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!