
I am struggling to write this final blog because I am overwhelmed with emotion. What do you do when something you have been focused so intently on is over? I'll admit although I am happy not to be so regimented and restricted anymore, I am definitely a little bit sad. Right now I am watching my mom and grandma washing and chopping the entire Asian Food market in our kitchen ( bok choy, mushrooms, kale, onions..etc.), a not so familiar, yet familiar sight. Today was very difficult reintroducing myself to normal things such as this scene in my kitchen and the ability to wear deodorant without messing up my spray tan. Okay...I admit it, I didn't scrub so hard in the shower so my tan stays on for just a little bit longer.
Here are my final thoughts...
I didn't win, I didn't even place. And I'm not going to pull that "everyone is a winner" bullshit either. I may not have won, but I learned and I earned... the title of a figure competitor.
Upon arrival and check in the day of the competition each competitor is issued a number. My number was 17. I was hoping for 7 or 11 but I should have been more clear with my request to the universe and picked ONE, instead I got both. I wasn't mad.
Mom and I had the LOUDEST and BEST cheering section out of all 75 competitors. Although we both practiced our routines at nausea, when we got up there we both strayed and did what ever we felt like. The first thing my brother Randy said to me was, "Kate, that is the most I've ever seen of you."
When all is said and done, I am changed for good and for the better. I am more comfortable in my own skin and more aware of my body. I have a new found respect for my mother and a renewed faith in the idea that hard work pays off. This experience has left me feeling totally, 100 % blessed. Blessed because I am surrounded with such wonderful people. To everyone who has been in my corner since the sand box and to everyone who I have picked up along the way, thanks. I can not stress how thankful I am to everyone who reached out to me this summer. Whether it be sending me free Egglands Best coupons, buying me flowers, cooking me my own special meals, sending me quotes, or hitting me up on facebook, it meant the world to me.
You are all probably wondering what the first thing I ate was. It was chocolate covered strawberries :) After that I went to the diner and although my mom and I went our separate ways after the competition, we both ordered BLTs without ever even discussing it. Weird I know...
Another question you might have is what the highlight of my day was. It was when my brother came back stage to congratulate my mom and I after our 1 min of fame and he had tears in his eyes.
Whenever I see the bronze foot print permanently stained in my rug, I will think back and remember this experience with nothing but fond memories. To everyone who made a t-shirt or a poster for the competition, hold on to it. You may be wondering if I plan on competing again... do you really need to ask?