Free time? What's that?

What an insane couple of weeks this has been! I always say that I have no free time. I thoroughly enjoy being so busy, especially since I am being so busy as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. I just now have a couple hours to take a deep breath and update all of you (And of course clean my highly-neglected room).

The last time I updated all of you, I had just finished with my first custard eating contest at Culver's in Baxter and a day at the Battered Women's Shelter softball tournament.

I have stayed plenty busy since then! On July 28th, I had the opportunity to judge the Little Miss and Mister Fourth of July pageant in Brainerd with Miss Baxter's Outstanding Teen, Savannah Cole, and Bill Musel. These were the cutest little boys and girls! It was seriously a challenge trying to pick the winners because they all were so adorable.

Since I judged this pageant in the Westgate Mall right outside of Dairy Queen, I want to quick remind all of you that Miracle Treat Day is July 26th! When you buy a Blizzard that day, Dairy Queen will donate $1 to Children's Miracle Network (the national platform of Miss America). This gives everyone a perfect excuse to eat Dairy Queen :)

Then on Saturday the 30th, I was up bright and early to help pass out water at the Relay for Life in Baxter. I had never volunteered for this event before and I didn't realize how intense it was. Many people were wanting water because it was such a hot summer day and it was great to see people running in honor of a loved one with breast cancer or survivors walking with proud smiles on their faces.

Saturday night was the 2012 Miss Brainerd Lakes and Miss Baxter pageant at Tornstrom Auditorium. I was looking forward to this event to see who the two new queens would be and who would be my new sister queens. For those who don't know, I was Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen before I was crowned Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. Seeing everyone for the first time since Miss Minnesota week was a ton of fun! Thanks to my former sister queens Rebecca Yeh, Miss Brainerd Lakes 2011, and Haley Van Steenwyk, Miss Baxter 2011 for an awesome year and congrats to the new queens Heather Erickson, Miss Brainerd Lakes 2012, and Maren Goff, Miss Baxter 2012! I look forward to seeing what you two will do with your year and the things that will come with it.

The next day I was up and at em'. to head to Bemidji for their Fourth of July parade! I was asked by Mia, Miss Grand Cities Outstanding Teen and her Mom to be in the parade with her. I brought Molly West (Central Lake's Outstanding Teen) and Corrina Swiggum (Scott County's Outstanding Teen) with me to be in the parade. It was nice to catch up with them and hear how life after Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen has been treating them.

The Fourth of July festivities didn't end there though! On July 3rd, I was in my hometown of Nisswa to help sell food for my church, Lutheran Church if the Cross, and be in the parade later that day. I couldn't leave Nisswa without walking around, visiting the people I work with, and eating the famous Lions Club pork-on-a-stick :)

The famous pork-on-a-stick :)

Signing autographs for a cute little girl

Working the food table for my church

Grand Marshall in the Nisswa parade

A HUGE thank you goes out to Dondelinger Auto Company for sponsoring me a car to ride in for the Nisswa and Brainerd/Baxter Fourth of July parades. DJ Dondelinger sponsored me a brand new 2012 white Corvette with only 28 miles on it! Also many thanks to my wonderful boyfriend Dylan for bearing the heat with me and driving me in the both of my hometown parades.

The next day was the Brainerd/Baxter Fourth of July parade. I was able to see some familiar faces and watch some spectacular fireworks. I was the Parade Marshall for the both the Nisswa and Brainerd/Baxter parades, an honor that is certainly appreciated. I never demand that my work be recognized, but I'm honored to be acknowledged.

Last Saturday I was so excited to be able to watch Molly West compete for the title of Miss Minnesota High School. I competed with Molly at Miss Brainerd Lake's/Baxter's Outstanding Teen and Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen and she has become a sister to me. The pageant is not affiliated with the Miss America Organization but rather with the Miss High School America Organization. The High School Organization started in 2009 and I actually competed in the very first Miss Minnesota High School pageant and placed 3rd runner up. All 50 states did not have a pageant so I was asked to take the Miss North Dakota High School title and compete at the very first national pageant! I always refer girls who want more onstage experience to this system because there is no talent or fitness wear. I'm so proud of Molly because she was crowned Miss Minnesota High School 2013! She also won the interview and fun fashion awards. Also congrats to Gianna Capuzzi, Miss Minnesota Collegiate 2013!

Molly, Miss MN High 2013

 

Gianna, Miss MN Collegiate 2013

On Monday I was at the Mall of America is my directors and my Mom shopping for Miss America's Outstanding Teen! I'm feeling more and more prepared everyday and now I just wish it would be here already. I leave in less that a month!! I want to remind everyone of my send-off coming up on July 22nd at Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd at 5pm. Hope to see you there!

And finally this morning I was at Ruby's Pantry with Molly West Miss Minnesota High School. It is  a food distribution organization that is not income based. You pay $15 for a "share" which gets you hundreds of dollars in groceries that are either a day old or about to expire. You get a tremendous amount of food! I love volunteering for this event because it has a deeply rooted Christian faith.

Later today I spoke to the Brainerd Rotary about the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization and the Children's Miracle Network. I was able to raise almost $100 in just that short amount of time that I was there. The Rotarian's were very giving and generous and I'm thankful to them for letting me come in and speak.

With love,
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012

An update.

These couple weeks after Miss Minnesota have been very busy. Although I've only made a few appearances, I have been busy gearing up for Miss America's Outstanding Teen. I leave in less than 50 days! It's finally starting to sink in that I will be competing on the MAOT stage.

So with that I would like to invite everyone to my send-off party on June 22nd. You will be able to view my competition wardobe, hear my talent, and get a sneak peak into what my private interview will be like. It will be held at Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd at 5pm, and I hope to make this a big event so please come and support me! Hope to see you there :)

A week ago I was at Culver's in Baxter for June Dairy Month. I was supposed to be milking a cow, but the morning started very raining so they cancelled the cow milking. I was actually bummed! I have never milked a cow and I was looking forward to it. Instead I was put in a custard eating contest in which I failed miserably. I had only taken 5 bites of my 8 ounces of custard before the winner had completely finished his 8 ounces! The trick was no hands. I had custard all over my face, but it was fun! Three of the Northern Lights Princess were also there for the fun.

Then last Saturday I was at Memorial Park in Brainerd for the Women's Shelter. It was called Batting for Battered Women. The morning was again rainy so the player turnout wasn't what was hoped, but it was still a good event.

These last 2 weeks have been crazy with paperwork, piano practice, mock interviewing, appearances, and wardrobe selection. I can't wait for Miss America's Outstanding Teen week! :)

Much love,
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012

The fun and festivities of Miss Minnesota week.

If I were to write a blog about the entire last week, it would be the size of a book! I was so excited to spend the past week with the 22 contestants vying for the title of Miss Minnesota 2012. Not only was this week so much fun, but it was a real eye-opener and instead of giving you a play-by-play of every day, I thought I would just list what we did each day and state some things that are on my mind.

Day 1: Prelude to the Crown cocktail party at the Radison hotel and Nickelodeon Universe
Day 2: Gillette Children's Hospital then rehearsal
Day 3: IHOP for Breakfast and Mall of America for Skydeck bowling and rides at Nickelodeon Universe
Day 4: Breakfast at Original Pancake House, rehearsal, then Buca de Beppo for dinner
Day 5: Contestant interviews and talent rehearsals and Prelim night 1
Day 6: Spent the day with the Northern Lights Princesses and crowned them, then Prelim night 2
Day 7: Farewell brunch for Miss MN 2011 then finals night to crown the new Miss Minnesota 2012!

I wanted to thank the new Miss Minnesota Board of Directors for putting on such an amazing week and for letting me be apart of it. Thank you for keeping the values of this organization in place and thank you for everything you have done for me.

To my little bug and by far the best roomate, Mackenzie. I didn't know one week could be so filled with laughter! I'm so incredibly happy that I get to have you as a director and I get to call you my friend also :) I admire you for being so strong and shaking off the negativity and drama people try to tear you down with.

Karla and Gwen, the two chaperones for the week, I know that the week wasn't always the most fun for you but thanks for watching out for us girls.

The 21 girls that didn't walk away with a title, I know what it feels like, especially if you've competed before. Keep competing if you haven't aged out! I had so much fun with you girls and I would've been honored to have any of you as my big sister queen.

To the new Miss Minnesota 2012, Siri Freeh. I am just so excited that you are my new sister queen! Our year will be filled with some incredible memories. I look up to you for your hard work and humility and you completely deserved the title of Miss Minnesota. You are a faith-driven person and for that, I thank you.

There is one moment of the pageant that I would like to share and that happened the final night of competition. The oldest living Miss Minnesota, Pat (1944), was in attendance. When she was crowned, it was during the Great Depression and the program was in a financial deficit and was not able to give her a crown. The new State Board did one of the most selfless things and overnight-ed a crown and crown box just for her, so that she could have the crown and crowning ceremony (complete with roses!). After 68 years, Pat finally got her crown. I get teary eyed every time I think about it because it was such a heartwarming moment and something I will never forget. It has changed me because I am reminded of how amazing the Miss America Organization is. As I said on Facebook, I am so proud to represent an organization that has so much integrity and embraces the true meaning of a sisterhood.

Here are the awards given out that night:
     Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life- Elizabeth Scipioni (Miss St. Paul)
     Miss America Community Service award- Elizabeth Scipioni
     Miss America Academic award- Siri Freeh (Miss Northwest)
     Overall Interview Award- Siri Freeh
     Spirit Award- Ali Vail (Miss Moorhead)
     4th runner up- Bethany Beniek (Miss West Metro)
     3rd runner up- Elizabeth Scipioni
     2nd runner up- Samanthat Philippi (Miss Coon Rapids)
     1st runner up- Rebecca Yeh (Miss Brainerd Lakes)
     Miss Minnesota 2012- Siri Freeh

With that I just have one more thing on my mind. Simply stated: Let go of grudges. They get you no where in life. Life is so sweeter when you live in the present and not the past.

Much love,
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012

Contestant check-in

Prelude to the Crown event: All of the Brainerd girls

Pat, Miss Minnesota 1944

Gillette Children's Hospital

IHOP for Breakfast

Rides at Nickelodeon Universe

Dinner at Buca di Beppo

Northern Lights Princesses

Natalie's Farewell Brunch

Performing

Prelim night 1 winners: Samantha (Swimsuit), Siri (talent), and Rebecca (evening gown)

Prelim night 2 winners: Siri (swimsuit and evening gown) and Rebecca (talent)

Mackenzie

The new Miss Minnesota, Siri Freeh

Outstanding Teen's at the pageant

One of my favorite photos of Siri and I :)

As I busily try to prepare for Miss Minnesota week, I though I'd take some time to blog and update on my life so far.

Yesterday, I was at WJJY radio station in Brainerd to draw the name of one lucky person who won a $10,000 prize for entering their big Payday contest. I didn't get a chance to catch her name, but she is from Aikin, Minnesota so congrats to her on her big win! I think she should split it with me because I drew her name :)

Also yesterday I had an over-the-phone interview with Lori La Bey from Alzheimer's Speaks radio and Rick Phelps, who has championed early Alzheimer's disease. These two were both very fun and interesting to talk to and I want to thank Lori for having me on her show. Below is the link in which you can hear the interview. (You will have to excuse my voice, I caught a cold the other day so I sound a bit funny)

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/alzheimersspeaks/2012/06/07/a-teenagers-story-life-with-a-parent-with-dementia

And finally, last night at was at Herberger's in Brainerd for the annual make-up clinic for the Miss Brainerd and Miss Baxter contestants! The make-up artist teach us how to apply make-up and let us try new and bold looks to perfect our onstage make-up. It's always a lot of fun and they give you samples of some make-up to take home :)

Today (as always) has been a busy day running last minute errands and preping for Miss Minnesota week! I'm so excited to be able to spend the entire week with the 22 Miss Minnesota contestants and watch my new sister queen, Miss Minnesota 2012, be crowned! Check-in is on Sunday :) Good luck to you girls as you finish any last minute things!

I will be (trying) to update my blog Miss MN week but no promises :) I will for sure be posting pictures to my Facebook page so make sure to check those out!

Enjoy the weekend!
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012

A day in the life.

This past week has pretty crazy, and instead of giving you 10 different blogs, I figured I would combine them into one :)

The last time I blogged was when I was at Pillager School speaking about Alzheimer's. I'm going to back up to Memorial Day.

The Sunday before Memorial Day, I was at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd for the Military Family Fun Day. This was an event for the families of the men and women who risk their lives for our country and I'm really glad I went. I am also inspired by veterans and their stories, and although Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have lost their lives, it is still great to hear from those who are still living. Thank you to those who willing give their lives for a country that they love. The day started with a parade, and I was lucky enough to be able to ride in a humvee :) That was the first time I had ever been in a humvee so I was extremely excited!

Speaking about my platform

Tubby Smith, MN Gopher Basketball coach

On Memorial Day the next day, I was at the Nisswa America Legion for their annual Memorial Day Service. Although it started to rain and they had to move the service indoors, the stories from the veterans still had a lasting impact. I met an incredible veteran named Charlie who is quite an inspirational man. He was emotional that day and he brought tears to my eyes when taps began to play. It's people like him who make this world a more loving and forgiving place and for that, I thank him.

Nisswa Mayor, Brain Lehman

MN Representative, John Ward

The only surviving member of the original Nisswa America Legion!

Charlie, the inspiring Veteran. Thanks for your service!

Next on the agenda was the Culver's fundraiser in Baxter to help me get to Miss America's Outstanding Teen! Ten percent of foods sale from 5pm-7pm on that Tuesday went to the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen organization. Kids dressed up as princesses and princes got a free custard! That night was a lot of fun and was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who took time to come out!

Yesterday morning my Mom and I had our first adult/child support group for Alzheimer's. We have been trying for many years to get such a support group like this up and running for a few years now and to finally have it be a reality is an extraordinary thing. I can't wait to watch this group grow in the next few months.

Then I was off to Pequot Lakes to hand out awards at the Car Show. I had done this event last year so it was great to be back and the chair-person of the event, Betty, just so happened to be my old daycare lady. This event is always fun because of all of the antique cars and the craft fair that they have.

Last night I headed up to Frazee, Minnesota for a sendoff party for Miss Perham, Miss Frazee, and Miss Northwest. Miss Minnesota is in a week and a half! It was great to see what these girls will be wearing at the state pageant and I'm so incredibly excited to be able to spend the week with them. Paige, Miss Perham, has been a good friend of mine for the past couple of years. She and I competed with each other at Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2010 and she ended up being first runner up and I was second runner up. Our friendship has blossomed and I can't believe she will be competing for Miss Minnesota!!

I couldn't be in Frazee and not stop to see the world's largest turkey!

Siri, Miss Northwest and Paige, Miss Perham

Hailey, Miss Frazee's Outstanding Teen and Libby, Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen

Then today I was at a sendoff party for the Miss Brainerd, Miss Baxter, and Miss South Central queens. Again, it was so great to see what these girls will be wearing when they compete for the title as Miss Minnesota 2012! Plus these girls are my sister queens so I share a special bond with them.

My three Brainerd sisters :) Molly and Savannah!

Hope all of you are enjoying summer!
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012