A Little of This, A Little of That

"There are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there."
-- Indira Gandhi


I realized - rather abruptly this evening - that a week has now lapsed between my last entry and this one. Right from the get-go, I committed to the idea of completing at least one post a week. So... shame on me. *slaps wrist* Alrighty, with that out of the way, let's just sit back, relax, and let the blogging begin. I am presently at my desk, sipping a delicious cup of black-coffee-with-splenda and urge you to do the same. Not only because it's basically my favorite beverage, but if I have to sit here dealing with the self induced guilt incurred due to late-night coffee splurges and writhing with caffeine induced jitters - you might as well join me. Don't worry, Mom & Dads, I'll graciously accept the scolding that will undoubtedly follow in the morning.

The last week was an exciting assortment of several odds and ends. A few events really aren't worth mentioning... but if you know me well enough to be interested in reading my blog, you know that nothing isn't worth mentioning according to me! For instance - I went to the dentist for my biannual cleaning and had a splendid time. Seriously! While most cringe at the thought of the dentist, I am delighted by it. Oh, come on - we all have our quirky idiosyncrasies... Not to mention, I'd like to warmly and officially welcome Dr. Jerome Lee and the entire staff at Cedar Dental Care to the pageant family as one of the MWSO's newest sponsors!

Tuesday was, by far, the busiest day of the week. I had the pleasure of visiting with our muy fabuloso Executive-Producer, Doris Hayes-Clark right before heading to Burien with Peggy. I like to think of Peggy and I as a team, or rather, a pair. So if I consider myself her sidekick, what, then, should I respectfully call her? Feel free to hit the little "Comment" button below with any suggestions. We spent some time with our Sponsor of the Year and my favorite official shutterbug, Henry Schulz. Now here's where the night gets really exciting. Peggy and I were invited to the 2007 Seattle Seafair Commodores Banquet by our very own JoAnn Ludwig and we had a smashing time! All of the charming Seafair Princesses were introduced, we enjoyed a delectable dinner, and (my personal favorite part of the evening) I was "knighted" by Erin Waid, Miss Seafair 2006. How cool is that?! (For those medieval buffs out there, forgive my terminology if women cannot be "knighted." ) We dined and visited at Salty's on Alki where the Commodores welcomed us to with their characteristically gracious and genuine hospitality. I'm hopeful that future Miss Washingtons will have the opportunity to become involved with the extraordinary Seafair program.


2007 Commodores Executive Committee


With Miss Seafair 2006, Erin Wade - - proudly wearing my official Seafair Star Pin

One tidbit worth noting - Peggy and I commenced an official "happy dance" upon receiving confirmation that the Miss America offices had, in fact, received my paperwork on time. Woo! The entire Pageant Family is far too familiar with paperwork stress, so lets all take part in one big collective sigh of relief. *sigh* The Millers and I had a special treat on Friday night. We had the privilege of celebrating with Genay Tucker, Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen, as well as her directors, Sally Lynch and Allie Lord, and Genay's enchanting mother, Tammy. The special occasion: sending Genay off to Orlando with our best wishes and prayers! To know Genay, is to love her. So I thoroughly encourage you to get to know her. I am entirely confident that she will make us all proud at Miss America's Outstanding Teen. She leaves on Wednesday so please continue to wish her good luck and extend your wholehearted support! Speaking of which, I am consumed with excitement at the thought of traveling to Florida to support her at said national pageant! But this entry is getting lengthy, so I'll save all the ranting and raving for when I'm actually there and have news to report.


Wapato City Councilmen: Lamebull, Roa, and Rodriguez

Lastly, I must mention my haphazard trip to Eastern Washington. It was necessary for me to traverse the Cascades and obtain about fifteen minutes of video footage of my hometown to send to Miss America. Gary & Jay - the Pageant Dad Dynamic Duo - kindly chauffeured me to Wapato and my charming and ever-thoughtful beau, Eric Hargrave, offered to keep me company along the way. Not only did we get catch some really fun stuff on film with my captivating little sisters: Lauren, Cheyne, and Sheli, but I got to visit a local park, met with three members of Wapato's City Council, and even - for lack of anything better to film - challenged Eric to a game of tennis (I played for several years in high school.) Unfortunately - I have apparently lost my knack for the game and we concluded our match post haste. The tastiest part of my day, you ask? After all, no post from Elyse is complete without ample reference to sustenance. The gigantic bag of gummies we all gorged on the entire way to the Yakima Valley. Ah... gummies.. they are, quite possibly, the tastiest treat ever made. *salivates* On that note, I'd say this feels like an appropriate and fitting place to conclude my narrative.


Silly time in the park with my sisters. They're gonna be so mad I posted this... hehee...


Just "hanging out" at the park. I used to want to be a trapeze artist when I was little. Just ask me about my grandmother's chandelier...

Pleasant Dreams!

elyse*

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

"Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts inevitably bring about right results."
-- James Allen

Peggy and I spent Wednesday evening with Henry Schulz and were graciously accompanied by my father-turned-photo-director, Gary. We had it all: false lashes, major backcombing (I've finally accustomed myself to calling it "backcombing" versus "ratting my hair" at the request of every hostess and hairstylist I've worked with thus far.. I'm rather proud), wardrobe changes, even the compulsatory wind-swept look. For those with a pop-culture sense of humor, the "blue steel" pose was unfortunately eighty-sixed. Thursday was quite enjoyable and consisted of phone calls, planning, packing, and lunching with my former Miss Pierce County Director, and one of my favorite people, Kenney Hayes. (To use "lunch" as a verb is just so east-coast-chic, isn't it?)

Friday was one of those jam-packed busy days. But I rather like those. I interviewed with Tony Ventrella on his radio show - which can be found by turning your dials to KLAY 1180AM on Friday mornings. We spoke about my platform and plans for continued involvement with the YWCA, the MWSO, and about Former Miss WA's. His kind words and fond memories of my predecessors reminds me just how blessed I am to be a part of this program. I set off for Eastern Washington with Mike & Peggy Miller - - Starbucks in hand. Upon arriving in Yakima, we met with Yakima Herald-Republic reporter Adriana Janovich. I'm so grateful for the community support from the media outlets in and around my hometown. With their help, I plan to thoroughly promote this organization throughout Central and Eastern Washington in the hopes that other young girls, particularly those of color, are inspired to participate and gain all there is to gain from becoming part of our beloved pageant family. My family and the Millers obligingly agreed to let me pick our dinner restaurant. The Golden Wheel, my favorite Chinese restaurant in the world (and I've been to China, mind you) was my establishment of choice. An Almond Chicken induced euphoria ensued. As did embarrassing stories, lots of rejoinders, and the "best laugh" I've had in a long time.

Saturday was another incredibly busy and exciting day that concluded with a big finish. The Millers and I were generously given a tour of the YWCA Yakima by Finance Director, Trudie Lakey and her granddaughter, 6-year-old Alexis . Reporters from three local news stations came by and I was interviewed on a myriad of topics. We discussed my platform, pageants, and I was thoroughly surprised to be asked about my relationship status. My response was something to the effect of, "Sorry to disappoint..." One highlight of my day was a visit with my most-favorite woman on the planet: My Grandmother, and inspiration, Viola. We didn't have much time to converse, but managed a quick chat, hugs, and prayers. I challenged her to a rousing game of cribbage on my next visit home. Oh, how I love and cherish her. We then set off towards the Tri-Cities and made a couple of stops along the way. My favorite hole-in-the-wall (those are always the best) Mexican restaurant is in Sunnyside - El Conquistador sure prepares a mean chicken enchilada. *mouth waters*

We made a special trip to Fashion Corner - also in Sunnyside - which really should consider changing its name to Diamond in the Rough Boutique. The staff was not only bubbly, friendly, and sweet; but they agreed to sponsor two of my outfits for for the MAO Teen Pageant in Orlando. Thank You, Irene & Fashion Corner - I will proudly wear your beautiful items and frequently sing your praise! Anyone in need of the perfect gown, party dress, pair of shoes, or pageant-style suit please call me - I'll promptly provide you with Irene's contact info. As my first official pageant appearance as Miss Washington, I had the privilege of meeting the twelve magnificent young women vying for the 2007 Miss Tri-Cities title before the show. They were beautiful, vivacious, and dazzling. Dot & Bob Stewart sure know how to put on a good show! It is my pleasure to welcome *trumpets sound* Kristin Cox as the first contestant to join the Miss Washington class of 2008! Congrats on your stellar performance (she did some seriously fancy saxophone fingerwork) and best of luck as you dutifully serve your community in the coming year!

After a quick stop at Chukar Cherries, a delicious little shop in Prosser, we made it to Wapato for the 10:30 church service at my home-base, Church on the Rock. My favorite Sunday-morning comedian, Pastor Jeff Yellow Owl, welcomed me home and we followed the service with a tasty breakfast at Old Town Station. Like I said at Miss Tri Cities, I fear the Millers are going to be inundated with frantic emails: put Miss Washington on a diet! haha.. probably not a bad idea. Ü

That's all for this lengthy yet thorough installment of my endeavors. Stay tuned for future updates!


Much love,

elyse*

Business as Usual & Busy as Ever

"A bee is never as busy as it seems; it's just that it can't buzz any slower."
- - Kin Hubbard


To those of you who have anxiously been awaiting my second installment, I urge you two things: first - pat yourselves on the back for such loyal and steadfast patience (it's appreciated!), and second - consider taking up a hobby... the musings I have here are likely not worth such fervent anticipation. (A little self deprecation never hurt anybody, right?)

With that said - let's get down to the latest "buzz!" I do believe that there is a time and date stamp to these blog messages, so I must preempt my brief *scoffs* note by apologizing to my platoon of parents for the late hour. Worry not - I simply do my best work at night. Late at night. So much has happened since we last corresponded that I hardly know where to begin. In that case, let's go back... way, way back to when it all began... aka - a week ago Sunday. Ü Two radio interviews and one delicious breakfast later, I was off to retreat to my home. To my dismay, the messes I'd left upon leaving for pageant week were still there and had not managed to clean themselves up as I had instructed. Funny how that happens. At this point, it is necessary to extend another very warm thank you to all of my sister contestants for their tremendous gifts! They were exceptionally heartfelt and incredibly thoughtful. I've lovingly enjoyed glancing through them on a daily basis - this is quite easy because not only do they still entirely cover my dining room table, but they've managed to start trickling onto the floor. Except the edible ones - those things were gone (and tremendously relished) in the blink of an eye.

Last Monday, I was accompanied to an in-studio radio interview with KOMO 1000 in Seattle by our esteemed Assistant-Producer, Sarahlynn Aanderud. Mid-week was fairly low-key for me, except for the oodles of time I spent on the telephone. I know what you're thinking: Elyse - - Chatty?! Get out of here! Ha. Actually, I did several newspaper interviews and of course had the obligatory nightly chat with my Pageant Dads and biggest fans, Gary and Jay. On speakerphone, of course. Doris Hayes-Clark, the other half of our exceptional Production team, accompanied me to a midday Rotary meeting with Rotary #8 of Tacoma on Thursday. We were greeted by friendly Rotarians, a delectable lunch spread, and warm felicitations. Much thanks to the lovely Kristen Eddings for arranging this appearance!


Steve Smith & I after the Rotary meeting

My hair appointment was thoroughly enjoyable and my time with Jill from Angelo Mendi's Salon in Tacoma was well spent. I'm now a back-combing machine! And for those who were crossing their fingers for the culturally appropriate, yet insanely awkward, Samurai pony-tail - I'm sorry to disappoint. On Saturday, Peggy and I made the trek down to Wilsonville, OR to have my "colors done" by the delightful Barb Wilson. It was genuinely an eye-opening experience. To be told what your most complimentary colors and patterns are sounds like something on the verge of ridiculous, but I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to consider it. Barb doesn't tell you what (and what not) to wear, rather she gives you new perspective on how to make educated decisions regarding clothing styles and colors. We simply had a blast. Sunday was devoted to hair and makeup. Literally. We spent an absurd amount of time at the MAC counter and I walked away a much more makeup-savvy young woman. As a self-taught makeup "apply-er," I had no idea I was so out of the loop.


Barb Wilson & I

I had the pleasure of spending Monday morning of this week with Sarahlynn again. Not only is she a fabulous traveling companion, but she graciously assumed the role of my personal photog! We were out in Gig Harbor at Gateway Fitness celebrating the opening of the New Tacoma Narrows bridge. We did a quick interview with 710 KIRO and chattered with the Secretary of Transportation as well as several on-air radio and television personalities. The highlight of the morning, though, was my stop into the child care center at Gateway Fitness. I was greeted by at least two dozen smiling little faces. All of whom wanted my signature on their respective fragments of construction paper. Ah, the simple joys in life.




Eating TOLLhouse cookies in front of the new TOLLbooths... clever..


Visiting Gateway Fitness's Childcare Center I made several new friends and exuberantly high-fived.

After some intense eyebrow scrutinization earlier today (by three separate beauty-industry trained professionals, mind you) Peggy and I returned from South Center with plans to meet up midday tomorrow. It's headshot time! My brows are groomed, my eye-makeup smoky, my wardrobe is packed, and I think I just may be ready for my closeup, Mr. Schulz.


G'night!

elyse*

The Fantastic Voyage - - and We're Off...!

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
-- Lao-Tzu


Greetings and welcome to my Blog! *laughs out loud* I simply must pause here because I just caught an unsightly error: I inadvertently wrote "welcome to my blob," and that is just not the mood I want to set for my very first entry! Oh goodness. It's going to be a fun year - I can tell.

Before I endlessly blab on and on - err... provide thoughtful detailed account - about this whirlwind first week, some very warm and heartfelt thank yous are in order. First and foremost, my brand-shiny-and-new Executive Director, Peggy Miller! Thank you for your kindness, your commitment, and your sincere dedication. I am so honored and proud to be your very first Miss Washington! To know you, is to love you; and I'm so excited to have the privilege of getting to know you even better! Also, my family. I could say thank you 'till I'm blue in the face and I still wouldn't have been able to adequately express how much I love and appreciate you, your time, and all you've done and do for me. So, spare me a blue face and accept all my gratitude from the bottom of my heart. My family has been my rock, my entertainment, my cheering section, and my safe haven. As far as pageants are concerned, if I am the star - you are the heavens. Hugs are soon to follow.

I can't forget to recognize my fellow Sister Contestants. Can you believe it ladies? We made it through pageant week unscathed! woo-hoo! I apologize to those who will elicit a cringe response (because I'm certain that reaction will follow), but there's just something about spending a week cooped up in a hotel that binds us together with an unbreakable bond. Perhaps it's the endless swapping of battle scars and war-stories... body glue mishaps, significant other woes and complaints, wardrobe malfunctions, the obligatory director anecdote, and, of course, sheer goofiness. Without sounding like a sappy Hallmark card, you beautiful young women have inspired me, entertained me, and shared something very precious with me. Three cheers for the Miss Washington Class of 2007! (Recall, we did in fact have a "hip-hip-hooray" session during the week.) Again - hugs are sure to follow. To Heather Laible, Miss Greater Vancouver, no set of roommates was ever matched together more perfectly. I have a special place in my heart for you. And to Allison, Miss Emerald City - hopefully you remain my partner in crime. Pageant week, as a pair, was entirely enjoyable. You taught us all a little something about grace.

My esteemed Director Darrin - I truly have no words. And this is only because we're on the phone so often that I think we've covered it all! Ha! Oh, I'm teasing. You are the best director any girl could ever ask for. I am so blessed to have had the chance to work with you and am pleased to consider you my fourth Dad! And last - but certainly not least in any way, shape, or form - the volunteers! State and local volunteers make pageant world go 'round. I am indebted to your graciousness and your hard work. Without you, there are no local titleholders and conversely, there is no Miss Washington. Without you - I'm out of a job! Even so, I'm grateful for you and all of your tireless efforts. At a minimum, I am committed to having the best year humanly possible as a tribute and a thank you for all you do - - I'll do my best to make you proud!

It seems that I've managed to fill this space with very little record of what my week has actually been like. Hmm.. how'd that happen? Let me preempt this year of service with one little cautionary message. While I have the absolute best of intentions, my "little notes" frequently err on the lengthy side. So I urge all of you, who haven't recently done so, to seek out an eye doctor of your choice to have your vision examined. If you didn't have "bad eyes" before this post, it is likely you do now because what was supposed to be brief turned itself into an epic novel. Those of you who already know me and my "longish" writing style, knew to expect this. More on the week will follow shortly. I'm off to an important appointment this afternoon... a Haircut! I suggested a Samurai-style shave and pony-tail.. but Peggy objected. Three inches it is.

Cheers to a fabulous year, my first entry, and the Nevada Trail. (I'm going to tentatively call my journey to Miss America the Nevada Trail. I liken it to the Oregon trail not in the sense that I hope to tragically lose loved ones in wagon wheel accidents along the way, but we - as a family- have got our eyes on the prize.) We're headed out for the unknown, and the journey alone is going to be the adventure of a lifetime.


Love & Blessings,

elyse*