Back to reality...

For years I have dreamed about being Miss New Jersey, and you always hear what former Miss New Jersey's have experienced, but never would I have thought that I would be Miss New Jersey. When people say, "Hey! That's Miss New Jersey!" I still want to turn and say "Where?!" It's truly an indescribable feeling to have achieved my dream to be at Miss America. And, you always think you know what comes with the territory, but until you live it, you have no idea.


Truly, a surreal experience, cannot even put into words...

Upon my return home from Orlando, I was quickly thrown right back into reality, and enlightened with a renewed sense of focus and determination. My thirst for success invigorates my quest for the Miss America crown. I'm truly unlike any Miss New Jersey, my journey was quite different to the crown, and I intend on making it one of the best years of my life.

I've been meeting with various individuals, organizing my Golf Outing to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. I'm also beginning a cookbook filled with healthy recipes and ideas for parents and families to promote healthy lifestyles in the home. This cookbook will be sold, and proceeds will benefits local school health programs, and the Children's Miracle Network.

Wednesday I interviewed with the esteemed Joan Hamberg about my road ahead for Miss America, and some of the many things I have to look forward to as Miss New Jersey. She was just so much fun to talk to!

Joan Hamberg @ The Oyster Point Hotel, Red Bank, New Jersey

I've also begun preparations for Columbus Day Weekend, as I prepare to crown the new Miss Columbus Day. I'm so excited for that weekend to be a part of the festivities, but I'm really sad because my sister will be giving up her title as Miss Atlantic County 2009. I really don't want to think about that, because I will start to cry again.


I love you Krysten!

Saturday I attended the Miss Seashore Line/Coastal Shore/Cape Shores triple crown pageant. A BIG congratulations goes out to the newly crowned local titleholders Kate Bozzelli, Brianna Durand, and Kayla Ghanavati. I wish you all the best of luck, and a successful year! I also had the chance to sit and speak with the panel of judges who were so much fun, and a great way for me to practice my interviewing skills! They had so many questions, it was so much fun to get to know them!

(LtoR) Kate Bozzelli-Seashore Line, Kayla Ghanavati-Cape Shores, Brianna Durand-Coastal Shore

Me and Kaitlin Davis-Miss Congeniality!

I also want to send my love and best wishes to Chelsea Lee Ray, Jachele Velez, and Katie Hope! You ladies are truly extraordinary women, with such bright futures ahead of you. It was such an honor to share the Miss New Jersey stage with all of you! Katie--I wish you all the luck in the world in your quest to become Miss America's Sweetheart! I know you are going to represent so well, and I just hope you have the time of your life! Maybe bring some corn home for me?? :-)


me and Katie Hope--July 2008

I also received my Swimsuit Plaque from Silvia on Saturday, and that is the one trophy that I will cherish forever. The hard work and focus it took to achieve that is beyond anything I could have imagined. It's going up very high on my wall!


Thank you Richard for putting this collage together!


Now it's Sunday, and I'm exhausted! Again, people always tell you that you are going to be tired as Miss New Jersey, but you really don't know until you experience it!
Until next time...

Health and Happiness!