Spinning...

A deal is a Deal...

I have to share this picture with all of you. For those of you who do not know the story behind the spin... During the pageant all the contestants made a deal that who ever won would spin on stage like in Princess Diaries. It was just so funny because the audience had no idea what I was doing up on the stage. Thank you Cassie for the picture.

So far...

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

Hello again,

This past month has already been SO busy! I love all of the thingsI have been able to do, all in preparation for nationals.

I got to sing a MILLION songs for Sally and Ally, and although I'm sure they were tired of listening to me sing, we narrowed it down from one million, to three songs. Then we went to meet with Sally, Peggy and Mike Miller at the Millers home. It was there the decision was made. "Don't Rain on My Parade" will be the song I perform at Nationals.

We also met to try on a lot of clothes for Sally and Ally, and even though everyone has a different taste, we agreed on several cute outfits for Nationals. The hunt for the perfect dress however, will continue.

Then there was the photo shoot. So much FUN. The pictures turned out AMAZING, not that I'm taking any credit. (: Sally was primping my hair and making sure I had enough gloss to make sure everything was perfect in each photo. She even laid on the floor to hold the equipment just right for the lighting. She did all the hard work. I owe my facial expression to Ally (aka the picture with the mouth wide open at the discussion of boys) Reina, I hope you are reading this so you can have a good laugh. It was HILARIOUS!

I made my first appearance at my pine cone princess, Kennedy's Elementary School. I got to speak about role-models. Getting a chance to promote my platform was really exciting. The kids were very nice and they had me cracking-up. One boy told me his name was Bob, so I spent the entire visit calling him Bob, only to find out his name was James. There was also a boy with a painted mustache. He had me convinced he was thirty, and posing as a second grader.

I am really looking forward to the Miss Washington pageant, and for my next month of adventures.

Even though I'm sure there are many great times yet to come, my last month has been one to remember.


Thank you to all of you who have participated in my preparation for nationals, I REALLY appreciate it!

Infinite X's and O's,

Tori (:

The Tori Times

Pictures for the blog.

The Journey Begins

"If you love yourself you can learn from your mistakes and you can laugh at yourself." -Elyse Umemoto miss Washington 2007

Inspired by Elyse I thought I would put quotes at the beginning of every blog, starting with one by Elyse.

First of all I would just like to say how EXCITED and thankful I am to have this opportunity.

Sally and Ally, I cant even begin to explain how much of a joy it has been getting to know you both, and I cant wait for the exciting year that lies ahead.

All of the pageant staff, working behind the scenes is not easy, I loved all the help you presented me with. I truly feel like everyone is already so supportive of me, and you all have already made this past month memorable.

Genay, like I said before it seems all of the people involved in the pageant are so willing to help, and you are DEFINITELY someone I know I can look to for advice. It is an honor to have your support. You have already become an inspiration and I am so proud to follow such an amazing titleholder.

Elyse, AHH I cant believe I actually am going to get to spend quality time with my biggest role model. With my platform being so focused on instilling self esteem in today's youth I couldn't think of a better example than you. I am so glad we live so close, I know that we will become really close in the time we have together, and I am so happy to have met you.

To all of the state contestants, I have never been so excited to spend a weekend with 12 girls. You all made the experience sooooo amazing. Tessa, Lauren, Paige, Elysa, Nicole, Liz, Robyn, Lindsey, McKenzie, Cassandra, Margaret, and Reina; you are all some of the most talented, and bright ladies I have ever met. Each one of you touched my heart in a different way. Whether it was inside jokes, or great laughs, or things we just had in common- I LOVED getting to know all of you. I am so glad we are all keeping in touch!

My family, you are my cheerleaders. My greatest support system. I couldn't be half the girl I am without all of you, or my friends that support me. You all are making such a great impact on my life, and I would not know what to do without your support. I love you all!

Kennedy and Nicole, you both have been such a thrill to work with, or in Kennedy's case PLAY with. Haha. I couldn't think of a better pine cone princess, and I love every minute with both of you. I look forward to having both of you at nationals, and having Kennedy be a National Princess, it will be such a memorable experience.

Finally, I just want to say thank you to God, without my faith I would be truly lost. There is so much in store for me this year and it is all thanks to God.

I can not even begin to describe how excited I am for the upcoming year, and how glad I am to have had this wonderful chance to represent this beautiful state and make a difference as Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen 2008.

Infinite X's and O's

Tori (: