I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to appear on a local show called New Day Northwest three times now. Thank to Darcey Camden, a friend from my favorite girl group Girl Power Hour is their style director and since us pageant girls love to be center stage Jessica and I were on board, then we roped in Lisa and then Angelique. It’s been a lot of fun. I can’t wait to do it again.
Oh and KCPQ Morning News
United Way of King County's 2012 Spirit of Caring Awards Ceremony — with Mrs. Washington, Jessica Riggs and Mrs. Snohomish County, Angelique Ashton.
One year ago the United Way of King County caught my attention through Twitter. It was Hunger Action Week and there we’re many people tweeting about their progress. Although I thought what the UWKC was doing was a great idea and a positive way to bring attention to an important issue, I didn’t like the tweets and blog posts I was reading from participants. So first let me explain the Hunger Challenge to you. Individuals are asked to live on $7 a day or a family of five $26 a day for a week to see what’s it’s like to live on food stamps. This seems like a breeze to me because I was once living well below this (I was not on food stamps). Anyway, I saw tweets and blog posts complaining about not having their organic foods and lattes and was absolutely disgusted. I knew that was not the purpose of the hunger challenge. Yes, it was to show you have to live without those luxuries but not to complain. I did see many positive posts with creative recipes and talk of how hard it was and how people were starting to empathize. Those I could appreciate but the whining and complaining was insulting to me so I started to respond to those people and the UWKC took action and replied. They asked me to share my story and experience as to why I felt the way I did. I LOVED IT! It was real and I shared a lot of stuff that was hard for me since I had worked so hard to get out of that situation but it was worth it to show people what it was like and it is possible to overcome it. I am proud of sharing my personal story with Seattle as difficult as it was and I am proud to give to a cause that brings such positive attention to so many causes. Now I am going to ask you to participate in this year’s Hunger Action Week. It’s a great way to truly understand. If you would like to read my blog post from last year on the UWKC website click here. Thank you United Way for the opportunity to share my story and for helping so many people in our community.
This week should be one of the most exciting weeks of my life but it has been hindered because my husband is not here to share it with me. He is out of town on a business trip so I can’t share all of the excitement with him. It started with a tour of the Washington State Capitol. It’s funny because I used to work there but having a tour was such a better experience because I learned the history of the building and former leadership. It was great seeing so many of the ladies including my life long friend Jaclyn. Plus with our Director Pam being in Moses Lake I don’t get much face time with her so it was great sharing this experience with her as well.
Oh and the intensity of being on KING 5’s New Day Northwest first with my beautiful daughter Nadia (which will air on Friday at 11am) and then with both Lisa and Jessica (Jessica was on the day before as well). Yesterday Nadia and I got to dress in similar style that you actually want to be seen in public dressed alike, all dressed by the amazing Darcy Camden who I know from Girl Power Hour. Today was 
wedding gowns fitted perfectly by the lovely Jenn West. Oh the beautiful wedding gowns from Blue Sky Bridal in Seattle. They blew us away. I felt like a bride again.
Then to top it off I had my first ever magazine article published in Inspirational Woman Magazine (pages 80-82). I have written many posts for many different blogs and have appeared in pictures in magazines but to have my words in writing in a magazine is a huge honor especially for the fact that is this particular magazine’s one year anniversary issue. It has been quite a week and it’s only Wednesday. Still going strong including sports with the kids, Girl Scout Cookie sales and lunch with my mother-in-law. And I have to say none of this would have been possible without the help of my wonderful support system of friends, Heather, Lara and Kareen who took my kids when I needed the help. Thank you ladies! It has been a week that I will never forget, now I have to top it next week while Eric is here. I can’t wait for Friday to be here to share all of this with my husband. 🙂
This weekend was the beginning of my February appearances and events and after looking back I realize I kept up on my blog but not on my events at all. Mrs. Washington, Jessica Riggs, has recently encouraged me to catch up on my blog posts. However, I’m totally going to cheat and make them all in one post. 🙂 Okay, now read it to the tune of We Didn’t Start the Fire, by my favorite artist, Billy Joel. Seriously, I have put this post together to this tune. Put on your headphones, click on the link and read. Enjoy or laugh, your choice…
[Intro]
Treehouse Carousel, I went there with pageant girls,
We had much fun, mainly because I’m dumb.
I was on the mic, trying to crowd ignite
We raised money for the foster children
[Short Break]
Next was the first event, of 2012
Mrs. Washington, Orientation
We were lucky, to enjoy Sky City
For those who didn’t know, that’s top the Space Needle
[CHORUS]
We didn’t start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world’s been turning
We didn’t start the fire
No we didn’t light it
But we tried to fight it
Family Feud up next
Although personal
It was surely an event to remember
With my mother-in-law,
Omi, Daniel and my love
We made fools of ourselves
Overall and above
My favorite girlie group
GPH in the loop
New Years Networkin’
Benefiting women
Heart health, AHA
All the women have to say
Girl Power Hour
All “Go Red for Women”
[CHORUS]
Can’t forget Zumba-thon
Dancing all day long
3 hour workout
With Mrs. Washington
Also there Carol Lee, Lisa Bluhm,
And ladies, Karen Caldwell,
Zumba teachers and my favorite Haily
Now I have to say
Girl Scouts love to play
Brownie Sleepover
With my daughter and others
Matt Kazam Showtime 
Mac N Cheese Taping
At Sno Casino with my besties all VIP
[CHORUS]
Ladies Who Brunch
With Mrs. West Coast
I met Cypris, who eats fire and breakfast toast
Also there, Heidi who is such a hoot
Teresa came also, followed by our photo shoot
This brings us current
To Project Red Dress
Gorgeous gowns and lots of fun
Fashion show and fundraising
[CHORUS]
After the fashion show
Oh no the night went on
We headed over
To the Hard Rock
Concert for autism
Thank you Klover Jane,
Jason Kertson, and the Immortals
For a great Autism Speaks event
Last was Go Red Connect
I took my girls
Got to tell my story
About my grandfather
At Macy’s Bellevue Square
I CAN’T WAIT TO DO SOME MORE!!!
[CHORUS]!
With the Broncos big win this past Sunday I thought I’d share why and how I became a fan…
I grew up in a home with Seattle Seahawks fanatics. Every Sunday during football season we either went somewhere to watch the game or we had people over. My parents and brother are even in the Seahawks Fan Club. Yet, after all of this I never cared for football much. Yeah I cheered on my home team if the game was on and I watched the Super Bowl in 2006 in hopes of a Seattle win but still didn’t have a passion for the sport. Then I met Eric. He grew up in Denver then moved to Washington at the age of 8 or so (which is why he is also a Mariners fan because the Rockies did not exist at that point). He was, is and always will be a die hard Broncos fan. We even have a pool table that he felted orange and painted blue to go with his Bronco pool balls and stick. It’s out of control really. I started to have interest as in I bought clothing and an Elway jersey but still didn’t watch the games all the way through. Mainly I cared because it was important to my husband. Bring on 2011 and add Tim Tebow. Wow! I absolutely love football. I love to watch because it now keeps me on the edge of my seat. Before Tim Tebow I got so bored because of the commercials every five seconds but now they are there to build up suspense. It also helps that he’s a good human being and a Christian. He has as big of a heart, if not bigger, than me. It’s crazy. It’s great to root on someone that has morals and is a great role model for kids like my son that live on every word of a professional athlete (oh please, please LeBron James look at yourself and be the man you should be). I look forward to Sundays now and I even watch ESPN. I don’t know what’s happened to me but I am loving every second of it. GO BRONCOS!
I am so blessed and honored to be featured on Mission Hot Mama as a Role Mama this week. I’m so excited to share tips with other moms on how to find time to give back. If you get a chance please check out this awesome site started by Jenni Hogan, a working mom herself. You may have seen her her locally around town doing all of her do-gooder stuff or possible on KIRO7 giving us those much needed traffic updates (honestly probably the most watched piece of news in Seattle). In fact, if you have a chance please take the time to nominate her for a Shorty Award in #activism. I’ve been following this blog for a while so when Jenni asked if she could interview me (after being BTF (Best Twitter Friends), as she calls it) I was blown away. Thank you so much to Jenni and the staff of Mission Hot Mama, especially Jordan, who walked me through the process. This is still so exciting. I really hope my tips help. Check out the post by clicking here, then peruse the site for more goodies.
This is it…no meat for 10 days. It’s not going to be easy but I need this. Who else is in? No, not you, well here is my story.
So I thought I’d start this post by sharing a little bit about me and my weight struggles. People tell me all the time how lucky I am that I’m thin or that I don’t understand. Well I do. After having my son in 2001 I weighed 201 pounds (yes 201, seriously couldn’t have been 199). Growing up I was always the skinny kid. I had a large rear end, yes, but the rest of me was skin and bones. That all changed when I got on Depo-Provera as a form of birth control. I instantly gained 40 pounds and went from being 125 to 165. It was devastating. I had never experienced anything like that before. So I got off of it and got pregnant (intentionally). I ate so healthy, after all it was my first pregnancy and I wanted to do everything right. I went walking at least 3 times a week with my friend Angie but it made no difference the weight just kept packing on. I don’t even know what I weighed by the end because I didn’t want to know. I was in a healthy weight range (from beginning to end) so the doctor was kind enough to keep it to herself. Then my baby boy Ethan was born and everything changed. I took control of my weight and my life and worked my tooshie off to get that weight down. Thanks to Power 90 (now P90x) and Tony Horton I got down to 145 in only 9 months.
I cannot believe I'm sharing this picture with the world, but here it goes
Then in 2002, as a surprise, I got pregnant again. I couldn’t believe it. I had worked so hard and I was about to get it all back and of course I got got pretty close; this time 185. However, when Nadia was born my brother decided to get married and I had a maid-of-honor dress to fit into. At this point I didn’t even fit into a 16 so I only wore sweats. I was determined to fit into a size 8, so that’s what I ordered. David’s Bridal didn’t like that much but I knew I was motivated. So 6 months later the dreaded fitting came and I did it. I fit into a size 8. I was so happy. How’d I do it? A lot of hard work and a healthy lifestyle. I still keep those philosophies which is why I didn’t gain any weight with Kira other than her.
I eat every 2-4 hours consistently. I work out at least 3 times a week, usually 6 and I splurge when I want just not excessively. The biggest and best tip I can give is cut out soda, juice and alcohol. I was able to lose 32 pounds in three months with that and my workouts being the biggest factor. I still struggle to keep my weight down and it’s far from easy. The difference now is I do it because I want to, not because I have to. I feel so much better overall. I have more energy and even my skin has cleared up tremendously.
So why am I doing the Reboot Challenge? One I got off track at Christmas, two my cousin needed a team and I know how that can help and three, my digestive system can use a reboot. So day one has been easy because it’s not far off from what I was doing before the holidays (minus the meat aspect). I think this will pay off big time. And don’t let that green stuff fool you it’s actually really tasty.
Mr. Blitzen himself
Ethan’s Honor Choir had the opportunity to perform at the Lake Wilderness Elementary Santa Breakfast this year. I was really excited to see him perform. As usual my son was the life of the party. They did a song called Blitzen Boogie or something like that where Blitzen (or as we know him, Ethan) danced around on stage. It was hilarious. I was cleaning up a syrupy mess from Kira when all of a 
sudden I look up and there is my son, center stage with everyone chuckling and he is eating it up. It was great. Well I’m glad my craziness rubbed off on one of my kids (okay it did on all three but Nadia and Kira know the appropriate time and place to show it, home, lol). What cracks me up most though is when he had the chance to meet Marshawn Lynch and other Seahawk players he totally froze, just like I did when I met Ken Griffey Jr. as a kid. I swear sometimes it’s like watching myself. I love that kid.
Oh and on a side not, Ethan made the Rock Creek Select 10u baseball team. I’m so proud!
Santa and I after the event
Me and Santa's other two helpers Colleen and Amanda
I had my first appearance in my own hometown last week (I had appearance everyday last week so today was the first time I actually had a moment to write about it). It was also a bit of community service however considering how much fun I had, I’m not sure if it counts. My job…Santa’s helper (although a few kids thought I was Mrs. Clause). I attended the Maple Valley Holiday Lights Celebration as a volunteer but as usual I drug my family along for the ride. They didn’t help out this time, they got to enjoy all of the festivities including a train ride through the lighted arboretum, cookies and pastries donated by Costco, the official tree lighting, craft tables, carolers, an orchestra, and of course Santa. My job was to bring the kids to Santa and keep the line happy. I think I did a fairly decent job considering the line length. Overall the event was a huge success and clean-up moved pretty fast. In the end I met an employee from the City who introduced me to her husband who hooked Ethan up with a try-out for the 10u Select Baseball team. He made it past the first round and has his second try-out this Sunday. I’m so proud of him.
Photo by Teresa Potter
I know you’ve read it here before but you’re going to have to read it again, I’m a lucky lady. I’ve been so blessed with such amazing friends and family. A friend of mine from Jr. High, yes that far back, contacted me on Facebook and asked me if she could sponsor my headshots for the pageant. I was blown away because I am a HUGE fan of her work. She is so talented. So of course I accepted graciously. Her name, Teresa Potter.
Photo by Teresa Potter
This past Monday we decided to make into a photo shoot/mommy daughter day. Teresa also has a four year old daughter so we thought having a play date would be fun for them as well as easier for us. The two girls got along as if they knew each other forever. We started out by meeting a Krispy Kreme in Tacoma and loaded the car with dresses galore, makeup, props and our daughters. Teresa thought since I’m Mrs. Pacific Northwest that Point Defiance Park wold be a great representation of that (and she was very right).
Photo by Teresa Potter
Our first stop was a hillside covered in dry leaves. It was a perfect setting for the off-white gown she had for me. It was a strapless dress which meant I was freezing and when I say freezing I cannot describe how absolutely cold it really was. Now Teresa did come prepared with a shawl for me between shots but that only warmed me up for about 5 seconds. I don’t know how models do it. The ground was covered with dry brown leaves and we were surrounded by a grassy green hillside with trees all around. It was gorgeous and a very good interpretation of Washington. Plus the girls couldn’t resist the piles of leaves to play in. It was almost impossible to keep them out of the shots.
Photo by Teresa Potter
Our second stop wasn’t a planned stop, it was just a little girl potty break but turned into so much more. There was this little diner right outside of Point Defiance. We ordered the girls some hot chocolate and headed upstairs to the restrooms where we were pleasantly surprised by the foray. It was an older building so the carpentry was beautiful. The doors were all painted maroon and the walls yellow. There were some old movie seats and a great window looking out to the street. Teresa got some great silhouette shots and some great pics in the movie seats. Plus there was a lot of room for clothing changes. Best part, it was warm.
Photo by Teresa Potter
So we had now eaten, taken a restroom break and got in a few more pics, so back to Point Defiance. This time we headed to the beach. What I wrote above about being cold doesn’t even begin to cut it. People literally stopped and stared because they thought I was crazy. Beach and cold, not such a good combo, however you couldn’t tell it by the way the photos turned out. She even got a great shot with Mt. Rainier in the background. You can’t be Mrs. Pacific Northwest without Mt. Rainier. 😉
Photo by Teresa Potter
The last planned stop was my favorite, Fort Nisqually inside Point Defiance Park. We got some great pics. Some fun ones too. Everything from pulling a wagon to sitting in the outhouse. I think this is where Teresa got to see me really let loose. The fort is so amazing and such a great part of Washington history. I was excited that we got so many great pictures there.
Photo by Teresa Potter
From there we headed back to our original meeting place, Krispy Kreme where we took a few more fun pictures with a pageant contestant and doughnuts, what a conflict right? Oh well, it was fun and tasty too. In fact I would love Krispy Kreme to sponsor me this year. I am pretty sure they have never been asked to sponsor a pageant. 🙂 I sent them a tweet and am patiently waiting for a reply. Wish me luck.
I want to thank Teresa again for taking her time to do this for me. She has even agreed to join me at some of my events to take pictures. I am looking forward to working with her throughout the year. It’s going to be one of my best adventures I’m sure. If you are interested in having Teresa take you or your family’s pictures visit her website for contact details or her Facebook page for more samples.
Through all of this pageant stuff the biggest physical thing I’ve accomplished is running three miles. I’m not a runner but I’ve always wanted to be so I’ve pushed myself hard to get to three miles and by the end of December I hope to reach five miles. But with this comes the inevitable…a race. I figure I should start off small and work my way to the triathlon I want to do this summer.
So I have officially started a team for the “Cupid Undie Run” taking place on February 11th in Downtown Seattle to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation. My team, “Pretty Pageant Panties” is trying to reach our goal of only $1000 but of course we want to exceed that. Please help us but joining our team, donating or telling all of your friends and family to donate by clicking on and giving them this link. It’s a great cause worth freezing your buns off for.
We are also currently looking for sponsors to donate our “uniforms”. If you or someone you know has some great boxers please let me know. For more info visit their website or go directly to ours. I’m sure you can’t wait for the pictures!
This past Saturday I had the pleasure of joining Mrs. Pierce County, Amy Evers in her hometown and mine for the Hometown Santa Parade. Auburn Volkswagen was kind enough to lend us an awesome Volkswagen EOS for both parades. After picking up the car I headed to Amy’s house where we decorated it ever so pretty with garland, lights, snowflakes, a snowman and our new banners. It was great.
The first parade was in Sumner (Amy’s hometown) and very short and sweet. We were second in line so it seemed to go by even faster. My husband drove while my brother took the kids to watch. He chased us down the entire parade trying to take pictures. Her poor family missed us by a minute. 😦 It went by so fast we didn’t even know what happened but it was fun.
The second parade took place in my hometown where I grew up, Puyallup. By then it was dark and our lights were shining. Before the parade started we saw a group of girls from the Concordia Lutheran School Warrior Spirit Squad, I had to get a picture. I think they were even more excited to take that picture than we were. In fact the picture ended with many little girl hugs; it was fantastic. A few seconds later the paraded begin. My brother drove us through the route with his Santa hat while people waved back at us some yelling Merry Christmas. This parade was much longer and had thousands of people lined up on the streets. It was a bit intimidating at first but you know me, I quickly got over that and easily fit in. In fact I even started dancing with Michelle’s Dance Studio behind us. It was a blast. Hopefully I didn’t embarrass Amy too much since her family made it to this one.
It was a great day for sure. I’m so excited I got to share it with Amy and my family. I can’t wait for the next one.
I always have fun with Amy, so it was a given I would enjoy this night too. The Pan Pacific Hotel in downtown Seattle hosted a tree lighting holiday event. Jenni Hogan from Mission Hot Mama and KIRO 7 emceed the evening which is how I heard about it. I met Jenni on Twitter about two years ago and we chat all the time. However, last night was the first time we met in person, it was great. She is even more beautiful in person than she is in her pictures and on TV. We were joking how we are BTF (Best Twitter Friends) yet it took us this long to meet. I seriously love social med!
The evening had carolers, hot cider, pictures with props (which we get Monday and I can’t wait) and a lot of people. I had two little boys come up to me and ask what I won. I explained that I was competing in a pageant and they instantly became disinterested; it cracked me up. It is definitely a girl thing. Although I do think Ethan is loving the attention as you can see by the photo. I have no idea where he gets it from (wink wink).
The best part was that I was asked to be profiled on Mission Hot Mama as a Role Mama. I am so honored and excited. I love the blog and everything it stands for. Plus we have a connection to SeeYourImpact.org which will be great to profile in my interview.
We were also joined by our family friend Robert Maloney and his two kids, Reuben and Rebekah. We did miss his wife Kareen for sure but still enjoyed the company. Having Amy with her two girls and Robert and his kids made it more fun for my kids too. This was my first appearance with my family. I enjoyed it. All of the appearances this week has made me so excited about our first parade this Saturday. Wish Amy and me luck!
Jessica and I with Jamie the new Project Manager at SeeYourImpact
Tonight was a great night. I attended the SeeYourImpact One Year Anniversary Party. This organization means a lot to me. Although I may have had to quit working there, my dream job still holds a big place in my heart. Being in the same room with all of my co-workers was awesome. On top of that Jessica, Mrs. Washington 2012, joined me for the evening. It was mainly networking and visiting with people but feeling all of the passion and love in that room was still overwhelming. It was great to have Jessica there to experience that with me.
So technically this was my first appearance for the 2013 year. Although I wore my sash and crown it didn’t really feel like an appearance to me because I would have been there regardless. Although having little girls and older men asking for pictures with us did give it a bit of that feeling. I’m also glad that Jamie saw an opportunity to use our titles to help the new Girls Helping Girls campaign they are launching in 2012. Both Jessica and I jumped on the chance. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. 🙂
To learn more about SeeYourImpact.org or to donate visit my page: http://seeyourimpact.org/members/reesycup
My daughter, Nadia, being interviewed at a Swedish Medical Center fundraiser along with event staff, at Seattle Fashion Week. My kids benefit from my volunteering too.
I am very passionate about autism awareness and early intervention especially through Autism Speaks. It is personal and extremely important to me however it’s not the only charity I am passionate about. There are many things that are important and close to my heart that I hated leaving out last year. In fact I had originally included multiple charities and was informed I need to narrow my ideas. I just didn’t know how to do that at the time since it was my first pageant so I chose the one closest to home. This year I don’t want to leave any of my many charities out or any new ones that want to creep in. So I had to decide what is my true passion? What makes me me? I know I want to help everyone so it’s definitely people but wait, what about community? It’s such a hard thing to narrow down. So I thought back to my childhood and the moment that changed me to this overly obsessed volunteer.
When I was 8-years old my babysitter Laura introduced me to the most amazing woman. The woman I aspire to be every day of my life, Helen Keller. No she didn’t personally introduce me because she had passed on ten years before I was born but she introduced me to her works through her biography. Helen Keller is a woman who didn’t know boundaries, who didn’t care if people told her she couldn’t, she lived to live and didn’t take the life God gave her for granted. Not only did she learn to communicate even though she was blind and deaf, she was an activist, she was a lecturer and she was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was an astounding woman. I don’t necessarily agree with all of her opinions or fights but I believe in how hard she worked to make things happen. There are many amazing women like Elanor Roosevelt that have accomplished what Helen accomplished but not with what would have held most people back. Every time I think, I can’t do it, I don’t have the resources I need, I think, “Are you kidding Larissa? You have the world at your hands, you may have to work harder to get it, but it’s there. If Helen Keller can be a lecturer, what’s my excuse?”
So to go back to my original idea, my platform. No it’s not serving the deaf and blind, nor is it political activism. It’s having a heart and truly caring for our world and everything in it. It’s about changing the world using everything I have. Now how do I explain that? Or better yet how can I get people on my bandwagon? By showing people the importance of helping others using their given resources, by showing the importance of giving time, by donating yourself. Not just donating money, although that’s very important; giving your time is so much more valuable and everybody has it, even if they think they don’t. As I always say I may not always have money but I always have time. One hour a week can change a life. I know first hand what one hour a week can do. It can give a child adult attention they may not be getting at home, it can provide blood to someone needing it, it can clean up a street. Find something you’re passionate about, be it your community, maybe breast cancer research, or maybe it’s children. No matter what is important to you there is someone out there looking for help to make it better.
I currently have seven charities I am active with. I can’t give them each an hour a week but I can give each of them dedicated time when they need me (or at least I try). They all have something that caught my attention, some of them I have no personal connection to or at least didn’t until I got involved. The Kent Downtown Partnership is one of my favorite charities and I don’t even live or work in Kent but I love the community and what it offers, so I just can’t quit it. Also SeeYourImpact.org was a previous employer of mine that I left to be at home with my kids but I still love everything about it so I am still dedicated to its mission. I’ve done everything from murder mystery fundraisers to hanging up posters which shows there is something for everyone to help with. Use your gift from God to give to someone else. You can change the world. It may only be the world directly around you, but it will be changed and if everyone spread that message we can slowly change our community, city, state, country, world.
So to sum it up, my platform is: “Changing the world, one hour at a time: The importance of volunteering”.
Photo by Teresa Potter
I have my first sponsorship for the 2013 Mrs. Washington America Pageant. I am super excited to have Teresa Potter take my headshots this year. Don’t get me wrong Tessa did a great job last year and I was really happy and grateful for them but now I’ll have real, professional headshots. I’m so in love with her coloring and the way she sees people. I also love the creativity and passion behind each picture. I’ve known Teresa since 7th grade so it will also be great to catch up with her. We’re hoping to get a great offbeat location. I can’t wait! Check Teresa out on Facebook.
I have to tell you a little secret…I am super jealous of Lisa Bluhm Mrs. Washington 2011 and not because she was crowned Mrs. Washington but because she can eat whatever she wants without worry. I can’t say the same for Jessica Riggs, Mrs. Washington 2012. Now that she has to go on to Mrs. America she has to work even harder. However, she has already done such an amazing job toning up I’m sure she can cheat a bit. All I know is all of the feedback I got told me to tone up which includes more protein shakes and less sugar. This week I cheated the entire week but on Monday I’m back to the grind. Honestly , I actually enjoy eating better and exercising so I guess it’s not too much work for me and with a whole year ahead of me I think I can reach my next goal. Wish me luck…
Good luck Jessica I know you have the ability to be the first Mrs. America from the state of Washington. Keep up the good work and the prayers coming. 🙂
Me and my clown make-up for stage. Wearing that much make-up was not easy for me.
The last two months have flown by. I have accomplished so much in that short time including losing 32 pounds. All of it for the Mrs. Washington America Pageant that took place this last weekend. The weekend was full of emotion with nerves and adrenaline running high throughout. Interviews began Friday which I felt is where I would shine best. It was not as excruciating as I thought it would be. I felt at the time I did well (we get the judges notes in about a month, so we’ll see). The next day was the pageant itself. Swimsuit was first and the part I was dreading most. I was lucky number two in line. I actually felt very comfortable and confident up there in my swimsuit. It was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I felt all of my hard work had paid off. Then evening gowns. I was a lot more relaxed during evening gown because we all started out escorted by our husbands. The problem here is I was too relaxed and didn’t hold my posture. My on stage interview question I felt I did alright, had a little too much emotion but I was comfortable. Then the big announcement came, one by one the girls were called and still not my name. By the last two names I knew I was out. I didn’t realize not making the top six would sting as much as it did. I had thought I really had a chance to be in the top six. I never felt as if I deserved it more than any of the other women, not once, I just felt I worked hard and that I deserved it. Now that I look at the top six contestants I still don’t think I deserved it more than any of them. They are all beautiful, amazing women who all deserved to be there. I did feel I was competing with myself and I have very high expectations for myself which is why it hurt so much.
After it was all done I thought to myself I don’t want to do this again. It was hard not having my name called, much harder than I expected. I’m not sure if I could handle it again. Why did I work so hard and invest so much money in something that got me no where? I hated the feeling I had, it made me feel like I was a sore loser. It was everything I teach my kids not to do, yet I couldn’t help it. My emotions were running high and I couldn’t hold back tears. I knew going to the dinner was not a good idea. I was bitter and angry, not at anyone but myself. I felt as if I failed. But I knew I needed to go. Once I got there I looked for my partner in crime, Amy and immediately started crying. This only made me feel worse. She asked me if I spoke to any of the judges yet for feedback, and I hadn’t. I took her advice and I’m so glad I did and luckily I spoke to the right judge first, the Mrs. Idaho America Co-Director, Susan Marler. She had the great constructive criticism I needed to show me where I went wrong. She also told me if I continue to work hard I have a good chance in the future. I have all of the qualities Mrs. America wants. She also told me to be true to myself which I thought I had done but realized I second guessed myself quite a bit. I really appreciated her feedback. I went on to speak to two other judges who also gave me good feedback, some I’ll take and some I won’t but overall it was good and constructive. The best piece being, be true to myself above all else.
I have decided to take the great feedback I got and run with it. This time I’ll have an entire year to work on bettering myself both inside and out. I have the best support team already standing by to help and I know I will improve next year and will bring everything I have. I am very proud to have stood by all of the women I did. Every woman deserved to be up there. I have no regrets looking back. I may have thought my name needed to be called at the time but now I know that it wasn’t my time and until I’m ready it won’t be. Thanks to Angee and her husband for these great words of encouragement, “If you’re not good enough to lose, you’re not good enough to win.” So true, I am good enough to lose and I’ve learned I need to be a good, strong loser in order to show I can be a good, strong winner.
So I leave for Moses Lake today with Amy Evers (my roomie). I can’t believe it’s here. Tomorrow is interviews and Saturday we are on stage. I am super duper excited and still can’t believe how fast the last three months flew by. This experience has changed me for the better. I am so glad I took a chance. Who knew three years ago when I sent in that application to the Chris Elliott Fund thinking it was a job it would lead me here? I prayed that night that I wanted to do something good and within 30 minutes I got a call from the CEF explaining it was volunteer work not a job. I told them it was meant to be and count me in as a volunteer. Soon after I met Tamara (which at the time I though, wow! I am hanging out with Mrs. Seattle) and the rest is history. I tell you this was all meant to be. God’s plan has lead me to this now what I do with it is up to me.
Thanks again to all the people supporting and encouraging me especially my mentors through this Tamara, Carla and Lisa. You ladies have been great!!! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!
This is a top ten only related to me. I typically like to offer some type of advice or suggestions but I am going to be selfish here, lol.
10. I’m Me – If you already know me, you know this is truly a perfect fit for me.
9. Going to Events – There is nothing I love more than a good event. I am always at something and now I have a purpose. Be it either as a representative of my cause or as Mrs. Pacific Northwest. I will continue to make my rounds and spread the word and now I’ll get the attention I need and want. 😉
8. I Get To Wear Pretty Clothes – Come on, I get to wear an evening gown…
7. I Love Being On Stage – Everyone who knows me knows I am the karaoke queen and not because I’m an American Idol. I just love to entertain a crowd. I have been that way since my first talent show in 2nd grade all the way to my performance at the Puyallup Fair with Angie.
6. I Have A Lot To Say – I want to tell the world what I think and this is the best way for me to do it. I have always wanted to change the world and this brings me one step closer to that dream.
5. I Get to Learn About Other Important Causes – I was so right about this. Learning about all of the other women’s causes has been wonderful. It’s brought me closer to them and it has showed me other ways I can be helping people.
4. Meeting New People – Obviously anytime I join anything (which my list of activities is ever growing) I will meet new people but the Mrs. Washington America Pageant links me to women just like me, women with the same interests (including looking beautiful, ha ha). So far all of the ladies I have met are all amazing women that have something to offer the world and I am proud to say I know each and everyone of them and know any of these women would make a great queen.
3. My Husband Is Amazing – My husband really encouraged me to do this. He tells me everyday how he thinks I’m going to win and how beautiful I am. This experience has brought me closer to him and has showed me how much he believes in me.
2. Autism Speaks – I know 99% of my readers are aware that I have a son that was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. I am an active volunteer with Autism Speaks as the Media/Marketing Chair and we have such a small volunteer base. There is only one person employed by the organization in the Northwest so it is very important to get the word out about the organization and autism as a whole. I know that the appearances I make will bring the recognition this organization needs to grow. I am excited to take my volunteering to another level to help out this worthy cause.
1. Tamara DePorter – The number one reason is this amazing woman. Tamara and I were both active volunteers for the Chris Elliott Fund for Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Research. She was so passionate about the cause and so caring, I was immediately enamored by her. She was beautiful, poised and passionate, plus she was Mrs. Seattle, that was so cool. Her and I immediately connected and she told me about the pageant and explained why I should be a part of it. At the time my schedule was too busy and I knew I couldn’t commit like I should so I passed. Over the next two years I stayed in contact with Tamara and saw all of her amazing photos online and thought to myself, I would really fit in here, especially if the other women were like Tamara. The week before I came onboard she met up with me to give me tips and help me along the way. I’m very glad I joined her on this journey. Thanks Tamara, you’re the best mentor!
My Crazy Random Life 