And it won't be the last time.

Thank you to everyone who weighed in.

Looks like we're on for a GritCity meet-and-drink. Me, Cole, Laura and Niki promise t-shirts for a lucky few, and inappropriate remarks for all.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Top of Tacoma, 3529 McKinley Ave.
Why: Because because because because because!

Be there or be somewhere else.

(But please come or we'll be lonely.)

First, please forgive me for not posting last week. I was sick and would have probably spewed too much cynicism and nasal drippings for anyone's liking.

Now that we've gotten the ugly out of the way, let's talk about the pretty.

Namely, Miss America.

Not sure if you've seen the commercials recently, but Miss America has been marketing itself this year as the original reality/talent competition. Before there was American Idol, there was Miss America, etc etc.

Work it! Photo by Sara Gettys, Yakima Herald-Republic

Sure, their sparkly commercials piqued my interest, but I wasn't actually planning on watching until I learned that a Tacoma resident, and PLU grad, will be in the competition.

Her name is Elyse Umemoto and she's enjoyed the titles of Miss Pierce County AND Miss Seattle AND Miss Washington. Figure that one out. But the best part - just look at all the history she could be making! From the Yakima Herald-Republic's story:

As the reigning Miss Washington, Umemoto will compete Saturday at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for the title of Miss America. If she wins, she could make pageant history.

Umemoto could be the first Miss Washington – and first former Miss Pierce County – to become Miss America. She also could be the first American Indian to wear the crown. And the first Hispanic. As well as the second Asian.

How many demographics can one person possibly fill?! Unbelievable. She should win some type of award for that alone.

The competition will air on TLC Saturday night (I bet the networks are kicking themselves for passing on this broadcast now that there aren't any writers). If you don't watch, the terrorists... well, you know.

Hey, guys-
Remember me? Well, I remember you and miss you all (most of you) very much.

To my great dismay, there have been no bills introduced in Olympia involving prostitutes and coffee shops. Yet. But I've been checking regularly and will keep you in-the-know.

But I'm having fun. I met some nice legislators and lobbyists. I also met a Pierce County politician who told me I looked like Nicolas Sarkozy's wife (I don't, but would it were so...).

I know Cole is mad his car was broken into, and I would be, too. But one thing that's wonderful about Tacoma is that nobody there asks me if I'm an intern, introduces me as an apprentice, inquires how long I've been "helping with this reporting thing," or says, "You remember Niki, she's the new assistant."

All in all, its good for my ego. I mean, how many more years could I be mistaken for an intern? (Twenty, if I play my cards right and everyone loses their vision.)

In closing, I look forward to seeing you all on Friday at either a bar or a coffee shop. It's time for me to go now.

Niki
P.S. Would it kill you to send me a frigging care package?