It's almost here: reflections & sponsor love

The last month has been another whirlwind adventure, and in 48 hours I'll be finishing the first day of Miss Delaware week.  After Kayla Martell won in 2010, all I wanted to do was be back on that stage.  I didn't think it would take me three more years to accomplish that goal.  It's been a crazy ride, but I'm so glad that God's plans are better than mine.  He brings all things together in His time, for His reasons, and in His way.  I'm so thankful that He gave me the second chance that I didn't think was possible.  Like most people, I don't want to live a life of regret.  This time I know how hard I've worked, how much I've grown, and no matter who walks away with a crown next week, I am the best version of myself that I have ever been.  Looking back on this year, it's been incredible to see God bring the right people into my life at the perfect time.  As most of you know, it took me quite a few locals for me to qualify for Miss Delaware.  Through that process I got to reconnect with an old friend, Tracy Friswell-Jacobs (of Delaware Arts Conservatory in Bear), who not only choreographed the routine I'm performing next week, but gave me free lessons to brush up after so long.  Julie Donohue not only took amazing headshots for me, but got her husband's gym (Delaware Barbell Club) to sponsor me.  They've become great friends, and I can truly say that I'm in the best shape of my life after losing 22 lbs this past year.  Elayne James Salon and Spa in Middletown has also been a complete blessing, and Faith is the most talented colorist I've ever met.  Laura and Brooke-you both mean more to me than I can express.  Thank you for helping me see myself clearly.  Marisa and Melissa-Thank you so much for being such wonderful directors.  We've had some crazy adventures, but you are both a wonderful example of women who have grown through the Miss America Organization.

If you've made it this far, can you do me a favor?  If you have my phone number, send me text messages with happy thoughts, post on my Facebook wall, email, etc.  But most of all pray that I keep my mind in the right place and that God would give me the words to speak, because without Him I am truly nothing.  Thank you all for being a part of this journey with me.

Love,
Janemarie

What a difference one year can make

It's hard to believe that I graduated from college exactly one year ago!  My life is more different than I could have ever imagined.  I'm extremely thankful for all of the opportunities and challenges that have brought me to where I am right now.

It's been a while since I've posted; so much has happened!

For starters, I turned 23 last month :)  I spent the day with Amanda and C.J. in NYC...I won't go into too many details, but it was a very interesting day, but I'm so glad I got to spend it with two of my favorite people. <3 p="">

My daddy and brother also had their birthdays last month! It has been a very busy time for the Covels :D

I also participated in the Glamour Girls Spring Fling event organized by the wonderful Shawna Wainwright.  We spent a fun day hanging out with little princesses, and also walking in a fashion show to benefit Children's Miracle Network.

This was my little princess Colleen.

On the 22nd Stef Bailey, Miss New Castle County, Tanee DeCosta, Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen, and I all visited A.I. DuPont Children's hospital.  We all had a great time with the kids making crafts, playing Uno, and taking lots of fun photos!  It was so obvious that the staff really cares about the children, and it was a privilege to be there.

This is Lauren.  She is an aspiring model.

Walgreen's was also generous enough to let me raise money for Children's Miracle Network with them again.  Thanks to their generosity I was able to raise $152 in just a couple of hours.  I am continually overwhelmed by the kindness of the people in our community.

Later that week I spent the day in Milford at the Bug & Bud festival raising money for the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization with Mamma K.  I met a lot of princes, princesses and puppies during the day, and even got a little shopping in. :)

On Friday I was back in Milford at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School.  I got to talk with over 100 3rd grade students about the importance of education.  They had so many questions and were so much fun to speak with.  Miss Sandy, thank you so much for having me!

Sorry this one was super long!  That should be motivation for me to post more often.  :)

Less than two months until Miss Delaware, and I appreciate all of the love and support that I've found in some unexpected places. 

Be happy and Blessed,

Janemarie

1 Month In

It's been a ridiculously busy month as I've been adjusting to being Miss Brandywine.  I got to witness the remaining four ladies win their title, and I even helped host for the first time. It was great to catch up with my dance teacher, Miss Jill, who was one of the fabulous judges. :)

I was also honored to attend the Reece's Rainbow fundraiser hosted by the wonderful Morgan Burris.  She is a wonderful example of how to use the crown to make people's lives better.  Speaking of outstanding teens, congratulations to Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen 2013, Tanee DeCosta!

Last Monday I spent the evening at the University of Delaware selling raffle tickets to support the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.  It was amazing to network with area professionals and to spend some quality time with Miss Tri County and Miss Hockessin.  We even got to meet Daymond John from Shark Tank!  It was a great reminder of what can happen if you give it your all to follow your dreams.

Last Friday I walked in my first fashion show modeling for Morgan's in Wilmington.  It was a benefit  for Mom's House which supports single parents and encourage's education.  For more information you can visit:
http://www.momshouse.org/wilmington.html

Other than that I've been very busy working on a new talent routine, and I even ordered my evening gown.  Less than 100 days to go, and I'm loving every minute. :)

Love,
Janemarie

About Time

So much has happened over the past few months.  I'll try to do a quick recap:


In December I lost my mind putting together the Hunger Games dance production with some of my favorite people on the planet.  It was the first time I'd done a show almost completely on my own, including choreographing and teaching fourteen dances.  I don't think I've ever been so proud of a group of ladies in my life.  Thank you for making my crazy dreams into a beautiful reality.

With the new year a decrease of time with what seemed like either a pageant or an important birthday every week.

*Happy birthday to Ryleigh, Maryann, and C.J.*

I'm also taking a break from teaching for a while.  This was incredibly difficult for me because as much as I love my students and what I do, I know that I need to take some time to focus on achieving some of my immediate goals.

Saturday Miss Ryleigh Kutcher won a gold medal at her first tap solo competition!  I feel like a proud mama.  This girl is like my little sister and I absolutely love her to death.

On another note I felt like I was constantly baking this month...you know, in my free time. The office has also  put me in charge of organizing "food days."  There is one tomorrow...this is probably not a good way to begin my Miss Delaware training ;)

Maryann's Birthday Cake

And It seems like everyone in the world already knows, but after three years I am finally headed back to the Miss Delaware stage!  What a long season it's been already, but I've been so blessed along the way with people who believed in me when I couldn't.  I was overwhelmed with the amount of love and support I received at Miss Brandywine last night, and then continue to get on my phone, email, and facebook.  If you are one of those people, thank you.  It truly means the world to me.  

I'm sure there will be many new adventures in the months to come.  Thanks for taking the journey with me. 

Love,

Janemarie Covel

Miss Brandywine 2013

Big girls don't cry

Hi everyone!
  It's been a while since I've posted, but it feels like every spare minute was being used for something important this past month.  This will be week six at the new job (bank holiday today though yay!) and I love it so far.  Last Tuesday I passed my boards and officially earned my lending authority (basically I get to keep my job) so there's a little less stress in my life.

I also competed in the Miss Sussex County pageant on Saturday.  Always a ton of fun, but I'm definitely sore now.  Congrats to Sarah Timmons for taking home the title :)  Also Steph Bailey apparently rocked it at Miss New Castle County last night (*proudmommy*lol).

The roomie and I also went out and bought a treadmill last week...from the display...and tried to get it home in a Prius...needless to say we ended up calling someone with a truck and finally talked my brother into setting it up for us last night.  Gonna go get my run on :)

Love,
Janemarie

p.s. if you'd like to help Children's Miracle Network and also help me get back to Miss Delaware you can check out the link below :)

http://missamericaforkids.org/donate/janemariecovel

Taking a Break

You see, my immune system has this funny thing it does when I have a TON of things to do in a row...it shuts down. I'm really trying to feel well for my first day of work on Tuesday.  So far the soup, tea, orange juice, water, and nap seem to be helping, but prayers would be appreciated :)

On another note Kaitlyn's wedding was beautiful yesterday, and I am very honored to have been a part of it.  She's now in Florida on her Disney honeymoon, lucky duck.  I was talking to her cousin Lauren (another bridesmaid) yesterday and we were talking about the power of words of affirmation.  And it's not that we don't know that people love us, but if we aren't reminded it's easy for doubts to creep in.  I realized during church today that it's the same with a relationship with God except that we have His Word of affirmation and access to it every day.  If I took advantage of that more often, there wouldn't be room for the uncertainty that can plague our minds.

Okay, back to work!

Peace & Love,
Janemarie

Belated

I've been meaning to post for about a week and a half now, and somehow time always seems to escape me.

I wanted to thank all of my amazingly talented friends who performed at the Children's Miracle Network Cabaret.  I've heard from people who heard from people about how fabulous you all were :).  Also, we were honored to have not only Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen, Morgan Burris, but also Miss Delaware, Alyssa Murray (happy birthday by the way), in attendance.  Also a big thanks to Premier Centre for the Arts for letting me use the facility, and to Jeffrey Smith for being the best tech guy ever!  Renee also blogged about this event, and she even got some pictures (unlike me-sadness).  You can check it out here: http://missatlanticcoast.blogspot.com/2012/09/weekend-fun.html

This next week and a half is going to be crazy, so if you think about it, pray I survive!
One of my best friends is getting married this weekend.  Bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, wedding.
My other best friend's birthday. :)
I start my first full time job on Tuesday!
A good friend is coming home from college Friday or Saturday ;)
Wizard of Oz at the Everett in Middletown (choreographer) opens Friday.
Miss Capital on Sunday.

October's going to be a whirlwind, but I've been trying to take the past month to prepare myself for all of the insanity to come.

Take some time to breathe, eat something pumpkiny, and appreciate the beautiful fall weather as much as possible this month!

Love,
Janemarie