Some Time Ago...

My apologies that it has been what seems like forever since I was last on Blogspot. My hope is that no one has lost sleep over my writing or lack there of... Much has happened within the last few months, and it is safe to say that this year has been the craziest year of my life thus far.

As you might already be aware, my mother unfortunately passed away of lung cancer on May 16, 2009, two months to the day of her initial hospitalization. With that said, myself, along with the rest of my family have been picking up the pieces to what I once thought was a perfect life. Loosing a family member so quickly can be frightening, shocking, and sad. Nevertheless, the support system that lies throughout the community of Boise and the state of Idaho has been tremendous.

800+ people attended my mother's funeral, making it one of the largest funerals in Idaho history. Furthermore, many floral shops in the Treasure Valley were forced to turn away mourners who wished to purchase flowers, as the shops were already bombarded with orders (nearly 200+ floral arrangements were sent, most of which were donated to local hospitals following the service). The funeral was spectacular, just like my mother. A "Happy Hour" was held in her honor following the service at our home in Boise. Of course, it was fully catered, along with an open bar and live music. Hundreds honored Janell in a way that she would have loved- with wine, music, and great weather! A special thank you goes to the Hollenbeck Family, the Boise Family YMCA, and the Building Contractor's Association of Idaho, all whom helped out with the many aspects of planning such a large funeral and after party. For more information regarding Janell's life and death, please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/janellconner. On the website, there are two links. One, to the Idaho Statesman, who thoughtfully published many articles on Janell's life, death, and funeral. Along with a link to the slide show that was created by myself on Animoto.com for the service. I would also like to thank my many high school and college friends, who flew in, attended, helped around the house, and/or helped put together the hundreds of brochures for the funeral. Also, thank you to Rick's Press Room who hosted the Janell Conner Memorial Benefit Dinner and Auction at the end of July. The event was a huge success.

Following my mother's death, I went into overdrive. Not only was I forced to take over the not-so-glamour job of managing the 42 rental properties that my parent's own, I was also forced to become the head of the household. Since my mother's passing, I have learned: dish washing soap does not go in the laundry machine; I can not iron silk shirts; and most importantly, the dishes and garbage are not self sufficient.

I competed at the Miss International Pageant in Chicago, Illinois for two weeks at the end of July. The opportunity that I gained representing the great state of Idaho was fabulous. I will never forget the friends I made while competing at the highly publicized event (the crowning moment was aired in New York City's, Time Square).

Sadly, I give up my crown next month. The pageant, which is typically held in March, has been moved up to September to allow the Queen's more time to prepare for Nationals. Again, I can not reiterate how exciting my year has been. Please visit http://www.courtneyannconner.com/ for appearance information, or http://www.mrsidaho.com/ for pageant information.

As you can imagine, there have been many ups and downs throughout 2009. Nevertheless, I am only a stronger woman for the expierences that I have been through. I look forward to creating the J.W. Conner Foundation in honor of my late mother. My hope is to help individuals and families of cancer related illnesses find resources during and after their trying times. I also look forward to traveling... extensively. I am in need of a much deserved vacation (or two). I am crossing my fingers that God will take me back to two of my previous homes in Honolulu, Hawaii and Florence, Italy. Stay tuned for more information regarding my traveling adventures!

Until next time, much love and God Bless! And as the Conner saying goes, "What a Ride!"

Idaho International Queens Featured in Idaho Press Tribune

Courtney, as well as her "sister" titleholders, Melanie and Cassidy, were recently featured on the front page of the Idaho Press Tribune. To read the full article please go to http://www.idahopress.com/community/?id=22574.

Courtney Competes at Robie Creek Half Marathon

Recently, Courtney competed at the Race to Robie Creek, one of the toughest half marathons in the nation (the first nine miles are straight up hill). Courtney thoroughly enjoyed herself even though her lack of training and hydrating put a strain on her body. No doubt, Courtney looks forward to competing again next year.

For more information regarding the race, please check out www.robiecreek.com.

Courtney's Mom, Janell, Fights Cancer Full Force

As many of you might know, my mother Janell was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Although the cancer appears to be aggressive and scattered throughout her left lung, my family, friends, as well as myself are optimistic that she will beat cancer's butt. For up-to-date information regarding Janell's prognosis, treatment, and recovery please check out www.caringbridge.org/visit/janellconner. Furthermore, please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as the power of prayer is very strong.

"You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it." -Bill Cosby

Courtney Featured in the April Issue of Contractors Magazine

Courtney was recently featured in the April issue of "Contractors Magazine." Many thanks to Frankie Hickman who ran the story, as well as the Idaho Building Contractors Association and the Building Contractors Association of Southwest Idaho for their continued support and encouragement. To read the story, please go to http://www.bcaswi.org/ and follow the link to "April Contractor Magazine."

Courtney's New Website

Miss Idaho International, Courtney Conner, now has her very own website. Check it out at www.courtneyannconner.com.

Miss Idaho International

As American psychiatrist, Smiley Blanton once said, "Do your best; take it as it comes. You can handle anything if you think you can. Just keep your cool and your sense of humor." With Mr. Blanton's quote in mind, I recently competed in my 14th pageant, Miss Idaho International. I speak about the number of pageants that I have participated in not because you should be impressed with the large wardrobe that I have accrued over the years, but because the experiences of competing in so many pageants have helped me grow into the woman that I am today.

As some of you may already know, I was crowned Miss Idaho International on Saturday, March 21st. As I embark on my journey as Idaho's representative, I look forward to promoting my platform, "Give Blood, Give Life." Blood donation is something that I became involved in during high school. I take it very seriously and I urge all community members throughout the city of Boise and the State of Idaho to rally around the cause and contribute to the American Red Cross.

As a supporter, there are two ways in which you can help. First, I encourage you to donate blood on a regular basis. Although I would be lying if I said I enjoyed the blood donation process, it is not nearly as scary as driving with my mother on the freeway or flying in my father's Cessna airplane. Those who have participated in the two near death experiences would likely agree. Donating is quick, simple, and free. Furthermore, you save up to three individuals' lives each time you donate.

Secondly, I urge you to volunteer. The American Red Cross is always looking for individuals to volunteer at blood drives or at recruiting offices across the nation. Furthermore, if you are interested in hosting a blood drive at your school, business, or church please contact me immediately. I would love to help expedite the process, and answer any questions in which you might have.

In the upcoming month, I look forward to my continued work with the American Red Cross. At the end of April, I will return to my Alma Mater, Timberline High School to help with the school's annual drive. I look forward to the opportunity because my experiences during high school was what sparked my passion for blood donation. Soon after Timberline's annual drive, I will speak at the American Red Cross' Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in downtown Boise.

Like I have said before, please contact me, Miss Idaho International with your questions or concerns regarding blood donation.