She is an automatic selfie companion.
Did you know that over 93 million selfies are taken per day? The great thing is that I don’t have to take a selfie by myself (which is a whole other argument whether to call it a selfie or usie). Regardless, Sage, isn’t it reassuring to know that we aren’t the only ones? No appearance is complete without a selfie... or two... or three. What’s even better is that I have a little sister who doesn’t complain about all the pictures I take and doesn’t make fun of my weird poses and funny faces, because she is doing the same right beside me!
As I said in an earlier blog, I love coffee. So does my sister queen, which means we are a perfect match. The night before any event, we always make sure arrangements have been made for one of our moms or directors to get the coffee. While in New Prague for the Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen pageant, with no Starbucks or Caribou in sight, I made a special trip at 7 in the morning to Patty’s Place to make sure Sage had her coffee before being sent off to the pageant. Sage’s favorite is a mint mocha, by the way, but I won’t give away which side of the Starbucks / Caribou debate we are on.
What may seem totally weird and awkward when at an event by myself, is completely normal when Sage and I are together. There is never a dull moment. This includes dressing up in our 1950s sock hop gear, eating cookies and excitedly painting like children, and dancing. For those of you who know me, you know I have minimal coordination and no killer moves. So, the one time Sage and I hit the dance floor I couldn’t help but laugh and be silly, but this was and will be the only time I freestyle dance as Miss Coon Rapids.
#teamcoonrapids... Not only am I on a team, but I am on the best team with Sage. She is the most supportive, positive, and optimistic teen I know. And that is the team I want to be on when facing the stress of a busy day or when I need that extra push to practice my swimsuit walk again... and again. Sometimes we are even against each other. For example, when we argue who will do her mock interview first, but we get over it within minutes.
Can I just take a moment to brag? I couldn’t be more proud of Sage and her performance at Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen. She is a true testimony of what the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen program stands for. The personal growth witnessed in Sage from her first year competing at Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen is tremendous. From a shy, young girl, Sage has become a well-spoken, confident, and poised young woman. And did you hear her response to her on-stage question?! She KILLED it!