A candidacy that will never be forgotten

So far, my candidacy for Miss Albertville has completely exceeded every expectation I have had.

I know that I haven't been a candidate very long, and that I have only enjoyed three candidate events, but I have really loved every single moment of them!

The first event was the candidate bowling. I was very excited for this event, and anticpated meeting and getting to know all of the other candidates. However, I was not thrilled to show off my mad bowling skills.

The very first bowling ball I spotted was a beautiful shiny rich metallic purple. I knew it would be good luck using a bowling ball of my favorite color. To my surprise, it was exactly double the weight I typically bowl with. I realized my luck took a turn as I picked up my newfound bowling ball. It was not nearly as beautiful as the first, as this bowling ball was a bright neon pink that was evenly nicked and dented all the way around. But, the finger holes fit just right, almost as if I was Cinderella (maybe I will even end up with a crown!!). And the ball weighed a "light" eight pounds.

To my surprise, I was not the only one with a madly horrible bowling record. We were all very happy to find that the bumpers were up!!!

I had so much fun getting to know all the girls. I learned that every single one of them is extremely nice (I wasn't expecting them not to be but like I said all of my expectations were exceeded.) As I gently rolled my hot pink bowling ball down the alley the girls sweetly cheered for me, even when every single bowling pin remained standing. I was very happy that they were all so supportive and they cheered for me even though my bowling score was far from perfect. It really proved how great these girls really are and made me very excited for our next event where I would grow even closer to my new friends!!

When I think or hear anyone mention the name of the second event - "Beauty tips and etiquette night" - I laugh and I always think, "Wow! What a night!! I don't think there are enough words to describe how hilarious, scary and fun that night was.

I really enjoyed listening to Miss Minnesota 2006 Angela Hosman give us tips on positive ways to act during our candidacy and ultimately, hopefully, our reign as miss Albertville. I really loved her talk about being confident because we all know that uplifting words are always helpful!

She said, "You can't control what anyone else does. You just have to be the best you that you can be while being comfortable and confident with who you are. That is when you will do the best!"

Hearing this just reminded me if how unique I am, or how nobody is like me, and that I am so special just the way I am; which is always good to hear.

So because you weren't there on that's stormy Tuesday night I want all of you to know that you are wonderful just the way you are. You never need to look just like her or act just like him your clothes don't need to be designer and your hair doesn't need to be perfect because everything about you is what makes you stand out among a huge crowd. You are a shining star just the way you are. Please don't forget that. I will try to do the same, although I know how difficult that can be in a world where perfection is so important. I wish that the world saw imperfections as beautiful too because they are normal.

On a goofier note I will begin to explain the silly night we had just after Angela left. The night that kept everyone laughing began when Kelly Duncan couldn’t stay away from the window it was only raining like it had been all afternoon but she wanted to see "what was going on" I think it was the awe of the crazy looking sky that kept her face glued to the window. The soft pinking noises on the window slowly grew louder and we had all decided that it was hail. But Kelly was still very drawn to the window watching the green grass slowly turn white. When all of a sudden it was no longer a pinking noise at the window but a very loud bam! Surprised and scared Kelly screamed and ran away from the window. But of course it was not only Kelly that screamed and ran away but also all of us girls.

That is when we all decided to take cover, in the bathroom. Within seconds we all found ourselves crammed into a small one-person bathroom to wait out the storm. I don't remember who first mentioned, "Girls really can't go to the bathroom alone," but we all found it extremely funny and could not stop laughing. All 10 of us were in the bathroom. I am sure the hotel staff thought we were crazy, we probably sounded like a group of hyenas in a zoo. We became brave and very hot so we ventured out of the bathroom to watch the news and call our families. As we waited out the storm I got very curious, I asked myself, "what does the sky look like" and in an extremely curious voice, "how big was the hail?!"

After the storm, I didn't hesitate; I think I even ran, to go snatch some hail. Maybe I ran because I was excited or maybe I ran because I didn't want anyone to stop me, I had to make it outside. Either way I was outside surrounded by a bunch of men, who looked at me, a young girl in a flowery dress, in a way I don't think twenty people have ever looked me at, at the same time. They all seemed very confused and gave me a look that made me feel very out of place, almost like I had accidentally walked into the wrong bathroom, but I didn't I was only outside. I responded with a great big smile and hurried back inside with some of the biggest hail I have ever seen. I was very happy that I ran out of the hotel before anyone could notice, because the first thing I heard when I came back was the Kellys yelling in a very confused, worried and shocked voice, "You went outside?! Who said you could do that?!" It seemed as though they rehearsed my reentering the building a million times.

Everyone was very shocked at how large the hail was that we just had to take a picture with it! I don't know if my words could even describe how extremely wonderfully hilarious that night was. I hope it is a memory that I never forget as it always brings a great big smile to my face!! I think I was even smiling as I discovered the huge hail damage all over my car!!

Our most recent event was meeting the judges and interviews. Like our other events I really enjoyed this day. Upon walking into the room I noticed that I was not the only girl who was nervous to meet the judges. It is a great comfort knowing that I have friends who have the same feelings as I do through this process. I really liked how we had the chance to meet all of the judges before the interviews as we enjoyed a delicious three-course meal. It was very nice to meet the judges in a more relaxed friendly setting. It was also neat because I got to learn about the judges and their lives as well.

After lunch it was time for the interviews, Oh my! As we waited we designed our signs for our cars. Ashley went in for her interview, and came out about 10 minutes later. Then Danielle went in for her interview, but she came out only one minute later. She didn’t go in for her interview; she went in for mine! I thought I had a little bit more time to breathe. I don’t remember much of what happened next but I do remember waking up on the floor. Just kidding, I didn’t faint I just hurried in to my interview and answered many questions about myself, and why I was running for Miss Albertville. I must say I was nervous for nothing; the interview went by very quickly, I couldn’t believe how fast it went. The judges are all very nice people and I enjoyed getting to know them.

After all of the interviews were finished we made our Rock-a-thon poster and it was time to go. Before we knew it the day was over! But a few of us girls were not ready to say goodbye so we decided to go to Caribou. Like I have said before my fellow candidates are wonderful people. When we got to Caribou I realized that my wallet wasn’t in my purse, so I decided not to get anything. But both Kelly and Jessica demanded to pay for my coffee. It was extremely sweet of them and was totally unexpected! As all four of us enjoyed our coffee we became even closer talking to each other all about our lives. I must say this trip to Caribou was very enjoyable; I loved getting to know Jessica, Kelly, and Alysia better. I am so excited to grow even closer to these wonderful girls through my candidacy.

And there you have it, my first three candidate events, which I have enjoyed very much. I am so honored to be a part of this process and I cant wait to see what other joys my candidacy has to hold. And don’t forget; you are a shining star, just the way you are! 

Thank you very much for reading my blog, I hope you enjoyed it! 

Mary- A 2011 Miss Albertville Candidate