

I had the most wonderful visit with my mom last weekend. She arrived early Friday, around 10:00 a.m., and picked me up to take me to my dance rehearsal. I know she was excited to see the dance since I cut the original dance from 4:00 minutes to 2:00 mintues for Miss Ohio. I was a bit nervous because it was also the first time in a long, long time I have danced for her on pointe, but the pointe shoe gods and the turning gods were in my corner that day and rehearsal went extremely well. I have always been a strong turner, but when you put pointe shoes on after a long hiatus, your center of gravity changes and you have to get used to holding your body differently when dancing to accomodate those changes. All my practice must be paying off because my mom thought it looked great! And, I nailed all my turns.

Me and my momma.

We returned to my apartment, I showered and got ready for my tutorial. My mom accompanied me to Scripps to meet Dr. Frith, who is substituting this quarter for my regular tutorial advisor, Dr. Debatin, who is in Germany this quarter. Dr. Frith has also agreed to be my thesis advisor, so I wanted my mom to meet her since I will be speaking of her often. During tutorial, my mom stepped outside to experience the beautiful spring weather at OU. For those of you not familiar with OU and Scripps Hall (home of the journalism department), Scripps has a grassy amphitheater around half the building. It is a beautiful setting, and my mom took advantage of the weather and laid back against the grassy "seats" to soak up some sun. When Dr. Frith and I walked out of Scripps, there was my mom laying back with the rest of the coeds, reading a magazine.

Later that night we enjoyed the company of friends who joined us for dinner at the Blue Gator. It was a lovely and enjoyable day.

My friend, Katie, at the Blue Gator. Ignore the red eyes!

Saturday we started the day with Kate my athletic trainer where I was scheduled for my 4 week evaluation. I don't have the results of that evaluation yet, but remain optimistic. After the evaluation, we traveled to Parkersburg, WV to have my first gown fitting. I love walking into that shop and looking at all the beautiful, sparkly dresses on display!

My mom left after we returned from Parkersburg, and I went out and rented several movies to watch while I worked on the ImPRessions Annual Report, my Penultimate Portfolio, and drafted thank you's for my Scripps scholarships.

ERNIE - The Brad Pitt of Sesame Street

2006-05-04T07:44:00.000-04:00

Ernie (*sigh*), with Rubber Duckie & Best Friend Bert

Growing up, my absolute, favorite character was Ernie from Sesame Street. Bert was okay, but Ernie, now there was the man of my dreams. There are photos of me at 8 months of age standing in front of the television (yes, I walked and talked at 8 months), leaning over to plant a big fat kiss on Ernie's cheek. I didn't care about the static electricity emanating from the television screen...what's a little static shock between you and the Brad Pitt of Sesame Street? My first word was "Ernie," or "Eeenie" as I first pronounced it. My mom, to this day, is convinced I will one day marry a man named "Ernie," or name my first-born some derivative of it.

After my workout with Kate, my plan is to return to the apartment to start cleaning in anticipation of my mom's visit...it's Mom's Weekend, ya know! Between cleaning duties, I will do a little work on my thesis...gotta break up the monotony!

WHOO HOO!

2006-05-03T07:57:00.000-04:00

I am beyond excited! Last night was the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism's Scholarship Banquet and I am proud to say that I was the recipient of not one, but TWO prestigious scholarships. The first is the Distinguished Professor Scholarship given by Dr. Guido Stempel, Distinguished Professor Emeritus. One of the first tutorials I had as a freshman was with Dr. Stempel. I was in awe the entire quarter.

I was so excited to receive Dr. Stempel's scholarship. As soon as I accepted the award, I returned to my table and excused myself to go call my mom! I had just returned from calling when I heard they were announcing the Robert Baker Scholarship. This scholarship is the only Scripps scholarship exclusively for PRSSA members and is awarded in honor of Robert Baker, a retired professor and former acting director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. I was sitting there, still in shock from the previous scholarship, when much to my surprise, my name was called again. I sat there a moment, in disbelief, thinking they had made a mistake. A table-mate nudged me back to reality, and I stumbled back to the stage. All-in-all, I came away with $4,600 in scholarships last night. Hard work really does pay off.

This weekend is Mom's Weekend. I think my mom is coming down Thursday night or early Friday morning. Either way, she will be able to see how my dance is progressing. Friday night a group of friends and our moms will have dinner at the Blue Gator (the restaurant/bar owned by Terry Anderson, former Associated Press reporter held hostage for more than 6 years in Beirut). Saturday morning my momma will accompany me to Ping for the training evaluation with Kate, my personal trainer. After that, we will travel down the road to West Virginia to Elizabeth Michaels where I will meet with the seamstress for my first gown fitting. It promises to be an exciting and busy weekend!

Beautification Day in Athens

2006-05-02T09:45:00.000-04:00

One of the great things about my internship with the Communications Office is building my PR portfolio. Most recently, I worked with Michael Jones, a member of the OU Water Polo team to publicize their community service project, Beautification Day. Beautification Day basically encompassed cleaning up the Athens community. I was able to garner President McDavis' support of the project and he mentioned it during one of his weekly press conferences. To do this, I had to write talking points for President McDavis to brief him on the event. I also wrote the press release for the local media and assembled press packets. This resulted in three articles in the local newspapers. Here is one of the articles.....and another.

I'm extremely busy with ImPRessions, too. For those of you who are not familiar with ImPRessions, it is OU's student-managed public relations firm. ImPRessions allows students to plan and initiate public relations programs for university, community and national organizations. Last year, ImPRessions won the Frederick H. Teahan Award for outstanding firm at the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) national conference. This is quite an achievement since there are approximately 271 student chapters throughout the United States. As the CEO of this great organization, I am responsible to write the firm's annual report. I also have to review nomination memos to begin assigning Account Executives for next year. If that's not enough to add to my "To Do" list, I have to decide on the client list. This year we represented the American Cancer Society, Recyclemania, United Appeal, Good Works (the local homeless shelter), Athens Own, Center for Student Legal Affairs, Student Senate and, something we have never done before, Idle Ascent, a band out of the Cleveland area. This year, the list of clients requesting our services has increased, and as a result, it is becoming more and more difficult to decide who to accept.

Tonight is the Scripps scholarship banquet. Keep your fingers crossed I receive a BIG one!

Gone Fishing...

2006-04-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

Today, I am taking the day off to go fishing. I can't wait. I will have to stop by Walmart and get my fishing license, but then, off to the river for a little peace and quiet. It's a beautiful day here in Athens...I hope the fish are biting!

Tomorrow, I will be busy with Beautification Day activities. I also have to stop by the post office and mail off the Black Eyed Peas/Pussycat Dolls tickets I sold on Ebay. The concert is Tuesday night and I can't attend because I received notification I have received a Scripps scholarship and the awards ceremony is Tuesday night. I'm not sure what scholarship I received but there aren't that many awarded, so I feel honored to be included.

Have a great weekend everyone!

MISS OHIO SPRING FORUM

2006-04-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

The lovely and talented, Marlia Fontaine, Miss Ohio 2005.

Picture taken last weekend at the Miss Ohio Spring Forum.

This past weekend was one of my first official Miss Ohio functions. It was the Spring Forum where all the young women competing for the title of Miss Ohio met and learned what to expect at Miss Ohio this year. Since the majority of the contestants are first-timers, there was a lot to learn.

When we first arrived, all the girls, their parents and the Executive Directors of their respective locals checked in. We turned in all of the remaining required paperwork and accompaniment music for talent and swimwear competition and all program ads.

I was able to meet a few of the ladies. Abby Bollenbacher, a fellow blogger, introduced herself. We have a mutual friend, Chris G., whom I blogged about earlier. Chris is a former state Forensics champion for Ohio University, as Abby is for Bowling Green. It's strange to meet someone for the first time having read her blog religiously. Not spooky strange, but strange in that I feel like I know her much better than I do from reading her blog. I guess that's the way celebrities feel when their fans approach them purporting to know intimate details about them, when, in fact, they don't know them at all. However, now that we have met face-to-face, I'm sure that strangeness will pass! Abby is a delightful young woman with killer taste in shoes!

I met fellow OU-er, Jenna Wilson, Miss SEO. Jenna is a freshman Music Performance major. Beautiful girl who I am sure will do quite well at Miss Ohio.

I was also able to speak with Kasey Wilson and Roberta Camp, both students at Ohio State, while we patiently waited for lunch to be served. Both are very, very sweet girls. I look forward to spending more time with them in weeks to come.

I met Miss Stark County, Elyse Healey, a striking, raven-haired beauty who attends Youngstown State University. Elyse and I share several similarities...and no, one of them is not hair color! We are both products of the Ohio Junior Miss program...I competed in 2003 and Elyse in 2004. I was first runner-up in 2003 and Elyse was first runner-up in 2004. We are also journalism majors - she is broadcast (I think) and I, public relations.

I was most excited to see another 2003 OJM alumni, Allie Krucek. Allie is Miss Buckeye State and a fellow dancer. When we were at OJM, I was roommates with Allie's good friend, Ashley Edmunds. Allie and Ashley, I believe, were from the same county and danced together, so it was natural that we became friends at OJM. I'm sure Ashley told Allie how giddy we were after long days rehearsing at OJM. We laughed and giggled so much that week, as only sleep deprived teenagers can! In any event, Allie and I agreed to request each other for roommates at Miss Ohio, so, hopefully, I can entertain Allie with my late-night antics.

I met Leslie Ondrey, Miss Lake Erie, when she was "sharing" the Starburst from our teamwork exercise with Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Meghan Miller. I ran into Miss Mansfield, Sophia Davis, during one of my many trips to the restroom and Jillian Dansko, Miss North Coast on my way out the door at the end of the Forum.

There was a lot of information to digest throughout the day. We heard about community service day, the Bowl-A-Thon, the parade, rehearsals, standard operating procedures for while we are staying with our host families and with our chaparones. Most importantly, the order of competition was determined. Since I am a "newbie" in the system, this was somewhat surreal. I'm sure there are certain strategies utilized, but since my name was not drawn until late in the process, my strategy was nonexistent, and, I might add my mom was absolutely no help! So, I selected the #3 spot.

I will have interview on Tuesday morning, July 4th (I'm sure fireworks will directly follow my interview...*wink*), talent will be Wednesday evening, the first night of preliminaries. Swimsuit will be held Thursday evening and evening gown and on-stage question will be held on Friday evening. All-in-all, I am very happy with my placement.

VROOOM ... Miss Ohio raffling Harley Davidson Motorcycle

2006-04-18T14:10:00.000-04:00

I happened to be surfing around and found that the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program will be selling raffle tickets for a Miss Ohio Harley Davidson motorcycle! Tickets are $50.00 each and only 1,000 tickets will be sold. The drawing will take place live at the Miss Ohio Pageant Friday, July 7th! Tickets may be purchased from any Miss Ohio Board Member, Local Pageant Directors or by calling the Miss Ohio office at 419-522-6677.

This afternoon I'm off to my tutorial and then to Ping to work with my personal trainer, Kate! I've lost seven pounds since I started working with her two weeks ago. She's amazing. The exercises she designed for me are incredible and, best of all, I look forward to our sessions. We have a lot in common...we are the same age, she is a student, she was a gymnast...I'm a dancer...similar disciplines...she is competing this summer in a big figure competition around the same time that I compete in Miss Ohio. So, I am working the same areas of the body she is. I can actually say we are becoming good friends.

The dance is coming along quite nicely. I am working a lot on barre exercises, conditioning my feet back into pointe shoes. Originally, the dance was over 4 minutes in length. I had to cut that down to 2 minutes for Miss Ohio without losing the integrity of the choreography. Hopefully, I have been successful in this endeavor.

Friday, after dance rehearsal, I will head home for a much needed haircut with my favorite stylist at Kenneth's, Michael Jones. He has cut my hair since I was 10 years old.

The Miss Ohio Spring Forum is Saturday and I look forward to meeting all the girls!

RELAY FOR LIFE - Donations Accepted

2006-04-17T08:53:00.000-04:00

For details regarding Relay for Life, see the post below.

To make a DONATION click this secure link!

Many thanks!

Join the ImPRessions Relay for Life Team

2006-04-13T19:31:00.000-04:00

RELAY FOR LIFE OF OHIO UNIVERSITY

May 19 & 20, 2006

Ohio University Driving Range

Relay For Life® is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives, help those who have been touched by cancer, and empower individuals to fight back against this disease. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team keeps at least one team member on the track at all times. Relay is much more than a walk around a track. It is a time to remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived. It is a night for people who have shared the same experience to comfort and console one another.

Relay gives you the power to help accelerate the Society’s advancement toward a future where cancer doesn’t take the lives of our friends and family.Sign up today to become a part of the Relay phenomenon. Together we can accelerate the progress to a cancer-free future.

To join the OU ImPRessions Relay for Life Team, click here.

To make a DONATION click this secure link.

Busy as a Bee

2006-04-11T13:40:00.000-04:00

You know, I thought this quarter would be a leisurely walk-in-the-park. But, for some reason I am busier than ever. My schedule is packed with activity. Three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., I am working on my dance. After that, I spend time working on projects for my internship and apprenticeship. This includes a lot of interviews and time spent on the computer researching various themes. Evenings, I am busy with meetings for the various organizations I belong to. Also, Monday through Friday, I work with my personal trainer (M-W-F is dedicated to cardio and T - TH we work with free weights -- what I lovingly refer to the "kick butt" sessions). Next month, I will, more than likely cut back on the time spent in the dance studio, but right now, in order to condition my feet back into pointe shoes, it is necessary to put in the time. I also have my tutorial which keeps me busy analyzing data, etc., and meeting with my tutorial advisor.

I know I'm busy, but it's a different kind of busy....a more relaxed kind of busy. I don't have the stress of going to class and homework related to that class. Mentally, I'm in a good place, ready to tackle the preparations in store for Miss Ohio.

I just received my grades from last quarter. Straight A's in all my classes. That is a good feeling...no....that's a great feeling.

PREVENT CANCER...PLEASE!

2006-04-11T07:33:00.000-04:00

Around Thanksgiving last year, my friend Chris G., was getting ready to go home to Cleveland for the weekend. He wasn't feeling very well, but nevertheless, made the drive home anyway. As he drove, he became more and more ill. When he finally made it home, his mom wasted no time taking him to the hospital ER. Tests were done and doctors found a malignant tumor on Chris's heart. This, as you can imagine, was such a shock. Chris is 21 years old. Surgery was immediately performed at the Cleveland Clinic to remove as much as the tumor as possible, without jeopardizing the integrity of the heart. Chris has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy. Today, he finds out if the chemotherapy was successful and whether he needs another round of chemotherapy, or if he can continue with his college career.

During my sophomore year, I worked with Chris via ImPRessions, Ohio University's student-run PR firm. Together, we developed a PR campaign for OU's Student Senate, which was highly successful. We spent many hours working on this campaign and in doing so, Chris became a very good friend. I came to admire his dedication and spirit. The Student Senate campaign was one of the reasons ImPRessions was awarded the #1 student-run PR firm in the nation by PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America). When the 2005-2006 school year began in September, Chris was unable to continue participation in ImPRessions, he was too busy with speech & debate and advertising extracuriculars.

Before he became ill, Chris held the same research apprentice position I am currently in, working for Dr. Slater. I heard, through Dr. Slater, that today would be a big day for Chris. So, last night, I called Chris to let him know I was thinking of him. I am happy to report that he feels good and seems to be extremely upbeat. He is awaiting today's results with positivity and, told me that if the results were unkind, he would head into his third round of chemotherapy. In true Chris fashion, he also gave me some "tricks of the trade" in researching for Dr. Slater (which were extremely helpful). My thoughts are prayers are with Chris and his family today. Either way, it will be a tough and emotional day.

This whole ordeal with Chris reminds me why I am so passionate about my platform, funding and supporting cancer research and prevention. Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, race or religion. If someone close to you has not been touched by cancer, you are lucky. But, more than likely, you have been touched by cancer. Chris is lucky that the Cleveland Clinic is in his backyard. Chris did not smoke or mistreat his body and his cancer is extremely rare. But the majority of those afflicted with cancer have, in some way, mistreated their bodies. So, I am climbing on my soapbox to remind you to:

1. Eat healthy. What you eat affects more than the number on the scale. You can help lower your risk of developing several types of cancer by eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Exercise. It's a proven fact that exercise can help you maintain your weight, increase energy, flexibility and strength, as well as contribute to your overall mental well being. In addition to helping you look good, exercise can help reduce your risk for several cancers.
3. Get Screened. Along with lifestyle changes and proper screening, you can help prevent some cancers or successfully treat them when detected in their early stages. Don't be afraid to be screened, it could save your life!
4. Quit Smoking. Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly one-third of all cancer deaths in the country each year. The good news is that quitting smoking offers immediate and long-term health benefits.

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to publicize the petition for the "Prevent Cancer" specialized license plate benefiting cancer research and prevention. Help support cancer research and prevention by signing the petition on-line. If you would like to sign the petition, go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/OHCancer/petition.html. And, while you are at it, send this blog address to ALL your friends in Ohio! Ask them to sign the petition for a new "Prevent Cancer" charity license plate....$25.00 per plate sold will go directly to the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation.

Louie's New Friend

2006-04-10T15:23:00.000-04:00

I have a few minutes to spare and thought I would post a couple of new pictures of Louie and his new girlfriend "Sammy." Sammy is a Jack Russell Terrier and is about the same age as Louie. Louie is thrilled to have a new "friend" to wrestle with. They are inseparable. Sammy came to us from an abused home. As expected, Sammy is a bit timid but very sweet and happy at her new home with her new "boyfriend."

You can't read the back of Louie's t-shirt, but it says, "Caution: Dog at Leisure."

Miscellaneous Musings

2006-04-07T08:02:00.000-04:00

Miscellaneous Musing #1: I'm having some trouble with my cell phone. This may seem inconsequential, however, my roommate and I do not have a "land" line and use our cells as our main form of communication. My carrier, Sprint, assures me there are no problems with the towers in the Athens area and suggested that I have my phone looked at for mechanical problems. I honestly do not think there is a problem with the phone, but will drive to the Parkersburg Mall this weekend to have the phone looked at by the experts there.

Miscellaneous Musing #2: Every day when I log on to www.google.com, a new "Word of the Day" pops up. Yesterday, the word of the day was "hobbledehoy" which was defined as an awkward, gawky young fellow. I don't know why this amused me so, but it made me think of similar words, such as "gobbledegook," which is defined as unintelligible jargon, much like this blog entry!

Miscellaneous Musing #3: Today, I begin my first assignment as Dr. Slater's research apprentice. Dr. Slater is writing an advertisting textbook and my assignment is to research various brands. iPod, Barbie, Got Milk, Jones Soda, etc. Did you know there is a Jello Barbie? There is also a Got Milk Barbie. The Jello Barbie is sold with a Jello mold and a package of Jello and Barbie is wearing a rainbow-designed tank top.

Miscellaneous Musing #4: Tomorrow, is April 8th. That means there will be a new Miss Ohio crowned in approximately 3 months.

Have a great weekend!

OU College of Communication to become Scripps College of Communication

2006-04-05T15:51:00.000-04:00

Note: Until now, the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism was the only entity at Ohio University carrying the pretigious Scripps name. With the Scripps Howard Foundation's recent gift, the College of Communication will be renamed the Scripps College of Communications.

*****
Scripps Howard Foundation support of Ohio University tops $20 million

ATHENS, Ohio (April 4, 2006) -- The Scripps Howard Foundation announced today that it will give $15 million to Ohio University's College of Communication. Kenneth W. Lowe, president and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company, made the announcement at The Westin Cincinnati to an audience of Scripps employees, Ohio University faculty and staff, and alumni and friends.
"This is a landmark day in our long and successful partnership with Ohio University," said Kenneth W. Lowe, president and chief executive officer for Scripps. "With this important gift, it's our intention to provide the university's College of Communication with the resources it needs to build on its excellent reputation as a leading academic destination. Together, Scripps and the university are investing in the future of our industry by providing quality higher education for tomorrow's media and communication professionals."

Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis accepted the gift and, in recognition of the Foundation's commitment to communication education at the university, will recommend to the Ohio University Board of Trustees that the college be named the Scripps College of Communication.

"This gift is a very exciting moment in Ohio University's 200-year history," said Dr. McDavis. "The generosity of the Scripps Howard Foundation and The E.W. Scripps Company, which are long-time friends of the University, is a transformational gift for our College of Communication. Together, we have the opportunity to lift our College of Communication to its highest level of excellence."

Ohio University, the Scripps Howard Foundation, and The E.W. Scripps Company will celebrate this historic gift and long-time partnership at an all-day event on the university's Athens, Ohio, campus on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The gift brings the foundation's total support of Ohio University to more than $20 million. Since funding its first scholarship at Ohio University in 1966, the Scripps Howard Foundation has been a partner in Ohio University's mission to create a dynamic learning environment for future generations of communicators, and through 2005 had invested more than $5 million in programs within the College of Communication – including, but not limited to, the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.

"We are confident that Ohio University will make the best use of our resources, will be good stewards of the dollars, is committed to our shared goals and understands our imperatives," said Judy Clabes, president and chief executive officer of the Scripps Howard Foundation. "Together, we know we can accomplish something grand and meaningful while extending the Scripps family heritage in a most appropriate way."

The Foundation's investment will support a variety of programs and initiatives from diversity enhancement and cutting edge technology to teaching fellows and scholarships.
"The College is home to nationally prominent academic programs in the field of communication. This gift will allow us to further our excellence," said College of Communication Dean Greg Shepherd. "It will, for example, allow us to expand our supported internship opportunities for students, increase the numbers of scholarships we can provide, fund innovative initiatives that bring faculty and students together outside the boundaries of traditional classrooms, and sponsor a program of visiting professionals through which students will have the opportunity to engage with leading practitioners in their chosen fields of study. We could not be more grateful for the recognition and opportunities this gift provides."

These programs and enhancements build upon a tradition of excellence in communication education that began in 1968 when the schools of communication and journalism were brought together to form the College of Communication.
"What excites me most is that the relationship has a future – a bright one. The fact that our funds will go totally for programming and value-added support for an already quality communication college is extremely exciting," said Clabes. "This will make a difference in perpetuity for communication students at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University. That has a nice ring to it."

Today, the College of Communication offers more than 40 programs through five schools. These range from the very technical in the J. Warren McClure School of Communications Systems Management to the deeply theoretical in the School of Communication Studies – and everything in between in the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism, and the Schools of Telecommunication and Visual Communication.

"This commitment is the highlight of a long and productive partnership between the Foundation and the college," said Provost Kathy Krendl, formerly dean of the College of Communication. "I've had the pleasure of working with this amazing benefactor since coming to Ohio University in 1996. For 10 years, whenever the college's students and faculty have had ideas about how to enhance technology, to contribute to survey research, to attract visiting professionals, or to enhance the 'real word' experiences we offer to students, we've been able to take those ideas to Scripps. And the Foundation has consistently supported us. We have worked as a team. It's a very special relationship."

The Scripps Howard Foundation started in 1962, dedicated to improving journalism. Today, it is the largest corporate foundation in Greater Cincinnati. It is responsible for The E.W. Scripps Company' corporate contributions through the Greater Cincinnati Fund and in 1999 began a program to award grants in all the communities in which Scripps does business through the Community Fund. The Foundation strives to advance the cause of a free press through support of excellence in journalism, quality journalism education and professional development. The Foundation helps build healthy communities and improve the quality of life through support of sound educational programs, strong families, vital social services, enriching arts and culture, and inclusive civic affairs, with a special commitment to the communities in which the company does business.

Chartered in 1804, Ohio University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students come from every state in the union and 100 different countries. Presently enrolling more than 29,000 students on the Athens campus and five regional campuses, Ohio University offers 285 undergraduate majors through 10 academic colleges and the Center for International Studies. The University also offers master's degrees in nearly all areas, 20 doctoral degrees, and a doctoral degree in osteopathic medicine.

The Ohio University Foundation is the repository for all private gifts through annual giving programs, capital, and special campaigns and planned or deferred gifts. The Foundation is an institutionally related, non-profit, tax-exempt, 501c(3) organization.

Media Contact: Senior Media Specialist Jack Jeffery, (740) 597-1793 or jefferyj@ohio.edu

Great News!

2006-04-02T18:01:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to report that I have been selected by Dr. Jan Slater, Associate Director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, as her media research apprentice. There were fourteen applicants. The field was narrowed down to four and the final four were interviewed last week. I was offered the position on Friday! This is a paid apprenticeship, so I am very excited about that. The apprenticeship will entail approximately 10 hours per week of research that will be incorporated into the text book Dr. Slater is writing.

Congratulations to all my fellow Miss Ohio contestants. On Saturday night, the last two crowns were awarded. A fellow Ohio Junior Miss (2003) contestant, Allie Krucek, was awarded one of the crowns. I am so happy for Allie!

My Grandpa - Happy 80th!

2006-03-30T10:07:00.000-05:00

When I entered kindergarten, my mom and I moved in with my grandparents. Back then, my mom worked for a large law firm in downtown Columbus, and her hours were very unpredictable. So, in order for me to avoid being a day-care orphan, we moved to Powell and in with the grandparents. It was great because I was able to catch the bus to school in the morning and get off the bus at home like regular kids. What I remember most is my grandpa waiting at the door for me and helping me with my backpack and art projects.

This weekend my family celebrates my grandpa's 80th birthday. There will be no huge celebration, just close family, dinner, cake & ice cream. We would like to have a big celebration of this monumental birthday, because he's worthy of a big celebration, but to put it mildly, my grandpa is not a demonstrative person. He has a very quiet presence.

When he and grandma celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, the family threw a big party... he threw a fit, threatening not to attend. For some reason, he doesn't think big parties are necessary. Since he was half of the team celebrating the anniversary, he was outvoted. We can't use that strategy this time. It's his birthday and if he doesn't want a big celebration, then there will be no big celebration. Just the regular family party..plain and simple...like my grandpa.

But what does one get an 80-year-old? He has everything he could possibly need. He just went out and purchased a new treadmill (because he wore out his old one last weekend). He has a 60-inch television set where he recently figured out how to divide the screen into four different channels (during the NCAA basketball tournament games). He has a brand new van, fully loaded, that he drives about once a week (the van has a DVD player in it....I laughed long and hard over that!) I asked him what I could get him for his birthday. He said, "just come home and have some cake."

So, I will come home for his birthday party, eat a bit of cake and ice cream, and when I get ready to leave to return to Athens late Sunday, I will give him a big hug and kiss and he will, as he always does, slip me $20 for gas money. That's my grandpa.

Happy 80th!

New Quarter - New Internship

2006-03-28T07:45:00.000-05:00

Today is the day I start my internship with OU's Communication and Marketing Department. I'm not sure what my duties will encompass, but will report those when they are known. In addition to the internship, I will also meet with a professor in the Scripp's School who will be substituting for my advisor, Dr. Debatin, who is in Germany this quarter. My tutorial will be interesting. I will be dealing primarily with the data I have thus far collected from various states and will be transferring this data into a statistical analysis program so that I may begin writing my thesis.

While I was home over spring break, I decided I would experiment with wearing pointe shoes during my Miss Ohio dance. So, I dug out an old pair of pointe shoes from the dance shoe box in the basement. This is easier said than done, since my feet are two different sizes -- not a problem with regular shoes, but with pointe shoes, the fit is a bit more discriminating. So, when I buy pointe shoes, I have to buy two different sizes...the good news is that I have two separate pairs of pointe shoes to use because pointe shoes are not "footed." There is no left or right shoe. In any event, I was lucky enough to find a new pair that will suffice. I am hopeful that I can condition my feet enough that I can perform my Miss Ohio dance on pointe. I'm not really looking forward to the blisters and bruised toe nails, but I must sacrifice these things for the sake of the art!

More later! Ta-ta!

MOVIE FEST!

2006-03-22T09:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm back in Athens and there are two things on my agenda: cleaning my apartment and movies!

I am a huge fan of movies. As with many students, when the really good ones are in the theaters, I don't have time to see them. But when they come out on video...watch out! A new rental franchise opened in Athens..and I paid it a visit last night. Since most students are out of town concentrating on their tans...and other things...I was able to rent all the movies I have not seen. Capote, Dreamer (I know a little sappy, but my grandma loved it!), Jarhead, Pride and Prejudice, Hustle & Flow, and Derailed. When I was home over the weekend, my friend Rob loaned me the first three episodies of "The Shield." Rob's collection of DVD's is comparable to any video rental store. He also turned me on to "Nip/Tuck" and "Alias," so I'm sure "The Shield" will be great viewing.

Random Thought: Do you think if I drink coffee through a straw it wouldn't harm my newly whitened teeth?

Spring Break Update

2006-03-21T11:47:00.000-05:00

I am back in my Athens apartment after a short stay at home in Powell. While I was home, I enjoyed some good home cookin' and sleeping in my old room. I also had my teeth whitened...a procedure I was lucky enough to have donated as part of the Miss Popcorn Festival package. A big thanks to Dr. Park's office in Marion. You don't think your teeth are discolored until you have your teeth whitened! The only drawback: no coffee for a while....YIKES!

IPOD UPDATE: I was not able to find my IPOD, but while I was home a box came in the mail addressed to me. My mom found one on EBAY and surprised me with it! Now I am assured to find my old one!

MISS OHIO UPDATE: Most of my wardrobe has been purchased for Miss Ohio. Speaking of EBAY, my mom found a woman who was offering Crown Collection dresses at cost! The "seller" wanted to establish an account with the Crown Collection people and needed to "order" 10 dresses. So, she went on EBAY and offered the dresses at cost. When I was at Elizabeth Michael's in West Virginia, I fell in love with one of the dresses in the Crown Collection line. The only problem was the cost. It was really expensive and we thought that we could probably find something else a little less expensive...especially for a walk-on dress. Fortunately, my mom was able to get on the seller's list and my dress has been ordered and we saved over 65% !!!

HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY

2006-03-17T09:19:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of spring break. Even though I am not going anywhere exotic to bask in the sun, I am thrilled to have a little "me" time. All my exams were "take home" or essay exams, which in theory sounds great, but in reality, are much harder than taking a sit-down exam. Each one required a lot of research and thought preparation. I'm happy this week is over.

I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but last weekend when I returned from the fundraiser, I decided to do a little laundry beginning with the linens on my bed. I stripped my bed and gave them a good shake. The reason I did this was to remove my IPOD Nano which I listen to every night before I drift off to sleep. The music is very therapeutic and helps calm me.

The IPOD (about the size of a credit card) was not in, on, under, or near my bed..., it was not on my desk, nor was it anywhere obvious in the apartment. I have had this IPOD since my birthday in November. I received it as a gift from Todd, a very close family friend. I have also become very addicted to my IPOD. It travels with me as I walk to class, it keeps me company when I work out, and since I received a converter for my car, it travels with me when I drive. I AM DEVASTATED! All week as I tried to concentrate on my studies, I was somewhat discombobulated.

The discombobulation continued as I left my apartment Tuesday to turn in one of my exams. As I was pulling out of my parking space, about to put my car into "drive," a woman also decided to pull out of her parking space, right into my rear end. We called the police and the woman informed the police officer that she did not "see" my car. Apparently, my car has super powers and unbeknownst to me becomes InvisiCar! The police officer was about to cite both of us, when I snapped out of the trance I was in and mounted my argument. In the end, justice prevailed. The woman was cited and I was on my way to turn in my exam paper.

Geez..could it get any worse? Why yes, it could! When I got to the building on campus to turn in my exam, the building was closed because some genius had called in a bomb threat. Hmmmm, it seems this Einstein was not ready to take their exam. In any event, I could not turn in my exam, so it was back to the apartment for me.

Today begins an all-out search for the IPOD. Keep your fingers crossed that the luck of the Irish (although I am of German descent) is with me.

The Ides of March and other Whatnots

2006-03-15T12:56:00.000-05:00

Today is March 15th, otherwise known as the Ides of March. Other lesser known Ides include the fifteenth of May, July, and October and the thirteenth of other months. I am a fountain of trivial information!

I can't believe how quickly the month of March is passing by. My last final exam project is due tomorrow, after that, I will be on spring break! Whoo Hoo! I start my internship the beginning of spring quarter and also begin working with a personal trainer at Ping (our student fitness facility).

Back to writing! More later....

Little Kilee with her Mardi Gras beads. She LOVES her beads...

Popcorn Pictures from Saturday Night

2006-03-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures taken Saturday evening at the Lucky Leprechaun Fundraiser held in Marion. Enjoy!

Holly Blinn signing the petition for a "Prevent Cancer" license plate.

You, too, can join Holly and sign the petition on-line by going to http://www.petitiononline.com/OHCancer/petition.html.

I love these girls...the Popcorn Royalty...Holly Blinn, Rachael Maris and moi!

Congratulations to Miss MPF ED's

2006-03-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, I spent a delightful evening with the folks of Marion at the Lucky Leprachaun Fundraiser for the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival pageant. I'm told that after expenses, over $5,000 was raised. The great thing about the Marion preliminary is each contestant receives a scholarship. In addition to the scholarship money the winner receives a $1,000 wardrobe allowance, which has come in quite handy, I must say. For a closed pageant, this is quite impressive.

At the fundraiser, a variety of "baskets" were auctioned off. About half were auctioned silently, with the remainder being auctioned by a real, live, fast-talkin' auctioneer. My favorite basket was the "coffee" basket. It had several varieties of coffees, mugs and a gift certificate to Starbucks. There was a cute denim handbag with a beaded handle. This particular bag , called a "Bootie Bag," was adorable. The proceeds from this particular auction went to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. For more information on these great bags, go to their website, www.bootiebags.us, for more details on purchasing a "bootie bag."

There were a couple of OSU baskets. One, in particular, was in an OSU trashcan and held a GI Joe-like doll with an OSU jersey and helmet. It was so cute! I wonder where they found that doll? A big thank you to all the sponsors who generously donated door prizes for the general raffle, games, Pot of Gold, Mystery Raffle and Diamond Cake (a token was baked into the cake for a diamond ring!).

Congratulations to the organizers of this fundraiser, Kay Gwinner and Carol Ault, Executive Directors of the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival pageant for a successful fundraiser!

With the latest round of Miss Ohio paperwork completed (including the essays -- yay!) and sent off to Terri in the Miss Ohio office, I'm off to study for finals!

Straddling the Fence

2006-03-13T00:19:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I was informed that I need to write in my blog more often. So, I have decided to share with you the essence of my college experience thus far … it can be summed up in one simple sentence. All of us fortunate enough to have the chance to attend a four-year university spend those four years struggling between two worlds: the world of immaturity and childish imagination, and the world of adulthood and responsibilities.

This became all too clear to me about a month ago during one of my routine trips to the ladies room in Bentley Hall. The restroom was surprisingly empty, and yet I found myself facing several closed stall doors. I bent down to inspect the situation, expecting to find multiple pairs of feet staring back at me when to my surprise, I discovered none. Perplexed, I walked up to one of the closed stall doors and pulled – I was met with resistance. After repeating this step to all of the doors in the bathroom I was taken back in time to the little girl’s room in Olentangy Elementary School … you see this same thing had happened to me before … when I was in second grade. Being an experienced prankster, I recognized the signs of this little trick immediately. In second grade, me and a few of the girls in my class would enter a bathroom stall, flip the lock from the inside and slither out from underneath the locked door. We would loiter in the hallway until an unsuspecting kindergartner entered the bathroom and we would follow behind her to witness the frustration in her face as she struggled with the locked stall door. She would bend down, just as I did in Bentley Hall last month, and rise with the same perplexed look on her face.

It is strange how memories like this one serve as my reminder of how juvenile and delightfully silly college students can be, amongst our new world of adulthood and responsibilities sometimes we just can’t help ourselves. I giggled to myself that day as I left the bathroom, remembering a time in my life when all I had to worry about was what kind of sandwich my grandma packed in my lunch that day.

Reflecting on my struggle to strike a balance between the two worlds I inhabit I have realized something; I never want the world of bills and groceries and deadlines to become my only world and I hope that some part of me always stays with one foot in the world of childhood and one foot in the world of adulthood. I love my life just as it is … right now … straddling the fence.

Waxing Poetic

2006-03-08T10:11:00.000-05:00

It is my career ambition to one day work within the court system as a public relations specialist and ultimately become a consultant in the area of outreach programs designed as part of the courts' education initiatives. Yes, I realize that is a mouthful, but it is something that is in high demand in the judicial community.

Last year at this time I was preparing to move to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where I was employed as a public relations intern with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. While I was there I devised a system of pre- and post-tests for the court to distribute during their semi-annual outreach programs held for high school seniors. The program was designed to educate them on the state's judicial system. The tests were intended to assess the students’ knowledge, comprehension and retention of the material presented to them during the courts’ regularly scheduled outreach programs. The tests will be used to improve the current programs and to make recommendations for the future of the courts’ outreach efforts. Since then, the tests have been implemented in the states of Maryland and Ohio. This has also become the research behind my honors thesis.

I was in Harrisburg for a little more than one college quarter (approximately 11 weeks). It was not only a professional learning experience, but a personal one, as well. I knew no one when I moved to Harrisburg, having met Tom Darr, the Director of the Supreme Court's Communications Division and my boss, once when he visited OU earlier last year. I moved into a temporary residential community along the great Susquehanna River. When I moved into the apartment, the Susquehanna was at flood stage and literally the basement level (where I parked my car) was under water. Not only that, I knew nothing of the geographics of the city of Harrisburg. I figured out how to get to the office, which was located in a suburb of Harrisburg, and back home. Soon enough, with the assistance of my kind co-workers, I was negotiating my way around the city.

I remember this experience with great fondess for my co-workers in Pennsylvania. When they found out I was alone in the city (they all thought I was there because I had a relative in the area to stay with), the women in the office became extremely maternal, making sure my weeknights and weekends were not lonely. When they found out the apartment building I was staying in may need to evacuate due to the flood situation, many were offering their homes as refuge. I also recall the incredible work assignments I was given, including the trip to Philadelphia on my first day of work to meet with one of the Justices. Talk about getting your feet wet!

As I prepare for my new internship this spring with Ohio University's Communications and Marketing Department, I am happy that it is a little closer to home, but cannot discount the practice of moving outside one's comfort zone and experiencing new and exciting adventures. In a way, that is why I am competing in Miss Ohio. In life, in order to grow, you must take chances and push yourself outside your comfort zone.

Weekends are meant to be restful....

2006-03-06T15:57:00.000-05:00

I had a very relaxing weekend. I guess you could also call it boring, but when I have a weekend where I have no obligations, I call it relaxing. I was fighting off a sinus infection, so I dug out the antibiotics my mom could not take and sent to me "just in case." I started taking those on Friday and felt much better by Saturday. I was able to finish my assignments and started reading for next week's Con Law assignment. And, best of all I was able to work on the counted cross-stitch picture I started over Christmas break.

Next weekend, I will travel to Marion for the Lucky Leprechaun Fundraiser for the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival. I will be auctioning off some of the baskets people have donated. My mom and I put together a "Mary Had a Little Lamb" basket. It has a hand-made baby afghan (made by my grandmother, white & yellow in color), a bib, a soft little lovey with a duck on it, two rattles, four little receiving blankets, a sleeper (with a duck on it), matching hat and socks, a towel (with a duck on it) and matching washclothes, an ABC book, a baby calendar, a baby book, a baby frame, and of course, a yellow lamb!

I am attaching a couple of new pictures of my friends Kyle and Emily. Emily is my mom's Goddaughter...so I claim her as a relative! Kyle is in the 6th grade in the Pickerington Schools. He is super athletic and quite the baseball player. Emily is about a year and a half old. As a matter of fact, she will turn two around Miss Ohio time. She is our little miracle!.

Kyle (aka "Bo Bo") and #1 Buckeye Cheerleader Emmy.

Emmy with her Bo Bo.

LUCKY LEPRECHAUN FUNDRAISER

2006-03-02T14:29:00.000-05:00

The Marion Popcorn Festival Scholarship Program

Lucky Leprechaun Fundraiser

Be In The Green & Have Lots Of Fun

Featuring

Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2006

Mary Krouse

Carousel Convention Center

2209 Marion Waldo Rd.

Saturday March 11th

6:30 PM - 11 PM

Come out and enjoy entertainment, appetizers, dancing and bid on items generously donated by Marion Area Businesses. Many items valued up to $300 will be auctioned, and raffled. There will also be a silent auction. Have fun with the Mystery Lucky Leprechaun Raffle as you peek, poke, shake and barter for gifts all night trying to take possession of the "Grand Gift". Try your luck at "Bowling for Dollars", "Wheel of Fortune", "Pot of Gold" and more. Following the auctions dance to the music of Sunrise D.J. Services.

Our sponsors are hoping you will help us get ready for the Miss Marion Popcorn Festival Scholarship Program by coming out for a great evening of fun, food, entertainment, gifts and dancing. Food catered by TASTE BUDDs CATERING - Door Donation $5.00 CASH BAR

Mystery Solved

2006-02-22T08:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I wrote about the mystery of the apartment ghost. Holly and I managed to squeeze a few minutes into our busy schedules to visit the leasing office to discuss the problem. While there, we met with one of maintenance guys who told us he had just placed a sheet of drywall over the area in our bathroom where the ceiling tile was tampered with. The drywall is screwed into the ceiling underneath the ceiling tile inside our apartment. From now on, when maintenance needs to turn the water on/off in our building, they will have to unscrew the drywall. This provides Holly and I with a sense of security that the idiots crawling around the ceiling and entering our apartment will be deterred. Sometimes the idiocy of people never ceases to amaze me.

Also, yesterday afternoon, at the invitation of Jack Jeffrey, OU Public Relations Director, I attended a university function where a press conference followed. This event gave me the opportunity to witness first-hand what I will be doing next quarter as an intern in the university's PR office. At the press conference, I saw a former high school classmate of mine, Jason Notoras, who is a broadcast journalism major. Jason was at the press conference covering it for WOUB-TV. In high school, Jason was a very nice guy, but not someone you would think would go into broadcast. He had a baby face, was extremely shy and, well...for lack of a better word, forgettable. The person I saw yesterday was anything but forgettable. He was poised and extremely comfortable in front of the camera and I was very impressed.

The Apartment Ghost and Other Concerns...

2006-02-21T07:46:00.000-05:00

My roommate and I live in an apartment in River Park. It's not the best apartment in Athens, but those of you who attend OU know, you have to make housing arrangements a year in advance. Usually, your housing is finalized by the end of spring quarter. Last year at the beginning of fall quarter, Holly and I still had not located housing and she was off to Italy for the quarter. So, it was up to me to find an apartment for us. The only place remotely decent which was available was River Park.

Our apartment is on the fifth floor and for whatever reason houses the on/off switch for the water supply to the entire apartment building. Therefore, if there is a leak that needs to be fixed, a maintenance person enters our apartment, climbs onto our toilet, removes the ceiling tile and turns off the water supply. Yes, it's annoying, but it's something Holly and I endure.

Last Friday, I returned from a meeting uptown to find the door to our apartment standing wide open. I expected to find maintenance in our bathroom, but the only person I found was Holly in the bedroom sound asleep. Needless to say, I was alarmed and woke Holly. Holly insisted that she locked the door before napping. We checked the bathroom and found the ceiling tile moved out of place, indicating the culprit-of-choice to be maintenance. We located a maintenance person, intending to give them a piece of our mind. We asked him who had entered our apartment and left the door standing wide open. He checked with the others and told us that no one had entered our apartment that day.

Okay, now we are freaking out.

We fixed the ceiling tile and went on with our regularly scheduled plans. Holly was staying in Athens for the weekend and I was scheduled to travel to Virginia with my boyfriend to visit his dad's family.

On Sunday, I returned to find Holly in 100% freak-out mode. Apparently, the ceiling tile was once again askew and the maintenance people again were saying they had not entered the apartment. Since I was also extremely upset, I called the Athens Police to file a report. The police officer was puzzled and told us that he couldn't imagine anyone climbing through the ceiling and offered us little solace. He told us to report it to the apartment management as soon as possible.

We spent Sunday night half awake/half asleep. Any strange noise jolted both of us wide awake.

Bright and early Monday, Holly and I went over to River Park's leasing office to find it CLOSED for PRESIDENT'S DAY! Wait a minute! We had class on President's Day, why is the leasing office closed?

We returned to our apartment building to find that our elevator was once again out of service. Yes folks, that was the icing on the cake.

We spent another restless night even though I told Holly that I felt positive I could "take" anyone who was small enough to fit through a ceiling tile.

This morning Holly and I will once again go over to the leasing office. Hopefully, they will be able to tell us if it is possible to crawl through the ceiling (neither Holly nor I were willing to crawl around the ceiling to find out where it would take us) from the apartment next door.

A footnote, we are moving out of River Park in June. We can't wait.

My Special Guy

2006-02-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

It was a little over a year ago that Louie came into my life. Louie is my West Highland White Terrier. And, while he is not Westminster material, he is the light of my life. We rescued him from a puppy mill and, needless to say, he was not in the best health for the first few weeks. But, he recovered and quickly showed us the "Westitude" typical of Westies.

Louie lives with my boyfriend David on several acres of land and enjoys chasing everything from moles to deer.

Louie must have been a ballet dancer in a previous life...note that he is sitting in first position!

Thursday Nights in Athens, Ohio

2006-02-16T15:37:00.000-05:00

I always look forward to Thursday nights. Thursday night means no class on Friday and that means I can (usually) watch frivilous television with my roomie. Tonight, we will more than likely venture out to our local Walmart for weekend staples. For those of you not familiar with Athens, Walmart is our mecca. We bow to the Walmart gods because without them, we would be without food, Diet Pepsi, toilet paper and extension cords. While at Walmart I think I will pick up the latest release on DVD...Grey's Anatomy, quite possibly the BEST television show ever.

Elizabeth Michaels

2006-02-07T10:49:00.000-05:00

My mom visited over the weekend and we traveled to Vienna, WV to Elizabeth Michaels, a pageant wear shop. They had tons of merchandise to choose from...it was literally wall-to-wall dresses, shoes, jewelry and more. It seems like I tried on 200 dresses, but in reality, it was more like 30. After the 30th, I was somewhat overwhelmed, but in the end, I walked out happy we made the trip. I was able to try on a variety of dresses and come away with many potential walk-on selections. My advice to those searching for that perfect pageant gown ... go to Elizabeth Michaels. They have 5 times more than Suzie Lee's in Canton, Ohio. An added plus, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly.

I'm sending positive vibes to my Popcorn Pal, Rachel Maris, who competed last weekend in the Miss Maple City pageant. Unfortunately, Rachel did not place, but I have faith that she will do well in one of the remaining pageants. On the bright side, a fellow Ohio Junior Miss 2003 competitor, Allie Krucek, was Maple City's first runner-up. Allie is a sweetheart and I wish her luck.

One more mid-term this week ...

A run-in with the famous....

2006-02-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Just heard this funny story from my mom.

My cousin Ginny (Morrow) Shuster lives in Nashville. Last weekend Ginny and her husband, Matt, were out to dinner. After dinner, Ginny decides to head to the restroom. She opens the door to the restroom and literally runs into Nicole Kidman. After excusing herself, Ginny made the following observations. Nicole Kidman is really, really, really skinny. This coming from someone who is just merely skinny. She also said Nicole's skin is transluscent...almost ghost-like...eerily pale. Oh, and she is really tall. Ginny didn't see Nicole's boyfriend, country music star Keith Urban, but then after all she had business to attend to.

Ginny and her baby, Kilee!

I also received this cute photo of my friend Lori's little Emily. It was too cute to not pass on to everyone.

Keep your fingers crossed!

2006-02-01T07:59:00.000-05:00

Happy February everyone.

Midterms are in full swing at OU this week and next. I have my Constitutional Law midterm today. Subsequently, I was awake all night studying. Next week, I have midterms in my PR class and Sociology.

Yesterday, I interviewed with Jack Jeffrey and Jessica from OU's PR office. I was offered the internship for spring quarter, but need to double check with my advisor and the Honors College before finalizing matters. Since I receive scholarship $$ from the Honors College, I need to consult with them regarding applying scholarship monies toward internship hours, etc. I am truly blessed.

Last weekend was the second and final interview weekend for the new Honors College class. One of the mom's I met has a position with a cancer clinic in Ohio. The subject of Miss Ohio and my platform came up and she thought I should contact all the cancer clinics in Ohio to publicize the petition the "Prevent Cancer" specialized license plate benefiting cancer research and prevention. She told me that the clinics have many patients who would be more than willing to sign the petition to support cancer research and prevention. Great advice! If you would like to sign the petition, go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/OHCancer/petition.html. And, while you are at it, send this blog address to ALL your friends in Ohio! Ask them to sign the petition for a new "Prevent Cancer" charity license plate....$25.00 per plate sold will go directly to the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation.

Finally, my mom is coming to Athens Thursday night. On Friday, we plan to go to another dress shop in West Virginia to look for walk-on dresses and perhaps try on a swimsuit or two. She's bringing my dance costume....keep your fingers crossed that it fits!

Good News ... Part II

2006-01-30T10:06:00.000-05:00

My reading assignments continue to be overwhelming...my Sociology class alone assigns multiple articles to be read that are 100+ pages along with reading from the textbook. The textbook in my Constitutional Law class weighs approximately 10 pounds and I think I've already read 5 pounds of it. Midterms begin this week and I will be preparing for those.

My PR class is exciting. The professor is the PR Director for the university and also happens to be the co-advisor of PRSSA. The latter part of last week I received an e-mail from him complimenting me on my writing and asking me to come in to interview for an internship next quarter. I am extremely flattered, but more than anything this could work extremely well in my preparation for Miss Ohio. I have an interview tomorrow with him and I am hopeful that we can work things out for Spring quarter. If so, that means I will have very little "homework" next quarter and will be able to concentrate on my dance and other necessary preparations for Miss Ohio. I am keeping my fingers crossed...will post more tomorrow after the interview.

Good news....

2006-01-24T10:03:00.000-05:00

My dance costume arrived from Hong Kong Saturday morning. I haven't had a chance to try it on, but my mom reports that she is impressed with how well it is made. . . . .

The elevator in my apartment is FINALLY fixed. As some of you may know, it has been under repair since Thanksgiving. I live on the 5th floor....so, this is extraordinarily good news....

I lost three pounds since starting my diet last week...that's always good.....

Sadly, the chair I ordered to use in my dance was not a good choice, but my grandparents found one to replace it......

MISS AMERICA

2006-01-20T11:25:00.000-05:00

A new Miss America will be crowned Saturday night. The competition this year has moved from Atlantic City to Las Vegas and, for the first time will be aired on the cable network, CMT. Kudos to the CMT public relations department who have gone all-out in publicizing this competition. First, they get a hunky new co-host...James Denton from Desperate Housewives fame. Nothing wrong with that. But, the most interesting development is on CMT's web site. They have devoted videos, audio, photographs to all 52 contestants. Very, very impressive. They even have a matching game involving baby photos of all the contestants. Go to www.CMT.com and click on the Miss America crown.

There's a great article in Saturday's Columbus Dispatch about Marlia Fontaine, Miss Ohio. Click here to read.

I have a GOWN!

2006-01-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a L-O-N-G day. It began at 6:30 a.m. My mom, Aunts Barb and Carol, and my Executive Director Kay, traveled to Canton to try on dresses. I tried on so many dresses! Then, finally, I found the ONE! I won't go into detail, but can tell you it is by the designer Tony Bowls. And, it's not just a dress....it's a GOWN.....and, I love it.

We returned home around 6:00 p.m. Then, I immediately left for Athens where I worked a fundraiser to benefit the local Red Cross.

It was a very long day, but I'm so happy that I found my gown. YAY!

Bronchitis and other woes...

2006-01-12T11:24:00.000-05:00

My roommate and I have been seriously under the weather with bronchitis and other upper respiratory woes. Holly's new tea kettle has been used quite frequently and we have been staying close to the apartment. We both find it ironic that students who are sick are not excused from class, but professors can cancel class due to illness. I happened across this article in The Post.... http://http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/show_news.php?article=E4&date=011106. It echoes our sentiments.

Other than living at the bottom of Jeff Hill (which, of course means a trek up Jeff Hill to walk to classes), the most irritating inconvenience is the fate of the elevator in our apartment building. It has been "out of service" since we left on holiday break. That was before Thanksgiving. Now, don't get me wrong, I realize that walking up and down five flights of stairs several times a day is good exercise, but when you consider you need to breathe during this exercise, it's no fun.

I'm off to take my antibiotics and another dose of cough medicine.

Things are progressing nicely....

2006-01-09T09:38:00.000-05:00

January is a busy month for me. First of all, classes began January 3rd and I am again busy, busy, busy. My professors all warned of heavy reading assignments in their respective classes and so far they have been spot-on. I am also finalizing thesis data received from the Ohio Supreme Court and received an e-mail last week that Maryland is sending their data this week.

I have meetings four nights a week for various organizations, including PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America), ImPRessions and the College of Communications Student Council. A footnote: ImPRessions, the student run public relations firm, which I currently serve as CEO, was recently awarded the "Outstanding Chapter Firm" in the nation by PRSSA! WOW! I am so proud of the hard work of all the members. We do great work and it's nice to be recognized nationally!

The third and fourth weekends of January, the Honors Tutorial College will be interviewing for next year's class and I am scheduled to work those two weekends. I am fortunate that HTC thinks enough of me to include me as a representative. After all, HTC has been very, very good to me and I feel it necessary to speak to the prospective students of these benefits. I could, hypothetically, graduate this year (after 3 years) with a degree in Journalism, but will continue for another year to add two additional specializations: pre-law and sociology.

Now, Miss Ohio-related business. I sent off my photograph to the Miss Ohio office and ordered my new dance costume from a company in Hong Kong that custom makes them pursuant to your measurements. I'm not going to post a picture of the costume at this time...maybe later. I also ordered a new chair (see picture) since the chair I originally used was too heavy to carry around. And.....this weekend I am going gown shopping. The e-mail has been on fire between my mom, my ED, my cousin Barb and me with gown choices. So, we are going this weekend and hopefully, we will be able to finalize a selection and check that off my to-do list.

A photo of Marlia was featured in Saturday's Marion Star. She is holding Marilyn Meseke's crown and sash. Marilyn Meseke was Miss America in 1938. See my blog about my connection to Marilyn Meseke. Click here.

Marlia holds Marilyn Meseke's crown and sash at a send-off party in Marion, Ohio.

The funniest thing...

2006-01-06T15:50:00.000-05:00

I found these photos on www.cuteoverload.com. They are really precious!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2005-12-28T11:06:00.000-05:00

I am getting ready to make my way back to Athens this week. Winter classes start on January 3rd. This quarter I will take Media Relations & Publicity, Constitutional Law, Sociology of Mental Illness and tutorial.

I am excited about the Media Relations & Publicity class since it will be taught by the PR Director for the university. Last quarter I took a Gender, Race & Media class which required me to watch Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy (my favorite show). I am hopeful, but doubtful, that this class will continue this assignment!

I have also had the professor for Constitutional Law before and really enjoyed her class. The Sociology classes I have taken (Sociology of Corrections and another class called Drugs & Society) have really piqued my interest, particularly since I intend to utilize my degree as a PR specialist in the court system. Last spring I interned at the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. That was a fabulous experience and I worked with one of the best court administrators in the business. I also realized the diversity of the job. One day I worked with one of the justices in Philadelphia helping her establish a drug court and the next assignment involved researching banning cell phones in the courtroom (the newer cell phones have the ability to take photos and videos, and that is frowned upon in the courtroom).

My tutorial continues to focus on research for my honors thesis. I earlier indicated that my research was in trouble, but, alas, that has worked itself out and all is well in the land of research and statistical analysis is well underway and back on track.

I will post Christmas photos as soon as my camera recharges. Each year a photo is taken with me and my two male cousins. The past several years the photo is quite comical since both boys are over 6'3" in height....and, well, I'm not....even with 3 inch heels.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Anna & Beth

2005-12-21T07:43:00.000-05:00

I have two friends currently in New York City on Broadway and on stage at Radio City Music Hall. My good friend, Anna Richardson, is in her fourth year as a Radio City Rockette and Beth Johnson is currently in the cast of "Spamalot."

Anna, Beth and I took dance lessons together at Straub Dance Studio...both were a few months older than me, and a year ahead of me in school. We were also in Straub's nationally award winning tap group the Rhythm Babies. I was 5 years old when the group was assembled by Carole Straub. As the years progressed, my natural talent was more balletic, while Anna and Beth both were natural tappers.

Anna left for New York City directly out of high school, auditioning for the Rockettes at the tender age of 18. She was one of the youngest to make the cast. Anna took some time off to perform with the traveling company of "42nd Street," but returned to Rockette duty as soon as the tour finished.

Anna is pictured in the center...Melody Pomeroy is pictured on the right.

Beth visited New York City as a high school graduation present from her mom. She went to see the muscial "42nd Street," and afterwards went to the back stage door to obtain autographs. The bouncer guarding the door heard her talking to friends about knowing Randy Skinner, the show's choreographer. Randy is a Westerville, Ohio native and Otterbein graduate. He is also a family friend of the Straub's. The bouncer gave Beth his ticket to an after party later that evening. Beth attended the party, met several of the stars and through plain luck, was able to audition for the traveling company of 42nd Street. While in the traveling company, she understudied the female lead. Beth returned to NYC after a year on the road, obtained an agent, became a Rockette for one season, and again luck was with her when she acquired a highly coveted cast position in Spamalot.

Additionally, Beth's roommate is the current Miss New York, Kandace Pelletier, a favorite to make the top 5 at Miss America.

Sidenote: Another former dancemate, Melody Pomeroy, is currently in the touring company of "Oklahoma."

I am so proud of my fellow dancemates. All are beautiful dancers and equally beautiful individuals.

MARILYN MESEKE - Miss America 1938

2005-12-16T16:14:00.000-05:00

My grandmother, Marilyn (Lynn) Jackson, was born in Marion, Ohio. Her mother raised both children as a single mother. As such, they moved around a lot. But, my grandmother remembers her early years in Marion, especially the young neighbor (her namesake) who became her godmother -- Marilyn Meseke. Marilyn Meseke, Miss America 1938, lived and worked as a dance teacher in Marion prior to her becoming Miss America. I find this rather exciting since there are a couple of connections. First, my local title is from the Marion area .... and, second, my talent is dance. Hmm...I wonder where Kevin Bacon fits in? I hope this is a good omen!

MOTIVATION = 0

2005-12-16T08:55:00.000-05:00

I am seriously lacking motivation. I can only attribute this lack of enthusiasm to the particularly hard quarter I recently completed. So, I find myself sitting practically comatose in the living room (where our Christmas tree is...) working on my counted cross-stitch project, watching Lifetime movies. To prove I am not a total slug, I have been working out at the Y...so, while I sit in my chair in the the living room, I am sitting on sore butt muscles.

And, yesterday I learned that my honors thesis research is at risk. I will, more than likely, need to travel to various cities in the state to administer the pre- and post-tests to high school students. Ai-yi-yi. I anticipate another busy quarter at school and having to maintain a 3.6 GPA to remain in the honors college and maintain my scholarship eligibility is hard, hard, hard. Therefore, adding an extra tier to the research project is stress I don't need. I know a good manager needs to trust in others to complete the tasks they are assigned; however, when individuals do not carry through with the assigned tasks it makes trusting difficult in future endeavors.

I am committed to re-working my dance for Miss Ohio this weekend. As long as I can put aside the cross-stitch project, I think I will be okay.

Official Miss Ohio Photo!

2005-12-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

After driving myself crazy, and much consideration, I decided to go with the above selection as my "official" Miss Ohio photograph. Nicole Marie Models and Photography....need I say more? Many, many thanks to Renee Brown for her advice. Renee....I can't wait to meet you so we can dish about Ohio University and Scripps!

UPDATE!

2005-12-08T18:35:00.000-05:00

Ryan was released from Children's Hospital late this afternoon. Since there were no wheelchairs to accomodate his large size, he walked from his room to the parking garage. If you have never been to Children's Hospital and have no idea how far that is...let me tell you...it is a loooonnnnnggg way. Not only did he walk to the parking garage, he walked up three flights of stairs to the car. Did I mention that he just had open heart surgery? WOW...Wow...wow...

Good News All-Around!

2005-12-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

As I earlier posted, my 17-year-old cousin Ryan had the aorta replaced in his heart on Monday with a cow's valve....and yes, I had him "moo-ing" in the ICU shortly after he woke up! Surgery went extremely well and he is expected to be released sometime this evening. Hard to believe, but great news.

Today I'm traveling to Cleveland to go to the Gwen Stefani/Ciara concert with my roomie. Of course, a blizzard is predicted, but we shall plow through to see Gwen!

I received this photo of my cousin Ginny's daughter, Kilee. She celebrated her 1st birthday on Thanksgiving. Looks like she really liked her cake!

I've narrowed my head-shot down to this one...we'll add a light pink background and fix any imperfections...and then that's one more item checked off my Miss Ohio To Do List!

I'm also dancing in Marion this Saturday at their Fairgrounds Christmas Lights Extravaganza....that's not the official name..just the name I gave it. I'm hopeful there will be heat in the building!

Home Again - Home Again!

2005-12-05T09:22:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday I had photos taken at Nicole Marie Photography. It was so much fun! These photos will be used in the Miss Ohio program book, for their web site and Miss America's web site. One photo will be for the judges...this will be the first photo they see of me...so it needs to be a good one. Here are some of my favorites...

and then this one I think we will use in an ad in the program book:

If you would like to view the entire portfolio, go to:

http://www.nicolemariephotography.com/clients/marykrouse

Let me know what you think!

Last Final Exam of Fall Quarter!

2005-11-22T10:31:00.000-05:00

WHEW! Just finished my last final exam of fall quarter and can breathe a bit easier. Before packing up and leaving for home, I need to proof my last take-home exam before e-mailing it to the professor. This has been a challenging quarter. I'm certainly looking forward to winter break.

Thanksgiving is Thursday and I leave to visit my boyfriend's brother and family in San Diego. I'm looking forward to visiting San Diego. I hear it is a beautiful city.

I return Monday...have a make-up lesson Wednesday 11/30 with Renee Brown, Miss Ohio '92 (and OU alumni!) at her Merle Norman Cosmetics Store. I'm excited to meet Renee. The next day I will have my headshots taken for the Miss Ohio program and web site.

My cousin, Ryan, who is a senior at Olentangy Liberty High School, is scheduled for open-heart surgery on 12/5 at Children's Hospital, so I will be there with my aunt and uncle for moral support. Ryan, a massive football-playing-kinda-guy, found out he had a faulty valve during a routine physical exam by the team's physician, Dr. Wroble. Dr. Wroble heard something amiss during Ryan's junior year and suggested he see a cardiologist. Everything was fine until the start of football season this year. Sadly, Ryan was unable to play the entire season, but he remained a constant on the sidelines "coaching" his teammates and looking fierce. It must have worked because Liberty made it to the second round of regional finals. All I can say is thank goodness for Dr. Wroble ... he's the best. Keep Ryan in your prayers!

From MSNBC...

2005-11-18T09:19:00.000-05:00

One third of cancer deaths could be prevented
Smoking, alcohol and poor diet are major risk factors people can avoid

Reuters
Updated: 7:59 p.m. ET Nov. 17, 2005

LONDON - If people avoided major risk factors for cancer, more than a third of the 7 million cancer deaths each year could be prevented, scientists said on Friday.

In a report in The Lancet medical journal, the researchers estimated how many deaths from 12 types of cancer were caused by exposure to nine risk factors.

They calculated that smoking, alcohol, obesity, poor diet, unsafe sex, lack of exercise and other factors contributed to 2.43 million cancer deaths worldwide in 2001.

"A third of cancer deaths could have been avoided had those risks been reduced," said Dr Majid Ezzati of the Harvard School of Public Health in the United States.

"Prevention is probably still our best bet for reducing cancer deaths. It is by far larger than what we may be able to achieve using medical technology."

Smoking, which is linked to lung, mouth, stomach, pancreatic and bladder cancers, is the biggest avoidable risk factor, followed by alcohol and not eating enough fruits and vegetables.

"Of the 2.43 million deaths, 37 percent of them are from lung cancer," said Ezzati. "The total lung cancer deaths in the world are 1.23 million and of those 900,000 of them are caused by these risk factors."

Smoking has increased in developing countries in the past few decades so the number of avoidable deaths could grow, he added.

Obesity also plays a role in colorectal and breast cancer in high income countries, according to the research.

Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) through unsafe sex is a contributing cause of cervical cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, mainly because of a lack of screening and clinical services.

Urban air pollution is a risk factor for cancer in eastern and southern Asia, while indoor smoke from burning coal is a particular problem in China.

Ezzati said hepatitis infection, which is linked to liver cancer, is sometimes spread by the use of contaminated syringes in health centers in poor countries.

More than 100 scientists around the world contributed data for the study and reviewed medical evidence.

Signatures are trickling in....

2005-11-17T09:43:00.000-05:00

The petition for the "Prevent Cancer" license plate is going slowly, but surely. Please take a moment to sign the on-line petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/OHCancer/petition.html.

Send this blog address to ALL your friends in Ohio! Ask them to sign the petition for a new Prevent Cancer charity license plate....$25.00 per plate sold will go directly to the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation.

IT'S OFFICIAL !!!

2005-11-16T09:26:00.000-05:00

With paperwork due to the Miss Ohio people this week, I was forced to make a decision concerning the music and style of dance I would be performing at Miss Ohio. I don't know why this was such a difficult decision, but it was. You see, in order for the dance to be convincing, you have to love it...and, quite honestly, none of the music my mom selected screamed "this is it!" So, in the end, I selected dance that I have performed before with great success. The song is called "Siren" and it is sung by Tori Amos. You can find the song on the "Great Expectations Soundtrack." It is otherwise known as the "chair dance." I guess the style of dance would be considered "contemporary." At least that is what I'm calling it.

In Marion, I danced to Tina Turner's "Proud Mary." That was a really fun dance to perform and had a great costume. I don't normally dance jazz, so it was a challenge.

"Siren" was originally choreographed by a former teacher, Tiffany Kmet, who danced with the Boston Ballet and BalletMet in Columbus. There will be a couple of changes to the dance: first, no pointe shoes and second, the length of the dance. The original dance was almost 5 minutes in length. The dance for Miss Ohio cannot be longer than 2 minutes.

I feel good about "Siren." What will I be doing over holiday break? You guessed it! Dancing!

On my soapbox....

2005-11-10T13:06:00.000-05:00

From the powerless to the powerful, cancer affects everyone. You may know someone battling cancer, a survivor, or, someone who has died from this disease. For me, this is a personal crusade. I have witnessed family and friends suffer and die from cancer. Many of these illnesses could have been prevented if steps had been taken early in their lives to protect themselves from this disease.

Did you know that scientists estimate that approximately one-third of the 570,280 cancer deaths expected to occur in 2005 will be related to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, overweight, obesity and other lifestyle factors. In 2004, an estimated 500,000 men and women were diagnosed with either breast, lung, colorectal, prostate or cervical cancer. Thousands more were diagnosed with skin cancer. While these numbers are not surprising, men and women can reduce the risk for these cancers by living a healthy life and protecting themselves from cancer through early detection.

Help me get the word out!

Send this blog address to ALL your friends! Ask them to sign my petition for a new Prevent Cancer license plate....$25.00 per plate sold will go directly to the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation.

Thank you!

Today is my 21st birthday!

2005-11-09T14:36:00.000-05:00

For my birthday, please sign the petition for the Prevent Cancer Ohio license plate. Go to:
http://www.petitiononline.com/OHCancer/petition.html. A few things to consider before signing: you must be an Ohio resident and willing to purchase the plates when they become available. In essence, if you sign the petition you promise to support the cause by purchasing the plates. You will also need to submit your social security number OR current license plate number. It's probably a better idea to enter your license plate #...for security reasons!

OHIO PREVENT CANCER LICENSE PLATE

2005-11-07T08:49:00.000-05:00

I spent the weekend designing a mock-up of the "Prevent Cancer" license plate that I will use when publicizing the on-line petition. I love being artsy. Please note that this is not the final license plate and is "unofficial" since it has not been approved by either the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation or the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Please sign the petition by going to the following site: http://www.petitiononline.com/OHCancer/petition.html. A few things to consider before signing: you must be an Ohio resident and willing to purchase the plates when they become available. In essence, if you sign the petition you promise to support the cause by purchasing the plates. You will also need to submit your social security number OR current license plate number.

ON-LINE PETITION - Prevent Cancer Specialty License Plate

2005-11-03T19:09:00.000-05:00

As mentioned earlier in this blog, my platform for Miss Ohio is the Funding and Supporting Cancer Research and Education. I recently partnered with the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation in McLean, Virginia (a suburb of Washington, D.C.) to collect signatures on a petition for a specialty license plate in Ohio wherein $25.00 per plate sold would go the the Foundation. I need to obtain 1,000 signatures to bring this to fruition. While brainstorming on ways to get the petition circulated, I thought to myself, "I wish we could offer people the opportunity to sign this petition on-line." Well, thanks to the greatness of the Internet, I found a site that offers just that. My petition is entitled, "Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Petition to Establish Organizational License Plate," and you can sign it by going to the following site: http://www.petitiononline.com/OHCancer/petition.html.

A few things to consider before signing: you must be an Ohio resident and willing to purchase the plates when they become available. In essence, if you sign the petition you promise to support the cause by purchasing the plates. You will also need to submit your social security number OR current license plate number.

Thanks to everyone for their support!

This is my dog Louie. The picture has absolutely nothing to do with this post, but it always makes me smile! Isn't he handsome!

Good Luck Rachel!

2005-11-03T08:05:00.000-05:00

My new friend, and fellow pageant competitor from the Popcorn Festival, Rachel Maris, will be competing this weekend at the Miss Maumee Valley Scholarship Program. Rachel was first runner-up at Marion. I thought I would be able to attend the program this weekend, but sadly, school commitments are getting in the way of accomplishing this goal. In any event, I am sending good karma to Rachel!

The competition will be held at the Maumee Valley Day School in Toledo starting at 7:00 p.m. You can find more information, directions, etc. on their website www.missmaumeevalley.com.

I Digress.....

2005-11-02T10:46:00.000-05:00

I want to take you back a couple of months to September 2005, to the Marion Popcorn Festival. Not hailing from the Marion area, I was not familiar with the enormity of the Festival to the Marion community. I was familiar only with the fact that each year a lucky young lady from the counties surrounding Marion County (including Delaware, Crawford, Hardin, Morrow, Union, and Wyandot) was crowned Miss Marion Popcorn Festival and would participate in the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program. My cousin, Ginny Morrow (now Shuster), was a former Miss Marion Popcorn Festival. Ginny participated in the Miss Ohio system for several years earning thousands of scholarship dollars along the way. I decided to give the program a try and in August 2005, on my first attempt, was crowned Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2005.

As Miss Marion Popcorn Festival, I was required to attend the Popcorn Festival and serve as its ambassador. On Thursday night, the first night of the Festival, I rode in a HUGE parade with hundreds of entries. The good people of Marion came out in droves for the parade sometimes standing 5-6 deep throughout the extremely long parade route!

Here are the ladies on the Popcorn Festival court:

Rachel Maris, First Runner-Up. A student at Ohio Northern University.

Britt Born, Second Runner-Up. A student at Ohio Wesleyan University.

Holly Blinn, Third Runner-Up. A student at Otterbein College.

After the parade, we changed out of our parade outfits and into our concert-going outfits. The ParrotHead Band from the Dayton area was scheduled to perform. As the name suggests, they are a Jimmy Buffet cover band. Prior to the show, all of us were introduced and exchanged clever repartee with Master of Ceremony, Bob Nunnally. We then took our places in the front row for the entertainment.

Friday night, after obtaining the requisite French Fries and Lemonade Shake-Ups, we made our way back to the main stage. The Festival was hoppin'. Thousands of people surrounded the area outside the main stage to hear the rock band Foreigner who was Friday night's entertainment. Lucky to have front row seats, the girls and I enjoyed the performance.

Saturday morning I was on hand at the Marion Popcorn Festival 5K run to start the race and welcome the runners (and walkers) as they finished. This was a lot of fun. There was even an octogenarian who ran the race!

Me, Britt Born and Rachel Maris riding the golf cart!

Saturday afternoon the girls and I managed to hijack a golf cart and cruised the Festival grounds. Britt was the driver and I was in the passenger seat. Holly and Rachel were on the back. If you will recall, 9/10 was the day of the OSU-Texas game. A lot of Festival attendees were in their Ohio State finest. Everyone we saw who sported the scarlet & gray we would yell, "O-H." Some got it...and completed the "I-O".... and some thought we were just plain nuts. We had a lot of fun that afternoon!

The Popcorn Festival Committee was raffling off this Harley Davidson bike! Sadly, I didn't win.... but I think the crown is a nice touch!

Saturday night's concert was country music star Mark Chesnutt. An extremely enjoyable way to close the Marion Popcorn Festival.

CANCER RESEARCH and PREVENTION FOUNDATION SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE

2005-10-31T10:21:00.000-05:00

I am extremely excited that the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation has agreed to work with me as I pursue the necessary signatures on a petition for a specialty license plate. The proceeds from the sale of this license plate will go directly to the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation and their many research and educational endeavors.

The Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation is a national, non-profit health foundation whose mission is the prevention and early detection of cancer through scientific research and education. The Foundation focuses its energies and resources on those cancers—including lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, cervical, skin, oral and testicular—that can be prevented through lifestyle changes or detection and treatment in their early stages.

I can't wait to get started!

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS INAUGURAL POST

2005-10-28T13:24:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog, Crowning Achievements. Crowning Achievements will document my year as Miss Marion Popcorn Festival 2005 as I prepare to compete at Miss Ohio in June 2006. Anyone who competes in the Miss America system must have a community service platform. I have chosen the area of funding and supporting cancer research and education. This is an extremely important issue to me and I am currently brainstorming ideas to raise money for this cause.

One of my ideas includes developing a specialty license plate specifically earmarked for cancer research. I am currently in negotiations with several non-profit organizations to make this fundraiser come to fruition. As with any of Ohio's specialty plates, each organization receives a portion of the registration fees. Above is the specialty plate for Breast Cancer. The Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio receives $25.00 per plate issued.

Welcome to my blog...and don't forget to bookmark Crowning Achievements!