Miss Sexiest

Since the last time I posted, I've seen everything from local pageants to St. Patrick's day and much in between. From the busy weeks, which I love by the way (I function better when I'm busy and almost overwhelmed), I started wondering when everything started being such a race, competition, and a sacrifice of much-needed rest. There is a song that perfectly describes this.."Mayberry" by Rascal Flatts:

"Sometimes it feels like this world is spinning faster

Than it did in the old days

So naturally, we have more natural disasters

From the strain of a fast pace

Sunday was a day of rest

Now, it’s one more day for progress

And we can’t slow down ‘cause more is best

It’s all an endless process."

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about striving to be the best and reaching for full potential, but I just wonder at what point we started thinking that slowing down will only put us behind. I guess this goes to explain that when you drive a lot by yourself, you get to thinkin'.

Once the snow melted a few weeks ago, I was back on the road, back into schools, and back to being Miss Delaware, however I must say that I enjoyed the few days off. My brother may not agree because 1) I was stuck in the house with him and I get cabin fever pretty easily so the poor guy had to deal with me and 2) I was the reason that the four-wheeler got stuck in the snow and had to be pushed out because it stalled w/ a low battery (hehe). What would I do without my litte (bigger) brother!?

Friday (Mar. 6) welcomed me with classrooms of young children at The Little School in Dover. I made a few more dental presentations to the classes that had missed Dr. Sean and I the first time. The morning went well, but the attention span of 3 year olds is much shorter than I could have anticipated. You live and learn....and..skip lots of pages in the dental cartoon book!!

That evening I was in Georgetown and was the opening performer for Chelsea Betts' Alzheimers Awareness recital. I unpacked the piano, set it up, performed, thanked the audience, packed up the piano, and booked it back up to Milford for the local pageant! I thought I would be late, but somehow, some way, I was early, and was able to emcee the whole night! The local pageant went very well; great talent, great gals, and a beautiful new 2009 titleholder! Congrats Stephanie Bailey!!!!

I wasn't sorry to see my bed that night!

Saturday brought another great day of hanging out with local contestants backstage! We always have so much fun back there finding wigs and making jokes. I only had to perform, so I relaxed and enjoyed the pageant once it started. I spoke with the judges prior to the contestant interviews and had met a few of them before! They were a great panel!! The new titleholders that night were Lorin Walls and Kristina Maynard. Congratulations girls!! We couldn't end the weekend of local pageants without going out to eat! so we all met at AppleBees and enjoyed a delicious dinner. Kristina's mom even treated us all to mini desserts! (woohoo!) I love dessert!

I joined many supports of Locks of Love on Sunday at a large event that even held a fashion show. Many local boutiques including Lady's Image sponsored the outfits, gowns, and tuxedos for the models in the fashion show. They did a great job! and some of the volunteers even had their hair cut off in bob styles right on the runway!..donating their hair to Locks of Love.

Since Dr. Seuss' birthday was snowed out, my appearance at W.B. Simpson Elementary School was rescheduled for Monday. I spoke to the students about why reading was so important and how it has helped me. Then we went over some goals that the students have, and why reading would be essential in reaching those goals. To conclude my appearance, I performed on the piano for the kids, and then handed out signed photopads as the students exited. Many awards were given out for reading accomplishments and we were even treated to performances by the unicycling team at the school!! Now THAT'S talent!!!

As soon as I left the school, I booked it up to Philadelphia to meet a few local titleholders at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. We had a tour of the whole facility, something I had never taken part in even though I've visited the hospital numerous times! The hospital is fantastic, ever-growing, and ever-improving to provide children all over the world with the best possible care. Then we visited with a few patients, and helped out with their Spa Day! The girls loved it!!

I was picked up by Bob Kuhling (my EDs husband) the next day to visit golf courses all over New Castle County (there are tons!). We had many donate foursomes for our Miss Delaware Golf Tournament that will be held on May 20! Lucky for me, Bob drove because I snoozed the WHOLE way home in the passenger seat!..not much of a navigator! Fortunately, once you get to Route 1 in Delaware, you can always find your way home.

I was back on my school territory on Friday to visit the Easter Seals Volleyball Tournament. Easter Seals is and excellent organization that provides care and independence to those with disablities.

Saturday brought yet another baby shower, as promised! We celebrated Tish's baby shower with excellent food, friends, family (well, her family), gifts, and games! It's always nice to see the ladies from the dental office is clothing other than scrubs hehe.

I performed my Miss America piano piece, "El Cumbanchero" in church on Sunday. It was definitely not the type of Prelude they were accustomed too, but I'm pretty sure that they enjoyed it. If nothing else, it spiced up the service with it's spanish inspiration and powerful tune!!

It was time for our Miss Delaware fundraiser on Monday! It was held at the Georgia House in Milford and I'd say it was a success. I, along with other local titleholders, volunteered to "waitress" for the evening while supporters dined in the restaurant. I also performed at various times throughout the night. My mom is originally from Milford so she was able to visit with friends that she grew up with. My Aunt Brooke and cousin, Breck, were even in town from Florida and were able to make it to the dinner!! I was so glad to see everyone and am so fortunate for their support!

Saturday was SO much fun!! I went to the Heart Ball! The local titleholders and I arrived really early, so Kayla and ran out to Wawa to get some food and redbull!! Redbull would not be in business without my support of their products. My recipe for success: big smile and redbull! haha Just kidding..but, it never hurts! The Heart Ball was an event for the America Heart Association and there were all sorts of attractions like silent and live auction items, hors d'oeuvres, DJs, and a dance floor!! Does it get any better?? I had a great time, and plan on going next year!

This past Monday was spent at the University of Delaware recruiting contestants for Miss Delaware. If we put out the opportunity to compete, maybe we'll have more girls participate. Sometimes a lack of awareness or opportunity reduces the potential of any organization, so I was trying to make the information accessible. It was a fun day and I got to meet new people, but also saw some of my friends that I don't get to see very often =D

I got to spend lunch with members of the Absolam Jones Senior Center in Wilmington. I spoke to them about my year as Miss Delaware, performed for them, and then visited with all of them; chatting with and getting to know them a little better. It was a great afternoon, and some of the ladies are thinking of arranging a bus to take them all to Miss Delaware in June!!

Unfortunately, it was brought to my attention last night that Sue Kuhling my Executive Director, who has been by my side since I won Miss Delaware last June, was resigning. I support her decision, I'm sorry to see her go, but I know that I will always have a friend in her and she will always be a part of my life. I would not have wanted anyone else to accompany my family and I at the Miss America Pageant.

I have a lot to look forward to for the rest of this week and am actually, at this very moment, preparing a dental experiment for the five dental presentations I have in line for tomorrow. It should be a fun day! Anything that deals with dentistry is right up my alley..if only I could get to sleep!

I've also introduced myself to Twitter..if you don't have one, get it! I haven't quite caught on to why it's so enticing, but I'm sure after a few days I'll figure it out! Something tells me that I just don't have enough time to be a successful "tweeter" though..ugh, we'll see! Talk to you soon!

Amanda has been chosen for the Governors Public Safety Award!!!!!!! (this has been changed from the community service award applied for). The award ceremony will be held Thursday, April 23rd at Dover Downs. Registration Begins at 5 pm, award ceremony to begin around 6 pm. There will be heavy hors d'oeuvres and a DJ.
Tickets are $25.00. Congratulations Mandie!!!!!!!!

After having a few days off (thank you snow!!), I'm all cozy in my sweatpants, cup of tea in hand, and ready to update you on all that I have been up to! It's hard to believe that yet another month has passed!..we're into March already! St. Patty's Day is just around the corner.

In mid-February, I joined the Governor in celebrating National Salute Week to show our appreciation for the great things that our Veterans have done for our country. We visited the patients in the Veterans Hospital in Elsmere, chatted with the staff about the facility, and even joined some of the Veterans at a little lunch party that they were holding. There just happened to be a piano in the room too, so someone asked me to play. I always have to be prepared for anything..performances inluded! We had a great time visiting and celebrating!

Then I was off to the Corpus Christie School in Wilmington to present for Character Counts. I typically make these presentations to 2nd and 3rd graders, so naturally, when browsing through my planner, I just assumed that the presentations were for those grades. The night before, I happened to notice a line in my agenda that read "5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th" under the headline "Corpus Christie School." I couldn't believe it! That important detail went completely unnoticed until the night before. I couldn't very well speak to 8th graders the way I would speak to a 2nd grade class, so I came up with new ideas and examples. The next day, on very little sleep, I arrived at the school ready to present to the 5th-8th graders! The presentations went very well! and once they got warmed up, I had a great amount of participation from the students..which can be difficult at times with middle-schoolers.

That weekend, the Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen orientation took place. I spoke briefly with the contestants about my experiences at Miss Delaware and Miss America, and I gave them a little advice that I thought would help them feel comfortable at the pageant. I'm so excited to see who my new "little sister" will be, but I will miss having Mandie around!! We are in the process of choosing a song for our joint performance at the pageant (she dances while I play the piano). I can't wait!! We were actually supposed to rehearse today, but the snow kept me from leaving the house! (Can we say CABIN FEVER? hehe). Anyway, we are going to have a fantastic pageant in late March for the Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen contestants!!! They are a great group of girls!! That night, I joined all of the contestants, their families, and the MDOT board members for a fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings!! It was so nice to just sit back, relax, chat, and eat with everyone. All of us have such hectic schedules; it isn't too often we all get to be together at once!

The next week, I was greeted by oodles of pre-schoolers and kindergarteners at the Little School for dental presentations. Afterall, February is Children's Dental Health Month!! I actually went there with Dr. Sean, one of my bosses at the dental office, and Jen, a dental assistant who will be a first-year dental student at Temple in the fall!! (So excited for her!!!!)! We had a blast! I always enjoy the responses from all of the children. One little girl said that the dental masks are worn "so that you don't smell the bad breath." haha Normally we get the "germs" answer, but hers was just as good!

Later that week, I went to the Southern Lights of Life event that benefits Breast Cancer Awareness. I had volunteered at the event back in high school, but had not been back since then. I dressed up in my powder pink cocktail dress and sold the "lucky ducks" for $10 a piece (or 3 for $25 hehe). Before the dinner even started, all of the duck-selling teams sold out completely! The silent auction and duck-selling were very successful! Then it was onto the dinner..that's when I got to kick back and relax!! The volunteers had already eaten before the event started, so is was our downtime. Before dinner was even over though, I was pulled backstage to help show the live auction items. These ranged from bikes, to signed footballs, even a mo-ped!! They had it all! I had so much fun walking the runway with all of those prizes. The last time I walked the runway at Dover Downs was when I was crowned Miss Delaware!! Oh, the memories :) After the Live Auction came the Fashion Show. The models were all Breast Cancer Survivors and they looked absolutely stunning!! I could tell that they were having so much fun too! What an experience that was! All of their family members and friends were in the audience cheering them on as they walked down the runway!! One of the models was a teacher of mine in high school; GO MRS. THOMAS!!!!

That weekend, I took off the crown and went to...a Baby Shower!!! It seems like half the ladies in our dental office are pregnant, so what more would you expect than a handful of baby showers? Ashley's shower was so much fun! She looked so happy to see everyone, and her cake was beautiful; Hailey had a great time helping her mom open presents, and everyone got to visit with eachother! I could really get used to these baby showers!..good thing, because I have another one in a couple weeks!

Last week, in the spirit of I love to Read Month, I read to a couple kindergarten classes at Fairview Elementary in Dover. I read "The Rainbow Fish." They seemed to like it and had a bunch of questions for me afterwards. One child asked if my sash had real diamonds...I jokingly said to the teacher "they're real rhinestones!," but I told the student that they were jewels hehe.

The next day brought another dental presentation! I went to Lake Forest North to present to second graders. From dental office items like masks and gloves, to dental-related experiments and games, the kids had a great time learning! We cut into good foods like apples and then cut into bad foods like Carmello Bars to show what is left on the knife afterwards...resembling the amount of food that sticks on your teeth. We brushed hard-boiled eggs, that had soaked in coke, with toothpaste to show what brushing does for your teeth. We even played a question and answer game with my Sandbag Toss!

The next morning came sooner than later! I was up in Wilmington at Darley Road Elementary to participate in the Dr. Seuss event, in honor of his (then) upcoming Birthday. I went in with the idea that I would be reading, but quickly found out that I was actually performing!..again I say, be prepared for anything! It went very well! and after the assembly, I went around with my second grade teacher, Mrs. Aldridge, to visit the classrooms in the school. It was great to see her again!!

After that, I left to go south to the McIllvine Early Child Center to read to the kindergarteners. Because Dr. Seuss' birthday was close, I read "Green Eggs and Ham." I had them share something that they didn't think they would like until they tried it! I got answers like broccoli, cupcakes, carrots, and even brushing teeth! One student asked me how my crown stays on..so I shared my little secret with them hehe. The last class invited me to their room to join them for a birthday party. I ate cupcakes and veggies with them, and somehow managed to fit into their chairs!!

As most of you know, it started snowing on Sunday, so my Monday and Tuesday events were cancelled. The rest of this week should probably get back to normal..as long as the ice melts! As quickly as the snow came though, it will soon dissipate. Our Winter Wonderland in the Spring is just another example of our unpredictable Delaware weather! One of Delaware's many surprises.

This past week started with a "chilling" appearance as I joined our new Governor, Jack Markell, and thousands of Special Olympics supporters and athletes in taking the Polar Bear Plunge! This was my fourth year participating in the event, but that didn't make the feeling of the 36-degree water any less shocking. I saw many familiar faces, but because of the enormous crowd that gathered to raise awareness for Special Olympics on Sunday, there were many more people to meet! Side by side with Governor Markell, his son Michael, a few athletes, and a handful of State Troopers that I had met a couple months ago, I sprinted into the freezing water and ran back out all smiles! We had a great time and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to support such a wonderful cause. If you've never taken the plunge, it is held every Super Bowl Sunday in Rehoboth and I highly recommend doing it it at least once! although I know that after the first time, you'll be hooked!!

On Thursday night, I was back to being Vana! The Miss Delaware Organization held a Vera Bradley and Longaberger Basket Bingo. There were tons of beautiful prizes! The only bad part was that I opted to wear high heels that were new and had not been broken in yet..BIG mistake!! I paid for that later that night hehe. We had a great turnout! Thank you to everyone who came out!!!. Chris and I even got a tour of the new Camden Fire Hall. We met the volunteers that were in the night, saw the "movie theater," and walked from one gym to the next!..it was huge!! Next time I need to relax, I might just go hang out in their movie theater hehe.

The Go Red luncheon was held on Friday afternoon. The organization supports the fight against heart disease in women. The event was pretty large!!..two full ballrooms at the Sheraton! I took part in the fashion show which was so much fun! They asked me to wear an extravagant red gown so what better choice than my talent gown from Miss America?! I was so excited to be able to wear it again and without the pressure. Everyone made it down the two catwalks beautifully and without falling so I'd say the fashion show was a success!! I met people like the Governor's wife, heart patients, employees at Dr. Abbrescia's, and a large number or supporters and volunteers. They put on a great event luncheon!!

The weekend began with the Give Kids A Smile event right here in Dover at Mercer Dental Associates. Our office staff was joined by about 14 additional dentists, and 30 other volunteers from hygienists to dental assistants. At first the office seemed to be a little crowded, but once everyone found their places and jobs, we were well on our way to a successful, smooth-sailing day! We treated a large number of children with procedures including dental cleanins, x-rays, extractions, and restorative work. We had a waiting room packed with people eagerly waiting to be seen. I helped out where and when needed, but also had the chance to speak with many of the dentists! I even received some advice on dental school matters like the application process and dental school itself! Although I have a couple years of undergrad to go, I will take all of the advice and guidance that I can get!

All of the dental work done at Give Kids A Smile was pro bono and sadly, the entire second bus-load of pre-approved patients did not arrive. To have 15 dentists that were donating their time to perform work on patients free of charge is such a blessing to these kids, but only if they show up. It's such a shame that these opportunities were taken for granted and not used. Although I don't know the reasons for absense of the second wave of patients, it is discouraging to see these great opportunities going to waste.

That night, all of the office staff went out to dinner. I was able to see Dr. Andy's little girls, Emma and Ruby, again. They convinced me to order a dessert which turned out to be much bigger than we thought!! They helped me eat it, but there was no way that hot fudge brownie sundae was completely finished!

Incase there is no timestamp listed for my posts..it is 3:00am. Even though I've been home from Las Vegas for five days, I still cannot get to sleep at a decent time! I've even been waking up early so that I get tired early, but my strategy doesn't seem to be working. I figured since I can't sleep..why not update my blog again! :)

Since my return to the East Coast, I must say that I have, without a doubt, regained any sleep/rest that I may have lost in Las Vegas! Fortunately, I haven't had much in the way of appearances, besides interviews, so I've gotten the much-needed chance to play catch-up! I'll sadly admit though, I JUST finished unloading my last piece of luggage!

I have one interview tomorrow and then off to take the freezing cold Polar Bear Plunge on Superbowl Sunday! This will be my fourth year in a row taking the plunge, but this year will be one to remember! I will arrive early and I get to be with the Governor in front of many, many people! If you have never been to the Polar Bear Plunge in Rehoboth, I highly recommend you try it out! There is a HUGE turnout every year..which seems to grow with each passing plunge. Plus, the whole event benefits the Special Olympics! I love it!..although I may not be saying that when I'm in freezing water in a bikini!! The way I see it, if I can be on national TV in a swimsuit, what's a little water in February?? right?

Now that Miss America is over, I need a new athletic challenge! besides the plunge..and one that doesn't include wearing a bikini in high heels. I've decided to start training for a Triathlon! I'm a good runner..I've been doing it for years! and I was on swimteam growing up, so I'm sure with a little practice I could get it back. As far as the biking goes, I haven't really biked in many, many years, but I'm eager to start up again! I will hopefully be buying a new road bike in the next few days so that I can start training. If anyone has ever done a triathlon and has any advice, please leave me comments!!..even if it's just about apparel, or what to eat the day of the race, or where to get a good bike..I'm all ears!

It's hard to believe that January is already over! Once my dad got out of the hospital, it was basically time to leave for Miss America, and ever since I got home, I've just been sleeping, writing thank-you cards, and thinking about my plans for my last 4-5months as Miss Delaware! Time flies!!!

Here are some photos from Miss America..hotel room, hospitality suite, visitation, finals night, and dinner after finals night..enjoy :)

I almost forgot! I can FINALLY tell you about the reality show!! I don't remember too much since we filmed it back in September, but!..I was on the Green Team and we did very well! We won all of our challenges except one, but most importantly, we won the last challenge; we all received Golden Sashes!! It was so much fun! I just wish that TLC had shown our entire "Talent Show." We made up a skit/musical about the "Queen Mary Pageant" that resembled Cinderella. There was a girl named "Erica" who wanted to do a pageant but the "typical" pageant mom (evil step-mother) said that pageants were for girls who were beautiful, not girls who were intelligent. Then the two "evil step sisters" were stereotypical pageant girls who were WAY over the top!! Well the "fairy god-mothers" came in dressed like all of our Guest Consultants from our Reality Show. We gave Erica the advice that she needed..the advice that we had received from the Consultants. If you saw me with pantyhose on my head..it's because I was Noah (a bald man)..one of our fashion consultants on the show. To make it a musical..I played the piano and we sang pretty much everything. Each of us then showcased our talent to show Erica what she needed to do to be able to win the Miss Queen Mary Pageant. Then we changed the words to "America the Beautiful" to suit our storyline and sang it at the end. I will try to remember our lyrics:

Oh Beautiful, Long eye-lashed eyes

For Blonde-highlighted hair

For glued rear ends and five-inch heels

That cause the men to stare!

Miss..um...ERICA!

Miss..umm..ERICA!

Girl strut your stuff on stage!

And crown thy head with no bloodshed

From Jersey to L.A.!!!!

It was awesome!!! Our costumes were fabulous!! Miss HI was Shakara, and she wore an afro wig for the musical. Miss SD and I were both men..Clinton and Noah. Miss FL was Gretchen from Fox News. We used specific phrases that these Guest Consultants had used, so the whole audience knew exactly what we were doing! It was so funny!

Miss ID and Miss VI were both the evil step sisters/ Pageant Pattys.

Miss TX was the Step-mother/Pageant mom

Miss WI was Erica!!! (Cinderella!)

Oh boy was it funny!! Wish you could have seen the whole thing!!

Bye for now, I'll update soon enough!!

As I sit here in the airport in Las Vegas, waiting for the departure of my delayed plane, I've been browsing the internet for pictures of the pageant, checking emails, visiting facebook, think about what the new Miss America (Katie Stamm) is thinking right now, and reflecting back on the incredibly exciting and thrilling past nine days of my life! What an experience it was to be up on the Miss America stage!!!! In the moment, it didn't seem to be anything much out of the norm, but now that I've been thinking...I finally realized that I was on NATIONAL TELEVISION IN MY SWIMSUIT! haha!

My days in Las Vegas were amazing!!! We had early mornings, late nights...loooong days, but I wouldn't have had it any other way! Rehearsals in the morning, dinner out at restaurants, appearances throughout the city at night..we had the best of both worlds. Of course, once preliminary competitions started, we no longer had those experiences "out on the town." Instead, we spent all of our waking hours on the stage rehearsing for each night's competition, camera blocking for the live show, rehearsing, more camera blocking, oh did I say rehearsing? This was the first time in TEN YEARS that there was a production number at Miss America! It was so much fun! If you couldn't find me..I was part of the "scarf" group! Because of the practice I had learning all of the production numbers at Delaware's Junior Miss, America's Junior Miss, my locals, and Miss Delaware..I actually caught onto the moves pretty quickly!..I'm practically a dancer! (definitely JUST kidding!! =P).

Since the last appearances we had that I wrote about, we also got to drive go-karts!!! I came in 3rd place in my heat..which was a little disappointing seeing as I've been driving go-karts since I could reach the pedals!! My car battery was dying, I think. We also had a magnificent dinner at an Italian restaurant. They certainly did not skimp on ANYTHING..we were stuffed!!, but boy was it good! We also got to see Phantom of the Opera, and then met the cast afterwards! It was incredible! I had never seen it before, and was amazed at the costumes, sets, and the overall drama of the whole thing!

I JUST saw Art McMaster in the airport! I guess we have the same flight home hehe. We were just chatting for a few minutes and he looked down at my carry-on and just happened to notice the empty bag of Peanut Butter M&Ms resting on top! He said, "All diets are off huh?.." so true hehe. Then he proceeded to say that he felt the same way and really wanted a cheesesteak. My response: "I had one last night." Haha what a day!

Back to my stay in Vegas..the Phantom of the Opera was the last night before preliminary competition. I had been through the interview with the judges earlier that afternoon. My interview went so well! I felt completely comfortable speaking with the judges, got my opinions across, and really showed them who I was. The only thing I kept thinking right before I went into the interview room was: let down your guard, let down your guard. I guess it worked because I feel like they really got to know who I was and why I felt the way that I did!

Tuesday night came with a surprisingly low amount of nerves, and a high level of excitement by the end. I had my talent competition that night and performed "El Cumbanchero." My performance went very well and I felt very comfortable on the stage! I won the Talent Award that night! I was so honored, and I felt good being able to help represent the other pianists that had or had not competed in talent that night. It isn't too often that Miss America gets a large number or pianists, so it was exciting to bring some light to the instrument! Also, talent is my absolute favorite phase of competition so it meant a lot to me to be able to take home that award. I finally got to see my family and supporters that night at visitation. Before I could go though, Katie and I (Swimsuit and Talent winners) were taken to a special room for press photos. Then it was off to see my fellow Delawareans. It had been a long 5 days since I left Delaware, and it was so comforting to get to spend a little QT with everyone. I only wish that we had more time to visit. Afterwards, almost every contestant stopped by the "Hospitality Suite" to get some food! It's hard to really eat a good-sized dinner right before stage competition because of nerves, or anxiety, or excitement...your adrenaline just pumps through you and food is the last thing on your mind. However, AFTER competition, food is the FIRST thing on your mind!! so we all gathered to eat good food and spend time with eachother. Oh yeah, and this was the same night that Joe Biden officially became the VP of the U.S.! What a day for Delaware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday came later for me than for others. My group was able to sleep in a bit. Those extra hours were MUCH needed! We ran through rehearsals for a few hours in the afternoon and it was on to the second night of preliminary competition. I had my On-Stage Question. It went okay..it wasn't my best expression of opinion, but I got my point across. I felt good about it so I was pleased. That night seemed very uneventful..only having the On-Stage Question..about 30seconds on stage..the competition part of the night went by very fast. We had visitation again which was lovely! and then another round of Hospitality Suite dinner at about 11pm. Sleep was the very next thing on my list!

Thursday..the last night of prelims! I had the Swimsuit and Evening Gown competitions. This was the busiest night so far..simply because I had two competitions. I felt great in my swimsuit and I absolutely LOVE my evening gown, so I couldn't have asked for more!!

From the last three nights, I had built up a lot of "momentum," will you, from night after night of competitions (interview, talent, On-Stage Question, then Swimsuit and Evening Gown). The momentum took a little dive on Friday though, because we had OFF from competition! We slept in, then spent the WHOLE day/afternoon camera blocking for Saturday's live show. It was clear that the time we had to "sleep in" was not sufficient. Every time you looked around..there were about 30 girls fast asleep ALL OVER the stage!..the steps, couches, chairs, floor, stools, benches, audience seats..you name it..they were sleeping there! We were wiped out!

Later that afternoon, we had a nice reception that led us to the Evening of Dreams event. I sat with many Alabamians and had a great time listening to all of the Miss Americas speak and entertain, enjoying the other live entertainment, great food, and dancing! One thing us ladies did not think about though, was our shoe situation. We put on the shoes that looked good with our outfits..NOT the shoes that went well with our dancing!..we pulled through though :)

Finally!..Saturday arrived!..MISS AMERICA! It was hard to believe! We rehearsed in the morning and were not allowed to leave the dressing room once we arrived at 6:20am. Talk about an earlllllly morning! Our sleeping stage (the actual stage) was more pronounced than the day before! Everyone was exhausted!, but once we began getting ready for the show, our adrenaline kicked in and we were ready to go! We made it through the opening number..which was totally awesome incase you missed it! Then the Golden Sash Winners from Countdown to the Crown were brought to the front of the stage to find out which girls were voted on most by America. ND, IN, GA, and AL were the America's Choices for the Top 15. Then Michigan was announced as a judges choice..then I heard my two favorite words!..."MISS DELAWARE!" I was so excited! I made it into the Top 15 at Miss America!!! After we were announced..we went to a commercial break and were immediately released to go change into our Swimsuits. We had only THREE minutes to get back stage and outside to our dressing "tent," change outfits, shoes, jewelry, lipstick, etc., and get back inside the backstage area to compete. Unfortunately, my journey to becoming Miss America ended after the Swimsuit competition..I didn't make the Top 12 cut. I was bummed that I no longer had a chance at becoming Miss America, but I was mostly bummed that I had lost in that sarong that they made us put on over our swimsuits during the commercial! haha I wish I could have been in my Evening Gown or had performed my talent, but I couldn't change that! I joined the other 40 contestants on stage-right to watch and support the Top 12 competing in the Evening Gown competition. In the end, Miss Indiana, Katie Stamm, won Miss America 2009..incredible! What a feeling!, an honor!, a responsibility!, a lifestyle change!, a moment of pure happiness!, an inspiration! WOW! MISS AMERICA!..and I know her! What a week!

I'll post pictures when I get home and can upload them.

I just wanted to thank EVERYONE who wished me the best and good luck, who prayed for my health and success at Miss America, who supported me all year, who sent me text messages, who left me facebook messages and wallposts, who wrote me letters of encouragement, and who thought about me while I was at the biggest event of my entire life. THANK YOU!!!! I could not have asked for a better support team, state, fanclub, cheer squad, for better friends, family members, board members. You all mean the world to me! and you made my experience at Miss America even sweeter! God has a plan for everyone, and although He can only allow one person the life-changing experience of being Miss America, He allows the entire nation to be touched, impacted, supported, and positively influenced by all of the Miss America participants and volunteers. This is an amazing organization and I feel honored to have represented the First State at the 2009 Miss America Pageant!

You can go to this website to see the Top 15 in Swimsuit competition:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/23/miss-america-swimsuit-com_n_160535.html

I have been in Las Vegas since Thursday! I was reunited with 51 lovely ladies from all over the country and have been in rehearsal and making appearances with them for the last few days. We have been all over Vegas!..touring the strip, eating at various restaurants, driving go-carts, going to see Phantom of the Opera, meeting the Mayor of Las Vegas, walking in a fashion show at the Fashion Mall, and so much more!! They have been keeping us busy and tied to a tight schedule, but it has been a blast! The weather is beautiful during the day, although we're inside rehearsing, but at nighttime, it gets chillllly!

They have decided to put in a production number like the Miss America Pageant used to have. Let me tell you..I am SO glad that we have production numbers at Miss Delaware, because it sure helps a "non-dancer" like me to catch onto the dance moves! We picked up the steps pretty quickly and the number looks awesome! I can't wait for everyone to see it!

Tomorrow is the very first night of stage competition. I will be competing in the talent portion tomorrow, On-Stage Question on Wednesday, and Swimsuit and Evening Gown on Thursday. I can't wait!! It's amazing to be on the Miss America stage looking out into the empty seats knowing that in less than 24 hours, I'm going to be performing there for thousands of people! What an experience!!

Don't forget to watch the last episode of Countdown to the Crown on Friday at 10pm on TLC. If you happen to miss the episode, it reruns at 12am, and 3pm the next day! This is the big voting episode so stay tuned!

Also, remember that Miss America airs live on TLC on Saturday, January 24. This will be finals night...after we have all completed our preliminary competition.

Wish me luck!! =D