A great deal has been happening in the wonderful world of Courtney as of late.
After Cabaret dust settled, it was time to pick up the pageant pieces and get ready for Miss New Jersey. I’ve spent a majority of my time volunteering and attending different fundraisers. I find that is the best way to spend my spare time…almost all of it! Just this past weekend I had 3 back to back events for the American Cancer Society and the Children’s Miracle Network. I even had to miss a couple fundraisers of my fellow pageant sisters because of my busy schedule. Running around almost every weeknight for different pageant-related things, and dedicating most of my weekends can be tough, but I know it’s all worth it; and it’s incredibly rewarding. My friends and family definitely take a backseat to my service work, and I greatly appreciate their patience and support as I gallivant around the tri-state area.

I’m back on track these past couple weeks with the help of my life-guide, Mr. Shishka; feeling focused like that Shredded Wheat cereal square commercial. Our reunited forces have created positive energy that is fueling both my personal success and his! He helps hold me accountable for my daily activities, making sure I am doing my absolute best. Checking in with him not only has helped me get more motivated, but of course it’s good to talk daily with friends. It seems sometimes the only daily connections I have with friends are through liking a status, retweeting, or returning a drawing or words with friends move. I like that every week or so, we try and reunite to watch a movie or grab ice cream. It’s nice to know that all the time we spent together in school has melded us into a family and keeps us together.

Recently, I was inspired to finish up my grad school applications and finalizing that process is allowing me to have opportunities to branch out from my cubicle and go back to school in the fall. I’ve applied to two universities, but my heart lies back at my Alma Mater….I NEVER thought I’d say that.
I know that school has the reputation and the environment I’m looking for, especially for a master’s in education. While I highly anticipate revisiting the hallowed halls and my old professors, I don’t look forward to the parking and administrative drama-Be on the lookout for grunting/angry Facebook stati upon my return to Red Hawk Country- I’ve been so inspired by my pageant life and service work to pursue this change now and not wait until the “perfect time.“ I know that if I wait for that I’ll be 50, and still clicking away on my calculator here….NOT COOL.
Now reenergized and motivated, I feel on top of my game, and I’m ready to rock and roll.

..Brilliant transition, if I might add, because it is audition time for summer shows!! I’m hopefully to get cast in something fun and be able to enjoy my summer with old friends and make new ones! I can’t wait to sing my heart out, and hopefully get a great role!
I have a lot on my plate, as per usual…and it feels great! I can’t WAIT to juggle pageants, school, work, and volunteering- and a social life again! Call me crazy, but I truly believe it’s better to be busy, than to be bored.

Keep trucking kiddies; you are your only limitation!

Stay Snazzy

TTFN

“Kiss today goodbye and point me toward tomorrow…we did what we had to do.” Beautiful lyrics. That silly show had merit, let me tell you. It wasn’t all about smoke, mirrors, and a kick-line.
I like to believe my silly show had merit too. And while the audience laughed at a modern version of Abbott and Costello, or creepped out by John touching their food while Kristen gave a menacing look every time he glanced her way, those silly numbers became an entire Cabaret that raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society, and a scholarship in my late friend Ralph’s name.

We laughed, we danced, we sang, but more importantly, we came together for a common goal larger than anything we could possibly have accomplished on our own.

Now, it’s very convenient that the majority of the people I need to thank are my followers on Tumblr, or Twitter, so they can see this (whether they choose to read it or not is another story).

To my first line of defense: Samantha, Kristen, and Kayt. I couldn’t have survived these past years without your constant help, wisdom and encouragement. You never let me forget what my dreams and goals are and you constantly inspire me to achieve my dreams. Without the 3 of you, I wouldn’t be where I am today…(literally, Sam, I’d be in a different cubicle)- I’d be unable to complete all those forms and create documents on my own! Kristen and Kayt without your help for the Cabaret I don’t think it would have run as smoothly or as wonderfully. Whether it was collecting money, babysitting adults, boxing raffles-then unboxing them, or anything else, you were both tremendously helpful. Kristen, put a Yankee game in front of you, and you’d help me do anything! Kayt, handing over my phone to you is usually the most effective way for me to operate, especially toward to Igor’s son!
Regardless, it’s always fun and rewarding to work with you gals!

To my unsung heroes, especially Adam and my mom, who have to deal with the chaos and the drama, and get the brunt of my warpath when I am on a mission. The countless hours that she spent wrapping and we spent schlepping around for this, that, and the other thing, making sure we had EVERYTHING is something I could never thank them enough for. I’d also like to lump in my friends who weren’t performers in the show, which helped out whenever they could and gave greatly of themselves.

And lastly, to my performers and supporters, it would literally not be possible without you. No show/no audience = no success. Your talent is incredible. I didn’t hear one person that day or this following week who didn’t say “wow, you have such amazing friends, one number was better than the next!” I’m so proud of you, and proud to call you my friends! You always set out to help, and bring your A-game: Lia, Jimmy, John, Rick, Tom, Kaitlin, Anna, and Mackenzie. Pageant family and all supporters, I greatly appreciate your support as well, making the trip to see the Cabaret! The parents/family, friends and neighbors who continue to come out and support our show are so valuable to us, and we hope to entertain you each time.

Now that the Cabaret is over, I’m looking at what’s on the horizon. I have some Bark for Life events coming up, as well as other cancer charity functions, and Relay. I have Miss NJ orientation next weekend…I need to get started on the things I need to accumulate and have ready for the pageant. Miss New Jersey will be here before I know it. But I’m excited and raring to go!

Springtime is always my favorite time of year. The promise and beauty it brings, how everything is fresh and new. I’m excited about where my life is at. I feel like I keep climbing that mountain of success. (like the Price is Right game…except I’m not going to fall off if I overestimate the cost of a blender!)
I look back at all the things I’ve accomplished in this past year and a half, from when I decided to live life making me a better Courtney every day. At the end of last year, I recalled what tremendous growth and improvement I had made. How much more productive and fulfilling my life became once I took the time to schedule everything in and maintain focus. I’m still the same person I always was, I’m just a lot more determined and focused in regard to everything I pursue.
Remembering all that I’ve accomplished this past year as Miss Cape Shores delights me and inspires me to continue pushing forward, taking on whatever life throws at me.

I have such a support system behind me, that I’d be a fool not to feverishly follow my dreams! Spring is really just the beginning, and it started off with a bang this past Sunday! I can’t wait to keep checking off things on my to-do list, and fill up what’s left of my calendar…always saving room for a Yankee game!

Stay Snazzy, Kids!

TTFN
Courtney

annanegron:

Ariana McGuire was hit in the head with an arrow two years ago and suffered a major stroke. But now, she’s dancing her way to $30,000 for the Children’s Specialized Hospital of NJ!

Click to vote for her!

http://danceoff.primroseschools.com/videos/were-livin-prayer

<—Miss America 2011 and me!

In continuance with my ongoing urge to conquer the world, I have kept myself very busy.

Recently, I was promoted at my office job, which is certainly monopolizing a great deal of my time. Additionally, I’ve been booked most weeknights and weekends with fundraisers or meetings for the fundraisers. It’s incredible. I love the excitement and joy of meeting new people…all the more inspiring me to go back to school this fall and get my degree so I can continually meet new people and make a difference in the world, rather than find the difference between two spreadsheets! 

Accounting is fun though, at times. It’s taught me discipline, and helped me overcome a demon: MATH. It is nice to have the stability in my job as well, because everything else is much more hectic and different.

Lately, I’ve been working a lot with various pediatric cancer charities. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many great people, and have created wonderful relationships that will continue to grow as we work together on future projects. It’s going to be delightful to watch these ideas come into fruition! 

Also, I’ve been working on my Cabaret, lots of schedule juggling is going on, as with talent comes many many rehearsal conflicts! Busy people, just like myself. But between raffle wrapping, ticket selling, and trying to put an actual show together, we all look beyond the stress and annoyances, because of the cause. The Cabaret this year means a lot to me. It will benefit the American Cancer Society (I’ve worked on their Relay for Life event for over 7 years now in my neighborhood) and also, the Ralph Verde Scholarship Fund-in honor of my friend Ralph that has passed away.

Legacy is very important to me. I know how I want to leave my mark on the world, and the people I meet during my time here. I feel it is the least we can do on behalf of Ralph to create a scholarship in his name. His brother, Joe, was dedicated to spearheading it, and we will be able to provide scholarships to outstanding students, like Ralph, that will go on to inspire others and do great things.

This whole legacy thing ties in perfectly with one of the great opportunities I had last week! I had the chance to meet Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, and hang out with her for an evening. She is the most kind-hearted person in the entire world. I’d bet my life on that. She is so giving and compassionate, it is truly moving… Anywho, she shared a poem that evening, “The Dash.” And, to motivate and encourage you all out here in Tumblr world, I’d like to share it. It sticks with me, and perfectly aligns with everything I’m striving to achieve in life. http://www.notalone.co.nz/the-dash-poem.html

So go out, and keep living life.

I can’t even remember all the magnificent experiences I’ve had these past few months. Too many to count, I’m honestly that blessed. Going and visiting schools, aside from my charity work is dearest to my heart. Children are so incredible and fascinating, and knowing I have the ability to help mold them into hard-working and caring people by inspiring them to volunteer and be proactive in the pursuit of their dreams is remarkable. I can’t wait until I have a classroom of my own someday and I can spend time helping and nurturing them on their life’s journey.

This weekend it comes full circle, as I prepare to take part in a HUGE ceremony in my town. A 9/11 Monument Dedication with actual steel from the World Trade Center. All local first responders will be in attendance, local and state dignitaries, and the NYPD and Port Authority and even Marines! Several hundred people, and I will be helping lead the ceremony with the National Anthem, and perform the patriotic hit, “God Bless the U.S.A.” after the dedication!

It’s good to stop and realize how precious life is, and how fortunate we are to be able to wake up in the morning, and even better go out and lead amazing and rich lives. Friends, family, and all the experiences we get to share with them are what matter most. It’s good to celebrate the exciting times and the adventures, because we never know when the journey might end. So long as we are loving how we live, and living with love, we can never regret.

Until next time…

Stay Snazzy. :)

TTFN

Something I never would have known unless someone enlightened me.

Toughest question yet. I don’t have anything particularly enlightening that speaks to me at this moment. I prefer to enlighten people.

Usually when my friends “enlighten” me, it’s to dish the latest gossip among our social circle….

Something I have never managed to learn (even though I tried):

Juggling. I have terrible hand-eye coordination…when I attempt to. All the other times I’m like a ninja…or could have been in the Matrix.

An advice I will never forget:

Fall 2009, Dramaturgy Workshop.

“Have the courage of your convictions.”-Neil Baldwin.

Never has a single sentence impacted my life so much.

So, say what you feel, and don’t be afraid of your opinions.