Hey. It’s One & Done Sunday.
I woke up yesterday at 6:15am to give #2 money to go to Atlantic City.
Don’t judge me. Her high school choir was performing in the Miss America parade.
Beauty pageants pretty much represent everything I’m against: overemphasis on outer beauty, popularity, conformity, and vapidness. I’ve always had a closed mind to them. Then I was forced by my children to watch enough of one episode of Toddlers and Tiaras to be totally okay with my mind slammed shut against beauty pageants.
Until this week, that is, when CC sent me a link to an article on one of the contestants in this year’s Miss America pageant. I started digging around and found more that made me open my mind just a little.
Sergeant Theresa Vail from Kansas, whose platform is Empowering Women, Overcoming Stereotypes, and Breaking Barriers. She’s an expert M-16 marksman, a bowhunter, and field dresses her own game. When she walks in the swimsuit portion of the competition, you’re gonna see her tattoos. She’s my favorite, so she gets two links: the People magazine article and her own blog post explaining why she chose not to cover up her tattoos.
Nicole Kelly from Iowa was born without her left forearm. Her platform is The Power of One and she wants to go on the road as a theater stage manager. Nicole, I know people! We can set you up. Here’s a link to the Today article.
Jennifer Smestad from my former home of Arizona was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at age 10. She keeps it in check today with acupuncture. Her platform is Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness and Advocacy. Here’s a link to the Daily Mail article.
All the contestants do their own hair and makeup for the final televised competition tonight. This is because, during her reign, Miss America has to do it all herself anyway. And every time she walks out the door, she has to look like Miss Freaking America. Can you imagine? No running out for half & half in last night’s mascara and the yoga pants you slept in, no swinging by the dry cleaners when you just ran five miles at the gym and are drenched with sweat.
I may still not be completely enamored of beauty pageants, but Miss America has my attention tonight. 9pm on ABC.
Happy Sunday.
JM Randolph, accidentalstepmom 
Nicole’s missing part of a limb should not be an obstacle to stage management; I’ve known many a stage manager who was obviously missing most of their brain and they still find gainful employment.
You never disappoint me.
I have loved hearing about the Miss America pageant in Australia. We don’t really care as much about beauty pageants as you guys do. I thought there were a few inspiring women this ear which was awesome to see. Not sure about the current backlash there is over an American Indian woman winning.
It may be just my location, but I think the media is totally hyping that. I know some actual racist people who don’t even share that viewpoint. I of course think she’s beautiful & WAY American! It was fun to watch.
I love the purple and yellow flowers! I hope that Vail chick won.
She didn’t, but Miss New York, who came out publicly about her struggle with bulimia, did. Also Miss Florida gave the best damn baton-twirling-in-a-bedazzled-knee-brace routine ever.
I heard today that some country is banning child beauty pageants – I so disagree. I’m against anyone being judged solely for their looks, but physical beauty is something to be proud of, as is any other attribute that we have, so why not.
Love the picture!