Mrs. Minnesota United States 2008 Really? Haven't you won before!!

Yes, I know, we've all heard it before: "She's a crown hog. All about her image with those expensive dresses, fake teeth, fake nails, and ironed hair, creating a fake persona," blah blah blah. I know, I know.. and yes, I just may fit some of the criteria, but afterall, I am the former Miss MN USA, Mrs. MN America, Ms. Bikini Universe, and presently I carry the title of Mrs. Minnesota United States 2008, not to mention a cover model, and the Spokesmodel for Slendertone on the Home Shopping Network. I'm not bragging, but I have to say that it has taken a lot to accomplish all of these things, and I did so by having a strong foundation and family. I'm writing this blog to tell you that I've done these things -- not only for self-confidence and promotion -- which yes, we know, screams that I have "the center of attentionitis," but also to motivate all the young ethnic woman out there who feel they don't have enough money, they're not pretty enough, thin enough, or say to themselves "my nose is too big -- not to mention my butt!" I was that girl who grew up in North Minnepolis and each morning was shipped to an elite school with upper-middle-class children who let me know that I was different. And different was not good. It bothered me at the time; now I forgive them. My parents worked hard, my father was (and still is) a bartender at a high-end hotel. My dear Mother was an engineer for Honeywell, so I understood disicpline, good work ethics, manners, and how to treat people who were not like me; how to treat them the same way I wanted to be treated. So I'm proud to say that I will continue to mentor young ethnic women as Mrs. Minnesota United States 2008. More to follow :)