June 9 -13
After a full week of guard drill in Sioux Falls, SD, I really needed a good rodeo to lift my spirits! And when I say a full week of drill, I don’t just mean sitting in an office doing normal Intel work. We had an Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE), and If you aren’t familiar that equates to 12 hour or more work days wearing gas masks, chemical warfare suits, and playing war games. A really great time had by all!
Heading from Sioux Falls to North Platte wasn’t too bad of a drive, about 6 hours. However, just finishing a marathon week at the base made it somewhat of a struggle. My host home was so sweet to wait up for me to arrive. Poor Jody, she was up until about 2am! We had a conversation when I finally got there, but the next morning I really had no recollection of it. I was running on fumes when I came in and didn’t waste any time falling asleep. I was unconscious before my head hit the pillow!
The next morning was the start of a great week! 16 other visiting queens came; it was so nice to see everyone again! We toured the Buffalo Bill Cody Ranch and also made a stop at the Golden Spike Railway Facility. The local TV stations were so thrilled to have us in town, they followed closely and interviewed a few of the girls. Later that night on the news I was excited to see us featured! There were cameras around all week, which was kind of fun. When we went to the bowling alley, a camera crew from the TV show “Rodeo America” showed up. This is a new series that will air on the Inspiration Network and had been seen previously filming in Denver for the National Western Stock Show.
Through the entire week, we had numerous autograph sessions. So many, that a lot of girls (including myself) ran out! In the instructions we received prior to arrival, the committee suggested we bring 500+ tear sheets. That seemed like a ridiculously high number, but we really did need that many. Luckily the committee was also prepared for girls to run out, so copies were made and we were able to get through the week!
During Nebraskaland Days, the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant was taking place. One of my good friends from college was competing, Gina Jesperson. We were on the equestrian team together. I was so glad that I was able to watch her and be there to support her! On the last day during the rodeo, coronation was held. Winning almost every category, Gina was crowned Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2014! I was so, so happy for her! It was so much fun to see her reaction as she came out of the arena and I actually got the FIRST hug and first photo taken with her! :D
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| Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2014, Gina Jesperson |
After the rodeo performance, I jumped in my parent’s vehicle and headed North. Just a 6 hour drive away from Rapid City to catch a flight back down to Florida the next day! It was quite a boring drive, absolutely no one was on the road. I was just hoping not to hit a deer! I had already done a number on the jeep, actually, and didn’t need any more dents in it! You see, when I was walking out of the Quality Inn after the end of the fashion show for the Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant, I saw this huge RV trying to make a left-hand turn in the parking lot. “Hey I hope that guy doesn’t hit my car,” I said to the other girls I was walking with. Sarah, Miss Rodeo Colorado made a joke, saying there was 3 of us and only 1 of him incase he did. The next thing I know, CRRRRRRRUNCHHH!! He had ran into the back passenger side of my parents jeep! I couldn’t believe my eyes, ran over and banged on his door! The driver was an elderly gentleman and I don’t know if he even realized he hit the jeep until I stopped him! I called the police and got everything taken care of, but nonetheless, on the way home I only had one tail light and a sorry looking left side. Sorry Dad!
Running Time in a Car: 227h
Running Mileage: 14,585m
Running Mileage: 14,585m
Flights: 4
Running TV Interviews: 9
Running TV Interviews: 9
Running Radio Spots: 2
Running School Visits: 4
