The Holiyear: November 2010

National Anthem at UK vs. Notre Dame Game :o)

*singing* I been everywhere man, I been everywhere!
I have! I will definitely say that October and November have been my busiest months yet!!! Shoot. I'm still trying to catch up with myself :o)

Of course, you can look on the Miss Kentucky Website and see all that was done last month, so I don't have to tell you all of that. As much as I have intended and promised to keep my little blog updated, I have clearly failed miserably to do so. But, there may still be hope. I have been trying to find a way to keep people updated on my whereabouts, because people have expressed that they would like to know beforehand so that they can come to events in their area. Well...I think that I will start using my blog for that purpose. Perhpas weekly? Like at the beginning of the week, I can post where I'll be and when. Your responses to this blog post are greatly appreciated because I want to know what is most effective.

Social Networking! Let's Do It!

Now of course, you can always follow me on my facebook and twitter which are updated way more frequently than the blog. I update my twitter almost daily, so following me on twitter could definitely be a solution! I know a lot of people are scared of twitter, or resent twitter for some reason or another, but hey, let me tell ya...I love twitter. It's great. If you don't know what twitter is, let me just break it down plain and simple: It's almost like a worldwide text messaging system. OR, it's like facebook updates, minus the facebook. You can follow your favorite people on twitter and see what they're doing or thinking, and people can also follow you to see your updates. Its fun! Gosh, I sound like a late night infomercial. Haha..

Anywho, I said all that to say this. If you want a better way to keep with me, twitter and facebook may be it. They get updated a lot more often than my blog. I'm surprised I haven't gotten a knock on my door from blog protective services...haha...

Miss Kentucky's a Peach?!?

EVERYWHERE I go...people ask me..."WHERE YA FROM???" It's a Kentucky thing...people like to know where you're from, helps them identify with ya. And they don't go by cities, they go by counties. I'm learning everyday. Everywhere I go people are so nice...so nice. However, I can't help but wonder what's really going through people's heads when they find out I was not born and raised here. The conversations usually go a little something like this:
Person: Well Miss Kentucky, where ya from???
Me: I live in Lexington.
Person: Fayette County huh...Oh yeah? Is that where you're from???
Me: Originally from Columbus, Georgia...I've been living in Kentucky for about 5 years now.
Person: Oh.

AAAAWWWKWAAARRD....yes. Very.
I am Miss Kentucky, and I am very proud to be Miss Kentucky. Very proud. I hate to feel discounted because I was not born and raised in here. And I don't want to have to deny or hide my upbringing in Georgia. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I came to Kentucky as an adolescent, with a lot of growing and learning to do in life. Throughout my years here in Kentucky, I have grown into a confident and driven young woman who still doesn't have all the answers, but has a lot more answers, wisdom and maturity than she did 5 years ago. I'm not just a part of Kentucky, Kentucky is a part of me.

I was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia. I came to Kentucky for my college education. Decided I liked it so much, I would stay. Decided I liked it so much, I wanted to represent Kentucky at the Miss America Pageant.
Now, to set the record straight, I have never competed in Georgia. I did not decide I wanted to compete until two years ago. I sat in the basement of Seabury Residence Hall at Berea College with my best friend and watched the Miss America 2009 Pageant. I looked at her and said, "You know what? I really feel like I could do that." She looked at me and said, "Just do it." So I did just that...I just did it. No if, ands or buts about it. Well, the little "but" I did have...I lost it somewhere between the gym and lifestyle & fitness. Anywho...it has been...wow. I mean...hello? Two years ago I decided to throw myself into something I had never done before. Honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into, and now...two years later...I am heading to Vegas in 39 days to "JUST DO IT." I am just beside myself...surreal is not even the word. And the journey to get there...I just cannot believe this. One year I'm sitting on the couch eating brownies with my best friend dreaming, the next year I am in Vegas watching my predecessor compete live and materializing what I sought to "JUST DO" the year before, and this year...I am heading to Vegas, making that dream my own reality...walking my toasted almond buns across the Miss America Stage at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

I have been watching my 2009 Miss America DVD like its the first time everytime. That year holds a lot of sentimental value for me. It was the year I made a decision that has forever changed my life. Thank you 2009. Hello 2011.

I recently celebrated a birthday. I'm 24 years old now. It's so interesting to me, the older I get, the more I realize how young I am. I'm only 24. I have done a lot more and a lot less then I thought I would have at this age. I also look a lot different then I thought. Zack Morris, Kelly Kapouski and Lisa Turtle led me wrong! I look much younger than I thought I would. In fact, at one of the schools the kids asked me how old I was, and when I told them 23, they said "well you must wear a lot of make up Miss Kentucky because you look 16!!!" Haha...I love it. Anywho...I am just 24 years young...and I have a lot of living to do. I am happy with what I have accomplished thusfar in life and look forward whatever the years ahead hold in store. Also, thank you everyone for my facebook birthday wishes...I received over 300...I would reply to them all individually, but...I received over 300.

Sweet Potato Pie Anyone???

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was just swell! If your tummy is swole, I'll take that as a yes :o)
My Thanksgiving was great! I actually made a couple of sweet potato pies and homemade whipped topping with the assistance of my special helper. They were THE BOMB! I went to see my Ky Grandma, Ms. Deloris, and took a pie to her. I ate dinner out in Winchester...it was yuuuummmmy!!! Yumma in my tumma!
I ended the day/night on East Short street at Central Christian Church, where the Catholic Action Center and volunteers served a delicious dinner to many who otherwise may not have had a "Thanksgiving Dinner." It was just like being home for me. So many smiling and thankful faces. That was my "Happy Thanksgiving." Now it is time for Christmahannakwanzikah!!!

If you haven't seen already, I am the covergirl of December's Kentucky Monthly Magazine! Yay!!! There is a very nice 3 page spread and article on me, and I just love it. I have to say, I believe this article/interview has captured me completely. I love it, it is a wonderful portrayal of Djuan Keila Trent. Because..."I'm just Djuan Keila Trent."

I broke my camera last month so I had to take a lot of pictures with my phone. Enjoy!