Here's a little bit about these past few weeks:
On December 9th, Jacki, Daisy, and I caroled at the Stonehenge Rehabilitation Center in Orem. The people we caroled for were so gracious and had such distinctive personalities! One man talked about how he and his wife had just celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary the week before, and that she had partied too hard resulting in her ending up at the center which made us laugh.
Another lady, Dixie, was just the epitome of a sweet old lady. She welcomed us, offered us chocolate, and we had a great conversation about her and her family. She was so kind, warm, and it was a privilege to be able to play for her!
This event was unanimously one of our favorites because of all the people we got to visit with, and the way the music positively affected them.
The following night, Daisy, McCall, Kapri, and I performed at the University Mall! We may not have had a huge crowd, but we were SO grateful for the people who came to support us! We danced, sang, played instruments, and had a grand old time!
On that Saturday, we were informed of a business opening and consequent ribbon cutting! I was able to go and meet the owner of Foundation Chiropractic. He has been practicing in Orem, but just moved to a new location. The event was well organized, the location had a new and edgy feel about it, and complementary massages and food were there which - hello - was completely over the top!
While there, I was able to interact with several kids and one kid, Brandon, told me about how he loves math which is always music to my ears!!
Later that night, I was able to emcee the fifth annual "Christmas in the Valley" held at Lakeridge Junior High and let me tell you that the talent here in Utah Valley is just astounding. The program featured three vocalists as well as the Lakeridge Junior High Choir. All of the performers were exceptionally talented, and it was a nice break from studying to be able to listen to them.
After the show, I was able to meet Miss Utah 1983 Lynn Lambert Eyestone. We talked about what it's like to be a titleholder, my preparations for Miss Utah, and I felt like I've known her for years! One of the best facets of the Miss America Organization is the sisterhood.
On Saturday the 19th was the Christmas Breakfast for Children in Need at the Orem Senior Friendship Center. I was stunned by how many came out to help and support the event! They are the ones who made it happen!
It was a bumpy start at first because the outlets at the Center are never used and kept shorting on us, but we eventually were able to make it work so that we could cook the pancakes!
Many of Orem's residents and my friends came out to either volunteer, support, or donate including Miss Inspiration, Santa Claus, members of the Timpanogos and Mountain View High School National Honor Societies, and my family members and friends.
Overall, it was a success! People were exceptionally generous in their donations, and between talented performers, note writing to kids at Primary Children's hospitals, and serving breakfast, it was such a blast.
Well that's a wrap for 2015! I'm so excited for what 2016 holds in store. It's amazing how fast time flies. I can't believe that it's been about seven months since I was crowned. I wish it would never end! So that's what I'm grateful for today: the experiences I've had, the people I've met, and the relationships I've formed for these past seven months. It would take years to describe every person and every detail, all I can say is that I have never felt more blessed or grateful in my entire life.
Much love,
Miss Orem 2015-2016
Jesse Craig
