USO Operation Care Package

The Maryland delegation and I were invited by the USO to assist in Operation Care Package at BWI. USO-Metro is a private non profit organization that contrary to popular believe receives no funding from the federal, state or local governments. As a service to those who serve our nation, they provide such services as operating airport lounges (the largest in the area is at BWI), emergency housing, family support centers, food assistance, hospital servics and other programs in the area's military communities.

The care packages are stuffed with essentials such as toilet paper and qtips, snacks as well as entertainment (i.e. magazines) at the only warehouse of its kind in Ft. Belvoir, VA. If you are in that area I highly recommend volunteering at the warehouse. The response from the troops, men and women of every age, from various parts of the nation and all possessing a deep passion for service, was extraordinary.

To be honest, I was scared to strike up conversation. My first instinct when chatting with someone at the airport is "Where are you headed?" But I already knew, most were going to Afghanistan. But they were the ones that looked so warm and welcomed the dialogue.

Can't wait to volunteer with them again. Photos below are of my sister queens at the USO lounge and checking in with Captain Steve Bursick from Davis Monthan AFB in AZ and friends. What more can I say but "Thank you."

Maryland Fashion Week

In addition to networking with top local designers, mingling with the models and taking advantage of the pre-show hordourves, I spent some quality time with my beautiful Jr Teen Tiara (and mom, hey Angie!) as we took part in some of this week's Maryland Fashion Week showcases!

The most hilarious part of tonight, our second event of the week, was between designers when the host announced that there were two celebrities from the audience. I pick my head up from reading the program booklet and looked at Tiara with excitement about who was watching the show! WE WERE! Haha. Insert lights and cameras on us here. Another couple of designers later we were lured onto the stage to show 'em why we won the crowns, aka rip the runway.

Photos below are of us walking the red carpet, backstage with featured designer, Afua Sam for Studio D Maxsi and musical guest Carmen.

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland P.A.V.E. Camp, continued

For me, today was about personal growth. A few highlights and things I learned from the campers, counselors and myself...

• As a follow up to my presentations yesterday, I was approached by a few girls who attended the nutrition workshops who said, "you've inspired me to eat healthier." It felt great to know that my message was not only valid but was delivered in a manner that reached them. That alone could have been the end of my day but there was much more to go!
  
• I realized that I cannot out-hoola-hoop a pre teen or teen, and I'm ok with that!
  
• On a similar note, no one believes I am in fact 26 years old. Remember to keep identification handy for proof purposes.


• So many of the older campers said they looked forward to turning 14 when they could become counselors and give back to the program they benefited from. Volunteering truly is one of those gifts that continues to inspire!


• I was asked by several of the campers whether or not I would attend next year's camp. When I responded by saying I would come just as "Miss Nicole" and not "Miss Maryland," they were just as thrilled. Although the title is what essentially got me in the door with the Girl Scouts this first time around, a genuine enthusiasm and desire to open yourself up to new challenges is a much bigger prerequisite to being a part of their world.


• There is great confidence and courage to be gained from overcoming fears-- I climbed to the top of a rockwall today. I know Jacob recorded it on his i-phone...I am anxiously Google-ing myself and waiting for a youtube video to come up in the search results!

Photos below are of me with the Howard County Fire Department, at the top of the rock wall and two of my fave counselors (aka Bright Nite).

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland P.A.V.E. Camp

I have a renewed respect for teachers, administrators, or anyone else involved in youth education. Shaping the minds of today's youth is not only one of the most significant roles in society, it's one of the most challenging. After a day at the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland's P.A.V.E. Camp at Camp Ilchester in Ellicott City, I am absolutely exhausted! And never mind the fact I spent the day in wedge-heeled sandals (poor planning on my part), I was entrusted with over 100 children throughout the day, all under the age of 11 for 2 Health/Nutrition workshops!

In typical business-school fashion, I broke the children's groups into three teams. Among their objectives were to come up with a creative, health and nutrition inspired team name. I loved "Ants on a Log," and "The Carrot Clan!" From there, they shared their favorite activites, sports and hobbies which transitioned into a discussion about fueling their bodies for everything they were involved in. Insert a brief discussion about the Food Pyramid here and then let the games begin!

I'm a huge Rachel Ray fan and one of her recurring hosts is the editor of Men's Health who also happens to be the author of a series of books entitled, "Eat this, Not that." So my activity was loosely inspired by his revealing tips and surprising choices when dining out.

Lessons learned included: be aware of portion sizes (Breakfast at Panera for instance: a chocolate chip 'muffie' won out over a reduced fat blueberry muffin because of size and sugar content), and when given the choice, go grilled over fried (Battle mini sliders v. crispy chicken salad at a fast food giant was a hard sell as they were convinced salads are always the healthier option), etc, etc. Not only were they able to think through these hard decisions, they took little issue with sharing their ideas with the rest of the group. You couldn't draaaaag me in front of the class at "show and tell" when I was growing up-- my parents will attest to this. In fact, I believe I went home crying mid day circa 1989.

In any event, I was happy to join several other groups of volunteers including the Young Rembrandts, Howard County Police Department as well as a fun bunch from an old client of mine, T. Rowe Price. Seeing them on site reminded me on the annual service days we had at KPMG except everyone went to the same event and it typically involved rebuilding homes in downtown Baltimore. Not that I didn't enjoy wearing a face mask or tool belt all day, but well... I'm self admittedly the worse DIY-er this side of the city!

And one of the highlights of my day came at the end of camp when I took part in a Q&A with tens of teens.

Teen: Do you ride around the state in a limo?
Miss Maryland US: If you're referring to the black vehicle outside, it's a
Civic! But seriously, no limo. Although! My dad has volunteered to drive me to a
few events!

Teen: How important is school in being Miss Maryland?
Miss Maryland US: School is very important, in fact I always remind myself
I am a student first, Miss Maryland second. I think getting
an advanced degree set me apart from the other contestants!

Teen: Are you a supermodel?
Miss Maryland US: No, but my friend Courtney is!

Looking forward to Day Two, tomorrow-- stay tuned! Photos below are of me and the officers from the HCPD, Nicole from the Young Rembrandts, the T. Rowe'ers, and the executive team at GSCM!

Hi Mom and Dad!

Just wanted to say HI to my parents, and faithful readers of my blog!

Photo below is of the whole Ortiz gang :)

I Got Heart, continued

Thank you to Tip, the I Got Heart staff and the kind folks at Olazzo's for a taste of Italy at today's fundraiser. I think that any time kids and teens are involved, people like to rally around the cause. We all remember what a tumultuous period that was and that today's challenges are unlike those we faced. Please stay tuned to the organization's upcoming fundraisers and community service events for teens!

SIDENOTE: In classic Nicole fashion, I walked out of the house with my banner/crown, camera and keys... 40 minutes later, I realize I am sans wallet in the middle of Silver Spring, and I was definitely in need of gas for the ride to Baltimore!

Photos below are of Tip and I and everyone at Olazzo's: