" Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, work and play and to look up to the stars." Hello friends! Oh so much to tell so little space, (I’m a reporter too so my apologies for being long winded but my travels have been SO exciting!) I kicked off the beginning of July with fundraisers as well as appearances at two of Miss Nebraska’s biggest sponsors, Viaero Wireless and The Winning Crown Boutique. Speaking of sponsors I’ve already put a good chunk of miles on the Miss NE car (thank you Bob Spady!) but I can now add flying on a cross country trek to the Evergreen state to my list of adventures.
Right after the Miss Nebraska Pageant I was honored to be invited by board members and previous judges of mine to be a guest performer at the Miss Washington Pageant. The answer to the invitation was simple; sign me up! Not only was I thrilled to get to perform a dance solo and watch a fellow MAO sister crowned but the entire Jeffers’ side of my family lives in the Seattle/Kirkland area. It might sound like mixing business with pleasure but nothing about the trip was business…it was more adventurous and amazing!
My traveling companion was my Miss Omaha Director/friend/shopping buddy/partner in crime, Marianne Grubaugh. Our venture from Omaha to Seattle started off a little rough, we were informed at 4:30 in the morning that our flight was canceled and rebooked and thus Marianne and I had to travel on different flights. A little ironic the traveling companion didn’t travel with me?! Ha ha but I digress. After a few bumps in the road or air, Marianne and I made it the Miss Washington pageant without a hitch thanks to my amazing family.
I’m so grateful to the volunteers and contestants at the Miss Washington Pageant for not only extending the invitation but for making us feel so welcome and a part of the dynamic show! I have a lot of memories to take back to Huskerland; Our hostess Marie Reno kept us on time and in stitches every night, I had the pleasure of meeting some amazing and talented former Miss Washington’s; one of which was a bridesmaid in former Miss Nebraska, Jodie Holen’s wedding, having my family in the audience to watch me dance and I’ll never forget right before I performed my solo to “My Strongest Suit” on Friday’s preliminary night one of the little “Pine Cone Princesses” gave me a big hug and kiss back stage and wished me good luck! Saturday night took the cake because I got to watch my fellow Miss America sister, Devanni Partridge, crowned Miss Washington 2009 and then dance around on stage afterwards chanting “We’re going to Miss America!” Devanni will be a fabulous representative and I can’t wait to catch up with her in Orlando! Also, I have to give a huge thank you to Nicholas Latham, Darrin Emerick, Peggy Miller, Talia Hastie, Marie Reno and Sarahlynn Anderrudd for your hospitality.
The second part of the trip included spending time with my fabulous family. My Aunt Malia and Uncle Chris were beyond accommodating; they were flexible and fun! From family bbqs, boating on Lake Washington and cupcake shopping they made the trip so special.
Marianne and I even had some time to explore the city on our own, and let me tell you that was an adventure! Those who know and love me understand that I am slightly directionally challenged (My Garmin GPS is my best friend) So I was very proud that I drove and navigated my way around downtown Seattle! Marianne and I wandered around Pike Place Market, sampled food, caught up with friends, got our makeup done and did some serious shopping.
I remember sitting on the boat with Marianne and my family and thinking, “I get to do this.” This memory along with so many other small moments made me realize once again how INCREDIBLY grateful I am for this experience and for the job of Miss Nebraska. I didn’t have to travel hundreds of miles to realize this but even in Seattle, catching up with past judges, meeting volunteers and spending time with family reaffirms my gratitude to those who have been a part of my journey and touched my life in some way.
I’ll continue to keep you updated! All my love,
Britt
