Miss Minnesota Week - Tuesday

Tuesday is going down in history as one of the most fun days of my entire life!

We started the day off eating breakfast at IHOP and then had a day of reahearsal at the hotel. We all changed into our matching Miss Minnesota T-shirts and headed to the Mall of America where we ate at the Sky Deck.  It was my favorite meal thus far during Miss Minnesota week.  There was caesar salad, alfredo pasta, potstickers and egg rolls! Perfect! After eating we had some "free time" where we could play unlimited video games or go cosmic bowling.  I went straight for the video games. I played dance dance revolution, basketball, ride simulators, racing games and Megan Bakken and I spent quite some time playing a shooting game together.  Wow I had so much fun, I could have stayed at Sky Deck all night!

After playing arcade games we received all access passes to Nickelodeon Land where we split up into three groups and got to do whatever we wanted.  My group had the mission of going on as many rides as we possibly could, and we succeeded!  I actually had to skip out on the last ride because I honestly thought I was going to get sick, my stomach cannot handle rides the way it used to when I was younger.  Wow I feel like I'm getting old ;-)

Group 2 was the best!

I have not got much sleep this week at all and I'm starting to feel it today. I must force myself to get some sleep tonight because can you beleive that our Miss Minnesota interviews are TOMORROW! Whoa!

Always,

Bethany Beniek

Miss Minnesota Week - Monday

Today was a whirlwind of emotion as we started the day off at Gillette Children's Hospital where I not only got a tour of the hospital, but had the opportunity to decorate cookies with some patients.  There has never been a time where I went to Gillette's and don't leave inspired. The patients have a beautiful spirit that shines through even though they may be in a wheel chair, or have a cast on or just drove 5 hours to get to an appointment.  The patients consistently make their own empowering statements about using life's obstacles to touch other lives, they certainly have a special place in my heart.

I connected with a young girl named Anna who admired our crowns so much.  I let her wear my crown and she thought it was the darn coolest thing that has ever happened to her.  She really didn't want to give the crown back to me at all....considering I have extra at home it was really hard for me to not give it to her ;-)

Anna and I

After eating lunch at the hospital we went back to the hotel for an evening full of rehearsal.  This production is hard for me to keep up with, it's going to be incredible! Well it will be if I can learn all these dance moves.  You are going to love it!

My roommate Paige and I matched!

Oh did I forget to tell you we were escorted everywhere today via limosine! It was a blast, we trully felt like royalty.

God Bless,

Bethany Beniek

Miss Minnesota Week - Sunday

I cannot believe I'm sitting in my hotel room for Miss Minnesota week! As contestants we plan, organize, schedule, and plan some more about this week and it doesn't feel real that it's finally here. 

My day started at the Redeeming Love Church where I had my Quality of Life interview.  I feel good about the interview. It was very laid back and conversational. It was a great way to kick start the week.

After my interview we headed over to the Crowne Plaza hotel to check in.  We didn't have much time to unpack as we had to get ready for the "Prelude to the Crown" event where I got to eat and mingle with many former Miss Minnesotas.  It was very cool seeing so many formers in one room together.

Thanks Mom and Dad for being so helpful and dropping me off!

Siri Freeh and I

Paige and I

With Miss Minnesota 2001 and Miss Minnesota 2005

I'm having some technical difficulty with the internet in my room, Paige and I are all the way at the end of the hotel so we have to sit in the hallway to get internet.  It's rather funny sitting out here with Paige as we try and update our blogs, facebooks ect...

Paige sitting in the hallway with me, I can't help but laugh out loud!

I am already having so much fun with the contestants. Everyone seems to have a great sense of humor!

Stay tuned, I will try and update you all week long.

Much Love,
Bethany Beniek

Send-Off Party

I have been keeping myself very busy over the past two weeks and this next week will not be any different. I visited  Hudson High School on Wednesday, May 30th where I spoke to the students about the Miss America Organization and my personal platform, "Empowered to Serve." I also had the opportunity to perform my talent piece for the students a couple of times to get some extra practice before I perform it on the Miss Minnesota stage!

Yesterday was my Send-off Party at the Pioneer Place in St. Cloud.  I had some close family and friends come where I showed them some of my wardrobe that I will be wearing for Miss Minnesota.  It's always nice to get on a stage and practice all the areas of competition to get out any last nerves before the big day.

I have another school appearance this week along with a bunch of mock interviews, talent prep and one last fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network this Friday, June 8th at the Cone Castle in St. Joseph, MN.  Please come and help me raise funds for a very worthy organization. If you cannot come and still want to donate please visit http://www.missamericaforkids.org/Donate/bethanybeniek2012 

Always,

Bethany Beniek