SOAR!

SOAR! Countdown has begun

Me Ra Koh

And the SOAR! winners are…

 

going to be announced sometime between tomorrow morning and tomorrow evening.

You guessed it. This is not Me Ra writing, getting your hopes up and then trying out some bad joke that only her husband can appreciate.

Yep, it’s me Brian, Me Ra’s Husband. I am doing all I can to bring our 260+ SOAR scholarship applicants and their Friends and Family to the height of anticipation as we prepare to announce the recipients of the scholarships sometime tomorrow.

 

There are some final details that are just taking us a little longer to finalize. You know, we gotta cross our I’s and dot our T’s.  🙂

 

We are so excited to announce the winners Friday January 8th. SO if you don’t see the announcement first thing in the morning, hang in there. I promise we WILL have them finalized by tomorrow.

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  1. Stephanie says:

    Looks like there will be 260+ women stalking your blog tomorrow in anticipation of the announcement. Time to make a plan for distraction….maybe a museum trip with the kids

  2. Marla-Dee says:

    Oh, this is sooooooo exciting! I hope it is sooner than later. We will all be bitin our nails, pacing and glued to our computers until we hear the news!!!!!

    Thanks again for all your hard work and dedication to the SOAR Sisters. You two are the best!

    (Hugs)

    Marla-Dee

  3. Melissa J. says:

    I don’t know how any of us will be able to pull ourselves away from our computers tomorrow! Eeeeek, can’t wait! 🙂

  4. I’ve been glued here the whole week, slept on the loveseat for all of three hours on Monday morning…can’t stop looking, writing, cheering everyone on, trying to get us Soar Girls from California together.
    This thing is HUGE and intensely exciting! Thank you so much Me Ra and Brian for putting this great project together!

  5. Christine Barker says:

    HA HA HA I totally thought for a second there that you were going to give it out early!! We are all very excited to embrace your decisions!

    Let me also take a moment to express my most heartfelt thanks for all you guys have done. Our group of women is here and STRONG all be cause of you. We are better women, better photographers, and better SOAR sisters because you envisioned this. So thank you, with all my heart THANK YOU!

  6. Katie J says:

    How exciting! Brian, you should post more often. I always like reading your posts.

  7. Marcia says:

    I hope these 260+ women don’t crash a server by checking the blog! 🙂 This is so exciting. What a great way to start the year!

    Thanks Brian!!

  8. Melisa says:

    Only Brian would post a countdown clock too!

  9. suzans says:

    Brian you made me LOL on that post! So many beautiful, heartwarming, talented photographers to choose from. I can imagine you and Me Ra are excited too! Thanks for putting the timer up, this is SOARing Eve…..
    xo

  10. pamela says:

    I hope you’re having an amazing time! Blessings, Pamela

  11. ajira says:

    Ha!! Thanks for that Brian!! Your posts are always… unique!! LOL. I can’t imagine what y’all are going through, making this choice. So exciting…

  12. Kris says:

    Hey, Wait… the little counter says Jan 9th! Don’t play with our emotions like that! he he

  13. Stacy says:

    I hope you’ve beefed up your server for all the action you’ll be getting tomorrow!

    I cannot WAIT! SO EXCITING!!!

  14. BAHhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! Too. Hard. Too. Excited. ACK!!

  15. ELM.K. says:

    Excited for the big announcement! Going to have to check in lots tomorrow.

  16. Patty Reiser says:

    I second Christine’s big thank you to Me Ra, Brian, your kids and everyone else who has had a hand in this Scholarship process. It has been an Amazing experience regardless of the outcome.

  17. Love you both for ALL that you do!

  18. Alissa says:

    Bah, ha, ha! Messing with us like that. Too funny!

  19. Nicole says:

    Major butterflies. Good luck everyone.

  20. anticipation is the THE best!

    brian…here’s an idea….fake the blog going down tomorrow…..funny….right? everyone will be flipping out. trying to find out the winners and the blog won’t work. emailing you like crazy!!!! won’t that be hilarious. ok….maybe i should re-think that. don’t listen to me…i don’t know what i’m talking about. 🙂

    i did figure one thing out though….i finally discovered the key that will make my blog completely blow up with success….i need a new name. right? a new “blog name”. here’s what i was thinking….and be honest.

    poppabloo

    kinda has a ring to it, right? i know what you’re thinking…..it’s a little close to “poppabear” like in “goldilocks and the three bears”….but i think that’s ok….imitation is the best form of flattery, right?

    oh….what’s that? you think it is too close to kari’s name? you’re crazy!

  21. I think all 260+ of us are stalking today. The site took a bit to load. I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE THE RESULTS!

    I am so nervous! I am excited for all the applicants (including me).

  22. Michelle says:

    NOT FUNNY BRIAN!!!!! =) LOL I am trying to NOT countdown. =)

    Jeramy – You are not helping either!!!! 😉 BTW – Poppabloo reminds me too much of Baloo from Jungle Book. heehee

  23. ahhh michelle….live a little….c’mon! 🙂

  24. Can’t wait to find out who the three lucky women are 🙂

  25. denise karis says:

    MeRa!!!! (And brian) 😛 This is beyond exciting – I cant even say – you will make three dreams come true tomorrow – that is overwhelming to witness for me, i can’t imagine how YOU feel!

  26. CA says:

    Did Jeramy just have an entire imaginary conversation with Brian in the blog comments? Bahahaha!

    Keep going, Jeramy. We will need some entertainment to take our minds off of the waiting!

    And, of course, I echo everyone’s thanks to you MeRa and Brian (and Blaze and Pascaline for sharing you guys with us OVER THE HOLIDAYS no less)!!

  27. you know…i said “self”

    “self” i said.

    “you should post more of your thoughts….more often even.”

    i think that’s a good idea self!

    brian….your thoughts? or carol. either way.

    ok, now i’m starting to scare myself. 🙂

  28. Sara Elliott says:

    Ummm….tomorrow is the 8th goof! Unless you are going to wait until the 9th, in which case I’d hide it I were you! 🙂

    The only thing going through my head….the song, “I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it. I’m about to loose control and I think I like it.”

    Good luck sleeping tonight All!

  29. I spoke with Me Ra today and it got me thinking. So, I would like to share with this wonderful community what it means to win something like this. For I , too, was once a big winner. When I won my home makeover it came with a myriad of emotions, highs and, yes, huge lows. Winning didn’t suddenly make me bullet-proof against the people out there who resented me winning, who wrote negative comments on a nationally read blog, who claimed that I was undeserving. The biggest gift, the most amazing generous thing that has ever happened to me came with the need for a huge force field around me and my family. It only took one negative blog comment to take me to my knees. I wanted to cry. To retaliate. I couldn’t believe that someone would say “those” things about me. I never claimed to be “worthy” – I had just spoken from the heart, and someone heard and answered me with the most amazing gift. So after that, I did not seek out opinion of the masses. I just held onto those who loved me, instead, and tried my best to throw a net over myself that prevented any negativity from getting to me.

    So, here is the thing. Tomorrow when the winners are announced, please please be a part of the celebration. I beg you not to even THINK a negative thought about why you or your wife or your neighbor didn’t win. These winners will still have marital struggles, bills to pay, kids to raise and they need as many people on their side that they can muster. I know the majority of you out there will rally. Thank God for you all. But the 2% that may not… please think about the impact of your words and your thoughts. Lets claim this: that those who didn’t win have something fantastic around the corner that would not have been available if they had won. That by NOT getting the scholarship, they are going to SOAR. And to the winners, congratulations. May this be a moment of joy and utter blessing for you and your family.

  30. Jane says:

    Well said Kari. I totally agree. Tomorrow is a time to rejoice, chosen or not.
    But, that doesn’t stop the jitters today! 🙂

  31. Sara Elliott says:

    Kari –

    People are people regardless of their job, their blessings, their homes or cars…it’s not just sticks and stones that hurt us. Words very much do too.

    I’m sorry that you had to experience it first hand.

    Sara

  32. kari….your stock just went up in my book. 🙂

  33. Natalie Johnson says:

    Kari,
    GREAT advice from someone who has been there. I believe we all have a story, some were told on video and some were not. Until we walk in someone else’s shoes who are we to judge if they are worthy. There is far more to each individual story than we will ever know.

    As I watched the videos, every woman was beautiful and talented in their own way. I have been through many tough times but while watching the stories I was so grateful that some of the women’s experiences I have not had to go through, yet, anyway.

    This experience for me has been a real clarification as to what I need to be doing with my life so for that I am eternally grateful. We have also enjoyed getting to know you through this process. It is going to be fun soaring together this year!

  34. Melissa says:

    So excited! good luck ladies and remember we are all strong women and no matter what you’ve already taken the greatest step into becoming a great photographer! Keep soaring and Happy New year!

  35. Michelle says:

    Well said, Kari! Thank you for sharing your experience. It is heart breaking that people take other’s good fortunes and turn them around.

    I keep wondering how I will feel when the winners are announced and if one of the names is not mine. I think I can honestly say I will be a little heartbroken, but that will be superseded by joy for the winner because the sisterhood that was formed through this “contest” is extraordinary!

    Whenever I watched So You Think You Can Dance, I am amazed at the support, admiration and encouragement the contestants each had for each other even though they were competing for ONE title. I think that relationship amongst the contestants best describes how I feel about SOAR! We are all rooting for each other. Only 3 women will technically “win” SOAR but I think we will all be mimicking their steps to SOAR ourselves.

    With that said, good luck ladies!!!!!!

    PS – Jeramy – still not voting for the Poppabloo….it now sounds like “pop a balloon” to me. Or Poppabloo come blow your horn…. =)

  36. KimN says:

    AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH….my heart jumped and started beating a million miles a minute when I saw the header!!!! I can’t imagine what tomorrow will feel like!!!

    You are all so funny….I have enjoyed the sense of community there is here.

    I am wondering if Me Ra and Brian will get as little sleep as the rest of us!

    Until tomorrow (who am I kidding…I’m sure I will be checking back here several times tonight!)

  37. Saundra says:

    Like many of you I have been glued to this site. LOL Even when I’m away from the computer I’m on my smartphone checking it out. How on earth are we going to sleep tonight?

    I want to with everyone good luck. I am so honored to share this experience with you. Hugs to all of you I think you are the BEST!

    Saundra

  38. Thanks Jeramy… though, my husband may have questions about why there is a “poppabloo” out there that isn’t him….

  39. Kristen Hassell says:

    good luck EVERYONE!!
    loving all this positive energy & excitement.

    wow/amen to what kari said.
    haha jeramy/poppabloo.

  40. I am going to a photog retreat this weekend in St. Augustine and will be away from my computer for most of the time SO I will be totally going BUGGY!!! 🙂 I wish so much success and beautiful moments for all the 260+ women and their families and friends!! !This has been an amazing experience from start to almost *finish and I can’t wait to see the 3 deserving ladies along with the rest of us SOAR to heights never discovered in 2010!! ? ? ? ?

  41. Beryl says:

    I just wanted one more chance to say thank you to MeRa, Brian, and the sponsors, and all the women who are daring to SOAR! this year. I am so anticipating the big announcement tomorrow and can’t wait to hear who the 3 lucky winners are. However, I truly believe that all of the entrants have been extremely lucky to have stumbled upon this site and this contest. We are all winners in some way, The community that has been built in only 5 short weeks is incredible. The actual “winners” may be getting a little boost on the way to their dream but this community of women is already creating, pushing, encouraging, teaching, and motivating us all to reach beyond our comfort zone and SOAR! to our dreams. I am so excited to be a part of this experience and this journey. Only positive thoughts coming from here and I can’t wait to see the outcome tomorrow.

    That you Kari for encouraging positivity amongst our community. I hope we have 100% encouragement tomorrow.

    Good luck to everyone, tomorrow is the day we truly begin to all make our dreams come true!

  42. Angela says:

    Oh man…I work tomorrow…545am in Colorado……I cant wait 🙂 Good luck

  43. Nicole (magrelacanela) says:

    Are the videos down now? Commenting down? Can’t wait!
    Best wishes!

  44. jeramy says:

    oops…..sorry kari. didn’t even think of that. i relinquish my new “old” blog name. i’ll find something else. 🙂

  45. LOVE the clock…Blessings to everyone! You have all already grown and overcome in hopes of bigger and better things in 2010! Love you!

  46. Good luck everyone!!! So excited and so grateful for this opportunity to grow and learn!!! 🙂

  47. denise karis says:

    omg, im so excited im about to cry!!!

  48. Ashley says:

    Kari, couldn’t have articulated what you said any better!
    Winners whoever you are I want to congratulate you wholeheartedly!!!! Big, big hugs to you…you deserve this amazing opportunity to soar!

  49. I am so so so glued. I can’t wait to hear the news!

  50. Christen says:

    Good thing I have a list of things ‘to do’ today to keep my occupied… =) Including ‘do a little dance in my living room’.

    I have decided that SOARday should be the 8th day of the week between Friday and Saturday so no matter what we have going on, we’ll take time to SOAR each day… but especially on SOARday!

    Good luck y’all. Remember you’re SOARing doesn’t end here… It simply continues!

  51. Dawn says:

    I am anxious to see who wins today! Although, I don’t think my video made it in 🙁 (It turns out I had a slow computer the day/week I thought I submitted, I have not seen it appear with the other videos. Good luck to everyone else! 🙂 I am looking forward to following this process and all the stuff I can learn from it through someone elses good fortune this time! 🙂 I can still “soar”, however, at a slower pace. I will not give up! 🙂

    Have a wonderful day all! …and a BIG Congratulations to the winners in advance, whomever YOU are!!!! 🙂 😉

  52. suzans says:

    Kari,

    I am always amazed at how some people can lash out at someone’s “fairy Godmother moment”. To me, to win this would be a dream come true and today when winners are announced I know I will burst into tears whether I win or lose. Joy for me and/or Joy for those who have won. Happy tears, really. Then some disappointment, but no sad tears if that makes sense? Those video’s illustrated we are all on a journey together and it can be bittersweet and challenging. MeRa simply let it be ok to be who you are and try. I know how hard it was for me and we all put it out there. I was so proud of every video I saw and connected with people that were/are strangers! I cannot imagine even for a moment thinking she didn’t deserve it or is unworthy in any way. I’m a quote person and “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, works both ways. Any negativity usually represents the spirit of the person giving it not the receiver. I forget that sometimes, but again your experience brought that to my mind.
    I’m glad you put your experience out there and sad that someone felt good in simply being mean in an extraordinary time. Wow, Oprah, how amazing! I would hate to see someone’s “moment” and achievement tarnished even a little by the inappropriate negativity of another.

    I wish we could all win. WOW talk about dreaming big 🙂 Good Luck Soar Sisters!

  53. Saundra says:

    I have tried so hard today to keep busy. I’ve even cleaned out my desk drawers and straightened up my desk, paid bills and gone to the grocery store. It’s like Christmas for a little one.

  54. claudia says:

    I realize my chances are slim so I’m not holding my breath, but I’m already a winner because I’ve said my dream out loud. Now it’s up to me to make it happen, and we will all benefit from the three that win. Thank you for the inspiration and motivational push 🙂

  55. Kris says:

    Right on Claudia! I’m right there with ya!

  56. Ali says:

    Please please please post the winners on twitter!

  57. Melissa says:

    Excatly what Claudia said! I felt so inspired by this contest! I’m going to a bridal fair this weekend to showcase my work, I’ve been working on my booth all week so hopefully it’ll look great! 🙂 Keep Soaring ladies!

  58. Daisy Reyes says:

    Ahhhhh…the suspense is killing me…let’s hope that timer is right…

  59. Ahhh! I’m so nervous! I am trying not to get my hopes up but it’s too hard not to!

  60. The countdown stopped and now it says January 9th…is that true? For Rea???

  61. Melissa says:

    where do we find out who wins??

  62. Heather Brandt says:

    I keep refreshing the site hoping to see the list of winners or to suddenly get a phone call 🙂

    Heather Brandt

  63. Misty Bradley says:

    Ahhh! Dinner is going to burn. LOL I can’t keep running over to the laptop to check if the winners have been announced. Best wishes to everyone!

  64. Michelle says:

    okay, what is all the confusion??

  65. tj says:

    According to Me Ra, there are some technical difficulties.

  66. good luck ladies!