The week prior to the pageant, I started to have the emotions similar to getting married. You put so much thought and planning into everything. You rehearse how you think it might go. Then, by the time it is actually in front of you, you are so ready for it to hurry up and just be done.
Friday morning went faster than the entire month prior. I had created a checklist the day prior and packed the few things I knew I wouldn't be needing to get ready. I took my shower, packed my bags, double-checked my checklist, and loaded up the last of my belongings. Then, I headed to my sister-in-law's to get ready.
Thinking I had plenty of time, I didn't realize how late it really was until I got into the car. I hadn't had anything for breakfast and had been encouraged to eat lunch prior to getting there. So, I rushed into my local Jamba Juice for a quick smoothie. Unfortunately, nerves had gotten the best of me and the drink sat in the cup holder for the next two days (Yuck!)
Once I got to my sister's house, she curled my hair and began to do my makeup. For someone that normally wears mascara and chapstick, I was clueless on stage makeup. Therefore, she fixed me up for photos that day and helped me squeeze into my sequined swimsuit. You see, the suit fit perfectly when I took it out of the package. I was so excited to have something that gave me shape and confidence. However, after using an entire bottle of spray adhesive and thousands of sequins, it was definitely...different. The fabric no longer stretched when you pulled at it. And, oddly enough, my hips are slightly larger than my waist. Thus, it was difficult to pull the suit on through a tiny hole that was permanently conformed to my waistline.
After tag-teaming my suit, I finished up my hair and rushed out the door to get to the temple in time. We were expected to arrive promptly, in our swimsuits, for pictures. I ran up the steps with my opening number dress and a sundress pulled over my suit. Then, I waited my turn for pictures.
It was cold.
If you've been keeping up with the weather lately, you will note that Oklahoma has had (as always) crazy weather. In fact, it snowed the first week of March. Then, it was 80 degrees one day and 40 the next. Just so happened on this day, it was cold and windy.
My body shook as I stood outside with the other delegates and made small-talk to get to know them. Chill bumps made their presence and my allergies began to act up. My nose began turn red and my eyes watered-not attractive. I took my picture and continued to put names to each of the girls I had prayed over in the weeks prior.
For the most part, everyone was incredibly friendly (despite the fact that we were freezing off parts of our bodies that were barely covered). I was anxious to get to know everyone...to hear their stories. However, I remember the advice I was given on not giving too much of my energy to the other women right off the bat. Therefore, I talked with the few girls that were around me before making my way back inside.
Immediately, there were a couple of girls that stood out to me. As I looked around the room, I felt the discernment that I had several other sisters in Christ surrounding me. What a blessing!
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