Time for a little catch up!

I am so sorry that I haven't blogged in a long time! I didn't realize how fast time was going by, so it's time for me to do a little catch up.

Firstly, yesterday was the Meeting of the Minds Dementia Conference at the River Centre in St. Paul. It was sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association and the Mayo Clinic. My family was asked to welcome everyone to the event and share our story about our journey through Alzheimer's disease. It was such an honor to be asked!! There were over 1300 people at this event, and although I was a little nervous, I knew that if I just spoke from my heart everything would come easily. I am so proud of my parents for getting up there and speaking the way they did. I could not imagine how hard it must have been for my Dad to admit in front of that many people that he has Alzheimer's. (You can long onto youtube.com to find our short intro)
I met so many incredible people that day. Yesterday was really an eye-opening event and emotional, but I feel that I came out a stronger and more passionate person. Many thanks to Barry Peterson and Mary Nell for making both my Mom and I realize so many things! You two are incredible!

Now, with Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant just 13 days away, I am feeling so at ease. I know that I am completely ready for this title and I have given my heart and soul into preparing myself. I hope and pray that this is what's God's plan for me and I know that if it's meant to be it will happen. I know in my heart that I did everything I could possibly do to prepare and I want this so much!

To me, it's not just a crown and a sash; it stands for so much more than that. It stands for all of the hardwork and dedication one puts into making their dreams a reality. I fully believe everything I just said in the last 2 sentences; I'm not one to be hypocritical. Take our Miss Minnesota 2010, Kathryn. She worked for many years to be Miss Minnesota, and when she finally won, it was like all of the hard work had boiled down to that moment when that crown was being pinned to her head, the sash was being placed over her body, she was being handed her flowers, and was taking her very first walk as Miss Minnesota 2010.

I know, with everything I have inside of me, that I am ready for the title as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2011. I have never felt more ready for anything in my entire life. God... I am putting these next 13 days all in your hands!

With pure excitement,
Bailey

P.S. My send-off party and gown showing will be this Sunday (March 27th) at 2pm at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa, MN. Everyone is invited! Cake and beverages will be served. Hope to see you all there!!

P.S.S. 2 more things :) Contestant pictures are on the MMOT Website!! Make sure to check them out at: http://missminnesota.org/Teen/contestants.html. They are also on the Facebook page. Also, if you are planning on attending the pageant, tickets are $20 pre-sale (Here is the link: https://www.missminnesota.org/teen_tickets_online_2011.php) and $25 at the door. It is April 2nd at Eden Prairie High School at 7pm!