Pie eating contest 🥧

Of all the spontaneous weekend trips I plan, none are more important than those involving auntie duty.

On par with my self induced crazy schedule, I attended an amazing concert the night before my pre dawn flight to NC. With only 4 hours to spare, I decided to head straight to the airport and try to catch a half-hearted snooze, since the Orlando airport had been a nuthouse lately at all hours of the day.

After a non eventful two hours in the air except for an impressive sunrise, I was met by my 3 crazy nieces and nephews ready for an afternoon outdoors at the local church’s Easter festivities. The obstacle course was supposed to be the highlight of the event, but somehow I got suckered into the pie eating contest prior.

After learning there would be 17 pies ready to be devoured, I encouraged Olivia to stake out her spot. But the emcee switched gears and confirmed it was an adult only event. And she assumed I was going to represent. OMG!

It didn’t matter that I HATE any type of cooked fruit or pie…. bottom line…. the Elliott clan is ultra competitive. So she just looked at me with those baby blue eyes and I knew there was no way I could disappoint her.

Bracing my hands on the table legs and pulling up my hair, I was ready for my attempt at greatness. I dove in, chomping away at my tray of Dutch Carmel apple (which at least boasted an inkling of tastiness in the crumb crust). Every muscle in my body contracted in pushing down my gag reflex (barely) and the next 4 minutes was a blur…. EXCEPT the sounds of Olivia screaming at me to keep going & that I was winning!! Her enthusiasm egged me on & I felt a second wind coming on.

I took a brief glance up at the table & OMG I really had a shot! By this time, everyone is laughing & screaming with only my crust remaining (meanwhile a huge wad of fruit is tucked into both cheeks as I plowed ahead). I dug my tongue around the edges and struggled to get the sticky stuff dislodged. Then with only 2 bites left, the contest was called for my 6’5” competitor. This was the first time in history I was a-ok with a respectable second place finish!

A few notes: my chin was rubbed raw, my sweatshirt smelled of sugar & had a crusty film along the collar the rest of the day, we all couldn’t stop laughing AND I can honestly say that I will never eat apple pie again in this lifetime!!

PRICELESS!!!!