So I get my new NAILS Mag the other day and start to casually peruse the pages, when what do my eyes befall? The current Top 25 standings.

I scan the list, and know I’m not going to be first because I didn’t go to the London competition. 

So I scan down further,

and further,

            and further still.

And finally find it all the way down at #22. NUMBER 22!

What the.......???

I get a text from one of my old coworkers and she swears NAILS Magazine must be crackin’ up. How many competitions have I missed? Did I fall into a black hole only to emerge a day late and an event short?

I look further. Where’s Trang? He’s not even on the list? What’s going on here? I only recognize a few names in the top10: Karin Strom and Max Estrada.

Well in case you’re wondering this is why — the London Nailympics held in September offered 18 competitions (whoa!). Plus, the Sacramento competitions have not been included yet. So I feel a little better.

I read some more. The top spot is currently occupied by Jessica Strom from Sweden (I wonder if she is related to Karin?). She has three 1^st and one 2^nd Division 1 wins — pretty good for someone who’s never competed before. That’s a great way to get yourself to the top of the Top 25 list.

So congratulations Jessica! I hope you’re coming to IBS Vegas because I’d love to meet you. I remember the first time I saw my name on that list I was so excited. I thought it couldn’t get any better.

But how about you guys out there? Tell me about your first time on the list! If you haven’t been on the list, well, it’s kind of like the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t play!

As for me, I’m going to go practice product control. See ya soon.

— Lynn