Oh my gosh! I cannot believe I haven't blogged since October! If that doesn't tell you how busy I am, then I don't know what does! I am going to catch this up a little on what I have been up to! [I don't even know where to begin!] This may be a long one!
I have been experimenting a little with pageant systems here lately! It has actually been a great experience so far! After USA, I competed at Miss Nashville & then in the Miss Scenic City pageants, just to give the America system another go...and didn't do as well as I had hoped. I need to put a lot more work into my talent & interview before I will be successful in that system but I am NOT closing that door just yet...contrary to what anyone may say...just decided to take a short break.
In December I competed at Miss Christmas Eve, in Bristol...and won. It was a prelim to a USA prelim, but it was definitely well worth the gorgeous sash and crown, not to mention the free headshot & free pageant entry to the state pageant that I received.
Early January, I came into contact with Stephi Williams, who asked me to compete in the United States system. I'm open to change, so I decided to give it a go! I won her preliminary pageant and I am now the current Miss Northeast Tennessee United States 2012!!
A few weekends later, I was able to volunteer at the Knoxville site of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition... and by volunteer I mean... I was taken STRAIGHT to VIP. Let me add, I don't watch a lot of TV...therefore, I really don't know the people on the show (besides Ty Pennington, but who DOESN'T know Ty Pennington??). So, as I was sitting in VIP with a bunch of famous people that I didn't realize were famous...I decided that this guy was! (John Littlefield) He was very friendly, and he made sure to notice how "pageant girls" stand!
Also, I've been doing a lot of bridal shows! Two so far this year actually. Which was an absolute blast. Anybody that knows me knows that pursuing modeling has always been a huge dream of mine so I'm finally getting opportunities to do a few things here and there when I have time and it has been an absolute blast!!
I also just celebrated my 20th birthday! Crazy to think that I'm not a teenager anymore, and I'm not quite sure yet how I feel about being halfway to 40. (Pessimistic, I know). But I did celebrate it with the people I love which is the best way to get old, I think!
Just this past weekend, I was able to make my way back to Bristol, where I competed in the Miss Heart of Bristol pageant... and... I was lucky enough for another win! It was a great feeling & I truly believe I worked harder for that win than any other so far!
So, as you can tell it has been a busy year for me so far. 2012 has been beyond amazing & I am staying busy & loving every single minute of it!
As of right now, I am still preparing for Miss Tennessee United States....hours in the gym every day... tons of appearances, as well as trying to stay on stage! March is going to be a very busy month for me. Everyone keep me in your prayers!!
XOXO - Ashley <3
