It's hard to believe November is here already. So much has happened in 2008, more than I ever could have imagined in a single year. Getting on a plane for the first time in my life, becoming a Nationally Certified Groomer, revisiting an old favorite vacation spot, finally witnessing both creative styling and musical freestyle in person, attending new trade shows, and getting back in the grooming competition ring... It wouldn't have happened without winning the NEPGP 2007 grand door prize. Fate is an amazing thing!
This year's Fall Festival opened on Halloween with a fun costume party, following a day of competition and add-on programs. The weekend brought more seminars and great contest entries. I spent Saturday in classes, with a spoiled Poodle on my lap, while Sunday kept us busy in the grooming ring. Never thought I'd be thankful for daylight savings time, but setting the clocks back gave me a much needed extra hour of sleep. Well, not exactly - I still had to get up at 5 am to prepare for competition, but at least it felt more like 6:00 (only an hour or so earlier than I usually wake). Of course I've been catching up ever since, generally falling asleep on the couch in the middle of a good evening movie. LOL
My goal for competition this fall was simply to do better than I did in the spring. While I managed to pass my NDGAA practical exam at Intergroom, my styling wasn't nearly finished enough (at least IMO) to have any chance at placing in competition (esp. combined with all that missing hair somebody chewed off their legs). Since competing is - or should be - about learning & improving (plus having fun), I aimed to try again at NEPGP. Besides, with my free ticket, I had nothing to lose! (Well, except missing a couple good seminars.)
I roughed in with snap-on combs this time, saving several precious minutes. By the time scissors down was called, I had nailed breed profile and finished sufficiently enough that I could call it done. At least, done enough for a salon groom; for competition quality I thought it was still a little rough. Mostly minor imperfections, but enough that I believed it deserved no more than a lower placement, if any. We truly are our own worst critics! The judges went over all the lovely entries, made note of technical merit, overall balance, and level of difficulty. Finally they called out Third Place, then Second... when they came to First, I was stunned to hear them announce my name. It never ceases to amaze me to be awarded a placement. In my usual winners daze, I walked on stage and received my trophy and prize for the Poodle competition. One more win away from A division! (Yikes!)
And so, I close out the year of conventions with the show that started it all. I'm extremely thankful for the opportunities that last year's door prize afforded me, plus the generosity of the sponsors who provided all those free tickets! It truly was a year of new experiences and higher learning!
It's not over yet, however... Part of my winnings from the grooming contest include another free entry to Intergroom in 2009. Thus the circle continues!
Here's to the new year offering even bigger opportunities and education for all professional groomers.
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