Paperwork, Taxes & School...Oh My!

Warning: Deep Thoughts Ahead

Paperwork, Taxes, & School - Three nouns I use as adjectives to describe my everyday life, especially over the past few weeks!! The constant stress of all three have caused me to stop and think a lot about why I voluntarily put myself under such pressure. Why do I work a full time job and pay taxes when I could work a half time job and not pay them? Why do I study and write papers for hours on end that should only take five minutes? Why do I compete in Miss Louisiana when there is a 36/37 shot that I will not win come June 29th? Or more basic questions like why do I invest so much time (and money) in tanning, applying nail polish, and getting highlights when they will all just fade away? I have spent the last eight months thinking through all of these different situations plus many more for more time than anyone could imagine. People are constantly asking me why I bite off such a heavy load, and I wanted to have an answer. How was  I supposed to tell them why if I didn't even know myself? The question that I found myself asking is, "Why are these things so important to me when in ten years they will be an afterthought?" By the time I am 31 the three thousand dollars I sent to the IRS today will be long gone, the two sentences I spent hours rewriting will be forgotten, and the abs I have been working out ferociously for will most likely be gone thanks to my future children (which will be worth it I know!) The common answer found within all contemplative hypotheticals is quite simple. Beyond all the stress that comes along with everything in my life, they all make me well rounded and, above all else, happy. Being a beneficial member to society, an intellectual, and a community service volunteer are all things that make me proud of the person I see in the mirror. Those things plus being a good daughter, sister, aunt, girlfriend, Christian, and friend are all more important to me than all of the free time the world could offer!

Deep thoughts are over! Now, onto pictures that show you what I spend so much time on! ;)

I have been very busy since my last update. So, here we go!

In my last blog entry I mentioned that I had the opportunity to meet one of Louisiana's most famous governors. It was an honor to be a part of an event where Edwin Edwards was the keynote speaker. Though our political opinions aren't right in line, there is no denying that this man is as sharp as ever.

Last year I was the Miracle Maker for the state of Louisiana. So, volunteering at IHOP for National Pancake Day was a no brainer! 

I was able to participate the in Cerebral Palsy telethon of North Louisiana both this year and last year. Some other contestants and myself had a blast raising money for these very special children!

I have attended many local preliminaries this year! Congrats to Tori Thompson on being crowned Miss Sportsman's Paradise!

Miss Lafayette Pageant!

State Meeting is the first event where all of the titleholders get to come together to meet and mingle! It is also a time for all of the returning queens to catch up on lost time! State meeting consists of meetings and information on the state pageant. However, there is one part that none of us can wait for - the lottery! This year, I chose contestant number 28! My interview will be right before the judges eat lunch at noon on Tuesday! I will be competing in Swimwear and Evening Gown on Wednesday and Talent and OSQ on Thursday! This time of year it all begins to feel so real. Up to this moment you know you will be competing, but it really sinks in once you see everyone and all the paperwork is turned in! Only ten short weeks to go! 

Spirit of the Ouachita girls

Painting during our Duke of Edinburgh Journey

On top of these appearances, I had a day where I spoke to over 150 Students at Kiroli Elementary! These kids were a hoot to say the least! I decided to speak on healthy habits that day and took a picnic basket full of good and bad food choices. The kids got a chance to pull something out of the basket and tell me if it was good or bad! Then we all did exercises to complement the healthy eating!

 I also spoke at a Rotary Club Luncheon about the Miss American Organization and my efforts to raise money for Children's Miracle Network! I met many involved people of the community and was happy to speak about what the MAO has done for me and what it does for the community!

A couple of months ago, I had pictures taken with Steven Palowsky for the program book! Out of about two hundred photos, these are a couple of the final chosen ones! Can't thank Steven enough!

Outside of pageants I also stay very busy. Since I work at a church, Christian Life Church to be exact, Easter weekend was VERY busy. Easter for a church is like Christmas for a mall! I spent hours, along with some other very important people, on creating a giant crown of thorns out of swimming pool noodles, spray paint, and poster board. Here is the final outcome! 

Until Next Time....

Love,

Jaden Leach

Miss Spirit of the Ouachita