I had to take a short break from updating because I REALLY needed some sleep. Monday night my throat started hurting and my voice was getting really scratchy. Luckily I got to take my mind off of it during some great appearances Monday and Tuesday.
Monday
We were rehearsing ALL DAY but we had some fantastic breaks in the day. For lunch we stopped by the Carolina Grill where we had some truly amazing sweet potato fries along with other healthy foods LOL! For dinner we got to spend some time with our fabulous sponsors and friends at the Lions Club. There had been a terrible storm in the morning so what was normally Lion's Park was covered in water and gave the Lions some lakefront property. The men and women there are such incredible people and do so much for the Miss Indiana Program. All of the contestants are very thankful for them and the great things they do.
Tuesday
We had rehearsals all day again but the highlight of the day was definitely the Joy of Life luncheon. Not only did we have the DELICIOUS Black Buggy food, but we also got to honor the life of the amazing Joy Robbins. Although I never got the opportunity to meet her, everything I have heard about her is incredible. She truly touched the lives of every single person she spoke with and that is obvious in the way people talk about her. After another set of rehearsals, we had dress rehearsal which I was pretty excited for because I got to see my director!! Then I went home and straight to bed because my voice was really starting to disappear and me stressing about it for talent the next day did not help at all.
Wednesday
I started my day with talent rehearsal, I couldn't really talk and all of my high range was gone. I went through the motions but was beginning to stress more every minute because I really didn't know how I would be able to perform my talent at night. I had my interview right after lunch. This year I was actually very excited about it!! The judges were great and really wanted to get to know all of the contestants rather than testing their knowledge of politics and current events the entire ten minutes.
We left our hotel at 5:30, thank goodness my day was filled with laughter and lots and lots of tea before showtime. By 7 when the show began, I had most of my voice back!! I was able to sing my song almost flawlessly but a million times better than at rehearsals in the morning and on-stage question went extremely well. Even though I was not chosen for prelim talent, Jackie Jerlecki was and Carolyne Holcomb won swimsuit for the Alpha group. Both girls were fantastic and big congratulations are sent their way!
Today we have a very full schedule with our brunch with the Elks, a trip to Riley Hospital, shopping at The Secret Ingredient then Preliminary Night 2! I compete in swimsuit and evening gown tonight so all the hard stuff if done!! Don't forget you can still vote for the People's Choice Award until tomorrow night. $1 per vote and you can vote as many times as you want. The money goes to the Miss Indiana Scholarship Fund and Children's Miracle Network!
Please say some prayers for me that I continue to perform well tonight! Thank you for all of the support, I wouldn't be here without it.
-Courtney
