Once you give yourself permission to think
about things which are obviously impossible, you are
on your way to shaping your future
--Joel Barker

One of the greatest parts of the job of Miss New Jersey is that it forces you to step outside your comfort zone, and experience a whole new world. The various individuals who I have had the pleasure of meeting, come from all walks of life, and impart so much wisdom and experience that I truly cherish as I prepare for Miss America. I think networking is becoming my favorite pastime :-)

Since we last spoke, my weeks have been filled with preparations, phone calls, fittings, meetings, appearances, and trying to catch up with some old friends! Things have been happening that I still can't believe are coming true, but this is truly the time of my life! I can't believe that it's almost October! Time is just flying by!

My trainer has been kicking my butt, as my status on Facebook says frequently. I'm making huge progress, and I'm so proud of how far I've come. The challenges I face in the gym, I believe mentally prepare me for all the challenges of my life because they force me to focus my thoughts and my energy. Health and Fitness are truly a passion of mine, and I know that if I can do this, anyone can!

Four years ago, I couldn't even do a pull up, now I'm doing weighted pull-ups

Some reps of Bicep Curls

A week ago I was the featured guest at the "Miss Moorestown Estates" Pageant. Moorestown is an assisted living facility, and I served as a judge and also sang for the residents. But it was a very difficult decision, they were very talented, and one of the women baked for us! It was very hard not to be swayed! In the end, we named Frances, "Miss Moorestown Estates 2009!" She is 85 years young, and collects stuffed animals from around the country. (If anyone has seen my room, you can see how I identified with her!) She was so shocked that we chose her, but she was such a kind and loving woman. It felt so good to see her smile, and enjoy the experience!


Signing an Autograph for Joy! She made me cry with her story!

With the two Miss Moorestown Estates 2008, and Miss Moorestown Estates 2009, in her "Red, White and Blue Eveningwear" that she made herself!

Since then, my Dale Carnegie courses have really kept me busy! It's so weird to have homework again, but my instructor is fabulous, and getting to know my classmates has been a really wonderful opportunity. And of course, meeting with some of my new sisters, former Miss NJs, who have become such an instrumental part of my reign and support system!

I have also begun meeting with the esteemed, David Gross, who is working with me on my music for Miss America. David is one of the most talented pianists I have had the pleasure of working with, and I'm confident in his ability to produce a beautiful piece of music!

Unfortunately, my Golf Outing had to be canceled, however, we are planning another event later in the month of October. For now, I'm focusing on putting together my new coloring book, as well as getting ready to crown the new Miss Columbus Day! It's going to be such a great event! I hope everyone will be able to attend that double crown, as well as the parade on the Atlantic City boardwalk on Saturday the 10th at 11am.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the crownings of Miss Eastern and Miss Atlantic Shores Pageant as well as the Miss Mercer County and Miss Mercer County Outstanding Teen crowning. I want to congratulate Maggie Sabota, Brenna Welsh, and Courtney Charataris for winning their crowns. Also, I would like to wish all the best to Katie Berry, Miss Mercer County 2009. She was a fabulous representative for the crown, and I wish her continued success in all aspects of her life.


Miss Eastern/Atlantic Shores crowning with all Miss/Teen Contestants

With Sam, Miss Atlantic Shores Preteen, and Katie Hope's little sister!

Miss Mercer County and Miss Mercer County OT 2010

Me and Katie Berry, Miss Mercer County 2009

Well now I'm off to the gym again, and trying to get rid of my cold once and for all!

Stay Positive and all the best!

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring --Oscar Wilde

Wheew! What a week it has been! I have so many exciting things to tell you! But first, I wanted to Congratulate Katie Hope for a job well done at the National Sweetheart pageant. From the pictures I saw, she looked beautiful, and made NJ so proud! We know that she is a true Sweetheart!

I'm so excited to announce that I've been diligently working to re-create my coloring book "Harry the Healthy Horse," which will be used throughout my lessons with my younger students. A very good friend of mine agreed to completely re-design "Harry" and some of the scenes. He is a fabulous artist, and I'm so excited to implement this in my curriculum. Also, I'm in the beginning stages of my Miss NJ "Healthy Recipes" Cookbook, which I'm hoping to sell to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network! Stay tuned for details!

My week began at the 40-74 Magazine Photo shoot on Wednesday. The photographer was so much fun, and they made me feel like a queen! I can't wait to see the final product in the November issue of 40-74 magazine in the "Passions" section of the magazine! From what I'm told, they are basing my spread on the Bruce Springsteen "Welcome to Asbury Park" Album Cover!

Setting up the Shot

Reviewing the shots with the Editor

Later that night I met with the Hyacinth Foundation to discuss my appearance at their AIDS Foundation Gala in November. It is going to be a great night, and I'm looking forward to performing with their live band! The next day I was on my way to my voice lessons in NYC and other preparations for Miss A.

Friday I was on my way in the monsoon weather to CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), with Sally holding on for dear life in the passenger's seat. We arrived safely, even though my GPS was no help whatsoever! (When you are by the hospital, it's a complete maze because of it's enormity!) Once there, I enjoyed the afternoon at the CMN Radiothon with Miss PA and Miss DE, who are always great to be with! We decorated crowns, signed TONS of autographs, met the President of the Hospital, Dr. Altschuler, and Dr. Phil! (Yes, he does wear makeup!!)

Shaking Dr. Phil's Hand! (He was so excited to take a picture with us!)

He wanted to meet us! (we felt so honored!)

Decorating crowns

President and CEO, Dr. Altschuler

Working with the children of CMN is always such a humbling experience. They are some of the most resilient young people, no matter how much pain they were in. The experience reminds me why I am there, and to continue to fight for their cause. A young girl named Karena was in so much pain, but wanted to be a part of the festivities and meet Miss NJ so bad, she fought through it. Another young boy was waiting for a heart transplant and he just had the biggest smile on my face, and jumped for joy when he took a picture with us.

Saturday I was off to begin party planning! I could not believe that this was going to be for my send-off to Miss America! It blew my mind! Mark it on your calendars, January 2, 2010 at the Sheraton, Atlantic City!!! I can't spill too many details, but I can say that we are going to DANCE the night away!!

Finally on Sunday I attend Millstone Day, which is my hometown's fair. I was treated to first class treatment the minute I arrived, I felt so honored! Everyone from the town was ecstatic to meet me, and made me feel so loved! They surprised me with the Mayor's Award, and my Assemblywoman presented me with a State of New Jersey Proclamation from our State Senators! I was truly speechless, and cannot even begin to describe what that meant to me!

Owner of Frogbridge Day Camp

One of the Millstone Department of Agriculture Representatives

Receiving the Mayor's Award for Outstanding Service
Receiving the Proclamation from the State of New Jersey!

It certainly is not an easy job being Miss New Jersey, and I'm constantly faced with new obstacles each day. I remind myself each day of who I represent, and how I'm blessed with so many people who provide me with strength and love. Things will only get more challenging, so I appreciate those who have expressed their support and genuine love. This helps to keep me grounded, and live each day to the fullest, because life is going by way too fast!!

Now to catching up on some zzzZZzzz's...Love you all!

Don't let go...

Me trying to be elegant...Thank you Richard :-)

After this weekend, and being a part of my best friend's wedding, I had to comment on the one thing that happened all weekend...

One of the funniest things I have encountered as Miss New Jersey, is that fact that when people first meet you, they think you are this weird alien from outer space. People have so many misconceptions about "beauty queens" because for them, it's not everyday that someone gets to meet a Miss State. It's almost as if to them, you aren't a real person, which I think is hysterical because as soon as the crown is off my head, I'm just like everyone else again. It's like the crown has magical transformation powers.

Trust me, I'm real. (I've even had a little girl stroke my hand to make sure I was real) I make mistakes, quite frequently actually. I also get cranky and mean sometimes. Yes, I eat. No, I don't throw up after I eat. No, I don't have nude photos. No, I haven't had plastic surgery. Yes, we really do use butt glue. Yes, my teeth are real. Yes, we are allowed to have boyfriends. Yes, I am single. No, I'm not interested. (This particular group of answers usually comes from creepy old men, and unfortunately you have to always smile and nod) Yes, I know Miss CA! No...not Carrie Prejean. (Thank you Carrie Prejean for ruining feathers for me, I will never wear them now!) But, I really pride myself in being me. I'm not your "typical" girl/beauty queen, and I'm fine with that. I don't want to be like everyone else :-)


Before every photo session with Richard, he always takes a test picture with my rollers in, so flattering! :-P

Anyway, getting back to the wedding. It was such a great two days to spend with my closest friends. See, my friends are my world because they have been there throughout college, and there are six girls in particular that I lived with for four years, so when I get to see them, I'm finally in my element. I promised myself I wouldn't cry, but I knew I would because I'm such a big baby. But I just kept thinking about all the fun Kate and I had when we were roommates in I1.

The ladies of I1
(LtoR: Me, Kate, Rachel and Shannon)

The rehearsal went very well, I got chills practicing and watching Kate walk down the aisle with her Dad. Kate presented the bridesmaids with these absolutely beautiful Sterling Silver Tiffany's bracelets. We were so ecstatic to receive them, we were just so happy to be there to celebrate with Kate and Steve. Friday night, neither myself or Rachel slept. I don't know if I had so much on my mind, or if it was the ridiculously uncomfortable and noisy pull out bed. But we were up bright and early the next morning to get our hair done.


Myself, Rachel, and Kate at the rehearsal dinner

Kate was unbelievably calm the entire time. But I guess I would rather her be that way, because if you know you are happy and with the right person, your wedding day shouldn't be stressful. On Saturday morning, it was like there was a new woman standing in front of me. I was totally fine, even with her putting on the dress, I didn't cry! Of course, I didn't have time too, but Kate looked like a princess. She was glowing! It was the most surreal experience to watch this friend of mine, take one of the biggest steps in her life. I don't know if I can really explain it, but there was all this symbolism and it was as if, everything was happening the way it was supposed to.


This picture says it all...


Kate and Steve dancing their first dance

At the church we were getting her veil on, and I was helping to fix it. As soon as I looked up at her, I began to sob like a child. The veil made it all real at that point. When she walked down the aisle with her father, I completely lost it. But she just looked wonderful! We danced the afternoon away together, and got to see all my close friends who I haven't seen in months! At the end we saw the lovely couple off on their honeymoon to the Mediterranean. We continued to party with Kate's entire family, until Rachel and I headed back off to CT for the night. I don't think we could have asked for a more perfect day!

Marist girls!
(LtoR: Maryellen, Jill, Jen, me, Kate, Rachel and Shannon)


the ever lovable, and fabulous Big Brother, Waz! Love you, Bro!


Me and one of my greatest friends, Mark

But it made me realize how fast life goes by, and now we are all growing up. So I think it's fitting that I insert a song that described this weekend perfectly...

Don’t let go
Hold onto every moment
Always know
Hold onto every moment that You can

September...already?!

Well it's already September! This is crazy! Where did the summer go?!

Although I have not had a busy appearance schedule this week, I've still had my hands full organizing so many different things. Not to mention my best friend is getting married this weekend! Eek!

I want to give a BIG shout out to our Jersey Girl, Katie Hope, who is representing New Jersey at the Sweetheart pageant in Hoopeston, Illinois. I was just given news that her interview went well, so I'm confident she is having the time of her life! Keep her in your prayers everyone! :-)

Thank-you to those who have been helping with the Golf Outing, and the sponsors! I really appreciate your support! The deadline is September 10th, don't' forget to sign up!

I also want to thank my FABULOUS hair stylist Issa, from Issalon in East Windsor, NJ. He has agreed to be my hair sponsor for the year, and he is absolutely fantastic! He is the master of cut/color/makeup/overall image. (He even fixed my personal boo-boo I made by making my hair TOO blonde before Orlando, and he fixed it perfectly!!) I HIGHLY recommend him to everyone, he has a full-service Salon, and I promise you will not be disappointed! He is very much in demand, so make sure you call now for appointment!
http://issasalonandspa.com/

Have no fear, I've been diligently working out at the gym. For those of you who follow my status on Facebook, you know I'm either getting my butt kicked by Linda, or at bootcamp or even doing some more Cardio. I'm pooped, but the benefits are so worth the hardwork! I had to go and buy myself a new pair of sneakers, which turned out to cause some blisters on the back of my feet, but nothing a few band-aids can't handle! I guess I have developed my own version "dancers feet!"

With all my travels and duties, my poor car is taking a beating. The gas attendants know me by name now with the amount of times I'm at the pump! But they still call me "Miss New Joi-zee" (notice the prounciation of 'Jersey') My Jetta is so dirty that a white car looks like it's off-white or ivory, Ew! I think I need a car wash sponsor!

Now I'm off to celebrate the marriage of my best friend and roommate, Kate O'Connor, soon to be Kate Prairie in Sturbridge, MA. (Hey Miss Mass, call me so we can meet up! lol) This is very bittersweet for me, she is the first of our friends to tie the knot, and one of my closest friends. She was the first girl I talked to the first day of band camp at Marist College, and we have been friends ever since! So I guess it's fitting she is the "first" wedding too!

She has been there through every pageant I've been in, and knew I could do it! She is my fellow "balla" as we joke around because we diligently followed college basketball together, although she is a UConn Fan, I accept it because she did grow up 20 minutes away from the University. I will be back with plenty of photos to share with everyone!

Kate and I at her Bridal Shower 07-11-09