Miss NCC and Miss Diamond State 2011 Pageant

This past Saturday was the 2011 Miss New Castle County and Miss Diamond State local pageant. It is a preliminary to the Miss Delaware Pageant through the Miss America Scholarship Organization. As many of you know, I am both a former Miss NCC and Miss Diamond State, so this pageant is especially dear to my heart. I had the pleasure of spending the evening emceeing with the lovely Miss Delaware 2008 Galen Giaccone and getting to know 10 lovely ladies competing for one of these two titles.

It is always nerve wracking to watch everyone compete and wait for the results. However, soon enough they came and we introduced Jessica Tilley as Miss Diamond State and Steffi Holmes as Miss NCC 2011! Marcie Smith and Stephanie Bailey were the first runner ups.

In addition, I had the privilege of giving away a $100 talent scholarship to whomever received the highest talent score. Boy, was it a stiff competition for that one. The judges certainly had a lot to choose from in regards to fantastic talents! It was my honor to present the first ever Heather Lehman Talent Award to Stephanie Bailey!!

My new blonde-haired look confused some people, but in the end I think it was a success. I am still getting used to looking at pictures of me with blonde hair, but before I get too comfortable with it, it will be turning auburn for the fall and winter (so stay tuned!). It is definitely nice living a semi normal life once again, but I always enjoy the times I get to return to the Miss Delaware arena and help out the organization. Dineen and Tom, the executive directors for this local, have two awesome young ladies to work with this year. I know they will send them to states feeling nothing less than fully prepared for whatever comes their way in June. Good Luck at Miss Delaware 2011 Steffi and Jessica!

All my love...

Women of Faith

Last weekend I went to a conference called Women of Faith (WoF) with almost all of the women in my family and members of their churches. It was an incredible time filled with fellowship, learning, laughing and crying.

Unfortunately, I had to crop the weekend together due to an appearance I had accidentally scheduled that same weekend down in Dover for the Amish Country Bike Tour. But it was still a moving weekend nonetheless. This was the 4th year the women in my family had attended, and my second year going. There was praise and worship, comedy routines, skits, and lectures. Now, most people would think that an event like this may be boring with speaker after speaker. But it is completely different than anything you are assuming. The speakers there are witty, clever, and funny and they are some of the best orators I have ever listened too. They know how to tie in the funny little stories in life to a strong message about God's grace and mercy that really hits home. We bought so many books and CD's that weekend from the presenters it was unreal! I have never enjoyed learning about God so much in my life. They just really make it enjoyable, not the stuffy churchy stuff most people would expect.

Like I said, I also had an appearance as the former Miss Delaware at the Amish Country Bike Tour in Dover. I have never seen so many bicyclists in my life all in one place. Some of them were going to be riding 100 miles!!! Are they crazy?? I get tired driving 100 miles. I wish I was in that kind of shape. I had the honor of being asked to sing the National Anthem to kick off the event. Before Mayor Carey shot the starting gun they had a tribute to the victims of 9/11. It is nice to see that so many people still remember the magnitude of that event and how it still effects us today. It is so easy to forget sometimes with as busy as our lives can get. After that, the bikers were off, and I was off to Philadelphia for more WoF. Thank you Linda Kurtz for asking me to participate in such a great event. It is nice to know people still remember me. It is still a little weird to hear myself called the "former" Miss Delaware.

The whole weekend was a time of self searching for me. Who am I? What is God calling me to do with my life? How do I deal with this change from being Miss Delaware to a college student? Just when it seemed like the world was crashing in on me, I was pulled to safety thanks to this weekend. This conference can really change your life. I encourage every woman to look it up and see when it is coming near you. You won't regret that you went!

I also had the opportunity to help the life of a child in need thanks to an organization called World Vision. They have partnered up with WoF, and have cards of several children in need available to choose from if you are able to help. During the conference, they had mentioned that some children are called "Last Chance" children. That really intrigued my mother and me. At the age of 13 these children can no longer be in the program due to the magnitude of need throughout the world. So for the group of kids who are 12 years old, this is their last chance to get a sponsor. So we went down to the booth to look at the Last Chance pile of cards. She took one to sponsor and I took one to sponsor. Jonathan has graciously decided to sponsor my child with me. Our child's name is Haominlen, but I like to call him Hao. He is from India and has 5 siblings and only a mother to take care of all of them. He loves playing soccer, which I love too, and looks like he has so much more to give to the world if he only had the chance. So, for $35 a month we can give him health care, food, water, education, and opportunities to benefit his community. We are so excited to share the love of God with this child and impact his life forever.

The Wandering Traveler

Hello everyone!

What a crazy week I have had this past week. I traveled to Palmyra, NY for 4 days, then up to Long Island for 3 days, and then to Johnstown, PA for 3 days. I guess that makes it a little over a week.

Jonathan and I drove almost 7 hours up to Palmyra, NY two Fridays ago to visit his extended family. We stayed at PopPop's house, and we visited Grandma, Aunt Cathy and Adrienne, Uncle Walter and Aunt Signa, cousins Ilan and Braden, Aunt Helen, Uncle Fred and Aunt Joan, and I think I may have missed a few. Nonetheless, there was a lot of us. Friday we met up with some of the family for dinner and ice cream at A's (Uncle Walt and Aunt Signa's ice cream parlor/candy shop/restaurant). After that we went to visit Grandma for a little bit at like 11pm! That's even past my bed time!

Saturday we had breakfast with PopPop, picked up some groceries for Grandma, hung out with Aunt Cathy and Adrienne, went to the Wayne County Fair with PopPop and Aunt Helen, went to Grandma's for dinner, visited with Aunt Cathy and Adrienne some more, and rounded out the evening looking at old pictures with PopPop. Sunday we met up with Uncle Fred and Aunt Joan for breakfast with PopPop, checked out the lock on the canal and watched a boat pass through, went to pick up Aunt Helen and check out the lake and some of the local area, then had dinner again at A's with the family.

Finally, on Monday we packed up and headed over to Grandma's for breakfast then hit the road for another 7 hour drive back. On the way back we saw a billboard for the Hartford Fair. So we decided to go on a search for it and ended up finding it somewhere off the back roads. We stopped in for a look and let me tell you it was interesting. We had to head out early though because it started to rain, and Jonathan had to park down a grassy hill so we wanted to make sure we could get out.

Tuesday I took the train at the crack of dawn to Penn Station to visit Franni. Upon arriving at Penn Station I walked around in five circles and eventually called Franni to get directions on how to find the LIRR train station. I took the Ronkonkoma train to Deer Park and met up with Franni. Now, don't get me started on how crazy the names of some of the places in NY are...there is anywhere from Ronkonkoma to Skaneatles. There is even a place called Hicksville...and they make fun of Delaware. We may have hicks but at least we don't advertise it with a place called Hicksville. Anyway, we stopped by Dunkin Donuts and split a sandwich for breakfast. Then we went to her pool to tan with Ashley and Alyssa. After that we stopped by GNP to visit the people behind the company. I finally got to meet Keith who assisted me in created the banner that was hung up at my Send Off and at Miss America as Miss Delaware. They even let me take a few goodies home! After that we stopped by McDonald's for a quick bite then off to get Franni's hair cut. It took maybe a total of 10 minutes! I think it takes me at least an hour just to have my hair cut. That doesn't include styling or anything. Good grief do I have a lot of hair. I met George her hairstylist. He was really nice. Later that night we went to a BBQ place for dinner with the family and then hit up the karaoke bar with Ashley, Alyssa and Shayna.

I lost my voice I sang so much! We had a blast! We sang a little Spice Girls, some Carrie Underwood, a little Kelly Clarkson, and a touch of Kesha. I am pretty sure we stole the stage! Wednesday, we went to get our nails done, did a little shopping at Forever 21, and watched some One Tree Hill until dinner. Then we went out to celebrate Ariel's 21st birthday.

Thursday, we packed up and headed down to Newark, DE for Kelly's 21st birthday celebration. We tanned by the pool for a little then met up with Becky, Shannon, and Kelly at Kildaire's for dinner. After that we hung out at their house and then headed out to Kildaire's for Kelly's first bar experience. Friday we tanned some more, and then my family picked me up to drive to Johnstown, PA.

We finally made to Johnstown and met up with my grandparents. Saturday morning I went down to their church to practice a couple songs with Joel that I would end up singing Sunday morning. My Aunt Brenda and mom came with me. After that we went to Walmart to print out a couple of pictures for the Bridal Suite. Who knew it could be so complicated to print 3 pictures, I hate the new photo print system at Walmart! Eventually we got them and stopped by to say hi to Ronnie and Debbie at the Bridal Suite.

For those of you who may not know, the Bridal Suite graciously sponsored about 90% of my Miss America wardrobe! So I wanted to stop by and give them a couple of pictures of me in my Miss America competition gown. After that we met up with my family to go out to Ponderosa in celebration of my grandpa's birthday. Sunday, I sang at both morning services at my grandparent's church. It was a rewarding experience. It is always a joy to share the gospel of Jesus through the gift of music. The whole weekend my grandma was a trooper. She had recently had hip replacement surgery and she kept up with us the whole weekend. She never ceases to amaze me. Sunday afternoon we drove back home, and thus ended my traveling excursions for now.

I only have one more week before Fall Semester starts and then it is full speed ahead until May when I graduate! Until next time...

Image is everything

I was given the honor of speaking to two different Mary Kay units this week about the importance of image. Being a Mary Kay consultant for over two years now, as well as a former Miss Delaware, I have grown an increasing awareness of the importance of one's image. What messages are you sending? How do you want people to perceive you? What is the goal that you want to accomplish?

I thought this was an interesting topic that could use further discussion. What makes up a person's image? Is it just how they look or is it more than that? I am here to share the theory of the Whole Body Concept of Image. A person's image is comprised of a bidirectional equilateral triangle: one corner is cognitive, one corner is physical, and one corner is social/emotional. For those of you who have taken Dr. Wilgen's Human Sexualities course, you may recognize this triangle in respect to the topic of one's sexuality. However, I am not going to touch that topic during this post. I just feel that it is a magnificent way of explaining a particular aspect of a person.

1. Cognitive
Your image begins with how you view yourself. It is your confidence that is going to get you places. You can dress and say whatever you want, but if you are not confident it will not make a difference. You need to understand that you are human and it is ok to make mistakes. Finally, you need to approach every situation with an open mind. Never assume a stereotype to be true. I have learned this in both Mary Kay and pageants. As a consultant, I could never assume that a certain type of person would be interested in a certain type of look. As a titleholder, I worked hard to disprove the stereotype of pageant girls being fake, dumb, and stuck up bimbos. Go into every situation within your life excited to learn something new. If your brain is stimulated in a positive way you are more like to act in a positive way and receive a positive outcome.
2. Physical
Yes, image is about appearance as well. BUT let me mention a huge disclaimer: IT IS NOT ABOUT CONFORMING TO WHAT THE LATEST MAGAZINE SAYS YOU SHOULD LOOK LIKE. It is about presenting yourself in a manner that exudes respect. Show not only that you want to be respected but that you respect yourself. Take the time to care about what you are expressing. If you are looking to be taken professionally, make sure you are well tailored and groomed. If you are looking to be seen as a role model, make sure you are proud of what you are wearing. As Miss Delaware, it was my job to be a role model for every person I came in contact with. Do I want young girls to see me plastered with make up on or do I want them to see how make up has simply enhanced my beauty. Negative connotations are given to beauty products or just wanting to dress nice. It is not about covering up or being attractive. It is about sending out the right message when you go out the door. Enhance the wonderful image you have been given. Figure out what makes you feel good about yourself and do it.
3. Social/Emotional
How to speak to someone can make all the difference, and how you act is just as important. I always promote the Golden Rule - "Treat others the way you want to be treated". That is a good place to start. Act in a way that you would appreciate if you were in the other person's shoes. Your posture and poise is another key aspect to your image. As Don Baker would say, be open and outward not inward and closed. Have you shoulders back, don't cross your arms when speaking to someone, stand tall and proud. The non-verbal message should correlate with the verbal message. Never generalize or assume. Speak clearly and with a purpose. When you converse with someone keep an open mind. Present yourself in a warm way that produces discussions rather than arguments. As Miss Delaware, I always had to watch what I said and how I acted. I needed to relate to all age groups and all backgrounds. I was the face of the Miss Delaware and Miss America Organization to many people. My image reflects their image. Make sure you work to lift people up rather than tear them down. Image includes how you make someone feel about themselves and about you. So be sure to act and speak in a way that reflects who you truly are.

I have learned this over the years in my experience in modeling, pageants, and beauty consulting. For those of you out there who are struggling with your image and figuring out who you are, search deep within and find what is important to you. What do you want to do with your life? I have dedicated my life to serving others and making the world a better place. Now, I just have to make sure that everyday I work towards that goal. It all starts with your image. How you see yourself is how the rest of the world will see you. So be proud of who you are and embrace what the world has to offer!

"Be the change you want to see in the world."-Mahatma Gandhi

Got it!!

I was officially offered a job at Hollywood Tans on Main Street in Newark today. I start training next week, and then start working there on the 23rd. I am excited to be working so close to campus. I could walk to work if I needed to!

I will keep everyone posted about specials and sales they have in case anyone is interested. It is a clean environment and a relaxing atmosphere. Frank seems like he will be a blast to work for!

If anyone in the pageant world in Delaware is interested in experiencing indoor tanning please let me know!

It's going to be crazy adjusting to a regular work schedule after the up-in-the-air one I had last year. Back to the real world I guess...

Interview

I got a call yesterday from the manager at Hollywood Tans and he asked me to come in for an interview! So, after my first class, and before my second class, I am going to stop by for an interview. Hopefully I'm not too rusty since I've been Miss Delaware haha. If nothing else my pageant experience has certainly made me confident in my interviewing capabilities. That is just one of many great skills I am going to take away from my years of involvement.

I'm feeling pretty good about this, so pray that it all works out how it should! It'd be nice to have some income flowing in :)

Wish me luck! I'll twitter to let everyone know if I find anything out today! Just click on the icon in the bottom right hand corner of this page and you can start following me.

Ocean City

This past weekend was the best! I got to spend Friday night going to the Delaware State Fair with my boyfriend, Jonathan, and his best friend Tim. We walked around, watched a little bit of the hypnotic comedy show, rode some rides, and played some games. Jonathan and Tim won me a little stuffed puppy that I named Chucky, but then after walking around and seeing people with bigger puppies than mine, Jonathan went back and won me an even bigger puppy that I named Wilbur. We met up with my sister Allison and our friend Anna to ride some rides, including the terrifying pirate ship! I promise you we were vertical in the air looking down several feet above the ground....of course I latched on to Jonathan and Anna for safety. If I was going, so were they!

Saturday morning we drove down to Ocean City, MD with Jonathan's brother Aaron and sister in law Alex for a mini vacation. Jonathan's birthday was July 9th, but we were not able to celebrate it until this past weekend. Alex and I slept on the beach while Jonathan and Aaron threw the football around. After that we cleaned up and headed out in search of dinner. Let me tell you, it is not easy finding a place for dinner at 7pm in Ocean City. We ended up at a place called Hall's seafood buffet. It was delicious, and the best part was there was NO wait! After we were all completely and utterly stuffed we went back to the room to digest a little before going out. We partied it up at Seacrets that night, and ended the evening with a trip to the nearby ice cream shop that was open until 2:30am! All types of characters come out at 2:30 in the morning haha. Then we got up early on Sunday to check out and head back home. We initially planned to hang out at the beach for a short amount of time, however we were too tired and had enough sun for one weekend. So, I spent most of my Sunday traveling and napping. Before I headed back up to campus, I was able to enjoy a fantastic home cooked meal courtesy of my momma! That sure beats dining hall food and Hormel microwave dinners!! Thanks mom :)
Now it's back to the grind of school for two more weeks. Had an exam today in one class, and thankfully my other class was canceled. Now I get to enjoy a nice relaxing day of resting and TV. I applied for a part time job at a tanning salon on Main Street today as well. Here's to getting a call for an interview!
until next time...