Democratic Caucus

I will begin by stating that I understand that some will say, "This is not the place for her to be posting this information." I disagree. I post this blog so that people know what my life is like as Miss Poulsbo, and also as me - Alex Duchemin. Miss Poulsbo should be active in her community and in her government whenever possible, no matter her views. I hope with that said, you continue reading.

I, Alex Duchemin, participated in the Democratic Caucus today... Yes, I am a declared Democrat -at least with Obama as a candidate I am - and I was so proud to participate in the Democratic Caucus today, as a supporter for Obama.

But to be honest the real reason I am posting this is to encourage all of you young people - especially young women - to get registered to vote, and to vote in this primary election if you still have your absentee ballot!

Also, I want to stress that when voting in a primary election, by absentee ballot you MUST mark the party you are affiliated with by marking the party's box by the signature line - it's on the flap of your envelope. If you do not mark a party your vote WILL NOT COUNT. They will throw it away.This is only true in the primary election and it does not have to effect how you vote in the final presidential election.

Register if you haven't, vote if you still can, and learn something new about our system this year. You will be impressed.

I also challenge you, look beyond the moral issues and examine the parties political views on education, environmental issues, international relations along with their views of taxes and where that money goes.

Ask yourself, who can inspire Americans to get behind a cause, and who can make a difference and do it quickly.You might be surprised who you end up voting for. I know I was. But I found a candidate that represents what I believe politically and I am willing to take on the moral issues myself among the people I can directly effect.

Most importantly get involved in your government, it is a priviledge and an honor that we can!

Thanks for reading, Alex - a dedicated and registered voter.

And the new Miss Missouri 2007 is....

On June 10th at an "oh so ugly hour of the morning," Megan, Michele and I headed off to Mexico, Missouri.

Michele my director was judging the Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen Program so Megan and I went along for the ride.

The gist of the 4 day adventure was something I never thought I would ever say, "I was pageanted out." :)

We attended the teen program in the afternoon and then headed to the Miss program at night. We got lucky and the weather was, "cool" and did not exceed 90 degrees. I have no idea how the contestants stayed so lovely through the entire program. The "gymtorium" at the Mexico Military Academy was not air conditioned. And even with my battery operated fan, disguised as a pink "razor" cell phone I was more than toasty. Makeup remained in solid form, and hair was at it's fullest despite the humidity and heat.

We watched the new Miss Missouri 2007 Lindsay Casmaer and the new Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen 2007 Mary Bauer be crowned and it was exhilarating. I will admit I had picked Lindsay as my favorite from the first time I saw her on the website and Megan (Miss Kitsap can vouch for that). She had to hear about all the reasons why I loved Lindsay all week long. And then... she WON! :) I felt like I won myself.

I got to meet some of Lindsay's family and even got my photo taken with her. The Miss Missouri crew was wonderful, including Kay Lea the Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen Executive Director who welcomed us with open arms, and of course gave some fabulous insight and advice.

I even got to perform my talent during the teen program. What practice. Thank you Kay Lea for making a space in your program lineup for me.

Overall the week was priceless, I got to know my counterpart - Megan Hornbuckle Miss Kitsap 2007 - even better. We have been friends for almost 10 years with some year apart as we pursued lives beyond Kitsap but we were destined to experience this together and I am lucky to have found a friend in Megan.

On a side note I saw fireflies for the first time! And we discovered Sonic (the burger joint). I couldn't get enough of their strawberry limeade! We also hit up Dillard’s before we headed to the airport and found some incredible steals. Let's just say my wardrobe about tripled!
We had a wonderful time, and is usual on one of these "pageant adventures" I learned a lot about myself.

Here are some photos for your perusal. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts, Alex Duchemin

** Can you guess how many outfits Megan and I wore while in Missouri? **



The teammates at Miss Missouri 2007 in Mexico, Missouri!
Night 2 of the Miss pageant. I got labeled the "lady in red" by Miss Missori 2005's Dad! :)

Night 3 of the Miss Pageant - told you there were many outfits involved. :) We got to meet Danielle a Children's Miracle Child with Children's Miracle Network and hear her story. She was a "little sister" at the program this year and brought me to tears multiple times.

After Night 2. We loved "The Sonic" and here I am posing after a long day of "pageanting" with the menu, we ate here multiple times and the folks at Sonic thought we were a bit crazy.

Parade Day (4) - With Jack one of the teen judges from New York!

Lindsay Casmaer - As Miss River City 2007 with her little sister in the parade, just hourse before she was selected Miss Missouri 2007.

Intermission on Night 4 - The Final night!


Us with Miss Missouri 2006 and Miss Arkansas 2006 - Just after the show.

They were the "Dream Girls."

Here we are with Lindsay after the show. Congrats and thank you for spending some of your time with us.

Megan and me with Mary Bauer - Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen 2007. Congrats Mary!

Signing off. Look forward to hearing from you. Alex