On August 1st, my grandmother and father saw my mother, sister and I off from the Portland airport (at 4:30 AM, might I add.) After grabbing a quick bite to eat and a venti white mocha from starbucks, we were off with my overstuffed pink luggage (Thanks Sally and Allie!) Although I was completely exhausted, I struggled with sleeping. I was just TOO EXCITED to sleep! During the flight to Orlando, the flight attendent introduced Terissa and I over the speaker! After recieving thunderous applause, we sat and ate our honey roasted peanuts. MMMMMMMM.. On the flight over I read my pageant bible, along with some newspapers to keep up on current events, and one fun teen magazine (I have to have SOME teen time!)
We arrived in the Sunshine State only to be greeted by a torrential downpour. Believe it or not, this made me feel more than welcome! It was almost as though God was sending me bits of Washington weather in Orlando! Too bad I didn't have my umbrella. After finally finding our hotel and unpacking the luggage, we went to bed to prepare for a busy day starting a very hectic and stressful upcoming week and a half.
On August 2nd, I arrived early for check in. I'm glad I did too, people who showed up right on time or shortly after ended up waiting for hours to get through the lines and photo shoots. I had so much fun getting to wear a beautiful Tony Bowls by Mon Cheri dress for a photo shoot with Zac Grimaldo. The photos for all of the contestants turned out amazing. I also got to do a quick video interview for the final night of pageant along with a talent introduction, autograph signing, and check in.
I was given a friendly surprise from Tony Masias, one of the judges who made allowed me the experiences I have recieved as Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen, just happened to be in Orlando at the same hotel for an Alcohol Awareness Program. It was so great to see a familiar face! I'm hoping to be able to work with him later this year for the Alcohol Awareness Program here in Washington.
I'm sure those who know the Miss Washington board well will appreciate my video answer for my personal motto; "Be Gracious and Flexible." This phrase is all that gets me through the stressful times associated with balancing crazy schedules! Our pool party for this first day was cancelled due to rain, but we had a very fun indoor dancing party. This was really my last day with my mom and sister before spending the next week and a half with my amazing roommate from Hawaii, Moani Hara.
August 3rd, no more fun and games ladies! Yesterday was partying and photo shoots, today is rehearsals all day. We woke up at a much too early time for rehearsals at the Orange County Convention Center. However with Pam Bolling's peppy attitude and fun choreography we were up and running in no time! I had an absolute blast learning our Flag opening number/Shine, our athletic wear, Lady in red, and Hairspray(this one was my FAVORITE!)
On this night, we got to go to Medieval Times! This was SO MUCH FUN! I have never been to a place like this before, so it was a totally new experience. I was also extremely excited to have the opportunity to carry the Washington State Flag across the arena! The food was delicious. Although, it was a little awkward eating chicken with my hands. It was also a blast being in the cheering section for the knights during the jousting competition! We also got to see the very handsome knights! What girl doesn't dream of a knight in shining armor?!?!
The next day we had a half day of rehearsals! We got to meet the Second Story Guys! Four very talented guys who you might know from America's Got Talent! I'll give you a hint... they dance on stilts. This was so cool to watch, and probably just a little teensie bit distracting from the rehearsals. You try paying attention when there are 4, 10-foot tall guys doing back flips over each other!
After lunch we got a brief (minute, would probably be a better word) break, before we changed into our school t-shirts to film the opening for finals night! We also got to film an opening waving segment for Good Morning America!
After getting hair and make up done (I felt like a princess), I was able to film with Miss Virginia, Miss West Virginia, and Miss Wyoming! WAHOOO, for the end of the alphabet! This was a lot of fun! These girls are so sweet!
After a short break, we changed into our state T-shirts (Thanks Peggy!) This is where we got a SHOPPING TRIP!! Since we were catching on to the choreography so quickly we were allowed some fun time and cool events! We went to Pointe Orlando and ate dinner at Johnny Rockets. My waiter was, ironically, from WASHINGTON! They fed us delicious hamburgers and gave us each a beautiful rose! A few of us even went up and danced with the workers!!!! If you look at the national's video closely, you might just see me tangoing with the Johnny Rockets rose wedged between my teeth!
This event was so much fun! Miss South Dakota, Miss North Dakota, and Miss Wyoming were my table mates! We had a blast singing into ketchup bottles and dancing at the table! We also got to see a very talented young man do some really cool yo-yo tricks!
L'Occitane (a beauty shop in Pointe Orlando) gave us each little gift bags. We also got all sorts of cool coupons from the Pointe Orlando people! During our shopping experience some of the other girls thought I was insane. I'll tell you the story in quick written form. (Although, I will admit the story is much more entertaining in person. For some odd reason, my hand gestures and crazy facial expressions add a lot to the story!) As we're shopping many of the girls got excited by the Victoria's Secret or the 50% off shoes sign. I, on the other hand, literally gasped and ran when I saw that green mermaid. Yes...Starbucks. I was unable to get coffee until this point, and I think I was the only contestant going through withdrawals! I do believe that was the best Venti Iced White Mocha, I have ever had. I think the barista probably thought I was insane as well. I was basically beaming when we entered the little Italian themed coffee spot. After the way I ran into the shop, he probably thought caffeine was the last thing I needed. However, I desperately needed a caffeine jolt.
After our short shopping trip, we got to go to Wonderworks. This is probably one of the COOLEST places! First off, the building is UPSIDE DOWN! The roof is on the ground. It's basically impossible to miss. Right when you enter the building you're inside this giant spinning tube, that is dark, and really hard to see through. It was sooooooooooo hilarious, just hearing all kinds of high pitched screams coming from the dizzy tube as I dubbed it later. Other than that there were all sorts of cool mind tricks, and tech games. Maine and I won a name that tune: theme song edition game! We also did virtual dancing games. There was also a giant bubble maker. We had a lot of fun in the shadow room, I felt like Peter Pan, because you take a picture of your shadow and then you walk away and your shadow is still hanging on the wall. This was so cool. I tried taking a picture of my shadow, but the flash ruined it. So sadly, there is no documentation of this. You just have to trust me that it was purely rad! There were even pictures painted with bubble gum! We even got to go on a virtual roller coaster!
On August 5th, I had a full day of rehearsal! While members of the red and white groups did their private interview! (dunh dunh dunh.)
However, after a crazy day of interviews and rehearsals we had a nice dinner at Maggiano's. This was a lot of fun, we even got to sing happy birthday to Miss DC. Afterwards, we went to Regal Cinemas at Pointe Orlando where we got to see HAIRSPRAY! Now, I know what some of you are thinking-"Genay, you've already seen Hairspray!" Too True. Too True. However, this movie will absolutely never get old! With a combination of good dancing, great music, and Zac Efron...it's basically impossible to screw up! It was also a lot of fun seeing it with a group of crazy girls! It was fun watching all 52 of us share 1 bucket of popcorn!
The next day, we had a day of pampering at Bloomingdales. I bought a new pair of black heels, and a bag of candy. I was also able to get another starbucks!!! After my beautiful makeover I got ready for my interview! Well...so I thought! I was surprised by a banging on the door, it was apparently time to turn in all of our wardrobe. In a slightly stressful rush, I managed to pack everything quickly! I maintained my composure despite the stress...all thanks to "gracious and flexible!"
After a moment of stress, I was able to return to my room and continue to prepare for my interview. My interview went extremely well! The judges were all really great. My only complaint is the time, I needed more of it! I could have sat there with the judges for hours just hanging out (well...if it was going to be hours, a chair would be nice.)
After the blue group interviews, we were able to visit the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Trade Show! I saw posters signed by previous Washington state titleholders, Shalane Larango and Steffanie Range! I also got an absolutely adorable hot pink crown purse! After a short shopping trip, we were allowed our pool party. The weather finally cleared up, to my dissappointment actually, because now I have a Miss America's Outstanding Teen umbrella. However, after about 20 minutes in the pool I saw a flash of lightning. I don't think I've ever moved so fast in my life. I jumped out of that pool about as fast as I would've had I heard jaws music suddenly! Although, we didn't get a picture of it, Miss North Carolina and I had matching swimsuits, and Indiana and I had matching swimsuit covers!
August 7th, was the first day of on stage competition! I got to perform athletic wear, along with onstage question. Both went well, and I was so excited to see Elyse, Sally, Allie, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Terissa, Teri, and Brad, along with other pageant friends cheering out in the audience. More than anything I loved visitation afterwards! It was so nice just to talk with some Washington folk! Once again, my only complaint is time. I just wish I got more than 30 minutes!!
August 8th, was more rehearsals and the seconde day of onstage competition! This time I got to perform my talent to Dreamgirls, choreographed by the amazing Nichole Abrahamson! She is such a fantastic dancer and a great person! Despite some asthma problems, which were solved with assistance from the nurse and Debbie, my hostess, I performed really well! I had a blast doing this dance. I truly felt that this was one of my greatest performances! Again though, visitation was truly my favorite part!
Funny story...funny now. Not so funny then! After visitation on the second night of prelims. I was stuck in my Coral (aka-the "red" dress) for about 2 hours. After serious struggling from multiple contestants, and Debbie the hostess. One of Elyse's new friends, Miss New Mexico's mother finally freed my from my dress! I am still thankful that she got the dress off without having to go at it with a scissors!
August 9th was yet another day of rehearsals and the third and final night of prelims! I finally got to do the evening gown competition, and we got to perform you can't stop the beat! We got the first ever standing ovation for a production number with this dance! I'm so glad the audience enjoyed watching that dance as much as I enjoy performing it! I also got to compete in evening gown competition this night! I absolutely loved my dress, and felt simply gorgeous on stage!
August 10th was break day (or so they called it!) We had an early appearance on the local Florida Fox News Station. They tempted me, by allowing me to hold a Starbuck's coffee...without actually getting to drink it. This was a lot of fun, although I was super duper sleepy.
After our stunt on live television, we were able to attend the US Dream Academy session. This was so interesting and inspiring! I plan on following in our previous Washington's Outstanding Teen, Steffanie Range's, footsteps by starting another successful Mentor Club here in Washington! I cannot wait to get the opportunity to work with more kids in my community!
We were also able to visit the Mellania Art Gallery. This place was SOOO COOL! Having recently finished an Art History class, I have such an appreciation for the arts. This was so much fun. There was music, art, and potential sponsors!!!! Can anyone say "fundraising?!"
August 11th was my final day with the other states. This last day was an absolute blast and I was able to have one last performance on stage before heading back to Washington!
I'll add more later!!!! This is a huge blog, and my brain cannot quite wrap around all of the typing that is required for this!
Enjoy!
Terissa and I bright and smiling at 4:30 AM in the Portland airport. It doesn't matter how early it is, there is always time for a smile and a photo.
Photo by Zac Grimaldo for Tony Bowls by Mon Cheri! (I feel like I'm on America's Next Top Model!)
First day with the girls! Us waiting for Zac at our photo shoot.
Pennsylvania, Alabama, Montana, Washington, Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Nevada...being goofs prior to our individual Tony Bowl's photo shoots.
Some of the ladies before the dance party!
Obviously, California and Kentucky have great fashion sense!
Miss Maine and I before leaving for Medieval Times
VERMONT!!! mmm...Ice Cream.
She's from Montana now, but she used to be a Washingtonian!
A bus of CRAZY girls in crowns!
What did Ida ho? She hauled a Washing-ton!
I was on the yellow team! Go YELLOW!
I just had to get a photo with the bad guy!
Where's Waldo, I mean, Washington?
Photo by Zac Grimaldo!
Johnny Rockets!
My table buddies! We're only missing South Dakota (she's on the other side of the lens.)
yes...this picture is right side up!
This is on the ceiling!
Surprisingly, this was virtually painless.
Montana and I worked really hard, on trying to fit me in a bubble. This was as close as we got. Everytime I breathed the bubble would pop, so we had to take the picture fast.
Virtual air hockey!!!
New York and I playing in the crazy mirrors! The only time we will look short.
This was a 3D haunted house by sound. It was a dark sound booth that told a scary story, and it really felt like you were in the house. We obviously scare easy, by the end of the experience we were all holding hands and screaming.
I even got the opportunity to moonwalk in space!
Miss Montana, Miss Wyoming, and Miss North Dakota were obviously in line for way too long.
Terissa and I waiting for the coaster.
Miss North Carolina and I right before our virtual roller coaster ride. We were crazy even before we were dizzy!
After the coaster ride!
This whole thing was made of bubblegum!!! And no, I did not touch it to check. I just figured I'd be better off trusting the sign.
Miss New Mexico and I
Chantell, Montana, is probably one of the sweetest girls in the whole world.
Wisconsin, Colorado, and Nebraska...some of my CRAZY table buddies.
Happy Birthday DC!
Maine and I at the Hairspray sign!
Kentucky, Utah, and Texas...the ladies in front of us at Hairspray
Florida and I shopping at Bloomingdales!
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Idaho and Maine sat to my right!
Wisconsin and Colorado sat to my left!
Proof...that Hairspray still rocks even if you're seeing it for the 5th time!
With my amazing make up artist!
Arizona and I before the pool party!
The lovely ladies, who made this journey possible! They were kind enough to pose with me on the second night of prelims.
I'm her outstanding teen!
I wouldn't be alive without the lady on the right, and she wouldn't be alive without the lady on the left. We all kinda need each other!
The Coral (AKA- the "red" dress), which tried to eat me.
I'm having troubles remembering why this was so funny.
After spending too much time with Meg from Alabama...I said, "Y'all." Elyse caught my reaction.
The badge ruined the outfit, so Elyse recommended the ever fashionable "badge belt."
Indiana and I joking about "free time"
First night of visitation getting kisses from my dad!
Grandma and I!
Me and my mommy.
You Can't Stop The Beat! (10 points if you can find me and Terissa!)
3rd night of Preliminaries, Evening Gown.
Elyse and I!
Lewis, the security guard.
Terissa and I dancing after finals night!
Miss West Virginia
Elyse wanted to look tall for at least one photo! hahaha.
There were two muffins in an oven. One says to the other, "Gee, It's hot in here." The other one screams, "AHHHHH!!! A TALKING MUFFIN!"
Caitlin is going to have a great year! She is a total sweetheart, and I wish her the best of luck in her adventures as the 3rd MISS AMERICA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN!
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