Turbo Kick Instructor Training

I recently attended the Turbo Kick Instructor training with the amazing and energetic Jennifer Driscol, AKA JD. We learned all about what it takes to be and instructor. We started the morning going over the basics. Then we did an entire Turbo Kick class. Check out all the sweat! Turbo Kick will really burn calories!

 JD loves bling. Check out all the bling on her shoes and shorts. Yes, she actually studded the entire Nike swoosh!

 This was the entire class. It was a good turn out. We were all so excited to learn how to be an instructor. We were all smiles even at the end of the eight hour training! Check out those muscles! Turbo Kick doesn't only burn calories, but it also tones! Two work outs in one! For more info, check out Turbo Kick for yourself!

Vicki is a Beachbody Coach. Beachbody is the home version of the classes. They sell all sorts of home work out videos, equipment and supplements. It was so fun to get to know Vicki better. We met on facebook and finally met in real life. I know, great face. I am so not cool. Oh, well. I tried.

9 Health Fair

I volunteered to work the NAMI table for our local 9 Health Fair. Although we were put in a long, narrow hall that was out of the way, many people managed to find their way to us. I was able to pass out literature and direct attendees to our website for more information. It was wonderful to help get the word out about this amazing organization!

NAMI Family-to-Family

Recently, I attended the NAMI Family-to-Family class. It is a free, 12 week class offered to family members of those who have a brain disorder or mental illness. I have several family members who suffer from anxiety disorder. I learned so much about this very stigmatized illness. The most wonderful part was meeting so many people who are in the same boat as I am. If you have a family member with mental illness, you are not alone. Contact your local chapter of NAMI to learn more.

I was invited to speak about my year as Mrs. Colorado International 2009. I shared that through pageants, I learned that Mrs. United States 2008, Terrianne Gunter, had NAMI as her platform. That lead me to contact my local chapter and take the class. After my talk, I passed the crown around for anyone to try one. It was a fun filled night to celebrate the conclusion of our class. I look forward to volunteering with NAMI again.

Toms Walk

April 8th was One Day Without Shoes,  a global awareness day sponsored by Toms . This amazing shoe company actually donates one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased. So you really purchase two shoes for the price of one.

The walks and booths were all over the Denver/Metro area. All were calling attention to how a lack of shoes can be dangerous to children.

I found out about this walk and booth being held at the Auroria Campus through Michelle, the producer, Bowers of Way-FM Colorado. She does so much for the community. I always love seeing her friendly face.

 Luckily it was a beautiful day to go barefoot. We played games and blew bubbles to draw attention to our table. I used to Hula Hoop as a child. Much like riding a bike, it came right back to me. Maybe I could use this as a talent in my next pageant.

Colorado and Wyoming Galaxy 2010

Last Saturday found Jennifer Nackerude, Mrs. Colorado American Queen 2010, and myself on the long drive to Cheyenne, WY for the Colorado and Wyoming Galaxy 2010 Pageant. We had a great time getting to know each other better on the long drive there and back. She is a gifted young woman with a very long list of accomplishments.

Upon our arrival, we went out to dinner with the ever lovely, Emily Schlehuber, Miss Teen Colorado International 2009. It is always wonderful to get together and catch up on life happenings, even if it has only been a few weeks.

Of course, one of the biggest reasons I went was to support my pageant friend, Erin Feltes, Mrs. Colorado Galaxy 2009. She was so gracious and poised on the stage. What a wonderful end to an amazing year.

Jessica is one of those pageant friends that we have become close for so many reasons. I first met her when I competed at Mrs. Colorado. Then she was a great help as I prepared to go the Mrs. International because she herself was 3rd runner up at Mrs. International as Mrs. Colorado International 2007. I must say, Jessica really rocked the stage on her last night as Miss Colorado Galaxy 2009.

The beautiful Brenda Baecker, Mrs. Colorado International 2008, was competing for the Mrs. Colorado Galaxy 2010 title. She was so graceful on the stage. Congratulations on first runner up!

This lovely young ladie is Maria Henderson. Jennifer was her pageant coach. Maria represented herself and community beautifully. Remember her name, you will see more of her in the future.

Queen Sister Birthdays

One of the wonderful things about Pageants are the wonderful friends you make when you compete. Erin and I competed together in the Mrs. Colorado Pageant then went on to win crowns in separate systems. We have remained close friends. She even invited me to her birthday celebration!

Sometimes you meet new friends within the system you have competed in. Christine is Mrs. Colorado International 2006. We have become friends through the International System and here I am at her birthday party. If you are looking for a way to make some great friends, I highly recommend competing in a pageant. You will meet some of the most amazing women.

Miss Colorado Prelim

I was surprised one Saturday morning with an invitation to a Miss Colorado America prelim from Christine Worembourg. We attended that night where I ran into the ever lovely Yazzie. I love meeting up with other young ladies who are competing in pageants. It is always fun to watch and see what pointers I can pick up. We have developed a real sense of sisterhood in our Colorado Pageant community.

Miss Butterfly

Recently I judged the Miss Butterfly pageant. I love judging pageants because I really do get to see contestants in a new light every time they compete. I have seen some girls be amazing one pageant and fall apart at another. Sometimes it has to do with how they are feeling or what is going on in their lives. Other times they are having a great day or off day, just like the rest of us. It is always wonderful to be able to judge with a friend. Here I am with Jennifer Nackerude, Mrs. Colorado American Queen 2010.

We had to scramble at the last minute to get a replacement judge. My best friend in Scouting and in life came to my rescue, Caroline. Over the last five years, we have lead a rambunctious group of Cub Scouts. I'm not sure which was more difficult, that or judging a pageant. She was a trooper and did a great job.

 Yazzi was selected Queen Supreme Miss Butterfly. She is an amazing young lady. Although she is only about 10 years old, she has already won many crowns, spoken in front of entire schools and is an advocate for children with disabilities including her own brother.

Jamie and Makayla are two beautiful Co Ed queens. They helped out at the pageant and Makayla did an excellent job as mistress of ceremonies. These young ladies are just about everywhere and always ready to lend a hand. Of course, nothing makes me feel better than to see their faces light up and get a hug when ever I see them.