How do you do it?

This past summer, during the national competition, I was asked by 4 out of 5 judges, how I would be able to hold a national title while still under the care of a physician. I was intrigued simply because I had hoped that my work would speak for itself but I also needed to highlight the level of support I receive from those around me.

There is no way on earth I could go and do as much as I have as Mrs. Virginia International without the help of some very good friends, understanding family, and a doctor that taught me how to prepare myself physically for the demands of traveling.

There have been times during the last year that I have been driving/flying/traveling for 5 days out of a week. I must be able to administer all of my meds on my own along with knowing my body well enough to know my personal limits. I have been careful to always schedule what I call a "buffer" day - that's a free day before and after any road trip - this allows me the time to rest and recoup as needed - whether the trip was 1 day or 14 days, I was successful in making sure that I listened to my body.

There is a fair amount of juggling involved to make sure that my daughter is taken care of, the house is as it should be and that other things are in place. Late this summer, that became more difficult when outside forces stepped in and handed this family more than it's fair share. But, even in the midst of some very difficult days, I was able to make each appearance with a smile and show the world that there is always something to smile about, especially when it involved saving lives.

In the end, as my mom always said, when you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. And that is exactly what I intended to do this past year - thankfully, because of people, like my mom, I have been able to do exactly what I set out to do as Mrs. Virginia International 2011 and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity and look forward to new opportunities ahead!

Watch out world!

1 Year and 35,000+ Miles Later

I can't believe that in just two weeks I will be crowning a new Mrs. Virginia International and will be starting a new chapter in my life.

The year has been a blessing in that I have had opportunities like none other and have stretched my wings farther and higher than I ever imagined. But the past year also did something that I did not expect, it more clearly defined my thoughts on blood donors, on beauty, the pageant industry as a whole, and how I see myself going forward. I'll get into those details a little later, I need to marinate on those thoughts a bit.

With just 15 days left, I have 11 appearances still to make and a couple of on-air interviews to do - I am excited to say that those efforts will continue even after being Mrs. Virginia International because the need for blood donors is constant and certainly doesn't require my being a titleholder in order to be an advocate.

When I was crowned, I made a personal promise to myself and no one else that I would do my best to reach every corner of my home state along with reaching beyond and ensure that the message was being heard. I am so happy to announce that after this coming Saturday, I will have successfully visited EVERY county in Virginia. That's 95 counties and 39 independent cities if you are counting. This is quite an undertaking since VA is truly a large state. The ability to travel a lot was only possible because I viewed this as my "full-time" job and after October 8, while it won't be my full-time job, I will still be on the scene advocating where & when I can.

By the time I crown my successor I will have traveled more than 35,000 miles - that's even more than I had put in my farewell letter - seems I hadn't figured on the new appearances that cropped up. But each mile traveled was worth it because along each mile lives were saved and that is what this has been about.

I have enjoyed the journey and look forward to seeing who gets to enjoy the journey next. I do say that you must create your own journey and design the legacy you choose to leave for it is no one else's year to live.

For me, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and as I bid the Mrs. pageant community a permanent farewell, I step into another role in life that I am very much looking forward too and can't wait to unveil later, in the meantime, I have 11 appearances to finish and it's time to hit the road, again!

The Traveling Advocate

The last three weeks have been a whirlwind and it's not stopping, here are some photos from several appearances - the Charity Hockey Classic which was a fundraiser for INOVA Blood Donor Services, my visit to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to encourage young donors, and my visit to the Outer Banks, NC.

I am lacking the time to sit and write about each visit individually, but will get to that in a week or so - but included in the photos from the Outer Banks and photos of the sights and things I encountered on my visit after the hurricane. Of course this is VERY close to my heart because this is my second home and such extensive damage was sustained, including isolating an entire portion of the island. It will take a long time to rebuild.

This picture collage personalized with Smilebox

This picture collage made with Smilebox

Always Remembered

As the 10th Anniversary of the attacks on the US on September 11, 2001, approaches, I was recently reminded of another anniversary that is etched in the memories of many, yet seems to fade as the years linger on.

When I was with my PaPa celebrating our birthdays, someone was commenting that the 10th anniversary of September 11th was close to us. With conviction and passion, it was PaPa who clearly stated, at 90 years old, that we should never forget those who parish in the fight for freedom, but wonders how many of those so passionate about this auspicious occasion will be just as passionate on December 7th.

December 7th, 1941, was the "9/11" of his day - it was, after all, Pearl Harbor. More than 2,403 lives were lost and more than 800 more seriously injured. But now, on it's 70th anniversary year, what will you do to stop and remember? Most of us can't say that we remember what we were doing when it happened nor can we say that we may know someone that was affected, but we also can't say we remember the day that America became a free nation, but we certainly celebrate.

I too will stop to reflect on Sunday and offer prayers for those so deeply affected and for those that sacrifice for our freedom. But I will also do the same every day. While the day marks the anniversary of one of the most horrific events during my lifetime, I will certainly not forget the heartbreak of the distant past.

It is these trying moments in history that define a nation and mold the future. We must honor our fallen citizens and military for they gave of themselves more than anyone ever asked.

I'm sorry, I forgot

Last summer, I relayed the new news that I had be diagnosed with Autoimmune Pernicious Anemia in my B12 Bomber post. It's been a fast year, but during that time, I have reached new personal limits that my body can handle and I have learned that I need to acknowledge those limits. Even if I don't like to.

For most patients with pernicious anemia, the condition is readily treated, and the prognosis is excellent. Treatment of pernicious anemia involves the administration of vitamin B12 injections. In some cases, taking very high doses of vitamin B12 supplements by mouth may be effective, although in general, low levels of intrinsic factor limit the absorption of oral vitamin B12. In severe cases, such as mine, blood transfusions are necessary.

The combination of Autoimmune PA and my low iron levels makes for a dangerous cocktail. Low energy levels and an ability to become unfocused very easily makes completing normal, everyday tasks, difficult.

I keep 4 calendars - that's right - 4. One in the kitchen, one in my purse, one on my phone and one near the computer, all in hopes of keeping me on task and at the right place, at the right time. I must be constantly be reminded of simple details, and it's not because I'm ignoring things or because I don't want to do something - but it is because I just simply, can't remember.

This is frightening to me on several levels. I inherently know when to pick up my daughter from school or get her to dance class, this is routine. Routine is a beautiful thing in my book! It's the last minute changes and quick decisions that become difficult. PA is, after all, a neurological disorder and when left untreated has the potential to lead to dementia/Alzheimer's disease.

I have done well this past year in that I haven't just "forgotten" any appearances, thankfully, the time/date go on EACH calendar as soon as I confirm it. I haven't forgotten to pick up Lexi or to get her to dance class...but I have forgotten a lot of other things. It's the little things, birthdays/anniversaries/due dates etc, and yes, sometimes, it makes others mad or they think I am just ignoring something. No really, I'm not, I just simply, don't remember. I promise I don't think it's nagging if you ask me 100 times, but eventually, I'll get it.

Because of forgetfulness, tingling in the hands, constant confusion and mood swings it has caused a myriad of issues in the not so distant past - at least now, I have an idea about why certain things happened and have more control over those things. While I can not control the forgetfulness or other physical ailments, I can control how I handle the things that happen.

Best approach - cheery disposition works best. Truly, a smile and patience seem to work to my advantage and I just forge forward and push on when many may have given up. I have taken on a great deal in the last year as Mrs. Virginia International and many have asked me "How do you have the energy to do so much"? Quite simply, I say that I have a wonderful support network of doctors, family, and friends along with lots of calendars, post it notes, and a profound determination to give a voice to the need for blood donors.

Motivation gets you started, determination keeps you going, and passion fuels the journey.