Honestly, I miss it.
Why don’t I compete again, then? Go back to Nationals? There are a lot of reasons. I love the USofA MI family, but because of the date for Nationals and my work schedule, I’ll never be able to get to OKC. Stupid blackout period. January through March is a no-go as far as taking time off. Then there’s the whole money/responsibility thing. I’m not as free-wheeling as I used to be. I have an amazing family at home, and they are my priority. My paychecks are to make sure they have everything they need to be happy. The expense that comes with a pageant, especially one I have to travel to, is high and finding sponsors isn’t easy out here. And then there’s me. *I* am a factor when it comes to competing. I know I’m a good entertainer. I try to learn and to grow every time I get on stage. However, after being away from big pageants for so long one may have a tendency to doubt one’s abilities, especially in comparison the others who are competing. Because of the serious decline in quality of kings and performing lately, it makes me question whether I may be slipping too.
So that’s why I don’t compete these days. I would like to win at least one more title before I decide to retire; go out with a bang, as it were. But it’s just not that easy. So instead, I’m thinking I’d like to travel and just perform a little more. I am a title holder, after all. I have performed in quite a few different venues around the country, and people seem to like me wherever I’ve gone. I’d say those are pretty good selling points, no? A little while ago I created a promo video. Maybe it’ll be the spark that lights the flame. My family still comes first, but it would be nice to get a few more out-of-state venues under my belt in the next year or so. That way, I can still get out there, meet new people, reconnect with people I met years ago, and continue to learn from others in my craft, without the stress of a pageant looming over me. With luck, it’ll actually happen…
So good luck to everyone out there competing! I’m with you in spirit.
And in case a promoter, show director or some other entertainment guru happens to read this, here's my promo video! Tell your friends. :)