I am so thankful of everyone and everything in my life. God has led me to where I am today and I constantly find myself saying when I pray, "Thank you so much!" I encourage you to think about all the things that you are thankful for on this special holiday. Sometimes if we don't take time to think about what we are thankful for, it's easy to take it for granted. Thanksgiving is a nice reminder of how no matter what life throws at you, there is always something that brings us happiness.
Another way of reminding myself to never take anything for granted is by attending Miss Minnesota's Inspiring America Concerts. On November 6th, I attended Kathryn's Inspiring America Concert in Wadena where there was yet again amazing talent to be shared and memorable stories to be told. With the location being in Wadena, it was very touching to hear that one of the nominated Inspiring Americans was a volunteer who had tirelessly worked to clean up the pieces of their city that had previously been ripped apart by a tornado this past June. Could you imagine losing your house to a tornado? You can read more about the inspiring stories at http://www.whohasinspiredyou.com/
Miss Coon Rapids, Allison Lordbock and I at the Inspiring America Concert
There will be another Inspiring America Concert in Coon Rapids on December 4th. If you haven't gone to one yet you simply must attend, you won't regret it! I hope to see you all there.
On November 13th a New Miss Mankato 2010 was crowned. Sadly I could not attend because of the snowy weather, but I waited up that night to hear the results! Congratulations to Natalie Davis, the newly crowned Miss Mankato!
And to end this month off with a bang, I got to sing the National Anthem for the Timberwolves basketball game last night (November 24th)! Where do I even begin? I think to sum it up, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I had a blast! Not only did I get to sing I also got 4 tickets. I brought my Dad, brother and boyfriend. My brother was by far the most excited for he is an avid basketball player/enthusiast. We arrived early and were taken into the Target Center (before the doors opened) and were sat in some court side seats to watch the players warm up. WOW we were all pretty pumped about seeing the players about 2 feet away from us. I was even taken "Back Court" to warm up where there was a private DJ and a buffet of food. There were guards everywhere and I had to wear my court side pass around my neck to be visible at all times. I felt like a real VIP :-)
Standing next to DeJuan Blair
They told me how it was going to work and before I knew it they were announcing me to sing the National Anthem. There had to of been at least 10,000 people there! They announced me as, "Bethany Beniek- Miss North Metro." Since everyone loved my "Kevin Love" jersey they told me not to wear my banner because it would cover the jersey up, so they told me they would announce me as Miss North Metro which was so cool to hear. If you want to see a video of me singing at the game follow this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yaq48LV9MQQ
Singing the National Anthem
I was displayed on the big screens in the center of the court
The game was intense with the Timberwolves ahead most of the game, but then lost in overtime. It was a very fun game to watch. This was a once in a life time opportunity and I cannot believe I can check this off of my bucket list. Like I said earlier, I have so much to be thankful for!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Always,
Bethany Beniek
