News Article About My Roommate Autumn - Mrs Virginia

My roommate Autumn - Mrs. Virginia, was interviewed for an article for the Roanoke Times. I had to share this article since she mentioned me and anyone who has ever roomed with me or who knows me can sympathize.

Mrs. America Contestant Feels Like A Winner

Melissa Curnel's Baby Shower

Mrs. Washington contestants enjoying the party. Jessica Riggs, Elizabeth Larsen, Laura Hunter, Lisa Quast and Tamara DePorter.

Melissa Curnel (center), Lisa Q. (L) and Jessica (R).

Diaper changing competition. (Jessica, Elizabeth, Tamara and Laura)

Derozette and Jessica.

Lisa Q, Laura and Tamara.

Shauna Roylance, Mrs. Washington America 1994, entertains the group with a song.

Beth Kovacevich - Mrs. Washington 1996, Kristal Grimstead - Mrs. Washington 2003, Kathy Kannada - Mrs. Washington 2002, Pam Curnel - Mrs. Washington 1994 and Mrs. Washington Pageant director, Melissa Curnel.

Green Your Theme Seattle

Backstage after the fashion show.

Rita Gruzman takes the microphone after her fashion show.

Laura Hunter (center), Mrs. Whatcom County, modeled for the fashion show.

"Green Your Theme Seattle" was a fabulous event held at the eco-friendly Sodo Park in Seattle.
We sampled delicious food created by local chefs, caterers and farms and tasted local wines, sustainable beer, teas and coffee. A panel discussion included the following individuals: Jill Hashimoto (Mariners Director of Event Sales and Marketing) discussed greening sporting events, Gabriel Scheer (Seattle Green Drinks) discussed greening networking events and meetings, Heather Smith Teegarden (Woodland Park Zoo) discussed greening fundraiser and association events, Nancy Skipton (Simply Celebrations and Events) discussed greening weddings and receptions, Rachel Hall (Hollywood Lighting) discussed greening large-scale events and Ms. Mike Thomas (Margo Wendorf and Associates) discussed greening corporate meetings and events.
After the panel discussion, guests were treated to an entertaining fashion show featuring designs by Rita Gruzman (Marge Design). Rita is a green fashion designer who creates upcycled reconstructed designer outfits.

We finished off the evening dancing to music by Bamboo beats.

Puyallup Fair 2009

Laura Hunter - Mrs. Whatcom County, Jessica Riggs - Mrs Snohomish County, Elizabeth Larsen - Mrs. Washington, Lisa Bluhm - Mrs. Pacific Northwest, Lisa Quast - Mrs. Issaquah and Isabelle Banks - Little Miss Washington.

Jessica Riggs - Mrs. Snohomish County

Isabelle Banks - Little Miss Washington

Lisa Bluhm - Mrs. Pacific Northwest

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Mrs. Washington Class of 2010 started off the new year by volunteering to hand out program books at the Puyallup Fair. Afterwards we had the opportunity to walk around and enjoy the food and rides.

18th annual PAWSwalk 2009

Yay.. the finish line.

Cordelia was lagging a bit behind towards the end of the walk.

The event provided water stations for the dogs and bottled water for the people.

My friend Carmen joined me on the walk and was my unoffical photographer for the event. She and Rocky became good friends during the 3-mile trip. Thanks Carmen.

..and we are off.

Volunteers for the Missing Pet Partnership (MPP). MPP is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their families. Many "stray" dogs and cats that end up in animal shelters are actually lost pets that families failed to find. Their innovative programs help shelters reduce euthanasia rates and help desperate people locate their lost pets. Please check out their website and consider volunteering for this great cause.

These are a few of the 150 volunteers that are needed to make PAWSwalk a success every year.

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I spent this morning at the 18th annual PAWSwalk at Seattle's Magnuson Park. The weather was beautiful and the three mile walk was a great way to start the day. The walk raised over $152,000 which will be used to advocate for animals through education, legislation and direct care. For more information click on this link. My friend Carmen joined me and two of my three dogs, Cordelia and Rocky.

Glad to be back home

Well, I am back home and happy to be cuddled up on the bed with my husband and our dogs. Congratulations to Andrea Robertson, the new Mrs. America, and the Top 11 finalists. A special shout out to my roomie Mrs. Virginia, who was second runner-up.

I enjoyed every minute of my time in Arizona, from planting trees for Habitat for Humanity to shopping at La Encantada, and am now ready to get back to business as Mrs. Washington. I will be posting photos of my trip tomorrow so stay tuned. I want to thank my sister, Lori, for keeping my blog up to date while I was gone.

Elizabeth is looking GREAT!!!

So super proud of this amazing woman. Elizabeth had her interview yesterday, and looked just as confident as she walked out of the interview as she did when she walked in. There were 5 judges: A former Mrs. America, the owner of the Diamondbacks, and (sorry I can't remember the rest) three others. Today is "the day" with the competition kicking off at 7 PM with swim suit and evening gown followed up with costume. The competition if fierce - and there are 50 (yes, 50) other competitors who have brought their A game for this event.

Also, some friends and family arrived yesterday so the Mrs. Washington cheer squad consists of a pretty large team: Director Pam and her husband David (who drove down here from WA so they could bring the costume!) Elizabeth's dad and sister and their spouses, Elizabeth's husband and son, Jessica Riggs (Mrs. Snohomish County) and Laura Hunter (Mrs. Whatcom County). THANK YOU for all your support!!!

So - without further delay - here are some pictures from Elizabeth's camera:

Elizabeth and Mrs. Virginia during an outing to the mall.

Practice, practice, practice!!!

OK -- I snuck in a picture of Elizabeth and I. :)