A Day in the Life of lisajoelle - The next step

The Team

2012-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned a few of the folks that I am working with mostly in passing. I've really focused on the kids because they are the reason we are here. But let me tell you something....26 people have been thrown together to work as a team, for two weeks and I have never seen anything like it!

team·work/ˈtēmˌwərk/

Noun:

The combined action of a group of people, esp. when effective and efficient.

That pretty much sums up the group of people that I have been fortunate enough to work with for the past two weeks. But allow me to add a few words to effective and efficient. How about talented, caring, humble, compassionate, brilliant, steady, congenial, generous, warmhearted, social, thoughtful, accomplished, skilled and how about just plain "Cool". For some like me this is their first ROTAPLAST trip for others this is trip number 16. For one this is the 3rd ROTAPLAST this year. We range in age from 26 to 72, the majority of us are from the West Coast but we've got one from Texas, one from Massachusetts, one from Florida and one from Canada. We are doctors, nurses, lawyers, retirees, Realtors and the list goes on. I am working next to Stanford grads, UCLA and believe it or not we have two Huskies in the group (Washington Huskies that is) and you know they just aren't all that bad :). I'm nobodies fool I know that not every mission can run this smooth, but I tell you what - God has blessed me with awesome teammates..."shout-out to Melanie the best roommate a girl could ask for!".

These plastic surgeons are some of the best in the country (maybe the world?) yet there is no "high and mighty" attitude. They are real caring people. I have watched approximately 8 surgeries this week and every single one of them is willing to teach and explain what it is they are doing and why they are doing it.

Dr. David and Dr. Ron "fight" over who will have local "Dr. Ebel" to assist

Dr. David, Head Nurse Diane, Chief surgeon Dr. Janet, look at the days schedule

Recovery room staff - Nurse Melanie, Nurse James, Pediatrician Dr. Amie and PACU Assistant Garon

Ward Coordinator gets Anderson ready for surgery

Surgeons and friends Dr. Janet and Dr. Ron

Pediatrician Dr. Collin enjoys one of our delicious Peruvian lunches

our tallest and shortest team members Nurse Melonie and Garon

Nurse James, Interpreter Siuna, Dr. Colin, Anesthesiologists Dr. Sal & Dr. Zak

Local surgeon Dr. Margaret & anesthegiolgist Dr. Brad

Surgeon Dr. Tom

Equipment sterilizer Bill with Mission Director Tom & and surgeon Dr. Tom

Speech Pathologist Dianne & Ward Coordinator Ellen

Team Photo Journalist Darlene

Medical Records manager Laile

Sunday a Day off

2012-01-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

So Sunday was the teams day off, but the doctors still had to make their rounds on Sunday morning. And although I didn't get in until 3:00 AM I was bound and determined to get up and go see the kids and so I did. Poor kids as soon as they saw the Americans come in they wanted to run and hide. It had been a nice peaceful morning but by the time the doctors got done poking and prodding them they were all screaming their fool heads off. My buddy Anderson was up and smiling, that is until the doctor touched him. I took some photos of him and then showed him the pictures on the view finder. He was completely enthralled with it. So I held the camera and let him point at the subject and I punched the button -

Dr. Tom, Anderson's mom, nurse Lourdis, Me & Anderson

Shots by Anderson

He had a great time with the camera

Perhaps one day with his new hands he can take pictures on his own

After we left the hospital we headed back to the hotel to pick up the rest of the group that slept in....then we headed off to the museum Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú. www.arqueotur.org But the condition I was in was not the best for taking in a museum, I was miserably tired, falling a sleep standing up, so I completely missed my Inca history lesson. After the museum we went to lunch at a really cool restaurant who's name I can't remember, but I do remember this, they were cooking beef heart on skewers over an open fire as we walked in the door. We had wonderful wonderful food and drinks. After lunch we went to an "arts and crafts" market. It was wonderful because our Rotary hosts accompanied us so that they could help us barter and get some good deals on souvenirs. All in all it was a great day off, we went back to our hotel and crashed completely exhausted, by 8:00 PM.

The vessels that the Pisco is fermented in

The Pisco still

All Work and No Play......

2012-01-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

We actually have gotten a day off since we've been here. Sunday was our day off, therefore I did not blog on Saturday night because we spent the night out on the town. We got back from the hospital at 8:00PM, and a group of us planned to meet for dinner at 9:00. We met in the lobby of our hotel and took off towards the beach where there is a mall filled with great restaurants, bars, clubs and of course shopping. When we go to the restaurant we were informed that there was a 40 minute wait. It just didn't dawn on me that 40 minutes meant we were going to eat after 10 PM. So we sat in a bar near the restaurant and drank Pisco Sours.
The national origin of the pisco sour is debated. Both Chile and Peru lay claim to the drink.^[3] In both countries, the variety of lime used is what North Americans would call Persian lime but Peruvians call simply "lemons". In the United States, the drink is usually made with commonly available Lisbon or Eureka lemons. With the increased availability of Pisco and regional bitters outside South America, the Pisco Sour, like the Mojito and Caipirinha, has increased in popularity in the United States.
Since 2003, Peru has a National Pisco Sour Day which is celebrated on the first weekend of February.^(Wikipedia)

Melanie, Joelle, Collin & Maureen with our DOUBLE Pisco Sours

Here is a Pisco Sour recipe -
4 cups ice cubes
1 cup pisco

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/3 cup white sugar

1 egg white

aromatic bitters

Place ice cubes, pisco, lemon juice, sugar, egg white, and bitters in the bowl of a blender. Blend on high speed until finely pureed. Pour into two glasses and garnish with an additional dash of bitters.

And then there was dinner -

Most of us had not eaten much that day so the double Pisco Sour was probably a bit of overkill. I don't remember the name of the bar nor do I remember the name of the restaurant. But I must say that a good time was had by all. We didn't finish dinner until after midnight!

Ceviche

A beef dish with fries and rice

This was mine - Rice with seafood Yumm

After dinner someone had the bright idea to go dancing and so we did - a place called "Ohm". A few turns around the dance floor another Pisco Sour and me, my roommate Melonie and our friend James decided to call it a night. But before we returned to the hotel we stopped by one of the numerous elaborate casinos found about town. I let Melonie drop some change into the roulette machine she lost, then I drug Melonie and James back to the hotel. We got in at about 3:00 AM. I can't remember the last time I stayed out that late.

Aimee, Melanie, Collin, James

Lima Day 5 - Anderson Gets Thumbs

2012-01-15T17:09:00.000-08:00

Nurse Lourdis keeps Anderson occupied

After a bit of drama and lots of discussion, the decision was made this morning to proceed with the surgery to separate Anderson's thumbs from his webbed hands. The hope is that once separated and with some physical therapy, he will be able to pick up his own fork, and pen among other things. Right now his mother does most everything for him. Surgery began at 9:00AM, with two surgeons, both with some background in hand surgery. Dr. David was the lead surgeon and Dr. Tom was there with the assist. They began by marking with a pen the area of the hand in which they would make the incisions.

The area to be cut is marked with pen

And then slowly but surely and carefully, began separating the thumbs, going through all the layers of skin, fat, muscle etc. It was fascinating to watch. Once the left hand had been successfully separated, the decision was made to go ahead and operated on the right hand also.

The left Thumb is separated

While Dr. David moved to the right hand, Dr. Tom began the skin graft, once again making pen markings very low on the stomach. Then carefully cutting around and separating the skin from the body.

Skin from the stomach will be used on the thumb

Once separated the Dr. Tom carefully scraped off the little bit of fat that was still connected to the tissue then the it was placed in a a small bowl of saline water to keep until the second thumb was successfully separated and the area where the skin was taken from was closed up.

The area is sewn up

Human Skin. Awesome!

A blood pressure cuff was used as a tourniquet, to slow the blood flow to the hands, this way the surgeon is not trying to cut through a pool of blood. One fear was that the fused fingers may not have enough blood flow and they would die, but it looks as if Anderson has good blood flow to the fingers.

The skin from the stomach is sutured to the hand

The finished look

After he was all sewn up, the hands and much of his arms were wrapped up in sterile gauze and bandages. Upon waking up from the anesthesia, Anderson was not a happy boy. Something that I learned earlier in the day was that Anderson cannot talk and he can only hear you if you yell at him very loud, so he expressed his pain and frustration at having the bandages on his hands by yelling. He immediately tried to remove the bandage with his mouth. He is such a smart and resourceful kid. Nothing was going to make him happy. Except for moments of fascination when he would stop and look at his hands and the small amount of blood coming from the top of the bandages. He tried to pull the blood pressure cuff of of his leg and wanted to pull the needle and line to his IV bag out. He will have to keep the bandages on his hands for 10 days (or at least try to). I think that what we did to help Anderson will better his quality of life. I would love to be able to see him 3 months down the road.

Anderson and his mom getting wheeled back to his hospital bed

The other fascinating operation that I saw today was a bone graft for a left aveolar cleft on Jorge who is 8 1/2 years old. It must be good to be the last surgery of the day. Jorge had four surgeons working on him. While Dr. David and Dr. Margaret took a 1 inch canoe shaped piece of bone from Jorge's hip, with what looked to be a hammer and a chisel. Drs. Janet and Tom opened up Jorge's gums to place the piece of bone in -

The bone is removed from the hip

And sewn into the gums

The bone is then taken and sewn into the gum line in hopes that it will grow and attache to the bone that is already there. All in all it was a fascinating day and the end of a fascinating week. As tired as we were we went out Saturday night for a night on the town, dinner, dancing and the casino. We stayed out until 3 AM, and though I had an awesome time, I am exhausted. Sunday was a day off, after rounds at the hospital to see how the kids were doing. Then it was lunch, a visit to a museum and shopping. Tomorrow, more surgeries.

I felt My Heart Breaking

2012-01-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

Anderson gives me a big Oregon "O"

He has touched my heart
I had no idea I would react this way to the kids coming in for treatment. I knew when Anderson came in on Tuesday that he was special, he is just a big goofy kid that likes to give a show, he has boundless energy and an infectious smile, he doesn't talk but you know when he is happy. Dr, David was very sure that he could improve Anderson's quality of life by taking his fused hands and giving him thumbs. We had to remember that we are not in the United States and sometimes getting what we need is not always possible. It took two days to get the correct x-rays of Anderson's hands to see if the surgery was possible and then once we got them it still wasn't clear as to what we were looking at. It was assessed that the hospital may or may no

t have all of the instruments that are needed to conduct the the right and left thumb syndactle release...a certain sort of saw, wire and all kinds of other things that I can't remember or pronounce. The decision was made to NOT do Anderson's surgery. My heart sank, I wanted to cry and I did. I couldn't even bring myself to go onto the ward to say goodbye to Anderson as I left for the day, but in the end I did. He clowned around for me like he always does and I gave him a rubber duck. While there the doctors were conferring about the case. All is not lost they may still attempt the surgery tomorrow. I am praying that they can get everything that they need to perform the surgery.

Sebastian 24 hours after surgery
Sebastian had a cleft lip and palate surgery therefore must remain in the hospital for one more day. He appeared to be in quite a bit of pain but I did get a very small smile from him. I am sure he will be up and about tomorrow.

Veronica Celebrates her 74th birthday

Yesterday Veronica at 73 years old had cleft lip surgery, today she turned 74. Many of the ROTAPLAST Team went to see her and sing happy birthday to her. Ellen one of our ward coordinators gathered up a small bag of gifts to give to her, a scarf, a key chain among other things, she didn't smile, in fact she gave no expression at all. But we are told that she was very happy with the gifts and the recognition. Apparently she rarely shows emotion. After five kids all conceived from being raped, I suppose I might be farely emotionless also. Who knows once her surgery scars have healed she will find something to smile about. All of our surgeries from Wednesday went home except for Sebastian. Cleft lip surgeries stay for one day, cleft palate surgeries stay for two. Its a long night for the team. Tonight I came back to our hotel early to set up for a class to be given by two of our plastic surgeons to a group of our local medical hosts. While the rest of the team stayed behind at the hotel to finish up two more surgeries. There seemed to be quite a few babies today, but also some four 20 somethings. Tomorrow is Saturday, another full day of surgery. Tonight is the earliest I will have gone to bed. I think I need this sleep desperately.

Sebastian - Peru Day 3

2012-01-12T22:01:00.000-08:00

I am truly using restraint in writing this blog. I want to talk about so much, but today let's talk about Sebastian. No, first lets talk about me. I spent about 6 hours in the operating room today, watching and learning. There was cutting of body parts, bleeding and giving of stitches, I got up close and personal. I felt as if I was the lone student of "Dr. David". "Joelle, come and look at this", and he would explain to me exactly what he was doing. I had no idea what my reaction would be to the blood and cutting, but I held my own. I've also been spreading the gospel of "Duck Love". We have a team of 26 people and they all know that I AM A UNIVERSITY OF OREGON DUCK! I'm putting Duck stickers on everyone and everything. I brought with me rubber ducks to give to the kids when they come out of surgery. I wear a Duck shirt everyday of the week down to my University of Oregon surgical scrubs, who knows perhaps we will get an influx of Peruvians attending the University of Oregon, but if all I do is make people smile and say "GO DUCKS" then I am alright with that too.
Now let me tell you about one brave 7 year old boy named Sebastian - Sebastian has a "hole" in the soft palate and from his previous cleft lip surgery he has scar tissue that has caused his nose and lip to be a bit off, so that was repaired

"Dr. Sal" (anesthesiologist) takes Sebastian to the OR

today. Such a brave little boy with a wonderful smile. The first order of work was to close up the hole in Sebastian's soft palate (the very back of the mouth on top), "Dr. David" conducted what is called a "Z-plasty. Z-plasty is a plastic surgery technique that is used to improve the functional and cosmetic appearance of scars.
I was truly fascinated by it all, from the anesthesia, to the cutting and the suturing. Once Dr. David had completed the cleft palate procedure, he inquired with the parents,the head nurse and the chief of surgery as to whether he should continue on with the repair of the lip and nose correction, the parents wanted that very much and all concluded that he should go ahead with the surgery. After about a 10 minute break for the surgical team it was back to work on the nose and lips. He made several cuts in and around the nose and lips to create "flaps". He then took those flaps and over lapped them to straighten out and correct the lip that was off center and the nostril that was smaller than the other one.

The hole in the palate has been closed

Creating the flaps to create the "cupids bow" in the lips

The left nostril is now more symmetrical with the right

I followed Sebastian in to the recovery room. where he like the rest of the kids received a hand made quilt provided by quilting organizations from all over the United States. All of the Rotaplast volunteers also tend to bring toys of all kinds to give to the kids once they wake from surgery cars, Beanie Baby's, Ducks.... I checked on Sebastian before I left this evening. He was still pretty knocked out, but resting quietly. I guess I should mention that Doctor David is a multi-talented person. Plastic surgeon by day...professional drummer by night. He can be found anytime day or night carrying his drums sticks around in his bag, during down times he will take the sticks out and practice. I haven't figured out yet which job is his true career, I'm thinking he is pretty damn good at both of them.

Dr. David (L), Head Nurse Diane (C), Chief of Surgery (R) discuss a procedure

Today had to be one of the most rewarding days of my life. The team of people that I am working with are - to put it simply...awesome. Great teachers, great friends, I have laughed harder than I have in a long time, cried tears of joy and sadness, eaten some awesome meals and seen some pretty cool sights and this is only our third day. Tomorrow, I get to see "Mr. Anderson" and hopefully we will give him some hands that he can really use.

Peru Day 2 - Clinic

2012-01-11T22:24:00.000-08:00

"Mr. Anderson"

A full, chaotic, fulfilling day. If you read my earlier posts I stated that I hate writing "diaries", that I really NEED something - an event to write about, to say something significant. The problem that I am having now is that so much is going on, I want to say soooo much, that I have to narrow down what I post or else I will be up all night and too this point, I really have been up most nights working, dining and then blogging. There are so many stories to tell, and I have only been here two full days.
Today was our clinic day. The word had been spread throughout Peru that there was a plastic surgery mission going on. That the Americans were in town to "fix" cleft palates and cleft lips". So when the team arrived at the hospital this morning there was a line of people waiting to be seen. We hadn't even set the clinic up yet. Each of the four surgeons, their nurses and anesthesiologist needed to set up their exam room, there was a room to take vital statistics a room for the pediatric nurses and doctors to conduct exams, the intake and waiting room, the dental room etc, etc, etc. Some were there for the most simple of plastic surgery procedures; to to get rid of that tell tale sign of what was a cleft lip or palate surgery, that small scar on the lip or to repair some of the most severe clefts like the bi-lateral cleft lip and palate. From 3 months old to 36 years old they came from miles away to be seen and to be "fixed". There are so many stories to tell, but one truly melted my heart - his name is Anderson and he is 6 years old. Anderson has fused hands and feet. His toes are fused together, but he appears to walk just fine, his fingers are fused together so his mother has to feed him among other things that she has to tend to. He also has cranial deformities. What is it about Anderson that touched me so? Okay, I will admit the fact that he took the "fighting Duck" sticker that I gave him and then stuck it on his forehead and gave me the funniest face ever probably endeared me to him forever. But he was such a clown and so happy. His mom just really wants him to be able to do more things on his own. There is a lot of work to be done on Anderson, but it simply cannot all be done in the short amount of time we are here in Lima, but "Dr. David" is going to do the best that he can to improve Anderson's (and his mom's) quality of life. This Friday "Dr. David" will will do a skin graft on Anderson, taking skin from his hips and give Anderson thumbs and perhaps pinkie fingers so that he has hands that he can work with. Perhaps when Anderson has those working thumbs I can come back and teach him how to hold up both of those hands and give a big Oregon OOOOOOOOOOOOO. One day.

Amy

The other story that touched me today was that of Amy. Amy is five months old she has a bi-lateral cleft lip and palate. She is such a good baby and barely made any fuss as she was poked and prodded. The problem is that we will be unable to perform surgery on Amy because she is "underweight" for her age. But we were able to do is something as simple as placing tape or "steri-strips" across her upper lip, this will stay on for a few weeks and help to bring the upper lip together and prepare Amy for next year when she is older, weighs more and can have the surgery that she deserves in order to better her quality of life.

In all 76 patients were processed through the clinic today. Not all of them will have surgery over the next two weeks, but many of them will. Every moment I learn something new. I must thank the doctors and the nurses who have taught me so much in such a short amount of time. I love when the doctor says to me, "hey Joelle, come take a look at this", then shines the flashlight into a kids mouth and proceeds to explain to me what a bi-lateral cleft palate or a partial cleft palate, full cleft palate or what hyper-tuberism is. I love that I can ask questions of them and get an answer that I can really understand. We are 26 individuals that have been thrown together and we are becoming a team in very short order. Becoming a team that is changing the lives of some of the most vulnerable individuals.

End of the day. Part of our very tired but silly team.

If all goes well tomorrow we will begin with surgeries. The hospital decided to renovate the operating rooms and as of 8PM, they were still putting the finishing touches on them. We will be up early heading to the hospital and preparing the ORs for surgery. As always the last thing I did today before leaving work, was to count the boxes, the first thing I will do tomorrow is....count the boxes. 36 is the magic number.

Meet Baby Luis

2012-01-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

Baby Luis and his Parents

For the Love of a Child

The team arrived at the hospital sometime after 9:00 AM on the 10th. The first thing to do was hold a "press conference" the local Rotarians really wanted to publicize this cleft palate/lip clinic, to get the word out to as many people as possible, so that we could take care of as many people as possible in the short amount of time that we have. TV PERU in HD was there to interview our Mission Director Tom Fox and the hospital administrators. They also spoke with the parents of one of the prospective patients - Luis. I wasn't sure what my reaction would be when I actually saw one of these babies with the cleft palate, I had never seen it before (other than on those TV commercials with Sally Struthers) and prayed that I would not "freak out". But how could I, just like any baby, he was cute, cuddly and had the sweetest eyes. Meeting Luis made me understand even more why we are here and why what we are doing is important. As I learned in a fascinating class today provided by one of our surgeons "Ron"; having a cleft lip/palate holds a huge stigma for the person with it. They can be shunned by family and strangers, some are literally and figuratively "kept in a closet". I can't imagine that baby boy being hidden away from the public eye for something that he has no control over. I also learned that in folklore it was believed that the cause of the cleft palate/lip was thought to be caused by a pregnant woman being struck by lightening or being near lightening. Another thought is that if a pregnant woman walked past a rabbit her baby would come out with a "Hare-lip" and now you know where that phrase comes from. We also learned that the cleft lip develops in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and most likely comes from hygiene issues, or some toxic insult to the mothers system in those first few weeks. After the interviews were done, the hospital administrators thanked us for being there and kind of sort of made a "toast" to our arrival. I thought it was going to be this great ceremony, a couple of young women entered the room with cups of a clear sparkling liquid. Champagne? No. Sprite. We all stood there with our cups of Sprite waiting for someone to propose a toast. It never came. We through back our cups of Sprite and headed out the door. (Insert awkward moment music here)
Our morning was marred by the theft of one of our team members backpack. When we arrived at the hospital we stood around waiting for the hospital administrators and the TV crew, while we waited we took pictures of the sprawling hospital grounds. James put his backpack down right behind him to take a picture, in the time that it took him to shoot a couple of photos and then turn around the backpack was gone. Thank goodness there was nothing really valuable in the backpack, it was a valuable lesson to everyone of us. James was a real trooper about the whole situation. Later in the day he and I took off into Lima so that he could buy a new backpack.

That's right about where the backpack was taken

There was lots of advertising for the clinic

Getting There

2012-01-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

The team at the Miami airport

So many things have happened in the last 24 hours, one of those things is NOT sleep. We arrived at Jorge Chávez International Airport after 10:00 PM Monday the 9th. With 26 souls and 36 boxes to go through customs it was going to be a very long night. We all made it through immigration without a hitch. Then we went to pick up our 1 each suitcase and the 36 boxes of supplies. I could give you all of the dirty little details of customs checking all of our boxes, but I am exhausted and it would take to long. I will say that they opened 10 of our 36 boxes, and really did a thorough check of what was in them and we thought that we were on our way....but then the man with the clipboard, collared shirt and tie came by and decided he needed to check some boxes too. I became slightly irritated at this point and was ready to go "sistah" on him, but since I don't speak Spanish goin' "sistah" on him would have only served to have made our night even longer. He probably would have said, let's put the crazy Black American woman in jail or something. So, I bit my tongue and waited while he did his cursory check of a few more boxes. We were met outside of the airport by our Rotarian counterparts from Peru, 2 buses and a truck for the boxes. As the "quartermaster" for this mission it is my responsibility to keep track of those boxes and their contents....oh did I tell you that at customs I had to sign my name on about 5 million documents AND they took my fingerprint! OK maybe I didn't sign my name that many times, but they did take my fingerprint. CREEPY. While the rest of the team climbed on the buses to head to the hotel I road with one of our Peruvian Rotarians to the hospital to off load and once again count the boxes.....36 boxes once again accounted for. This was my introduction to the hospital Hospital Nacional "Arzobispo Loayza" - 2AM, walking into a single story building that looked to be at least 50 years old, a ward of patients, men, women and children in beds lined against the walls suffering from various maladies, it was completely surreal. I finally made it back to the hotel at around 3:30AM. Must count the boxes, must count the boxes...My wonderful roommate had my first ice cold Peruivan beer waiting for me

and a bottle of water. Then it was off to bed, for about 4 hours of sleep.

Back in the Army again?

2012-01-09T05:44:00.001-08:00

With a 2:30 wake up call I was beginning to feel as if I were back on active duty. My arrival at the San Fransisco airport made me feel even more so. When our mission leader turned to me with a binder that contained the lists and contents of all 36 boxes of medical supplies and equipment that I am supposed to keep track of. 36 boxes? You want me to keep track of 36 boxes and its not even 4AM. Well let those Army instincts come to life, wake up, you can sleep when you die. Boxes all accounted for and checked onto the plane. Next hurdle? Customs in Lima. There are 24 volunteers right now we will pick up more in Miami.
The team is all together now, and ready for the last leg of our flight, into Peru. I've been writing from my phone, but apparently this will be the last chance I have to do that, as my phone does not work internationally. I'm really excited to get started on this mission and getting to know my teamates. Doors are closing now, time to turn off all electronic devices.....

Here We Go....

2012-01-08T16:25:00.001-08:00

I guess it is possible to become "out of practice" when it comes to traveling. I feel very out of practice. I haven't flown in over a year and I haven't been out of the country in....? I can't remember when. The cruise that mom and I took last year doesn't count. So our instructions for travel are - one checked bag no more than 50 pounds. We will be given another "checked bag" in the form of medical supplies. We get one carry on, no more than 20 pounds and a "purse". The first thing I did was weigh my suitcases; 11, 12 and 15 pounds! So we start out practically in the negative. I of course wanted to use my beautiful red luggage which was part of my Mrs. Oregon prize package but did not want it to get ruined by luggage handlers and it happened to be my heaviest bag, so I went with the 11 pound black bag with no personality. I still packed and repacked that bag no less than 5 times trying to get it under 50 lbs. At the most it was 52.6 lbs. I took out the extra Oregon Duck t-shirts that I really didn't need, got rid of the extra underwear, if need be I can wash clothes in the sink. Ian said that the lack of underwear was too much information. Well after packing and repacking, I finally got my suitcase down to 48lbs. But of course when I got to the airport it was EXACTLY 50lbs. Glad they weren't weighing me, I might have had to put up a fight..."what do you mean, 50lbs? My scale at home said 48, I think you need to calibrate your machinary. 50lbs. I'll be darned. Do you know what that 2lbs. means to me? Obviously not". Oh, sorry got carried away. Well at least I wasn't over 50lbs. you know what happens then, right? The slap that HEAVY tag on your bag. Oh nice go ahead just call me fat and to top it off the tag is bright orange. But I was 50lbs. No less, no more (according to their scale). Well it's 4:51, we are supposed to take off at 5:01, just my luck San Francisco like fog has moved into Eugene Oregon, I hope theyblet us take off. I had better sign off, we don't want an Alec Baldwin moment here at Mahlon Sweet. More later....

2012-01-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

The Count Down Begins - I really need to think about packing. But there are so many things to do to get the family ready for my being gone. I did go to my closet and pull out one Duck Shirt for everyday that I will be gone. A few pair of jeans, some underwear toothbrush and I should be good right? So little time. I just received instructions today on specific items to bring and what to expect when we get there. So exciting......right now I am just procrastinating from the things that I really need to do, so I will get going, maybe I'll pull my suitcase out tonight.

2011-12-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

When thank-you is not enough - So one of the things about ROTAPLAST is that if you aren't one of the medical professionals you have to pay for your own airfare. Well I knew that I would be unable to pay the over $1000.00 for airfare, but I really wanted to make this mission, so I took a chance and asked some of the many wonderful people that I have in my life in hopes that I could get some to sponsor my trip and donate money for my airfare. Food and lodging are covered but I was told that airfare would be about $1800.00. I sent out an e-mail and facebook messages to my friends and the donations started rolling in. In the end the total for my airfare was $1570.84. Last night, someone handed me the final $50.00 in cash to pay for my airfare. I am truly humbled by the kind, thoughtful and giving people in my life. Thank-you seems so really insignificant, but it's really all that I have. But what I can promise in return is this; I promise I will work hard each and everyone of my 15 days in Lima. I will work hard to help these young children in need, I will work hard to make my fellow Rotarians proud, I will work hard because it is my way. I hope to take my laptop with me and keep this blog updated everyday. I will take plenty of pictures and give a presentation of my experience upon my return from Peru. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to this trip. Thank-you to my dear friends, family and Rotarians for helping to make this mission a reality for me.

2011-12-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

Rotaplast - So what is a Rotaplast?Rotaplast International is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization providing free reconstructive operations and treatment for children in need worldwide. We provide long-term solutions by funding and mentoring local physicians; launching public education projects; and advancing research. Through collaborative programs throughout the world, Rotaplast efforts expand far beyond surgical intervention and help foster international goodwill, peace and understanding.
The goal of Rotaplast International is to eliminate the incidence of untreated cleft lips and palates in children worldwide by the year 2025.

2011-12-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Finally something worth talking about! I have kind of become a facebook junky and allowed my blogger account sit and linger and be lonely. But now I have something to talk about, something worthy of a blog, to be excited about! I've said it before and I will say it again, I am horrible at keeping journals and to me that is all a blog is.. a journal. So if I have nothing to put in a journal, nothing worthy of a diary, then I have nothing to put in a blog, until now. This summer I joined Rotary International, I am a member of Southtowne Rotary in Eugene, Oregon. I found out about this Rotary program called Rotaplast, "The goal of Rotaplast International is to eliminate the incidence of untreated cleft lips and palates in children worldwide by the year 2025". So on 8 January 2012, I will get on an airplane and head to Lima, Peru to assist in a Rotaplast mission! I was told from the very beginning that "this is not a vacation". The hours are long, the conditions are less than optimal, but it will be the experience of a lifetime. I tell you I can't wait for this next challenge in my life. I can't wait to make a difference in the life others

2010-07-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Old Blog, long time no see. I guess I've been spending more time with that "new kid on the block", facebook. With all of it's fun and games, words of wisdom and ability tell me everything about everyone that I ever wanted to or didn't want to know. I haven't forgotten about you, you and I were really good friends once, you knew some of my deepest thoughts and wishes. Who knows maybe I'll be back and right something informative, relative and maybe even funny, until then.......

My Review of Xtreme Instant Heat trade Multisized Hot Rollers

2009-08-17T11:01:00.001-07:00

Conair-Store.com

Xtreme Instant Heat trade Multisized Hot Rollers Girls who love curls can get them in an instant with these hot rollers. The clips and rollers are both heated for extra hold and the Ceramic technology and Ion Shine trade give hair a healthy looking sheen. New advanced technology provides the fastes...

Use on ethinic hair and hair extensions

Mrs. Oregon America 2009 Eugene, Oregon 8/17/2009

Pros: Easy To Use, Good Value, Effective

Best Uses: Frizziness/Flyaways, Color-treated Hair, Normal Hair, Hair Extensions

Describe Yourself: Beauty Conscious

Hair Type: Wavy Hair

I have used my curlers on my own "ethnic" hair and on my hair extensions. They are easy to use and the curls last throughout the day. I love my Conair Xtreme Instant heat curlers.

()

2009-07-27T00:45:00.000-07:00

4 July 2009 St. Paul Rodeo - "I wana be a cowgirl". I am an Oregonian, I have lived here most of my life, I'd always heard of the St. Paul Rodeo, I even recall seeing the sign on I5 pointing to the town of St. Paul, but it wasn't until this 4th of July when Mrs. Oregon was invited to be a part of the St. Paul Rodeo that I knew what it was all about. What an awesome time with some of the friendliest people I have ever met, and I came to the conclusion that being a rodeo queen is not all glitz and glamour, those girls work hard for their titles and those really cool cowboy hats with the crowns on them. Again with Bob as my chauffer and Daniela as my riding companion we wound our way through the town of St. Paul waving and throwing candy to the spectators on the parade route. Afterwards we were invited to have lunch with the rodeo queens it really was loads of fun.

2009-07-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

Cans for a cause...

3 July 2009 - The Waterfront Blues Festival - On this day the ladies of the 2010 Mrs. Oregon America Pageant got together for a good time and a good cause. Entry into the Blues festival did not cost any money, but they were asking for donations of canned food items and wow did my fellow Oregonians come through; the festival raised $573,688 in cash donations and 87,577 pounds of donated food items all proceeds will go to the Oregon Food Bank. I met some really wonderful and interesting people as I sttod by the entry gate and greeted people and though we were not able to see the performances we did hear some great music including headlining rock-blues artist Johhny Winter.

2009-07-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

6 June 2009 - The Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade - The Grand Floral Parade has a rich, rich history and I am proud to say that I have been a part of it on more than one occasion as a participant and a spectator, walking and/or riding on a float and it is always a spectacle to behold. I love parades but none more than the Grand Floral, if I wasn't a participant or a street side spectator, I was watching it on television usually with my mom, I guess mom taught me my love for parades. So this year marching in the parade with the One More Time Around Again Marching Band as Mrs. Oregon America 2009, was really a treat. With Ian and Bob following along and popping up as various places along the route, I had a wonderful time walking with Miss Oregon Earth, Miss Portland and Miss Portland's Outstanding Teen. It was a truly unforgettable time.

2009-07-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Long time Portland influencers Paul and Geneva Knauls (and oh by the way they've known me since I was about 5 years old)

Miss Black Oregon Chelsea Deloney

27 June 2009 - Good in the Hood Parade - is a multi-cultural music and food festival held annually in North East Portland and I am proud to say this year I was able to be a part of it. The great part was that I was able to make it a family affair. We decorated Bob's Toyota Tundra up, Ian sat in the passenger seat and Daniela and I sat in the bed of the truck with Blanche and Patsy, my two English Bulldogs. I saw people that I had not seen in years, it felt like "old home week". It's funny how I have been gone from Portland serving in the military for over 20 years, but coming home and becoming Mrs. Oregon has reminded how much I miss old friends and old places, my reign

has really been one wonderful moment after another.

2009-07-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Oregon a Proud Mama - On June 15 th I enjoyed one of the proudest nights of my life and it had nothing to do with beauty pageants. The Rankins and Goodwin families watched as son/grandson graduated from Monroe Middle School. The gymnasium was hot, it was almost impossible to see the kids as they "walked across the stage", people were rude and talked, but I was still as proud as I could be as I watched my baby receive his certificate of promotion. But the true highlight was being able to watch Ian and the band with no name (that's not the name, they really don't have a name yet) rock out as a part of the ceremony entertainment. There was poetry reading, piano playing and a number of speeches by the graduating 8th graders. But the crowd favorite had to be the finale, when Ian (lead vocals), Sora (guitar) , Jake (drums) and Corinthia (bass guitar) took the stage to sing "Rock and Roll High School", the kids had a blast and so did the adults. Corinthia was a last minute addition to the group and I must say a welcome addition. With the boys in their black pants, white shirts and tennis shoes, Corinthia added a certain something with her stylish black and white dress and really awesome platform wedge heels, she had a truly matter of fact aire about her that said, "yea I'm with the band", where the boys seemed a little more full of themselves. Corinthia was silently screaming out "GIRLS ROCK"! The kids did wonderful job, I look forward to their future gigs as they all move on to Sheldon High School. My baby a freshmen in high school? It seems like only yesterday that he was a 9.5lbs cherub in my arms.......

Ian receives his Promotion certificate

Ian Rocks

Ian and Sora Rock

Corinthia rocks

Sora, Corinthia, Jake, Ian

The Band with no name.....

2009-07-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

4 June 2009 One of the customs of Rose Festival Fleet week is the Officers Reception on the evening that the ships arrive in Portland. This was the second opportunity that I had to attend the reception, the officers truly were ladies and gentlemen, we had a wonderful time and were treated like royalty. I hear that there was much revelry until the wee hours but the beauty queens needed their beauty sleep, to check on their babies, and get home to their hubbies. And so we left the sailors to navigate their way around Portland on their own.

Mostly Canadadian officers in this photo

Miss Oregon, Miss Oregon Earth, Mrs. Oregon and the
delegates of Mrs. Oregon America 2010

The Battleground princess court

Miss Oregon Earth

2009-07-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

On 4 June I had the awesome opportunity ride down the Willamette River from the Port of Kalama http://www.portofkalama.com/ into Portland on the USS Shoup DDG86 the ship is named for General David M. Shoup (1904–1983), the 22nd Commandant of the Marine Corps www.shoup.navy.mil . I arrived with my friend Miss Oregon 2008 Danijela Krstic. We took a charter bus ride from downtown Portland to the Port of Kalama. We were soon underway and enjoying a beautiful northwest morning on the river. I was told that this was the first time in many years that during the Rose Festival fleet arrival that it did not rain or it wasn't horribly cold. Danijela and I enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, meeting wonderful civilians, Sailors and Officers.

Mrs. Oregon boards the USS Shoup in Kalama, Wa.

Miss Oregon and Mrs. Oregon embark on

their journey down the Willamette River

History of the USS Shoup

In the Army it's a mess hall. Not sure what it is in the Navy

One of our kind tour guides

We were joined by the Seattle Sehawks Seagals on our trip

Mrs. Oregon found a fellow female military officer and

fellow vegetarian...a good thing when all they were serving

visitors was hamburgers :(

Miss Oregon and Mrs. Oregon pose with a group of Naval

JROTC Cadets

Miss Oregon enjoys the view as she sales into the Rose

City.

The old and the new (Buildings not me) Memorial Coliseum

on the left, Rose Garden on the right

Standing watch as we arrive in Portland

2009-06-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

3 May 2009 - two years ago I ran in my 4th marathon, the inaugural Eugene marathon, http://www.eugenemarathon.com/ for my 4th marathon I I knocked 1 hour and 20 minutes off of my last marathon time. So I was really looking forward to the 2008 marathon, I began training for it I got to training mile 18 but came up lame and never completed mile 18, and never got better, so instead of running the marathon I sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the race, it as a good experience but I felt kind of empty at I watched the runners go by me. I worked hard to try to get back to running, but a year later I was still having problems with my knee and haven't run more than 4 miles and even then it was with pain. So knowing that I would not be running the 2009 Eugene Marathon I put together a team for a marathon water station "Those who can run marathons do, those who can't...volunteer". So along with fellow board members from the Lane County Chapter of the University of Oregon Alumni Association (LCAC) http://www.uoalumni.com/ we manned the second water station on the marathon route. I found great joy in handing cups of water and Gatorade to the thousands of runners and walkers passing by our water Station, I laughed and talked with my fellow LCAC members as we found ourselves soaking wet not necessarily from the falling rain, but from spilling the cups of water on our feet, also being sticky from the elbows down from stirring ans spilling Gatorade. It really was a fun and memorable experience but once again, I wish that I could have been on the other side of the water station, running by....my knee is no better I can walk and sometimes ride a bike fairly well but as soon as I go to run on my knee it hurts....Stupid Knee.

2009-06-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

Judges Mrs. Oregon, Mayor Williams & Brad Cohen

End of the day - Cold, wind blown and disheveled

2 May BIKEFEST2009 - The STAR Chapter 339 - held their 5th annual bike fest in downtown Cottage Grove a charity event to help Parent Partnership. Parent Partnership is a non-profit organization that helps Youth On There Own (YOTO), to continue to survive and get an education. Without Parent Partnership most of these children would have nowhere to turn for help. I was honored to be invited as a judge for the bike show. The day started out beautiful, but then turned into a windy, rainy, cold day, which can be attested to by my wind blown hair in the pictures here. I was joined by fellow judges Gary Williams, Mayor of Cottage Grove and Brad Cohen owner of Brad's Chevrolet in Cottage Grove. In spite of the weather it was a really fun day.

2009-06-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Bond proves full measure of support

By Bob Welch
Register-Guard columnist
Appeared in print: Sunday, Jun 21, 2009 ,

He’s 82 and lives in Lincoln City. She’s 45 and lives around the block from me in Eugene.
Father and daughter. A relationship that, on this Father’s Day — as told by the two — sounds to me like an old vinyl jazz album: a few scratches here and there, but sweet music other than that.
Like a lot of father-daughter relationships, I’d assume. Only this one is like none I’ve ever seen.
There’s the military thing, for example, a rare bond for father and daughter. George Rankins is a retired master sergeant who fought as part of the only all-black Army Ranger company in the Korean War. His daughter, Lisa Joelle Rankins Goodwin, is an assistant professor of military science in the U.S. Army/University of Oregon ROTC program.
Then, there’s the pageant thing, which doesn’t bond them in the least. Well, maybe a touch after what happened last January.
Joelle — that’s what she goes by — is the reigning Mrs. Oregon, the first African-American to win the title.
“I haven’t been excited about this pageant stuff,” George says. “Takes too much time and money. But she points out I’m the one that got her into it. When she was a little girl in Portland, some lady in our neighborhood wanted to know if she wanted to be in this pageant, and I said OK.”
This all got me thinking about how these inter-generational relationships depend, in part, on a willingness of one person to support the other — even if the endeavor at hand leaves one of them cold.
As George’s golf outings did when Joelle was a little girl. He’d have her tag along as he and his buddies played at public courses in Portland. Rain. Sleet. Cold. You name it, they played in it — and she watched in it.
“I may have been miserable,” Joelle remembers, “but I never complained.” And hooted and hollered when her father would win.
But she learned to love the golf outings. Among her favorite childhood memories? Driving to California with her dad and a pal for a tournament. “Flying along in one of dad’s Cadillac Eldorados, singing to Sam Cook on an eight-track tape. My dad was my hero, a gentle giant.”
And a hero in other ways, not that many people, even Joelle, had heard much about that chapter of his life. How in 1950 he’d tried to join the Marines and been told by a recruiting-station captain that he’d wind up on a ship, “waiting on some white captain.” How he’d heard about this all-black Army Ranger company that was forming — paratroopers — and earned a spot on it. (Never mind that the armed services had supposedly been desegregated in 1948.) And how, in Korea, he’d won a Silver Star for gallantry, once saving a buddy who’d lost most of a leg, George using his rifle as a crutch for the two of them.
“He’s tough as nails on the outside,” Joelle says, “but a teddy bear inside.”
He taught her to be proud of who she was; his job at the Portland Urban League was about creating opportunities for minorities.
He insisted she spend a couple of years of high school in Tennessee, living with a great aunt, so she could have a deeper “black experience.”
He taught her the value of volunteerism, a love for music — especially jazz — and the ability to procrastinate. “She taught me about love and how to follow through,” he says.
And never made him prouder than, when attending the University of Oregon in the mid-’80s, she joined ROTC. (He’d been an ROTC instructor at Oregon State from 1959 to 1962.)
Joelle graduated from the UO in 1986, served in Germany, earned her “airborne” wings at Fort Benning, Ga., and returned to her alma mater to teach ROTC as a major.
Twenty-two years of military service, then this out-of-the-blue idea to compete for the Mrs. Oregon title in her 40s.
She competed but didn’t win in 2007 and 2008; George didn’t attend either competition.
Joelle decided last January’s pageant would be her final shot. George told her he wasn’t coming. Said the weather was too bad, code, figured Joelle, for his disliking pageants.
She showed up at The Broadway Rose Theater in Tigard that Sunday night with little confidence; she’d even insisted her husband, Bob, stay home because she thought her chances were so poor.
But when she came on stage, she glanced at the audience. “And who’s out there, screaming his fool head off?” she says. “My dad. And there I am, grinning ear to ear.”
Her confidence buoyed, she went on to win, of course, George hooting and hollering as only a proud papa can do.
Just as the little girl on the golf course had once done for him.
Bob Welch is at 338-2354 or bob.welch@registerguard.com.

2009-06-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

30 May 2009 Continued....The Road Less Traveled - One of the great joys in my life is traveling with my husband "bobgoodwin", as I lovingly call him. bobgoodwin would much rather travel by car than any other mode of transportation. When traveling via automobile never suggest that bobgoodwin take the interstate that would insult his inate sense of adventure. One year for a present I considered buying bobgoodwin one of those new fangled car mountable GPS kits, but the more I thought about it the more I thought that I would offend my dear husband, you see bobgoodwin claims that he has "magnetic boogers". He does not need a GPS and rarely will he use a map, and god forbid that he should have to turn around for any reason, he does not get lost. bobgoodwin's sense of direction is one of my greatest joys in life. Traveling with him is never dull and that is why this particular day is so special. We had just finished with the Starlight Parade in downtown Portland, we had to drop Daniela off at her mothers house in Beaverton/Aloha and had planned to spend the night in the Portland area and then head back to Eugene in the morning. We dropped Daniela off and figured we really didn't want to drive back to Portland to find a place to stay and we sure didn't want to stay in Aloha so thought that we would drive West just a little bit; instead of going just "a little bit West", we went from Aloha to Forest Grove, to McMinnville, to Sheridan, and we finally stopped for the night in Willamina. We tried to stay in in several cities along the way but found that there were no rooms available in any of the towns. So we spent the night in Willamina, I town I had barely heard of. When I woke up the next morning and I realized that we were only 25 miles away from where my dad lives in Lincoln City, I knew we had to go visit my dad and so we did. Then we made our way down highway 101.....oh never mind, we turned a 2 hour drive into about 15 hours, It's better if I show it to you in pictures. A side note...no I don't ALWAYS ride arond in the car with my crown and banner BUT I am Mrs. Oregon and this was the perfect opportunity to showcase my state and all that she has to offer....

Welcome to Willamina

Welcome to Lincoln City

2009-06-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

30 May 2009 Portland Rose Festival Starlight Parade - a Portland institution, the Starlight Parade holds memories for me. When I was a Rose Festival Princess from Lincoln High School back in 1986 I recall sitting a top a float with my fellow princesses, and having the breaks on the float go out! Imagine a group of high school girls sitting in our finery on this float which is now moving out of control down a city street. I remember lots of screaming and a few tears.. The float came to a stop without anyone getting injured, whew! Somehow we were able to continue on our way. Fast forward ....20++ years, where as Mrs. Oregon America I was asked to participate in Starlight Parade once again, this time I would help to carry the banner for Portland's beloved One More Time Around Again Band http://www.omtaamb.org/. Sharing in these duties were Miss Portland Alexandria Henderson, Miss Portland's Outstanding Teen Rakiyah Johnson and Miss Oregon Earth Emma Pelett.

Reminiscing, back at Lincoln High School

Miss Portland, Miss Portland's Outstanding Teen, Mrs. Oregon

The Parade Route

Truly the Starlight Parade

2009-06-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

30 May 2009 Oregon Festival Choirs at Eugene Saturday Market - On this day the boys (Exit 195) and girls (Aria) a capella branches of the Oregon Festival Choirs performed on stage at the Eugene Saturday Market. The pride and joy of my life young Master Ian is a member of Exit 194 and of course he was there. I asked Ian if he minded if Mrs. Oregon attended the performance he said, "of course not Mrs. Oregon is my mom, and I thinks she's pretty cool" (big smile). So Mrs. Oregon and her two favorite guys climbed into the family car (actually it's a truck) and headed for downtown Eugene. The performance was awesome and I'm not just saying that because my baby is a member, this is truly a talented group of young men and women. Peter Robb is the director and I am always impressed by what he accomplishes with these young people. Check out their website http://www.oregonfestivalchoirs.org/ofc/ and should you ever have the chance to see them in person don't miss it!

The crowd enjoys Aria

Yea, I'm with the "band"

Director Peter Robb

Mrs. Oregon receives a complimentary chair massage

2009-06-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

29 May 2009 - Timeless Beauty Fashion Show - sooo....., I was in this really cool fashion show on this day. It was put on and held at the Eugene Country Club by the ladies of the club. The outfits that were worn by the models came from fashions over the centuries and were donated by the "Very Little Theater" in Eugene. We My favorite had to be the one from the 1980's, the women looked just like something out of Dynasty, it was awesome. I came out modeling for the 2000's, and actually wore my gown for the upcoming Mrs. America Pageant. They served us a wonderful lunch and all of the ladies really enjoyed the show, my mom even attended, but alas, I don't have a single picture of the event. I hope someone that was taking pictures will send some to me and when they do I will add them to this post.

2009-06-17T23:39:00.000-07:00

25 May 2009 - The Trip home from Moses Lake Washington to Oregon - The beautiful Pacific Northwest!!!! - I am one lucky person to live in such a beautiful place. Here are some photos taken along the way from our trip.

Holding up Mt. Hood

Beautiful Bonneville Dam

A quick stop for a snack

Our weekend home

2009-06-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

Our young fans at the moonlight parade

Mrs. Oregon Director Libby Crawford, Mrs, Oregon, Mrs. Idaho & Mrs. Idaho Director Mandi Feely. We really did not discuss the black and white wardrobe theme

Oregon and Idaho Directors - best such good friends

Mrs. Idaho, New Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Oregon

23-25 May Mrs. Washington America Pageant - Another girls only ROAD TRIP!!! and oh what a time it was. This time Libby and I met the ladies of the Mrs. Idaho America Pageant in Moses Lake Washington for the Mrs. Washington America Pageant. But before the pageant we stopped in at one of finer restaurants in Moses Lake, Michael's on the Lake. http://www.michaelsonthelake.com/ordereze/default.aspx - then it was off to the annual Moses Lake Moonlight Parade a grand spectacle of beautiful automobiles, horses, people and floats decorated in multi-colored lights from top to bottom. Afterwards we were afforded accommodations at the vacation home of Mrs. Oregon Director, Libby Crawford in Quincy, Washington. Being very tired after long drives from both Washington and Idaho we it was off to bed for our "beauty sleep". But we were all up bright and early the next day eating those healthy (and sometimes not so healthy) beauty queens breakfasts. Some of us took a walk around the neighborhood taking in all of beautiful sites of the lake, the homes, and the people. Then it was time to get ready for the BIG NIGHT. First it was an early dinner back at Michael's,then off to Moses Lake High School for the big night http://www.mrswashingtonpageant.org/. There was a packed house as the audience watched Mrs. Snohomish, Elizabeth Larsen http://elizabethlarsen.blogspot.com/2009/05/mrs-washington-america-pageant.html was crowned Mrs. Washington 2009!!! Jessica Riggs was First Runner-up and Jamicka Jones Mrs. Fife was Mrs. Congeniality http://mrsfife2009.com/default.aspx. It was a great production and a beautiful group of women. After the pageant we did what has apparently become an Oregon after pageant ritual and that is going to Shari's Restaurant for Pie, milkshakes or whatever. We topped the night off by going back to Libby's and watching the DVD of the 2008 Mrs. America Pageant - what fun! We also talked a lot about what has become a favorite staple of many pageant girls Arbonne International cosmetics. But then it was late and time for us all to "hit the Hay". Then up bright and early to head in directions East and West. It was really an awesome girls weekend away.

2009-06-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

22 May Singing the National Anthem for the Oregon Ducks Baseball Game - I sang the National Anthem for an Oregon Duck baseball game back in March and I must say that the experience was not one of my best it was a typical cold, damp Oregon day my voice just wouldn't cooperate it was something I had never experienced I guess I had never sung outside in bad weather. Well I got the chance to redeem myself in the spring. I was asked to return in May to sing my favorite song again. It was a beautiful afternoon and this time I "HIT IT". I've said it before; singing the National Anthem is not an easy thing, sometimes are better than others, but today was a good day Bobgoodwin even had the day off to join me. It was a GOOD day.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My official photographer for the day was unable to get a shot of me while singing the anthem so caught this shot of me afterwards with PK park in the background. This was the last home game of the year, as soon as the game was over they began to dismantle the temporary stadium so that they could began construction on the new state of the art stadium for next season.

After singing we roamed around the park a bit and and ran into basketball coach Ernie Kent .

2009-06-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

Me and My Miata

Miss Multnomah's Outstanding Teen, Mrs. Oregon, Miss Multnomah and Miss Portland before the St. Johns Parade

9 May 2009 - The Annual St. Johns Parade The theme of this year’s parade was “Great Moments in History," acknowledging Oregon's 150th birthday. The St. Johns Parade started at the corner of North Lombard Street and Burr Avenue. The procession will made its way down to North New York Avenue, and on to North Central Street. It was a beautiful day, the Rose Festival princesses were in attendance as were our beloved Royal Rosarians. Classic cars were in abundance. I was honored to be chauffeured by the one and only "Mr. Oregon", my love bobgoodwin in "Mia", my 1999 Mazda Miata.

I knew I traded that Lincoln Navigator in for a reason other than the rising gas prices. It was a fun day and the whole of the St. Johns community came out to support this wonderful event.

Mrs. Oregon gets a greeting from the 2009 Rose Festival Court

2009-06-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

16 May 2009 - Mrs. Oregon takes a weekend off - Mrs. Oregon took the weekend off and so Joelle and a few high school friends took a trip to Quincy, Washington to take in a Dead Concert , the weather was beautiful, the venue was the coolest I have ever been in. The drive was fun and full of laughter. Thanks to my high school sweetheart; Bob, friends Bruce, Courtney and Scott. It was a great weekend.

2009-06-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Oregon, Coach Mike Bellotti, Mrs. Lane County
9 May - on this day Mrs. Oregon, "Mr. Oregon" and Mrs. Lane County 2009 were afforded the opportunity to volunteer at the 16th annual Dinner Auction Mike Bellotti MDA in the Club Room at Autzen Stadium. The Mike Bellotti Dinner Auction included both live and silent auctions. All proceeds of the event went directly to MDA to provide services, fund research and send local children living with neuromuscular diseases to summer camp for a week.
http://bellottigolf.webnode.com// It was an awesome time and although I was only there to volunteer, Bob and I wound up winning the big live auction package of the night; a 7 day Alaskan Cruise with Royal Caribbean - Woo-Hoo!!

Former Oregon Duck Jonathan Stewart

Mr. Oregon "Bobgoodwin"

2009-06-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

Mrs Oregon/Major Goodwin's ride for the week

John Washington CEO Flossin Media, Mrs. Oregon, Olympic Gold Medalist Al Joyner

13-15 May The ROLE MODEL SUMMIT - The Role Model Summit was put on by John Washington and Flossin Media, sponsored by the United States Army. I was honored to be asked to be a part of the "Summit ", as Major Goodwin and Mrs. Oregon I was afforded the opportunity to speak to Portland area high school students about positive life choices. There were about 8 speakers, including Portland Trail Blazers basketball President Larry Miller, one of the original founders of Nike Shoes Geoff Hollister, and Olympic gold medalist Al Joyner. How did Mrs. Oregon get in with these prominent Americans? I am still asking myself that question. Each of us spoke about different things that we found important in our lives. I chose to speak about finding a positive role model. My father is the role model and mentor of my life, I tried to impress upon them to find a POSITIVE role model, someone that is real and close to home, a parent, a teacher, someone that is doing things to make the world a better place. I am indebted to John and Washington and Flossin Media for this awesome opportunity. Check out Flossin at http://www.flossinmedia.com/.

MG Dan Hitchcock, Mrs. Oregon, MG Curt Loop

Reynolds High School "Flossin Crew"

Major Goodwin & Portland Trail Blazers President Larry Miller

2009-05-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

24-26 May Mrs. Idaho America Pageant - ROAD TRIP!!!! Libby Crawford the the Mrs. Oregon director, took me on my first REAL road trip as Mrs. Oregon on this particular weekend, we hit the road on Friday and headed for Boise, Idaho where the Mrs. Idaho Pageant was being held. It was a great girls weekend away, driving down the road singing along to 1980's music, and talking...lots of talking. I got the chance to meet all of the lovely ladies that were competing for the title of Mrs. Idaho. I was very happy that it was them and not me having to walk across that stage again. At the end of the night Jamie Hilton took home the coveted, Mrs. Idaho crown. Congratulations Jamie!!!

Mrs Idaho 2009 Jaime Hilton and Mrs. Oregon

A quick stop to appreciate the beauty that is MY State

2009-05-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

28 March Miss Portland Pageant - one of the great things about being Mrs. Oregon is the opportunity to travel around and catch the local (and sometimes not so local) pageants that take place. On this date I attended the Miss Portland Scholarship Pageant. My escort was none other than Master Ian Rankins (aka my official photographer).

2009-05-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

14 March Mr and Miss Gervais Pageant - I was very honored when asked if I would be a judge for the Mr. and Miss Gervais pageant held at Gervais High School. Gervais is a small town just East of Salem, Oregon. What a wonderful experience. The pageant is an annual event put on by the seniors to raise money for Dornebecher's Children's hospital in Portland. The students put the pageant on entirely by themselves, show casing their ingenuity, talent and ability to care for those who are unable to care for themselves.

2009-05-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

1 March HIV Alliance "Big Night" - One of my first and most rewarding appearances was the HIV Alliances "Big Night", a benefit for the HIV Alliances Speakers in the school program. I am sorry to say that I did not get any really good photos of the evening, but it was a really enjoyable experience. I was able to tell my story as the sister of an AIDS victim. I had no idea what I was going to say right up to the moment that I took the microphone, in the end I was told that my story touched many of those in attendance that night. Speaking from the heart I felt my big brother standing over my shoulder and guiding me.

We sold the balloons and at a certain moment during the night everyone popped their balloon for the chance at a $100 bill, there was at least $1 in each balloon.

Mr. and Mrs. Oregon heading out the door...

2009-05-31T19:28:00.000-07:00

CATCHING UP - and so my friend Kim, said to me "when are you going to update your blog"? Well she was right I have not posted anything since February!!! How lame is that? I have done sooooo much and really enjoyed my almost five months as Mrs. Oregon, but guess I have not shown proper appreciation. This weekend in particular reminded me that I really need to update my blog. You see one of my goals as Mrs. Oregon was to chronicle my travels around my beautiful state, and travel I have..... One of the many benefits of being married to my husband bobgoodwin aka "Mr. Oregon", is never having to take the same path twice, not always having to travel on the Interstate, having the ability to say, "turn right" just for the heck of it, and that is what we did this weekend. I bought a new digital camera back in December, I have taken hundreds of pictures, and so now I will start uploading some of those that show my adventures thus far as Mrs. Oregon America thus far in chronological order....so hold on and enjoy the ride!

2009-02-23T21:01:00.000-08:00

Red Hat Ladies Queen of Our Hearts Pageant - January 21st 2009 the 5th annual Red Hat Ladies - Queen of our Hearts Pageant was held at the Sheldon Park Assisted Living residence in Eugene. County Commissioner Bill Fleenor served as Master of Ceremonies. Joelle Rankins Goodwin, Mrs. Oregon America 2009 opened the pageant by singing the National Anthem. There were 7 contestants vying for the title “Queen of Our Hearts” all from the Lane County area. There was a raffle and silent auction which raised nearly $300.00 for the American Heart Association and its “Go Red” Campaign. Queen Shelley of Cottage Grove was the winner pageant winner. Also in attendance were The “Men of the Long Tom Grange” calendar Chuck Cook “Mr. January 2007, Wade Skinner, Mr. February 2006, and Mrs. Brita Arcuri, Miss Oregon 2002. A great time was had by all; the pageant gets bigger and better each year.

2009-02-23T20:34:00.000-08:00

HEARTS AND ROSES AUCTION - My first official function as Mrs. Oregon was to attend the Royal Rosarians Hearts and Roses Auction held in Portland to raise money for children's causes. The evening started off with a bang as I had forgotten to bring an evening bag with me and I was walking around with my phone, lipstick and a credit card in my hand. That just would not do. Luckily directly across the street from where the auction was being held was the Lloyd Center Mall, so bob and I walked across the street to the mall, Bob in his Tuxedo, me in my red sequins evening gown, crown and sash. It was really great fun, as people said hello and asked to have their picture taken with me. The auction was a blast the food was good, the auction was fun and the Royal Rosarians raised a record amount of money for kids in the Portland area.

Mrs. Oregon, "Mr. Oregon" Bob, and Miss Oregon 2009, Danijela Krstic

Mrs. Oregon Director; Libby Crawford, Miss Oregon; Danijela Krstic, and one of our Royal Rosarian hostesses.

2009-02-23T19:32:00.000-08:00

MRS. AMERICA HERE I COME - and so after three years and three tries I, Mrs. Eugene finally became Mrs. Oregon America. The Broadway Rose Theater in Tigard was the setting as married women from across Oregon came together to compete for the title of Mrs. Oregon. I had absolutely no expectations this year. After coming in as 1st runner-up two years in a row, I really played it low key this year, I didn't build myself up too high, for fear of coming crashing down. Heck this year my husband didn't even make it to the pageant as he stayed home to take care of our litter of puppies that were just 2 weeks old. My father was not supposed to be there either but but when I hit the stage for the swimsuit competition, I could see my father through the stage lights standing up and screaming his fool head off, I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. I had no idea what to expect as we stood on the stage seven finalists waiting to hear who's name would be called. Kimberly Buckingham was called as 1st runner-up, well that had been my spot for the last two years so that must mean that there was no place for me, I was going home empty handed this year, back to a sense of normalcy. And then I heard it, "Joelle Rankins Goodwin" is your new Mrs. Oregon. Disbelief. My friend, Mrs. Oregon 2008 Taryn Stasny came to place the Mrs. Oregon sash over my shoulders and I gave her the biggest hug, I didn't want to let go. What a wonderful, rewarding time it was. The pageant was only one day this year which did not give us as much time as we have had in the past to get to know all of the ladies but in the short time that we had together all of the ladies were a joy to hang out with. My new sisters in pageantry are Lisa Larson, Macy Bishop, Kimberlee Buckingham, Darlene Geddes, Tamara Wissbaum, Ana Kuhl, I wish them all good luck and hope that they will return to what I think is one of the best pageants and pageant systems to be a part of.

I originally started writing here to chronicle my leading up to the Mrs. Oregon America Pageant back in 2006, and my writing has been kind of off and on, now I hope to do a better job of keeping this space up to date with all the wonderful events and functions that I have the opportunity to be a part of as Mrs. Oregon America. Persistence and tenacity are my watch words for this year, for without them I would not have made it this far.

A Day in the Life of Blanche and her Puppies

2009-01-15T09:03:00.001-08:00

2008-12-08T11:26:00.000-08:00

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deepWhere the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,In full glory reflected now shines in the stream,’Tis the star-spangled banner - O long may it waveO’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Back in 2005 I was on a committee to help plan a formal function for an army unit that I was in. As is customary with an important military event it begins with a benediction and the playing of the National anthem. During one of our meetings something came over me, we were discussing who would sing or play the anthem for our event. Suddenly my palms got all clammy, my throat became dry and I started to perspire. I was having an out of body experience; I watched as my hand went up, words started coming out of my mouth, but I wasn’t in control, I felt like a puppet on a string under the control of some cruel and evil marionette. What did I just do? I volunteered to sing the National Anthem in front of 200 plus people! But I’ve never sung the National Anthem; well of course I’ve belted it out with everyone else at sporting events or Army Parades, but never in my life have I sung it solo. So why did I just say that I would and could? In the end I performed without a hitch. I surprised myself; I did so well. Thus began an odyssey which continues to this day.

Why Sing the Anthem?

Everyone knows the singing the National Anthem is not easy. Many people don’t even know the words. The range with which the song is played in from high to low can stump even the best troubadour. But this song is more than just another song to me and probably most people who sing it on a regular basis.
Listen to the words and it tells of a moment in US history (September 1814) when the war with the British was being fought and of one man’s relief in seeing the US flag still flying after a vicious bombardment.

I’m a very proud America and when I do sing the Anthem I feel something special, something inside me; pride in this country with which we live. Pride as I stand facing the Stars and Stripes, remembering those who have served before me.

One of the 1st times I sang the anthem I had someone tell me that my rendition brought tears to their eyes, another told me they got chills they were so moved. I don’t take compliments easily; I am my own worst critic. But the more I heard the more I thought to myself WOW! Maybe I’ve got something here. Yes, I’ve got something, it’s called a gift, I have been given a gift from a higher power; the gift of a song and the ability to move people with that song I do not take that gift lightly.

Ultimate Performance –

I’ve sung the anthem on a fairly regular basis now for 5 years. At first I had to go out and find my own gigs, asking events leaders if they needed someone to sing the anthem at their Veterans Day ceremony, the start of the Eugene marathon, Chamber of commerce events. But now I seem to have made a name for myself and people call me to sing at their events. I don’t mind singing locally but I would not mind spreading my gift of song around like say at a Portland Trail Blazer game or something. I mean I’ve done MAC Court. But I guess I would have to say my ultimate anthem performance would have to be Autzen Stadium..a Duck Game; but alas this will probably never come to fruition as the anthem is never sung at Autzen, due to the sound delay. So until Autzen fixes its acoustic problems, I will have to settle for the Super Bowl.

O thus be it ever when freemen shall standBetween their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued landPraise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,And this be our motto - “In God is our trust,” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall waveO’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

2008-10-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

"TEN MINUTES!" cried the jumpmaster over the thunderous drone of the four Allison turboprop engines.
"Ten minutes, ten minutes, ten minutes!" the ninety aspiring jumpers called back, looks of trepidation on their faces. Of those ninety, the ten minute warning was only relevant to the thirty clustered closest to the rear of the Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft. The others would have to wait for the next pass over Friar Drop Zone in Fort Benning, Georgia. I was one of those thirty, roster number 306, and had already watched with a mixture of amazement and horror as the thirty before us had been fed, one at a time, out both jump doors into the waiting maw of the unknown.
We had prepared for this moment, for all of the previous two weeks. The United States Army would never ask one of its soldiers to perform any task, however mundane, without first providing a detailed block of instruction. During those first two weeks of Airborne school, we had been introduced to the T-10 parachute, been taught how properly to land, been told what to do in case of a mid-air entanglement or a water, power line, or tree landing, and been thoroughly indoctrinated into the history of the Airborne, from the first test platoon in 1940, to the Rangers' jump into a hailstorm of bullets over Panama in 1989.
Prepared, yes, but ready? Absolutely not. Who, could possibly become inured to plummeting one thousand two hundred fifty feet out of a moving aircraft, suspended only by a few square yards of thin nylon fabric. "What have we gotten ourselves into?"
"GET READY!" came the next command from the jumpmaster.
This was the moment of truth. True, I could quit the course. It was incredibly easy to do. I would merely need to get the attention of the closest jumpmaster and tell him I didn't want to jump. I would be moved forward in the aircraft, so as not to interfere with the other jumpers, and be told to stay there. But quitting is never really an option for me. Once I have made up my mind to do something, I will follow through.
"OUTBOARD PERSONNEL STAND UP!"
"INBOARD PERSONNEL STAND UP!" called the jumpmaster.
I, threw my weight forward in a desperate attempt to shift myself into a more or less standing position.
"HOOK UP!"
We bounced and rolled as the plane bounced and rolled, trying to get the hook on the end of our static line around the anchor line cable. The static line, fifteen feet long, slender as a whip, bright yellow, and with a tensile strength of over six thousand pounds, by virtue of being connected to the aircraft via the anchor line cable.
The plane bucked, and finally, CLICK. The snap link closed, and I was tethered to the plane.
"CHECK STATIC LINES!"
I again traced my static line down from the place where it met the anchor line cable. I then traced the static line of roster number 307 over his shoulder, while roster number 305 checked mine in exactly the same manner.
"CHECK EQUIPMENT!"
I traced the chin strap of my helmet from left to right. Then I inspected both my leg strap quick releases and my chest strap quick release. These three clips, all rated above two thousand pounds, kept my body firmly secured in the parachute harness during even the most violent opening shock. This done, I checked roster number 307's equipment. His, too, was in order.
"SOUND OFF FOR EQUIPMENT CHECK!" hands behind his ears in the familiar gesture.
"OK!" "OK!" "OK!" the jumpers called, one after the other. The cry went up the line until the last jumper yelled, "ALL OK JUMPMASTER!"
Centuries passed. The aircraft was now in its final approach to the drop zone. The jumpmaster waited for word from the pilot. We waited for word from the jumpmaster.
"ONE MINUTE!" An invisible signal had arrived from the cockpit.
I felt sweat slide down my face, although the air rushing in through the open jump doors was keeping the cabin cool. The jumpmaster leaned out of the door, checking for any potential hazards, and then leaned back in.
"THIRTY SECONDS!"
My heart skipped a beat just before pumping adrenaline through my system.
"STAND BY!"
The first jumper in line handed off his static line to the jumpmaster, and pivoted to face the door. I could hear my heart over the deafening drone of the engines.
"GO!"
The first jumper disappeared. I shuffled forward until my eyes met those of the jumpmaster. I handed him my static line, pivoted, stepped, and was ripped out of the aircraft by the wash from the turboprops.
Elbows tucked into my side. Chin on my chest. Feet and knees tight together. I could hear the quiet snapping as my static line freed itself from the retaining bands, the clink of metal as my risers slowly deployed. "One thousand, two thousand!" I counted. More than four thousand and I would pull my reserve. "Three thousa-" I felt, more than heard, the loud WHUMP as my parachute filled with air, scattering my limbs every which way.
As I slowly floated down, my mind cleared and I entered an almost meditative state. I was able to see how truly amazing an experience this had been. I have jumped many times since then, but the fear will never come back. In its place will always be an excitement, a nervous anticipation. Nothing I have ever done before or since can compare with the feeling of complete weightlessness, both physically and mentally, that only comes with taking a leap of faith into an abyss of the unknown.

2008-08-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

An EXCELLENT summer read. I love dogs! I often look at my English Bulldog Blanche and wonder, "what is she thinking"? My family has taken to lending Blanche a voice, on any given day one of us will be standing in the kitchen alone or as a whole, and start talking to Blanche, and she answers back (with the help of myself, Ian or Bob), some probably think we are quite strange. So I was intrigued last Sunday when I read in the newspaper about the The Art of Racing in the Rain and the fact that it's author would be in Eugene talking about and signing books. A book where the dog is the narrator, it's his book and his story. From the beginning it is a sad story especially if you love dogs, because we know what the outcome is, but what comes in the pages between the front and back cover is joy, happiness, excitement, elation and yes, sadness. I cried during the last three chapters. Ian and I were reading (sharing) the book at the same time, he finished a couple of days after I did, mind you we got the book on Monday and we were both through by Saturday; Ian's assessment of the ending was a little different from mine. Although I know there was happiness in the ending, I found it "sad". Ian said, "no, it wasn't a sad ending, it all worked out for everyone, even the dog". So Ian and I highly recommend this book.

2008-08-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

Official Mrs. United States Photos to view all of the contestants go to - www.avisualgroup.com/mrsposter.htm

2008-07-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

After all the glitz and glamour.... after all was said and done, after I left the bright lights and big city of Las Vegas behind, after the judging was done, the queen had been crowned (congratulations Gariane), I kicked off my high heels, and washed off all the make-up; the family and I loaded up the truck and took off for a 36 hour decompression session at our ranch in Central Oregon. A no frills get-away, no electricity, no running water, if you want a bath just hop in the river, my hand-made hammock makes for great naps under the warm sun. It is just what I needed after my event filled week at the Mrs. united States Beauty Pageant.
ahhh, just Joelle - just chillin'

Ian gets the fire going for lunch

My hubby doing what he likes best when at WUG...working hard

Blanche "Belle Reve" DuBois loves WUG because she can run around from end to end with no leash on - aahhh freedom.

The loves of my life Bob, Blanche and Ian (not necessarily in that order)

Ian relaxes in the ultimate hammock, handmade with love by mom

Blanche cools off in the Little Deschuets

2008-07-25T00:05:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS MRS. SOUTH CAROLINA!!!!! Top 12 were as follows -
NJ, MN, SC, NC, FL, NV, AL, MS, VA, TN, MO, WV - Top 5 were - SC, NC, MN, MS,VA
I'm sorry that I did not get better photos afterwards but if you've been there you know that is can be chaotic. They really did not want us to take pictures, just the official photographer and all a girl wants to do at that point is get out of her heels and gown and get to see her family. I had no problem with the top 5 or top 12 for that matter. They all spoke well, they looked great and had "rockin" bodies. Any of them would have made great representatives as Mrs. United States. I would write more but it is after midnight and I have a plane to catch in the morning....back to OREGON!!!! When I am less tired and can think clearer perhaps I will give my thoughts on competing "at-large" in a pageant. But right now sleep is number one on my mind...

The "I"s have it

2008-07-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

Oh how the faces lit up when the ladies saw their babies and or husbands during the day....

All Abut family -

2008-07-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

The final rehearsal is in the BAG!!!! OK it's 4:33 PM PST, we actaully got done a little ahead of schedule today and I promised myself and my husband that I would come up to my room and take a nap and NOT get on my computer, but I feel it my civic duty to keep the pageant community updated on the activities here, so here are photos from our final rehearsal. What a blast it has been no matter what the outcome tonight I know that I have learned a lot and have grown so much by getting to know a wonderful bunch of women over the past week, thank-you all for your friendship. Good luck to everyone tonight!!!!

Balloons on stage for the swimwear beach scene
Great dancers we have for the opening number and swimwear compition.
Great buddies Mrs. Virginai and Mrs. Maryland
Mrs. Nebraska catches a few winks while waiting for our next direction.
Mrs. Hawaii, tired but smiling.
Our very own celebrities Mrs. Kansas (aka Kirsten Dunst and Mrs. West Virginia (aka Reba McEntire) Mrs. Lousiana is their biggest fan.
Mrs. Delaware performs major surgery on Mrs. Alaska's sweater, so that she does not have a "wardrobe malfunction".

Our MCs for the night are R.J. Peltyn (remember "belt" girls; and Lynette Chappell - very elegant.
Our flower girl for the preliminaries is tonights "Crown girl", McKenzie is a doll.
Someone will go home with this tonight....
Almost over and still smiling
Mrs. New Jersey and Mrs. Connecticut always camera ready.

The woman that made us all look so good up on stage during our opening number ISABEL was wonderful and funny. I think that most of the ladies will agree with me, she truly made the opening number easy. I usually stress out about getting the dance steps but with her help it almost felt like second nature. OK it also helped that I had Mrs. Georgia and Mrs. Illinois counting off the steps near me.

Mrs. Mississippi and Mrs. Massachusetts
Stephanie's pretend farewell

OK it's 4:45 - I've got to get a nap in. I've really enjoyed writing this and keeping folks up to date. Once again I will try to get photos on tonight as soon as possible. Of course pictures during the show are not allowed.

2008-07-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Draggin Behind!!!!! You have never seen so many tired folks in one place at one time, OK maybe you have if you've been a beauty pageant contestant. When we got our one hour lunch break I had to decide....food or sleep, food or sleep, food or sleep. I chose food over sleep in hopes that we will be let loose early enough this afternoon to catch a few zzzzz's before the big night. So this morning I was inspired by all of the different crown pins and that I had seen on the ladies Sashes so I began taking pictures of them. Here are just a few.....

Mrs. New Jersey

Mrs. North Carolina

Mrs. New York

Mrs. Puerto Rico

One of my favorites Mrs. Montana. She says it was a gift and came from Herrod's in London - beautiful

2008-07-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

OH MY ACHING FEET!!!! Forget about sexy, forget about glamorous, cute, looking tall, looking slender, forget about all of that, I am not putting heels on for rehearsal today!!!! I rolled out of bed this morning only to roll right to the floor, I can hardly uncurl my toes. Once again I will fore go breakfast to spend just a few moments lounging in bed and watching the today show. I only wish that I had some Epsom salts to soak my tired tootsies in. Flip-flops here I come.

2008-07-24T01:13:00.001-07:00

I don't have any pictures but sure wish I did.......tonight at around midnight I was heading back to my room, there was a group of teenage boys sitting in the hallway, trying to stay out of trouble. You see there are a hundred or more teens (boys and girls) her for some sort of basketball tournament. I had seen these young men earlier in the day getting a bit of a workout from their coach in the hallway. Well I challenged anyone of them that I could do more push-ups than they could. I told them to give me 5 minutes to take off my sash, short skirt and high heels and I would be right back out. It only took me a few moments but by the time I returned, they were heading into their rooms, thinking that I was just bluffing. Bottom line is they sacrificed one of their young players all of them standing around (including my husband Bob, who I am sure thought I was crazy), getting ready to watch me take on this 16 year old. Of course I beat him! Did you have any doubt? When we were done I told them to "always know who your enemy is", and then the coach told me to formally introduce myself; "Major Joelle Goodwin, United States Army"! They didn't believe it, I could have followed up with but didn't that I was also 44 years old. HA!!!! I'll be laughing about this and telling this story for awhile. Their coach sent them to their rooms immediately and gave them hell for getting beat by a "GIRL". HA! Goodnight.

2008-07-24T00:47:00.000-07:00

Preliminary Night!!! Beautiful gowns all around. I don't think that anyone was overly nervous, I am telling you the biggest thing on any ones mind was (1) I pray to God that I don't fall down those stairs and (2) I just want to get off if my feet.

Mrs. West Virginia (aka Reba) and Mrs. Washington (note the clock on the wall - that's 9PM)

Sisters helping sisters (hem comes undone)

Mrs. Massachusetts Erica Baker

Mrs. Idaho and Mrs. New Jersey

If it looks like we are in a smoke filled room it's because we are! They ran the stupid smoke machines all day, we still have not figure out why. It made the stage look smokey and it filled the dressing rooms with smoke. I guess it was for some sort of effect, but the effect was affecting us!

I call these my "ladies in waiting shots" either we had just gotten done with evening gown or we were waiting to go on stage. Bottom line is everyone just wanted to get off of their feet!!

Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Idaho

And so tomorrow is the day once again we are up for breakfast at about 7:30 AM and rehearsal at 8:30. I tell you the ladies don't need any rehearsal we have all been where we were supposed to be everyday on time - very professional, it's the production crew that has made life less than desirable and we sit and wait for them. The show starts at 7:30 PM, and not matter what happens in the end I can truly say that this has been a very rewarding experience, I have met some really cool ladies and learned a lot. It is now after 1 AM, I am one tired beauty queen and so need to get myself to bed. I will be sure to post as soon as possible tomarrow night.

2008-07-24T00:31:00.000-07:00

A TRUE PAGEANT SISTER!!!! Mrs. Virgin Islands had everything available to everyone that any pageant girl would need on pageant night. Rosemary entered the room on preliminary night like a whirl-wind and informed us that she had all the accountrements that we might need, Q-tips, butt glue, hair pins, hair spray etc. She was there to assist anyone and everyone that needed it. Thank-you Rosemary you are a true pageant sister.

(Coast to Coast) Mrs. New York a hair dresser for 9 years gives Mrs. California help with poofing up her hair which like all of us had been affected by the 105' heat in Las Vegas.

Mrs. Oregon gets a hand poofing up her hair before going on stage.

Our opening number dresses were RED in case you hadn't gathered. There were some awesome red dresses to be seen. I have to tell you that I found my dress at Macy's; it was originally $179.00, it was marked down three times finally to about $20.00 or so dollar's when I added in my $20.00 Macy's gift card my red dress cost me about $1.27 in taxes!! I was so excited. We will were the same dresses for opening number on Thursday night.

2008-07-24T00:19:00.000-07:00

All I want to do is sit down. We had learned our routine for the most part, rehearsal now is for everybody else that had not been there for the past 3 days! Our feet hurt and all we wanted to do was get on with the show. As we waited for technicians, most of us decided to do the best we could at taking care of our feet and legs, by sitting anywhere we could find a flat surface... But still smiling, always smiling.

2008-07-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

AND STILL MORE REHEARSALS!!! - of course we continued to practice today, but all of the ladies were particularly irritated because we started late, waiting on the production crew which led to us being late in breaking for the evening to make our hair and make-up appointments, and to get ready for tonights preliminary's. But we all kept smiles on our faces and were troopers as we waited, and waited and then waited some more for dancers, stage managers, and everyone else it takes to put together a production like this.

2008-07-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

THE INTERVIEW - Imagine 5 judges, 53 women and they have to spend 4 minutes with each of them learning as much as they can about them in that time! We truly have a beautiful and dynamic group of ladies here at the Mrs. United States Pageant and I do not envy the judges job this week. Interviews began at 6:00PM and are not due to be finished until 11:00PM. Tomorrow of course is more rehearsals and the preliminary competition.

"The Room"

"The Timer"

2008-07-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

THE DREADED SWIMSUIT COMPETITION?

We started the day at 7AM with our swimsuit photo. The photographers were fantastic and did a great job of making the ladies feel at ease in front of the camera, after taking our individual photos we gathered around the swimming pool for the customary pool shot with the class of 2008. As none of us felt like eating breakfast before getting into our swimsuits to have pictures taken we bolted for the breakfast bar. Here are a few photos of our time around the pool -

REHEARSAL, REHEARSAL, REHEARSAL - From 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM the key word was REHEARSAL. Yesterday by the time we quit rehearsing no one cared if we ever heard the count of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 again we all dreamed it last night, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.... today it was the tune of Gloria Estefan's "Party Time" over and over and over and over again! Know one had ever heard of the song before and by the time we leave here we hope we never have to hear it again. The majority of us rehearsed in "comfortable" shoes for most of the day and then put on our heels on occasion just to get used to wearing them on stage. Other hard charging ladies wore heels all day long (God Bless them), so following is my photo expose of the Mrs. United States Class of 2008 feet.

Tonight we look forward to our judges interviews and then in the morning more REHEARSAL, REHEARSAL, REHEARSAL.......

2008-07-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

WHAT A DAY!!!!

We started with breakfast at 7:30 then orientation at 8:30, we got a wonderful pep talk from Mrs. United States 2007 Stephanie Hunt, then we met our choreographers and other production staff of the Mrs. United States Pageant. After a very long day of rehearsals we were off to Planet Hollywood for a few hours of shopping on the Mircle Mile or whatever any other girls decided to do. Many of us wanted to spend a night out on the town but director Isabella Ilacqua knows best she had us all back on the bus and to our hotel by 9:30. We are all due for our swimsuit photos starting at 7 AM. I hope you enjoy the photos from todays activities...

Mrs. United States 2007 talks to this years delegates

The state gift exchange, it was like Christmas in July!

We all had our little (or big) bags in hand Christmas? maybe trick or treating...

Getting it all organized

Boarding the bus to Planet Hollywood

Me with Mrs. United States Director Isabella Ilacqua

Just hanging out on the Miracle Mile Mall

Getting good luck from Budda

Mrs. Florida and one of her fans and fellow statesmen.

Stephanie had to take her crown off so that it would not hit the ceiling of the bus

Shopping at Frederick's ooh la la

and so it as time to call it a night, it was late but we were all still smiling :)

2008-07-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

Just how do you eat a crawfish? Mrs. Arizona and Mrs. Utah asked....

2008-07-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Las Vegas!!!!!! Our first official event was dinner at the French Market Buffet.

2008-07-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

On my way to Las Vegas for the Mrs. United States Pageant!!! Sitting here in a hotel not far from the airport, I'm a little bit lonely, but also enjoying a bit of solitude. I leave in the morning for Las Vegas and the Mrs. United States Pageant. I am traveling with more clothing than I think I ever have in my life. I have to full size suitcases weighing in at about 40 pounds each, just under the 50 pound weight limit; it's crazy. I never did count how many pairs of shoes I packed but it is about 5 maybe 6, 2 evening gowns, three swimsuits, 2 suits, three cocktail dresses, enough make-up for to last a year, 6 or so pairs of earrings, workout clothes, more lingerie than I will wear in a month...... and even with all that I am sure to have forgotten something! But this will be easy, I am looking forward to an enjoyable, and fun filled week, with ladies from across the United States.

2008-06-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

TOO LONG - It has been all too long since I visited my blog, unbelievably long, and so here I am back to talk..... about what? Let's see do I have anything to talk about? I'm getting ready to retire from the Army, (well in a few months anyway), I am once again at my home away from home - Fort Lewis, Washington - for 6 weeks, and oh yeah I am going to be in another beauty pageant! The Mrs. United States Pageant to be held 20 -25 July in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am being really low key about the whole thing because hyping myself up in the past has not gotten me the crown. So for now I am working on my game face. I'm in the gym, getting my diet right and just trying to Chill out. If it was meant to be it will come to me. So perhaps I will dedicate my blog this summer to just taking it easy......Everything is JUST DUCKY!!!!

2007-11-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

Join the University of Oregon and the City of Eugene as we recognize World AIDS day and the impact that this disease has had on our world.

Friday, November 30th
5pm - 6pm: World AIDS Day Memorial CeremonyWayne Morse Plaza-Lane County Courthouse, 125 E. 8th Avenue, EugeneIncludes candlelight ceremony, address by Mayor Kitty Piercy, showing of AIDS timeline, and performance by members of "Spectrum" Lane Community College jazz ensemble6:30 pm: AIDS Art Reception Adell McMillan Gallery, Erb Memorial Union (EMU), University of Oregon Installations of "AIDS Plague" series by Clint Brown & AIDS art by Mike E. Walsh

8 pm: Condom Runway Fashion & Variety ShowEMU Ballroom, University of OregonIncludes skits, music & dance; doors open at 7:30pm
Installations/Exhibitions:Through December 1st: Clint Brown's "AIDS Plague" series Adell McMillan Galley, University of Oregon EMU

November 26 - December 1: Mike E. Walsh, AIDS InstallationEMU ConcourseNovember 26 - December 1: AIDS Memorial Pavilion & World AIDS TimelineEMU Concourse & Fountain Courtyard

2007-10-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

October 6, 2007 was the Mrs. Oregon America Pageant. It was agreat experience Mrs. Taryn Stasny was this years winner, I was again came in as first runner-up. What can I say, perhaps like the say the "third time will be the charm".

2007-10-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

It’s not about gay or straight. It’s about the people. Currently more than 1 million Americans are infected with HIV; the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and half a million have already died of AIDS or Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome.
A handsome young man of 19 living on the streets with no where to go. He needed money to live and so he sold his body for a few dollars. With the incentive of earning $10.00 a counselor convinced him to get tested for HIV. Imagine his surprise when only days before his 20th birthday he found that he was HIV positive. It’s not about gay or straight it’s about our youth.
Despite large increases in reported AIDS cases over the last few years most Americans believe the HIV/AIDS epidemic is over with in the United States, that our AIDS epidemic has been controlled and contained. The truth is otherwise. HIV is not going away, and it’s not being confined to high risk groups. In recent years HIV/AIDS has gained a lot of ground fast, making serious in roads along the hidden fault lines in our society. A new surge of HIV is on its way that will be much worse than the first wave in the 1980’s. The United States has the most severe HIV epidemic of any developed country. We are not immune.
She is 97 years old a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother. She lives in New York and because of a program at her church she took an HIV test, she found she was positive. It’s not about gay or straight, it’s about the senior citizen.
Thirty-five years ago, you couldn’t find an American with the virus. Now AIDS is in more communities than McDonald’s, KFC and Wal-mart put together, as ubiquitous as the hidden and illegal behaviors it depends on to spread. AIDS is everywhere, from New York to the most remote islands off of the Alutians, in Texas border towns and Native American reservations and yes right here in Eugene, Oregon. The infection has crept in to every age group, effects families in every corner of out Nation. AIDS is infecting all the branches of our American family tree and seeping into its roots. It’s not about gay or straight, it’s about Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Great Falls, Tucson, Minneapolis, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Chicago, Dayton, Detroit, Philadelphia, Manhattan, Newark, Baltimore, Miami and every city in between.
He’s 80 now and enjoying a full life, retired and living on the Oregon Coast. He raised two wonderful, successful kids, but something is missing; children are supposed to outlive their parents, parents aren’t supposed to have to bury their kids. It’s not about gay or straight, it’s about a fathers love.
AIDS is the worst epidemic the world has ever known. It will soon become the worst epidemic the United States will ever know, yet it is virtually ignored by most Americans, their doctors and our government because it has been deliberately identified with “problem populations”. Since it was identified in the mid-1980’s, it has killed 37 million people. More than 40 million people are now infected, 14,000 each day. There is no cure. There is no vaccine. The problem is in our heartland, our homeland, and the center of our soul as more Americans take their place in the family portrait painted by HIV. It’s not about gay or straight it’s about our mothers, our fathers, sisters and brothers. The profile of the typical American with AIDS has changed drastically since the epidemic began. In the early years homosexuality and drug use were the key driving factors. It’s not about gay or straight, it’s about being responsible for the ones you love and the ones with which you are making love.
Tall, handsome, a real honey-dip”, he swept her off of her feet. He was flowers, expensive dinners; in six months they were married. 2 years later she learned the love of her life had full blown AIDS. It’s not about gay or straight, it’s about love, trust and the truth.
History tells us that epidemics last a long time. HIV/AIDS will be around for at least the next 200 or 300 years. The trajectory of HIV/AIDS growth that started in the late 1980’s will continue until the middle of the twenty-first century, with peaks and valleys occurring at different times on different continents. Then after a long plateau there will be a long drop and AIDS will stabilize worldwide at a lower level and be with us permanently as an epidemic, chronic disease. His name is Scott C. Rankins an artistic man with a bright future, handsome with a devilish grin. He lived a carefree life surrounded by people who loved and adored him. He died at age 40 of AIDS. It’s not about gay or straight, it’s about my brother. It’s not about gay or straight it’s about you, you, you, you, you …and you.

2007-09-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Junior Miss Black Oregon Pageant - I do believe that it was 1974, maybe 1975. It was my first beauty pageant, and my father encouraged me to enter, it wasn't a horrible experience, but I guess I was sad that I did not win, but I did get 2nd runner-up. I think this was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Portland near the Lloyd Center. Ah to be young again.........

2007-09-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

GAME DAY - Today "kicked off" the University of Oregon's football season with an exciting game against the University of Houston Cougars. The bottom line is that the day ended with a 48-27 victory with the ducks over the Cougars, but more than the game ending up in the win column it was a special day for me because I was asked to be one of the "guest coaches" for the day. A program that the Athletic Department has to ensure that folks don't forget that the main reason for the athletes being at the University is to get an education. We were able to have breakfast with the players and the coaches, we hung out in the locker room before the game and we got the awesome opportunity of running through the tunnel and onto the field with the team. The noise from the stadium is like nothing you've ever heard before. We got to stand on the side lines throughout the game and had a nice lunch in one of the club rooms at half-time. After the game we ran back to the locker room with the team and heard the coach give a post game talk. I took over 150 photographs and probably would have taken more if my camera had not started acting up.....Here are just a few.

Going through the tunnel

Coach Belotti on his way out to the field

Ducky does push-ups for every point made by Oregon

It was a hot day in the high 80's, so they had the misting machine on.

Oregon's star quarterback Dennis Dixon and Mrs. Eugene at the pre-game meal. Dennis is my son's favorite player and a heck of a nice guy.

Game Day Guest Coaches on their way to Autzen Stadium

Today was pom-pom day. The photo is of 60 or so thousand pom-poms placed on every seat in Autzen stadium before the crowd arrived.

Ian and I on the field

2007-09-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Tailgate Auction 2007 -

Well once again I was blessed to have been a part of the University of Oregon/Springfield Chamber of Commerce Annual Tailgate Auction. This year was even more exciting than last years for me as not only was I there as Mrs. Eugene and supporting the Alumni Association, but I also donated my 2005 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 to be auctioned off. I hated getting rid of it, but being as I bought it brand new in 2005 and to date it only had 535 miles on it, I decided it was time to give it up. My husband doesn't ride and I spend most of my days driving my 12 year old from one after school activity to another and the bike sits lonely in my garage gathering dust. So as sad as it was to let it go, the good news is that it was auctioned off to a good home, and the money will go to a good cause.

There were other highlights to the evening; As many of you may or may not know, Springfield was almost the town that held the premier of the Simpson's movie this year. Well a couple of the auction items came from the Simpson's including several movie posters and the Simpson's sofa set. Everyone had a great time having their photo taken on the sofa. And Ian bid (using my my name) on the Simpson's poster. In the end he did not win the poster, but a very kind man who did win the poster actually gave it to Ian. THANK-YOU!!!!

Of course Coach Mike Belotti popped into give a pep quick talk to the sea of Duck football supporters and wherever the coach goes so does our beloved mascot Ducky.

It was a great evening and was only made better by the fact that I was able to share it with my family. This year not only was my husband there, but also my mom and my "Official Photographer" aka my son Ian, it was a great time.

2007-08-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

August 18th was a busy day for me and for my fellow Mrs. Oregon America contestants. My day started the night before as I returned from a business trip in Virginia late Friday night, weary and jet-lagged I got up at 0600 Saturday morning to make the 2 hour drive to Portland for the Mrs. Oregon America workshop. The workshop is conducted each year for a number of reasons; to allow the ladies to get to know one another (there are 9 of us this year), to turn in all of the necessary paperwork to be in the pageant and to talk about things like, wardrobe, make-up, walking correctly on stage, judges interviews and in general what pageant day will be like. The workshop was held at the Best Western Motel in Sunnyside (Portland), afterwards some of the ladies had dinner at one of the Pageant's sponsors Hoda's Middle Eastern Cuisine restaurant 3401 S.E. Belmont http://www.hodas.com/. Then it was off to Mrs. Oregon America's official send-off party. The pageant contestants, family and friends of Mrs. Kimberly Takla descended on her home in S.W. Portland for the opportunity to see her beautiful pageant wardrobe, eat good food and to wish her well as she heads to Tucson, Arizona this week for the Mrs. America Pageant http://www.mrsamerica.com/. You can keep up with Kim and her time in Tucson by viewing her blog at http://www.mrsoregon2007.blogspot.com/. GOOD LUCK KIM - We know you will do Oregon proud!!!

Mrs. Southern Oregon, Mrs. Eugene, Mrs. Clackamas County
are joined by Hoda owner and head chef of Hoda's Middle Eastern Cuisine
in Portland. They are a sponsor for the Mrs. Oregon
America Pageant. The food is wonderful!!

The murals on the walls at Hoda's are beautiful, I guess
you can't quite tell since we are standing in front of it, but
trust me they really are pretty.

Domestic Diva's - Kim Takla - Mrs. Oregon America and her best friend
Tamara Wissbaum - Mrs. Oregon International make coffee for guests
at Kim's Mrs. America send off party on 18 August.

Mrs. Eugene, Mrs. Rose City and Mrs. Multnomah Co.
at the Mrs. Oregon America send-off party

Mrs. Oregon Kim Takla is joined by the 2008 Mrs. Oregon contestants at the Mrs. Oregon Send off party 18 August 07.

2007-08-16T22:04:00.001-07:00

Scott Christian Rankins is my brother and I miss him terribly. Scottie died at 40 years of age. I miss him for totally selfish reasons. I miss him because he has not been here to give me his opinion on anything! Scott was always good for giving his opinion on my clothes, my boyfriends, my jobs, he missed my wedding!! He has missede my life in general and though I think I have managed well over the past few years without Scott, I think it would be very comforting to have him with me. Scottie died from AIDS in 2001, it does not bother me to tell people my families story of dealing with AIDS in our life. It does not bother me, because I want everyone to know, young, middle aged, and old that AIDS is still a threat in our world. I want everyone to know about it, to understand it and to protect themselves. No one is immune from this disease. We all need to educate ourselves, our children, our parents, our friends. Education, Compassion, and research to find a cure. Scott was/is my best friend he is not here physically for me to talk to, but I do talk to him. Please join me and my family in this fight against AIDS. Act, ask questions, get tested, know your status, be aware. Don't be like Scottie, don't leave this world before your time.

2007-08-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

San Diego Padres Mascot "Friar", Mrs. Eugene and THE best mascot The University of Oregon 's Donald Duck at the Eugene Emerald's baseball game August 2007

Singing our Nations Anthem -

The National Anthem Project just happens to be a major partner with the Mrs. America Pageant, the National Anthem and the Mrs. America Program also just happen to be two organizations that are near and dear to my heart. I was singing the National Anthem at numerous venues before I became Mrs. Eugene, but now my title has given me more confidence and more opportunity to sing the song, the Anthem that is known so well around the world. The Anthem that lets the world know where I am from and who we are and what we stand for. This was never more apparent to me than last year as I stood in Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square during the National Anthem Project's visit to our fair state as a group of "anarchists", protesters burned our Nation's symbol, the "Stars and Stripes", while citizens sang the National Anthem. The sight truly pissed me off, so much so that it brought tears to my eyes. To think that I have spent 20 years in the United States Army doing what I think is right to defend our Nations freedom, the sight truly irritated me. But then I reminded myself that if it were not for the freedom that we enjoy in this country, those 18 and 19 year old people burning the flag of the United States on the ground would not just be standing there and laughing, but they would probably be carted off to jail (in any other country). So as the tears streamed down my face and as I stood before an audience of complete unknowns I sang the Star Spangled Banner as I had never sung it before. Each time I am able to sing it again, it has more and more meaning to me, as it did in the photos here on August 12th during a Eugene Emeralds baseball game. I enjoy singing as many of my friends know, but I do't know any song, I don't enjoy singing any song more than I do the United States National Anthem.

Singing the Anthem June 2006 at Pioneer Courthouse Square Portland, Oregon

2007-08-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Country Fair - 38 years of world class entertainment, hand-made crafts, delectable foods, educational displays and magical surprises at every turn of the path. Located in a wooded setting, 13 miles west of Eugene near Veneta, Oregon, an unforgettable adventure.

It really was very interesting I had heard stories of people walking through the forest partially clad, or just plain nude, know we didn't see anyone that was competely nude but there were ladies walking around in full body paint. The music was great, and the food was..... well, like WOW!!! http://www.ringoffirerestaurant.com/ We had a great fruit plate from the Ring of Fire restaurant, but I guess you go there for the people and the costumes and we were far from disappointed by what we saw.

2007-08-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

An Officer and a Beauty Queen
Portland native Joelle Rankins Goodwin will vie for the title of Mrs. Oregon, a statewide pageant for married women, held this October in Clackamas.

By Sarah Blount The Portland Observer
Portland native supplements army career with pageantry. Joelle Rankins Goodwin has spent most of her career as a military intelligence officer in the United States Army, but none of that prepared her for her first experience parading in front of 200 people while wearing a swimsuit.From soldier to assistant professor at the University of Oregon to beauty queen, this Major focused her sights on winning the title Mrs. Oregon 2008 - a statewide competition for married women taking place this October in Clackamas. Goodwin, 43, a former Rose Festival princess from Lincoln High School, currently holds the title of Mrs. Eugene America 2007. She says it took guts to join the pageant life."Entering into a pageant is kind of like being an athlete and training yourself," she said. "I think it takes a lot of courage just to get up on the stage. It takes confidence, and that's not something I'm lacking."While it may seem unusual for a Major to compete as a beauty queen, Goodwin says military affiliations are not uncommon in the pageantry world. "I'm surprised with how many people are associated with the military," she said. "You find a lot of respect for military members."Goodwin has been married three years to her husband Bob. Between the pair they have three children: Ian, 12, Daniela, 10 and Sam, 17.Last year, Goodwin came very close to winning the title of Mrs. Oregon 2007, until she reached the obligatory onstage interview portion. That's the part of the pageant where contestants must think quickly on their feet to answer an open-ended question. "If you could be president for a day," the interviewer asked, "what would you do?" Goodwin said that being president didn't mean waving a magic wand to make war and sickness go away."I'd take my day to enjoy the White House and take it all in," she answered.But in the end, her response was no match for the following contestant, who Goodwin said gave an answer that was spot-on. Contestant Kimberly Takla said she'd wave the so-called wand anyway, magically making sickness and war go away. Sickness did not go away that evening, but Takla did become Mrs. Oregon 2007. Goodwin finished as first runner-up. Having been bested by magic, Goodwin is trying for the crown and banner again for the 2008 title. This time she is preparing by sculpting her body with the help of a personal trainer and honing her interview skills through a membership with Toastmasters International. Toastmasters, a club where you make speeches to be critiqued by fellow members. Goodwin and her husband joined the UO branch in January, where she's been working on limiting the "uh" factor in her speeches. "I feel even more confident this year," she said. If she succeeds in winning the Mrs. Oregon title, Goodwin will then take an expenses-paid trip to Nationals. After that, she may get to represent married women throughout the world. Goodwin has another reason to aspire for the domestic and international titles. "I'm not sure there has ever been a woman of color to win Mrs. Oregon, and I don't think there's ever been an African American Mrs. America," she said. "I'd love to be the first."This year's Mrs. Oregon pageant takes place Saturday, Oct. 6 at Clackamas High School.

Copyright 2004, Portland Observer http://www.portlandobserver.com/

2007-07-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

Always willing to try something new..... The other day I went with my personal trainer (PT) Jack to a Yoga class. He had been a couple of times before and talked me into attending with him, but I'm thinking he should have given me more information. For some reason I had the impression that the class would be one hour, it was an hour and a half. I read the piece of paper that said the temperature of the room would be set at 104' degrees, but I guess it didn't dawn on me how hot that was, and how hot that is to actually move in and do physical activity in. Think back to how you felt attending your first aerobics class or jazz dance class, that whole uncoordinated thing, now imagine feeling that awkwardness at 104 degrees for an hour and a half. When I walked out of the building I was truly drenched in sweat like I never have been before, not even after running in a marathon. It was god awful!! I thought I was going to die, but of course I didn't, I lived through it and actually went back for a second class, now I need to take the plunge and go back for the third, I'm trying to convince myself that I am truly getting something out of contorting my body into unnatural positions while sweating like the proverbial pig.

2007-07-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

A Pageant Girls Life....

I have my father to blame for this thing I call the pageant craze. It all began in the 4th grade it was 1974. Dad signed me up as a contestant in the Junior Miss Black Oregon Pageant, so what did this mean? Well it meant having a gown made, it meant learning how to curtsey just so, it meant that my parents had to sit nervously in the audience and watch as their younger child took the stage for the first time to sing Summertime, I found out years later that my mentor (dad) left and went to the bathroom when I got ready to sing, because he was so nervous…but he had prepared me well. I entered the Junior Miss Black Oregon Pageant 2 years in a row I didn’t win either time. But the bottom line is that I had been bitten - I had the pageant bug. In those days pageants were not quite as prevalent as they are today so, I lived vicariously through the television and the Miss America Pageants. Each year Miss America fell ominously during an annual party that my parents attended at the Hickerson’s home. Lori their daughter was my pageant-watching buddy. We watched the show on TV in the Hickerson’s living room - as the parade of beauties went by we picked our favorites. It was not until my senior year at Lincoln High School that I had my next opportunity at pageant glory. First was the race for homecoming queen - it was simple; there was no parading across the stage, no gowns, no swimsuits. Students were to choose from 5 senior girls, I won homecoming queen that year. Again, I had that pageant bug and I wanted more, I wanted a crown. Oh sure I had my homecoming tiara, but I wanted the real deal, a full blown crown, like in Miss America. So I set my sights on the Miss Portland Scholarship pageant. Then I tried the Miss Oregon USA pageant. I have one fairly vivid memory of Miss Oregon USA; I was just getting ready to go out on stage in my very sexy swimsuit, I remember it well, it was a white tank suit of mesh material it had white flowers strategically located. Just as I was going to step out, the girl behind me said, “oh my gosh, you have a huge zit on your ass!” What could I do? I strolled out on stage as if I owned the world. I didn’t win Miss Portland or Miss Oregon USA, I didn’t even place, but if you have a good attitude about these things you learn to say, “I had a good time, I learned something about myself, and I did the best that I could.” Then it was on to the next competition. The Portland Rose Festival was fast approaching. I was chosen as Lincoln High School’s Rose Princess for 1982 and served proudly and with honor but alas all I got was the tiara (and at that they crowned me and then took it away for next years winner), but I did not get the crown of all crowns the one that most every Portland girl dreams of wearing, the crown that dubs her the “Queen of Rosaria”. It is a special crown with a lot of history, it’s made of gold and rubies, and it has been apart of the Rose Festival for 100 years; it is kept under a lock and key. In 1982 the coveted title went to Leslie Carlson of Cleveland High School. At that point I figured my pageant years were over that is at least until I got married and could compete in the Mrs. America pageant. You see the pageant age for Miss America and Miss USA is from about 17 to 24. With no man in sight to marry and college on the horizon, my dreams of winning a pageant crown were put on the back burner. In 1986 I graduated from the University of Oregon and went on to start my life as an Officer in the United States Army. I figured, as most would that pageantry and the Army were not a good mix, but boy was I wrong; I arrived at my first duty station in Herzogenaurach Germany, I wasn’t there 6 months when I saw the call for contestants in the Ms. Nurnberg beauty pageant. Not only does the Army and pageantry mix, this pageant was for Army women and the wives of Army personnel. With a sequins gown, and a dramatic interpretation I took the title of Ms. Nurnberg. I felt a great sense of satisfaction, but this was still no Miss America and my crown once again was a very small tiara. Let’s fast forward 20 years to 2003, I was 39 years old had a nine year old son and there was still no man in my life, I had all but forgotten my dream, visions of tiaras and crowns dancing in my head. Then prince charming walked back into my life. I say back because Bob Goodwin had been my high school sweetheart, I had not seen him in at least 20 years, our coming together is another story in itself, which I will save for another time. But Bob and I married and immediately my dream was back, oh sure by now I was forty years old and my body sure wasn’t what it used to be, but I took the plunge anyway, I was living in Birmingham, Alabama I decided to try out for the Mrs. Alabama United States pageant, So I went for Mrs. Alabama United States, but didn’t even make the top 10. Again I told myself I had done my best, besides I really wasn’t in to it, I mean I’m not from Alabama, I’m an Oregonian. I returned to Oregon last year, and before I had even stepped foot in the state I had paid my fees to the Mrs. Oregon America pageant and claimed the title of Mrs. Eugene America 2007. On October 6th 2006, I came closer to my pageant happiness than I ever had in my life, I was 1st runner-up to Mrs. Portland Kimberly Takla who oh by the way won Miss Oregon USA when I was a contestant back in 1986. Once again I hold the title of Mrs. Eugene and will vie for the title of Mrs. Oregon 2008. If I haven’t made myself clear as to why winning a crown is so important to me please allow me to quickly elaborate; winning a crown was always very important to me, but now its for very different reasons, yes I still love the limelight but being in a pageant for me is like being and athlete, we train and we train some more to do our best, look our best, be the best. It’s about family, it’s about community and community service, I have traveled all over the world, I have seen many beautiful places but in the end the place that I love the place that I want to be an ambassador for and show off to the world is the great state of Oregon, it is what I know, it is what I love and it is what I want to win a crown for.

2007-07-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

My new pageant sisters and I got together for the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland on the 6th of July. We were allowed the opportunity to volunteer in suport of the Oregon Food Bank. Not only was it was worthy cause but it was a great time and we heard some great music.

2007-06-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

Is this anyway for a beauty queen to live? well I guess it is if she just happens to be a Major in the United States Army, like me. So here I am spending another summer at Fort Lewis, Washington. Living in old World War II Barracks, that need to be, that should be and some have been condemned. the photos are not actually from Fort Lewis, but they may as well be, the "temporary" WWII barracks looks the same at Military bases all across the United States. So how did I get so lucky as to spend thirty plus days at this vacation spot? It is all a part of being an Army ROTC instructor, we all get our chance to each summer to train ROTC Cadets at Fort Lewis. Don't get me wrong the rest of Fort Lewis is just beautiful, they just stick us temporary folks in these temporary buildings. I've tried to explain that I have this beauty regime that just does not go along with living in a room that is smaller than my college dorm room, that living in the 80 degree heat without air conditioning is doing nothing for my complexion, that only having a community microwave oven to cook my food in is doing nothing for my strict Weight-Watchers diet, the one thing that I am getting plenty of is exercise, running here, walking there, riding my bike over there etc. I complain only because I can laugh at it all, after 21 years in the Army, I've seen plenty and lived in worse, besides that, I say that there are worse places I could be, I think about my brothers and sisters who are "living" in Iraq and Afghanistan, in tents in 120 degree heat, sucking the sand into there lungs day in and day out, and worrying if they will be the next ones to drive by that IED. Then I sit back and say"this just isn't that bad". Beauty Queen? sometimes; Soldier?

Always.

2007-06-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

RED BULL GIVES YOU WINGS - yes I admit it, Red Bull is my new not so secret love. But I'm not addicted to it or at least I don't think I am. I am very particular about how and when I drink my Red Bull. I first fell for "the Bull" about 2 years ago, now I tend to be sort of sensitive to caffeine so I knew I had to be careful, I found the 8.3 Fluid ounce can to be just perfect for me, not too much and not too little. I sip my Red Bull slowly, and savour the flavor of it. Now my husband just doesn't get it, he would pump coffee in through his veins if he could, but does not get the appeal of Red Bull, he does not understand my love for "the Bull", he thinks that it tastes like cough syrup. Cough syrup? Ha! Yes it is my elixir, my nectar of which I look forward to each morning. Usually I drink one and only one and not the first thing in the morning, but long about 9:00 AM, that is unless I am starting our at a particularly early and ungodly hour, then I will have 2 Red Bull. I have also found that if I am traveling for long distances by car (more than 2 hours) I will indulge in 2 Red Bull. BUT no more than 2. If I have had more than 2 I am done for the day, I can't think straight and feel as if I have a hang-over, therefore I have over indulged I have loved my Red Bull way too much. People often kid me about the blue and silver can that they see me carrying around and ask me if I've got it mixed with some alcoholic beverage the drink of choice I guess Red Bull and vodka or Red Bull and Jagermeister. So I gave it a try (in the evening of course)......eeeewwww GROSS!!!! Don't try to mix my Red Bull with anything, nothing, it is what it is, and needs no altering. I am so excited I have a coupon for $8.00 off of a case of Red Bull at Costco which for me means 30 (or so) days of pure unadulterated pleasure. I open my refrigerator each morning and eye each bottle, I look at them with shear pleasure and know that they are there for me each day to get me started to do as the side of the can says "supply my tired mind and exhausted body with vital substances that have been lost". Yes, Red Bull you are there for me. But I can quit you anytime....really I can.

2007-06-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am such a slacker. I haven't been here in ages, now I turn around and the whole reason for originally publishing this blog is almost upon me again.....you remember the pageant! Mrs. Oregon America is just 4 months away. I have spent the last 8 months gearing up for it. Let's see I've joined Toastmaster's International http://www.toastmasters.org/ to hone my public speaking skills, I've been running my ass off, completed the Inaugural Eugene Marathon a month ago, have spent the last six weeks working out with a personal trainer (love you Jack), I have reached my GOAL weight with Weight Watchers losing a total of 30 pounds and I got braces put on my teeth!!! Can you imagine, this is the 2nd time around for that. I've even started on my wardrobe, I've got my gown, shoes and interview suit. I will be ready come October 6th 2007. Will you?

2007-03-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

Running in the Footsteps of Legends is the theme for the inaugural Eugene Marathon. As I count down the weeks and days (33 days to be exact) to the marathon, I often think to myself, "why am I doing this"? Do I really want to run in the "footsteps of legends"? That thought is especially at the forefront of my mind on Saturday mornings as I go for my "long run", with the group at the Eugene Running Company. It all starts on Friday night as I lay out the clothes that I will put on for the morning run, shorts or tights; jacket or no jacket; will I need sunglasses? When I roll out of bed at 0600 on Saturday (I think why am I doing this?) I remind myself that I must "fuel up my body", ordinarily I would not eat before I run, but on this day I decide to try something new, I eat a banana and a bagel before I go, I pop my pain preventative Motrin and I am out the door. This past Saturday I ran for just shy of 3 hours, about 18 miles. As I slog along I do wonder to myself why? As my Achilles tendon starts to ache, as my knees start to give out, I ask myself "am i too old to do this"? On this particular Saturday the woman who has become my running partner (Eileen) on these long runs is out of town. I am pretty good at talking and keeping whomever I am running withs mind off of the fact that we are running for an hour or more, but I knew that Eileen wasn't going to be around and though I could have paired up with someone else for company on the run, I decided to bring my MP3 player along instead, to keep me company. In the end I felt pretty good.

2007-01-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

Miss Oregon America Send-off Party - Today we held a send off party for Donilee McGinnis Miss Oregon America 2006. This years pageant will be held in Las Vegas and televised on CMT on 29 January. Donilee and genuinely beautiful young lady inside and out will do well. Ian tagged along with me for today's event. Read about Donilee and her platform at he Miss Oregon web-site http://missoregon.org/ read more about all the ladies competing in the Miss America Pageant at - CMT.com http://www.cmt.com/shows/events/miss_america/2007/

Good Luck Donilee we are rooting for you.

2006-12-28T16:58:00.000-08:00

Old News - a friend of mine just gave me some photos from the Mrs. Oregon Pageant, so I decided to upload them here -

2006-12-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

A NEW CHALLENGE - It seems as if my life is about challenging myself, whether it is going to Airborne school and learning to jump out of a "perfectly good airplane" or whether it is entering a beauty pageant or running in a road race. I told myself that I was done with running marathons; Portland in 2001, Country Music in 2004. But here they come with the Inaugural Eugene Marathon, right here in "Track Town USA", how can I not run? I told myself that running and mostly the training for a marathon was too hard on my body, mostly my knees. But now that I have lost 27 pounds (still fight to lose those last 3 lbs), I feel so good, I am in the best shape of my life, my running is so much easier and faster, how can I not run? So I have signed up to run with a group that is training for the Eugene Marathon 29 April 2007. I am working for a personal best being that I ran the Country Music Marathon in 5 and 1/3 hours, that should not be hard to do! http://www.eugenemarathon.com/

2006-12-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

Campus population gathers for world AIDS day - Online Only

2006-10-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

1st Runner-up to Mrs. Oregon America 2007 - Clackamas High School was the setting for the 2007 Mrs Oregon America Pageant. The first in the season of Mrs America Pageants, eleven women competed Saturday Night, October 7 for the title of Mrs Oregon 2007.
The ladies ranged from 26 to 47, married 8 months to 23 years. It truly was an array like no other and the women not only shined, they resonated well with the judges. What a strong group, one judge was heard to have said. The evening started with an opening number choreographed by Mrs Oregon 2003, Patricia Nuttbrock, to We Are Family. Then the Jantzen Swimsuit Competition followed by the Evening Gown Competition all before intermission. As the 400 plus audience returned to their seat the emcee called all the former Mrs Oregon to stand one by one to celebrate 30 years of Mrs America. The earliest Mrs Oregon was also a Judge, Marsha Naegeli-Moody was Mrs Oregon 1990. Mrs Oregon's from 98, 99, 01, 03, 04, 05, and 06 not only support the program, are still involved in many other capacities.
After a wonderful tribute slideshow tribute presented by John McKibben, Mrs Oregon 2006's husband, it was time to announce the top 5. Taryn Stastny, Jennifer Willis, Trudi Newman, Joelle Rankins-Goodwin, and Kimberly Takla made the cut. They then changed into their opening number dresses and had an on stage interview with Las Vegas Radio Host, Chet Buchannan. Chet's amazing way of making the ladies feel comfortable allowed them the ability to have a wonderful conversation and show themselves to the audience and the judges. It was ANYONE'S game at this point.
National Champion and World Finalist Irish Dancer, Courtney Grogan provided talent while the scores were being tabulated by the auditor. The Director, Libby Crawford, presented several awards and also a check for $1600 to the Chris Dudley Foundation. The pageants goal was to raise $800 to send a child with juvenile diabetes to an intensive basketball camp where they learn to manage their insulin while playing a sport. The cost for one child to go to camp is $800. The money was raised from an online auction the pageant created on their website. They auctioned baskets that the ladies had created from each of their areas of representation. The baskets raised $1200 and Jennifer Willis of Elite Home Loans (also Mrs Southern Oregon) pitched in another $400 to the money raised so that we could send 2 children to camp. The basket that raised the most money received a Mini-Spa Day and that winner was Mrs Marion Co., Kathy Lynn Thompson raising $400!!
The time had come and the final number to Last Dance begun. One last look at all of the states semi finalist. Awards were given (see below) and then the top 5 were asked to step forward. Holding hands the top 5 were announced. 4th runner up, Jennifer Willis, Mrs Southern Or. 3rd runner up, Trudi Newman, Mrs Springfield. 2nd runner up, Taryn Stastny, Mrs Washington Co. and then there was two.
Joelle and Kimberly stepped forward as Chet made his tradition 1st runner up speech before announcing the winner. "And the 1st runner up is....Mrs Eugene, Joelle Rankins-Goodwin, that means Kimberly Takla is the New Mrs Oregon 2007"
Kimberly has a full year to prepared for the 2007 Mrs America Pageant next fall. She has dreamed of the moment ever since she was 18 when a mentor Victoria Jenkins (Mrs Oregon 1984) competed at Mrs America. "I worked so hard and am going give this title my all!" says Takla. Kimberly was the 1st runner up to Lisa Marie Menken in 2005. That seems to be the trend at Mrs Oregon's since director Libby Crawford took on the directorship, Angela Warren, Lisa Marie Menken, and Kimberly Takla were all 1st runners up and have come back the next year to win the title! Maybe the trend will continue for 1st runner up Joelle Rankins-Goodwin, this year's 1st runner up.
Evenings Awards:Most Ad Sales Joelle Rankins-GoodwinMost Ticket Sales Trudi NewmanMost Years Married Trudi NewmanPeople's Choice Award Michelle Hawkins(this award was based on the most cans collected showing support and Michelle's husband showed up with a whole flat bed truck filled!!! These cans of food go to the Oregon Food Bank.)Director's Award Joelle Rankins-Goodwin/Trudi NewmanMrs Photogenic Kimberly TaklaMrs Congeniality Jennifer WillisSpirit of Pageantry Award Shawna DyeNon Finalist Interview Shawna DyeNon Finalist Swimsuit Mariah EskoNon Finalist Evening Gown Malaika Johnston

2006-10-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Big Weekend is here - So here I am heading up Interstate 5 once again, butthis time it's for keeps. The pageant is tomarrow night, I can't get anymore prepared, I've lost 27 pounds, the evening gown has been altered, the shoes have been worn in, I found the perfect brooch to wear on my suit; what don't I have? The perfect hair... I have no idea how I am going to wear my hair tomarrow, but I can't worry about it, I'll just have to see what happens. Well my chariot awaits....

2006-10-06T06:11:00.000-07:00

Army Fatigues by day, Pageant gown by night - News

2006-09-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

A Pictures Worth - a thousand words, so they say. I was "flipping through some other blogs, ans noticed that not everyone is as "stuck" on photographs like I am. I guess photos just say it for me. I am not as eloquent of a writer as I would like to be, in fact I am not a very good writer at all or should I say author, but I think that I have a good imagination and good thoughts, but putting them on paper is another thing, perhaps that is why I use photos. Photographs give you the visualization that I cannot put into words. If I don't already have a photo on file, to express what I am trying to say, I will go out and take a picture, or look for one on the Internet. You know I was going to get a minor in photography while in college, I actually started on it, but I'll be damned if I could get through my Art History class! So I never got the minor, but I did enjoy my photography classes. OK I'm tired and have nothing more to say, so I'll look for a picture to apply to this post.....

2006-09-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

Charity Auction Basket - If you would like to bid on the package listed here go to the url listed below. It says that only Oregon residence can bid, but I will mail to out of state residence - but you must bid through the web-site. This is for the Mrs. Oregon America Pageant, and benefits the Chris Dudley Foundation, you can read about the foundation on the web-site. http://www.mrsoregon.net/My_Homepage_Files/Page5.html

The basket contains the following -

SIMPLE ADDITIONS
By The Pampered Chef ®
•2 Tiles design small bowls
•2 Tiles design small square plates
•2 Tiles design Napkin Set
•2 Tiles design Beaded Napkin Rings
•2 Tiles design Tiles Reversible Placemats
•Tiles design Reversible Table Runner
•Pampered Chef Wine Bottle Opener
•Pampered Chef Cooking for Two Cookbook
•Chipotle Ranch Seasoning mix
•1 Bottle 2002 Viognier wine from Griffin Creek vineyards
•2 U of O White Wine Glasses
•1 Pack of Oregon coasters
•Duck Chocolate for two
•U of O Hazelnuts
•U of O Tailgater Mustard
•“O” Football Antenna Ball
•2 Green and Gold Spirit Poms
•2 Football spirit necklaces
•2 University of Oregon T-Shirts
•2 Duck hats
•1 U of O Football helmet cling
•1 Oregon fleece blanket
•Oregon mini-football
•Stuffed quackin’ duck

For the true Oregon Duck fans or even the wanna be Duck fans

2006-09-26T23:10:00.000-07:00

WHY ME? - If you will recall just about 2 weeks ago, I was on a bike ride and literally ran across or over the kamikaze squirrel (see Sept 13 post). Well, this past Sunday I was out on a walk near a pond with Bob, he was a head of me a bit, as I walked through the uncut grass, I stepped down on a Garter Snake?!!!!! It was fine, it stuck its long red tongue out at me and then slithered on down the hill towards the water. But again I must ask; why me? The girl that brings stray animals into her home to feed them, the girl that will pick up a dead cat or dog on the side of the road to give it a proper burial, the girl that will wreck her car to avoid hurting what ever furry creature may be trying to cross the road. I just don't get it. Perhaps there is a lesson in the fact that I have stepped on or ridden over these animals and they were still able to "get up and go". I'm not sure what that lessone is, perhaps I'll figure it out in time.

2006-09-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

I want to Grow Wine - Ok well you know what I mean, I want to grow grapes and make wine. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be the next Chateau Ste. Michelle or even the next Ernest and Julio Gallo. This notion started sometime ago, I mean everyone and their brother is making wine now, right? And I sure am drinking my share of it, so why not try my hand at making my own, I might save myself some money and have fun at the same time. Now I may be adding this to my list of hobbies that have fallen by the wayside, but I would at least like to give it a try. This past Sunday after church Bob said "let's go for a Sunday drive". Ian was not really into it, I am sure whatever was going to be on Cartoon Network was much more exciting to him, but too bad, we were off. I had no idea that Bob had a particular drive in mind, but off we went to the Lane County - Willamette Valley, heck I don't know what they call it - Wine country, and I will be darned if it's not practically right out my back door!!! Rows and rows and more rows of grapes and these wine tasting places HEAVEN, absolute HEAVEN!!! I had to wonder to myself (out loud), if you could actually eat those grapes, you know were they bitter, sweet, sour what? Well I had my question answered after we pulled into the first winery called "Sweet Cheeks", they were the new kids on the block they'd only been open a few months. I asked if one could eat the grapes hanging from the vines, they actually gave us two bunches, one red, one white. In case you didn't know the grapes aren;like the ones you buy down at Safeway, they are really small, about the size of an eraser head, but I guess it also depends on what kind wine you are going to make with them as to their size. Wow and mmmmmm, the grapes were very good. Ian who hardly had anything to eat was starving so he took the bunches of grapes outside and ate them as he looked out on the country side and what a sight it was, just beautiful.
I on the other hand stood inside and enjoyed the the flavors of seven different bottles of wine, you know just tastes, not whole glasses or bottles. We bought one bottle a riesling my favorite. We stopped at one other winery and I talked to Ed, the guy serving the wine, not an Oregonian, but a New Yorker. Don't ask me the name of the place, I forget, the wine was good, I bought a bottle of muscat, kind of like champaine but without so many bubbles. OK So here is the point it was nice afternoon, a beautiful drive. We are still eating on the two bunches of grapes that we got, but as I eat them I am spitting the seeds out and putting them on a paper towels, one marked red, one marked white. I hope to take my little seeds and plant them, but I am not sure how, and have not had time to research growing "wine grapes", so there they sit on the kitchen counter. Soon they may get thrown away, or perhaps they will mold or shrivel up and die before I can get to them, but for now I will maintain a dream of creating Joelle's little vineyard in my backyard, who knows onw day I may be calling my friends to come over for a "grape stomp".

2006-09-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

Overworked-Overwhelmed- My good friend Laura said to me today, "update your blog". I new from the beginning that I am terrible about keeping a diary. The creative juices don't flow, the thoughts are just not there, and I am just too tired sometimes. But I do enjoy it when I can write something thoughtful or funny and share it with others. So when I started writing this blog the purpose was to follow my steps leading up to the Mrs. Oregon America Pageant, so let's talk about that. Here I am September 13th, the pageant is less than one month away. I have been feeling so confident about all that I have done to prepare up to this point. I bought the dress of my dreams, for about 75% less than I could have gotten it off the rack. I have been a size 10 to 14 usually a 12 for about as long as I can remember. My evening gown for the pageant is a size 6!!! I bought a suit for the interview portion of the pageant; a size 12, it is currently with the seamstress being taken in to fit on my now size 6/8 body. I am 42 years old, and I guess I should not be ashamed to say that I look and feel pretty damn good for my age, I am actually in the best shape of my life. I've never been obese, just at times heavier than I wanted to be, uncomfortable at times. So now here I am, I joined Weight-Watchers about 26 weeks ago, I have lost about 20 pounds in that time and like I said have gone from a size 12 to fitting pretty good in a size 8. So what is the big deal you might be wondering? It's a transition. I am afraid to go out and buy new clothes. At the WW meetings they talk about each milestone and rewarding yourself for reaching a milestone. I have a problem with that for some reason, I did buy two pairs of black pants because I needed them to wear to pageant appearances, that is how I found out I was in a size 8, but other than that, I am swishing around in clothes that are too big for me. Perhaps because I have not been this small for at least 25 years, perhaps because I have tried just about every diet in the book, and gained all lost weight back, perhaps I am waiting for another failure. Perhaps I just want to wait and see if it sticks, will I stay this size and weight? I love it, I feel great, I still have 8 pounds to lose, but that is another frustrating subject for discussion on another day. My husband calls me his "incredible shrinking wife". I wanted to lose weight, so that I would feel better, my motivation to get started was the pageant, I truly hated the thought of joining WW but I needed a kick in the butt and now I am happy that I did. So in less than 4 weeks, I will be parading my size 8 butt, (that will never go away), up on stage in a swim suit. How do I feel? I usually contain my excitement, I don't like to peak too early, I am anxious, a little nervous, and quite overwhelmed in some ways because I still have a lot to accomplish before 7 October. But I am prepared, I don't know why I love to do pageants, why do I put myself through this craziness? Again, that is a discussion for another day.

2006-09-13T03:28:00.000-07:00

kamikaze Squirrel - yesterday I was on a bike ride with a group of people that I work with, there were four of us and we had about 10 minutes left to our ride; as we rode through Alton Baker park, I was riding in the middle of the pack and watched as a beautiful, cuddly, grey squirrel ran directly into the path of our bicycles, I watched in slow motion horror as "Rocky the Squirrel", ran directly under my front tire! Thump-thump. I gave a very typical "girl" scream and stopped my bike, as the guys roared with laughter. I looked back and thank goodness Rocky had hopped up, brushed himself off and ran up the nearest tree, he caught my eye as if to say, "it's OK sister, I know you didn't mean to run me over". But I felt terrible, of all the people in the group to have a run in with the wildlife, why did it have to be me? If I see a spider in the house, I am more apt to pick it up and put it outside, than I am to kill it. Of all the folks in the group, why did it have to be me...the only girl, who of course had to give out this huge shriek. Of course I was ribbed at work all day about "killing the squirrel", and I did worry all day about whether he was hurt at all. When I got home I got no sympathy, my husband wanted to know if I had brought the body home for dinner. I'll never look at a squirrel the same way again. I'm wondering if I'll ever be able to ride my bike through the park again without the fear of maiming the wildlife. Well to Rocky the Squirrel wherever you are, I'm sorry I ran you over, and I don't mind if you and your cousins continue to dig up my backyard hiding and digging up your peanuts.