Blogging Break: It's Miss America Time!

So those that know me, and know me well, understand that just a few nights a year I get to see a bonafide pageant on TV. Well it's the grand-daddy of them all - Miss America - and she's on TV tonight!

Excited probably isn't the right word to use - but you should know that I will only answer the phone at commercial breaks; I will tape the pageant to save for all eternity; and I have been keeping up with the pre-lims all week and yes, I do have my top 15 set (well, almost!)

You see, growing up Miss America was always a tradition. I remember watching it with my mom and then when I was older and I wanted to enter a pageant in high school, it took on a new meaning. Lots of people have a "Bucket List" - you know, those things that you would like to do before you die. My list contains an entire section dedicated to Miss America.

Corny or strange as it may seem, some of us really do enjoy pageantry - and I don't mean the kiddie/glitzy aspect (I don't enjoy those at all) - the part of pageantry that truly helps women develop their talents, interview skills, poise, presence, etc. It's an acquired taste I guess, but once your hooked - you may need a 12-step program to get "un-hooked"!

I have had the pleasure of attending two Miss America pageants - one in Atlantic City the other in Vegas. I was so excited to go the first time, it was the year Heather Whitestone won and I was just amazed at the sights, the pageant-celebrity, and in awe of it all. In Vegas, I traveled with my mother, sister, and my late Aunt Jodie. The three of them hardly saw me - I didn't want to spend time at the slots or see the sights - I strictly stayed immersed in Miss America activities, I'm fairly certain I did not see daylight for 3 days. I enjoyed every minute of it!

I had hoped to go back this year, alas that is not the case but I do have several friends there - some of whom go every year. I am getting regular updates through text, twitter, and beyond. (That's when I LOVE technology!).

Of course, I will have my notepad ready for a detailed account of every gown, talent, swimsuit or statement. I always find it interesting the general commentary of who looks good in their gown or swimsuit - really, they each have a LOT of courage just to walk on the stage so who are we to say they shouldn't be there. After all, we are sitting in the audience they are doing the work. They are all in top shape, looking beautiful, and speak eloquently - do I have a favorites, sure I do (don't we all!). I always love my home-state girl and I have some sentimental favorites too - this year Puerto Rico has sent a delegate for the first time and quite frankly, she's a stunner. Is it about who is prettiest? smartest? most talented? Yes and No - it's about who is the most well-rounded and who, on that day, the judges enjoyed the most. It's very subjective and always arguable, however, it's Miss America, and it's tradition.

So, I hope you watch tonight and if you aren't watching - please don't call me, I'm likely not to answer! :o)