The Tori Times

The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.

2009-05-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

HEY EVERYONE!

Spring Forum was very exciting! I was so glad to see that the girls got along so well. I can tell they will be close just like my class was!

The speakers at the forum were amazing, and I took so many notes. I hope everyone else did as well.

We had an awesome time at the pajama party and I was happy to see that the girls knew so many facts about the Miss America Organization! Each of the girls were involved and very sweet! You wouldn't believe how they moved down the runway in their own designer shoes. It was amazing!

I can hardly wait for the State Pageant. It will be a blast!

Thank you so much to Peggy Miller, Breann Parriot-Jones and all the volunteers for putting together such an awesome week-end. It was great!

This last Friday I had the opportunity to speak at the "Girl Power" work shop put on by Michelle Wasson!

The girls were excited to hear about my platform, America's Next Top Role Model" and very responsive for their age! I had a great time and was so thankful to be a part of that experience with Holly, and Hannah!

This month has been very busy with Janet's fundraiser, a Bowl-a-Than for the Children's Miracle Network, (SO FUN) the Spring Forum, and the "Girl Power" workshop. I am learning so much and I am looking forward to the state pageant when I can see all of my friends, old and new.

Until then...I will be

Faithfully,

Tori

2009-05-07T16:13:00.001-07:00

2009-05-07T16:11:00.001-07:00

Memories

2009-03-31T00:01:00.001-07:00

Having fun with Kennedy!

2009-03-30T23:40:00.001-07:00

Miss Pierce County

2009-03-30T23:34:00.001-07:00

What we say is important for in most cases the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

2009-03-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

Moses Lake

The Moses Lake pageant was SO much fun! I loved getting to see Nicole and watching her perform. Marissa did an amazing job as well! The new Columbia Basin, and Moses Lake title holders were fantastic, as were all of the contestants, and teens! It was amazing seeing Sam crowned again! I was thankful to have the opportunity to perform "One Moment in Time" a favorite song of mine. Kennedy and Nicole came with us to this pageant and shared a room with my Granny, Mom and I. Nicole and Granny snuck hotel cushions into our room! AND they felt like "Charlies Angels" dashing through the hallway! Unlike them, Kennedy and I were very well behaved! The pageant overall was a great memory, and we all had a great time!

Pierce County

The PC pageant is one I have been looking forward to for a whole year! Holding the PC title last year before I received the WA title was a great honor. I was so excited to be asked to be part of the program, and loved performing "Taylor the Latte Boy" that night.
Seeing Haley crowned was so exciting! I loved her performance and can not wait to see her again soon! Having a personal tie with the people involved in the PC program made this pageant really enjoyable!
NEXT UP SWEEEEPPERRR!

Miss Auburn Pageant 2009

2009-02-03T10:44:00.001-08:00

Before your dreams can come true, you have to have those dreams.

2009-01-30T22:21:00.000-08:00

My trip to Miss America was simply amazing. Janet was beautiful. She just shines on stage. I am so proud of her. I am so lucky that I get to share my year with such a smart, talented and beautiful woman. She rocked the reality show. I was so proud of everything she did.

I was so busy in Vegas. The trade show, the workshops, the preliminaries, dancing with the other teens on the Miss America stage, spending time with my Princess Kennedy, Nicole, Granny and my great Aunt Kelli. It was so fun. We even made time to see the show "Ka". I loved every minute of our trip.

My favorite purchase was my new crown clips. Purchased at the Miss America trade show.
I also went to the True Religion Store and got a new pair of Trues! OK, maybe this was my favorite. Thanks Granny. You are the best.

Sharing this memory with Kennedy was Priceless. She is so amazing. I love spending time with her.

There she is right in front, and on TV. What a star!

Being introduced on the Miss America Stage was so exciting.

It was so much fun getting back together with the teens. 41 teens attended Miss America. We had an autograph signing, meals together, rehearsals, the production number, and the Dolphin Entertainment worksop.

I have many more pictures coming soon.

Tomorrow is the Miss Auburn Pageant and I hope to see you all there. It is going to be so much fun.

Faithfully,

Tori

To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but also believe.

2009-01-19T21:02:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Things have been busy as usual.

I attended the Poulsbo local last week and had a fantastic time. I really enjoyed meeting and talking with the guest, the contestants and the volunteers. It was an honor to sing the National Anthem. I wanted to say a quick thank you to all the volunteers for inviting me. I really enjoyed myself. Thank you to both Miss Kitsap Samantha Przybylek and Miss Poulsbo Amy Stadshaug. You are both amazingly talented and beautiful. I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for both of you. I also wanted to congratulate Hanna and Heidi. This is going to be the time of your life. I hope to be able to attend all of the locals. It is so fun to see old and make new friends. Again thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible evening.

The week before the Poulsbo Pageant I attended the "Shoe La La". Janet's send off. It was so exciting to see everyone. The fashion show was so much fun and seeing Janet perform and speak only proved what I already know. She is going to make Washington so proud. GO Janet! The event was held at the Liberty Theatre. I loved performing and spending time with the class of 2008. Thank you to all the volunteers at this event as well. Fianna did an amazing job putting on such a beautiful event. The auction was so exciting. The shoes were priceless. I wanted to win them all. Thank you to Fianna for inviting me and thank you to her mom for making the exquisite shoes. I will get some pictures posted from this amazing send off shortly.

I am now getting ready for Miss America. I know, I know! I am so excited! I can not wait to see Janet and the other contestants, along with the 41 Outstanding teens that will also be attending. We will be doing a production number at Thursdays preliminary. There are a few other events planned for the teens as well. Breann and I will be attending a workshop with Dolphin Entertainment. We also have an autograph signing event, rehearsals, and a few other things set up. My beautiful and talented Princess will also be there with me. Kennedy and Nicole have been a huge part of my year. My relationship with both of them has grown so much and is going to be there for a lifetime.

I wanted to say Thank you to a few more people. Thank You to Breann. You have been so helpful and I am so happy to have the opportunity to work closely with you as well as the rest of the volunteers. Thank you to Peggy and Mike Miller. You are both incredible. You give so much to make this organization a success. With you, and your family of volunteer's it is just that. A success, and I am so honored to be a part of it. I am so blessed to be a part of this organization.

Faithfully,

Tori

Miss Poulsbo Pageant

2009-01-12T11:02:00.001-08:00

"It's never too late to be what you might have been!"-George Eliot

2009-01-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Hello ALL!

I selected the quote above because (as usual) school is stressing me out right now! As most teenagers I have decided I have a "new and improved" ambition, all too late in my high school career to change my pathway! However, when reading my new book (Christmas present) I realized the quote by George Eliot on my bookmark was just the push I needed (and now having planned a meeting with the counselor to get things worked out) I am WAAYYY less stressed!

^just a tid bit about life!

NOW, onto pageant business! I hope you are all as excited as I am for the Miss America Pageant that is approaching, GO JANET! But tomorrow, we get a glimpse of the excitement on the reality show on TLC!!! I'm already setting reminders on my phone and TV! Tehehe(:

Even more excitement ahead, THE FASHION SHOW ON SUNDAY! Janet's "send off" is only two days away! I'm so excited to kick the new year off with Miss America business.

I hope that with all of the prelims on the way I will be meeting more and more teens who are ready to compete for my title this summer!

Just a reminder if you are one of those teens:
I URGE YOU, get in touch with me, ask any questions you might have before your prelim, I'd love to meet and get to know all of you!

Hope everyone had a FANTASTIC holiday, and new years day!

Infinite X's and O's

-Tori (:

Happy Holidays

2008-12-22T20:18:00.001-08:00

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. -Eleanor Roosevelt

2008-11-23T13:35:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to stop in and leave a little update (:

I recently went to the Pierce County Teen Tea. I had an amazing time speaking to the girls sharing with them the story of my year so far. Sharing positives and some of the negatives I experienced.
The girls were all very nice, some of which i had met before. (:

I am so excited to meet the rest of the girls who will be competing to hold next years title.

Ladies please remember that this is not only an opportunity, but it is a job. Every girl that is compeiting is applying for a job.

Although sometimes it might be tough work, who would not want a job that they love EVERY minute of? I WOULD!

I am proud of everyone's accomplishments so far, and can not wait to get to meet the rest of the contestants.

PLEASE get in touch with me if you will be competing... I want to know everyone by name before state. I hope that this year is full of life long relationships, and close one's at that!

Hope to hear from all of you soon!

Infinite X's and O's

Tori

Pierce County Teen Tea

2008-11-17T19:21:00.001-08:00

Crowning Moments

2008-11-04T21:49:00.001-08:00

Awards Breakfast

2008-11-04T20:40:00.001-08:00

Dress Rehearsal

2008-11-03T21:01:00.001-08:00

My Pinecone Princess

2008-11-03T21:00:00.001-08:00

People Say "Time Heals Everything"

2008-11-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

It seems like it has been forever since I have updated, but goodness have I been busy.It is getting into that time of year when time is my biggest concern and not having enough of it lol (:

Where to start?

Since nationals I have had quite the heavy load. Because of my grandpa's funeral my whole family (some of which I did not even remember, lol) came into town. I have been busily working on DECA projects and attended a Fall Leadership Conference for Washington State DECA.

I had the pleasure of attending the Miss Washington USA and Miss Washington Teen USA pageants to see my new "teen sister" Sadie Porter receive her title. I WAS THRILLED! For those of you who don't know Sadie, she is a true gem.

I will be attending the Pierce COunty Teen Tea on Nov. 9th. My high school football team has made it to the finals and we have a game on Saturday, Go Rams. I am happy for our team but sad that it falls on the same day as Miss Seattle. I look forward to attending the locals that are on their way and especially attending the MISS AMERICA PAGEANT!!!! (p.s. only 1896 hours until I get to go).

Now some thank you's

Breann: I am so EXCITED that I will be able to work with you this year! I am so very thankful that you were able to step in. (:

Elyse: When will we ever get that coffee date (: haha I can't wait to see you.

Janet: I am seriously missing my partner in crime! I hope we get to hang out very soon.

Kennedy, and Miss Nicole: I love your frequent visits, and the continuous laughter you bring into my life (: (thanks for making me look amazing at homecoming)

Mom and Granny: Thank you for putting countless hours and dollars towards my stressful hobbies these past few months (cough cough or 16 years) I am very grateful.

TO ALL OF THE TEENS THINKING ABOUT COMPETING!!!!
-please get in touch with me, myspace and facebook and my phone are ALWAYS right there. And I would be happy to answer any questions you might have, and get to know all of you (:

Infinite X's and O's

Faithfully,

Tori

Photoshow

2008-11-03T16:02:00.001-08:00

Endless Thank You's

2008-09-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks. ~William Shakespeare

I have no idea where to begin. The Lord has a mysterious way of working, doesn't he? It seems as though my path has been decided for a reason, and I just can not manage to put my finger on why God chose the time he did to put this heaviness on my life. However, it has made me stronger. Losing my grandfather while competing at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant affected my week severely. I can not imagine getting through the week without all of your help. I received COUNTLESS cards and letters, to those people who sent the mail it was GREATLY appreciated. Although my message has to be quick at this time, I will be forever thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers.

I will be writing soon.

Infinite X's and O's

-Tori (:

More pre-lim and visitation pictures

2008-08-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

More Pictures...

2008-08-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Bloomingdales

2008-08-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Naitonal Pictures

2008-08-11T12:00:00.001-07:00

Day Two

2008-08-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Medevil

Times

Medevil Times

Welcome Dinner and Dancing!

2008-08-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Day One

2008-08-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

Arriving in Florida.

Day one-Photoshoot with Tony Bowles. AMAZING!

Hair and Make-up and the most beautiful Gowns.

2008-08-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

“It’s not about learning to survive the storm,
it’s about learning to dance in the rain”

(aka: GRACIOUS AND FLEXIBLE)

Hey everyone,

I want to start by thanking the people who have really stepped in during these last few weeks of preparation. Grant, Cara, and Breann, you all have made me confident in my poise, interview, and talent. I could not ask for a better support team. Sally and Peggy, thank you so much for my send off dinner! I had a blast spending that night talking things over. Janet, your encouraging words always brighten my day! See you all in Florida!
I don’t have a lot of time to write every detail, but we are finally in Florida!!! I am so excited to finally be here. We arrived around six last night. All day today I have been trying to acclimate to the temperature and the time change. I have not seen any other contestants considering we arrived a day early. I’m sure they will be here and checked in very soon. I can’t wait to meet everyone ESPECIALLY my roommate, Ashley. Our hotel is very nice and the convention center looks HUGE (even though I haven’t been inside). There is a lot of unpacking to do and as I am writing I am not being very helpful (tehehe)! So I better get going. I am very prepared and feel very confident, but at the same time, I am really just hoping to have a great time. Hopefully a million outfits will be enough (:
In the words of my Mom and Grandma;
Mom: I CAN’T GET ALL OF THE SHOES IN ONE SUITCASE
Granny: WELL WHY NOT
Mom: THERE ARE TOOOOO MANNYYY SHOOOEESSS!
Lol. One can never have too many shoes.
Keep your fingers crossed for me to do my best.
And I hope to represent you all very well.

Infinite X’s and O’s
-Tori

2008-07-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other" -Audrey Hepburn.

I chose this quote for my blog because in the last two months I have had so much support. The volunteers, family, and the past and present titleholders have become such a big part of my life.

I really have dedicated a lot of time to preparing for Nationals lately, or maybe it just feels like it because I'm secretly letting my bedroom become PILED with clothes, and saying I'm just to busy is a Great excuse not to clean right now. (:

I recently attended the Miss Washington pageant and watched so many of my friends do AMAZING in the competition. Seeing my friends from The Outstanding Teen Pageant was the best. You are all so beautiful and FUN! I also got to perform my national competition song there. "Gracious and flexible" is about all that was running through my mind during the microphone incedent. These situations make us stronger, and make for some funny memories. I was very excited to see Janet Harding crowned as the new Miss Washington.

We already get into trouble, and we have named each other "partners in crime!"

After that my next official appearance was at the Bite Of Seattle. Cara Rudd (Miss Auburn) and I performed a few songs and signed autographs. Although there were no microphone glitches we managed to make some GREAT memories!

Then it was off to the Tri-Cities pageant. I look forward to seeing more of the new Tri-Cities titleholders (both teen and miss) very soon.

Now with 13 days to go until we depart for Florida (oh my goodness it's so so soon) I am rapidly preparing for nationals.

My wardrobe is complete, the paperwork is complete, but the anticipation is really starting to build!

I CAN NOT wait for the fifth to be here.

Please keep in touch and we will let you know how everything is going!

infinite X's and O's

-Tori

2008-07-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

"It is not the destination, but rather the journey." -unknown

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to stop in really quick and update.

The search for the dress is complete, we have found THE PERFECT GOWN. I can not wait for nationals. The talent dress is ordered and Sunday we hope to finish up the final shopping.
The pageant week for Miss Washington has begun. Elyse and I introduced the contestants at the opening ceremony. Being around the Miss Washington contestants was such a thrill. They are all so beautiful and talented, I look up to each of them so much. Especially Elyse, she is the MOST personable person I know, and I truly admire her.

Today was the lottery for MAOT. How exciting. We all sat around Peggy's laptop waiting for Washington to be called. I will be number 12 in the white group. Out of the three groups the White team was my first choice so I am excited about that.

The finals for Miss Washington are this weekend. I am singing at the Bite of Seattle next week and from there it is on to the tri-cities pageant. I am so excited to meet the Teen contestants. Cheer camp is the end of the month and we leave for Florida the first week of August. It is coming up so fast.

I can not wait for the adventures in store!!

Infinite x's and o's

Tori

Spinning...

2008-06-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

"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

2008-06-01T17:29:00.001-07:00

Pictures for the blog.

The Journey Begins

2008-06-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

"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 (:

Media Reports

2008-01-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

Appearances

2008-01-01T19:59:00.000-08:00