U.G.L.Y.

"Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing."
-- Thomas Alva Edison


As I sit here in the car, testing out my bright-shiny-and-new laptop in all of its Dell glory, I just thought to myself: I MUST update the blog. *hangs head in shame* I apologize for the tardiness and I thank you for tuning in to this installment of my “Endeavors.” I appreciate your patience with me and my chaotic and oft times discombobulated schedule. Thanks a bunch!

It’s silly of me to think that I’m going to be able to get everything into this one post – especially without the aid of my day planner. But let’s just see how this goes without using a cheat sheet. Last night, Peggy Miller and I attended a Masquerade Ball hosted by Soroptimist International of Yakima. It was a fundraiser to help benefit the Yakima YWCA Family Crisis Center. It was a night of debonair gentlemen and elegant women dancing to the big band tunes of the Dennis Claus Band with masks on hand (or, rather, on-face) to support the worthy cause. Dennis & I were able to throw a little something together and I had the pleasure of performing at the black tie gala. While everyone was gracious enough as to chuckle at my jokes (while on-stage, I suggested we make this an open mic affair, but few possessed the bravery to try their hand at entertainment “off the cuff”) the highlight of the evening was when I was honored by Jayne Tienken, President of SI Yakima, and named as an Honorary Member of Soroptimist International. I was so touched by the gesture.

You wouldn’t know it unless I told you, but I just sat here – gazing out into space for about three minutes - and I still can’t recall anything worth mentioning. You see, I really am useless without my planner. Yesterday, before departing for Yakima, Peggy and I made a stop at Sparks Stadium to scope out the homecoming festivities and to watch my beloved Lutes from Pacific Lutheran University take on the boys from Menlo College. I was fashionably decked out in my #21 – Miss Washington sweatshirt. Along with Peggy & my Dad, my former cheer coach - Kristen Barton and her husband Mike, and dozens of other unruly EMAL fans (if you're unfamiliar with the term EMAL, please look it up, it's entirely too complicated to explain and you'll only giggle if I tried), we frantically and frequently jumped up and down in the crisp fall air. At one point, I hastily jumped up after my beau (you guessed it - #21) made a fabulous play and Peggy gave me a, "chill out" look. She said she could tell that I missed being down in front of the stands cheering and my reply was, "Just be glad that I'm only jumping on to my feet... my instinct is to toe-touch!"

Alright, I give. I'm turning to my planner. Hold on a sec.

Okie dokie - sorry for the delay. I thought I'd grab a cup of coffee while I was up. Ü Let's start where we left off last time - which was forever-and-a-day ago - and see how far we get as I become increasingly sleepy. On September 16th, I was invited as a special guest to a ribbon cutting event in West Valley, WA. It celebrated the opening of a special area of West Hills Memorial Park and was entitled, Fallen Heroes. It commemorates the lives of those who selflessly serve our country as military servicemen, police officers, firefighters, and emergency service people. It was incredibly moving. The program recognized "Miss Washington" as a special guest. While this was a great honor, I was so humbled and shocked that I would be given that distinction. I was surrounded by decorated service people who have risked their lives fighting for the freedoms and safety we all enjoy. If anything - THESE folks were the special guests and deserve far more recognition than my job as Miss Washington shall ever merit. Dozens of white doves were released at the end of the ceremony and it was a beautiful tribute. Thanks so much to Lorrie Johnson, Charles R. Ross, State Representative, 14th District, Rich Rowland, Commander VFW #379, Chief Dave Leitch, West Valley Fire Dept, Sgt. John Durans, Yakima County Sheriff's Office, Chief Charlie Hines, Ron MacKintosh, Lt. Jim Keightly, Washington State Patrol, Chief Warren Gay, East Valley Fire Dept, Shawn Yaskoe, Vice President - Letum, Inc, Jeffrey L. Callaway, and all of the heroes who attended, were honored, and to those we have yet to honor in such a sacred place.

Later that week, I attended the TACID (Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities) annual fundraiser Breakfast. I gave the invocation and helped out with their auction. I had the privilege of learning about some of the incredible work this agency does for individuals within Pierce County and couldn't have been more excited to be involved. My sound-engineer-extraordinaire, Kevin Antholt from Gig Harbor, WA, met with me on Wednesday to work on some music for my farewell at the Miss Seattle Pageant on the 22nd. Thursday included a hair appointment, a meeting with a potential sponsor at The Metropolitan Grill in Seattle, and the Miss Seattle dress rehearsal. Thursday was busy and I distinctly remember having an insatiable appetite all day. ha! Funny the things that I'll remember... And speaking of food (as usual), I was invited to attend the Miss Seattle Judges dinner at Joey's on Lake Union. We had a tremendous time discussing my Miss America preparation, funny pageant stories, and Chet Welch's love life. Oh Chet - I'm only joking and you must know I adore you!! (Regardless, I'm certain there will be some frantic voicemails in the ol' in box tomorrow morning for that one!)

The day of the Miss Seattle pageant was a wonderful day! I "warmed up" the judges before they interviewed the nine lovely contestants. I spent the day hurriedly running around like a chicken with my head cut off (hey - nobody said this was a neat 'n tidy glamorous job) preparing for the program. While they should have introduced me as "the girl who you'll now have to hear drone on and on while chuckling at her own jokes," they were much more polite and went with the ever-appropriate, "Your emcee for the evening is...." Woo! My first emcee gig was pretty excellent! I really bonded with that audience - we laughed, I performed, so they subsequently laughed again, and we all applauded the contestants with sincere love and adoration. Congratulations to the newly crowned: Miss Seattle 2008, Allison Rone & Miss Emerald City 2008, Ada Rose Williams! Best wishes to you as you represent your communities, your respective platforms, the MAO, and CMN!

The following day was my Miss Seattle Homecoming and what a day! I tried to keep it together, but when I stood in front of so many supportive and loving friends, relatives, titleholders, and volunteers, I literally wept like a buffoon! Oh well, it happens. I make my best attempt at not being "cliche," but some things just merit tears of joy. My Dad Dynamos (which includes Darrrin, Mr. Seattle) put together the most memorable party on Mercer Island. It was decked out in Black, Gold, Silver, & White and was themed "Afterglow," which is a tribute to my school and my career as a cheerleader. I know it sounds hokey, but after every football game, the players, the cheerleaders, their families, and any fans who want to join are invited to Afterglow. It's literally a time for fellowship and sharing to highlight all of the best parts of the game. Win, lose, or draw - we'll have an Afterglow and we'll celebrate everyones accomplishments. I wanted this day to be something special for everyone in attendance, not just a party about "me." This was to honor everyone's commitment to this program, this state, and the hundreds who make it possible. To all of you who could make it - thank you for attending and for making that such a special day for me. And to those who couldn't be there - I know you were there in spirit (but ya still missed a pretty sweet shindig). My Dad put out all my favorite snacks and treats. I now realize there are plenty other members of the Washington pageant family who share my affinity for gummies. I'm thinking, "Sponsor!!"

The next day, I camped out on Peggy's couch for the Miss America Contestant Lottery. I nabbed slot number 9 from Mu Group. For more information on contestant placement, please feel free to visit: http://onlineselection.missamerica.org/ for all the details! While I realize that still doesn't bring us to the end of September, I think my hand muscles are getting a little tired. When one has to strike the 'backspace' key every third or fourth key-stroke, you know it's time to retire.

So, having said all that - thanks again for waiting and for bothering to come back to my no-man's-land of a blog! Don't worry, the next one won't take so long. I'm totally back in the groove now.

I love you, Washington!


Your girl,

elyse*


P.S. - The title of this blog should be credited to Jayne Tienken, President of SI of Yakima. It reflects a hilarious event she hosted while in the Seattle area many years ago and stands for "Unique - Glamorous - and - Lovable - You!" So the next time you hear some horrific quip that starts with "You're so ugly..." think U.G.L.Y.

P.P.S. - I just can't let this precious opportunity pass. My absolute favorite joke that starts like the aforementioned is from the T.V. show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, where Will is arguing with a girlfriend who tells him: "You're so ugly, that isn't a fade on your head... that's your hair - running away from your face!" Ahahahahahaha! Now, don't tell me that didn't at least make you titter. Ü Oh man, the voicemails are really gonna pour in tomorrow mornin'...