Can I just say I am so excited for this year's Miss USA?! It's so obvious that the USA system is moving in a new direction - post Trump. I have to admit, I didn't have Miss DC winning it all...but I was happy to see her advancing with each round. Of course, not everyone shared my glee.

Look, I get it. It's a beauty pageant. I've been involved in things that are somewhat superficial my whole life, from dance teams to TV news. So I understand that not everyone is going to like what you look like, what you sound like, what you're wearing, etc... And it's all a part of the game. You don't get to participate in these types of things and then get upset when you're being judged, in my opinion. You almost need to expect it.

But a lot of the backlash against Miss DC, now Miss USA, was ridiculous. Some people said she threw her military experience around too much. That's so asinine. If I'm a commander in the army, I'm letting errrrrrrrbody know. That's an amazing, non-basic, accomplishment that some people just can't wrap their mind around.

Why are we so pro-military until someone actually benefits from it? I think it's the ultimate sign of bravery and sacrifice to serve in the military. I'll admit - I ain't cut out for it...so I can appreciate women who are! (Sidenote: Bingewatching Army Wives on Netflix is a good idea)

Others on twitter/facebook complained about the way she looked. "She won't do well at Miss USA." I have to wonder what people mean by that. So many thought Hawaii was a better choice. I didn't even have Hawaii in my top 10 (my mom did). But both girls were beautiful on stage.

I love watching pageants with my mom/sisters. I competed once in the Miss USA system in 2013. I made top 15 in Miss Alabama USA. After a three-way tie, I was booted from top 10 haha. But I'll never forget the feeling of having to walk on stage in a swimsuit (EW)...All this to say, it takes A LOT for these girls to not eat for a year, spend thousands of dresses/hair/appearance, and then put it all on stage to be judged. And to be somewhat active duty military on top of that, is pretty dang awesome...