I think reflection is so important.  You can't truly appreciate where you are if you don't spend time thinking about how you got there.  I'm currently drowning in sparkles trying to pack for Miss America and I can't help but laugh when I think about my life three years ago.  If you had asked me to pick a contest I would eventually be in between Miss America and American Idol, I would have picked American Idol...and I can't sing for beans.  The twists and turns a life can take are truly astounding.  

I remember watching Miss America for the first time in 2010.  I was vacationing in Canada with my family and we all gathered around to see who would win.  This was the first time any of us had ever really watched it and I was completely in awe of the young women competing for the coveted title.  At that point I was still trying to win my first local title in Florida.  We all agreed that I would never make it to Miss America but we were truly impressed by the caliber of the women in the pageant.  

Fast forward to July of 2010 and my first time at Miss Florida.  I had absolutely no idea what to expect and I was entirely overwhelmed by almost everything that happened there.  Still, I loved every second of it.  I was disappointed when I didn't get called for the top ten but I knew I would have another chance to make the cut and I tried to soak up the whole experience like a very absorbent sponge.  I will never forget my interview that year.  Mignon Merchant Ball (a former Miss Oklahoma) was one of the judges and she challenged me in the interview asking if I really felt anyone in the sports journalism world would take me seriously if I were to win Miss Florida.  It made me think and it gave me a fiery passion to prove to the world why the Miss America Organization is relevant in every aspect of society.  I never thought I would actually win Miss Florida, however.  My goal was to talk to anyone and everyone I encountered in my sports TV and media life about Miss America.  I was determined to dispel the stereotypes I knew existed in their minds.

In January 2011, I found out FOX Sports was hiring me to do the Tampa Bay Rays baseball broadcast as a reporter for the RaysLive Pre and Post game shows.  It was a dream come true, especially since I was in my final semester at UF at the time and wanting to solidify a job when I left Gainesville in May.  I found an apartment to move to in St. Petersburg and I began to study anything and everything I could find about American League baseball.  I won Miss St. Petersburg 2011 and went to meet with the Executive Producer of FOX Sports Florida shortly after.  He told me they had taken a big chance hiring me because I was only 22 and he said he hoped I would rise to the occasion and make him proud.  He finished the meeting by telling me FOX was in full support of me competing in Miss Florida that summer and he understood that I would have to immediately quit my job if I won.  He said he noticed a different poise about women who compete in the Miss America system.  To this day, I credit MAO as the main reason why I got a job with a national network at such a young age and for this reason, I will forever give back to the organization.

Miss Florida 2011 was so much fun.  I wore my mom's favorite color pink in evening gown, I danced to my favorite ballet variation the Dying Swan and I got to spend a week with my best friend Olivia.  During the questions for the top five, I was asked how I felt and I said something along the lines of "flabbergasted."  That was the best word to describe my complete surprise at being in the top five and after placing as 2nd-runner-up I figured my pageant days were done.  I was positive I couldn't place any higher than that and I went back to the baseball field and my career 3 days later.

Fast forward to February 2012 (I promise I have a point here) and I was ready to give up my title as Miss St. Petersburg.  I considered competing for a local title again briefly but everyone discouraged me saying, "why would you want to do that when you already have a great career that's taking off?"  I figured they were right and I told myself to give up the dream of Miss Florida and move on. But, I still had one more year to compete.  I knew I only had one more chance to be Miss Florida and I thought why not just try again?  I promised myself I would only compete in one local pageant and if I didn't win a title there, I wasn't meant to go to Miss Florida again.  I threw together a crazy lyrical dance (I hadn't put on my ballet shoes since the previous summer), dreaded putting on a swimsuit (I had eaten my fair share of hamburgers and cookies) and tried to do my best (whatever that was).  I won Miss Pinellas County 2012 much to my surprise and realized that I actually had one more chance to win Miss Florida if it was meant to be.

Shortly after winning Miss Pinellas County, I was hired to be FOX Sports' first ever social media reporter and I worked in Los Angeles for a couple of weeks doing the Pac 12 basketball tournament.  FOX told me they had big plans for my future with them and let me know that baseball, basketball, football and really anything else would be possible for me very soon.  Still, something didn't feel right.  I felt like I wasn't doing anything to make the kind of difference I wanted to make.  How was I helping anyone by just talking about sports on TV all the time?  Yes, I loved what I did but I felt I needed to do something more, something different.  I knew my chances of winning Miss Florida would be slim but I was certain I wanted to find a way to make community service and service to my state paramount in my life.  

I'm not real big on watching my Miss Florida crowning moment because I look pretty ridiculous but I will say this: anytime I see any footage from Miss Florida 2012, I can tell I'm truly happy and I'm having so much fun.  I couldn't even comprehend that I would have the chance to help the people I wanted to help and travel the state spreading the word about what our organization is.  It still boggles my mind that 'little ole me' was given that honor.  I haven't taken a single day for granted.  Miss Florida will always be my favorite job. 

The day after I won Miss Florida, I met with the Miss Florida board and my parents.  I signed that I was contract-free and I was ready to put my career on hold.  I knew it would be tough financially but I felt something would work out so I could get the necessary sponsorships to pay for my apartment and other expenses.  I asked the Miss Florida board if there was any way to keep a part time role with FOX just to alleviate some of the living expenses and they said they didn't think it was possible but they would ask about it.  The next day (Monday), I spoke with FOX Sports and told them I would not be able to continue working there because of my Miss Florida duties.  They wished me the best of luck and I started unpacking my suitcases from Miss FL week.  I was excited to start planning my appearances and hit the road as soon as possible to execute my plan in Florida.

It wasn't long before Mary Sullivan called me and simply asked if I had already quit my job.  I said yes and asked her why and she responded with a little chuckle, "can you get it back?"

As it turned out, The Miss America Organization and the Miss Florida board agreed that I could continue to work as a broadcaster in a part-time, freelance capacity without a contract and under an agreement that would allow me to walk away at any time.  FOX was fully on board with promoting what we do.  I was relieved I would be able to pay for my apartment but I knew I would have a little bit of a juggling act to deal with.  Miss Florida was and is my priority but I still had to be knowledgable and informed on national television.  Sleep took a backseat and I got to work.  Many times during the fall, I would do appearances in the morning, workout or rehearse my talent in the middle of the day, do a baseball broadcast at night and then research for football after that while planning appearances and wardrobe for the coming days.  I loved every minute of the craziness, however and I feel so blessed to have these rewarding experiences.  When football season started, I did appearances and Miss America prep during the week and then flew to my football game on the weekend.  There were some hilarious moments where I would be doing a football coaches conference call while shoe shopping in NYC and trying to pay attention.  I think Mary Sullivan probably learned more about football than she ever wanted to know but she stuck by my side through it all and has been an incredible source of encouragement, strength and humor.  

I finished my last weekend of games on FOX with three back to back in three different states right after Thanksgiving.  I flew to Colorado on Thanksgiving day for Colorado vs Utah on FX.  The next night I flew to El Paso, TX for UTEP vs Rice and then the next day I headed to Los Angeles for USC vs San Diego State basketball.  The entire month of December has been solely devoted to Miss America prep and I have had such a wonderful time getting ready with the Miss Florida board.  

I am determined to breathe in every last detail of the Miss America experience and embrace it as a definite highlight early in my life.  It is an experience I never thought I'd have and I want to enjoy every part of it.  I can't wait to tell my children and my grandchildren about it.  I can't wait to laugh and cry when I reflect on it...and boy will I reflect on it.  Thanks to the incredible support I have in Florida, I feel fully prepared to be Miss America.  Who knows if that's in the cards for me but if it is, I am ready.  I could not have been ready, however, if it weren't for all the amazing people who have given their time and their resources.  I am thankful for this opportunity but even more thankful for the relationships I will treasure forever.  

Chris Martin at Copperhead Salon is a genius!  We are so lucky to have Chris as an amazing sponsor for Miss Florida's hair.  He is the best in the business and he makes me feel like I can conquer anything that comes my way because, well, at least my hair looks good!  It was great seeing him today and once again, I'm so thankful for all he gives us.

Picking my Miss America Placement...

The title of this blog entry is so hard to wrap my mind around.  I know I probably sound like a broken record but this is a dream I never felt would become my reality.  I always imagined I would watch other accomplished, powerful young women compete in Miss America and it truly amazes me that I too will have this opportunity.  When I found out about the Miss America placement lottery system, I thought, "well, I don't really have a preference for where I go because I'm just glad to be there."  Mary told me there have been Miss Floridas called last in the lottery so I was prepared for the comedy that would ensue if I was called last.  Instead, I got called relatively early in the selection process and was able to pick a spot I'm very happy with.  For those attending Miss America, I will be in the Alpha group number 14.  This means I do talent on the first night of competition, on stage question the second night and evening gown and swimsuit the third.  Even more exciting, I'm in the Alpha group with my two good friends Miss Colorado and Miss Arizona!  I am really looking forward to a wonderful week in January with women I know will be great lifelong friends.

Speaking of lifelong friends, Ann Marie Griffin is an amazing woman I'm so honored to call my friend. I admire everything she does so much and once again, she impressed me so much with her generosity.  Ann Marie stopped by Mary's house after the  lottery selection with a wonderful gift just because.  I am so incredibly lucky to be surrounded with incredible people who give their time selflessly.

Then, to top it all off, Ann Marie let me come shop in her store and gave me a number of beautiful pieces that I cannot wait to wear to appearances and to Miss America.  Her store has so much selection and she is an angel to the Miss Florida Organization.  I can never properly thank Ann Marie for all her kindness but I will certainly try and I highly recommend everyone visiting her store to see some of the new clothes she just got in!  Thank you so much, Ann!

I knew I was fortunate to have Mary Sullivan's guidance when I was first learning about all I would do as Miss Florida but it becomes more and more apparent each day that her constant devotion to this organization is unparalleled.  When we were picking my spot for Miss America, she sat there with me diligently until my name was called and then stayed at the computer with me until everything was finalized.  I couldn't help but think about all the other girls picking their spots alone and I am so thankful that I am never alone in anything I do for Miss Florida because I always have Mary's wisdom and reassurance to lean on.  I was able to spend some time at Mary's house again over the past week and I can already tell I'll miss being with her so much after this year is over.  I am determined to soak everything she teaches me up like a sponge and enjoy all 365 days of this whirlwind year.  Thank you, Mary for EVERYTHING you do.

Fun times in the gym with my personal trainer Matt O'Brien.  He makes it entertaining and interesting while working me really hard!  I'm so lucky to have his help!  Check out this video:


http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4186663540202

A New Partnership!

I am excited to announce that my platform as Miss Florida will be The Miracle League!

This is an organization I've worked with a great deal for the last two years during my time as a broadcaster for Tampa Bay Rays baseball.  The Miracle League in St. Petersburg is one of their partners and I got involved through MLB.

So, what is The Miracle League?

It's an incredible organization that gives people with disabilities an opportunity to play baseball and feel a sense of normalcy in their lives.  Miracle League fields are made out of a rubberized surface that is compatible with mobility equipment of all kinds.  Children and adults alike can hit a baseball and make their way around the bases alone or with the help of a buddy.  Buddies are parents, volunteers, children and anyone who wants to help.  The buddies are often referred to as "angels in the outfield."

Currently, there are about 250 Miracle Leagues around the country but I want to help make more.  I don't think any person with disabilities should be deprived of the opportunity to play a game so many love.  Also, it's not just about the game of baseball.  This game is the foundation the organization is built on but the main focus is promoting a sense of normalcy for these children and adults and allowing them to interact with others who do not have disabilities.  Baseball provides a common ground that creates a beautiful bond and bridges generation gaps easily.

The Miracle League headquarters are in Conyers, Georgia so my trip to Atlanta had an exciting purpose.  I was able to officially partner with The Miracle League and meet with the Executive Director, Diane Alford and the Program Director Stephanie Davis.  I learned so much from them about what they do on a daily basis to reach out to people with disabilities and how I can help.  I am ready to devote as much time as possible to promoting their cause this year and all my years after as I strongly believe in what they're doing.

Here's the website for more information:  www.miracleleague.com

A trip to Atlanta!

My parents moved to Atlanta shortly after I won Miss Florida.  No, they weren't trying to escape me (I think).  This move was planned long before I competed as my dad's business is in Atlanta and he had been commuting back and forth to Florida for 10 years.  So, I finally got a chance to visit them and see their new condo!  It was so wonderful to see them as I have missed them so much but being Miss Florida doesn't give you much time to see your family or friends at all.  This is part of the sacrifice you know you'll be making during your year of service to your state but it makes it that much better when you do finally get to see your beloved family.  My brother Dave came too!

Saturday Morning Market

August 25th was a gorgeous morning for downtown St. Petersburg's Saturday Morning Market.  Mary and I went down there for my scheduled appearance and had a blast.  We checked out some very interesting offerings: a cheese stand, waffle stand, bacon sauce?, spices and much more.  We even found a lion puppet for her grandson who is named Lion!  Oh, and we were able to find some delicious vegetable chips.  Man, those things are good!  There's just something really special and relaxing about outdoor markets.  I love them!

Miss America People's Choice Video Filming...

I started the filming for my Miss America's People's choice video on August 23rd.  What an adventure. I don't want to give too much away but I will tell you this:

-A body of water is involved

-A burger is eaten

-New friends are made

-Old friends get involved

And, the rest is a secret!  That is, until these videos are published.  I'm really excited to see what every contestant comes up with this year!

If you're ever in St. Petersburg, Florida and you're looking for something fulfilling to do, head over to All Children's Hospital.  The facility is gorgeous, the doctors and nurses are so passionate about what they do and the children are incredible.  I met so many brave youngsters who kept smiling even though they are battling hardship you never want to think about children facing.  It almost brings you to tears meeting a 16-year-old girl who just got a pacemaker put in and all she wants to do is go back to school and be normal like the rest of her friends or a 3-month-old baby who has to have a feeding tube to eat.  I admire the work of doctors and nurses more than I can say.  I will be making many more visits to All Children's Hospital and other Children's Miracle Network Hospitals during my time as Miss Florida and after.  Yes, a crown and sash do a great deal to instantly brighten a child's day but a smiling face and a hug can have the same lasting effects.

You know that feeling when you're so sore you can't walk and you're feeling muscles you've never felt before?  Well, yeah, that's me this week.  

I love spending so much time in the gym, however, and I'm so excited about all I'm learning from Matt O'Brien.  I could not have asked for a better personal trainer and I can't stop recommending him to everyone I meet.  Matt's philosophy and specific approach to each one of his clients is exceptional.  He really devotes his whole life to making other peoples' lives better and he is giving so much time and effort to me as I prepare for Miss America.  I am forever grateful to Matt and his beautiful wife Hollie for all their generosity.  

PS- nothing like some hard core gloves in the gym to really make you feel intense...

MAOTeen Week!

This week (August 14th-18th) was invigorating on so many levels.  I have truly enjoyed getting to know Elizabeth Fechtel and watching her give up her crown and represent America so well all week was refreshing.  She is an incredible young woman and I admire who she is and what she represents.  Elizabeth has made Florida so proud and I am honored to know her.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for this classy lady!

Cheering Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Jennifer Stehlin on was a blast too!  I got to sit with the other Miss America 2013 contestants each night of competition and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other while rooting for our teens.  It was inspiring to watch women so young and yet so poised, intelligent and talented.  I left Orlando feeling much better about what's in store for the generation of girls coming after my age group.  There were future business women, television stars, singers, dancers, teachers, great mothers and doctors in this group of America's teenagers.  Their talents were astounding.

Speaking of selfless generosity, Chris Martin at Copperhead Salon is another example of a wonderfully giving heart.  I popped in on Chris last minute before and during Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant in Orlando and he worked his magic to get me in his schedule both times.  I can never thank him enough for all he does for Miss Florida.  Also, so fun to see one of my friends and fellow Miss Florida contestant Lauren Chase who is working at Copperhead!

A trip to the dentist...

Miss Florida is so fortunate to have amazing sponsors.  One of them, Dr. Falco at Smile Design Studio in Orlando, has truly impressed me as a representative of a genuinely giving heart.  I came to see Dr. Falco on August 14th and I left with a new perspective on my smile...and a filling for an unwelcome cavity.

I knew Dr. Falco was a cool dude when I walked in his office and saw this guy...

Trying not to laugh, I inquired about the purpose of this drum player.  I was instantly at ease with Dr. Falco when he told me simply, "I don't really know what he is but I just like it."  Well, me too, Doc!

I had to admit to Dr. Falco and his assistants that I hadn't been to the dentist in over 2 years (jeepers!) so I figured things were going to get a bit rough...literally.  But, this group never stopped smiling despite a scraping/brushing/flossing situation that must have been anything but pleasant.  Much to my surprise, I only had one cavity so they patched that baby up and sent me on my way...with a numb mouth, of course.  I was going to see Mary Sullivan later so I was thrilled when my mouth decided to regain feeling again as I could only imagine her averse reaction to me not being able to speak.  Thank you, again, Dr. Falco for all of your generosity!

My business card!

Special thanks to Deanna Meredith for this photo and Tiffany Johnson for hair and makeup.

I still can't believe I'm Miss Florida.  Such a surreal feeling.

TRENDZ CLOTHING SHOW:

Mary, Ann Marie Griffin and I made the trek to West Palm Beach for the Trendz Clothing show on Sunday, August 5th.  I'm still getting used to receiving clothes sponsored by Ann Marie as I've always been accustomed to having to pay for everything.  I can't say this enough: Ann Marie is such a kind, generous person and Miss Florida is extremely fortunate to have a clothing sponsor.  I will never take this generosity for granted.

Trendz is heaven for anyone who loves clothes.  We immediately headed over to the Joseph Ribkoff booth and got to see some of the newest designs they will debut in the fall.  I ordered some amazing pieces that I'm so excited about wearing.  A special thanks to Joseph Ribkoff for all of the help and fun times on Sunday!  I was practically pinching myself the whole time trying to make sure it wasn't all a dream.  I'm still pretty sure it all happened and I couldn't be more thankful for everything.

I filmed a commercial in one of the Joseph Ribkoff dresses Ann Marie sponsored for me.  Here it is:

I am thrilled to announce that I'll be training with Matt O'Brien to prepare for Miss America!  Matt is an expert in physical fitness and a published author.  I would highly recommend checking out his book The Magic Pill!  This is an opportunity to transform your body, transform your life and live longer doing it.  I'm already so impressed with Matt's philosophy on fitness and how to educate a nutrition ignorant America.  Here's his website:

http://www.readthemagicpill.com/

August 3rd: A special afternoon with Bob Clark.

Miss Tampa Director Bob Clark is an incredible human being.  He invited me to one of his famous Friday luncheons at the Columbia Restaurant and it was such a rewarding experience.  This man has figured out a way to bring people together and help them help each other while enjoying good food and great conversation.  Basically, he's subtly setting up wonderful connections and as he says, "This all started trying to help one of my friends find a husband and a job."  Of course, this friend of his found both thanks to Mr. Clark's Friday lunches and the success has only continued.

Career advancement is often credited to hard work and dedication but there's also that little thing called connection that can skyrocket a person's job situation or personal life.  Just being friendly has so much to do with moving up any ladder you're presented with and Bob has mastered this idea with his promotion of fellowship among influential community members.  I was honored to listen to everyone at the table talk about their service, their careers and their love for the state of Florida.  I'm hoping to attend another luncheon with Bob as I learned so much from these experienced people in a matter of thirty minutes.  They all had a unique story, different experiences and subsequently varied advice on a multitude of matters.  Bob, with his unassuming yet dynamic presence has an uncanny ability to make people comfortable and embrace what makes them powerful in their own skin.  I hope to harness a little of his magic and use it to help those I come across as well.

Camp Mary has come to a close...

After a wealth of fun, laughter, good food, Miss America paperwork and excitement, I finally packed up my car to head back to St. Petersburg.  It was bittersweet because I have had so much fun living with Mary and her husband Bill in their beautiful home but I also know I'll be back soon.  Mary is such a generous hostess and now I know exactly what former Miss Floridas are talking about when they say they didn't want to leave her home.

I left feeling confident and excited about my Miss America paperwork.  Mary always reminds me, the paperwork is the first impression.  One stray word, one misrepresentation, one grammatical error can make all the difference.  It may seem like overkill but we went through that paperwork hundreds of times doing our best to perfect it and tweak it while maintaining a vibrance to it that I think will be so important.  I can't thank Mary enough for spending hours toiling over these forms and making sure they were excellent.

I am getting more and more excited about Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant coming up in Orlando.  First of all, I can't wait to cheer on Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Jennifer and second, I am eagerly anticipating meeting all of my fellow Miss America contestants.  I know new friendships will be formed and I know I'll learn so much from these young women.  It will be an honor to be in their company.

With MFOT Jennifer at Ann Marie's!

July 31st..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MISS FLORIDA DIRECTOR MARY SULLIVAN!

Mary is always giving to everyone else so it was fun to have a day where people could give to her.  Ann Marie Griffin took us out to dinner for a beautiful meal at Mary's favorite, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.  It was delicious and I have so much fun listening to these ladies talk.  It's the perfect combination of intelligence, humor and poise.

We also went out to lunch with Mary's daughter Summer and her grandson Lion as part of our birthday festivities.  It was wonderful meeting new mom Summer and watching Mary take care of Lion in the restaurant.  She is so good with children!  I bought Mary a cake and some of her favorite goodies (Starbucks cake pops, Reese's mini peanut butter cups...) and we enjoyed those after dinner.  I figured it was a win-win situation because I got to eat some too :)

An Adventure at the Ballpark...

I've spent a lot of time in stadiums over the past few years but I've never seen anything quite like the new Marlins Park.  It is the epitome of Miami...colorful, exotic, fun, classy, playful, exciting...well, you get the picture.

Robert Castro (Miss Florida Organization's graphic designer and so much more) went out of his way to set up our day at Marlins Park.  He knows I love baseball and he arranged all of this for me.  I could not be more grateful.  It was such a fun day.

We learned a few days before the game that I would be throwing out the first pitch.  Now, just because I watch a lot of baseball doesn't mean I can actually play baseball...or even throw a ball for that matter.  So, naturally, I figured everyone was in for a good laugh.  When we arrived at the park, we learned that a dog was also throwing out the first pitch.  Based on what I know about canine anatomy, I figured this would be difficult.  Mary and I were forced to inquire about this dog's pitch as we were concerned I would be holding the dog while throwing my ball and we knew that wouldn't do anyone any favors.  It was then that we discovered there were quite a few pitchers involved in the pre-game festivities at Marlins Park on this particular Sunday.  I was one of many throwing out the first pitch and I instantly felt better about it.  I threw some warm up pitches and my arm was feeling good.  I was ready to go.

And then the time came for me to make my way to the mound for my first pitch.  Somehow, in the time it took me to walk to the mound, my pants began to fall down a little.  Here's proof:

So, with my sagging pants and racing heart, I geared up to throw my pitch.  Mind you, the plate seemed MUCH further away from the mound at that point and I wasn't even standing on the mound.  Needless to say, my pitch bounced.  What do they tell you NOT to do when you throw a first pitch?  Bounce it.  I bounced the dickens out of that pitch.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq0Pcdd9tF4

All you can do is laugh about that abysmal attempt to throw a first pitch.  We went to our seats soon after and enjoyed the game for a couple of innings before walking around the amazing park.  It was about 95 degrees outside so an outdoor game would have been a sweat bath.  But, Marlins Park can close it's roof and turn on the AC for a very pleasant fan experience.  We visited the Bobblehead Museum...

Met Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen...

And I did some TV hits for Marlins Vision:

Everybody at the park was so hospitable and we enjoyed all the areas we visited and the people we met.  The game was an exciting one as it went into extra innings and the Marlins came away with a win!  

It's already day 9 of "Camp Mary" and I'm having a blast.  Mary Sullivan is so much fun.  This won't come as a surprise to anyone who knows me personally but I absolutely love to laugh and I find humor in almost everything (sometimes a good thing, sometimes not) so we spend a lot of time giggling.  Mary is clever, fun, insightful, and kind.  To the next Miss Florida: make sure you enjoy her.

On July 25th I did a fun interview with Emerald Coast Magazine.  This magazine tells the stories of people with ties to the Destin, FL Panhandle area.  My family moved there when I was 10 and we lived in the area for three years during my awkward middle school years.  Of course people that might remember me from that area and ages 10 to 13 are appalled at the idea of me winning Miss Anything (I don't blame them).  But, this interview was a wonderful trip down memory lane.  We talked about the sparkling white sands, the delicious fresh seafood, sunsets where the sun melted into the ocean like butter on a biscuit and a crucial part of my childhood.  Some of my best memories were from these years in Blue Mountain Beach playing by the sea and learning to embrace what I could become.

Mary and I trekked up to Orlando in the afternoon on the 25th to make sure we were already in O-Town for a hair appointment and head shot photos the next day.  We stopped by Regalia to visit with Carry O'Neil and see Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Jennifer try on a few dresses.  I don't envy Jennifer as her pageant is right around the corner but she is going to be ready and she will represent this state wonderfully.  We stopped by Copperhead Salon to see Chris Martin and he gave me a new do that is much more manageable and current.  I had some crazy long Rapunzel locks going at Miss Florida but this hair cut is great as Miss Florida should be modern young woman.  Chris Martin at Copperhead is an incredibly talented hairdresser but, more importantly, he radiates kindness.  Chris and his wife Jen are so giving and their love for the Miss Florida pageant comes from a genuine place.  I could never express how thankful I am to have Chris in my life as a friend and not just a hair magician.  Speaking of magicians, our next stop was Deanna Meredith's photography studio.  She took some beautiful pictures which is very hard to do because I don't take good pictures.  I am so impressed by her and she made our shoot exciting and fun.  Thank you SO much Chris and Deanna!  Now Mary gets to embark on the exhausting journey of picking the right headshot for Miss America.  I'm pretty sure she's having nightmares about my face where my potential headshots are dancing like sugar plums in her head.  Terrifying.

July 27th: My first meeting with The Everglades Foundation.  Miss Florida's partnership with this amazing organization has always fascinated me and I could not be more excited about the work I will be doing with them.  They understand the value Miss Florida can bring to their cause and we understand the benefits our organization can reap just by being associated with The Everglades Foundation.  It is a beautiful relationship that has grown and evolved every year with each different Miss Florida.  I plan to put my own stamp on it but I am so thankful to the Miss Floridas that came before me and paved the way for the rest of us to have this enriching opportunity.  Mary and I met the new CEO of The Everglades Foundation, Eric Eikenberg and we talked about the plans he has to use Miss Florida this year, their internal mission, and even a little Major League Baseball.  I learned so much about this ecosystem that supplies 7 million Floridians with water.  Here are a few quick facts I found interesting:

-On average, each Floridian uses 180 gallons of water a day and one out of every 3 Floridians rely on the Everglades for their water supply.  

-For every dollar invested in Everglades restoration, $4 are generated in return with the real estate sector benefiting most from improved water quality.

-Everglades restoration will generate about 442,664 jobs over 50 years.

-The freshwater Everglades ecosystem is currently less than half its original size...about 2 million acres of the ecosystem have been lost.

But, the main point that really stuck out to me in our initial meeting is this: water is not a renewable resource.  We have to conserve what we have and work to make sure our children and grandchildren will have water in their lives.  What we do now directly affects the future generations that will need this water to survive.  

I encourage everyone to go to The Everglades Foundation website www.evergladesfoundation.org and learn more.  This is a cause I will be talking about often but it's worth familiarizing yourself with and finding out how you can help.

With The Everglades Foundation's new CEO Eric Eikenberg