Miss Vermont

Anyone else grow up dreading gym class?

Anyone else realize somewhere around the end of high school beginning of college that you really need to start hitting the gym without looking like a newborn?

Well, same. But now the gym is one of my favorite places to be, and I teach 4 or more Pure Barre classes a week. So, in an effort to share with you guys how I got over my hatred of the gym, I’ve got these little nuggets of knowledge for you.

1. Pick a gym that ~feels good~ to you.

Really though, you want to join somewhere that has a culture that you can mesh with. If one chain gym doesn’t feel like your gym, try another one. Or try smaller privately owned gyms. Trust me, you’ve got options.

2. Get the grand tour.

Knowing where all the rooms are (yup, I’ve been to one with a cardio room,) and where each machine is, and the locker rooms, and the towels - all that good stuff - will make getting in, and getting settled, in a gym way easier.

3. Know what you’re doing - and if you don’t ASK!

One of the hardest things about going to a new gym is feeling like you don’t know what you’re doing, especially when it looks like everyone else does. Well the good news is, every gym (well, I never heard of one that doesn’t) has someone on staff that would love to help you learn about how certain things work. They want you to be able to utilize the best parts of the gym, and make your membership work for you - so don’t be shy to ask!

4. Have a plan.

Walking in to a workout with no idea what you’ll be working, or how you’ll be doing it is a quick way to guarantee you won’t be having a great workout. Whether you get a detailed workout plan from a trainer, or know that you run on Tuesdays, lift on Wednesdays etc. - make a plan, crush a workout.

5. Relax.

Confidence is tricky, isn’t it?

We spend time cultivating it, nurturing it, holding on to it - but it sometimes it doesn’t take much at all to wash it away. 

That doesn’t change whether you’re a 14 year-old girl, or a 24 year-old girl. Whether you hold a state title, or you have never stepped foot on stage. Confidence, like many things, comes in an ebb and flow.

If you want to know though, I think there a few tricks to trying to keep your confidence up - especially when it’s most difficult.

1. Speak kindly to yourself. Cheer yourself on. You can be your own biggest proponent of confidence, but you’ve got to sing your own praises loud and clear.

2. Know when to cut yourself some slack. Being aware that when you aren’t feeling confident, that you ought to be less hard on yourself is important. Your own criticisms may force that confidence that you’re working so hard to build, to wane.

3. Accept compliments. There are plenty of good, kind, complimentary people in this world. Instead of diminishing your own positive qualities with self-deprecation, or brushing compliments aside, try saying, “Oh, thank you. I really appreciate that.” Or even, “Thanks for noticing, I’m working really hard on XYZ.” It’s okay to let other people recognize your success and to let that boost your confidence.

4. Finally, take no prisoners on your path to confidence - by which I simply mean, ditch anyone that seeks to tear you down, or make you feel less than. Anyone that is making you feel unsure, unhappy, or unconfident doesn’t belong in your life. And it’s okay to say so.

Okay, unless you've been casually hibernating in the last week and half, you've probably seen that I've been busy with big things. I mean, Miss America big.

Right, so last weekly update, I mentioned that I was headed to South Carolina, and then bouncing over to D.C. for Miss America Orientation. Well that's exactly what I did - but it was so much more than I could have ever anticipated.

Let's start with going to Greenville. You guys. What a dream, I'm not kidding, I probably said three dozen times how much I loved it, how I wanted to move there, and on and on.

Southern hospitality is alive and well, and Greenville will be the first to show you. Every where we went, everyone we talked to was so incredibly kind, complimentary, and genuinely interested in why we were visiting Greenville, and how we liked it, and where we were from. (I say we, because I had a stellar traveling companion who genuinely made this trip 45,000 times better.)

The food...oh, the food. First of all, shouts to Katie for her perfectly on point recommendations. From BBQ, to brunch, to the best cake I've ever had in my life - she helped us find all sorts of places we might have otherwise missed. Hi Katie, do you read this? Probably not, that's cool. But huge thanks.

The weather...if you've been to South Carolina, you know about the weather. I have been before, many times. In fact my first plane ride, at six weeks old, was to Myrtle Beach. I continued trips down there, sometimes twice a year, for the next 14 years - so I'm good with the unreal heat and humidity. And y'all, it filled my soul. I'm not kidding, it was 100° out with, I don't know, maybe 80% humidity, and I could not have been happier. Even walking out of Belk (which, wait, Belk guys, has a huge Lilly section and I nearly cried when I saw it) out of the blasting A.C. and into July in the South, I was absolutely live.ing.

Finally, why were we really there? To work with Gregory Ellenburg. The Gregory Ellenburg, and his beyond sweet assistant Rachel, and team of amazing seamstresses. See, some years ago Greg met Miss Vermont 2009 and generously offered to sponsor her evening gown for Miss America. And by the grace of God, and a man with a big heart, he has continued this honorable sponsorship ever since.

If you haven't met Greg, but you know someone who has, all they can say is how amazing he is. How kind he is. How wonderful it is to work with him. How he truly makes you feel like you are Miss America.

It's true. It's all true.

And when I left South Carolina last Sunday, I left with a full heart, thanks to Greg, Rachel, and everyone at Gregory Ellenburg. I left prepared not only to take on orientation with confidence and gusto, but to continue on this journey to Miss America with as much vigor as I had when I went into Miss Vermont week this year.

Well, then it was off to D.C.! Now, this is a place I have been only in terms of flight layovers, which, not ideal. I'm also all about historical landmarks, memorials, museums, and tours. I eat that stuff up. To say then that I was excited to finally get to spend quality time in our nation's capital might have been an understatement.

Even better? I was about to do it with 51 new Miss America sisters.

Also...fun fact about me I pretty much wear every emotion right on my face. Not really new information. But I was feeling frustrated the morning of flying to D.C. - for dumb reasons that mostly end with I was overreacting. Let me tell you though, so many people sent me wonderfully encouraging and kind texts, and snaps, and various messages, that by the time we landed I was downright pumped to hit the ground running.

Which we did.

Quick breakdown via pictures because these few days were legitimately so packed that I can only keep track of them when I look at the pictures in order.

Night One: Dinner at L'Hommage, delirious and excited.

Day Two: Arlington National Cemetery, smiling oddly largely following a massively humbling and emotional ceremony at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Day Two, Afternoon: National Harbor, warmly welcomed with this sign, followed by a slightly terrifying ride on the Capital Wheel. Then, lunch at Rosa Mexicana - hands down the best guac...and amazing enchiladas...and aggressively delicious churros.

Day Two, Late Afternoon: Post-brand-new-barre-style-class, which had us all saying, I'm sweating off my makeup! Which is legitimately only a concern when you have five minutes to get camera ready.

Day Two, Evening: Dinner at RPM - the new restaurant by Giuliana and Bill Rancic. And I don't want to be weird, but guys, she lol'd at my tweet. So basically I'll be on the red carpet this year for the Oscars with G. This evening, dinner was followed by an experience that is really like no other. Together we went to the Lincoln Memorial, and on the steps, in the clear night, we read the Gettysburg Address.

Day Three, Morning: White. House. The White House. I died, went to Heaven, came back, fainted, and then went on a tour of The White House. Where I met the first dogs. And went behind the ropes.

Day Three, Lunch: Fig & Olive was exactly as cute and delicious as it sounds. And I have nothing more to say except that I'll never eat another piece of fish so amazing in my life.

Day Three, Afternoon: I'm sorry, but have you ever asked yourself what it would be like to get a private tour of the United States Capital building by an intern who works for the Speaker of the House, after you step out on to said Speaker's personal balcony and take a breath of freedom and unity? Because I did. Just before all that happened, and yeah, it is as bizarrely amazing as you would think.

Day Three, Later Afternoon: A brief moment of peace while I waited for Representative Peter Welch to cast his vote on the House floor, charge my phone, rest my tired toes...oh, and officially take part in my first active shooter lockdown while in a federal building. And then...listen to Senator John McCain speak to our class, and die laughing, because you guys? He's so funny.

Day Three, Evening: Dinner was eaten in flat shoes, with big laughs, at Carmine's. Which everyone told us was so good. (They were right.)

Day Four, Actually Orientation: We had the privilege to hear from Miss America, Betty Cantrell; Executive Chairman and CEO, Sam Haskell; Chairwoman of the Board, Lynn Weidner; VP of Field Operations, Marc Angeli; Producers, Tony and Lauren Eaton; COO, Josh Randle; and Board Member, Dan Meyers. We also had the privilege of being freezing cold, but that's kind of our fault for wearing dresses in a hotel conference room.

Day Four, Lunch: The much-anticipated Joseph Ribkoff lunch, where we receive our special Parade of States, opening number dresses. And say our goodbyes, well, until Orlando in two weeks.

Day Four, Evening: I took a deep breath, packed my things, and went for a run around the city. I needed that time to be just Rylee after being exclusively Miss Vermont for almost nine days. And it was perfect. I saw things that we had seen as a class, and things we hadn't. I visited memorials on my own, stopped and took pictures without rushing to stay in line. And I just...ran.

I could not have asked for a better first experience with this class of new sisters. D.C. was exactly where we should have been - and I honestly cannot wait to hear what next year's class thinks of it. That's how much I loved it.

When I first started on this wild journey, I knew that summer was going to bring an onslaught of adventures. Guys, these last two weeks were no exception.

Week Five:

Is it getting old to say I'm incredibly busy but having the time of my life? Hope not.

This week I attended the Catamount Ultra Marathon, which was at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. Now, I've been part of a handful of races, and I've run some 5ks. But I have never witnessed anything like this. First of all, this is an ultra marathon. That means it's a 50k. Fifty.

This was a true example of what it means to persevere, and really, how to maintain a level of unreal endurance while you run through the mountain trails. Needless to say I was super impressed by all of the participants. And, I'll admit, inspired to give it a shot. Though, maybe not until June of '18.

The rest of the week has been "normal." Which of course just means I spent it working my tail off. Between work, Pure Barre, and Miss America prep - normal is just a new word for "still busy as all get out, but it's fine because this is awesome."

Week Six:

Forth of July week! Yaass.

I have been unsubtly extremely excited for this weekend since my crowning, because to put it simply, I love the 3rd in Montpelier. And yes, it is the 3rd.

Starting off this week with - what will hands down be one of the coolest things I've ever done - Vermont Day at Fenway. Truly this was an amazing experience* for which I had no preconceived ideas, and that really did make it all the better. *Read with jazz hands.

From arriving at Fenway and being swept away - being able to check out left field from under the stadium, to meeting everyone that came to represent Vermont, to walking down to home plate, to standing on the field with all of the mascots welcoming each guest to the game, to taking a whole half hour to get to our seats simply because I had to stop every few seconds to take photos, to loving every minute of a game that was actually really horrible.

I cannot say enough good things about the kindness and hospitality of the Fenway staff, and every single person that said, "What?! Miss Vermont?! Can I get a picture?"

I also went a little crazy at In The Pink, but who's surprised?

The next morning we hiked back up to Montpelier for the 3rd of July parade. My board will tell you, this is the first appearance I requested following my crowning. This is how I spotted my first Miss Vermont. This is how I spent my 3rd of July every year as a kid - watching the parade from somewhere on State. Waving, and grabbing candy, and seeing everyone and their mama.

Of course it was nothing short of amazing, and tradition-filled, and yeah, a favorite.

Which isn't to say the next day - the 4th - was not equally awesome. I was invited to the Stowe Independence Day celebration, to which I had never been, and holy moly - that was amazing. See, following the parade I had a tent amongst the rest of the vendors. And I got to meet dozens of kids, and parents, and just local Vermonters. It absolutely the best way to blow through a stack of my shiny new autograph cards.

So, what's next?

Ooooh you guys, so much. I'm headed to South Carolina tomorrow morning to meet the infamous Gregory Ellenburg who has so generously sponsored an evening gown for Miss Vermont, since our sweet 2009 met him in Orlando. I am beside myself excited. To meet Greg, to create something amazing to be worn on the Miss America stage, to be in the sweltering heat, and to eat Chick-fil-A.

Yes, I was slacking. But no fear because I actually wrote these separately, and you just get a twofer. Enjoy, y'all!

Week Three:

By coincidence and blessing this week has been relatively "normal." Well, what I would have considered normal about a month ago, anyways. Lots of work, and lots of Pure Barre, and lots of emails, and paperwork, and settling into this craze-mazing new rhythm of life that I am in.

I keep saying that as blessed as I feel to have this job, it is so much. There is constantly so much that I feel like I need to say, and do, and finish, and catch-up on. This is has been a perfect week for that.

A very quick run-down:

I threw a first pitch for the Montpelier NECBL team, The Mountaineers. Which is a huge part of the Montpelier summer experience. And the GM happens to be my former middle school and high school gym teacher. You guys, just about everyone had some very clear - and low - expectations of how that pitch was going to go.

Plot twist, I crushed it. I'm not kidding. I practiced in my parent's backyard for all of about 15 minutes, and went down to the field. I was understandably nervous, even though the crowd was small, even though I knew I could walk as close as I wanted to the catcher.

But nope, I got out there and stood at the end of the pitchers mound (so, no, it was a true pitch, but still,) and I just...threw the ball. All the little tips that everyone had given me in the few days beforehand swimming in my mind apparently helped. Because I made it to the catcher, and y'all, he barely even moved his mitt. I really thought we might get in to a leaping/reaching situation, but nope.

Truthfully, it felt awesome.

Then, the next day - a coveted day off - I sat down with a wonderful board member and tackled the mountain of Miss America paperwork. While it felt so good to get that all done, truly the best part was the drive to and from her home. There is nothing like a beautiful June day, and sunset, to give you some Vermonty feelings.

Week Four:

Starting with a bang - or really, a quadruple appearance weekend.

I began bright and early Saturday morning with a trip to the waterfront to help with The Run for Empowerment, put on by Women Helping Battered Women. This was such an awesome event that really spoke to the power of the Burlington community, and their support of women in Vermont.

Then it was off to North Hero! This past weekend was the LCI Father's Day Fishing Derby, and Alex and I were so lucky to be able to stop at two weigh stations for the derby. Unsurprisingly it was a gorgeous drive out to North Hero, where we saw a lot  of impressive catches come in.

Sunday, was another double-header. This time we started with the Mopar Magic Car Show at Foster Motors. Foster's is an incredibly generous fuel sponsor this year, so I could not have been happier to meet the people that are helping me travel this state. And we met a former Miss Vermont Princess, and even a few future princesses!

After seeing a lot of cars, a monster truck show, and taking a ton of pictures, we were off to the lake again. This time it was to Charlotte, and the LCI weigh station out there. Yet again, we met some outstandingly kind Vermonters, and while the heat kept the station itself pretty slow it meant we had plenty of time to chat with each of the people that stopped by.

The next few days I spent visiting the wonderful volunteers and sponsors that we have this year. I met with a mock interview panel, our dental sponsor, and our fitness sponsor. (I even met a 92 year-old former Miss Ohio when I visited a senior living community on Wednesday afternoon! Separate, but still. Guys.)

Tonight it's one more derby stop, we are lucky enough to be invited to the awards banquet, where I'm sure we'll be on raffle ticket duty!

Don't forget though, add me on Snapchat to follow along this Saturday! I'll be showing you what it's like to live a day as Miss Vermont starting from sunrise to sunset.

You guys I think week two was just as busy as week one. I say I think because in reality the days are starting to blend together. I can still mentally separate each appearance, but for instance I thought Tuesday was Friday this week, and well, that was confusing.

Here's the deal, it was another full week of appearances.

We went to Brattleboro where we met a fake Kevin Bacon, watched other people stroll heifers, and spent the afternoon racing goats. I also ate most of a pizza, a bag of the most amazing kettle corn, and an unreal ice cream cone.

Then the very next morning I was out in the pouring rain to support the bikers and walkers of the Lund Annual Ride & Walk. I did spend most of the day being the only one that was happy it wasn't sunny and hot, after a week of other sweltering appearances. And since we're keeping a tally I had two burritos and ice cream here as well. From there I skipped on over to my very first Miss America Prep Team meeting, which probably doesn't sound like it involved chips and salsa, but it did.

Day three was a very full day of work, followed by a photoshoot. Which was wildly fun, and also involved eating. And playing music from the Zootopia soundtrack, because why not?

Then in was a triple-header (is that a thing?) I taught my A.M. Pure Barre classes, spent the day at The Hotel, and then started down towards Chittenden, Vermont. Which by the way, considering it was supposed to be a total wash, that drive was unimaginably gorgeous. While I was there I stayed in the most amazing house, and attended the Vermont Retailers & Grocers Association dinner and golf tournament. Talk about nice people, guys. Even though I stuck out like a sore thumb in that crowd, they could not have been more welcoming.

That was a two-parter, really, and I followed it up with another golf tournament. This time in Essex, and it was to benefit the Rotary Club of Essex. Rotarians all over Vermont are huge supporters of the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization, and I love to meet more and more of them every where I go.

Finally, we're closing this week with one more triple-header. But this time it's weddings. That's right, three weddings in three days this weekend. And then it's off and running next week with another packed schedule.

I decided that I'd be doing a week by week review of Miss Vermont, for two reasons, one to keep track of all the amazing things that are happening, and two, to keep everyone else up to date as I'm already falling behind on the amazingly kind text messages to which I need to respond.

This last week has been - in every regard - a whirlwind. In the best possible way I have been completely swamped. I'm constantly answering emails, Facebook messages, texts, and keeping up with Instagram and Twitter. Again, it's awesome. I love it. But this is the first time that I've been able to take a second and mentally review it.

So, a quick run down of the last seven days.

I've been in two parades, soon to be three. I've been to one marathon. I've done one photoshoot, two TV interviews, and one radio interview (check out the podcast right here.) I've put more than 400 miles on my car already. I housed two bagels, three pieces of pizza, and a lot of Cheez Itz.

I've already met so many amazing people, and kids, and supporters. I've spoken to so many wonderful Vermonters in just this first week.

I honestly feel like as much of a blur as this has been, it's going to be imprinted on me as one of the most fun weeks of my life.

I mean, this is the first week that I've ever said, "I am Miss Vermont 2016."

In case you missed it...

...it happened.

After three state pageants, one local pageant, three evening gowns, two swimsuits, three talent costumes, five interview dresses...and only about 35,000 hours of work, I heard my name called last.

I heard, "And your new Miss Vermont 2016 is...." insert my heart beating through my chest, an empty mind, a silent Opera House, and the low bumbumbummm of the music "Rylee Field!"

I'm sure you've seen the video of how my heart about burst. Well, guys, it's still bursting. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. This, my dream job. This, the position of a lifetime. This, is taking me to Miss America.

Miss. America.

I'm truly at a loss when I think about trying to explain how amazing this is. I truly don't know if I'm completely comprehending it yet. After all, I look at all the pictures and I think, "That's nice. Good pic." And it still isn't fully translating that that's me.

So, until I get to that point, I have to say this: thank you.

I have said no less than 2 million thank yous since hearing my name called, and I know that 2 billion more would not be enough. You guys, there are too many people that deserve so much credit for bringing me to this moment. I could just cry when I think about how thankful I am to have people that have supported this wild dream since day one. Actually I have cried thinking about it, but that's fine.

From the women who fluffed that beast of a dress, to the first people to tell me "Good luck!" when I started talking about competing. Those people made this possible.

The people that believed in this with me, from day one. The people that believed in this when I didn't think I could. The people that encouraged me to keep going. The people that drove me to be better, to work harder.

You are my people.

I am so thankful for each of you. For every hug, every text, every comment, every Congratulations, you deserve this!

I can only hope that in the next 361 days I can give you a reason to say, I'm so glad I rooted for her.

Because, y'all, I'm so glad you rooted for me.