Spring is here!

Oh goodness, as the weather begins to get nice, and Spring decides to show its face, I find it harder and harder to sit in class or study at the library! Well over that last month lots has gone on and I will try and catch you all up! On March 12th, my spring break had begun and rather than go somewhere warm with a beach, I went to a bull riding in eastern Iowa! I headed to Burlington, Iowa for their annual SnowBull event put on by the Extreme Bull Riding Tour. I had a great time getting to see everyone again, standing with Hannah Hilsabeck (MTRI '10) and Ryan Skillet for the opening and tribute, and greeting young fans during the autograph signing. Saturday brought just as much fun with the kids events! Saturday morning they had nearly 100 mutton busters on hand to show off their skills which was a smashing success. There were a few criers by the end, but overall it was good family fun! Before I knew it, it was time for the Saturday night performance. The second night brought just as much thrill and excitement. I cannot say enough what a great show Todd Crase, Ryan Skillet, and Shad and Vicki Smith all put on. They have really been a huge part of my year as Miss NFPB and I cannot thank you enough! Thank you everyone who made my first trip to Burlington so amazing! I hate to say it, but that was my last bull riding before finals, which made for a bitter sweet trip home. The rest of my Spring 'Break' proved to be just as busy. I had the next few days at home sweet home in Irwin which involved catching up on much needed sleep, digging out my spring clothes, and riding my very naughty Tankers. Before I knew it I was loading up the truck (yes, that is right, dad let me take the truck aka huge white dually) and heading south to St. Joe. After last years pageant I promised that I would do my best to promote not only events throughout the year, but the finals as well. I started off my time in St. Joe visiting Bessey Ellinson Elementary on the outskirts of town. I was given the chance to speak with all of the 3rd and 4th graders! They had so much enthusiasm along with some fantastic questions. I think they almost had me stumped a few times, but I pulled out the old queen tricks and answered questions like how fast bulls run or has anyone ever died, etc. I signed pictures for every student that wanted one. It made me feel kind of like a big deal! We then went to the lunch room and took that opportunity for a photo with some hungry elementary kids! I cannot thank Bessey Ellinson for inviting me come and giving me the chance to speak with the students about what I do and what bull riding is all about! That afternoon I met with the one and the only Rex Strayer! We chatted it up for a bit and he gave me promotional flyers to hang up around town. The rest of my Thursday was pretty relaxing and laid back. Friday came, and with nothing specific scheduled for my day I did my best to hang up posters around town, as well as support our sponsors. I might have done a little shopping at St. Joe Boot Co. as well as the Stetson Outlet. At the Stetson Outlet they even had my picture hung up! I then met with a few other sponsors before calling it a night! Saturday I woke up to SNOW!! The weather put a damper on our Saturday plans, but we still made it work. I spend a few hours out at Car City Dodge promoting the Bull riding and helping celebrate their 30th Birthday! The irony of that situation was I came pulling up to the Dodge dealership, in a Chevy! I then hung up some more posters in surrounding towns and chatted it up with locals. I guess it is easy to spark up conversation when you dress with sparkle and flare! I enjoyed the rest of my Saturday night relaxing in the hot tub pretending to be some where tropical without snow! I can't wait to be back in St. Joe for the finals very soon! Sunday I had to head back to school but not before stopping for my birthday lunch with my parents, sister, and grandparents! To add to that excitement, I just turned 21 on Sunday, so watch out world I am all grown up now! Last night my dad and grandpa came up and grilled steaks for my sorority and we had a delicious cake! As I enjoy the last 12 days as Miss NFPB (but who is counting) I look back at my year and think of all the places I have visited, things I have had the chance to do, and people I have met along the way. I am sad to see it all come to an end as I have truly enjoyed every moment as Miss NFPB. All I can say is that next year's Miss NFPB is very lucky to have the opportunity, as it will be the best year of her life. I would love to see all of you at the NFPB finals as well as the Miss NFPB pageant April 8th-April 11th. We have 4 wonderful women trying for the title: Micki Musick, Rachel Kelderman, Sunnie Paintin, and Suzy Fife. Best of luck ladies and keep on studying! Until next time...

March has come!

I just wanted to keep you updated on my life as my year as Miss NFPB slowly comes to an end. I took this weekend off again to enjoy Mom's weekend at my sorority, Pi Beta Phi. Not only did my wonderful mother, Deb, join me, but my sister Sarah did as well! We had a fun filled weekend of eating out, pool parties, games, and serenades from Farmhouse Fraternity! This coming weekend I will be heading to Burlington, Iowa for an Extreme Bull Riding tour event! Hope to see you all there! Happy Trails...until next time...