Miss Utah 2008

Today at the Capitol, Miss Utah 2008, Sgt. Jill Stevens led the House of Representatives in the Pledge of Allegiance. It was fun to see her in person- she really is as down-to-earth as she seems on TV. She competed in the Miss America pageant and although she didn't make it past the top 16, she was "America's Choice," an award given to the most popular candidate by online voters (including me). She's really very cool- she's a nurse and has served with the National Guard in Afghanistan. She has run 12 marathons and was the only one of the top 16 Miss America candidates to wear a one piece swimsuit. I'm glad that such a well-rounded girl is our Miss Utah this year!

New job

I've started my new job and it's already pretty exciting. My official title is Media Relations Coordinator for the Utah House of Representatives Majority Caucus. Whew.

I have an ID badge that gives me access to all sorts of cool, secure rooms in the Capitol. My favorite so far? The kitchen with the built in fountain drink machine. Yay! I'm in a very nice, HUGE office that is really meant for two people but for now, it's just me. My office is on the fourth floor of the Capitol and overlooks downtown Salt Lake City. There are tours of legislative interns roaming the halls, getting acclimated to their new surroundings. Every now and then, I'll see a Representative or Senator. Mostly, though, everywhere I look are workmen and painters trying to finish the last minute "punch list" items. The Capitol is beautifully restored, but it's a huge space with such minute detail everywhere, so often I'll see shiny, dark wood, built-in cabinets... with no hardware to open them or blue tape on the walls marking where the paint needs to be touched up. Oh well- six more days until the Legislative Session starts- hopefully it will all be ready by then!!

Capitol Re-Dedication Ceremony

DISCLAIMER** I know that I am turning into the biggest political nerd and it's probably boring you guys to death, but that's just the price of being my friend.**


(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)


Some of you know I have a new job working for the Utah State House of Representatives. I am going to be the Media Relations person for the Majority Caucus and house leadership. (Mmm, kay, what??) Translation: whenever a legislator wants to hold a press conference, I will make it happen. I am excited about this new opportunity!

Last Friday, I was invited to the Senate breakfast at the Grand America. It was a fancy affair, with VIPs everywhere. The most amazing part was that I actually knew some of the people there!! Then after that, I headed over the the Capitol. I volunteered as an usher for the Re-Dedication Ceremony.

(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)

It was an incredible experience! The Mormon Tabernacle choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square, Bell Choirs, the International Children's choir, the Madeline School Choir and the 23rd Army brass band were there to provide INCREDIBLE music! I had a great view of the proceedings from the 4th floor balcony (right above the stage). The acoustics were amazing in the rotunda and it was so fun to look into the audience and see people I knew (or recognized).
(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)

The governor was there, along with Secretary Leavitt, the First Presidency, clergy from other churches, all the legislators and Supreme Court of Utah Justices, former governors... the list goes on and on! President Hinckley invoked the Dedicatory Prayer on the new building.

(Photo by Tom Smart, Deseret Morning News)
I didn't find out until later that the body of a construction worker had been found during the ceremony! What a sad (and kind of freakish) thing!