Saturday was the big event. It was such a strange day. It was a much different experience from the NGA. We arrived 45 minutes late. That was the first challenge. We got lost using the map Greg had given me, so LuAnn had to walk us through getting to the high school. I missed the walkthrough and didn't have as much time as I'd hoped to really settle in and relax.
When I walked out on stage for prejudging, I was tense. I didn't feel comfortable at all. Sandy ran back after the first round and helped me with posing. I practiced and by the time I came out in my one-piece, I felt a little more confident. By that time though I think it was too late. I couldn't make eye contact with any of the judges.
During the break between prejudging and awards, Cami, Mom, Heidi, and I went shopping. We bummed around Macys, made a few purchases, and had lunch. I was still on my strict diet, so I picked at my boring bowl of lettuce and lemon wedges.
The awards ceremony was supposed to start at 6 p.m. It didn't. I don't think it officially started until around 6:45 p.m. In the meantime all of the "figure" girls were in their suits waiting to go out - thinking it would start at any moment. We were freezing back stage. With only one small little space heater and winterlike conditions outside (did I mention in snowed that day?), it was cold. The MC was a joke - half the time not knowing what to say or repeating himself. The night show dragged on, and I could sense the frustration in the audience.
At the end of the night I took 4th in the Medium Class and didn't place in Masters. I wasn't even in the top 5. I was absolutely heartbroken at first. I was proud of myself for such a huge accomplishment - for being there - for having the gutts to work so hard and then present myself on stage. Yet, I still felt a little letdown. I've gone over that day time and time again in my head since the event. I was too lean - too tense - too inexperienced. I'd dropped another 3 pounds form the NGA to the NPC which wasn't good. My "muscle" looked great, but I was too cut for figure - especially with all the controversy on whether figure should be more "lean" or "softer". The overwhelming feeling in the industry is that figure is going more "soft". I was anything but that. Not to mention I still have a couple of "troubled" areas that still need work. I'm finally in a place where I get it. I understand the voting and can move on. It just gives me more hope and determination to do better next year at the Emerald Cup should I do it.
Mom says the Emerald Cup is first class. They take care of the competitors. The NPC in Utah does not - at least it wasn't my experience for my first NPC show.
I am so thankful for my closest friends joining me for my special day. They know how hard I'd worked, and I know how much they love me. It meant so much knowing they were in the crowd supporting my crazy endeavor.
I've been asked what was the first thing I ate when I was done. I couldn't leave the competition fast enough. We headed straight to the Cheesecake Factory, and I had delicious stuff tortillas, corn cakes, and topped it off with an entire piece of white chocolate madadamia nutt cheesecake. I think I even licked the plate.
We spent Sunday in Park City. Cami had never been, so we bummed around Main Street and the Outlets before I had to drop her off at the airport.
Heidi turns 30 this year, so we had a little "early" birthday celebration on Monday night. We'd picked up the yummiest cupcakes from Dippidee for dessert. It was a night. I can't believe my baby sis is almost 30!
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