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December 1, 2003
number 13.
I'm updating today since I was exhausted (and still am!). Last night was crazy, expecially since I had to get back to school, then unpack, then do some work *ugh* Well, it's over now. And you know what? I'm glad. It was a LOT of stress, but it was quite a bit of fun, too.
The final show went off without a hitch, and it was great to be on stage. The semifinalists were announced, and one of my close friends, Ashley, got chosen. I wasn't selected as a semifinalist, but it was all right, because we got to go back on stage in our evening gowns :)
The semis went on stage for a 30 second interview while we changed. Then they raced to change into their swimsuits, and finally into their evening gowns. The final five were selected from the twelve, and, in my opinion, four of the final five were snobs. Luckily, the one that was crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA 2004 was a nice, genuine girl. Thank heavens for that...
The rest of us sat in the audience in anticipation. It was interesting to see who got picked. Most of them were pretty rude for the duration of the competition, so that upset me. There was also a rumor that one girl, who had been 1st runner-up last year, had known who the semifinalists were the previous night. (!) It's possible, for certain, but that is just so wrong... but such it is with competition. Like I said, I’m glad it’s over.
I had quite a crowd there yesterday: my mother and father, my youngest brother Caleb, grandma and “Pap-pap” (that’s what I call him), my aunt and uncle, and two of my three best friends. Even though I didn’t win, it was great to see everyone afterwards. And no, incase you were wondering, I did not cry because I didn’t win. I was happy for my friends that had made it to the final rounds, and I cheered for my friend Ashley like there was no tomorrow.
I got to eat all I wanted when my parents took my brother, my two friends and I to Kings. I was famished! I felt like a bottomless pit. Here's the list of what I ate in one sitting: salad, chicken parmesan, wedge potato fries, three glasses of raspberry iced tea, and a hot fudge sundae. I felt kid of sick after having eaten it all, but that's mainly because I had eaten so little over the past three days.
I have hundreds of stories to tell, and a thousand things to say, but to me, the only number that really matters right now is 13.
Why, you may ask? You see, I was thirteenth out of the 71 that competed. Yeah, that's great, but they only take the top twelve, remember? (Thirteen is my favorite, and my lucky number, incase anyone didn't know that, which is why I'm okay with being number 13.) *sigh* I'll have to stay contented with just knowing what might have been, and being happy that a good representative was chosen. Sure, I wish it were me, but wishing isn't going to get me there. Dreaming maybe, because that involves action in my book, but wishing is waiting for something to come to you rather than going to get it for yourself with a little effort.
Posted by KarissaKilgore at December 1, 2003 1:35 PM
Comments
You look so beautiful!! I'm glad your chin is up, my dear. You represented yourself extremely well!!
Posted by: Vandye at December 1, 2003 2:01 PM
I've enjoyed reading your embedded journalism as the contest progressed. Thanks for sharing it with all of us!
Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at December 1, 2003 2:33 PM
We love you darling and you are right, 13 is one of the greatest numbers of all times. You totally deserve a crown just for being you. : )
Posted by: Diana Geleskie at December 1, 2003 2:53 PM
It was wonderful to read about your exciting adventures. What a whirlwind! You look beautiful in all of your pictures and 13 is an awesome place to finish. Becky Campbell
Posted by: Becky Campbell at December 1, 2003 6:03 PM
Karissa, I am sooo proud of you! My little girl is growing up ;) j/k!! you are going to have to sit down with me sometime and tell me all about it... hopefully sometime before we leave for xmas break! I just wanted to let you know that I
Posted by: Jen at December 1, 2003 11:17 PM
Karissa, is there a pageant website with your picture or at least photos from the pageant?
Posted by: Jen at December 1, 2003 11:40 PM
Oh girl, you did so great. But I must say I missed you dearly when we weren't having lunch together.
You look beautiful...have you unscrewed that smile yet? Mine is firmly fastened, despite the craziness of this week.;-)
Back to the grind!
Posted by: Amanda at December 2, 2003 9:44 AM
Rissa,
I wanted to come see you so bad sunday night, but i got sick...i have the flu..yuck:( But i just now sat down and read every entry, i had no access to a comp over break, i read every entry and every comment. You looked so pretty in your dress, i cannot wait to see you in it at christmas on the hill. Hey hun, you may not have won, but all that matters is that you tried your hardest, and i think thirteen out of seventy one pretty damn good!! You were so close, thats awesome, and i am glad that the person that won was the nice one..not one of the snobs. Great job Karissa, i am proud of you!
Posted by: Lori at December 2, 2003 10:01 AM
Karissa,
I must say that I know exactly what you are talking about. I've been in 4 pageants since the age of eight and I know exactly how that can be. I guess Im a littl bit more high strung than you thought because when I was in apageant in ninth grade I was so nervous about not making it to the top 10 that I literally drove myself sick.
But I agree, even if you dont win, your proud of the accomplishments that youve made. I made it to the top 10 out of 51 girls and I won a multi-talented award.
So no matter what the outcome is, pageanting is an amazing experience, and I congratulate you on your ranking and hope the experience served its purpose for you as it has done for me. It helps you learn that no matter what, you are always a winner!
Posted by: Carla Rae Jackson at December 4, 2003 3:46 PM
Carla, thank you so much for the encouragement. I totally agree that it was an experience to remember. I don't know if I'll do it again, but I may think about it in the future :)
Posted by: KarissaKilgore at December 7, 2003 10:28 PM