Staying at very nice hotels. The Renaissance, however, has terrifying and slow and too few elevators. I’m not afraid of elevators, and I was nervous. If too many people were on, it wouldn’t move until someone got off. Freaky.
Assisting with a camp for at-risk young women. I did many things, including lead a group in an art project. I’ll tell you this: those girls are not afraid of color. My eyes just stopped bleeding.
Seeing my dad and sister. They got to see me speak, and then dad bought me a delicious steak. We drank red wine and I grilled him about his love life. I approve, I guess.
Being so busy I didn’t have time to be sad about the anniversary of my mom’s death (yep, it’s been a year – hard to believe, huh?) or the day after, which would have been her 51st birthday.
Kicking total ass with my speech. It was the best I’ve ever delivered it. I was confident, I was funny, and then I was clear and convincing, and I don’t mind saying it. As I mentioned a couple entries ago, I also copped this attitude – it just came out, but it was genuine, because the foot dragging re: equal rights/pay for women really DOES piss me the fuck off. But the ‘tude… I don’t know, but I do know that several of the African-American candidates approached me when I was finished and said, “We ain’t NEVER seen a white girl swivel her neck like that.” This makes me strangely proud.
The other candidates. Young Overachievers Of The Internet: You know how you feel all alone? Like, you’re a leader, but you’re one of the few, and you’re certainly the only one your age. Well, I can’t describe how bizarre and spectacular it was spending time with a roomful of MEs. These women were terrific, and while I liked them all, I fell in love with a few.
The candidates going out for the first time, and falling into the habit of calling each other by our states. “We need a cab. Montana, show a little leg, would you?” “I want to go home, but I know Florida will get mad at me.” And just hugging my friend goodbye, a little sad, going, “South Dakota.” “Florida.” “Sigh.”
Attending a private party in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Thirteen-piece band, access to all the exhibits. I don’t think I need to tell you how fun it was.
Being out with Ohio people again. I don’t know how to describe it, exactly, but they’re a breed like no other. I just kept looking around, thinking, “Yup. This is definitely Ohio.”
Eating an entire pizza with Illinois, after a night of clubhopping and fun.
During that night, a very handsome man approaching us and telling us we’re the best looking women in the bar. After some chit chat, Illinois asks who he is there with. He replies, “My buddy, my wife, and a few other people.” Can you imagine? Nice husband, dude. (We were WAY better looking than his wife, though.)
Finally buying the Harry Potter book. I wouldn’t allow myself to do this pre-conference, because I knew I wouldn’t get shit done.
Losing. Now, I’m competitive, and would have liked to have won. But this was the most non-competitive competition ever. Almost to the point of being bizarre. The other candidates were nice, supportive girls. No backstabbing. No cattiness. Miss America it ain’t. And I say losing was a highlight because once I had some time to slow down and think about it, I realized the winner didn’t bond with the others very much. If you told me I could have either won, or become as close as I did to South Dakota and Illinois, I’d take the new buddies hands down.
Looking forward to coming home. I started to miss the Keys at just the right time. Beaker picked me up at the airport, and I was never so happy to see that beat up truck.
