"Don't try to imitate,
there is no one else in this world like YOU!"
-Dale Carnegie

My view of the field

me and Sally after Miss Avalon and Miss South Jersey!

Well since I last blogged, I have some terrible news to share, but my dearest little puppy Molly passed away on Thursday afternoon, while I was singing lessons. She unfortunately was infected with Lyme Disease, and the infection went right to her Kidneys, and we were unable to reverse the effects of it on her little body. She was only 6 years old, and had such a friendly and loving personality. She will be greatly missed in our family.

Molly on the ride home from South Carolina, July 2009

But, my life certainly hasn't stopped in the midst of all the chaos at home, and I have been very busy over the past week!

I have some great news! First, we will be hosting the "Miss New Jersey 2009 Feel Great, 5K Run Walk" on December 6th at the Mercer County Park. Registration can be done online at www.therunningcompany.com and its $20 per runner. The run/walk starts at 9:30, but regsitration will begin at 7:30 am. Proceeds will benefit my platform "A Healthy Weight to Feel Great" and the Children's Miracle Network!

Also, the "Official Miss New Jersey 2009 Cookbook: Healthy, Kid-friendly, and Affordable Recipes" is now on sale! It is a $5 donation to the Children's Miracle Network! For more information, please contact me directly!

On Tuesday I was off to Johnson&Johnson where I met with some Executives in the Healthcare industry regarding my platform, marketing techniques, as well as discussing healthcare. I want to thank Mr. Jim Mitchell and Mrs. Jeri Thomas for their time, and being so willing to help me out!

Wednesday, I was up bright an early for the Rutgers Health and Science Fair which was held on the Douglass Campus. I had a wonderful day meeting with students and professors in the school, and signed many autographs! Later on in the afternoon I was a part of a panel discussion for "Healthy Body Image." Although it was the first year for the event, the fair was definitely a success and it was great to educate the Rutgers community on living a healthy lifestyle.
My table at the Health Fair

With Dr. Marty Martino, Gynecological Oncologist

Friday, I was once again in the car traveling to Newark with Sally where we dined at the wonderful "Forno's of Spain" with Rafael Torro, Director of Public Relations for Goya Foods. We discussed the event I will be doing with Goya on November 11th. So I'm really excited for that, it is going to be a really great day, with some excellent food!

Also, I received an e-mail for approval of my page in the Miss America 2010 Competition Magazine, and I just got chills! I can't believe the page is for me! I can't wait til the magazine comes out in December!

Saturday was the busiest day of the week for me, as I started the day at the Hillsborough Star Diner on Rt. 206. Although it was raining, I had a great day and ate breakfast with the Hillsborough Fire Dept, Police Department, and also the Mayor. During the day I greeted guests and towards the afternoon I was interviewed by EBR-TV about the organization and the opportunities it provides for women such as myself. But please, if you find yourself in Hillsborough, stop by this great diner, their food is great, and they have some of the best French Toast!


At the entrance of the Hillsborough Diner


Breakfast with the Hillsborough Fire Department


Signing Autographs


John, owner of diner, Mayor Delcore, and Captain of the Hillborough Police Dept.

As soon as we were done, Sally and myself raced to Avalon for the Miss Avalon/Miss South Jersey local pageant. It was a great pageant, and I want to congratulate our two new titleholders Christine Giardina, Miss Avalon 2010, and Krysten Moore, Miss South Jersey 2010! I look forward to seeing both young women compete at Miss New Jersey, as they are both phenomenol young women! Also, I want to make a special mention to Kristi Pawlus, as she gave her final farewell, after seven years in the system. Kristi is truly an amazing young woman, who embodies what this organization is all about, and I want to thank her for the kind words in her farewell.


Kristi Pawlus-Miss Avalon 2009, Christine Giardina-Miss Avalon 2010, me, Krysten Moore-Miss South Jersey 2010, and Brenna MNJOT


With Krysten, Miss South Jersey 2010


Brenna and myself with Christine Giardina-Miss Avalon 2010

I finished my week with an exciting trip to the Giants game on Sunday night. Although they lost, I still had a blast, and the energy from the crowd was really exciting. I'm just hoping the Giants start to turn things around!

I have a quiet week or so, but I will be back soon to keep everyone updated as I continue my preparations for Miss America!