That's a Wrap!

After a lot of back and forth, I decided to end this blog. Many of you on Facebook encouraged me to keep it going because "I will always be Miss Georgia 2012." While that is true, I don't feel quite right continuing with a blog that originated around Miss Georgia. We now have a new Miss Georgia (Carly Mathis!), and it is her time to share with you all her experience! However, because I love to write, I started a new blog. Instead of Miss Georgia updates, my posts will now be.... random? We shall see what direction it takes. This specific blog is not getting deleted; I just won't be posting on it anymore. There is a time and place for everything.

I do want to apologize for never posting during Miss Georgia week like promised. I will just say Jameson (Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen 2012) and I were far busier than we thought we would be! Emceeing the pageant, performing a different dance every night, performing a Bollywood production number every night, having five-seven wardrobe changes each show, and still having "Miss Georgia" duties meant I was in the theater all day, every day. While it was downright exhausting and overwhelming at times, Jameson and I both agreed we would not change it. We really enjoyed being behind the scenes with the contestants all day and seeing how the production comes together. As a contestant, we show up to rehearsal and everything just works. Being on the "other side" during Miss Georgia week gave me a glimpse of production I had not yet seen. You have to appreciate gaining a new perspective on things!

The week was bittersweet to say the least, but again, being so busy was a blessing. It did not allow me the time to sit around and get upset about my year coming to an end. I was beyond impressed with every single contestant during the week in one way or another. Whether it was being respectful in rehearsal, helping another contestant, being sure to smile to those around her, taking a nap when needed, taking care of herself, and even checking in on Jameson and me, each girl did something impressive without trying to be impressive. (I am a big people watcher if you have not yet noticed.)

Other than meeting some great news friends (our two phenomenal guest dancers from Atlanta and our other emcee, Sam Holder), performing with little Tori, and getting my hair and makeup done by Kirsten White all week, one of my favorite parts from the week was my farewell luncheon on Saturday afternoon before final night. It was a great time for reflection as well as fun surprises. My local board (Miss Capital City) gave Jameson and I an all-inclusive, 5-day trip to Cancun! They thought "we needed a break." On top of the Cancun trip, the Miss Georgia board gave me a beautiful silver tea service, and I also found out I got to keep my KIA Optima I drove around during my year. Surprises all around!

I attached my farewell speech I gave to everyone who was in attendance at the luncheon, and really to everyone involved in the Miss America Organization.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD__Ksvtlh8

At the end of the week, and at the end of final night, I was glad to pass this job on to Carly Mathis, Miss Atlanta 2013. Carly was my first runner-up last year, and I will say time and time again she was probably the most gracious first runner-up anyone could ever have. I think the picture below says more than words ever could. I know Carly will be an admirable Miss Georgia, and I truly look forward to watching her grow throughout this year! I won't lie; "retiring" on Facebook and changing my Twitter/Instagram names was slightly strange. Follow Carly on Twitter @missga13; Instagram @missga2013; Facebook- Carly Mathis.

Carly, it's YOUR time!! Enjoy, my friend.

Xoxoxo

I leave for Arkansas tomorrow to judge Miss Arkansas's Outstanding Teen, and then it's off to NYC for the Miss New York pageant. Not quite done with having to fix my hair and makeup yet! ;-) 

-Love in Christ,

Leighton

My new blog: http://www.imperfectlyperfecthuman.blogspot.com
I transferred a few posts from this Miss Ga blog to the new one just to get it started!