Before I start ranting about our incredible trip to Florida, I have to back track to the weeks before we left for Orlando. I left off at our homecoming celebration, which was the 27th of July, and here we are already halfway through with August!
The 29th was our official Miss Washington photo shoot in Seattle. I cannot begin to describe how much fun we had. Between Peggy trying cut my year as Miss Washington short by stabbing me in the throat with a backcomb, Mike, the photographer offering ice cream sandwiches at every possible opportunity and conversing with his photo equipment, and me spraying myself directly in the eyes with hairspray, there was never a dull moment. Believe it or not, amongst all the excitement, Mike worked his magic and captured some wonderful photos, including the official headshot that will go in the Miss America magazine!
This is not the program book photo, but you can find it on www.missamerica.org!Thursday the 31st we ventured to Seattle to meet with Peter and Pam of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. I am thrilled about our meeting and everything that the future holds for Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Miss Washington Organization combined, but because I don’t want to spoil any future surprises, I’ll leave it at that for now!
Tuesday the 5th I was invited to Item House in Tacoma, Washington. I have never seen so many gorgeous and unique coats in my life! They have generously donated a handmade evening coat to keep me warm and stylishly dressed as I make my winter appearances this year. Thank you Nancy Bartkus from Item House for your kindness!
Later in the week I had another opportunity to visit with my friends at Brotherton Cadillac in Renton. It was so good to see friendly faces and be welcomed once again with open arms. The Miss Washington Organization is blessed to be a part of this incredible partnership!
Friday the 8th was more eventful than I would have liked. It began wonderfully. I had an appearance at the Grand Opening of the Puyallup City Hall. It was refreshing to see how the opening of a beautiful new building could bring so many people together in one place to celebrate the rich history and accomplishments of this city.
I left Peggy in Puyallup to head home and pack since we would depart that night for Orlando. Long story short, I ordered a stacked pizza from one of my favorite places, and was in such a hurry to get inside and eat it that I smashed my hand (the one not holding the pizza) in the car door. Ouch. Needless to say, it hurt and after a panicked trip to the doctor we learned that nothing was broken (Thank you Lord!) but that I would have to wear a splint on my trip to sunny Florida.
Moving on to brighter things.. Florida! After two of the most terrifying flights of my life, Peggy and I arrived safe and sound in gorgeous Orlando a few days before all the festivities would begin. We shared a room with Sally Lynch, Director of Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, and I couldn’t have asked for better roommates! The three of us over packed (and that is an understatement) which was made evident by the constant state of our room.
Peggy and Sally are a little camera shy. I vowed to break them of that fear by the end of the week.
In our days off we did some very valuable shopping and explored Orlando to our best abilities while arguing with Andrew - the navigation system, and pulling numerous U-turns in our jazzy minivan. We spent an incredible day visiting with Carry and David from Regalia’s specialty dress store in Orlando. What a wonderful and worthwhile trip. I made two great friends, and…… we are completely finished shopping for my entire competition wardrobe! What a relief. Although I won’t disclose any details, I will say that I found the pieces that I was dreaming of, and couldn’t be happier. Thank you so much Carry and David for your kindness and for a great time! I can’t wait to see you both again.
First and foremost, I must say congratulations and thank you to Tori Knight, Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen. We are blessed in our state to be represented by a young woman of such maturity, spirit, and determination. Tori, you looked so beautiful up there and your performances were stunning! I admire you with all of my heart and I am so looking forward to all of the experiences we are going to share this year! We truly have found ‘America’s Next Top Role Model’ in our Outstanding Teen!
I also was lucky enough to spend time with Miss Washington's princess, Kennedy. What a delightful young lady, I cannot wait to see you again!
Kennedy and I would like to claim to be Tori's biggest fans!
Each day, we went to a preliminary pageant competition to watch Tori compete which was followed by a visitation gathering. Some might assume that after leaving visitations at midnight we would try to get our rest since we had to wake up at the break of dawn for meetings, but those of us who are enjoying life don’t exactly function that way. Throughout the week we became very cozy with the Denny’s across the street, and on a typical night you’d find us there laughing and causing trouble until the early morning hours. Thank goodness for 24 hour Denny’s!
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet almost all of the 51 contestants who I will be competing at Miss America this year, and more importantly the women who will be my roommates for almost a month as we film the reality show in LA! It was relieving to know that we all are so different but have many things in common that will make our experience together an incredible one. I am really looking forward to heading to LA to film now, because I am excited to be reunited with my new friends! The Miss America Organization had a very busy but exciting schedule for us for the week. We had the opportunity to appear on a morning show, film promotional videos for Disney, spend a day at Disney World and at Sea World, attend a fundraiser, attend a 50’s theme dinner and dance party, and meet with the producers of the reality show in addition to a number of meetings and workshops.
While watching the whale show we made some friends from Scotland!
Washington gals at the 50's Sock Hop! We won the best dressed group award!
My friend Danijela, Miss Oregon
We just got soaked on Splash Mountain at Disney World
With Galen, Miss Deleware
With Ellen, Miss Tennesse
Again, I want to end with a book recommendation. We had the privilege of listening to motivation speaker, Brendon Burchard at one of our workshops. Peggy was kind enough to get me an autographed copy of his book, Life’s Golden Ticket. I read it on the way home, and I could not have asked for a more refreshing or valuable read. It was the perfect way to end a week of contemplation and reflection on what I’ve done and what the future holds. I love this book because it allows for you to interpret the stories in any way that you’d like, so each reader can take something completely different but equally valuable from it depending on where they are in their life.
Each day, we went to a preliminary pageant competition to watch Tori compete which was followed by a visitation gathering. Some might assume that after leaving visitations at midnight we would try to get our rest since we had to wake up at the break of dawn for meetings, but those of us who are enjoying life don’t exactly function that way. Throughout the week we became very cozy with the Denny’s across the street, and on a typical night you’d find us there laughing and causing trouble until the early morning hours. Thank goodness for 24 hour Denny’s!
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet almost all of the 51 contestants who I will be competing at Miss America this year, and more importantly the women who will be my roommates for almost a month as we film the reality show in LA! It was relieving to know that we all are so different but have many things in common that will make our experience together an incredible one. I am really looking forward to heading to LA to film now, because I am excited to be reunited with my new friends! The Miss America Organization had a very busy but exciting schedule for us for the week. We had the opportunity to appear on a morning show, film promotional videos for Disney, spend a day at Disney World and at Sea World, attend a fundraiser, attend a 50’s theme dinner and dance party, and meet with the producers of the reality show in addition to a number of meetings and workshops.
While watching the whale show we made some friends from Scotland!
Washington gals at the 50's Sock Hop! We won the best dressed group award!
My friend Danijela, Miss Oregon
We just got soaked on Splash Mountain at Disney World
With Galen, Miss Deleware
With Ellen, Miss TennesseAgain, I want to end with a book recommendation. We had the privilege of listening to motivation speaker, Brendon Burchard at one of our workshops. Peggy was kind enough to get me an autographed copy of his book, Life’s Golden Ticket. I read it on the way home, and I could not have asked for a more refreshing or valuable read. It was the perfect way to end a week of contemplation and reflection on what I’ve done and what the future holds. I love this book because it allows for you to interpret the stories in any way that you’d like, so each reader can take something completely different but equally valuable from it depending on where they are in their life.
1 comment:
Janet,thanks for a refreshing and informational read! You have a gift for blogging.
We can't wait to read more. You truly are a blessing and a gift to this state, the organization, and its volunteers!
Alex and Ben
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