Mrs. US Continental 2009

I have an amazing director!

2010-02-19T16:21:00.002-05:00

Loreen is an amazing director! I had an amazing prize package when I won, but more than that - I keep getting gifts in the mail each month! I just receive a package with a beatiful "Girlfriends" necklace. It is sterling silver, and it says Girlfriends are family you choose for yourself. I also received a gorgeous Brighton bookmark.

I am grateful to be one of her Queens this year!

Three Weeks Post Op!

2010-01-21T14:20:00.003-05:00

Well I am doing much better than I anticipated. I am just past three weeks post op, and the range of motion has come back. I got to 125 degrees on the CPM machine. But, I don't need to use the machine any more.

I started Physical Therapy at a new center. They focus on rehabilitating sports injuries, and since I have a clear goal to get back to running status, I am EXTREMELY happy with my new PT surroundings. I am walking around without the brace on, of course with the permission of my physician and physical therapist, and some pushing on my part! Hehe!

I have an event Saturday night with my husband's company. Quick Weight Loss Center has an annual Kick Off the Year party. They hold it on a yacht cruising the Ft. Lauderdale intercoastal. It should be a great event. I just didn't want to have to wear a brace when attending the party. Of course, I won't be wearing my usual 3-4 inch heels. :( Flats for me. Boo! But you gotta do what you gotta do, and heels are not part of the plan right now!

I went to an event last night for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It was a volunteer thank you event. It was very nice. I took my brother with me, as he is thirsting for more knowledge about this disease that his little boy will be dealing with for the rest of his life. We started a Great Strides Walk Team for little William, called TEAM WILLIAM. We will be raising much needed dollars to fund the research necessary to find a cure for this hideous disease. There NEEDS to be a cure within Williams lifetime. It is my dream.

If you would like to help out, please feel free to visit my personal walk page and make a donation for this wonderful little boy.

http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=6483&idUser=352566

Thank you and God Bless!!

2010-01-01T10:57:00.000-05:00

Well here we are on the first day of 2010, man does time fly!

An update on me - I had my surgery on Tuesday December 29. Everything went well with the surgery itself. I now have to deal with the aftermath. My knee is swollen, and black and blue. I have to wear this brace for the next 4-6 weeks, only removing it to bathe or work my leg out on this contraption that got delivered to my house. I have to put my leg in this machine called a CPM (continuous passive motion). Basically it moves my leg slowly from a straight leg to a bent knee. My goal is to get back to at least 90 degrees in my range of motion. I'm at 60 degrees now. I guess I was fortunate to wait so long to have the surgery, it allowed my muscle in my leg to get stronger again, thus allowing me for an "easier" recovery.

I really didn't wish to ring in my new year like this, but with three children, I needed to get through the holidays before the surgery. I know now there is NO WAY I could have been like this and tried to go Christmas Shopping!! LOL!

Keep me in your prayers for a speedy recovery! I need it! I am not one to just lay around and do nothing. I want to get moving!

Hugs, and a Happy, Healthy New Year to all of you!

What happened to Mrs. USC???

2009-10-19T23:35:00.011-04:00

So, ladies and gentleman, Mrs. US Continental was trying to be back in her glory day, and was taking a Jazz dance class. WAS LOVING IT!!!

Well, one week ago today, I landed wrong out of a turn, prior to a jump, and I proceeded to tear my ACL, meniscus, and sprain my MCL in my left knee. Does that slow down a National Pageant Title Holder?!?!??! NOT THIS ONE!!

I made TWO appearances last week after it happened! What a trooper! On Wednesday, October 14th, I attended the Heart Walk Celebration Party with the Host Committee, and many members of the community committed to raising money and awareness for heart disease and stroke.

This is me with Gina Melby, CEO of JFK Medical Center, and the 2009 Heart Walk Chair.

This is the Host Committe. We are the movers and shakers. We are the ones that made it happen. Logistically speaking, without this group of amazing people, the Heart Walk just wouldn't happen! GO TEAM!!

This is Mr. Ron Walker. He was our Red Cap Ambassador this year. This amazing man was an Olympic Athlete, and has had TWO heart transplants! He made his way around to many companies, and events sharing his story with others, inspiring them to continue raising the necessary funds for heart research. He is the reason we do what we do!

The very next day, Thursday October 15th, I attended the Care Today, Cure Tomorrow event at ZED 451 in Boca Raton. This event raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. My family recently discovered that my little nephew William has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). My brother Brandon and his wife Arlee are in for a journey. They are both amazing, and I am sure little William will teach them things along the way.

After finding out his diagnosis, I reached out to the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to let them know I wanted to get involved. I was contacted by Andrew Felix, the Director of Special Events for the Ft. Lauderdale Chapter of CFF. He asked me to attend this event, and I was honored to be able to do so. I brought along backup since I was on crutches! My friend, and US Continental sister queen Ms. Palm Beach County 2010, Jenny Govert attended to help me sell raffle tickets! We rocked it!! Here are a few pictures from this amazing event! ENJOY!!

This is Andrew Felix.

Me with Ms. Palm Beach County 2010, Jenny Govert. Thanks Jenny!!

This is my brother, Brandon and his beautiful wife Arlee. God Bless them on their journey. I'll be right by your side. I love you both!

On the left is Laurie Capano, the Chair for the event, and her son Nicholas in the middle is living with CF. She chaired the event in the honor of her husband who passed away in 2007. He always held this event, and she wanted to continue in his honor. They raised a TON of money for CFF that night!

Ok, so I can do these events even on crutches, but man I was EXHAUSTED!

Until next time!

Cheers!

Monica

Bummed Out!

2009-09-28T22:33:00.002-04:00

So I had to miss the West Palm Beach Heart Walk. I had a fever of 102.7. The fun had to go on without me.

Thanks to my sister queen, Tina Hayes, Ms. US Continental for flying out from Vegas to attend the Heart Walk. She went with my husband and together with the rest of the committee, the Heart Walk went off without a hitch.

I guess my body was trying to tell me something! Slow down just a bit! I will continue to get out there, and represent the US Continental Pageant. I just don't want to get anyone sick in the process! LOL!! :)

Busy September!

2009-09-22T23:42:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone! Happy Fall! Now only if it would just get cooler her in South Florida!! LOL!

September has been extremely busy! Here is a list of the events that have been going on in September:

September 10th - Heart Walk Committee Meeting
September 12th - Turn For The Judges Article - www.tftj.com
September 12th - The Forgotten Children Campaign - "A Children's Celebration" event
September 12 -13 - Mrs. Florida International Pageant
September 19th - Beach Clean Up with Cub Scout Pack 308
September 20th - Cheesecake Factory's Drive Out Hunger Tour https://promos.thecheesecakefactory.com/tour - look at pictures from the Miami Event
September 20th - Jr. Miss West Palm Beach Pageant
Spetember 24th - Heart Walk Committee Meeting
September 25th - Set up of the Heart Walk Site for the BIG DAY!
September 26th - Start Heart Walk
September 26th - Visit to LaCasa Hermosa

WHEW~ the month isn't even over yet!

I am having a BLAST as Mrs. US Continental. Its a great opportunity for married women! My family is enjoying making appearances with me too!

If you want to experience the BEST pageant, contact www.uscontinentalpageant.com. While you're there, check out my appearance pictures!

Stay tuned! More to come!

Updates

2009-08-28T14:13:00.003-04:00

There is much to report from the Speer house. We went on our family vacation from August 10th through August 17th. We visited Gatorland, Sea World, Florida Caverns State Park, and attended my family reunion in Louisiana at Lake Bisteneau State Park. We also got a chance with my father-in-law in Ocala on our way up to Louisiana and our way back.

Unfortunately it was our last visit with him, as he lost his battle to lung cancer. Robert Nelson Speer, born October 9, 1947, passed away on Tuesday August 18, 2009 at age 61. We will be attending his memorial services on Monday August 31st.

The children are back to school, which I think I am more happy about that they are. Brianna has begun a dance class, as has Logan. Heck, even I signed up for a class. I know it's been 14 years since I've put on a pair of jazz shoes, but it sure is fun!

I am busy with the American Heart Association in West Palm Beach preparing for the Start! Heart Walk that will be held on Saturday, September 26th. I am on the Host Committee, and we have only a few more meetings to finalize all of the details for this year's walk. I'd love for you to help me raise funds to help fight heart disease and stroke, the number 1 & 3 killer in the United States. Click on the link below to be directed to my personal webpage where you can make a secure online donation:

http://palmbeachheartwalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=295058&lis=0&kntae295058=B7DD1BDFB7AE41BB99FEC976166A9E41&supId=89628672

Please help me raise funds - TODAY!!

From the heart,
Monica

Rush Limbaugh Weight Loss

2009-08-05T11:15:00.005-04:00

Rush Limbaugh announced a few days ago that he lost 79 pounds on Quick Weight Loss Center's program. There has been so skepticism about his results.

As a client who’s been through the process, I am compelled to share my experience with Quick Weight Loss Centers. I too, like Rush, lost weight with QWLC I went to the Lake Worth Center in October 2006 weighing in at 191 pounds on my 5’5” frame. I signed on with their program and proceeded to lose 60 pounds and 38 inches in 6 months. Going from a size 16 down to a size 4.

With my new found confidence, and smokin’ new body, I competed and won the title of Mrs. Florida US Continental. I went on to win the National pageant on July 11, 2009. I am the current Mrs. US Continental.

I have managed to keep the weight off for over two years now. The QWLC diet is one that WILL change your life. It is a diet that teaches you to eat real food. Once I hit my goal weight, the center helped me maintain my weight. It truly changed my life. I am a happier, healthier person because of QWLC.
So, I am here to tell you this diet is real, its healthy, and most importantly – IT WORKS!

Congratulations Rush for changing your life. I know from experience this will be the last “diet” you will ever have to do.

My Before Picture

My After Picture

Updates!!

2009-08-04T13:42:00.007-04:00

http://www.uscontinentalpageant.com/ has been updated. There you will find updated pictures of the crowning moments, and some updated appearance pictures!

8/1/09 - Forgotten Soldiers Outreach Benefit at Bru's Room in Boynton Beach. I was a special guest selling raffle tickets, and doing some emcee'ing! It was fun! Thank you so much to our troops for serving our country. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!! Thank you to Laynell for all you do for our troops!

8/3/09 - Queen for a Day Event at Miami Children's Hospital. What an amazing experience. I will post pictures later tonight. Those children have hearts of gold. They were so excited to have an event in which THEY were the special guest. The girls made picture frames, we painted their nails, they made a sash, and then they were crowned with their tiara. Then they got their picture taken to put in the picture frame they made. The boys made picture frames, decorated a fire helmet, made a fireman badge, created a sash, and then had their picture taken too! It was amazing. I can't wait to do it again in December!!

TFTJ Article Posted

2009-07-29T12:08:00.001-04:00

http://www.tftj.com/db/delegates.htm/356/Mrs/2009

Check out the article I wrote for "Turn For the Judges". It details pageant weekend!

YEAH!!

Checking in!!

2009-07-27T20:18:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone! I got some pictures!! There will be more to come, but I wanted to share a few.

Also, I will be making an appearance at Miami Children's Hospital on Monday August 3rd with the Queen for a Day Miami Chapter. There organization is a fantastic one! They go into hospitals and host a party for pediatric cancer patients. They treat them like kings and queens for the day. Each patient will receive a tiara and sash, or firehelmet. They do arts and crafts, and paint fingernails. I cannot wait to be a part of their day!! I will take lots of pictures and post them!

Check out their website at http://www.qfadmiami.org/

Have a sparkly day!!

Monica

Quick Weight Loss Centers Runs Ad Congratulating Mrs. US Continental

2009-07-20T21:54:00.002-04:00

On the front page of the Palm Beach Post today, there was an ad for Quick Weight Loss Center congratulating me for winning Mrs. US Continental! Check it out!

About Me - Bio

2009-07-17T14:17:00.003-04:00

Introducing Monica Speer, Mrs. US Continental 2009. Monica is proud to be married to the man of her dreams, Brent, for 15 years. He is the love of her life, and her biggest supporter. He’s the first one that will tell you that his wife is Mrs. US Continental which conveniently makes him the new “Mr. US Continental!” Together, they have three beautiful children Brianna, 12 years old; Logan, 10 years old, and Blake 8 years old.

Not the typical pageant girl, Monica decided to enter the world of pageantry as a Mrs. as a goal to loose weight. She weighed 191 pounds, and chose competing in the Florida US Continental Pageant as her goal. She was focused on becoming a healthy weight, and improving her lifestyle. Monica lost 60 pounds, and in the process found herself. Little did she know that on that journey of getting healthy and losing weight that she would be crowned Mrs. Florida!

Competing in the National Pageant was a dream come true for Monica. Monica feels that there is a bigger purpose for her, and a reason that she was given the opportunity to be at the US Continental Pageant this year. She is very passionate about the US Continental System, as it positively promotes women of today. She believes it definitely provides a unique opportunity to celebrate women as they strive to achieve their goals and dreams!

Monica is very goal-oriented! She is always looking for new ways to challenge herself. She has recently taken up running, and has run in a few 5K’s. She plans on running in her first half marathon in December.

Using her platform of Empowering Women, and the American Heart Association, she plans to make appearances, volunteer, and share her story with others throughout her reign. She truly believes that if you believe in yourself and make yourself a priority, your dreams will come true.

2009-07-15T21:23:00.002-04:00

My sister queens:

ShaDelle Barnett Miss Teen US Continental

Tina Hayes Ms. US Continental

I am the new Mrs. US Continental 2009!

2009-07-15T21:07:00.002-04:00

My name is Monica Speer, and this is my Blog! I want to tell you what an amazing experience I had at the National pageant in Salt Lake City, Utah! The pageant was awesome, and the director, Loreen Olney made sure we had a memorable time!

All contestants arrived Wednesday July 8th to rest up for a busy 3 days! Thursday July 9th was a busy day with Orientation, lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, shopping and autograph signing at the Gateway mall! Followed by a guest appearance at the Bee's baseball game!

Friday was AMAZING with a workshop with guest speaker Cherie Burton. She was incredible. Check her out at http://www.bluerosecommunications.com/.

Next the contestants were treated to a makeup session by High Maintenance Salon of Salt Lake City. They do beautiful work.

Friday evening interviews took place with five of the most amazing judges I've ever interviewed with!

Saturday was rehersals, and the best produced pageant that was held at the Rose Wagner Theater! It was a awesome, and the contestants were so much fun!

My name being called as the new Mrs. US Continental is a moment I will never forget! The prize package was absolutely INCREDIBLE! Ideal Image gift certificate, La Casa Hermosa gift certificate, jewelry, faux fur, purses, luggage, etc. One of our prizes we got the to take advantage of the very next morning after the pageant - a photo shoot with with Marc Reynolds. We had a blast, and Marc took awesome pictures!

I look forward to an exciting year of appearances, and will keep everyone up to date here on my new BLOG!!