Integrity vs. Conformation

A recent controversy has stemmed over the Miss USA Pageant sponsored by Donald Trump. This year's Top 5 contestents consisted of Laura Kirilova Chukanov: Miss Utah, Kristen Dalton: Miss North Carolina, Maria Elizabeth Montgomery: Miss Kentucky, Carrie Prejean: Miss California, and Alicia-Monique Blanco: Miss Arizona. These five beautiful women represented their states in the Top 5 for the title of Miss USA.

In the final Top 5, the contestents must first answer a question pertaining to an interesting fact about themselves. Miss North Carolina was asked what made her beautiful and her response was that she treats people in a beautiful way. Miss Arizona was asked why her nickname was Daddy Longlegs and her response was about her cousin's at first, bashing nickname. Miss Utah was asked about a program she wanted to develop and she answered with a some sort of Pen Pal program. Miss California was asked about basketball and she explained her scholarship in college and how she is so passionate about it. Miss Kentucky was asked what she looks for in a man and she answered that she

In the Judge question round, Kelly Monaco asked if tax payers money should be used to bail out struggling US companies. This question was asked to Miss North Carolina who answered no and said that the money should go towards education, welfare, and other programs other than bailing out companies. Miss Arizona was asked by Kenan Thomson if the US should have Universal Health Care as a right as a citizen. She answered basically that it is an issue of integrity ... and that's it. Miss Utah was asked by Claudia Jordan if the US should help other countries hold elections while our country is in a recession. Miss California was asked by Perez Hilton whether or not same sex marriage should be legalized. She answered that a marriage should be between a man and a woman though she was proud to be a part of a country that allowed this choice. Lastly, Miss Kentucky was asked by Ryan Graden about Chris Brown and Rhianna's recent violent fight and whether or not she would speak out and what she would say. She answered that she would speak out and that it is a horrific situation.

Now let's jump back to that initial first question that is their "interview" question. If you look here, you can watch the entire thing, word for word, online. The first question was posed to Miss North Carolina had a bit of an odd response. You could tell each one of these women were nervous because sometimes, their responses did not make as much sense. But who wouldn't be nervous on live national television and for a diamond crown worth more than my life?
Miss Arizona was next and her answer was honest and straightforward.
Next was Miss Utah who had a bit of an odd question and answer. It seemed to me as if a program like this has already been started, several actually.
Miss California's answer was straightforward and honest as well.
And lastly, Miss Kentucky's answer was a bit shallow, but honest. Actually, a lot shallow. But still, honest.

Moving on the the Judge's questions...
Miss North Carolina's answer was what the judges wanted to hear. Secondly, if we are going to be putting money into a welfare program, that's just going to aid ALL of those who lost their job due to the government's rejection to bailout the company. So why not bail them out, keep thousands of jobs, and still allow these families a source of reliable income?
Miss Arizona's answer pertaining to universal health care was interesting. She never answered the question. She simply stated that it was an issue of integrity and never took a position. She babbled on about how her family raised her on integrity and then repeated that either side is justifiable.
Miss Utah's answer about the US's money going towards other country's elections I believe was something else that the judge's wanted to hear. It goes along with the whole "World Peace" movement that is constantly supported but never put into action by pageant girls. If we're putting all that money towards other country's elections, what about that bailout 'cause that money surely isn't supporting our own country. And God knows Afghanistan would never do the same for us.
Miss California's answer about same sex marriage was the best answer I heard all night. She responded honesty and with tact. She first expained that she was proud of her country for allowing this to happen but just because she was proud did not mean she agreed with it. For that, I respect her. She stood up to a man who was indeed homosexual and stated honestly that she did not agree with his lifestyle. Now, everyone is entitled to their opinions. She simply made hers a national known opinion. She lives in a state where this is legal and yet she does not back down. I don't know about anyone else, but I would rather have a Miss USA who stands up for what she believes in regardless of what others wants to hear and does it with "integrity" (cough cough Miss Arizona).
Lastly, Miss Kentucky's answer about the violence between Chris Brown and Rhianna was at first, executed well. But then she did not answer the entire question. She completely forgot to address what she would actually say if in that situation.

Overall, under the given circumstances, these women all answered for the most part, the best that they could. They were under a lot of pressure, stress, and nerves and still delivered rather well.
I would argue though that none of these women took advantage of the fact that they had an extensive amount of time to explain themselves. None of the women ever went anywhere near the allowed speaking time.

In this controversial issue of who should have won...
I do believe that Miss California genuinely deserved the crown. I don't agree that Miss North Carolina does not deserve the crown, just that Miss California is more deserving of this honor. She was honest, she told what she believed, not what everyone wanted to hear. As I said before, I would want someone to represent our country who could feel confident enough to express their opinions but still do it with honor and respect directed towards those around her. Yes, Miss Carolina did as she was asked, but she conformed and did it in a way that she knew would please the judges.

As far as all of the other blogs go online, there have been many bashes at both women for the entire program. And towards Donald Trump. It is all nothing but bad publicity, uncalled for, and rude and disrespectful for these women who have worked hard to be where they are now.

Way to go Miss North Carolina, way to go Miss California. And Congrats...
but remember your character.

"I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart."
- Mike Fanelli, club coach

Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder.
- William Sigei

Ask yourself: "Can I give more?". The answer is usually: "Yes".
- Paul Tergat

When people ask me why I run, I tell them, there's not really a reason, it's just the adrenalin when you start, and the feeling when you cross that finish line, and know that you are a winner no matter what place you got.
- Courtney Parsons

I believe in the runner's high, and I believe that those who are passionate about running are the ones who experience it to the fullest degree possible. To me, the runner's high is a sensational reaction to a great run! It's an exhilarating feeling of satisfaction and achievement. It's like being on top of the world, and truthfully... there's nothing else quite like it!
- Sasha Azevedo

You don’t run against a bloody stop watch, do you hear? A runner runs against himself, against the best that's in him. Not against a dead thing of wheels and pulleys. That's the way to be great, running against yourself. Against all the rotten mess in the world. Against God, if you’re good enough.
- Bill Persons

Runners just do it - they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first. ~Author - Unknown

There are as many reasons for running as there are days in the year, years in my life. But mostly I run because I am an animal and a child, an artist and a saint. So, too, are you. Find your own play, your own self-renewing compulsion, and you will become the person you are meant to be.
- George Sheehan

It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.
- George Sheehan

People can't understand why a man runs. They don't see any sport in it. Argue it lacks the sight and thrill of body contact. Yet, the conflict is there, more raw and challenging than any man versus man competition. For in running it is man against himself, the cruelest of opponents.
The other runners are not the real enemies. His adversary lies within him, in his ability, with brain and heart to master himself and his emotions.
- Glenn Cunningham

100% Pure Running
Nothing Added:
No balls, pads, bats, gloves.
No nets, hoops, racquets.
No hash marks, or helmets.
No jerseys, skirts, stirrup socks or mouth guards.
No Chewing Tobacco.

JUST RUNNING
- Nike Ad

We rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering

produces perseverance;

perseverance, character,

character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us.

-Romans, 5:3-5

A coach is someone who always makes you do what you don't want to do, so you can be who you've always wanted to be.

Why Do You Run?
Because you're wondering if your grandchildren will too. Because its raining. Because you can, and others can't. Because its faster than walking. Because that shaky-leg-thing is all about nervous energy. Because you can't fly. Because you can fly. Because your personal best is just that, yours. Because the pain of a blister is nothing compared to the pain of stopping. Because you like the resistance the wind gives you. Because you like the resistance you give the wind. Just Because.
-NYC Marathon Ad

Good teams become great ones, when the members trust each other enough to surrender the me for the we.

If the miles behind me could be put into words before you…
You would feel my efforts, my struggles, my desires,
Most of all you would see my joy…
Watch me from afar run the trails and hills
and miles upon miles and you will see…

Games require skill. Running requires endurance, character, pride, physical strength, and mental toughness. Running is a test, not a game. A test of faith, belief, will, and trust in ones self. So hardcore that it needs a category all to itself to define the pain. When game players criticize, it's because they aren't willing to understand, not because they're stronger. Running is more than a sport; it's a lifestyle. If you have to ask us why we run, you'll never understand,
so just accept.
-Jessica Propst

________________________________________

Running is the best habit/hobby that I ever picked up. I only wish I would have picked it up sooner.

I began running senior year for Pat Pastula for the Hillsdale Cross Country team. The only reason I ran really was because Audrey Pastula convinced me to do some sport for school and she said that cross country really needed more people. She told me all of this the day before the first practice. I showed up the next morning at nine, knowing no one but Audrey. This was the beginning of new beginnings, not to be cheesy or anything : )
I went to cross country every morning from 9 am to 11 am and returned home to cry. It was the hardest thing I had ever done. I found and journal that I had kept at that time and I had written about how hard and frustrating practices were. I remember calling David while he was down in VA and crying and telling him how I wanted to quit. But he wouldn't let me; he always told me that if I quit, I would always regret it. So I stuck it out, and golly gee I'm so very glad I did. It lead to a lonnng additction where the only cure was more running (not cowbell- though I'm sure they would be very encouraging and "pump up"ing at races).

After completing one season of cross country, I ended up with two stress fractures: one in each leg, and pretty severe I might add. I was ordered to refrain from running for at least a month and I was not allowed to do any strenuous activity on my legs such as lifting or jumping. Of course, I was enrolled in Hornet Power. As soon as I was able to return to running, I jumped back on during Hornet Power, only to twist my ankle the first day back.. the first five minutes back. And then pass out in the middle of the hallway in front of every guy (hot guy I might add) in our school. Wonderful.

After recovering from that, I was in the best shape of my life. Sure I wasn't back out running five miles a day as I was in the fall, but I was lifting three times a week with cardio. And this wasn't wussy lifting, this was lifting with the boys. I was one of three girls in the off-season training program for the football boys. After they learned we were there to get better just as they were, the respected us and treated us just as they treated each other. In turn, we began to actl ike them when we lifted. During the spring, I was enrolled in Female Hornet Power (all girls) and it was here that my "man-like" lifting characteristics really came out. I found myself calling girls names and telling them they were weak "kitties" (if you know what I mean). Thank you boys.

Now, a year later, I'm struggling to make it to the gym but I still have the passion to be in shape and to run. Above all, all I want to do is run. I want to run in the Boston Marathon some day (preferable after Med School) and then just make it a daily habit. Of course the daily habit comes before the marathon.
I'm actually running a half in October with a few girlfriends from UMich. I am absolutely ecstatic and nervous as heck. 13.1 miles is a long freaking time. But I know I am capable, it's just proving it to myself now.

I love running.

I can't wait to finish that race.

I can't wait to race.

Bring it on : )

a little thing called love.. (Part II)

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a little thing called love.. Part I (written via mobile phone)

I used to be extremely apprehensive about love. Actually, I would still say I am. I am not a person who encourages my peers to jump on the bandwagon and join the trend of relationships, sex, and love. I've just never been a firm believer in that.
That being said, I am a bit of a hypocrite for it. The entire time I offered my friends this advice was while I was madly in love with a boy.
What's even more ironic is that my advice was right.

Love is a tough subject. It can take you to the highest of highs in one moment and shoot you to your grave in the next.
But sometimes, love is all we've got.

This past winter break when I returned home from college, it was not the best Christmas/New years. I rang in the holidays alone for the first time in two years. I also went to visit a personal favorite of mine, a little place called Somerset Beach, a place that I credit as leading me to my first love, Jesus Christ, my Savior. It is here that I first realized that I wanted to dive into a type of love that couldn't fail me, that endured forever, that saves me from the depths of hell. It is here that I began developing feelings for a God so awesome, I couldn't fathom just what he would do to my life. At least once I year, I return to the camp, a pilgrimage you could call it. And I remember and rediscover every emotion, memory, and person I ever felt, had, or met in my experiences at the camp.
I would love to return someday and work there and possibly lead others to where I am today through my story of camp..

I am actually writing about love though..
So...
the last time I returned to the camp was January of this year to meet up with two friends. we talked, caught up, revisited old places, old memories, and bundled together for warmth. We also had the delightful pleasure of running into our last counselor, Amy Luke, at the camp. We sat down and exchanged stories with each other, caught up on lost time.
Of course, the subject of "boys" was breached and we all shared our latest heart throb...