If you're reading this, you most likely already know that I have received a very exciting job promotion. I am no longer Miss Grand Forks. I am now Miss North Dakota 2015! Yes, you read that correctly! It has been a little over two weeks since I was crowned and it has been the craziest and most exciting weeks of my life thus far! I have been to South Dakota, held a new born baby, received a phone call from Miss America, cried enough tears of excitement to fill a swimming pool and so much more! Just to give you a small recap on these past two weeks, here is a quick breakdown of some of my favorite moments.
1. There she is!
1. There she is!
Ah, yes, the crowning moment. So many people have asked "What was it like?!" And my response is "I don't know! It's all a blur, I wish I could remember!" It is every emotion you could ever possibly feel wrapped up into one singular moment; shock, disbelief, thrill, excitement, fear, confusion, heartbreak for your friends, honor, gratitude and utter joy. You look around you and the world seems to stop and yet move so fast and although everyone talks about how to prepare for that moment, your moment, there is no adequate way to prepare for how it feels.
2. There's No Place Like Home
2. There's No Place Like Home
As we neared the cross roads, signifying that we had reached the final stretch of our drive home, I was perplexed by the mass amounts of fire trucks, police vehicles and other cars sitting on the side of the road. As we passed, they surrounded us, turning on their lights and sirens. They enveloped my moms vehicle, in which I sat, in a huge processional that led us into town. As they guided us down Main Street I could see the street was lined with a crowd of cheering friends and family! In this moment, I had never felt more honored to come from little ol' Hazen. My dear home town, thank you. Thank you for making me feel so special and for raising me into the woman I am today.
3. ROAD TRIP!
3. ROAD TRIP!
I was invited to Hot Springs, South Dakota for the Miss South Dakota pageant and man oh man did I have a blast! I met my first sister, Miss Montana, explored the beautiful and historic Hot Springs and ate one (or two) of the best carmel rolls I have ever encountered! However, the best part was my drive back to North Dakota. It was my first time in South Dakota and I thought I should make the most of it. So my drive back turned into a road trip with stops at Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, The Crazy Horse Monument and a drive through the Black Hills! Along the way I met some of the most extraordinary people who took the time to share with me their life stories. From Japanese immigrants to military families, I met people from all different walks of life!
And that is just the tip of the ice burg! It hasn't been long, but this has already been such an incredible experience full of memorable moments that I will cherish forever! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey so far and to those who have supported me in my time getting to this point! Here is to a fantastic year!
Always,
Delanie
Always,
Delanie