I can't believe it's been over a week since the day of the event.

Since everything still has been so hectic, I didn't get to update everyone on the big day until now.

As I watched everyone practice their walks and straighten the routines during rehearsal, I finally realized it's here. It's actually...here. The room was smaller than I had expected and the stage was shorter and close to the crowd. Nerve wracking to say the least.

But in fear, I found a friend. The girls and I have all become sisters but often in friendships, you connect with someone specific on a deeper level.

Trisa and I were there for each other every step of the way. She was backstage telling me I did well even though I knew that was such an overstatement. It's okay, I didn't mind sucking :]. She kept telling me she was so glad she joined this pageant and met me.

And I said a couple of cheesy things back as I often do, but that's beside the point.

It was all so unreal it seemed. This event that I have never wanted to do growing up and was against it as I watched the same girls walk the stage every year in hopes of being crowned on television.

I swore to myself I would never be the next Miss South Carolina...

But man, it is hard being on stage. All these faces glaring at you, either hoping you will make it or break it. These judges talk normal but their voices seem so quiet and spoke so fast. You suddenly feel dyslexic when none of the words on the screen makes sense anymore.

Yeah. Like that.

I suddenly started to sympathize with poor Miss South Carolina. Imagine if I was on YouTube because of my terrible answer for the Q&A.

Nonetheless, behind the chaos lied so many girls that were only there for each other, not for the crown. We all wanted to be back stage cheering on every one else, seeing everyone shine as they presented their talents.

That's all. That's all we wanted.

And we got it.

Congratulations to the girls, they all deserved their honors.

I don't have a doubt this pageant will be bigger and better next year, as long as they don't announce the wrong name again.

Rowr...or not?

Wow! Tomorrow is the big day. The day of decisions. The day of answers. THE DAY OF...uncomfortable shoes and fear of tripping in front of everyone.

Nonetheless, It has been an endless experience. An endless, amazing experience.

Saturday (May 24) was the pageant sleepover. After some crafts and an intense game of charades, I fell in love with the girls I once dreaded.

They're all so full of life. Full of a zest for friendship, for new relationships.

Most of the girls are a couple of years older than I am; it is amazing how far only a couple of years go.

They have become my sisters. Ones who warn me about relationships, about finals, about doing things early.

Tonight (May 30) were the preliminary interviews. The longest and shortest three minutes of my life. It was chaos. Chaos trying to get everyone to stop after three minutes. Trying to yell over so many other girls laughing loudly with their competition.

It was like a jungle, but not so much the one with all the violence. It was loud, chaotic, but everyone belonged together. Like a family. One big, girly family.

The judges reacted with great responses and were immensely impressed with everyone.

The committee shed some tears and a great big group hug was captured by camera.

The jungle yells ended with tons of other group pictures.

After the big feast, cries for ceases, and more loud yells from this jungle, the night ended.

No rowr.

Pageant.

When I heard pageant, I automatically wanted to refuse.

I was never a pageant kind of girl. I can barely wake up in the morning and get a shower in because I'd rather sleep than look pretty, let alone handle dealing with all this other chaos.

Hair?! Makeup?! COMPETITION? No. No no no no, not for me.

But I have to admit, inside I wanted to seek the experience. I wanted to see what it would be like to be involved in a "pageant". Maybe...just maybe it will be okay?

After talking to some others, I decided I would do it.

Hoping for the best.