Day 188: Facebook Comment Compliments

I had a long trip home this afternoon back to the east side of the state. Today, was just a wind down day and get back settled into the swing of things. After a long and rewarding week, I wanted to do something simple and positive for others.

I know I always appreciate a little love on Facebook, so I wanted to do the same for others. I went a little over board and just tried to love on as many people as possible. All comments and likes were genuine! I encourage you to leave a little love on Facebook once and a while, it feels good!

God bless,

Kailee  

Day 187: Stay Humble

I am on my way to the theatre for the FINALS night of Miss Washington. I am surrounded by 21 phenomenal women and only one girl will walk away with the crown. Whomever it may be, I feel at peace knowing any of these girls could be Miss Washington. I am also at peace because I left it all on the stage and I could not have ask for anything more from myself. To stay humble is a reminder that everything happens for a reason and to not feel a sense of entitlement. I have worked so hard to be where I am at today and am so grateful to even get a second shot at this title! 

God bless & good luck ladies,

Kailee

Day 186: Thanked The Volunteers

Ahh, what a day/night! The girls and I just finished our preliminary night competition for Miss Washington! The show was incredible and all of the girls did a fantastic job! This show, however, would not be the same without the Miss Washington support system, aka the volunteers. Each person that helps with a Miss America organization is strictly, and graciously a volunteer! Without these phenomenal people, this organization and show would not be as spectacular or solid. Quite frankly, it would be nothing. The volunteers each received a small gift that I put together for them (no pic unfortunately). In addition to that, I just to give a special shout on here to our chaperones, Debbie, Doreen, Jennifer, and Joyce. Tremendous thank you to Tania for always keeping our bellies full. Huge thank you to the lady in charge of us all, Mama Duck aka Patti. This outstanding show would be nothing without choreographer, Kelly and producer Sarah. Finally, the biggest thank you to Peggy for continuing to run a near perfect organization! 

Now to sleep, 

Kailee

Day 185: Cup O Joe For A Joe

Happy Fourth of July! Happy birthday America! Today, is a day of celebration and a day of remembrance. We celebrate our great nation and we remember those who have fallen and those who fight for our freedom, so that we CAN celebrate. This morning the other contestants and I had our Miss Washington interviews and that was proceeded by a very fun time at Ifly (indoor skydiving)! So even though I am quite sequestered at the moment, I still wanted to find a way to show my appreciation to the troops and this beautiful country.

I was doing a little Google search and found an interesting sight called Green Beans Coffee. This is a sight dedicated to providing coffee to our troops. One troop will receive coffee for a small fee of $2. Now, because the majority of us reading this are from Washington State (a.k.a. the Starbucks State) and we love our coffee, we understand the thirst for a cup of joe. Its a warm and simple joy to remind us of warmth and comfort. I, even though know I'm not fond of coffee, know how great it feels to snuggle up on a poor day and just drink some- in my case- hot chocolate. It's a luxury that we all take for granted. We as a great country love to help others and I would love to share a cup a joe with a joe to celebrate our amazing country and freedom!

God bless America, our home sweet home,

Kailee

Day 184: Free Rice

I must keep this short because I have my Miss Washington interview in the morning! I wanted to quickly share a fun opportunity for you all to give back. If you go to freerice.com and play the game on the screen, rice will be donated to the World Food Programs. Go try it, it is fun! Plus, you can brush up on your vocabulary!

Wish me luck

&

God bless,

Kailee

Day 183: Refrained From Gossip

I am so blessed to be back on the Miss Washington stage again! This can be a long and strenuous week, but it is incredible to be surrounded by 21 amazing young ladies from around the state. At times, it can be hard to remember not to compare yourself to others. To prevent that, it always helps to refrain from gossip. Nasty words may make you feel better for a minute, but it does nothing but hurt you and potentially others in the end. Remember, in whatever it is you may do, as long as you give 100% of your best and focus on bettering yourself, then there is nothing else you can do! As a graduate of Kamiakin High School, I will always remember our school's motto: Be the best YOU can be!

God bless,

Kailee 

Day 182: Visited The Children's Hospital

This afternoon, the Miss Washington contestants and I visited the Seattle Children's Hospital to visit with some patients. A few contestants hung out in a play area with a few children, while a few very lucky girls were chosen to visit patients in their rooms. I was so very fortunate to be one of the lucky few to do room visits and meet with a few patients one on one. The girls and I met many outstanding youngsters who are serious warriors! Unfortunately, we were not able to take pictures with the patients because of privacy reasons (understandable), but trust me when I say that I had an incredible time!

There was one patient in particular with special needs that just illuminated when the three girls and I walked into the room. It is a simple moment like that, that make a strenuous week that much more worth it! Each girl and I gave the patient autograph cards and in return he gave them each a kiss and blew us all kisses! It was one of the most precious events I have ever expereicned and one I will treasure forever.

For those who don't know, each year the Miss Washington contestants visit Seattle Children's because of the partnership between Miss America and Children's Miracle Network. Seattle Children's works with both CMN and Ronald McDonald House. All of the money that contestants raise for Miss Washington will be donated to this hospital. To learn more about Seattle Children's, please click here.

God bless,

Kailee