Today I realized that the blog posts I have been taking the time to write everyday this week haven't been posting…arg! I'll have to revise my original plan of a daily report and now switch to more of a weekly update.
WOW! Where to begin….so many wonderful things to talk about.
- We started off the week with a tour of the Shed Rain Company (the donated our super cool clear umbrellas in the pictures) they are a Portland based company and have also been run by 3 generations since the founders started the company. I loved how personal the company felt, and getting to talk with the graphic designers on staff!
- We also went to a Rotary luncheon at the Sentinel hotel, where we were interviewed in front of the Rotarians. I also get to meet past Queen of Rosiaria, Victoria!
- We ended our first day at the SEI (Self Enhancement Inc) an after school and middle school program. We were escorted by 5-12 year-old girls (future princesses) who were all wearing tiaras and were very excited to see us! It was amazing to be around so many young girls who looked up to us.
Day Two:
- We had the extremely unique opportunity to meet Portland's Mayor Charles Hales, and his wife Ms. Nancy. It was an especially amazing experience for the girls who are interested in the field of politics and law! Mayor Hales and his wife were kind, relaxed and their passion for Portland was so inspiring!
- Next we visited one of the largest (and first) production plants for Reser's Fine Foods. We were fed a delicious lunch, got to tour the plant, and learn a lot about the history of Resers!
- Later in the day, we had the opportunity to share our introductions with the Portland Rose Festival Board Members!
Day Three:
My favorite day so far!!…the Airport!
- We were given a tour of the airport, coordinated by Alaska Airlines. We learned about the Port of Portland, got to go on an airplane, ask lots of questions to pilots and flight attendants, get a rare tour of the baggage system under the airport, and got to meet an officer of the TSA and his working dog, Coco! I was continually shocked and surprised by how many people and machines work around-the-clock and behind the scenes to make every traveler's experience seamless. No wonder PDX is ranked number one by Travel Leisure! Alaska Airlines were wonderful hosts and were so generous to us, it makes me proud that my family has been faithful Alaska flyers for as long as I can remember, and also reminds me of how important it is to work for a good company!
- The last thing we did that day was meet to Representatives from the organization Breast Friends. We learned about how breast cancer has touched their lives and how neither of them knew how to deal with it. The girls and I had an absolute blast writing in and decorating cards for women fighting breast cancer!
Day Four:
- The princesses and I had our first chance at fame as we were featured on an episode of AM Northwest of KATU channel 2. We toured the studio and meet several TV newscasters.
- After that we went to skate world to attend a prom put on for kids with special needs. And let me tell you….we had a BLAST! The girls and I danced till we had to beg the chaperones to take our sweaters off. We had so much fun dancing and interacting with the kids at the prom and it was extremely impactful and meaningful to all of us.
- After that we had lunch at Salty's with our Pacific Power Mentors. I love my mentor Rachelle so much! She is a kind, strong, hilarious, and inspirational woman. She is so supportive of the fact that I really don't have a clear view of where I'm headed next in life and the words she said about me during her speech really touched my heart.
Day Five:
- We worked with SOLVE this morning at the Baltimore Woods Restoration Site. We spread mulch around recently planted native trees and shrubs and I had so much fun!! It was awesome seeing the girls get dirty and experiencing something that I love so much!
- OUR FIRST PARADE!!! The princesses and I made our first appearance in the St. Johns parade. We had so much fun riding in vintage cars and waving to the community. I loved being able to see my family and friends supporting me along the parade route!
- Next we went to the Fred Meyer's in the Hollywood district and passed out crowns and tiaras to shoppers! It was super fun to see who was willing to sport a sequined-studded tiara (you would be surprised the number of men that were persuaded) and it was so nice to be a part of making someone's day. Here's a cool blog post by someone who saw us at Fred Meyer's.
During the week we also visited several retirement homes…these visits are always so rewarding because the residents around are so touched and excited by our visit. I love hearing the stories they have to tell us, and especially when they give me advice for the future!
