So many questions...

My favorite part of any school presentation is Question & Answer time. That's when I really get to hear what's important to the students, when their curiosity and creativity shine through.

On May 29th, I visited Sacred Heart School in Waseca. I presented to the entire school, grades K-4, in two shifts. During the second Q&A time, one girl raised her hand and asked, "When you shower... do you take the crown off?"

On May 30th, I visited middle schools in the Robbinsdale school district. One student asked if I would kiss him (I'm sorry, but no), and another asked if I was engaged to Joe Mauer (also no). Some students wanted to know if I had specific advice for string players, and others were interested in what it takes to become Miss Minnesota.

Questions aren't limited to grades K-8, however. This past weekend I was in Atlanta for the wedding of my friends Mary & Gavin. Bridesmaids, relatives from Mississippi, servers at the reception: "Are you really Miss Minnesota?" (yes) "At Miss America, did you call each other by your real names or by states?" (both) "Has it been a good year?"

To the last one... Absolutely. A gigantic, resounding, YES!!! I know I've said this before, but it's hard for me to believe it's all coming to an end. At the same time, though (and yes, I'll say this again too)... I can hardly wait for Miss Minnesota 2007 to have the time of her life.

Who will that be???? Come to the pageant - June 15-17 - and find out! Click here for your tickets... I'll see you at the show!

(And yes, there will be updates along the way!)