Do I Really Have to Pick Just one?

It's the Tuesday after Labor Day weekend. You're probably dragging a bit. You may be asking yourself, "Why do I have a job again?" You need a new post. You deserve a new post. So since I spent the weekend at one of my favorite things - a hometown festival - doing something I'd never done before, I give you: Things I Learned While Judging a Queen Contest:

1. Five years may be too soon for the question, "Where do you see yourself in..." We're highschoolers, they could have said, I'll definitely still be trying to figure out who I am.

2. It's very hard to name your own best and worst qualities. Who wants to share that information? And how is this not shooting yourself in the foot?

3. The pastel mini dress with white go-go boots? This look should never have died. (A.k.a., These Boots are Made for Walking makes for an adorable lip-sync.)

4. Every girl should get to walk on a stage in an evening gown at least once. And she should be rewarded just for doing it.

5. I heart teenage girls. I want to hug them and tell them it's all going to be okay. I want to convince them to dream really big because you might as well shoot for the stars. And I want to tell them that life is not a queen pageant. Only one person can win a contest, but anyone can win at life.