The past month.

So many exciting things have happened since my last blog! But first, I wanted to start off this blog by saying thank you. I'm entering the final month of my reign as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen and feeling incredibly blessed with the year. Thank you to each and every one of you who have been apart of my year! This year was so great because of the people I was able to spend it with.

After arriving back from Vegas for Miss America, I spoke to the Baxter Lion's Club about the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen program and my platform about Alzheimer's disease. I also asked for scholarship money for the next Outstanding Teen.

A couple weeks ago I visited my former elementary school, Nisswa Elementary School, for their annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. I remember doing this when I was younger so it was great to be apart of it this year. Basically, the students were asked to raise money for heart disease and in turn got to jump rope during their gym class. It was so much fun! Lizzy, Miss Central Lakes' Outstanding Teen and Serena, Miss Brainerd Lakes' Outstanding Teen were there with me which is always fun. I even got to visit some old teachers of mine, some of which I hadn't seen in a few years!

That same week was the Jaycee's Ice Fishing Extravganza on Gull Lake! Maren (Miss Baxter, Serena (Miss Brainerd Lakes' OT), Lizzy (Miss Central Lakes' OT), and myself were in the Weigh In Tent for this event. This is the biggest ice fishing contests in the state so it was really fun to be there and see how dedicated these people are. Although, who wouldn't be when the first place prize was a brand new truck?! There were 50 MPH wind gusts that day so it was extremely cold. We only made it a couple hours because of how cold it was but it was still a fun day.

Serena (Miss Brainerd Lakes' OT) and I also had the opportunity to draw three winners for a trip to Maui. This was through a local radio broadcasting company in Brainerd, BL Broadcasting. Although it was a very early morning, I was happy to draw the winners. Wish I would've drawn my own name! That Maui trip sounds pretty good right about now! :)

Last Tuesday was National Pancake Day at IHOP benefiting the Children's Miracle Network. All day they were offering a free short stack of pancakes and asking for a five dollar donation to the Children's Miracle Network. I was at the Waite Park IHOP with Miss Heart of the Lakes, Lauren Johnson. I am so happy that the Miss America Organization has chosen the Children's Miracle Network as it's national platform because it is such an awesome organization that helps so many children.

The business didn't stop there as Friday night I headed down to Waseca for the Sleigh and Cutter dinner and dance! This was one of the most fun appearances I have attended because I was able to meet some really great people! Plus I love town celebrations because there is always such a strong bond between the people. I joined Anna (Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter's Outstanding Teen), Drew (Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter) and Tiffany (Miss South Cenral) for a night of good food and dancing. It was so great to see these ladies and the Waseca/South Central directors again! But I would have to say the highlight of the night was meeting eight year old, Eustice. Eustice asked me to dance with him, and not being much of a dancer I hesitantly agreed to dance with him. That one song turned into many! He was such a gentleman too as he would fill my water for me. And he didn't forget to show me his belt buckle :) It was so much fun!

The next morning was the Sleigh and Cutter parade. Anna, Drew, Tiffany, and I helped with parade registration and who of all people did I see? Eustice! He was antsy to show me his horses and even asked me if I was coming back this summer.

I was able to right in a horse and buggy for the parade, something I have never done for a parade! It was a little cold and windy but I managed to make it through. Plus my driver was really nice, which made the parade that much more fun! Thank you to the Waseca/South Central directors for having me. It was SO much fun! :) You ladies are great.

Until next time,
Bailey
MMOT 2012