Marathon Recap

Well it came and went. I didn't die, and more importantly I finished. I've been talking about running a marathon for YEARS and now I finally have. To be honest it still hasn't sunk in. I kind of feel like I just went out for a long run on Sunday, NBD, nothing to see here. However, my body is a constant reminder that indeed it was no ordinary long run on Sunday but a marathon. Here's how it went down.

(Be advised this is LONG)

Saturday:

Got up rather lazily and putzed around the house for a while, then went into cleaning mode as Jeni was arriving that afternoon. Once she got here we hit up Mall of America for lunch and some shopping. I bought my first pair of sweat pants in about 5 years. This may have been a bad choice.

That night Drew made us all dinner and I angrily pounded on my laptop cursing Spotify, iTunes and all other MP3 technology for being so complicated that NO ONE (me) can understand it. Finally got the little shuffle programmed and charged, watched some tv, took my hippie magic sleeping pills (valerian root) and was asleep by 10pm.

Sunday:

Up on my own at 5:10am ready to rock and even ahead of my alarm. I slept like a rock for a solid 7 hours and I was sooooo grateful I did. First things first, grabbed my water bottle and a Clif Bar. I hopped in the shower which probably seems odd but it helped wake me up even more and get moving. Regretfully I did not have a checklist written out and as a result I forgot one major thing that morning: body glide. I will never ever ever go to sleep without writting out a morning checklist again.

Besides that little slip up, I was fueled, caffinated and bundled up ready to head to The Dome at 7am. Starting temperature: 28 degrees. So you might say it was a bit chilly. I refused to run in anything but my shorts though. It was all I had trained in and the idea of switching up my gear even the week of gave me panic attacks. I opted for a very light weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt though so you know that basically kept me toasty warm.

So! After handing off my sweats and saying my goodbyes I headed to my corral with my adrenaline pumping, which did actually keep me quite warm.

Now, I don't know about the rest of you but I get super emotional when I run races. If I don't cry at least once on the course something is wrong. I wasted no time then at the starting line as I was starting with the soldier in his fatigues, boots and all, full pack carrying the flag. I might be sniffling right now too.

Finally it was our corral's turn to go and we were off. I honestly felt great, maybe because the enormity of what I was embarking on hadn't quite hit me yet. Either way I made it out of the city with ease and continued on my merry way enjoying all of the clever signs people had. My favorite being around mile 10 or 11. It said "Don't stop. People are watching".

At mile 9.5 I had to go to the bathroom and sadly so did a lot of other people. I lost a lot of time there but my alternative was peeing my pants so I opted for the lost time. During this time the soldier had caught up to me so we conmenced with tears on the marathon course part 2. I managed to sqeak out a "good job, sir." as I passed then scurried off so no one could hear my sniffling....again.

HALF WAY POINT!!!

(me about to raise the roof at the halfway point)

Before I knew it I was at the half way point and was feeling fantastic. I couldn't believe it. Drew, Jeni and his parents were there to cheer me on and at that point I was like wow. I'm actually going to finish this thing. If you had asked me 2 weeks ago if I was going to finish the marathon, I would have said no. I felt in no way prepared for it. But here I was, half way done and not defeated!

Things got a little boring after that, but I was then on my own turf where I had run 5 million times over the summer and knew the course really well. Also at mile 16 there were bananas. They were glorious. Then at mile 18.5 a little girl was handing out homemade chocolate chip cookies. That little girl was my savior.

At mile 19.5 my little cheering crowd was there again and I couldn't believe I was about to hit the 20 mile mark. I had run 20 miles and was still going.

When I hit mile 22 though, the marathon bitch slapped me into last Tuesday. I physically felt the toll the previous 22 miles took on my body and good lord was I hurting. My IT band especially and my feet because of my idiocy. (No body glide) Not gonna lie the last 4.2 miles were tough. Incredibely tough, basically the hardest thing I've ever demanded of myself. I'd already gone 22 miles and needed to go another 4.2 and my body was all hellllll nahhhh.

But I did. I kept going. I don't even know how. I did have to walk almost a mile while I choked down an energy gel. I knew I needed it but man was it hard to force down. When I hit mile 24.5, Eye of the Tiger was on repeat and there was no looking back.

The beautiful thing about the Twin Cities course is that the last half mile is downhill. And you get this amazing view of the capital and the finish line. When I came over that hill to see that, commence tears on the marathon course part 3.

I think I ran faster? Maybe I didn't but it felt like I was running my heart out to get across the finish line. Stomping on those chip timing mats felt so amazing, like I"M HERE I FINISHED!!!! I was a wreck at that point trying to navigate my way through the finish tunnel through my tears, when a volunteer saw me, put his arm around me and said "congratulations, this is an amazing accomplishment." I lost my shit then. Just found a little grassy area sat down to stretch and eat my banana between sobs.

While I am super proud that I finished, I know I could have done better. I slacked a lot in the last month of training which I know hurt me. It's hard to know what to expect if you've never run a marathon before, even if you read all the information that is out there the distance is just not something you can comprehend until you do it. Now that I have done one, I undestand the distance, I understand what it demands and I respect it. I know I said I wouldn't do another marathon again, but I will. I know I will. Despite the pain and the exhaustion and the mental beat down it was absolutely amazing. I want to try again and I want to do better.

It's Almost Here....

I can't believe I just went on my second to last training run. It's so crazy, I feel like I've been training forevveerrrr. However, I am really excited for the marathon. I don't care about a goal time, or a goal pace or anything like that. I've never been a fast runner and most likely never will be. I'm okay with that. I like running  because, well....I just do. I find it relaxing, I get a lot of thinking done and it's great exercise. I'm competitive by nature, Type A and all that, but running was my non competitive thing. Something I just did for me. I lost that this summer training for the marathon. I know so many other people training for marathons and other races and I started to feel like if I wasn't as fast as them, then somehow I was less of a runner. That my race wouldn't be as important because I ran it slower. Like oh you didn't run a 4 hour marathon....thats not a real marathon then.

Which I know is ridic.

Finally this week (better late than never) I realized that, if my running for fun without caring about getting faster or setting a PR or going further would get me kicked out of the cool "serious" runner's club, well that is just fine with me. I'll party it up at the kids table. Because you know how many people don't run marathons? A lot more than do. I'm in the group that does. So that in and of itself is pretty damn awesome. And that is why I am so pumped to run on Sunday. 

With that I will leave you with an engagement pic taken yesterday by Drew's brother.

I call it, inspired by 007.

Marathon Cheers,

Marisa

Fights

Drew and I fight. Little known fact that I was a little worried at first because we never fought. Not even a little. Obviously after a few months of living together that changed. That is not to say that cohabitation has become a nightmare, but when two people go from single living to sharing a small one bedroom apartment, things that you may have been able to tolerate before now causes an eye twitching vein popping rage you can't seem to explain. (re: stop playing that goddamn electropop shit or I will cram that receiver DOWN YOUR THROAT!! or Stop leaving wet towels all over the house or I will set them on fire and STRANGLE YOU WITH IT!!) I'll let you decide who said what.

Okay so it's not that extreme, but point being sometimes we test each others limits and sometimes on bad days we crack. But here's the really awesome part:

We say we're sorry.

Yes, we both say we're sorry. Sorry for being crabby, sorry for yelling, sorry my lady hormones want to punch you in the testes for no apparent reason. Whatever it is, we act like grown ups admit our mistakes, and apologize and move on. This is huge for me guys. I'm not stubborn and I don't like talking about feelings, but I'll be damned if I haven't matured and learned how to admit when I've acted a fool and apologize. Telling your partner you love them is important, but I'm pretty sure saying you're sorry is like .01cm behind it in importance. 

So there you go. Couples therapy advice right there. No charge. Just keep reading. And maybe tell your friends. Or send me a new Kate Spade bag for fall.

Cheers,

Marisa

The New Place

We've been in our new place about a week and a half now. So far so good. It is most definitely a huge step up from where we were living. 

View from our bedroom deck

View from the living room deck

Our new closet <3 <3

Master Bathroom

New Kitchen

Having a real closet is sooooooo amazing. We can actually access all of our clothes!! And I actually have room to buy more! So many glorious new things. Also the his and hers sinks are great. Even if Drew still stands behind me and my sink in the morning. Old habits are hard to break I guess. As far as our location goes it isn't terrible. We are now officially St.Paul residents, but we're not as close to grocery stores or Target like we used to be. But I think it's a fair trade :) 

Coming up Drew and I are taking a trip.....To VEGAS!!!!! I'm so excited! I haven't been to Vegas since 2006 and it was a grand old time. Next Thursday cannot get here soon enough. We both definitely need a vacation. 

Cheers!

Marisa

Um....Hello?

Oh hey there. It's been a while. A really looooonnngg while. I kept trying to come back to blogging and every time it ended in an epic fail. I'm not really sure why. I have my speculations. Mostly being that I didn't have my own "space". Which perhaps is a lame excuse, but I just couldn't get into it without having my own room, or area or what have you. Now though, and those of you who follow me on twitter and instagram already know,we've moved! No we didn't buy a house. While we were still looking and living in our old apartment, the landlord sold the duplex and we were served 60 days notice to move out. Kind of killed the house buying plan. We did however, find a sweet condo to rent that is 1 bedroom + den which means that Drew has is own office area and I have the bedroom. While not my own office, it works just fine for me. So, now that I have my own place where I can write comfortably and in solitude I will be back! For good! I've missed blogging so much and I've had so much I've wanted to write about. This has been such a long hiatus, and I for one am glad it's over. Looking forward to catching up with all of you!!!

Cheers,

Marisa

An Update

Hello all. It's been a very long time since we last blogged. I'm alive and well. Better than well in fact! As I'm sure you can imagine moving and getting settled in a new city, as well as moving in with your boyfriend and both of you getting settled takes some time. I really just needed to focus all my efforts on that and finding a job. When I last wrote I said that I was up for a job and would be finding out one way or the other about it by the end of that week. Never heard from them at all. I even emailed their HR/recruiters to inquire if the position had been filled, and never heard back from them. So perhaps I dodged a bullet on that one. I did however find a job shortly after that and I'm happy to report that I am loving it. It's a much bigger company than I am used to and I have way more responsibilities, but I welcome the challenge and the opportunity to learn and grow. 

Drew and I are doing well, and so far we've encountered no major conflicts. While I like the apartment we live in now, it is only a one bedroom and we both would like to have more space. So we are currently on the hunt for a house. It is proving more daunting that I expected. But we are on a month to month lease so we don't have any real pressure to find something quick. I want it to be something I love rather than just a place I wouldn't mind living in. 

So, that's been the happenings around here. Drew and I are are playing on a kickball team with some of my work co-workers this spring that I'm excited about. Also I've signed up for the Dam to Dam this year and hope to have better results and a non fractured foot this year. I've also signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon and am sooooo excited to tackle this challenge. It will be tough but I cannot wait for the feeling of achievement you get when you finish a distance race. 2012 is sure shaping up to be amazing!

I can't wait to catch up with everyone . I hope your 2012's are just as amazing!

Cheers!

Marisa

Well Hello Again!

Welcome longtime readers to the new layout! Well, and hopefully the last layout...ever. We're getting more settled now, finding a routine, learning how to give each other space in our little one bedroom apartment. So what's with the title you ask? Well this probably won't be a shock, but I looooovvveeee the Mary Tyler Moore Show, which took place in Minneapolis Minnesota. And for those of you not cool enough to have the theme song memorized, here it is for you:

Who can turn the world on with her smile? 
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile? 
Well it's you girl, and you should know it 
With each glance and every little movement you show it 

Love is all around, no need to waste it 
You can have a town, why don't you take it 
You're gonna make it after all 
You're gonna make it after all 


How will you make it on your own? 
This world is awfully big, girl this time you're all alone 
But it's time you started living 
It's time you let someone else do some giving 

Love is all around, no need to waste it 
You can have a town, why don't you take it 
You're gonna make it after all 
You're gonna make it after all


Naturally I changed the you're to we're. I have yet to get my picture taken by the MTM statue outside the downtown Macy's but rest assured it is on my list. Along with exploring the city more. I really need to get on that. So any readers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area that want to be my friend, hit me up! I enjoy good food, drinks and anything fun. I have just turned this post into eHarmony. Wow....


I think now that I've got the layout done I can get back to posting on the regular. I've missed it so, and of course I've missed all of your blogs as well! I feel like I've missed out on so much, but I promise I will catch up and it will just be like old times. Until then just remember love is all around :)


Cheers!


Marisa

p.s. Greetings from Bobo & Elvis! They are loving their new digs ;)

Let's Do This

Alright guys so I'm here. Writing this on our couch in Minneapolis with Drew iPad-ing it up next to me. Tomorrow marks my one week anniversary as a Minnesota resident.  Annnnd today marks my one week anniversary of unemployment. I thought I would enjoy a break from work since back in Des Moines I worked 6 days a week and usually no less than 55 hours a week. However after the first few days I found myself longing for a 5am wake up call to get ready for work. Instead I occupy my time with Gossip Girl. How in the hell have I never watched that show before? I had an interview Friday that went pretty well, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that. I probably should be more adventurous and maybe venture downtown and just explore the city more. However I have a hard time tearing myself away from the Chuck/Blair saga. I just want them to be together! Is that so much to ask? 

Anyway, the drive up wasn't too bad. My car was packed, in fact so packed that I probably would have gotten a ticket since my side views were basically obstructed. Luckily I did not get pulled over and just enjoyed the sound of two crying cats for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Turns out my Elvis kitty does not like the musical styling of  Michael Jackson. I know I don't understand it either. Despite our differing tastes in music we all made it safely and the cats have adjusted well to their new home. As for me, we're still figuring things out but all will be well. Just trying to figure out each others routines and how we can work together and Drew is learning how to live with pets. I hope to get my blog reworked this week however certain drama may pose a problem with that (re: Chuck/Blair). Just kidding I really need to do something productive, creative even. Just to keep my mind in shape. I can't sit on a couch forever.....or can I???? ;)

Cheers!

Marisa

Moving

Oh hey there. Long time no blog. I have not completely fallen off the face of the earth just yet. However between packing, transitioning out of my job and searching for a new job, I have not had time to spend in the blogosphere. I just wanted to give a quick update that yes! I will return to blogging as soon as I'm all moved to Minneapolis....which will be this Sunday!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it, I'm so excited. So in short, I miss you all and reading your fabulous blogs. I will obviously be undergoing yet another redesign so I'm open to suggestions. See you when I'm a Minnesotan!!

Cheers,

Marisa

Moving On Up....Literally.

Oh hi there! Long time no see. So remember that one time like a month ago when I said I had news but couldn't share it just yet? Well now I can. Finally. And can return to blogging. What is the news you ask? Well here it is.

I'm moving to Minneapolis at the end of the month.

We're both really excited and it's so amazing to finally be able to tell everyone. It's going to be a change but a welcome one. I am sad to move away from my friends and (non-biological) family, but I know distance won't ruin our relationship and I can't wait to have visitors in the Twin Cities :) You know once Drew and I find a place with a little more....space. 

HOLY FREAKING BALLS I'M MOVING TO MINNEAPOLIS!!!!!!!!!!!

So how have all of you been? I've missed you all terribly. I can't wait to get back at it and catch up with everyone. 

Twin Cities Cheers!

Marisa

P.S. Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls for life. Sorry Minnesota.

Birthmas 2011

Okay finally. Here it is in all it's anti-climatic glory....because someone (me) left their memory card in their laptop and therefore could not take pictures with their camera. EPIC FAIL. However I managed to document a few things with the old Blackberry. And here they are.

Friday night we went out with Drew's brother and his wife to The Melting Pot. I have never experienced fondu before, but as Drew said "it's fonnnn to du it!" so I knew all would be well. It was so delicious I ate so much bread and broccoli covered in cheese. Then there was dessert. Ohhhh the glorious pot of chocolate and all the amazing things you could dip in it. I need a fondu set. Going on the Birthmas list for next year.

Christmas eve day was spent at Target because I forgot how to pack and left some necessities at home, and at Cub Foods to buy groceries for the weekend. We made black bean soup and grilled cheese sandwiches and listened to Christmas music to get in the festive mood before heading to family Christmas. Drew even wanted to wear this sweater.

While I appreciated his holiday spirit...I just could be seen with him like that.

 Now, I've been used to pretty small Christmas gatherings since 2005. Maybe 8 people tops. Prior to that my Christmases consisted of family gatherings at my grandparents house where there were maybe 25 people 30 at most. Drew has 21 first cousins. TWENTY ONE. Add him and his brothers that makes 25 grandchildren. It was overwhelming at first but after the second drink I was a-ok. 

Now on to the gifts!

First up, something I've been pining over at REI for I don't even know how long. And now, they're mine!

No, I have never gone snowshoeing before. However, I love hiking and snow hiking seems like fun. Now we just need some GD snow so I can use these and also use my other gift....

Patagonia snowpants! Despite it being 40 something degrees Christmas Day, I wore these home to Minneapolis. I cant wait to actually use them. 

I also got a Columbia fleece jacket, a North Face half zip fleece, annnndddd....

A flying lesson! Thats right in spring I will get a crash course in flying and actually get to sit in the cockpit and wear my aviators and bomber jacket and only answer to Maverick. 

Christmas evening Drew took me out to dinner to our favorite Indian restaurant (and I do mean favorite) Gandhi Mahal. I ate so much palak paneer I actually thought I was going to puke on the sidewalk. No joke. It really was touch and go there for a while. 

So there you have it. Birthmas 2011! I could not have planned it better myself. Full of food, family and friends and love :)

Cheers!

Marisa

25 Days Of Birthmas Day 23: Running on Diet Coke and Hope

I am a wreck. As in I haven't slept well this week AT ALL, have already worked 44.5 hours in 4 days and haven't had a decent well balanced meal in who knows how long. But! Things are looking up, as today is a half day and I get to head up north to spend my Birthmas with my favorite boy. I'm just so ready for this all to be over so I can get back to my regularly scheduled program. You know the one where I actually work out, eat something other than black beans and Ramen and sleep through the night. And don't fall back into old habits. I'm looking at you Diet Coke. Oh well could be worse, could have gone back to cigarettes right? 

Sorry I'm being a Grinch right now. What is my problem? It's Festivus, I'm heading to Minneapolis, and Birthmas is only TWO DAYS AWAY! Enough woe is me, bring on the festivities and the food. (And the presents too!) I think I said I was taking a hiatus like two posts ago. This time I mean it. I'm out Des Moines. See you when I'm 27!!!!!!!

Cheers!

Marisa

25 Days of Birthmas Day 22: Guest Posting on Birthmas Cheer

Hello my loves! I'm over here today. Go check it out. Very big thank you to Marilyn for including me in her 12 Hours of Christmas Cheer project!!!!!

Keep spreading that Christmas Cheer, we're almost there!!!

Cheers!
Marisa

25 Days of Birthmas Day 21: Only 4 Days Left...

Wow, I can't believe it's almost here! 4 Days. FOUR!!!!!! This week has been hell as Tuesday was a 13+ hour day and today is a 15+ hour day. However when talking to my best boy he had this to say: "You can do it. Then you can come kick it and let me take care of you." I died. That right there was the best Birthmas present ever. I'm looking forward to pancakes and birthday cake and potato pancakes (Happy Hanukkah!) and whatever other cakes come with Birthmas. I'll take them all please! Eff the gym this week, you only turn 27 once right? And then come January....Ass kicking Pikes Peak Ascent training. Better enjoy being a fatty while I can. And on that note, I would like this cake for Birthmas please

Pink: Check. Crown: Check. Sparkles: Check. Yup this is my Birthmas cake!!!

Happy Holidays to you all and your lovely families! I hope everyone gets everything they wanted and more. I'm going to take a little Birthmas hiatus and will be back Monday to tell you all about it! Hugs to each and every one of you!!!

Cheers!

Marisa

P.S. Check it out, I suck at money and so does my friend so we started a blog about our quest to not suck at it anymore. Read about it here.

25 Days of Birthmas Day 19: OMG 6 MORE DAYS!!!!

Holy crap! Only 6 more days until Birthmas 2012!!! I can't believe it. I am so excited ( I believe I've mentioned it once or twice) to head to Minneapolis. I have the best boyfriend ever who is determined to make my 27th birthday the most special birthday ever. However, all I need to have the best birthday ever is just to relax with him at home...and maybe throw in a bottle of vodka too. Hey it's my birthday after all, and I'm only downhill to 30 now. So you better believe that there will be a cranberry vodka or two (or ten) involved this holiday weekend. What about you guys? Are you excited for Christmas???? If you aren't yet I hope this Christmas picture I drew for Drew (ha!) will fill you with Christmas Cheer!

25 Days of Birthmas Day 15: Weekend and Winner

Quick short post today. I am so excited for the weekend and relaxing. I need it. Not that this week has been particularly rough or anything, perhaps I'm just resting up for next week which will be rough. However, it's almost Birthmas!!!!!!!!! I am really excited to go to Minnesota next weekend, I'm hoping they can provide me with a white Christmas. Don't fail me now Minneapolis.

Moving on it's time for a winner!

Using a random number generator ,the winner is Amy from Tastes Like Red ! Congrats girl I'll be emailing you soon to get your info and mail you your little present :)

Have a great weekend everyone! Last big shopping weekend before Birthmas! Are you all done????

Cheers

Marisa

25 Days of Birthmas Days Who Knows What

Oh hello. Yes I'm still here. Still Birthmas-ing it up. A lot has transpired since we last saw each other but I can't share anything just yet. I hope to be able to tell you come Monday. And you know catch up on your blogs. I've been trying but there are seriously not enough hours in the day. I hope everyone is still in the Birthmas spirit and I hope you got snow! If ....it snows where you live. Don't forget there is still time to enter the giveaway! Tell your friends!

Cheers

Marisa

Sentimental Holiday Stuff & Things

I am not sentimental, romantic or overly emotional. It's just not in my makeup. So here I am, listening to Celine Dion (No joke) to help me get in the mood to write about some sentimental emotional stuff.

So it was Thanksgiving last week, if you hadn't noticed. I'm sure everyones pants did. Anyways, I'm always a thankful person. Whenever I catch myself being sad about not having the latest gadget, or not being able to buy a new handbag when I want I remind myself of those who have so much less than I do. I remind myself to be thankful that I can afford food everyday, health care whenever I need it, and that I have a wonderful apartment to go home to every single night. I hope that I will never get on the bandwagon of "I need more money so I can have better things than everyone else". Truly all that I ever want and need are the three things I've already mentioned...and just 1 more.

This year, I was thankful for a new addition in my life. I think you know who it is. He's kind of hard to miss at 6'4". I've written a lot about how stressful trying to relocate is, but I think I make it hard on myself. I have this mentality that I have to do this by myself because I've always had to do things by myself. I don't have the luxury of a supportive family as most do. I know that I could call, but I also know the answer would be the same as always "oh thats too bad, best of luck." And then there is Drew. He actually wants to help me. Has offered more than once to help me out, to which I always reply no I can do this on my own. It's like a built in automatic response. Here is someone who is offering to help me out without me even asking, because he wants nothing more than for us to be together and is willing to do whatever he can to make it happen. And then there is me, being an idiot making my life harder because I don't want to feel like a failure or lesser person for not handling things on my own. Sometimes, I suck. And so, I am thankful for Drew. Not only for loving me unconditionally despite my stubborn tendencies but also for wanting to be there for me because he loves me. Now I'm crying. Fuck you Titanic theme.

Let's change tunes.

Here is my only Holiday shopping score.

(CamelBak Annadel Running Hydration Pack)

Kind of excited. Adds about 3.5lbs of weight but it really doesn't feel that bad. It's sits higher up on your back so you barely notice it.

Hope everyone has a great week! It's so tough coming back from a holiday...

Cheers!

Marisa

Accent Video Log

I saw some people do these and thought they were really fun. So I decided to do one for the greatest region on the country: The Midwest. Enjoy!

So feel free to share with my your discrepancies. Are you a pop or soda person? Or just coke? Also does any other state say singles for $1 bills? Maybe it's just an Illinois thing. Oh! And one I didn't mention: casserole or  hot dish? 

Midwest Cheers!

Marisa

Life Is Like A Pageant....

I know I may have mentioned this in passing from time to time, but for those of you who didn't catch on, Hi! I'm Marisa and I'm a former pageant girl. Don't believe me? Here's some proof

(that's me being crowned)

See? Told you. Anyways where am I going with this pageant talk?

So the other day, and pretty much every day of my life, I was bemoaning how I'm ancient in pageant years and can no longer compete. I won't lie, I love hearing my name called and someone putting a sparkly crown on my head. The thing that I miss most however, is the competition. My favorite part about pageants was the preparation, the work, the dedication to basically sell yourself to the judges that you are the best possible candidate for the job and they should pick you. I had an epiphany yesterday. Why not treat my search for a job in Minneapolis the same way? No, no one is going to give me a sparkly crown to wear (but if you do I will work for you for life), but essentially it's the same thing. I need to prepare, I need to be dedicated and above all, I need to sell myself as the best possible candidate. Life really is like a pageant. Rhinestones and glitter are bursting from my heart right now. 

How about you fellow readers....any other pageant girls out there???

Rhinestones and Glitter Cheers,

Marisa