The last one: QSAC Fundraiser

10:02 AM JilinTour.Com 0 Comments

My last appearance was the evening I returned from Buffalo – straight from the airport! with QSAC: Quality Services for Autism. I met "Charlie the Matchmaker" at a Straight Talk event with dot429 and he introduced me to his husband Gary Maffei, founder of QSAC. I presented an award to one of their corporate sponsors, but also receiving an award that night was Richard Oceguera, President of the New York Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NYGLCC), and organization that has been supportive of me this year, including their donation to my Miss America ad in the program book. This was a great way to end my year, once again realizing that just because there are LGBT people supporting a cause, it does not make it a “gay” event. It is because they are people supporting human causes.

But don’t get me wrong, that room did enjoy the sash J

In the few days I had left as Miss New York, I spent my time on Long Island at my friends’ house – Eric and Walter – to relax, reflect, write my farewell and finish planning the logistics of Mr. New York. Since I was a “homeless vagabond” the last two weeks of Miss New York (My lease was up May 31 and I was traveling so much at the end of Miss NY and after, there was no reason to spend thousands of dollars on a NYC apt I was barely living in!) I was very thankful for Eric and Walter opening their home to me as my own.

I witnessed a beautiful, beautiful thing that weekend. In the two years I’ve known them – they do the musical at Hewlett HS that I choreographed after Walter judged me in Miss Jubilee – we have of course talked about my service and platform as Miss NY, but I had heard Walt say before, “I don’t need the state to tell me that I’m married. I know that we have a home together, a life together, and it’s just fine the way it is. Neither of us are going anywhere.” Interesting perspective for someone who has been in a relationship for many years. But something changed; something evolved. And through my conversations with Walt, he started the Human Rights Club at the high school, has become more open about answering students’ questions, and has realized, he needs to be married to Eric. They say it’s because of me. I say it’s because they are two people who love each other unconditionally with eternal commitment. Both musicians, we went in the piano room and Eric played piano as Walter sang “their” song. Tears. Heck, I’m getting teary-eyed now and this moment was two and a half months ago. I was a mess – but not sad tears – happy tears! Another realization of what “marriage” means to some people, but what a relationship truly is.

When marriage passed in NY two weeks later, Walter texted me, “Thank you. We’re getting married December 31.” More tears.

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Finally to Western NY!!

8:54 AM JilinTour.Com 0 Comments

One thing I wanted to do during my reign as Miss New York was focus on traveling to Western NY. Miss NY has not had a strong presence there, and we are missing out on so much. So I contacted the local titleholders in the Buffalo and Rochester areas and we went to town. I was so impressed by Desiree Wiley, Miss Buffalo 2010, from whom I immediately received an email CC’d to me through the superintendent of schools in Lockport as well as a few other area school districts. Katie Martin, former Miss Greater Rochester and now co-executive director, contacted some Rochester area schools as well. Since JetBlue had so graciously offered to fly me anywhere to talk about my platform, I took them up on it! So the trip went a little like this: Sunday straight from Queens PRIDE, I flew JetBlue to Buffalo, NY where Desiree hosted me for the few days.

Monday we spoke at Lockport High School in multiple assemblies, covering their entire 1,600+ student body, focusing on diversity, bullying and acceptance. Desiree was able to share that as a recent Lockport grad, she has already accomplished great things as Miss Buffalo and they were able to accomplish what they set their mind to as well! At the end of one of the presentations, a senior girl came up to me to say “Thank you” and invited me to the G/SA meeting that afternoon. When I went to the meeting I was so excited to find that it was actually their last meeting – what a way to celebrate! We had fascinating conversation about the role of youth in this civil rights movement as well as the shifting climate in schools that makes sexual orientation a bit less of an issue, however still reliving some important stories that should not be hidden to the public about bullying.

Desiree and me with the Lockport HS Principal

Lockport HS Final Gay/Straight Alliance meeting

In between the assemblies and the G/SA meeting, we were able to sneak away for a trip to Niagara Falls. I hadn’t been since 2006, so it was exciting to be able to return! Of course we had to take one picture with our crowns and sashes on and boy did that draw a cute crowd! People were sooo excited to meeting Miss Buffalo and Miss New York and one lady even told me about how excited she was last year to meet Miss America Caressa Cameron at an event! We had a family cookout that night where I got to experience just regular life with the Wiley’s friends and family.

Miss America fans!

with my hosts, the Wiley Family!

Tuesday, we went to Rochester to Golisano Medical Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center at Strong Hospital where we were joined by Chelsea Prophet, Miss Greater Rochester 2011. In the play room, we had arts and crafts time, made frames and had some great talks with the kids there. With Desiree’s platform of organ, eye, tissue and blood donation, she was able to connect with some special kids who were there in that play room because of a donated organ. And since we were all dancers, that was a topic of conversation as well. I’m glad that we made such an impact on Golisano Hospital as Kaitlin Monte, Miss NY 2011 has already been able to go back! In fact, she went on an upstate CMN Hospital tour – take a look on her blog HERE. We returned to Buffalo for some media interviews which you can see featured HERE on the front page of the newspaper.

The next day in Buffalo, we had a meeting with Senator Tim Kennedy. I met the Senator in Albany on a lobby day and he was so excited to bring Miss NY to Buffalo and share experiences from the marriage equality trail. He is an upstanding Senator who has been very supportive and vocal about marriage equality, regardless of it’s potential effect on his political standing and/or race. After hearing from me, and also hearing of Desiree’s involvement with her platform (he had a blood drive set for the following Saturday!), he said to consider him a partner of the Miss New York Organization and became and Elite 100 Donor to the Empire State Scholarship Education Fund. I’d say overall it was a very successful trip! Taking this trip to Western NY allowed me to check off my wish list as Miss New York and I’m very grateful for all who helped to make it possible and especially to the Wiley family for hosting my stay.

Senator Tim Kennedy, Buffalo

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Happy PRIDE Month!! (uggh so late.)

10:36 PM JilinTour.Com 0 Comments

PRIDE MONTH!!!! (lame, I’m sooo late. But I tweeted lots about it when we were actually IN the month of June) Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that June was probably a pretty big month for me with my platform, right at the end of my reign as Miss New York.

I was reminded of my Queens and Staten Island PRIDE events this week when I got an email of photos from a woman, Laura, whom I met at Queens PRIDE. She has sent me a pin that is a rainbow colored high heel. Could you represent my year as Miss New York any more perfectly?! Love it. To finally wrap up on my Miss NY year so that I can get this book of my year printed, AND start blogging as “Just Claire” here’s one final push at finishing my year of service.

After kicking off PRIDE Month at PepsiCo, it was on to the real celebration of PRIDE Parades. Now these parades have indeed caught flak before; I believe it was Carl Paladino who referenced them as “bumping and grinding…disgusting” and “speedo-wearing men with gyrating movements.” I’m sure there was a “leather” reference in there somewhere. Well stereotypes do come from some example, but are generalizations that are detrimental and limiting to any group. Instead, at Staten Island PRIDE where I served as the Grand Marshall, there was a fairly small group of people, many youth and very diverse minorities were represented. Christopher Hines, a producer who was filming a documentary for Logo, joined me at SI PRIDE to get a taste of the reception the community has for Miss New York. I’ve just received word that I am “prominently featured” in the film, which will release in October. I’m excited to see the support and highlights of exciting straight allies like myself, Hudson Taylor, Ben Cohen and more. At the festival, we heard from many politicians in support of equality and I of course signed quite a handful of autographs. It was great to see Kim Cantoni, Miss Liberty 2011, and Jim Smith, Executive Director of Miss Staten and the 2005 Grand Marshall of SI PRIDE!

Kim Cantoni and Jim Smith, ED of Miss Staten Island and the 1st Staten Island Grand Marshal

Danny Dromm, City Councilman

Matt Titone, NY State Assemblyman

The next day, Queens PRIDE really went above and beyond! Danny Dromm, out City Council member, started Queens PRIDE years ago and it has grown exponentially since. I was a co-Grand Marshal with State Senator Tony Avella. Unfortunately, I was only able to stay for the parade and lunch and did not get to visit in the festival because I was flying to Buffalo, but it was such a wonderful afternoon and I most certainly did not want to leave! I ate lunch with a few young people who were interning with Christine Quinn because they wanted to be advocates for social justice. So cool. And once again, negative stereotypes of PRIDE parades were proven wrong – instead crowds of loving and supportive people, in jeans and t-shirts nonetheless, celebrating equality and supporting their forward, fair-minded politicians.

with my Queens PRIDE drivers

Tony Avella, Co-Grand Marsal, NY State Senator

Tom Duane, NY State Senator

What we have to remember is that the Pride parade is one day, and Pride month is one month, June, but we must celebrate people all day and every day. This year’s Pride month in New York was especially energetic because of the momentum in the fight for Marriage Equality. Unfortunately, I was not able to march in the NYC Pride Parade because I was a surprise guest at Miss North Carolina, but I’m pretty sure I could hear the celebration, the day after Marriage Equality was passed in New York State!! Now that is something to celebrate with huge PRIDE, excitement and love!

I did experience a first at this parade though that I have to share. So I’m sitting up on the back of a white Mustang convertible - very nice – ready to start the parade when the car behind us dies. So with me still on the top we pull forward, reverse back, wind around the car and then proceed to jump the car with cables. In case you weren’t picturing it funny enough in your mind, here’s a look. What an experience – one every pageant girl must have. ;-)

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Mouse-Hunting in Florida...

7:35 PM JilinTour.Com 0 Comments

Disney World. The land of an obnoxiously large castle. The land of mice that run around wearing outfits calling themselves Mickey and Minnie. The land of the 8 dollar (good grief) Tinkerbell key chain! THE LAND OF AWESOMENESS!!!!

Last week, I went to Florida for the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant with my mom and one of my sisters. The trip started out great even though we had to leave at 4 in the morning. I was feeling upbeat, had stretched, ran around my living room (because there is so much room for activities) and felt like I had successfully packed enough (which never happens. EVER.). The day was going really great. The plane ride was smooth. I had my ray-bans on. I had my Glamour and Marie Claire magazines....AHHHHH this is the life....then we landed.

Guess what didn't show up. One of our bags. In it was packed my flat iron, curling iron, makeup, and ALL of my sister's clothes.

Now, normally, this wouldn't bother me. I have come to not like (believe it or not) wearing a lot of makeup and, most times, I don't mind my hair going crazy....

...even though that is how my hair looks on a GOOD day...fail.

HOWEVER....this was one week I HAD to look halfway decent. There was filming for Miss America, filming little youtube videos and pictures GALORE. How could this happen to me?!?!?!

Okay...putting all drama aside....the bag did show up 6 hours later....that dumb thing just decided to board another flight to Orlando. What a loser. It showed up just in time! God, if that was you playing a joke on me....that was literally the most not funny joke EVER.

That week, I wore heels 20 out of 24 hours and wore a dress. It was like an abridged (massively) version of Miss America!

Sidenote - Heels are very cute. Not only do they give you a height boost which in turn gives you a better view of the room you are in, but it also elongates your legs which makes them look lean and mean. However, some heels are the WORST! Sure you may walk in Bebe and try on 6 inch nude platform pumps that are the greatest thing to happen to this fashion world, but the thing to do is to save them until the last day...unlike me. Bebe heels = not so comfy. Bebe heels = the worst blisters. Ever.

BEAUTY IS PAIN. BEAUTY IS PAIN. BEAUTY IS PAIN.

Goodness, as much as I try to tell myself...it doesn't work. It is like telling yourself that broccoli tastes as good as a hamburger. Just...no.

Anyway.... the week was a blast. My little "sister", Tori, did absolutely INCREDIBLE. She is one of the most beautiful dancers I have ever had the privilege of watching. She did absolutely wonderful and I have never been so proud. She is doing such a fabulous job as Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen. Love you, girl!!!

Not only were we there to root for our girls, but the 53 Miss America contestants got to film in Disney for Miss America and Disney promotional commercials, listen to talks by Miss America and the Miss America board members and so much more. The most memorable part, in my (and I am sure many of the other girls would agree) opinion, was when we listened to a talk by Colonel David Sutherland of the United States Military. I am usually pretty good at holding it together at funerals, sappy movies and things of that nature, but hearing him talk about losing his best friend right in front of him, the devastating effects that war can have on these soldiers, and when he ended his speech with "I am Colonel David Sutherland of the United States Military, and I WILL DIE FOR YOU," - there was literally not one dry eye in the room. Incredible speech from an incredible man.

One of the other crazy experiences of the week was riding on the Tower of Terror. Check off the bucket list? I think yes! I was really excited for it and Miss PA, Julianne Sheldon, was really pumping me up! The ride was great until...the end... Who got stuck when the ride broke down for a good 5 minutes in the pitch black. This girl...along with about 20 other Miss America contestants. Perfect. Making memories? Yes. On the bright side, one of the girls had Twizzlers and water in her bag so we could have lasted for a couple days...

Overall, the week was a blast. I had a wonderful time getting to know the girls, meeting the current Miss America (who was FABULOUS and so incredibly gracious and humble) and getting a feel for the Miss America pageant in January.

A huge thank you to my Uncle Bob, Stan and Calvin Wilson for taking my mom, sister and I to Universal Studios after the pageant was over so that I can now check off 2 items on my never ending bucket list...one, to go to Harry Potter World and two, to go on the Jaws ride.

Sidenote - I have wanted to go on this Jaws ride for years and years...and after I rode it and a little boy started crying...I knew that it lived up to the hype...

ENJOY SOME PIX :)

LOVE my girl, Tori!! So proud of her!!! :)

PS. THANK YOU to the people in my life who are so supportive of what I do during my year and remember that I am the same person with or without a crown. I am SO lucky to have people like that in my life, especially now.

Also, I am starting to raise money for Children's Miracle Network! Click on the link to the left side of the page ("MAKE A DONATION TODAY") and search my contestant name to help out! Every little bit helps! :)

Stay chill and go on the Jaws ride whenever you can,
Maria Cahill

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Proverbs 37:4

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All watermelon eating contests are NOT created equal.

2:06 PM JilinTour.Com 0 Comments

WOWZERS!! I am way behind on blogging! Me, procrastinate? Never! .....

The past couple of weeks have been pretty insane...surprise, surprise. I had an appearance at the Georgetown Festival of Hope. This appearance was INCREDIBLE. I got to meet SO many people, especially kids. I came in 2nd place in a watermelon eating contest...second to an older gentleman who kept looking at me and laughing into his watermelon because 1. I was funny looking or 2. I was just entertaining while I shoved watermelon in my face. I feel that coming in second should either win me free food for a year or at least earn me a silver medal...although I would prefer the former...

Sidenote - I like watermelon. I really do. I like eating it. I like smelling watermelon scented things. I like spitting the seeds out at people. When someone asks me to join a watermelon eating contest, I get very excited. I did a contest like that at the Delaware State Fair and ate that piece of watermelon as fast as I could. This time, I expected my enthusiasm to be the same....UNTIL......I found out that this contest, instead of eating one piece of watermelon the fastest, it was to see who could eat the most watermelon in 5 minutes.........UHHHH.....

How I looked before the contest....

How I looked after......

GROSS.

NEVER.AGAIN.

At the Festival of Hope, I met this one little girl who gave me my first ever silly band (an elephant! YES!). She came from an extremely bad home situation but was still so incredibly optimistic. She gave me one of her bracelets so I would not forget her. Talk about something tugging at your heart strings!!! I just wanted to take her home, especially when I went to leave and she hugged me for a good couple of minutes and wouldn't let me go.

Right after the festival, I drove to Milford where I was able to emcee the first pageant of the season with the wonderful and talented, Bliss Soucek. I crowned Chelsea Betts and Alyssa Murray (love you both!) I was so proud of both of them! One pageant down, a million more to go!

The next morning I was off to Cape Henlopen High School to speak at the Free to Breathe 5k walk/run (or in my case, a "sit there and watch"...). It is extremely inspirational to meet people who are so passionate about fighting lung cancer. The stories of how their families have dealt with lung cancer was very moving. Afterwards, I was supposed to go to a parade, but is was rained out! BOO! What to do instead? Head to a diner with my driver, Donald!

The next day was a HUGE appearance for me! For anyone that doesn't know, Extreme Home Makeover is in the middle of filming here in Delaware!! I had the opportunity to Irish Dance in a fundraiser concert, hosted by Telly Leung ("Wes" of Glee who was also in "Rent" on Broadway) in front of so many people! There were cameras filming and, while I am not sure if they will air this concert on television, be sure to check out upcoming episodes of Extreme Home Makeover on ABC (the same channel as Miss America....woot woot!!) What a phenomenal experience! Being Miss Delaware has opened up my life to so many fantastic opportunities!

1. My "DelawareToday" magazine cover shot (and article) is on stands now. Pick yours up today! (....that was my way of being super convincing...).
2. If you reside in Mobile, Alabama, listen for me on the radio tomorrow!
3. Happy day-after Birthday to my now 14 year old brother, Jack. What a bro.
4. Thank you to Bill Sammons of 88.7 the Bridge for the book "Jesus Calling." This is a wonderful book of daily devotions that I got a chance to read while co-hosting. So glad to have a copy to call mine. Thanks SO much again, Bill!
5. stay tuned to read about my trip to Florida and more! Check back in the next day or two to read about my experience at Miss America's Outstanding Teen!

Stay chill and never eat massive amounts of watermelon. EVER.
Maria Cahill

"But if I say, 'I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,' his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot."
Jeremiah 20:9

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Brrrrr it's cold in here! Must be a blizzard!

8:20 PM JilinTour.Com 0 Comments

Hi. A lot of exciting things have been happening!!!

A recap of my week so far, first? Why, sure!

I had the great opportunity to attend the Delaware Electric Co-op with my business manager, Susan, and her husband, Gene. When I was told this was going to be a large event, I had no idea that they actually meant HUGE. It was just hours and hours of shaking hands, meeting adults and children, and taking pictures....and I LOVED every single minute of it. These types of events, where I get to meet hundreds and hundreds of people, are the reasons that I love my job.

Sidenote - If you are 5'8'' and wear heels on top of that....that makes you incredibly tall....oh well.

The good thing about high heels? The air is better up there...and you can see for miles.
The bad thing about high heels? You are so tall that if it starts raining, it hits you first and you get soaked before anyone else.

Eating fried chicken at the Co-op! :)
Photo courtesy of Dave Chambers

Thank you to Chuck for the earrings and bracelet and to Bliss for letting me borrow your dress :)

Me and Bliss :)

Today was Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen locations all around the country. One dollar from every Blizzard sold went to Children's Miracle Network hospitals. If you didn't get your Blizzard...shame on you. Next time, get chocolate chip cookie dough like me! YUM! I went to the Middletown, DE, Dairy Queen and got to meet people, talk about CMN and Miss America, and sign autographs. The best part was talking to a man about Ireland (because it rules) and finding out that it was his birthday! He told me that talking to me was the best birthday surprise he ever got. The simple things, people...the simple things.

A lot of people I have been meeting have been commenting on the fact that they read about me in 'The Dialog.' For anyone that has not read that article...help yourself... http://www.cdow.org/dialog.html

---click on the box in the middle, then scroll down to the last page---

**One of the most heartwarming moments of my year so far was receiving a letter from a man who has a stepdaughter receiving spinal surgery. He said he couldn't wait for her to be well enough to read my story. I was completely touched and it makes me realize that there are people out there who appreciate what I am doing to spread the word about faith and family. "I can do all things in Christ who strenghthens me..."

A HUGE SIDENOTE (that has nothing to do with anything) - Throughout this entire year, my goal is to show that not all pageant girls are the same. I do things differently than most. My goal is to appeal to the younger generation that might have a preconceived notion of pageants or the Miss America Organization. We are fun and we eat (a lot), but we wear a crown, get scholarship money for education, and speak about things that we are passionate about. So what if I crack a joke or ten? If you can't tell by reading my blog....I refuse to take life too seriously. It is just too short for that.

Good golly, that was the most serious I have been in a long time....enough of that!

I have an AMAZING events coming up!

HERE IS THE BIG NEWS FROM MY LAST POST!!!!

While many people have read it on facebook, I am going to be a part of Extreme Home Makeover!!!!!!! I am going to be performing at the pep rally at Cape Henelopen High school! It will be filmed as part of the episode featuring a family from Delaware!! This is such a huge opportunity for me and for the promotion of the Miss America Organization and I absolutely cannot wait! For anyone that wants to attend the pep rally (it's free!) or help volunteer in any way, visit http://schellbrothers.com/extreme/ for more info! :)

Other SWEET events coming up/in the works!

-- a clothing designer (Spaceboyclothing.com) contacted me to help with their Delaware themed clothing line by putting my signature on their shirts! YEAH BUDDY!!! The project is still in the works, but it is AWESOME nonetheless!!

-- in talks to be on a radio show in Mobile, Alabama!!!

-- off to Orlando, Florida, next week to root for Tori in Miss America's Outstanding Teen (and I am also filming for Miss America)!

--going to be in a full feature spread for Wilmington University magazine (shooting at the end of the month)

Last by not least...

Here are some of the pictures I promised from the Delaware State Fair! Check out the rest on my facebook page!

Just kissing goats...

and holding chicks...

and riding bulls...

and making new friends along the way :)

Stay chill and eat cookie dough Blizzards (or just the cookie dough...),

Maria Cahill

"Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit."

- Matthew 12:33

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Miss Taiwanese American Pageant MSTA Taiwan Center Foundation of Greater Los Angeles San Gabriel Hilton Elan Yang

1:38 AM JilinTour.Com 0 Comments

2011 MISS TAIWANESE AMERICAN COURT

Highlights of the 2011 MSTA Pageant on August 6, 2011

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RULE 32: ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS

10:26 PM JilinTour.Com 0 Comments

My busy week (from the previous post) was not over!!! I was just sick of how long the post was...time for a new one! :) The week was coming to a close, but there was no rest in sight!! Next on the agenda? A radio station interview in New York, then I was off to Tori's send off party for Miss America's Outstanding Teen!! She leaves in a few days for Orlando and I leave to support her on the 17th! I am so proud of her. Her wardrobe is stunning and I am so excited to see her dance on stage! Love you, girl!! Make Delaware proud! :)

Was this week over yet?!?! I THINK NOT! I had to wake up the next morning at 3....fail....to go to Oneida, New York, for a wedding and an appearance!

http://www.oneidadispatch.com/articles/2011/08/05/life/doc4e3c979748058532573817.txt?viewmode=fullstory

YES.

Wedding = awesome. Congrats Joe and Ashley!!!

The next day was an appearance at the Hazel Carpenter Home to talk about my job as Miss Delaware and how someone prepares for the job of Miss America! I got to take a ton of pictures, sign autographs, and I might have met my future husband (who was 8...calm down...). He dressed up so nicely just because he heard that I was coming. So cute!
Thank you to my wonderful grandmother and aunt for setting up this appearance! :)

Sidenote - there are some times when being Miss Delaware makes you feel like a total celebrity...example.... I finally got home to my grandmother's house to pack up for the return trip to good ol' Delaware. My sister was outside on the front porch talking on the phone and I was laying on the couch...probably eating or something...my sister came in and said "Uhhh...Maria, someone is outside because he heard that Miss Delaware was here and he wants to meet you." UNREAL...especially when you are not even in your own state! Cool!!!!

My new friend, Trevor!

If anyone can learn anything from my blog is it that I enjoy the simple things....even if it means someone standing outside my grandmother's house for 5 minutes and freaking my sister out JUST to meet me for 10 minutes. BLESSED. BLESSED. BLESSED.

Another fun appearance was at the Delaware Feis (pronounced "FESH"). A feis is the name for a dance competition. It was awesome because I am an Irish Dancer myself. I have NEVER EVER EVER signed so many autographs in my entire life. I think I literally went through 250...at least. I got to meet dancers of all ages and levels. It was so much fun! I LOVE my Irish Dancing family!

Me with one of my dance students, Casey! So proud of her!

HUGE BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!

I can't exactly say...I don't think. Noone actually told me that I couldn't say it, but because it makes it cooler, I won't yet. I will give you 3 hints....

1. It is for a national televsion show that everyone knows (or should know) about.

2. It is filming in Delaware. I film next week.

3. It is kind of a big deal...

I will tell everyone in my next couple blogs!!!! I am SOOOOOO excited about it!! :))

Keep an eye out for VLOGS!! I will be filming some, or at least different clips, for my blog. It makes it cooler that way, right?

Check out this link :) If you haven't seen my crowning video, then have at it!

http://www.delawareonline.com/videonetwork/991245863001/Newark-woman-crowned-Miss-Delaware

STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT! STILL!

PS. I just told my mom that this particular post isn't that funny. Her answer? "Life isn't always funny." Personally, I think life is hilarious.

* I like using capital letters when writing. It makes things more fun to read.

* I miss my SVC friends :(

* I don't like HammerTime. My tummy is sore.

Busy week ahead! I will keep everyone posted! Big things coming my way!

Stay chill and enjoy the little things!

Maria Cahill

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5-6