Miss America....my impression, the aftermath, and maybe a lesson to be learned!

A current title holder's impressions of Miss America 2014:

• Over the years of being around pageant competitions I always thought Miss America was less "glamorous" than Miss USA... but not this year!  I thought that overall, they had definitely "Glammed-it-up!"  I was impressed and enjoyed the show! (So did a 10 and 7 year old I know)

• Every little girl watching exploded off their couches and sang along with Miss Alabama's beautiful ballet to  "Let It Go"....while personally I was loving Miss Ohio's duet "Supercalifragilistic" while being the first ventriloquist on Miss America....call me corny, but I was impressed!  I loved the unique talents....including the "cup" song.

• The top 5 nailed their questions and I cringed with every one if them, being in their shoes a few times, it's an extremely intense moment!  I personally love the on-stage interview, but we all know what can happen in this moment....our brains go to mush and the pressure can often get the best of us!

• Finally, watching Miss America at this phase in my life, makes me grateful for all of my experiences within pageant competitions.  I am reminded me how brave these women are to compete, compete well and represent themselves so gracefully!  Not to mention the incredible people I have the honor of knowing and sharing these moments with.  The directors, coach's, make-up artists, hair stylists, choreographers and the "sisters" that I am blessed to have shared the years with!  It's cliche' I know....but so true!

With all that being said....

You may have recently experienced my "rant" on FB about youth and social media.  My concerns about disrespecting others, which for many would characterize as "cyber-bullying", and although many of these occurences are among "friends" and I use that term loosely, I am baffled by the amount of negativity that takes place. I hoped that we as parents can unite and guide our kids in the appropriate direction on social media and set an example.  

The Miss America aftermath....has brought on yet another "rant" so here goes nothing....

Unfortunately, it's never about the winner...but about the mishaps.   The newly crowned Miss America isn't given more than a second to enjoy her walk on the runway, before the show is dissected and nit-picked to death....every contestant at the mercy of those doing the nit-picking!  Seeing the winner called "ugly", her talent disappointing, the list goes on and on.  And, she WON!!!!  Needless to say...I am sad...heck, I am mad!  And almost ashamed...

Everyone has their favorites; favorite dress, favorite talent, favorite girl. And although she's your favorite, she may not be the favorite of the panel of judges. Thus the controversy  of pageants... Knowing that a different set of judges would crown a different girl any day of the week.  It's what we refer to as a "crapshoot".

I am simply appalled with what took place on Facebook among comments from those I respect, call friends or have worked/competed with being broadcasted nation wide.  I am just shocked!  Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but to publicly insult and pass judgement on those who just graced the stage of Miss America, is truly sad!  I've said it before, and I'll say it again, "If you can't be nice, be quiet!"  The new Miss America deserves better!!!

After competing at Mrs. United States, and not "winning", of course I walked away disappointed, evaluating and questioning myself and the judges. Don't get me wrong, Mrs. Texas, is amazing, beautiful, smart, witty, funny....the perfect fit for Mrs. United States.  And looking back at the success of being named 2nd runner-up and the experience itself with my family by my side was pretty amazing.   Besides, my 3 biggest fans tell me how I "should've won!" They're opinions are all I care about!  I love my boys!  :-)

Although I may have had some disappointment and even my own opinions on the competition, I would never blast it all over social media...disrespecting those that had worked so hard.  Again....can we think about our youth and lead by example?!?!?!
It's the next day, and still very minimal praise or excitement for the newly crowned Miss America...only crotch-shots and red solo cups being discussed. *SMH* These are the days when I wish FB would add the dislike button!

Read more about the controversies....Pageant Junkies hit it spot on!
http://pageantjunkies.blogspot.com/2014/09/kira-kazantsev-is-new-miss-america.html?m=1

Stepping off my soap box now,
Kristie 
Mrs. Kansas United States 2014

39 is knocking at my door....

Guess what today is???  7 days until my birthday!  That's right, it's my birthday...32 and proud of it!  Wait, I mean 34!  LOL!  Ok, you got me...I always said I would be 34 for the rest of my life...once you hit 35...well...remember when we were kids and 35 was "OLD" (gulp!)  So, in 7 days I will be 39 and I can honestly say...I am cool with it!  (If you ask me next year, I will probably be 39 again!)

I could've never imagined at 39, I would be competing in a national beauty pageant, strutting my stuff in a evening gown and a bikini, placing 2nd Runner-up, feeling stronger and healthier than ever, and through it all loving life to the fullest!  (Did I mention there were 24 year olds competing?...I don't even remember 24?!)

There are many to thank for these things...my parents, for always teaching me to strive for anything and everything!  Clint and the boys, for creating this awesome world of being a "BoyMom" and all the craziness within it! All of my family and friends that support me and provide a sense of love and stability!  And, finally my Xyng family that has changed the health of myself, my family's and so many around me!  What "Xyng" family you ask????  Let me explain....

As a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I was in search of a wellness line that I could love whole-heartedly and use and share, being a product of the product.  A dear friend introduced me to the world of Xyng and I soon realized what it was like to feel whole, healthy and happy!  When my husband jumped on board I knew it was special.  He is exposed to protein-everything and supplements galore, so for him to see such success by losing 37 lbs, I felt ready to share it with the world! (He says before and after pictures are not allowed!)  My mom was next...and to make a really, long...but crazy awesome success story short....she is now 55 lbs lighter, no longer diabetic, off ALL medications, and for the first time in her life, physically active!  You should have seen her calves in her cute dresses this weekend!  Hottie!!!

So today, as I look back on this journey that included a swimsuit competition and 6 inch stilettos, and realize that I am stronger, fitter, healthier and happier in every way...I know that eating healthy and exercising has something to do with it, but so do these INCREDIBLE wellness products that I have been using!  Everyday on our family vacation a week before nationals, I had Lava Cake and enjoyed every bite...and was still ready for competition!  Don't believe me?  I got the recipe form the chef on our cruise ship...can we say addicted!  Don't get me wrong...my supplements were packed and used daily on vacation and at nationals...preparation is key to success!

It's all about moderation, exercise and the proper supplements to help you maintain a healthy balance of living with kids, tailgates and nightly glasses of wine!  Thank you Venessa, Monica, Lacey and Cara for all your support and dedication to my new healthy lifestyle!  I am so excited about the new products and all the excitment from XyngFest!

 Questions or want more information???

Private message me on Facebook or email me at wowkristie@gmail.com

I should be nervous...but I am so grateful!

With 6 days left before the BIG night...I should be nervous.  But, because I feel so blessed and honored with an unbelievable amount of support, my nerves are in check.  Being grateful is very important to me. I look at it like "karma" and take short moments to look around thanking God for all I have.  Everything from my boys, my husband, family and friends, my health... to less important, but wonderful things like...Skittles!  My favorite candy, which by the way I can hold in my dimple!  And, now you know what I listed on my judges bio as one of my special talents! 

So here goes....from the bottom of my heart I want to thank all my awesome sponsors!
My national sponsors who so graciously advertised on my ad pages are as follows:

AesthetiCare of Lawrence

Crown Automotive, Lawrence Bank, Static Hair Salon, Massage Envy, Colour Artistry, Billie Papuchis Consulting, Julie Neal Jewelry and Eve a Salon and Spa

My state sponsors which were awarded to me after winning my state preliminary and have spoiled me as well:
Vanbros and Associates...for everything!
Watercolors High Fashion...can't wait to reveal my evening gown!
Allyce King Swimwear...my swimsuit is awesome!
Laural Austin Photography
Luxury Nail Lounge in Overland Park
Emily Kuhlman with Stella and Dot
Kim Forsyth
Sassy and Chic

My new "Sister-Queens" that have held my hand through this whole preparation phase!  We are all on this journey together and I have no doubt we will need each other and continue to build great friendships that we will carry for years to come!  Mallory Landry Mrs. Missouri US, Rachael Neudecker Mrs. Tennessee US, Beth Isbell Mrs. Texas US...I can't wait to hang in Vegas with ya'll.  Who knew that a Jayhawk could be friends with a Missouri girl.  LOL!

Photo Credit: Laurel Austin Photography

This kind of adventure brings forth new friendships and relationships that, as cliche' as it sounds, is my favorite part of pageants!  Would you believe that 14 years ago(yes, I just admitted that) at Miss USA, I met a ton of drop-dead gorgeous ladies and thanks to social media we all still keep in touch!!!  Miss Hawaii 2001 just had twins...and I couldn't be more excited for her and her very "pink" family!

Last, but certainly not least...I thank all my family and friends, who take the time to send me well-wishes, good luck and blessings everyday!  I appreciate all your support and my heart is full!  I am so excited to represent my home state and all the married ladies out there.  As for the 3 most important guys in my life, Clint, Baylor and Banks...Your support is more than I could've asked for...this mom/wife couldn't have it any better!

So, today I challenge all of you to take a moment...and just be thankful for all you have....even the Skittles!  Go ahead, you "dimpled" peeps...give it a try!

"Life isn't measured by the number of breathes we take, but by the moments that take our breath away!"  Thanks Brie for sharing this with me...years ago.  Truer than ever before!

Kristie
Mrs. Kansas US 2014

Mommy-Brain Moment...and learning to balance my chaos!

When competing for Mrs. Kansas U.S., once they narrow it down to a final 3, you are then asked to draw 3 questions out of a fish bowl and answer on stage.  For many, it's the most feared moment of competition...or a close second to the swimsuit portion.  For me, however, I love this moment!  The adrenaline rushing through my veins as I look out into the audience, down at the judges...and up to the good Lord above praying for an "answerable" question.  Or something I could respond to with "World Peace".  (Thank you Sandra Bullock for the cliche' side of pageantry being brought the big screen!)

On this night, one of the questions I was asked included, "What is something you would change about yourself?"  In that moment, I could have said, the fact that I am the world's biggest klutz and right now I have three gashes on my shins, or the fact that I have the worst short-term memory ever...I blame it on "mommy-brain"...self-diagnosed of course.  

My answer was something to the effect of: "I would change the fact that I need to say 'No' more often.  I tend to over-extend myself and take on too many projects at one time.  I can't say no when people ask for my assistance and usually jump at the opportunity to volunteer even, if I don't have the time.  My mind is always spinning between my job, my husbands' career, my boys' activities,  and just being a mom."

This week, I proved that I was speaking from my heart and in fact...need to take my own advice and say "No" more often, learning to prioritize.  It seems my calendar is spinning, and I can't stop it fast enough to write things down!  

Here's my moment:

I dropped the boys off at school, in my workout clothes...who am I kidding...my PJ's.  Hot tea in hand, thinking all the way home, in the pouring rain...today I have no clients, no fitness classes to teach...just loads of laundry, emails to respond to, floors to mop and and an office desk that is begging to be organized.  I had my radio blasting 80's music and thinking that after today I will be totally caught up and back to normal. (Which according to most husbands, means watching Y&R and eating bon-bons) Over the last week everything had been on hold because of the school carnival I had been working so hard on.  I pulled into my driveway and, my phone rang...caller ID told me it was school.  When I answered, a teacher asks me if I was bringing Banks' sack lunch when I met the bus for the field trip in 15 minutes. 

Time stood still.  

I could spin this, and say, yes I have that yummy little lunch packed and am waiting at the bus(while tightening my pony-tail, and swapping out my wife-beater for a KU tee, all the while flying 'back' to the school), or that I had written the date down wrong, or that "cough, cough" I was sick!  Nope...in typical Kristie fashion, I said, "Wow, Mrs. Thomsen I totally forgot!  Can I meet you at the Discovery Center"...over in Topeka, I might add.

Stupid "mommy-brain"!  Please tell me I am not the only one this happens too....and that other moms out there feel my pain! 

As I pulled into Topeka and exited the highway praying my GPS was on target, I pulled up the stop sign....I heard angels singing, as my eyes spotted the yellow school buses that were safely delivering my son and his friends to their 1st grade field trip.  As I followed them to our destination, I was able to take a big deep breath!  Realizing that in a few short moments it would all be worth it.  In all the frenzy of feeling like a horrible mom, repeating all the way there, "How could I be this unorganized??"  I saw these little bouncing heads and realized that for Banks' he has no idea the "heart-attach" I just endured.  All he is going to know, is that his mom spent the day with him at his field trip.  Oh, and that for some reason today in his sack lunch there was candy!  :-)

As moms, we are constantly challenged with the balancing act of life.  Admittingly so, my balancing act...needs some minor adjustments.  

Will I still take on too many obligations, continue to over-extend myself and live in pure chaos?  Of course, I am a mom!  And for the record, I thought that with the shiny crown came a cleaning lady and personal assistant????  Boy was I wrong!  Here's to all the "Super" moms out there! 

If you are wondering what other questions the fish bowl presented....

"Why I competed in the pageant?"

To set a good example for my boys...sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and face your fears(like being almost 40 and parading around on stage in a bikini!)  

And my shortest answer, "Why not!"

"What actress would you be and in what movie?"

Julia Roberts of course, because she is an amazing actress and is very respectable.  Steel Magnolias is one of my all time favorite movies...and I quoted my favorite scene in the hair salon...

"My colors are blush and bashful!"  Sally Fields in her best southern accent, says "Her colors are 'pank and pank'!"

People magazine agrees with me...one of the most beautiful people!

Happy May Day!  And thanks for reading...

Kristie

Mrs. Kansas United States.....Say What?!?!?!!

If you would have asked me anytime over the last 14 years of my crazy life, if I thought I would be starting a blog titled, "Mrs. Kansas United States 2014"....my dimples would be as deep as you have ever seen them as I laughed my head off!!!!  Honestly, belly giggling, gasping for air, cheeks aching!  Why only the last 14 years, you ask????  Because 14 years ago I was on an incredible journey as Miss Kansas USA 2001 and thought as I put my crown and banner on a shelf for dust collecting, I was on to bigger challenges.  Such as marriage, kids, growing old and living the life of a "Football Widow".  Needless to say, no more time and energy for shiny crowns or 6 inch heels!

Here I am, busier than ever...older, married, mothering 2 "monsters"...I mean boys...running a business, and Rock Chalking!  Now, 14 years later, I am starting another exciting adventure of representing Kansas as Mrs. Kansas United States 2014!!!!  And guess what?!?!...those dimples of mine are working overtime.... because of the sheer happiness this past few weeks have brought into my life!

I am looking forward to sharing with you all, this amazing adventure and awesome ride as I head to nationals in July to compete for Mrs. United States 2014.  But even more important, is the journey along the way, as I represent married women across Kansas and empower and inspire others to find their healthy happy self!  I have some big shoes to fill, big plans for myself and even bigger fans than ever before!  My two boys, Baylor and Banks, are probably more excited than I am for our little trip to Vegas in July!

So stay tuned as I jump back into my stilettos and pray for a safe landing!

xoxo
Kristie