Exciting: Getting my first "big girl" job as an Associate Producer at KNOE-TV8.
Daunting: Moving out of my picture-perfect on-campus apartment and back into, that's-right-you-guessed-it, the Parent's house (*insert cliffhanger sound effect: "Duh, Duh, DUH!")
Exciting: Applying to grad school at Johns Hopkins for a Masters in Health Communications--I'm keeping fingers, toes, legs, arms, locks of hair, and any other intertwine-able thing crossed...
Daunting: Waking up each day, rolling over, throwing a leg out from under the covers, & realizing that I still live with my parents.
Exciting: Discovering a newfound joy. I recently became a yoga instructor and it's been all-around uplifting & rewarding.
If you happen to be reading this post, then you're getting a firsthand glimpse at the next installment of Exciting... Always having loved to write, I've been thinking about starting a blog for a while and finally realized the opportune time is now.
A little backgrounder: My name is Hope Anderson. I enjoy working up a good sweat and making healthy versions of unhealthy dishes you never imagined were possible. In other words, I'm a health-nut and try to manipulate others to live healthy, wholesome lives, too; however, I do have a sweet tooth that must be indulged every now and again. One day, I hope to anchor the Today Show, reporting on health topics and writing features for major publications. Just move on over, Mrs. Morales...
Dancing has been a passion of mine since the age of three. A big stage, pink ballet slippers, angel costume, lipstick, glitter, and hairspray synthesized for a magical combination and I've been hooked ever since.
I like, make that love, to cook: something I did a lot more of when I had my own kitchen, sans a woman I affectionately call "Nonnie" who protests when I even think about dirtying her kitchen... I always clean up my mess... (*Note: Cleaning the kitchen is a necessary evil that comes with the pleasure of cooking. While I can honestly say I clean up my mess each time I cook, this assurance comes with no time constraints.)
The past three years have been largely dedicated to reaching a significant milestone: winning the privilege and title of Miss Louisiana. Now, before you try and deduce that I was one of those little tykes on Toddlers and Tiaras, hold it right there! I am no enthusiast for child pageants; in fact, I'm very opposed to them and think little girls should be gaining self-esteem through activities that build character (such as dancing, trying out different sports, acting in plays, taking art lessons, etc.), not being heaved across a stage by a domineering mom wanting her princess to have a "real" crown.
The only run in with pageants I had as a child was as an audience member at my (then 3 year old) cousin Hannah's debut pageant career. She was rolled, fluffed, primped, and ready to go on-stage. That is until Little Miss Muffet decided she was hungry... and McDonnald's chicken nuggets sounded much more appetizing than curds and whey. So my Aunt Anna did what any decent mother would do in this situation: She sent someone to get that baby some Mickey D's. Problem solved! Right...? Yea, right until it was time for Hannah to prance onto stage in the first line up--Aunt Anna couldn't pry Hannah's precious chicken nugget from her impenetrable baby fingers. Hannah walks onstage with the other little debutants and we all sighed with relief that she at least made it up there! Nugget held between her teeth, she proceeded to introduce a talent portion of the competition by dropping down to the floor and performing full-out pushups. Not just any baby can do that...and while biting a chicken nugget, no less. We were so proud.
The only run in with pageants I had as a child was as an audience member at my (then 3 year old) cousin Hannah's debut pageant career. She was rolled, fluffed, primped, and ready to go on-stage. That is until Little Miss Muffet decided she was hungry... and McDonnald's chicken nuggets sounded much more appetizing than curds and whey. So my Aunt Anna did what any decent mother would do in this situation: She sent someone to get that baby some Mickey D's. Problem solved! Right...? Yea, right until it was time for Hannah to prance onto stage in the first line up--Aunt Anna couldn't pry Hannah's precious chicken nugget from her impenetrable baby fingers. Hannah walks onstage with the other little debutants and we all sighed with relief that she at least made it up there! Nugget held between her teeth, she proceeded to introduce a talent portion of the competition by dropping down to the floor and performing full-out pushups. Not just any baby can do that...and while biting a chicken nugget, no less. We were so proud.
At my own interest, I competed in my first pageant as a sophomore in college. Since then, I've acquired tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship assistance thanks to the Miss America Organization, to which I will continue to avidly support long after I hang up those nude pageant heels.
I've been immeasurably blessed by competing on the Miss Louisiana stage, discovered new sides of myself, and met remarkable young women who are just as proud as I am to call Louisiana home.
This brings me to a noteworthy point: In nine weeks, a new Miss Louisiana will be crowned and I will be competing as Miss Spirit of Ruston. Miss Louisiana's been dubbed the "Super Bowl for Women." Preparation is grueling... Sacrificing is unquestionable... Mental, physical, and emotional preparedness is key... Ruthless contestants tackling each other backstage... I kid...... possibly...
So needless to say, this chapter is a very important chunk of the story, my story, and much has yet to be inscribed.
"Do a Little Dance, Bake a Little Love, Get Crowned Tonight" is an imperfectly perfect account of life as I know it-- Leaping with total abandon through both the grande and petite moments, extending some love to others--occasionally with a homemade, nutritious goodie--and fervently preparing for a pivotal night that I hope will result in the chance to do something bigger than myself.
To echo musician Gavin Degraw, "This is the start of something good. Don't you agree?" I do. Wholeheartedly.
