HaysDays

"Hello, my name is Heather. And I am a pageant junkie!"
I may as well confess "Pageant Night" means cheers and tears as I nervously watch the competition go from dozens wanting the crown to just one who wears the crown (and, no, Martucci, I don't wear my Miss Hawaii USA crown while I watch!!).

Last night's Miss Universe Pageant exploded with glitz and glamour - as well as all the gossip you could carry from Queer Eye's Carson Kressley and former Miss USA Shani Finnessey. Cecily (Jeff's daughter) and I scored the contestants... while Jeff patiently waited for the swimsuit competition - then left the room to watch boxing. :)

I know there are some anti-pageant people out there - those who roll their eyes at the idea of women competing for a rhinestone crown (btw - the Miss Universe crown is worth $250,000) - but before you try to tarnish the tiara, just remember, the Miss America Organization is the world's largest provider of scholarships to women across the country.

As I watched Miss Universe, I flashed back to my 4 weeks at the Miss USA pageant (circa 1992!) - and I have great memories... OK, sure, I lost. But one of my best friends beat me (Miss California, Shannon Marketic - who totally deserved to win!). And yes, my roommate wasn't all that nice to me. In fact, I overheard her on the phone one night whispering, "You should see her thighs..." UGH... and yes, someone stole my state costume and hid it under the main stage. But some Kansas State Troopers found it just in time for me to get it on for Preliminary Award Night. That's when my name was called as the State Costume winner! I couldn't believe it! I should have listened to that instinct. Seconds after heard my name, I heard "Oppss. We're sorry. You were second place." Maybe my costume should have stayed under that stage after all.

So after all that, why am I a pageant junkie? Because I am a Texan - and that's what Texas girls do! And because I am an aging beauty queen who still loves the thrill of victory (and wants to forget the agony of defeat!!). Check out the photo of me with the really big Texas hair that I still had when I lived in Hawaii - and won Miss Hawaii USA! :)

And, of course, Congrats to the beautiful Miss Puerto Rico who won Miss Universe yesterday - she has a brilliant future ahead of her!