My first blog post!

I've never blogged before! I can't even say that I'm an exceptional writer. But in the spirit of "stepping out of my comfort zone" - here I am.

The reason why I have started this blog is to chronicle my journey to the Mrs. New York America pageant scheduled for October 26, 2014. My goal for this blog is to share my charity work, community service, pageant preparations and experiences over the next few months.

Here's a little background information to help you get to know me. First, you should know that I didn't grow up in the pageant/modeling world. Up until last year, I had never competed in a pageant before. My sister-in-law participated in the Mrs. New Jersey America pageant and shared her positive experience with me. I was hooked! I called the New York state director and signed up for the pageant on October 27, 2013. I then hired a pageant coach to guide me through the world of pageantry. While the pageant preparations were fun and exciting, it was a bit like jumping off a cliff, unsure of where I was going to land. There was so much to learn and do in such a short amount of time!

My pageant coach prepared me by helping me select an evening gown, jewelry, shoes, swimsuit and accessories. She arranged hair and makeup services for my photo shoot.

My coach also set up 2 rounds of mock-interviews to help with my public speaking and ability to answer a variety of questions. There were several personal biography forms that I was required to submit for the pageant and my coach really helped me develop my narratives and answers. On my own time, I had to re-learn the art of walking in high heels. As a mom of two young children I had spent way too much time in flip flops and flats!

When the pageant weekend arrived, I had prepared as much as I could. I felt confident and ready, even though there was some major anxiety over what to expect. The orientation breakfast was held early on Saturday morning.

This was a time to meet the other contestants and hear some important information from our pageant director. There were also some inspirational speeches from some former titleholders, as well as the current reining Mrs. New York America. It was an awesome experience hearing the journey of such accomplished, beautiful and talented women! We had rehearsals for the next several hours, along with meals and a chance to get ready for our evening judges' interviews.

This was the section of pageant weekend that I was most nervous about - a round-robin format with 6 judges asking questions from our biography forms. This accounted for 50% of our total pageant score. With nerves abounding I went into the interview with as much confidence as I could muster. It was over in an instant and I really don't remember much of what I said. I was just glad to get it over with!

After a group photoshoot in our swimwear by the pool, we could settle in our rooms for the night.

The next day (pageant day!) arrived and we had some quick rehearsals followed by several hours to get ready for the show. Once we were all dressed and waiting backstage, the time just seemed to fly by. Before I knew it we were all onstage performing the opening number dance and giving our introductions.

A quick change into our swimwear (25% of total score) and we were individually announced as we walked the runway. Believe it or not, I was the least fearful of this part of the competition. I was excited to be onstage alone and loved the spotlight! Knowing that I didn't have to say anything (I just had to walk in those 4 inch heels!) made it an especially enjoyable moment.

The next phase of the pageant was the evening gown and onstage question. This accounted for 25% of the total score. I was really nervous about speaking into the microphone (I had never had to do this before!) but I made it through. When I later watched the DVD of the pageant, I realized that my answer sounded a bit rehearsed and stiff, but now I know what to improve on for next time!

After each contestant (there were 17 of us!) had an opportunity to walk in her evening dress and answer a question, it was time to announce the top 6. In random order, the names of several ladies were called. I was one of them! I couldn't believe it! We each had one final question to answer and then our pageant director began to announce the order of the finalists. I was honored to place as 4th runner-up. Having never competed in a pageant before, I had no expectations for a placement in the finals. The women who participated in this pageant are accomplished, driven, successful, beautiful and intelligent. It was a blessing to just stand up there onstage with them all.

That night, driving home from the pageant, I knew I had found something that ignited a passion for self-development in me. I had enjoyed the journey as a "pageant newbie" and loved the opportunity to focus on improving and learning about myself. Later that evening I told my husband that I wanted to compete in the pageant in 2014. He told me to take a few days to really think about it but I knew that I was hooked!

So, during the next few months I will continue to blog about what is happening on my journey to Mrs. New York America 2014. Stay tuned!