"I had to pull over just to see if it was real!"

Today was one of those days. You know what I mean... when everything just seems to go wrong. I was tired and stressed out because I had to drive halfway across the state of Minnesota. Plus, part of the time that I was driving, I seemed to be lost! (I thought navigational systems were suppose to eliminate that!) But on my way home, I was checking my rear view mirror (like a good driver should) and what I saw was unreal. It was the most breathtaking rainbow I had ever seen. The colors were so vibrant that I had to pull over and get out of the car just to make sure that it was real! Looking at that rainbow, I felt a peace come over me. All day long, I was letting the little things get to me. In that moment, I realized what a beautiful place God made for us to live in. Yes, we all have our adversities and troubles that we have to deal with in life, but that rainbow reminded me how incredible God's creation truly is. (That includes us too!) Those little stresses are not important when we take in to account that God has a plan for each and every one of us. Whether you are religious or not, when you see a rainbow, you have to know that a greater power is out there watching over us. Today, He let me know just that.

It will be here before we know it!

I am so excited to have an opportunity to compete for Miss Minnesota 2009! It has been a dream and goal of mine to become Miss Minnesota and then Miss America. (Hey, everyone can dream big!) In order to be as best prepared for the job, I knew it was important to set up my schedule as Miss Minnesota should have her schedule. I have been making 2 to 3 appearance each week, mock interviewing and interviewing "Inspiring Americans' to put their stories up on www.whohasinspiredyou.com. I created a rack card for my platform, a brochure, business cards, a new t-shirt design, a PR packet to send out as Miss Minnesota, and most of all two new partnerships that will really help build the Miss Minnesota Program. I never knew I would learn how to become quite the business women in this process! I look back at how this Organization has truly changed my life and how I have grown in not only my faith and trust in God, but in my speaking skills, performance skills, and my confidence. I know that it is all in God's hands and his will be done, but I also know that I can go into this competition as best prepared as I possibly can be.

I am really looking forward to the week of Miss Minnesota and all of the fun activities that are planned for us. I am so glad that the contestants have all met each other and even more relieved that we all get along! Where else would I be able to spend a week with ladies that have the same passion and drive as I do for our individual platform? We all have a lot in common and can also share butt glue stories! ;) P.S. Does anyone mind sharing theirs with me? I have yet to get a bottle and am not really sure where I can even get it!

The pageant will be here before we know it! Please keep us all in your prayers for the week and come with your cheering voices ready! Nothing's better than hearing and having support and applause from friends and family in the audience!