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 (: