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.
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!
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!
