August 5^th, 2009

This evening was my send off party. I am grateful for all the support I have received from my community and all of Minnesota. Brooke was a great emcee but she did leave one story out.

Back in 2004, I competed in the American Coed pageant in the preteen division. As a child, I was always shy and my mom entered me in this pageant to help me break out of my shell. It was my first ever and I had no idea what to do or what to expect. The other day, I was cleaning my room and came across the old program book. I stopped to skim through it and there on page 21 was Brooke Kilgarriff from Eagan, Minnesota competing in the Junior Teen division. We didn’t even know that we were competing right next to each other and look where we are now!

August 2^nd, 2009

This morning I visited Camilia Rose Care Center. This facility is filled with generous people and I can feel the welcoming atmosphere is felt once I step in the door. My mom was allowed to shadow me and take pictures (of course with the resident’s consent.) Most of the residents were thrilled to see a “princess” among them and of course loved petting George. I would like to tell another quick story. Today when we were on second floor, we visited a resident that has grown close to my heart. We have chatted before but today’s visit held a very touching moment. This elder lady has taken to me like her own grandchild. We brought in pictures by her request of me in my evening and talent gowns and she grew speechless. Words could not express how proud she was of me and she cannot wait for me to get back from Orlando to share all my experiences with her. Unfortunately I won’t be able to visit Camilia Rose again until August 23^rd. As I walked out the door, her eyes teared up with love and thankfulness for our ongoing visits and acceptance and warmth George and I have brought her.

On a lighter note, after my visit, we quickly ran home to grab a birthday present for one the residents at the care center. Today was her 91^st birthday and the whole second floor was celebrating in floral clothes, flowers and lays. From talking to this resident, I knew that she loved bracelets. So, guess what I gave her… BRACELETS! I was glad I could be part of the Hawaiian celebration and enjoyed a piece of delicious cake with ice cream.

Once we returned home, my mom and I started packing for Florida. It is actually harder than it seems. I don’t know what I should pack because I don’t know what the weather is going to be like, I just can’t decide what outfits to wear for the appearances, and some of my clothes are in the hamper waiting to be washing. I can say that I will have at least 2 bags full of stuff, maybe 3 and will have a large purse to carry on the plane overflowing with more stuff and an actual carry on roller with even more stuff. I can’t wait!! We fly down to Orlando in 3 days!!! I don’t think I am nervous yet but I am anxious to meet all the other contestants and excited for the opportunities and appearances that are planned.

Fast Fact: I received an email from Jacques mom this evening and he did make it home to France. His flight arrived an hour early and he was tired and hungry.

August 1^st, 2009

It is the start of a new month, but the continuing of our garage sale. I have woke up early for the past three days and am not always in the best mood. It’s summer and no teenager should even think about opening their eyes before 8 A.M. I am grateful to everyone who has put up with me the past three days and has helped me set up, run, and tear down our sale. I also would like to thank everyone who donated items to sell. The garage sale was very successful. In the midst of it all, today my dad had to bring Jacques to the airport. It was sad seeing him go. He has become part of the family over the past 3 weeks but next year, I hope to travel to France to visit him and the Eiffel Tower.

At 3:30, my mom and I finally went to the seamstress’ house to try my dresses on for the second and FINAL fitting. This was the third time we had had to reschedule and I have anxiously been waiting to try my dresses on. Luckily, they fit perfect and nothing else needs to be done except a quick steam to get rid of the wrinkles. Props to Laurie for doing such an excellent job! FOUR DAYS UNTIL WE LEAVE FOR MISS AMERICA’S OUTSTANDING TEEN!!!

One more note: today was the last day before the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition that I could raise money for Children’s Miracle Network. To compete we were asked to raise $500 but I set my goal $100 higher. Coming to the end of the designated time, I was worried I would not reach my goal but with good fundraising skills at our garage sale I managed to reach my goal plus $47.83 more.

July 30^th-31^st, 2009

This weekend, I hosted a garage sale. My friends have been very generous because throughout the weekend, I was never sitting by myself but in return my job is to make snacks and lunch. Good thing I’m a wonderful grilled cheese, and spaghetti cook! The mornings were early; I had to be outside sitting in my chair at 7 A.M. and my nights were late because I didn’t have enough sense to go to sleep early. Plus, on Friday night we held a good bye party for Jacques topped off with cake and ice cream. He has many great stories to share with his family and memories along with about 500 pictures and videos, gifts from us, and pants that are too small. (We eat more than the French.) Also in France, the teenagers do not play catch with baseballs and gloves. When we were sitting outside, we decided to play catch with baseball gloves so Jacques could get the whole American experience. Our yard was filled with laughs and fun until Jacques missed one of the balls and it hit him. Being not so coordinated with sports myself, I know how much that hurts. So, we ended our fun and got him and ice pack.

July 29^th, 2009

I am guilty! I have not been practicing my piano selection as much as I should be with the national competition so close. Today, when I went to piano lessons, we did have to refresh my memory on some of the dynamics before I could feel good about my performance. Lesson learned: PLAY MORE OFTEN!

After my intense piano lesson, Jacques and I went up to the Coon Rapids High School to play tennis with my friends. Jacques did tell me that he loved tennis but he left out the part about being good at it! The not so coordinated me looked foolish across the court from him.

To end the day or start the morning, my family and I finished pricing the items for our garage sale. There are been many gracious people who have donated their “junk” to us to sell. Looking at it in the garage, it did not look like a lot and I actually complained to my mom that this was going to be a small sale. Was I wrong or what?! Pricing everything took until 2 A.M. to finish! This is the start of my late nights and early mornings. I had to be up at 5:30 to get ready.

July 28^th, 2009

Valley Fair here we come! It’s been a fun day. We went on every ride. I think Jacques was scared, he was screaming on a few of the rides.

Fast Fact: France does have amusement parks, just not as cool as Valley Fair.

July 25^th-26^th, 2009

Driving up to Frazee has by far been my favorite trip so far. Our first stop: the world’s largest turkey (and not the country.) Jacques was again amazed that someone would take the time to construct a turkey so BIG! We soon met up with the many wonderful people that make Frazee the welcoming town it is. These people include: the Mayfield family, Alice and Katelyn, and Jay.

I had the opportunity to speak with all the teen contestants before their interviews. I can truly say each and every one is a great role model for their peers. They possess all the qualities that the Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen program promotes. I hope to see all of you lovely ladies on the state stage because although only one of you was crowned, all of you would make perfect competitors and titleholders for the Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen title. Congratulations to Beth Anderson, the first ever Miss Frazee Outstanding Teen. You made history as the first local to crown and outstanding teen, which you are! You will continue to be known for all your hard work and involvement in your community.

I love catching up with my former roommate, and great friend Alyssa Mayfield. She is an inspiration and a kind, caring friend. I wish we lived closer!

Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to be in the Frazee parade with Brooke Kilgarriff, Miss Minnesota A.K.A. my big sister. We rode in a car together and had tons of candy to throw to the crowd. It was my first parade as Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen and did not last long enough. I was soon back in the car for the four hour drive home.

July 24^th, 2009

This is my first blog about my French brother, Jacques. He is my family’s exchange student and arrived at our house on the 18^th. We have been busy giving him the “American experience.” Today, we visited the Mall of America. It was like nothing he had ever seen! Our joke was that we have the largest mall in the world and are privileged enough to drive there whenever we need something but France has nothing… except a city, Paris. In reality, Paris is not just a city. I would love to see the Eiffel Tower one day. Next summer, if I can save up enough money, I plan to visit Jacques and his family.

We found great souvenirs for his sisters and parents and he had the chance to shop at Abercrombie and Fitch, which is THE store all teenagers talk about in France but they don’t have one. We saw Legoland, went on a couple rides, and, of course, went shopping! Jacques was amazed that the rollercoasters were in a building. It’s crazy to think that that’s weird for other people to see!

After an evening at the Mall, we went to McCormick and Schmick’s for dinner to celebrate a friend of the family’s birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK! I also tried raw tuna for the first time. Jacques really likes it so when his platter came out, I asked if I could try a small bite. My reaction, “I don’t eat pink meat,” but it wasn’t as bad as I expected.