Entry #1

For the last several years I have had to opportunity to see other women compete in pageants.  Their grace, beauty and talents always amazed me.  I was the one who would cheer them on from the sidelines, tell them they were doing a terrific job and encourage them to continue.  Then one day someone told me I could be just like that.  At first I thought they were crazy, I was a plus size woman.  That was until I entered my first pageant.  Remarkably I did well.  At that pageant I met Mrs. Melissa Stamper.  She also encouraged me to continue on with pageantry.  I took her advice as well.

I arrived in Monroe excited and scared.  I asked myself, "Will they like me?"  I wondered how many other plus sized women would have the same courage as I was embarking upon.  To my surprise most had the same mixed emotions I had.  But from the very first moment we all met we grew close.  We listened to each others concerns, encouraged one another, supported one another and all became close friends.  I never imagined a group of women, such as myself, to be so committed to their chosen causes.

As the days passed new emotions were emerging.  Sadness, because I knew the end was near. Fear, because I wasn't sure of what the outcome would be.  Joy, thanks to all of the wonderful people I had met and memories that I was making with them.  And finally excitement as I watched all of these beautiful plus size ladies strut their stuff and show others that we are proud of the person they are.

On the final night in the dressing room everyone was there for one another.  The team work and support was so thick in the room you could cut it with a knife.  Each contestant expressed to another how truly happy they would be if their new found friend were to win.  What showmanship, or "show-woman-ship"!  :) 

When they were ready to call the last name for my division I thought to myself, how proud I am to be standing on stage with such a remarkable group of ladies regardless of the outcome.  The final name was called and to my surprise, I had done it.  I accomplished what I had been preparing for, for so many months.  You would have thought I had just won millions in the lottery.  But, that is exactly how I felt. 

Trying to recall that night is somewhat of a blur.  It was such an overwhelming experience, I can't wait to see the video to relive it all over again.

Now I look forward to new adventures as the first crowned Ms. Plus America 2003.  I have a list of things that I want to accomplish during my reign and I plan to share them all with you through my diary entries.  I set out, when starting my MPA adventure, with a mission in mind and I did it.  Now I have a new mission and I plan to met it head on and with as much determination as ever.  So, look out world, here I come!

Kathy Peel
Ms. Plus America 2003

PS
Thank you to my family, friends and MPA for all of your support

Entry #2

Well, we have just completed our first month as queens.  I have not had the opportunity to talk with any of the other winners since I returned from Louisiana.  I have been so terribly busy.  Since my return from Detroit I have been trying to get caught up on all of the other things in my life while still making appearances.  On September 19th I participated in a benefit for the local Women's Resource Center.  When it was all said and done we raise $52,000 for the center. It was a lot of work but a lot of fun. The money raised will help support programs in the center. Needless to say, I made my fair share of contributions in the silent auction.  My husband and canine kid "Ahren" made out like bandits. 

I am looking forward to the next several months.  I have started the United Way campaign through my employer.  With the new title I will be able to use it as leverage to donate.  NO, just kidding ... our group always does a great job in that area.  I will be traveling to Tampa, Florida for the 2004 All American Pageant.  I am looking forward to seeing all of my AA friends and helping out in anyway I can.  From there I will be traveling to Vail, Co.  This will be a two fold trip also.  One is for some much needed R & R and the other will be to tour the city and meet city officials. 

The holiday months I am sure will bring lots of activities and I look forward to sharing them with you via my journal entries. 


Kathy Peel
Ms. Plus America 2003

Entry #3

This last month has been quite busy.  I started the month by visiting Vail, Co.  What an exciting trip.  During this time of the year the village is deserted.  This allowed me to take my time visiting the shops and people of Vail.  I also went to Dillion, Co. where I went sailing on Lake Dillion.  Capt. Dave Cope took me and my family on a tour of the Lake and gave us an impromptu sailing lesson.
 
Next, I was a guest panel speaker for the International Circle K Club.  They are a college level group with the Kiwanis Club.  The Kiwanis are dedicated to supporting the youth of tomorrow through leadership.  Our topic of discussion was "How to present yourself."  This was perfect for me after all of the preparing that I had done for the pageant just a few months earlier.  Little did I know that I would be meeting Florida State Representative Bill Galvano.  Knowing I would be speaking about the same subject as he, was a bit nerve racking... But I made it through it with flying colors.  How rewarding to speak with such a successful panel and to such a great group of college students from all over the state of Florida. 

I have been working with LifeLink, my platform organization on how I can best serve them with my title.  We are looking at ways of for me to participate in future functions to promote Organ donation.  I am looking forward to working with them for that cause. 

One of the most important things I have learned throughout my experience so far would have to be time management.  Although I am not a mother (yet), I can surely understand how they feel.  Juggling several different projects all at one time can be hectic.  I have had to make adjustments in areas of my life to satisfy all that I have going on.  I do not want any part to suffer so sacrifices have had to be made.  It is truly worth every ounce. 

I am looking forward to what the holidays have to offer, and what I have to offer others during the holidays. Until then, Keep Smiling!

Kathy

Entry #4

Well the holiday season has come to yet another close.  The past month and a half has been quite busy for me on a personal level.  At the end of November and the first two weeks of December, I spent most of my time studying for final exams.  I graduated Magna Cum Laude on December 12^th!  What a long road the last few years have been trying to check that off of my To Do List.  

Next came the holidays. Trying to pack all of that shopping into a week was fun.  Call me a procrastinator, but what “Queen” can’t shop under pressure?  Christmas and the New Year have all run together it seems.  My pageant exposure during this time has been slow.  Florida is not big on parades during this time of year.  The weather is unpredictable and a winter wonderland just isn’t the same in 80^o  weather.  I did try to get Santa to take a moment out for a picture but he said he was in a hurry.  

I am looking forward to what 2004 has to bring.  I have my first appearance of the New Year on the 17^th.  I will be judging the Manatee County Fair Pageant.  Ms. Ellen Meade, a former Miss Florida of the MAO, directs the pageant and is an excellent source for pageant enthusiasts.  The pageant season will soon be in full swing and I can’t wait.  The first week of February I will be in Vail, Co.  I am thinking of hanging out at the local Home Depot in hopes of running into Ryan Sutter.  For those of you who aren’t up on your reality TV he is the chosen bachelor from the first Bachelorette. 

Well I hope all of you had a safe and happy holiday season!  Now on to fulfilling our New Year’s resolutions. 

Keep Smiling…

Kathy Peel
Ms. Plus America 2003

Entry #5

At the end of March I will be returning to Vail, CO.  I think that has been my second home this year... This time I want to make a grand appearance.. I have always wanted to ski downhill wearing my crown and sash.  Well maybe not the crown since I will be wearing a helmet..