As I was cleaning my room today, I stumbled across my journal. But this journal is a special journal... Well kind of :) During the week of a pageant that I am going to compete in, I journal in it. It helps me organize my thoughts, and it relaxes me after the day.
It started at one of my send-off parties. My Mom had given me it to me for exactly what I use it for, a journal. But I had a great idea to have my family and friends write a little something in it to give me that little boost of confidence right before I am about to go out onto the stage and compete.
A few days later, I brought it to school so some of my friends could write in it. The first friend I asked looked at me in a weird way, but took it and said she would give it to me tomorrow. Alright, fine by me. But to my surprise, I recieved the journal back the next day and she had written 2 whole pages! It was tempting to read, but I promised myself I would save it for "pageant day". I then passed the book on to another one of my good friends, and she wrote even more! Now I was really anxious to see what they had written that had taken up so many pages. By now, instead of me asking girls if they wanted to write in it, girls were coming up to ME and asking if they could write in it. Of course I said yes! I didn't see that journal for at least 2 weeks, it was bouncing between so many girls, until finally one of my good friends handed it to me. She was the last one to write in it, and she is the friend I've known the longest. She said to me that I needed to read them a day before the pageant instead of the day of because they were going to take me a looooonnnnnng time (she said it just like that too)!
After reading all of the entries once (and some 2 times!), I knew that I had the best friends in the entire world. Their words brought me to tears, and yes I am an emotional person, but WOW. I cannnot even begin to describe how inspirational those entries were.
Carly said: "... And yes of course, things are not always going to go as planned, but be patient because when one door closes another one opens. Just go out there and find that door!" These words have stayed in my head ever since I read them. They are SO true! You can't just sit back and wish for a door to open, wishing is not enough; you have to get up and push through the pain, push through the hurt and the sadness, and find that open door. You can't let ONE bad thing along the journey slow you down. There is a reason God did what he did, you just have to believe in His plan and timing.
"Anyone can buy a fancy dress or entertain a crowd for 2 minutes, but you are doing this pageant because you have a message to spread... You have a purpose!" These words were those of Abbie, the friend that I have know the longest and who was the last one to write in my journal. She also was the girl who said "Your platform is your reality", the title of this blog. "Pause for just a second up on that stage and catch the eyes of the person you are doing all of this for... your Dad." Abbie truly does have a way with words.
I could sit here and complain about how I have to watch my Dad suffer everyday with an uncontrolable disease or have to watch my Mom become a single parent because my Dad is not able to do much, but I choose not to. I'm happy with life right now. Life is either an adventure or nothing. You decide which!
So as a bring this blog to an end, I'm reminded of how many great and supportive people I have in my life!
I think I might just have to continue this whole having-friends-write-in-my-journal thing :)
Bailey
"Get up on that stage and show us that a real girl feels pain, happiness, fear, disappointment, and excitement. Show us that you can have your world turned completely turned upside down but you still have the strength and courage to act and do something about it!" -Abbie
Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen 2010!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A Crazy 2 Days!
Wow. I cannot believe that tomorrow is already Christmas Eve... Where did time go? I feel like it was just last week that I was crowned, and now there is 3 and 1/2 months until Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2011!
The past two days for me have been pretty insane.
Yesterday, Bethany and I were scheduled to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at the Westgate Mall in Brainerd. The mall was suprisingly very busy and we were even inside and out of the cold! It was great catching up with Bethany because I hadn't seen her since we had our headshots taken together a few weeks ago. When I think about the friendships I have formed through pageants, I am truly blessed. I have friends from all over Minnesota, and although we may only see each once every few months, it's like we are best friends and we just saw each other yesterday. Distance means nothing. If it is a true friendship it can withstand anything!
After ringing the bell for a few hours, Bethany and I did some rehearsing for our Christmas Performance set for the next day at the Mall of America. I played piano and she sang along to some Christmas carols! We had a great time and I think it put us both at more of an ease for the following day :)
After I said my goodbyes to Bethany, I raced over to the Westgate Mall again for a little get-together and horse-drawn carriage rides. There were a lot of kids there so it was fun seeing all of their faces and asking me the typical question: "Are you a princess?". One little girl walked by me and said "Hi, Princess!", like she had known me her whole life. Kids can be so cute!
The next day, I was up early and so excited to get down to the metro. Bethany and I had our much anticipated Christmas performance at the Best Buy Rotunda in the Mall of America. The Best Buy Rotunda is the largest rotunda in the Mall. The Mall has 4 floors and this is the only rotunda where you can look up and see all 4 of the floors. So you could be standing on the 4th floor, and look over the edge and see us, we would look like ants, but you could still see us. It was amazing to be standing on the stage and look up towards the ceiling and see all of the people looking over the edge at us. And of course, to top it all off, our performance went smoothly!
And for the cherry on top to these wonderful past 2 days, I am relaxing at home with my family :) I love Christmas! I wish we could have it more than once a year.
I hope everyone has a great holiday and eats lots of cookies!
Bailey
Bailey
P.S. Here is an article that was in my local newspaper... Check it out! http://brainerddispatch.com/lifestyle/2010-12-21/bhs-student-promote-alzheimer’s-information-help-area-children
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sertoma Winter Wonderland.
Every year, the Brainerd Sertoma Club does a "Winter Wonderland" were they take the ENTIRE trail at the our local Arboretum and decorate it with lights (For those who don't know... Sertoma is a group of business people that do alot with in their community). But these lights aren't just any lights... They make them into huge Christmas-y characters and things like Rudolph, Christmas trees, and Santa! It is really cool (and hard to explain.... forgive me!).
I arrived at the Arb around 5pm on Saturday night ready to battle the cold :) I was talking with a few of the other volunteers and they told me that it costs about $4,000 in just electricity bills to run this type of thing... Talk about expensive! But totally worth it!! Along with talking to the men about electicity and lights, I got to chat with Santa. Yeah pretty cool :) I even got a picture with him and Mrs. Claus!
After talking with Santa, I decided I had better go outside and help them sell tickets. It was suprisingly not too cold outside. I had about 10 layers on (literally!), and I stayed fairly warm until about half way through. I had an amazing time though! I didn't know selling tickets could be that much fun. A man, Brian, from the Sertoma Club was also selling tickets with me, and let me tell you... He was incredibly funny! Whenever a car pulled up with kids in it he would tell them that we had a "Queenie" working tonight and asked them if they would like to meet me. He then proceded to tell them that since I was Miss NORTH Metro Outstanding Teen I represented everything north of the Metro area. Which if you think about it, it makes sense. But Brain kept going and said that I represent the North Pole because that is also north of the Metro and that I have met Santa and a couple of his elves. Of course then the kids were all over me! Haha! Brain asked one little boy if he thought I was pretty and he replied with a simple "Yes", then Brian asked him if he wanted to marry me and the boy said "No"... Wow! Rejection! It's okay though, life goes on :)
So all in all, it was a fun night. I was told that that was the most cars they had EVER seen there in one night. Then of course Brian had to pipe in and say it was all because of "Queenie"... Okay Brain, whatever you say! I left before the final count but I know it was astounding.
I feel so honored to have been apart of that night. I came home to frostbite on my fingers and really bad shivers, but I would do it again in a heartbeat... without even thinking! It was so rewarding.
I just love Christmas!
Bailey
Mrs. Claus and Santa!
Brain is on the left :)
Selling tickets!
I arrived at the Arb around 5pm on Saturday night ready to battle the cold :) I was talking with a few of the other volunteers and they told me that it costs about $4,000 in just electricity bills to run this type of thing... Talk about expensive! But totally worth it!! Along with talking to the men about electicity and lights, I got to chat with Santa. Yeah pretty cool :) I even got a picture with him and Mrs. Claus!
After talking with Santa, I decided I had better go outside and help them sell tickets. It was suprisingly not too cold outside. I had about 10 layers on (literally!), and I stayed fairly warm until about half way through. I had an amazing time though! I didn't know selling tickets could be that much fun. A man, Brian, from the Sertoma Club was also selling tickets with me, and let me tell you... He was incredibly funny! Whenever a car pulled up with kids in it he would tell them that we had a "Queenie" working tonight and asked them if they would like to meet me. He then proceded to tell them that since I was Miss NORTH Metro Outstanding Teen I represented everything north of the Metro area. Which if you think about it, it makes sense. But Brain kept going and said that I represent the North Pole because that is also north of the Metro and that I have met Santa and a couple of his elves. Of course then the kids were all over me! Haha! Brain asked one little boy if he thought I was pretty and he replied with a simple "Yes", then Brian asked him if he wanted to marry me and the boy said "No"... Wow! Rejection! It's okay though, life goes on :)
So all in all, it was a fun night. I was told that that was the most cars they had EVER seen there in one night. Then of course Brian had to pipe in and say it was all because of "Queenie"... Okay Brain, whatever you say! I left before the final count but I know it was astounding.
I feel so honored to have been apart of that night. I came home to frostbite on my fingers and really bad shivers, but I would do it again in a heartbeat... without even thinking! It was so rewarding.
I just love Christmas!
Bailey
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Salvation Army Bell Ringing.
On Monday, I volunteered to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. It was incredibly fun! I rang it at the Cub Foods in Baxter, which was nice because I was halfway in-doors so I could stay a little warm.
Melanie Clark, Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen Princess for 2010, came up to help me out as well! She came up with her Mom and brother. It was great catching up with them! I don't get to see them that often so to spend a few hours together was just what was needed.
You would not believe how generous people are. At least 4 people dropped 20 dollar bills in! It was so rewarding to know that all of that money is going towards a great cause and that I'm helping someone out during this holiday season!
I encourage everyone to visit your local Salvation Army to sign up to ring the bell. 2,3, or 4 hours are all that you need to put into this! :)
Bailey
Melanie Clark, Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen Princess for 2010, came up to help me out as well! She came up with her Mom and brother. It was great catching up with them! I don't get to see them that often so to spend a few hours together was just what was needed.
You would not believe how generous people are. At least 4 people dropped 20 dollar bills in! It was so rewarding to know that all of that money is going towards a great cause and that I'm helping someone out during this holiday season!
I encourage everyone to visit your local Salvation Army to sign up to ring the bell. 2,3, or 4 hours are all that you need to put into this! :)
Bailey
Saturday, November 27, 2010
City of Lights Festival.
In my hometown of Nisswa, Minnesota, we have an after-Thanksgiving celebration on Black Friday called the City of Lights Festival. This is the OFFICIAL kick-off to Christmas... my favorite holiday!! There are horse drawn wagon rides, storytelling, bonfires, fireworks, and a live nativity. Santa even comes!
I was really excited because this year I got to be apart of it! Of course as Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen :) I was asked to sell blinking light necklaces and light up antlers, which was fun because I got to sell them with Miss Nisswa, Renee Kardell! Even in 15 degree weather, we still managed to have fun and get a few laughs in...
At 5:30, the whole town joins in for a countdown of when all the Christmas lights in Nisswa are turned on. Each store decorates their storefronts with lots of colorful lights. When you turn on the lights, the whole town lights up and it looks like a movie set! It is gorgeous! But of course, it only looks cool if ALL the lights go on at the SAME time. Renee and I were asked to turn a strip of lights on after the countdown. Of course we wern't going to say no... How many times do you get to light up the city of Nisswa for Christmas? Not many! Thinking that it would be easy to just plug in the cords to the outlet on a telephone pole, we didn't stress too much about it. (I think you might know where this story is heading) About 5:20 we headed over to the telephone pole. Then realizing we had 10 minutes before the countdown began, Renee and I wen't in to a nearby resturant to warm up for 5 minutes or so. I promise you we were keeping a close eye on the clock, and at exactly 5:27, we decided we better go outside and wait for the countdown. Opening the door of the resturant, I hear the man over the loud speaker saying, "Alright, lets begin our countdown! 10...9...". Renee and I both had a temporary freak out moment and ran (literally!), with our crowns and sashes I might add, to the telephone pole. We arrived just as the man was saying "1". Do you know the feeling when you're in a major hurry and nothing seems to go right? This was one of those feelings! We were scrambling to open up the outlet box, it wouldn't open! By now, 2/3's of the city is lit up and the other third is not... Oops! We pulled and we pushed at the box and it still wouldn't open. We couldn't figure it out! Somewhere inbetween our laughing and screaming, a man had gotten out of his van and was running towards us to come help. He popped the box open with ONE try and we quickly plugged the lights in... The town of Nisswa was officially lit up (5 minutes after the countdown had ended). Thanking the man many times for helping us we walked away. We were both very embarrassed! I still don't know how he got that outlet box open with one try, but it's a good thing Renee and I could laugh about it!
So I apologize to anyone reading this from Nisswa who was waiting for some of the lights to turn on. Renee and I take full responsibility! :)
All in all, it was a pretty interesting night. Very fun and I can't wait until next year!
Bailey
I was really excited because this year I got to be apart of it! Of course as Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen :) I was asked to sell blinking light necklaces and light up antlers, which was fun because I got to sell them with Miss Nisswa, Renee Kardell! Even in 15 degree weather, we still managed to have fun and get a few laughs in...
At 5:30, the whole town joins in for a countdown of when all the Christmas lights in Nisswa are turned on. Each store decorates their storefronts with lots of colorful lights. When you turn on the lights, the whole town lights up and it looks like a movie set! It is gorgeous! But of course, it only looks cool if ALL the lights go on at the SAME time. Renee and I were asked to turn a strip of lights on after the countdown. Of course we wern't going to say no... How many times do you get to light up the city of Nisswa for Christmas? Not many! Thinking that it would be easy to just plug in the cords to the outlet on a telephone pole, we didn't stress too much about it. (I think you might know where this story is heading) About 5:20 we headed over to the telephone pole. Then realizing we had 10 minutes before the countdown began, Renee and I wen't in to a nearby resturant to warm up for 5 minutes or so. I promise you we were keeping a close eye on the clock, and at exactly 5:27, we decided we better go outside and wait for the countdown. Opening the door of the resturant, I hear the man over the loud speaker saying, "Alright, lets begin our countdown! 10...9...". Renee and I both had a temporary freak out moment and ran (literally!), with our crowns and sashes I might add, to the telephone pole. We arrived just as the man was saying "1". Do you know the feeling when you're in a major hurry and nothing seems to go right? This was one of those feelings! We were scrambling to open up the outlet box, it wouldn't open! By now, 2/3's of the city is lit up and the other third is not... Oops! We pulled and we pushed at the box and it still wouldn't open. We couldn't figure it out! Somewhere inbetween our laughing and screaming, a man had gotten out of his van and was running towards us to come help. He popped the box open with ONE try and we quickly plugged the lights in... The town of Nisswa was officially lit up (5 minutes after the countdown had ended). Thanking the man many times for helping us we walked away. We were both very embarrassed! I still don't know how he got that outlet box open with one try, but it's a good thing Renee and I could laugh about it!
So I apologize to anyone reading this from Nisswa who was waiting for some of the lights to turn on. Renee and I take full responsibility! :)
All in all, it was a pretty interesting night. Very fun and I can't wait until next year!
Bailey
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope your day was filled with lots of eating and spending time with family :)
As I sit here writing this, I realize how VERY thankful I am for everything that life as thrown at me. I have been faced with so much these past 2 years, some good... some not so good. To reflect back and see how God has worked his "magic" in little ways is truely incredible.
I watch a little bit of my father die each and every day from a disease that has no cure. There are somedays that I don't even know if I can get through the day, but God always gives me the strength to keep pushing through and I owe everything to Him! I am thankful to have Him in my life.
I am thankful for my Mom, who never stops supporting me. She is the epitome of everything I want to be! Not only is she my mom, but she is my best friend, support group, and mentor. I am blessed to have such an amazing Mom!
I am thankful for my Dad, whose strength makes me stronger everyday. I don't know how he manages to survive everyday knowing that he is losing his memory. He is the strongest person I know and I am also blessed to have him as a dad!
I am thankful for organizations like the Alzheimer's Association and Children's Miracle Network, who help people and children around our nation. They provide support and hope to people who otherwise would not have that support of hope! Just knowing that I get the opportunity to work with both of these organizations is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
I am thankful for my family and friends. I cannot even put into words how thankful I am. They are my rock, and if I could name all of you I would, but this blog would be wayyy long :)
I am thankful for my new "family". My director, Christina (she is a huge help in everything that I do!), and my sister queen Bethany and her mom Kelli (who I just so happen to get to see on Sunday!). I am thankful that they have been added to my life and I don't think they realize how grateful I really am to have them in my life!
So, take time today to sit down and really think about everything you are thankful for... then go out and tell them! Express to them how thankful you to have them in your life. Don't wait!
Bailey
P.s. Here is the link to my speech that I gave as Alzheimer's Champion of the Year 2010! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU2NBylU1ok
As I sit here writing this, I realize how VERY thankful I am for everything that life as thrown at me. I have been faced with so much these past 2 years, some good... some not so good. To reflect back and see how God has worked his "magic" in little ways is truely incredible.
I watch a little bit of my father die each and every day from a disease that has no cure. There are somedays that I don't even know if I can get through the day, but God always gives me the strength to keep pushing through and I owe everything to Him! I am thankful to have Him in my life.
I am thankful for my Mom, who never stops supporting me. She is the epitome of everything I want to be! Not only is she my mom, but she is my best friend, support group, and mentor. I am blessed to have such an amazing Mom!
I am thankful for my Dad, whose strength makes me stronger everyday. I don't know how he manages to survive everyday knowing that he is losing his memory. He is the strongest person I know and I am also blessed to have him as a dad!
I am thankful for organizations like the Alzheimer's Association and Children's Miracle Network, who help people and children around our nation. They provide support and hope to people who otherwise would not have that support of hope! Just knowing that I get the opportunity to work with both of these organizations is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
I am thankful for my family and friends. I cannot even put into words how thankful I am. They are my rock, and if I could name all of you I would, but this blog would be wayyy long :)
I am thankful for my new "family". My director, Christina (she is a huge help in everything that I do!), and my sister queen Bethany and her mom Kelli (who I just so happen to get to see on Sunday!). I am thankful that they have been added to my life and I don't think they realize how grateful I really am to have them in my life!
So, take time today to sit down and really think about everything you are thankful for... then go out and tell them! Express to them how thankful you to have them in your life. Don't wait!
Bailey
P.s. Here is the link to my speech that I gave as Alzheimer's Champion of the Year 2010! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU2NBylU1ok
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Alzheimer's Champion of the Year for 2010!
Well, winter is officially here. 6 inches of snow is unbelievable and being snowed in is not the most fun thing in the world! But it's a perfect day to blog :)
My weekend started early. I left school after lunch to race down to the cities for the Alzheimer's Champion of the Year award ceremony. They call it the Annual Meeting. The meeting started at 6pm, and it was great to see people that I don't get to see alot! It felt great to get all dressed up, wear my crown and sash, and accept an award that is such a HUGE honor to recieve.
At this meeting the Alzheimer's Associaton talked about their annual finances. It is truly amazing to see how much money they raised in one year. To think that I helped raise some of that money is incredible! Then they awarded the Angel Award. Next up was me :) I was so excited (and nervous!) to stand up on that stage and recieve this award. I gave a speech as well! You would not believe how hard my heart was pounding. I tried my very hardest to hold it together and not cry, but I eneded up crying by the end of my speech. I was told there was not a dry eye in the audience. After my speech, Zaven Khachaturian, PhD, talked. It was great to hear him talk! He is an incredible speaker, and it was such an honor to listen to him.
After the meeting there was a reception. It was great to chat with the people who had been there and meet new people. After the reception, I was invited to dinner at Crave in Edina. This was probably the most memorable thing that I have ever done. Sitting at the end of the table was Hilda Pridgeon, the co-founder of the Alzheimer's Associaion!! Amazing! It was 30 years ago that she created this (right in Minnesota!) at her kitchen table. I was speechless meeting her. I cannot stress how honored I was to meet her and talk to her. She said she was impressed with me! For her to say that was remarkable. The Alzheimer's Association is a nation wide organization and I was having dinner with her!
Here is a video played at the Annual Meeting! Make sure to listen for me! Just copy and paste this.
http://www.youtube.com/alzmnnd#p/a/u/0/wEv4HKtDo-s
The next day, I was still on Cloud 9. I am still in shock that that day acually happened! I woke up really early to drive to the Alzheimer's Association Edina Office to meet with Stephanie Dix about a new group that is emerging. CAERUS (ky-rus) is a brand new group for young people wanting to do more about raising awarness and funds for the Alzheimer's cause. It is still in the brainstorming process, so when I know more, I will update :)
After the CAERUS meeting, I headed over to Roseville to present at Brimhall Elementary School about Alzheimer's. I spoke to Ms. Zbacnik's 5th graders (my first time speaking to 5th graders) and it could not have gone more smoothly! They were a great class and had some really great questions. We had some pretty intense conversations! I might be on a news station, so I will update you on that as well :)
I then visited the Mall of America for some shopping. That was fun as well! After spending the rest of the day at the Mall, I raced over to Maple Grove High School to watch my high school football team play. If we won this game, that would mean we would go to State, so this was a huge game. We were playing Eden Prairie, one of the best teams in the state. WE WON! 13-10, which means we are going to the Metrodome! Exciting! :)
Hope everyone is having a great weekend watching all the snow fall.
Bailey
My wonderful and amazing director Christina!
Ms. Zbacnik's 5th graders!
My weekend started early. I left school after lunch to race down to the cities for the Alzheimer's Champion of the Year award ceremony. They call it the Annual Meeting. The meeting started at 6pm, and it was great to see people that I don't get to see alot! It felt great to get all dressed up, wear my crown and sash, and accept an award that is such a HUGE honor to recieve.
At this meeting the Alzheimer's Associaton talked about their annual finances. It is truly amazing to see how much money they raised in one year. To think that I helped raise some of that money is incredible! Then they awarded the Angel Award. Next up was me :) I was so excited (and nervous!) to stand up on that stage and recieve this award. I gave a speech as well! You would not believe how hard my heart was pounding. I tried my very hardest to hold it together and not cry, but I eneded up crying by the end of my speech. I was told there was not a dry eye in the audience. After my speech, Zaven Khachaturian, PhD, talked. It was great to hear him talk! He is an incredible speaker, and it was such an honor to listen to him.
After the meeting there was a reception. It was great to chat with the people who had been there and meet new people. After the reception, I was invited to dinner at Crave in Edina. This was probably the most memorable thing that I have ever done. Sitting at the end of the table was Hilda Pridgeon, the co-founder of the Alzheimer's Associaion!! Amazing! It was 30 years ago that she created this (right in Minnesota!) at her kitchen table. I was speechless meeting her. I cannot stress how honored I was to meet her and talk to her. She said she was impressed with me! For her to say that was remarkable. The Alzheimer's Association is a nation wide organization and I was having dinner with her!
Here is a video played at the Annual Meeting! Make sure to listen for me! Just copy and paste this.
http://www.youtube.com/alzmnnd#p/a/u/0/wEv4HKtDo-s
The next day, I was still on Cloud 9. I am still in shock that that day acually happened! I woke up really early to drive to the Alzheimer's Association Edina Office to meet with Stephanie Dix about a new group that is emerging. CAERUS (ky-rus) is a brand new group for young people wanting to do more about raising awarness and funds for the Alzheimer's cause. It is still in the brainstorming process, so when I know more, I will update :)
After the CAERUS meeting, I headed over to Roseville to present at Brimhall Elementary School about Alzheimer's. I spoke to Ms. Zbacnik's 5th graders (my first time speaking to 5th graders) and it could not have gone more smoothly! They were a great class and had some really great questions. We had some pretty intense conversations! I might be on a news station, so I will update you on that as well :)
I then visited the Mall of America for some shopping. That was fun as well! After spending the rest of the day at the Mall, I raced over to Maple Grove High School to watch my high school football team play. If we won this game, that would mean we would go to State, so this was a huge game. We were playing Eden Prairie, one of the best teams in the state. WE WON! 13-10, which means we are going to the Metrodome! Exciting! :)
Hope everyone is having a great weekend watching all the snow fall.
Bailey
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Here and there...
Today marks the 3rd week since my crowning... WOW! This is my first title in the Miss America system and I already feel like a totally different person. I feel accomplished... Everything that I have worked so hard for is finally coming to me. I never would have imagined any of this 2 years ago, when I first starting to work my way into the Miss America system.
I have many things that I am excited to share about...
There is 152 days unil Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen 2011! I have already been busily preparing. Preparing has always been my favorite part about any pageant. I love the feeling you get right before you are about ready to go out on stage to compete after months of hard-core preparing. It is unlike ANYTHING I have ever felt... You know that you are fully ready for the title you are competing for and have no regrets about anything you have done. You know that you couldn't have possibly worked harder because you gave 200 % of yourself into this. You are somewhat at ease because you know that the judges are here to pick the most ready and well-rounded girl and that could be you! Girls who have competed in ANY pageant before know this feeling like the back of their hands, and while some people who have never competed don't know this feeling... It is the greatest feeling in the world!!
On another note: PLEASE mark this date on your calendar! November 11th, Alzheimer's Champion of the Year award ceremony! I am your 2010 Alzheimer's Champion of the Year and would love to have anyone who is interested in going attend. It is held at the Hilton in Bloomington, MN and starts at 6pm. Please RSVP before November 5th at MN-NDchapter@alzmndak.org. Thank you and I hope to see everyone there!
Also put this date on your calendar as well... December 23rd my sister queen, Bethany, and I are going to be at the Mall of America performing a Christmas duet! Bethany will be singing and I will playing the piano. It will be a great time! SO... Mall of America at 3pm in the Best Buy Rotunda :)
Please check out http://missminnesota.org/Teen/contestants.html. It tells you a few of the contestants for Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen 2011 and make sure to check out the Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen section :)
I hope everyone has a fun Halloween!
Bailey
I have many things that I am excited to share about...
There is 152 days unil Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen 2011! I have already been busily preparing. Preparing has always been my favorite part about any pageant. I love the feeling you get right before you are about ready to go out on stage to compete after months of hard-core preparing. It is unlike ANYTHING I have ever felt... You know that you are fully ready for the title you are competing for and have no regrets about anything you have done. You know that you couldn't have possibly worked harder because you gave 200 % of yourself into this. You are somewhat at ease because you know that the judges are here to pick the most ready and well-rounded girl and that could be you! Girls who have competed in ANY pageant before know this feeling like the back of their hands, and while some people who have never competed don't know this feeling... It is the greatest feeling in the world!!
On another note: PLEASE mark this date on your calendar! November 11th, Alzheimer's Champion of the Year award ceremony! I am your 2010 Alzheimer's Champion of the Year and would love to have anyone who is interested in going attend. It is held at the Hilton in Bloomington, MN and starts at 6pm. Please RSVP before November 5th at MN-NDchapter@alzmndak.org. Thank you and I hope to see everyone there!
Also put this date on your calendar as well... December 23rd my sister queen, Bethany, and I are going to be at the Mall of America performing a Christmas duet! Bethany will be singing and I will playing the piano. It will be a great time! SO... Mall of America at 3pm in the Best Buy Rotunda :)
Please check out http://missminnesota.org/Teen/contestants.html. It tells you a few of the contestants for Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen 2011 and make sure to check out the Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen section :)
I hope everyone has a fun Halloween!
Bailey
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Miss Twin Cities and Miss Capital City 2011.
Last night was the 2011 Miss Twin Cities and Miss Capital City pageant! It was a blast, because this was the first local pageant that I wore my crown and sash. It was fun catching up with girls that I hadn't seen in a while! That's always one of my favorite things about going to locals.
The day was filled with many fun things. My Mom and I left Brainerd at 2pm to meet up with my sister queen, Bethany in St. Cloud. Then from there Bethany, my Mom, and I drove to Maple Grove to have dinner at Granite City with our director, Christina. It was great bonding time for us. I am so blessed to have Christina as my director because she is truely incredible! It makes me even more excited for the year ahead. I've never had a "director" but I am loving everything about it!!
After finishing our dinner, we all packed into Christina's car to head over to the auditorium that the pageant was held in. We almost died a few times on our way there, but it's all good :)
The pageant was put on beauitfully and it was a great pageant to watch! I would like to congradulate Miss Twins Citites 2011, Lauren Johnson and Miss Capital City 2011, Aja Majkrzak! They are both GREAT girls, and it was so great to see them get crowned because they both are so deserving. Lauren was a former Miss Brainerd and Aja was a former Miss South Central. I can't wait to watch to watch them compete for Miss Minnesota 2011! I know that they will both do wonderfully.
Up next... Alzheimer's Champion of the Year award ceremony on November 11th and Miss Mankato November 13th.
The day was filled with many fun things. My Mom and I left Brainerd at 2pm to meet up with my sister queen, Bethany in St. Cloud. Then from there Bethany, my Mom, and I drove to Maple Grove to have dinner at Granite City with our director, Christina. It was great bonding time for us. I am so blessed to have Christina as my director because she is truely incredible! It makes me even more excited for the year ahead. I've never had a "director" but I am loving everything about it!!
After finishing our dinner, we all packed into Christina's car to head over to the auditorium that the pageant was held in. We almost died a few times on our way there, but it's all good :)
The pageant was put on beauitfully and it was a great pageant to watch! I would like to congradulate Miss Twins Citites 2011, Lauren Johnson and Miss Capital City 2011, Aja Majkrzak! They are both GREAT girls, and it was so great to see them get crowned because they both are so deserving. Lauren was a former Miss Brainerd and Aja was a former Miss South Central. I can't wait to watch to watch them compete for Miss Minnesota 2011! I know that they will both do wonderfully.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
My first week.
My first week as Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen 2010 has been pretty crazy, but I'm loving every minute of it! The two and a half years that I have been competing in the Miss America system has led up to this point. I never used to believe in the saying "Everything happens for a reason" until I was crowned Miss North Metro OT. There is a reason why, when I first competed for Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen 2009, I didn't win. There is a reason why I was 2nd runner up at Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen 2010. And finally there is a reason why God has given me the strength and passion to compete for a third time in Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen 2011. He KNEW that I was destined to be the very first Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen and to represent the North Metro area. Ephesians 6:10 says this: "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." I fully believe that God has everything to do with how many great and amazing things are happening in my life. He has opened so many doors for me and I am so blessed to have Him on my side.
If there is one thing that I hope to accomplish in my 365 days as a title holder, it can be summed up in this statement: Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion. I am fully committed to bringing everything that I have to each and every appearence. Whether it be a parade or giving a speech. I am ready to be, not only the best title holder I can be, but also the best person I can be! I know that this year will fly by so fast and will NOT settle for anything less than my personal best (as clique as that sounds!). I want to leave a legacy behind me and prove that the Miss America pageant system is not just "another" pageant. It stands for so much more that people think it does and I want to be the girl who changes what people think! The Miss America Organization is a great organization and is the LARGEST supplier of scholarships for young women across the nation.
I feel honored to be a title holder in this (Miss America) system. 100's of girls would love to be in my shoes right now, that's why I am writing this. I want Minnesota and everyone else to know that this title is not just another title for me. This is an opportunity for me to grow and use the crown as a megaphone to let my voice be heard! I am excited to see where my year will take me and I'm even more excited to see what amazing things God will do next.
Until next time,
Bailey
If there is one thing that I hope to accomplish in my 365 days as a title holder, it can be summed up in this statement: Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion. I am fully committed to bringing everything that I have to each and every appearence. Whether it be a parade or giving a speech. I am ready to be, not only the best title holder I can be, but also the best person I can be! I know that this year will fly by so fast and will NOT settle for anything less than my personal best (as clique as that sounds!). I want to leave a legacy behind me and prove that the Miss America pageant system is not just "another" pageant. It stands for so much more that people think it does and I want to be the girl who changes what people think! The Miss America Organization is a great organization and is the LARGEST supplier of scholarships for young women across the nation.
I feel honored to be a title holder in this (Miss America) system. 100's of girls would love to be in my shoes right now, that's why I am writing this. I want Minnesota and everyone else to know that this title is not just another title for me. This is an opportunity for me to grow and use the crown as a megaphone to let my voice be heard! I am excited to see where my year will take me and I'm even more excited to see what amazing things God will do next.
Until next time,
Bailey
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Your very first Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen 2010!
This is absolutely crazy for me to even say, but I am Bailey Wachholz, Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen 2010!
I was crowned just this past Sunday, and it has already been such an honor to represent the North Metro area as your "teen" title holder. I am very excited to see where the next 365 days of my reign will take me! But until then, I want you to get to know me a little better :)
Sooooooo, as you know I'm Bailey! I'm a sophmore at Brainerd High School in Brainerd, MN and am 15 years old. I like ANYTHING outdoors or on the lake and love playing the piano! I also rarely miss a Minnesota Twins baseball game, and yes... I am a huge Joe Mauer fan :) Give me something to talk about, and I could probally talk about it for hours!
A huge part of my life is my platform: Remember Me? Alzheimer's Through the Eyes of a Child. My father was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's in January of 2009 and has now entered the "moderate" stage of the disease. I was only 13 at the time of his diagnoses and was overcome with feelings of fear and loneliness because how many kids do you know who have a father who has Alzheimer's? Yes, I'm in a unique position having a father with the disease, but what about other family members? Over 5.3 million American's are living with Alzheimer's. Just think about how many children are affected. If, let's say every person had 3 children somewhere in their families, thats almost 16 million children who are affected! I would say that is a HUGE number, and that's why I'm so active in the cause. I've created an education program that I've spoken to over 2000 students with in 7 schools that is specialized for 1st-4th graders. It let's them know what exactly Alzheimer's is so when they are faced with it, they already know everything they need to about Alzheimer's and related dementias, unlike myself. I'm also an active commitee member in both the Lakes Area Memory Awareness Advocates (LAMAA) and the Walk to End Alzheimer's right in my hometown. Both of which bring a ton of attention to the cause. The 2010 Memory Walk raised over 55,000 dollars! I'm so proud to live in the Brainerd Lakes Area.Upon many other things that I do for the cause, I just found out that the Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer's Assocation chose ME to be the Alzheimer's Champion of the Year! I am incredibly honored and thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life!
As Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen, I am excited to continue my work to build a society that is more aware of Alzheimer's and is willing to join me in supporting the 5.3 million American's living with the disease. I encourage you to visit my personal website, which I update often! http://www.beonthemove.weebly.com/ It has lots of great info and pictures from everything I have done with my platform!
I would like to quick congradulate my new "big sister queen" Bethany Beniek, Miss North Metro 2010! I am SO excited to begin my year with her, I know that it will be a year that will never be forgotten. Please visit her personal blog: http://www.missnorthmetro2010.blogspot.com/
Bailey Wachholz
Miss North Metro OT 2010
Crowning moment
My new sister queen Bethany!
I was crowned just this past Sunday, and it has already been such an honor to represent the North Metro area as your "teen" title holder. I am very excited to see where the next 365 days of my reign will take me! But until then, I want you to get to know me a little better :)
Sooooooo, as you know I'm Bailey! I'm a sophmore at Brainerd High School in Brainerd, MN and am 15 years old. I like ANYTHING outdoors or on the lake and love playing the piano! I also rarely miss a Minnesota Twins baseball game, and yes... I am a huge Joe Mauer fan :) Give me something to talk about, and I could probally talk about it for hours!
A huge part of my life is my platform: Remember Me? Alzheimer's Through the Eyes of a Child. My father was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's in January of 2009 and has now entered the "moderate" stage of the disease. I was only 13 at the time of his diagnoses and was overcome with feelings of fear and loneliness because how many kids do you know who have a father who has Alzheimer's? Yes, I'm in a unique position having a father with the disease, but what about other family members? Over 5.3 million American's are living with Alzheimer's. Just think about how many children are affected. If, let's say every person had 3 children somewhere in their families, thats almost 16 million children who are affected! I would say that is a HUGE number, and that's why I'm so active in the cause. I've created an education program that I've spoken to over 2000 students with in 7 schools that is specialized for 1st-4th graders. It let's them know what exactly Alzheimer's is so when they are faced with it, they already know everything they need to about Alzheimer's and related dementias, unlike myself. I'm also an active commitee member in both the Lakes Area Memory Awareness Advocates (LAMAA) and the Walk to End Alzheimer's right in my hometown. Both of which bring a ton of attention to the cause. The 2010 Memory Walk raised over 55,000 dollars! I'm so proud to live in the Brainerd Lakes Area.Upon many other things that I do for the cause, I just found out that the Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer's Assocation chose ME to be the Alzheimer's Champion of the Year! I am incredibly honored and thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life!
As Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen, I am excited to continue my work to build a society that is more aware of Alzheimer's and is willing to join me in supporting the 5.3 million American's living with the disease. I encourage you to visit my personal website, which I update often! http://www.beonthemove.weebly.com/ It has lots of great info and pictures from everything I have done with my platform!
I would like to quick congradulate my new "big sister queen" Bethany Beniek, Miss North Metro 2010! I am SO excited to begin my year with her, I know that it will be a year that will never be forgotten. Please visit her personal blog: http://www.missnorthmetro2010.blogspot.com/
Bailey Wachholz
Miss North Metro OT 2010
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