The Adventure Continues

  "The Purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

       With each passing day I get more and more excited for Miss New Jersey week!  With only a little more than two months to go, I have plenty to keep me busy.  I've also realized just how fun it is to receive emails from our Miss NJ co-executive director, Louie.  I love getting updates and breaking news about this year's pageant!  One VERY exciting piece of news I received recently was that our Miss America, Mallory Hagan, will be in attendance at the final night of Miss New Jersey!  Not only will we have a new state titleholder, we will all be able to meet Miss America...talk about an excitement overload.  Another email I was thrilled to receive was from our parade chair, Maribeth Neall, telling us the parade theme!  This year the Ocean City boardwalk will host a "Villains Down the Venue" parade.  I've chosen to dress as "Kissing Kate Barlow!"  The old western legend of Kissing Kate tells the story of a jaded woman who leaves a lipstick mark on all of her male victims after she kills them.  As I tried to think of truly villainous women, my mind came to the classic western shows I'd grown up watching with my Dad.  To me, Kissing Kate is a perfect example of a devious outlaw, with a feminine trademark.  I can't wait to start putting together my costume and car decor ideas!
       Before I made the trek home for Easter Break, I donated a few hours of my time and participated in the National Day of Giving.  My "big," Katie and I greeted customers at Jersey Mike's where 100% of the day's proceeds went to Juvenile Diabetes research!  It was a fun way to show our support for JDRF which is our sorority's international philanthropy, and I got to meet some inspiring kids who stuggle daily with diabetes.
       As I arrived home, I continued preparing for competition by writing, proof-reading, editing, proof-reading again, and completing my paperwork.  It's a genuinely difficult task to properly express who you are on just a few sheets of paper.  Thankfully my sweet mother was a second pair of eyes to aid in the many rounds of proof-reading that occured.  I was so relieved to have handed each and every form, essay, and contract in before the deadline.  What a weight that was lifted!  Now I can finally focus on the actual performance aspects of competition! ;)
       As many know, The Miss America Organization's national platform is the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.  Each contestant sets a goal for herself to raise money toward helping the cause!  To meet my personal goal for Children's Miracle network, I held an Easter flower sale.  Friends and family purchased tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils to celebrate the arrival of Spring and the Easter holiday.  All of the proceeds went straight to CMNH!  My mom and I had a great time making deliveries...the car smelled lovely and we got to spend the day visiting some awesome people. :) 

       I've always been one to appreciate "the little things" in life.  One "little thing" I celebrated was opening my mailbox to find an envelope from Richard Krauss, the official Miss New Jersey photographer.  Richard has been doing my headshots since I was Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen, and I always have the BEST time at our photoshoots.  Not only is he so much fun, but he's a truly gifted photographer.  The envelope I found in my mailbox contained my new photo cards! 

I'm convinced Richard has magic powers...he's awesome!

       Lastly, I was so happy to spend the Easter holiday with the people I love!  Although the youngest of my cousins on my dad's side is 14 years old, we continue to hold an Easter egg hunt each year, and each year becomes drastically more competitive.  Next year I will most definitely bring my running shoes. :)



My sweet Mom-mom surrounded by her grandkids :)

       With only a few weeks left of school, I'm ready to buckle down and get through these finals--all while hitting the gym, dancing, and watching the news.  Once I'm home for summer it'll only be a matter of time before we get to head down to Ocean City for an amazing week!  Can you tell I'm barely able to contain my excitement?