MAC Mania Week 14

Just a warning that all of my posts this week may be published a little later in the day than typical. Don't miss out on my daily posts by either subscribing by email or follow me on Bloglovin.

After Week 12 I mentioned adding a column for each school's MAC standings and then neglected to include this last week. Well, I got my act together and now we can see how the various MAC schools are comapring against each other.

WEST			EAST
University	Record	Conference	University	Record	Conference
Ball State	7-14	2-8	Akron	17-7	7-3
Central Michigan	17-5	6-4	Bowling Green	16-6	7-3
Eastern Michigan	14-9	3-7	Buffalo	16-7	6-4
Northern Illinois	10-12	3-7	Kent State	16-7	7-3
Toledo	16-8	7-3	Miami	8-16	3-7
Western Michigan	15-9	5-5	Ohio	10-12	4-6

* Includes Exhibition game

Week1     Week 6     Week 11
Week 2    Week 7     Week 12
Week 3    Week 8     Week 13
Week 4    Week 9
Week 5    Week 10

Michelyn Cynthia

Competing in Evening Gown

I head off to Jacksonville to judge the Miss Jacksonville/River City tomorrow! First, I am heading to for some pampering with my mother today. If you read my Bump Post from yesterday then I am sure you remember that I am re-coloring my hair, but we also have a few other fun things in store as well.

I figure a pageant-related post is warranted given this occasion.

And, if you are new to my blog let me highlight my three-series post about nailing the pageant interview - Part I, Part II, and Part III.

In my opinion, the simplest portion of the pageant competition is the Evening Gown. Simple in the fact that the contestant only has to walk gracefully on the stage. I underlined "only" because this is not always as simple as it appears, but way simpler than answering an on-stage question or executing a talent, if competing in the MAO system! To be honest, nothing about competing in pageants is downright simple!

Before you walk on stage a contestant must find a pageant gown. This process can be a little daunting as there are so many gowns to chose from. My rule of thumb is to choose a dress that flatters your body and personality.  Also, it is important to consider your age when choosing a dress. If you are competing in a Mrs pageant you would want to chose a dress fitted for a married woman verse a Miss or Teen dress.

After watching the Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen pageant this past summer, I believe the Teen division is the most challenging to find a dress. Many Teen titles are for girls 13-17 years of age, and we all know a lot of development and maturity occurs during those 5 years. There is a fine balance between being age appropriate and not in that division.

When choosing a dress and your undergarments, remember that many of times your judges are sitting in the orchestra pit of the theater. Always practice walking in your evening gown (and shoes) to ensure that none of your lady parts are exposed; it's not a good look!

As in the interview, confidence is key to doing well in evening gown. Sure a judge may not prefer your choice in a gown, but if a contestant presents herself with poise, a judge will undeniably score her high.

Have a lovely weekend, and see you Monday!

Michelyn Cynthia

Bump Watch: Week 19

How Far Along:: 19 weeks

Size of Baby:: Miss Kemp is the size of a mango! At my ultra-sound (US) on Monday, the technician stated that she is weighing 12 ounces! Uhm, that is quite larger than what my App says. She noted: "I think she is going to be long!" I then spoke with my sister-in-law who reassured me that all three of my nephews and niece were around 13-14 ounces at 20 week. More importantly, she did not birth giants!

Gender:: It's A Girl!

Stretch Marks:: In the clear thus far!

Sleep:: Getting better at sleeping on my side. I have yet to purchase a pregnancy pillow, using a pillow in between my legs by my knees has met my needs.

Exercise:: I have been doing more CrossFit exercises and not as many treadmill runs these days. I do frequently hop on the treadmill to read a book or peruse my favorite blogs. Have you read my book review for "A Mad, Wicked Folly?" It was the first book for my new series - Beauty Blogger Book Club!

Cravings:: On Monday night, Jason proclaimed that he is being short-handed as the spouse to a pregnant woman. He is anguishing the fact that I do not have major food cravings, lol. He tried to lure me into Dairy Queen, Insomnia Cookies, and Whit's. I was dying laughing because he does not believe he is experiencing "true pregnancy!"

Miss Anything:: Being able to run consistently, for long periods of time/distance.

Symptoms::Discomfort, bloat and always feeling stuffed. Lately, I have been feeling quite heavy, bloaty and just downright full all times of day. I have not had any issues with constipation, but my stomach feels as though it is plugged up and huge/heavy. It has been really uncomfortable.

On Monday, I mentioned this to my doctor at the gym (the appointment only consisted of the US). I really try to not ask my doctor questions when I see her at the box, well since she is there to get a workout in, not to provide medical advice. But on Saturday, I was sharing my feelings with another one of the mommy members, and she urged me to say something to my doctor when I saw her. My doctor asked about my regularity and I explained the above. I recently even Google searched diuretic foods, only to learn that I consume nearly all of the items daily/weekly except for caffeinated beverages. She urged me not to begin caffeinated beverages; and that it is just the fact that my uterus is still pretty small, the baby is growing and its just really a lot taking up valuable real estate in my stomach/uterus region. She assured me that I will begin to get accustomed to the feeling and that it may subside as my uterus grows more.

Belly Button In or Out:: In

Movement:: Yes! And, to my amazement I have been feeling movement for a number of weeks, but was not sure if it was baby movement, hallucinations, or just my uterus growing/expanding. Well, during the US, I was able to confirm that the various "things" that I have been feeling, are indeed Little Miss Kemp moving. When we first started the ultra-sound I told the tech that I believe she is more on my left side, and sure enough, this momma was right!

It was a relief to see the Little Miss Kemp moving and hear her heart beat. I wish there were more ultra-sounds, not just simple doctor visits. I mean I enjoy seeing the doctors, but I would prefer seeing my little girl on the screen! I can't believe that the next time I visually see her again will not be until around week 35! That seems like a very long time, no?

Looking Forward to:: My trip to Tampa, and adjusting the color of my hair. I know you can't discern in this photo, but my hair is red! I must confess that I chose the color, but did not realize it would be so intense.

Eek... I have a hair appointment on Thursday to correct. Now, the hair cut and the placement of the highlights are on point, so I can't blame my hairstylist, it was a bad choice in color that I chose. But, it is only hair and correctable!

On My Mind:I said I would begin investigating/reading about natural vs medicated child birth this month, February, but am not seeing that happening until March. I bought another two mommy books that I am reading this month as well as my February BBBC book, Beautiful Ruins.

Best Moment of the Week:: Ultra-sound appointment on Monday!

Michelyn Cynthia

On Not Being A Planner

Did a quick Google search for tips and tricks on Not Being A Planner... Guess who came up with no applicable queries? I thought Google was the source for all inquiries one should ever ponder, obviously that assumption is not valid.

How does one become less of a planner? I mean let's be honest, a planner cannot truly stop planning all together. So, how does one lessen this tendency?

Oh, did you think I had the answer to this question?

Yea, I think not, hence the reason why I did a Google search. Oh, and just so you know, I too looked on Pinterest :)

All kidding aside, I am working on becoming less of a planner; while, Coach is strengthening and honing his skills and abilities in these areas. Too bad we can't just switch brains because this whole post would be irrelevant.

In my opinion, a planner can't simply stop planning, but they can control the amount of planning and how far out. My new rules in life is to only think and plan out things 3-4 months ahead. You may think that is still far ahead, but for a person who typically likes to think 6months - 1 year; I am making strides.

What do you think of this idea?

I too have been trying to think of several, positive foreseeable options as part of my plan. I figure this will ease/subdue some of my anxiety when things do not pan out exactly as I desire. 

Lastly, at times you just have to let go and let God!

Question of the Day: What tips do you have for easing up with my tendency to plan?

Michelyn Cynthia

MAC Mania Week 13

Now that the Super Bowl has come and gone, it appears that everyone's attention will now be on basketball, collegiate and professional. I must admit, I love this time of year. As we near March Madness, Spring, and then a little reprieve from the basketball season!

I know, I am looking way far ahead with the reprieve but some of our MAC teams are doing stellar, while others... not so much! It will be interesting to see how things shake up with this second half of conference play. Will our leaders remain ahead or will an under-dog make a run for the title?

I am hoping for an under-dog just because those make better Cinderella Stories! And who does not enjoy those under-rated teams and conferences that make a true splash during the ever exciting quest for the national title!

WEST		EAST
University	Record	University	Record
Ball State	7-12	Akron	16-6
Central Michigan	16-4	Bowling Green	14-6
Eastern Michigan	14-7	Buffalo	15-6
Northern Illinois	9-11	Kent State	15-6
Toledo	14-8	Miami	8-14
Western Michigan	12-8	Ohio	8-12

* Includes Exhibition game

Week1     Week 6     Week 11
Week 2    Week 7     Week 12
Week 3    Week 8
Week 4    Week 9
Week 5    Week 10

Michelyn Cynthia

BBBC: A Mad, Wicked Folly

It is the first of the month which means only one thing - Beauty Blogger Book Club (BBBC) January Review!

 

 Oh boy, now I may be slightly biased since I picked the first book in this new series, Beauty Blogger Book Club, but "A Mad, Wicked Folly" did not disappoint. Honestly, I read this book in 3 days!

Welcome to the world of the fabulously wealthy in London, 1909, where dresses and houses are overwhelmingly opulent, social class means everything, and women are taught to be nothing more than wives and mothers. Into this world comes seventeen-year-old Victoria Darling, who wants only to be an artist—a nearly impossible dream for a girl.

After Vicky poses nude for her illicit art class, she is expelled from her French finishing school. Shamed and scandalized, her parents try to marry her off to the wealthy Edmund Carrick-Humphrey. But Vicky has other things on her mind: her clandestine application to the Royal College of Art; her participation in the suffragette movement; and her growing attraction to a working-class boy who may be her muse—or may be the love of her life. As the world of debutante balls, corsets, and high society obligations closes in around her, Vicky must figure out: just how much is she willing to sacrifice to pursue her dreams?

I adored every single moment and page of this book! If you enjoy historical pieces or even smitten with Downton Abbey, then this is a book for you!

Vicky Darling, the protagonist in this story, embodies so many fabulous qualities - drive, determination, and a touch of naivety - that has you squirming in anguish for her given the times.  As the summary above states, Miss Darling gets thrown out of boarding school for posing nude in an all-male art class she's not supposed to be a part of. Her parents swiftly bring her back home, only to marry her off which is not part of her life plans. Miss Darling has desires to enroll in art school in hopes of becoming a famous artist, not merely a wife! Oh, and this is where the plot thickens because she falls in love with a working-class male and even joins the suffragettes, aka the female protestors endeavoring to win the right to vote.

I feel like I have spilled the beans about this story, but honestly have not. Obviously, I loved this book! Ending I will share that Miss Darling does claim her independence, by not marrying her parents' chosen husband and confessing her love for the commoner! Now, did she ever get into the art school?

Read the book to find out!

Now, go on and head on over the the other Members' blogs to see what they thought about the book!

Ashley - If You Give A Girl A Ring

Heather - Love To Be Busy

Jennifer - All Dressed Up in Love

For the month of February we are reading "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walters. This book was chosen by Ashley

If you are a blogger, and are interested in joining our book club, please Contact Me to learn more. If you do not write a blog that is ok, because you can still join in on the fun!

Each month, one of the Beauty Blogger Book Club (BBBC) members will choose a book for the Club to read. At the beginning of the following month, we each write a book report/summary for our readers to enjoy and share the book for the following month!

Question of the Day: What did you think of "A Mad, Wicked Folly?"


Michelyn Cynthia