Making Plans

First meeting! This afternoon, I drove to one of the Illinois International director’s home for our first title holders meeting. Miss Illinois International, Season, was under the weather so she Skyped in while Miss Teen Illinois, Megan and her mom, and I met with Jennifer and Beverly. Jennifer directs the Miss and Miss Teen and Beverly handles us Mrs. contestants.  This was their first year directing, but they have a wealth of experience. It was a fabulous afternoon as we talked about our goals and expectations for this year and both Jennifer and Beverly are behind us in helping us attain those goals. I think it says a lot about how well we will be getting along this year and I look forward to all of the plans we are making.

I like to call us the Fab Five!  Season, Jennifer, Megan, Beverly and me.

 

Put my foot where? Is that even possible?

Tonight the area primary schools held a fundraiser which multitasked as most of us parents do. We raised money for the schools through The Dailey Method. It's a combination of yoga, pilates, ballet etc. It was my first time. They play great music while you are put through a routine which in non-impact but gets to the core of major muscle groups in an effort to exhaust them. Afterward, we had appetizers and cocktails while shopping. Well deserved, right?

Mrs. Illinois International 2013!

This weekend I, along with other ladies from around Illinois, found ourselves in Wadsworth.  We were competing for the job of Mrs. Illinois International 2013.  We each took part in personal interviews with each judge.  Then we later answered on-stage questions and competed in fitness and evening gown.  The International system celebrates women around the globe and our work in our communities. The work each of us does on behalf of our "platforms," is of great importance.  I got to know this system several years ago when I would go to cheer on friends of mine from around the country who were competing in it. I live near where they have held the pageant, so it has been a tradition to bring boxes sent to me from contestants to the hotel in an effort to help save them the hassle and expense of flying with all of it. (I've been a groupie of sorts!) Last year my husband (who has gone to the Mrs. International pageant before with me) suggested I give it a try, so I listened.  To me, the support of my husband it crucial and I know with the International system, there are so many opportunities to do big things for my work as a CASA so I knew his encouragement was necessary as with the job comes a lot of responsibility. Jennifer Naida (a dear friend) is the new director for the Miss and Miss Teen Illinois ladies and Beverly Turkowski is the new Mrs. Illinois director.  Together, they are already a dominant force. Everyone had a great weekend and it was well organized. Mrs. International 2013, Sarah Bazey, even made the trip in for the weekend.  She is extraordinary! On Sunday night,  I was thrilled to have won fitness and evening gown. And I am extremely ecstatic to be the new Mrs. Illinois International 2013.  I was able to get to know the other contestants during the weekend. Any one of us would truly do an excellent job.  So, I dedicate my year to these incredible women.  I want to do as much as I can on behalf of CASA and the abused and neglected children we serve as I know that with this title comes more opportunities to create awareness.  Here are a few candids.  Paula Preston is an amazing photographer and I can't wait for her pictures to arrive. 



We are about to head in to out one-one-one interviews.

Miss Teen Illinois, Megan Riesner; me,;Mrs. International, Sarah Bazey and Miss Illinois Season ,Winesburg

With my sweet babies who are soo proud!



Signing our contracts and given these shirts which are an Illinois tradition.

Betting on Making Money

Tonight John and I went down the street to our neighbors for a pre-Casino night kick-off.  Then we all drove over to the Casino night to raise money for school science labs and specialty programs. That, of course, meant blackjack and bidding. I won a sesson for Crossfit, but we lost out on the Zamboni ride at a Blackhawks game, which Johnny would have loved.  It was a successful night with more than $55, 000 raised.  But it was a early night.  I had to head up to Wadsworth in the morning for the start of the Mrs. Illinois International pageant