It’s official. I can now say I am a figure competitor having competed in a show.
The All Forces Championship for me was by far the best experience. The competitors were in top shape, men and women. The stage was set beautifully. Everyone……EVERYONE was super nice and helpful and friendly and I had a blast.
Got there early. Thank God for a co-worker and dear friend who drove me, taking that task from me. My sister got up early and helped with the shadow and lashes. It was a great bonding time as her and my mom came down from North Carolina for the weekend. Got to the venue and was nervous but just watched people as they ate and greeted each other.
I had a scarf on my head but full makeup. I know they thought why is this chick in a scarf so close to show time. Method to the madness. First meeting over and we went back to get ready. Making-a-Change warned the change room could be small. It was. But we were instantly sisters. Some commented they thought it was because we were all military. Its natural that we bond as we did then with each new assignment. I agree. Each helped the other each complimented each other. I learned they’re journeys.
I was somehow left off the over 40 list. My trainer’s wife noticed and sent me out in time to fix the problem as the over 40’s were first. I coralled the girls into that tiny top and stepped out on stage. I was nervous but I ran through my poses. We were taken through the turns and exited stage right to wait for the Open Tall. Back out and went through turns again, less nervous but still thinking "do this and that."
"You’re done ladies, be back at 6." We went home and I was scared to eat. I had chicken and brown rice and a sip of water. I took off my suit and checked it for bronzer, Good and all stones were there. I lightened my bag. My son made flyers for the after party. And then every one left the house. I retwisted my hair and stole a nap on the couch til 4. Then started all over again. I pumped my shoulders and fixed my makeup.
I then got a call from my nephew who was an hour away and on his way to Tampa. I have not seen him in 7 years and He is stationed at Fort Bragg. My family waited for him and his friends to bring him to the show. How perfect I was representing my Army service and he was attending.
This time the show started with us coming out to our military branch song, a moment of silence for fallen soldiers. My granddaughter yelled from the audiance, "That my Grandma." Then the show begins.
It was easier this time to go out because I knew what to do. Awards given masters, I won 3rd place Master Over 40. And we waited for the open. I won 4th place C-Class Tall.
Once done, I gulped down 2 cups of water and put on my sweat suit and headed for the audience.
A tribute was payed to my trainer who was competed for the first time since he took ill earlier this year. I put this out in a previous blog but not the severity. My trainer died and was brought back after 19 minutes. He did a beautiful routine last night, sending his praises to God.
My Mom saw her first competition and was smiling from ear to ear at the gorgeous young men in the tiny suits. We ended the evening at home with a house full of family friends and love. I had my cheesecake when the house quiet down, every room slept family visiting to include my nephew and his soldier friends.
I am blessed.
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