"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die."
-- Edward Kennedy
It’s almost one in the afternoon and my plane, Flight 270 to Minneapolis bound for Miss America's Homecoming, is about to take off. I’m doing what I always do while settling into this dentist’s- chair-in-ugly-upholstery they call a seat: wondering what on earth I’m going to do to entertain myself for the next few hours. Instinctively, I reach for the trusty ol’ laptop. I willingly forego a golden opportunity to play solitaire so that I might plug away at what (hopefully) will turn out to be a worthwhile piece of ‘blog.’
I’ll have you know, this is the fifth or sixth time I’ve sat at my thinking machine, typing away with every intention of actually posting the words that spewed out. Be it fortunate or unfortunate for you, those never made it to print. We’ll call them drafts for now. :D
Where to begin??? I suppose I could talk about the heinous line through Sea-Tac security… the surprisingly pleasant weather as of recent… or, I don’t know… I suppose: my MISS AMERICA experience! Let me just get this out there: woohooo!!
*briskly pats each cheek* I’ll say what I said when UW quarterback, Jake Locker, showed up as somewhat of a going away “gift” at my Miss America Send-Off: Keep it together, Miss Washington.
Thinking of Patti Belik, Peggy Miller, and all their collective craftiness at said send-off still slaps a big goofy smile across my face. But more on that later! Back to the issue at hand… Miss America Live!
So, let’s just put this out there and get it over with… because I know it’s coming sooner rather than later.
How do you like them apples?!
And yes, I intentionally double punctuate that little quip because it is entirely too hilarious for just one statement/question-ending symbol. Don’t ask me where it came from – it just kinda hit me… sort of like the urgent sensation of an impending sneeze. (Sorry, that was weird - I know. But I’m an allergy sufferer and thoughts of antihistamines and Kleenex tissues are permeating my brain lately.) So that was my intro. And thank you – all of you – who felt it necessary to tell me just how much you like “them apples.” It was altogether confusing, awkward, and flattering. *giggles out loud* Oh man. This blog is going nowhere fast. I can fix that…
The Miss America Pageant. I don’t know how I could ever sum up all the excitement, anticipation, joy, confusion, nervousness, lack of sleep, and hard work that went into those ten days of my life. Let’s start here: I had two goals when I walked onto that Vegas-bound plane.
Goal One – have the time of my life. (Always an overachiever.) I wanted to soak up every single second, I aimed to fully embrace and appreciate every little exciting and exhausting moment. I know as well as any other young woman who competes within the MAO that very few of us will ever have the opportunity to compete on the national stage. That is simply a matter of fact and I wasn’t about to take that for granted. It is an honor and a privilege to compete for the Miss America title. I think it’s only fitting that this fun-loving Miss Washington intended to have a good time while there.
Goal Two – give it my all. I wasn’t about to spend month after month (after month and so on) preparing for this whole extravaganza only to chicken out or fall victim to doubt or worry. Give 110%. I know that’s really not possible, but it just seems to illustrate my point better than a measly 100. :D
And if there were to be a subheading to this second goal of mine, it would be: whatever happens, make Washington proud. While I see no method through which to quantify whether or not this has happened, I know I did my best. And I’m so glad you were all there, either in the flesh or in spirit, along for the ride!
Second Runner-Up to Miss America.
Holy Toledo.
My fingers are doing the keyboard-dance. You know. Where your digits just hover over the keys and begin to wiggle around because you don’t exactly know what to write. All I can think to say that will adequately express my emotion is something I’ve said repeatedly since January 27th: I have so much to be thankful for.
I’ll save all the schmaltzy expressions of gratitude for my farewell, but I can’t miss this opportunity to dish out some well-deserved and hard-earned Thank Yous. My Dads – for their endless support, love, devotion, patience, and faith in me. And not just for the obvious stuff, don’t think I’ve forgotten how you drove me to EVERY local pageant last “season.” I haven’t begun to sing your praises – and good thing, I’ll likely lose my voice in such an anthem.
My director, Peggy Miller – None of the long hours or words of encouragement you invested in me were wasted. Wardrobe… t-shirts advertising my goofy face… Hanging Banners... kindness… You impress me. We are quite the team!
My best friend, Sarah - for giving me faith in me, for always coming to my rescue, and for never thinking, "I told you so." *wink*
My co-director, Patti. You put up with me and all of my antics. Among other things, you must be commended for this.
The dozens of loved ones who traveled to Las Vegas to watch me compete. I know it was no easy feat – financially, emotionally, or with regard to practicality. It means the world to me that you came and lived the experience with me!
My sisters, parents, family and, especially, my Grandma – I’ve always relied on your support and can’t imagine traveling this journey without you.
My sister contestants, both at Miss Washington & at Miss America – I treasure you and all you’ve taught me about this program and myself.
I’m so blessed to have lived a life that has already been touched by so many inspirational people!
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Go in peace and walk with beauty,
elyse*
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