Our greatest glory is not in never falling
but in rising every time we fall.
-Confucius

My car buried under the snow, it took me two hours to get out, since our snow-blower broke!


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!


Well the clock is ticking, and Miss America is now only 3 weeks away. I know I say this a lot, but I really can't believe how fast time is going. I am getting so excited, but first my send off party is coming this weekend in Atlantic City!!!

We've been busy planning, and I am just so excited to be spending the evening with my family and friends celebrating this once in a lifetime opportunity! Slowly everything is coming together, and everything for Miss America is moving along! So now it's time to enjoy the ride!

Onto some adventures, on December 15th I was the guest speaker at Scotch Plains High School during their physical education classes. I had a wonderful time meeting with the students, and speaking to them about my platform, encouraging them to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to them and living healthier lifestyles. I even sang some arias for them because they were so excited to hear me sing.


Speaking to the Students


They were so much fun to meet!


Discussing Sports Broadcasting with a student


Singing an aria


Crowning Maryann, one of the gym teachers!

Later on that evening I was honored by the Scotch Plains Town Council with a Proclamation, and they named December 2009 "Ashley Shaffer Month" in honor of me and my quest for the Miss America crown. I was thrilled to be honored, especially since I had never had an entire month in my honor!

with Michael, the owner of Maria's Restaurant in Scotch Plains, great food!

Receiving the proclamation!

Unfortunately, the other events that I had for December were canceled on December 19th because of the Nor'easter that came and dumped almost 30" of snow in my area. It took us about 2 hours to dig out our cars,

I think I remember talking about an event I attended in NYC in November where I met Susan Lucci...Well, I finally have pictures! As you can tell, she is so tiny and she just celebrated her 62nd birthday last week! So Happy Belated Birthday Susan!


With Susan at the Columbus Citizens Foundation


I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season, and got everything they asked for! I was so thankful and so blessed this year with my family and friends, and I hope everyone was as well. I was given a lot of lovely gifts, but I think my favorite gift this year was my Homedics Memory Foam Orthopedic Pillow. You know you are getting old when...

Now we are in party mode, and moving full speed ahead! We have so many things to accomplish this week, so it will be busy, but I can't wait to share all the photos from my wonderful evening!

I hope that everyone has a Happy, healthy and safe New Year!!

Health and Happiness 'til next time!

Obstacles are things a person sees
when he takes his eyes off the goal.
-E. Joseph Crossman

My beautiful "sister," Miss NJ 2008, Ashley Fairfield!

Another week down, and another step closer to Miss America! We received the Miss America Competition Magazine, and my heart nearly stopped. I could not believe that my picture was in there as a Miss America contestant. Everything is becoming a reality, everything I have dreamed about for so long, is happening! It truly makes me sit back and think to myself how fortunate I am to have this exciting opportunity to represent this state. Vegas here I come!! Woohoo!

So last week I was busy doing prep work for Miss America, followed by a busy weekend at both of my fundraisers at Tesi Bridal and Swoozie's!

I spent the other night at, Rosanna's apartment, and just was blown away of her amazing view of the NY skyline! So I woke up, watched Regis and Kelly, drank coffee, and stared out at the view! That was such a great morning and stress reliever!

Nothing like this!

I had a great day at Tesi's taking pictures and signing autographs for the customers! I also enjoyed the day with Victoria Fiola, Miss Coastal Shore Outstanding Teen, because Tesi is a tremendous supporter for the both of us! She has been so gracious and generous to donate my On Stage Question dress, and also to help me raise money, so I must send her a huge thank you for being so supportive of me and the pageant!

With a Bride and her wedding party!


Victoria, Tesi and myself!


"Crowning" Tesi :-)

On Sunday, I made it to Swoozie's amid the monsoon that was happening outside. And I just had the best time with the customers taking pictures and helping them pick out some great gifts for the holidays! The owner of "The Frame Smith," the store right next to Swoozie's brought his two dogs into the store, Hank and Pogo, and my heart melt! I could not resist but to take a picture with the puppies! Hank, the Lab, was training to be a seeing eye dog, and he was just so sweet. I want to thank Kelli, Sam, and Jenn for being so friendly and helpful! After everything was done, I did a little bit of shopping myself, and picked up some really cute gifts for my friends! I can't wait to see their faces!

With Hank and Pogo! I wanted to take Hank home!

Congratulations to the new local titleholders that were crowned on Saturday night, Miss Central Coast 2010 Venessa Baez and Miss Monmouth County 2010, Hilary Levin! As a former Miss Monmouth County it was such a pleasure to be a part of the evening, and with such a large crowd! All the contestants were wonderful, and I'm so excited to see our new titleholders compete for the title of Miss New Jersey 2010!

Venessa Baez, Miss Central Coast 2010


Hilary Levin, Miss Monmouth County 2010


All the "crownheads!"

I have a busy week ahead of me, with Scotch Plains High School tomorrow, collecting "Toys for Tots" at Woodbridge Center on Saturday, and then the Egg Harbor City Christmas Parade, Saturday night! Stay tuned for all my adventures next week!

"To be a champ you have to believe in yourself
when no one else will." Sugar Ray Robinson

Finishing my very first 5K!

Two of my sponsors are hosting Sales in my honor this coming weekend December 12th and 13th!
First Tesi Bridal in Ventnor, NJ will be hosting a sale on Saturday, and I will be there from 10-1.
Then Swoozie's of Princeton will be hosting a Sale Saturday and Sunday, but I will be there Sunday from 12-3. All proceeds collected will benefit the Children's Miracle Network!

Here is my link if you can donate more!!
http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=239217988F4

Well I did it! The first Miss NJ to graduate Dale Carnegie! I am thrilled that I was able to accomplish this, and I am so proud of how much the class has benefited me. It was such a pleasure to get to know everyone, and I hope to continue the relationships that we've gained from this fabulous class. My Dad was there for graduation, and he was patient enough to sit through the entire class. I'm so lucky he did that for me!


Maria Mantoudakis, my wonderful Instructor!

During my lesson in NYC I had the priviledge to work with the fabulous Maureen Moore. She was so enthusiastic, and really added to my talent. I just can't wait to perform at Miss America!

Saturday I was off in the rainy/snowy weather to Woodbridge Mall where I collected "Toys for Tots" with the Marine Corps League Avenel Detachment. It was a great day, and we definitely collected a good amount of Toys! I will be with them again on December 19th! I hope that everyone will come out to donate!


With Stew, John, Bob, and Joe- Avenel Detachment


With some new fans! (And apparently a new boyfriend, haha)


With the Boy Scouts of Sayreville, NJ

On Sunday we enjoyed my 5K race at Mercer County Park, even though the weather didn't quite hold out enough, we still had a great race! I want to thank everyone who came out to support the cause and participate in the event! You were all troopers to hold out for the cold! I even ran in the race myself, and for not having run a lot prior to, I did really well! The money will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network.


With the Slusak Family!


Thank you Wegman's for all the support!


Team Issalon and Storm!


My fabulous little sister, Brenna! Thank you for coming out!

The judges has officially been announced for Miss America 2010. It looks like we have a really eclectic panel, and also really interesting. I think I will be starstruck when I see Katie Harmon because she is one of my favorite Miss America's because she inspired me to begin opera when I was younger! What a thrill!

So much more to look forward to this week! I can't wait til this weekend! Til next time everyone!

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

On my way to the float in Philadelphia!!

Emerson really is one of my favorite writers because he is an artist of the written word. He is certianly one of the most prolific writers, and can so accurately describe how I'm feeling recently!

Another eventful week has passed, and I've officially begun my Miss America countdown, and as of today we are two months out from Miss America! It will be here before I know it! It feels like I was just saying that Miss America was six months away! I think it's really starting to set in that I will be competing for Miss America!! CRAZY!

**Don't forget, my "Feel Great" 5K Run/Walk is this Sunday, December 6th at Mercer County Park, beginning at 9:30am. Register at www.therunningcompany.net **

I want to thank my sponsor, Issalon and Yaffa, for giving me a chemical peel and microdermabrasion! Yaffa was so wonderful, and my skin felt amazing after the treatment! I HIGHLY recommend trying this fabulous new treatment! Your skin will thank you!! Just tell them Miss NJ sent you!!

I also am very encouraged because of the recent support from the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation. They heard about my platform, and would love to use me as a spokeswoman, so hopefully we can form a partnership in the future!

I'm getting to the end of my Dale Carnegie Course this week, and I'm so excited because I will be the FIRST Miss NJ to graduate from the course!! I'm so excited, and so proud of myself for completing the course! Now the trick is to implement all the tools and principles I've learned into my daily life!

Well it's been a busy couple weeks, and I have so much to share! First, I was the invited guest the "Annual Autumn Celebration" at the Columbus Citizens Foundation in NYC, where Susan Lucci was being honored for Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Joseph Monticciolo and his wife Mary Ann, invited me to come and listen to the fabulous opera singers they had to honor Susan, and I was blown away! Michael Amante and Jeanette Vecchione were phenomenal talent's, and Michael even sang "Nessun Dorma" he gave me chills! Susan was a pleasure to meet, and she really is sooo little!

With Mr. Joseph Monticciolo, President of the Italian Board of Guardians


With the fabulous, Jeanette Vecchione

Before the event I had a chance to sit down with Alicia Luciano, Miss NJ 2002! She is such a doll, and a wonderful woman! I'm so honored to be her "sister!"

The following day I spent in Red Bank with Duxiana again, and met the Mayor of Red Bank. The time flew by, but it was such a beautiful day! And I want to thank them again for their continued support.

With Ann-Brit Paulsen, owner of Duxiana, and Mayor Menna of Red Bank


signing an autograph for a small fan!

Then before I knew it, I was getting ready for Philadelphia thanksgiving parade...where did the time go?! I had a wonderful dinner with Miss Delaware, and Debbie the Executive Director of the Miss Delaware Pageant. We celebrated Sally's birthday, and just had a wonderful evening. The next morning we were up bright and early for the parade. I had such a wonderful time sharing the day with my little sister Brenna, Miss PA-Shannon Doyle, and Miss PAOT and Miss DEOT. I also had a chance to meet Miss NJ USA Chenoa Greene, and Miss NJ Teen USA Erica Syzmanski. We were so lucky we had such great weather for the parade!

With Miss Delaware!


On the Snowman Float with the other girls!


In the Hotel in front of the tree!


She is too cute, I can't help but bear hug her!!


The Miss and Teens with MAOT, Jeanette Moorelan


I think we make a great Christmas card!!

I had a very quiet Thanksgiving, but I have so much to be thankful for! I really am a very blessed young woman, and I'm so proud of my life and everyone who has touched my life!

Friday I was off and onto the Millville Christmas Parade! I had such a wonderful time, and rode in a really beautiful blue Mustang Convertible. I enjoyed the evening with Joan Cooper, my little sister Brenna, Miss Allstate Ashleigh Udalovas, Miss Coastal Shore-Brianna Durand, and my Dad! My Dad was my security for the evening, and he had a blast riding in the parade!

With the wonderful, Joan Cooper!


Miss Coastal Shore-Brianna Durand, MNJOT-Brenna, and Miss Allstate Ashleigh Udalovas


Miss Holly City, me, MNJOT, Homecoming Queen, and Miss Allstate

I also went shopping with Mom and we found my gown for the Send off party, and I absolutely can't wait to wear it!! I'm just beyond excited!! It's 1 month til my party!

Sunday I headed to Bridgeton to be in their Holiday parade, and I had such a great time with the lovely Barbara Casarow! Her and her husband welcomed me into their beautiful home. I was on this great float from Blondies, but I didn't realize how high I was in this float until I nearly smacked a stoplight with my head. I also played limbo with some electrical wires. No one ever told me that being a "Stuntwoman" was part of the job description of Miss NJ!!

With the Bridgeton Town Council


with Miss Atlantic Shores, Maggie May Sabota!


on my float, with my two guards!

But I'm having the time of my life!! If you are in the area, on Saturday December 5th I will be at the Woodbridge Mall Collecting "Toys for Tots" with the Marine Corps League of Avenel from 12-2. Come by and say hi! Maybe even donate an un-wrapped toy, too!?

All my love til next time!

SO SORRY!!

I'm so sorry, but I forgot to Congratulate our new local titleholders who won on Saturday November 14th. I was at a family party, and unable to be there!

But CONGRATS to Miss Salem County 2010 Ciara Oro, and Miss Heartland 2010, Chelsea Lee Ray!! I'm so excited to have you both back at Miss New Jersey!!

We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.
-Aristotle

Over 12,000 Goya cans were used to make this, and were donated to the United Way of Salem County!\


With the 5th graders from Gloucester Township School! (They were awesome back-up singers!)


Even Miss New Jersey needs a little rest after a crazy week!

I think I have just experienced one of the most exciting, rewarding, but unbelievably exhausting weeks as Miss New Jersey. Each day I'm presented with a new challenge, but I look forward to learning more about myself and invigorating my thirst for knowledge. So with that, I have a lot to share from the past 4 days!

First I want to keep reminding everyone about my "Feel Great 5K Walk/Run" that will be held on December 6th at the Mercer County Park! $20 Registration Fee, and all proceeds benefit my platform and the Children's Miracle Network! Children at $10 and there will be a "1 Mile Fun Run" for the children so families can enjoy the event!

REGISTER HERE
http://www.therunningcompany.net/

Also I'm very excited about a new SPONSOR!! I would like to thank Tom D'Auria and Tanlines Tanning Studio in East Windsor, NJ for becoming my sponsor for the Miss America Pageant!! They have beautiful facilities, with beds ranging from level 1-5 as well as Mystic Sunless Tanning! Tom and all the ladies are so friendly, and are active within the community, so I encourage every to patronize this great sponsor and everything they do for the community!!

TANLINES
370 Rt. 130 South
East Windsor, NJ

Well, onto my appearances, Wednesday I was honored to be a part of the new GOYA Warehouse opening in Pedricktown, NJ. I share my story of how Goya products have been a major part of my life, especially growing up with a Puerto Rican Babysitter who fed me Rice and Beans, which is my favorite food next to my Oatmeal Pancakes! I also sang the National Anthem and cut the ribbon! The food was wonderful, and I just had so much fun meeting with Goya Executives, and would like to thank Rafael Torro and his assistant Giovanna for having me be a part of the spectacular event! The saying is true, "If it's Goya, it has to be good!"


Singing the National Anthem!


Cutting the Ribbon!


Speaking with the President of Goya


With the wonderful, Rafael Torro!

Friday I was up bright an early to head to Gloucester Township Elementary School, and was the special guest for the 33rd annual "Americanism Day." Sponsored by the AMVETS, this event was designed to educate children on the importance of patriotism and important symbols of our great nation. This year they had a special ceremony called the "The White Table Ceremony," which is dedicated to all the POW/MIA in the Armed Services. It was a very emotional, but beautiful ceremony. I was so impressed with the children and how proud they were to take part in this event. I think it's so wonderful how dedicated Principal Gentile and his assistant, Ms. Katherine Murphy are to making sure this event takes place!


With Principal Gentile!


With the District and National Presidents of the AMVETS, as well as a Gloucester Township Police Officer!


With members of the Gloucester Township School Board

I spoke to the students about coming from a military family, and being a descendant from a signer of the Declaration of Independence. I also encouraged them to get involved in their communities and give back to everyone who has sacrificed for their freedom. I closed the show by singing the "Armed Forces Medley." All the servicemen in the audience were impressed by how I knew all the words, and I didn't forget them! (Little did they know, I had to lock myself into my room the day before so I learned them) But I had such a wonderful time being with the students, and getting to meet them all!


Speaking to the Students!


Singing the Armed Forces Medley!

Saturday I was once again up bright and early to head to Ridgewood, New Jersey where I took part in a charity event with DUXIANA. I helped to collected toys, cloths, and other items for children involved with "Project HOPE," a mission which is dedicated to helping children in Haiti, and providing them with a better life. From there I then went to Summit, New Jersey to collect more things at the Summit DUXIANA store. I had such a wonderful time, not to mention that we had the chance to try out the fabulous "Dux Bed," which is probably the most luxurious bed I have ever tried! I want to thank Ann-Britt Paulsen for having me at the event, and I also want to thank her for giving me a wonderful "Duxiana Down Pillow!" I haven't such restful sleep in such a long time! I will be in Red Bank this coming Saturday to collect more things for Project Hope from 11-1, so I hope to see everyone come out and support this wonderful cause!!


With Anne-Britt Paulsen, and her employees in Ridgewood.


Another one from Ridgewood!


With some young girls who came to donate!

I'm getting very excited because I am coming to the end of my Dale Carnegie Course! I only have two to go, and then I will be the first Miss New Jersey to graduate!! I will keep everyone posted!!

Well now it's time to get back to practicing, and getting ready for the upcoming events. I'm really excited for the event I was invited to this Friday evening at the Columbus Citizens Foundation! I might have the chance to meet Susan Lucci!!

Wishing you health and happiness!