Tuesday, September 11, 2012
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.
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.
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!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)