My 2009 Miss Minnesota experience was amazing. Point blank. I placed 2nd runner up and I was also selected as a Quality of Life Award finalist for my Autism work. I'm so grateful for the wonderful young women I met in the process. Check out the photos!

Sarah Anderson (Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter) and I had our send off party on Saturday at a church in Waseca. Though our audience was a tad sparse, it was still very fun! If you think I'm going to post pictures, though, think again! You have to COME to Miss MN to see our wardrobes! Funny story: Every table had notecards and pencils that people could write interview questions on for Sarah and I to answer. Well, after spending a long time helping my brother Trevor understand that HE was supposed to write questions on the cards for ME to answer, and that NO, he didn't  have to answer them, I did, he finally complied and wrote some very very funny questions. (I also told him to sign them so I would know they were his--even though his hand writing is easily distinguishable--so each card had "Trevor Davis" signed at the bottom). The cards read as follows:

1. What do you think of the Miss MN contest? -Trevor Davis
2. Who was the 1st president of the United States? -Trevor Davis
3. Name all of Trevor's favorite actors and actresses, as many as you can. -Trevor Davis
4. Do you know the Muffin Man? If so, explain in detail. -Trevor Davis

HE IS SOOOO FUNNY!!! I get a kick out of him sometimes! Sarah ended up drawing number three so I helped her out on the ones I knew (Jim Carrey, Amanda Bynes, Alac Baldwin), but ran out. Then Trevor perked up and said, "Don't worry! There is no right or wrong answer. Just do your best!" So...Sarah then says "Julia Roberts" and Trevor says, "Who's Julia Roberts?" So, we tried to explain, but he got stuck that on the fact that "No, I don't know who Julia Roberts is. That's not the right answer." hahahaha It was GREAT! He served as our filler entertainment while Sarah and I changed into different outfits.

As for being a Quality of Life Award finalist, all I have to say is YAY!!! Improving the quality of life of individuals with Autism is what my platform is ALL ABOUT! I am SO honored to have been nominated! Good luck to Quinn, Brooke, Sarah and Kelsey for also being nominated See you all in a week!

The time has finally come! As soon as my last final at St. Olaf was over, I hit the ground running (I'm happy to say I just found out that I made the Dean's list again. I lucked out!).

Just a few days after my last exam, I had a photo shoot with Sarah Anderson-the current Miss Waseca County-at Akorn Creations in Jainesville, MN. Sarah and I had a blast and might I add, the pictures are adorable!

I've been working with my coach, Cheri Kennedy, the most wonderful person one could ever meet. She not only helps me keep organized with my wardrobe, paperwork, and interview skills, but she also continues to encourage my growth and development, which is always my first goal when working toward the title of Miss America. Cheri is nothing short of family to me.

Of course we can't forget my "Auntie Nelly" (Donnell Rank). Donnell works with me on the performance aspect of my talent and keeps me grounded when I'm feeling overwhelmed!

I have also been working with my wonderful St. Olaf voice teacher, Margaret Eaves-Smith, who toured Europe as an opera singer in her youth (Although she would never actually admit that! I heard it through the grape vine!). She has offered up her time to help me get the technical aspects of my talent piece together.

Let's not forget Kim Remington who has done nothing short of whip me into shape for the swim suit competition! I have to say, I LOVE working with Kim every week. She has helped me progress a long way and I can't thank her enough for all the help she has given me.

Bunny Nara, the SWEETEST woman you will EVER meet, has about ten wardrobe pieces she is altering for me right now! She is the BEST, and I would never trust anyone else with my Pageant Shop gowns!

I also have to thank Sarah Moses as well, who owns The Pageant Shop by Michaels (www.thepageantshop.net). She has the best pageant shop around, and on top of that, she helped me find a fantastic health club (Lifetime Fitness) that was near her house where I could do my swimming work outs!

And finally, to all the people who show up at mock interviews, who watch me continually cry then excel then cry then excel again, THANK YOU for putting with my "ums," "ahs," and speed talking! I'm working on it! You guys have been tremendously helpful!

What a fantastic pageant family I have! I know I haven't covered everyone, so just know that you are ALL appreciated. You know I thank you profusely every time I see you! And I mean it! I'm not sure how many people read my blog, but I want everyone (friends, family, committee members, directors, coaches) to know how much I appreciate their support. It means the world to me! Thank you!