It's almost here!

Hey everyone!

It has been a crazy few weeks, so I'm sorry that I seem to have dropped off the face of the planet yet again! I've been hard at work with mock interviews, minor dress alterations, rehearsals for Legally Blonde the Musical (I'm playing Brooke!), and mentally trying to prepare for everything. I'll let you know how that last one turns out...!

Tony Horton
Photo from http://knowmybody.com

The other thing I've been doing in prep is the P90x workout that we all know...and hate? I'm actually really enjoying the workout side of the things, although I have to say I have never felt so miserable in a kitchen because I can't eat ANYTHING I want to. The P90x nutrition program is a very low carb, high protein diet, and I love carbs... On the other hand, I'm only three weeks in and I can totally see the results starting already! For those of you who are scared of the program, yes, it's intense, but it's all about doing what YOU can do - not about keeping up with Tony Horton. (Who, by the way, is a beast. Seriously, who does tricep kickbacks with 25lb dumbbells?!)



So in 5 days I'll be heading up north to a Mariner's game to watch our lovely Miss Washington 2011 Brittney Henry throw the opening pitch, and then Sunday is check-in and Miss Washington week begins! Yes, I've been insanely stressed out with the amount of pressure I feel to be perfect. But I am also SO excited for this upcoming week! I'm truly looking forward to getting to know my fellow Miss WA 2012 hopefuls even better, and I know it will be a week full of hard work, amazing growing opportunities, and most of all, FUN!! This entire program really is a blast. It's hard work to get ready, but when competition time comes, I just go out there to do my best and have fun. When it's all over, I will have gained some wonderful friends and pageant sisters, and maybe even a new title and the endless opportunities that come with being Miss Washington!


Melissa

"Do your best, and forget the rest." - Tony Horton

Graduation and Outstanding Teens!

Well it has been one hectic week! Last weekend I "officially" graduated from PLU!! (It's only "official" because until all of my grades are in and I get my diploma, it isn't truly official.) After a fantastic grad party with my family and friends, I had to head to school for my final concert as a member of the PLU Choir of the West. It was a very emotional time, but I am so blessed to have been part of not one, but two amazing choirs while at PLU. My two years in University Chorale could not have given me better preparation for my two years with CoW. Unfortunately, because of that concert, I couldn't be at the MWOT preliminary night, but I was certainly thinking of all 27 of those lovely girls!

On Sunday, I walked across that stage at the Tacoma Dome...and forgot to flip my tassel and look out at my parents and all of that good stuff that you're "supposed" to do...but I made it!

From there, I raced to the Miss Washington Outstanding Teen finals! We had six truly outstanding ladies from Grays Harbor competing, and I am so proud of all of them! Paige Kuhn was named to the top 10, and Chandra Munger won non-finalist interview and the academic award.  The non-finalist talent winner was a harp player, and her rendition of My Heart Will Go On was absolutely beautiful. I was so impressed with the talent of all the top 10 girls, and I would have loved to see all 27 the night before!

And the winner is...Janae Calaway from the Tri-Cities was named Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen 2012! Whoever the new Miss Washington is will have an amazing "partner in crime," and I'm sure the two of them (us??) will have a blast.

Now begins my last 4 weeks of preparation for Miss Washington. My wardrobe is finalized (except for one pair of shoes and the ever-elusive leggings), mock interviews are starting up next week, and I am now living at home again with my amazing, supportive family. Here goes nothing!