The End is Near

The end is near. The end of what? The end of my reign as your Mrs. Kansas United States 2013. And when is the end? Technically Sunday, but it starts tomorrow. Tomorrow. This post is admittedly a bit disjointed, stream-of-consiousness, so be prepared!

I write this blog with mixed emotions. It's a very bittersweet time for me. On one hand, I feel like I'm ready to crown my successor, but, on the other hand, I would be happy (as any titleholder would be) to never have to give it up!

This year has been so amazing! I can't adequately describe to you how grateful I am for all the wonderful experiences I've been afforded and how much I've changed as a sister, daughter, career woman and wife. From the boot camps over the summer with all five fabulous Vanbros teen titleholders and my lovely sister queens from Missouri, Tennessee and Texas, to nationals at the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas, to all the meaningful and fun appearances I've made, I wouldn't trade this year for anything! 

I'm grateful for the support my coworkers at my alma mater, the University of Kansas, my parents, my sister, my extended family, the Karwases, my best friends Scott and Jess, and especially my husband Alex. I could not have done it without them! They've all helped make me who I am today and have kept me grounded and focused throughout the year.

And, obviously, the Vanbros team and all of my amazing sponsors provided so much support and encouragement to me; I felt like I could do anything with them behind me! For a full list of sponsors, check the side bar to the right.  

As I prepare (as best I can) to give up my title, every time I get sad or anxious, I think of the woman who will be crowned Mrs. Kansas United States 2014. And I think of all the amazing experiences she will have over the next year and how that will positively affect her family and her community and, most importantly, herself. I can only imagine how excited each and every contestant making their way to St. Joseph today and tomorrow is, and can't wait to catch up with or meet each one.  

I know I'm leaving out a ton of people in my very short thanks above, but I plan to post my official farewell letter, word-for-word from the program book, sometime this weekend. So make sure you stay tuned! 

Finally, make sure to follow me on Twitter @RealMrsKSUS and on Facebook for pictures and all the details of this weekend in St. Joseph; I'll even be posting live during the pageant from the Historic Missouri Theatre Sunday evening. You won't want to miss it! I posted a picture of some of my favorite appearances from the past year below, too.

Have a great weekend! And thanks for reading. 

All the best, 

RYK

From left to right, top to bottom: With Allyce King and Mrs. Missouri United States in St. Louis; with Miss Kansas Teen USA 2013 Aly Klinzing in Eudora; after judging the 2013 Miss Kansas, Miss Teen Kansas and Ms. Kansas United States Pageant in April; and with Mrs. Missouri United Sates in Kansas City, Kansas.