"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!

Everyday do something

that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
Doug Firebaugh

I think that one of the coolest things that Miss New Jersey gets during her year of service, is the support and love from the one and only Sally Johnston. You see, nowadays with the Miss America pageant going through so many changes, and not many state titleholders get to experience what it means to have a State Traveling Companion, but New Jersey does! Sally has the very difficult job of dealing with my tantrums, loud mouth, gum-chewing, and anal-retentiveness. But her unwavering spirit, has really taught me so much, and taught me to be a much more easy-going and relaxed Miss NJ, which I totally need!

But, what many don't get to experience, or really know is just how silly Sally really is. She has some of the most ridiculous stories I have ever heard, and on Friday I was near tears from laughter from this story she told me (a little bit to explicit for the blog, sorry!) The best stories are about her adventures with previous Miss New Jersey's. As a young girl, I've epitomized the women who have preceded me, and don't get me wrong, I still do. But, Sally's stories make these women so real, and make me feel so unbelievably blessed that I am to be named a "sister." These women have achieved extraordinary things, even before the title of Miss New Jersey, and continue to do so. They have had many trials and tribulations, but what makes them so wonderful, is that they refused to let the negative rule their life. They made something of themselves, and have triumphed because of it. I think that is one of the greatest lessons I can take from these very beautiful and talented women.

But with all the stories, I'm still working very hard, Sally and myself just spend a lot of time in the car together! Thursday afternoon, I was invited to cut the ribbon for a new restaurant in Hamilton, called "El Sham." They have an authentic Mediterranean cuisine, that is simply delicious! Sally and myself both tasted the Falafel, and I had the Chicken Kabob Sandwich, which was so fresh! The entire family was so hospitable, and kept having us try all the different foods. My favorite is the Baklava, but we won't tell my trainer that I had a taste of that ;-) If you are in the Hamilton area, near S. Olden Avenue, stop by "El-Sham," for a true taste of the Middle Eastern Culture, I promise you won't regret it!


Cutting the ribbon!


With two new fans!

Friday, Sally and myself were off to Stone Harbor to meet with a new Sponsor. It was a bit of a rough start to the day because I over-slept my alarm, and had to rush to get ready to meet Sally. Yes, I woke up at 8:52 am and I was supposed to meet Sally at 9:00am. So I ran to get ready, and did the most dangerous thing, and did my make up in the car. Needless to say, we were still on time!



I want to thank "Talk of the Walk" in Stone Harbor for the generosity, and donating some beautiful new cloths for Miss America and some up-coming appearances. The store is loaded with some of the most gorgeous pieces of clothing and accessories! Jeffrey, the owner, was so kind, as well as the lovely sales women, Susan and Jazel. I want to thank Mary-Lou for working so hard to get this sponsor lined up for me! I'm so lucky for this fabulous new wardrobe! I can't wait to show everyone. Please patronize this great store, you can shop online too!!

Talk of the Walk
96th Street
Stone Harbor, NJ
http://www.talkofthewalk.com/

Jeff, owner, Talk of the Walk


One of the fabulous tops! Can't wait to wear this one!


A girl can never have too many "little black dresses"

Finally, Saturday I was the invited guest at the Megan Nicole Kanka Foundation "Casino Night." I had such a wonderful time meeting with new people and signing autographs, and then at the end of the night I helped with giving out the raffles. I want to thank Marie Ondy for inviting me, as well as the Kanka Family for being warriors, and protecting young persons such as myself, from experiencing the same fate as their beloved daughter. This is a foundation that is very close to my heart because this was something that hit so close to home.


My "special" location


Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kanka, and Marie Ondy, VP Megan Kanka Foundation


With Marie Ondy, fundraiser extraordinaire


The Megan Nicole Kanka Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by the Kanka family, dedicated to preventing the vicitimizaton of innocent children. Megan Kanka was a 7 year old girl who was raped and murdered by a neighbor, unbenknownst to the Kanka family, that neighbor was a convicted sexual offender. The family worked tirelessly to have "Megan's Law" enacted into New Jersey law, stating that a neighborhood deserves notification when a convicted sex offender moves into the area. The Foundation strives to protect the children of not only New Jersey, but across the country.

So now starts another week of craziness. Please continue to pray for my little puppy. She is still very sick, and we hope that the antibiotics that she is on now, can kick her system back to normal.

All my best until next time!

Go confidently into the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you have imagine.
Henry David Thoreau

My biggest fan, and the greatest father in the world!


The Fabulous Sign made for me during Columbus Day weekend!


Proudly sporting my Giants Eli Manning t-shirt, during a photo shoot!

Wow, what a weekend it has been. I feel like I say that a lot, but every day is another new adventure, and every week brings on more challenges, and Columbus Day weekend, was certainly the true test of a Champion! But I was so excited to be at my home local pageant, and be there as their second Miss New Jersey in a row!!

Ashley and myself enjoying a moment during our "Back 2 Back" photo shoot

"Back 2 Back" Miss CD 08 & 09, Miss NJ 08 & 09


Miss New Jersey 2009 vs. Miss New Jersey 2008
Giants vs. Eagles

The weekend began on Thursday with a visit to my voice teacher for a final practice before the weekend, then Saturday was the big Atlantic City Columbus Day Parade, in honor of me! It was just a bit chilly, but we had so much fun waving to everyone on the boardwalk. All the Miss Columbus Day, Miss Atlantic County, and Miss Bonnie Blue's Outstanding Teen contestants were a part of the festivities and placed on their own float, with the beautiful Krysten Gavigan, Miss Atlantic County 2009. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Foundation and all the girls!

With Miss Cape May County Brandi Sanguinetti


Right under the famous Boardwalk Hall! On the fabulous boardwalk!

Quickly after the parade we went straight to rehearsal for the pageant the next day. I was unfortunately feeling very tired and sick, but made it through the long day, and tried to get some sleep that night because the next day was going to be action packed!

Sunday, Sally and I were up bright and early to head to Seaside Park for the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade! My driver was a novice to parades, and was so honored that he had Miss NJ for his very first parade! Everyone along the parade route was so excited to see me, and made me feel so loved! It was especially nice to see all the awesome Giants jersey's along the parade route! I felt right at home! Unfortunately, I was late for another appearance, so Sally and myself were quickly on the road (although we did try to break the law, in an attempt to escape faster from Seaside)

My Driver Rudy, and his fabulous 1966 Mustang Convertible


His Wife

I flew down the parkway to make it to the Columbus Day pageant for the second half, for my grand entrance! My parents escorted me into the theatre to the USC Trojan Marching Band, and I was so excited that it was my grand entrance! I remember last year watching Ashley Fairfield have hers, and I wanted it so badly to be me, but also how much I wanted to be Miss Columbus Day 2009.

Krysten and myself, singing "Sisters"


The Columbus Day Family


Lindsey and Katie, welcome to the family!


Krysten, Lindsey, Adele, Katie, and myself!


Isn't she gorgeous?!

I had such a wonderful time at the pageant singing "Sisters" from White Christmas with my beautiful sister, Krysten. Also, singing my talent for Miss America. I have to thank the Columbus Day Committee and Bonnie Blue for the generous award of a $1,000 cash scholarship to me for my efforts throughout the next year. I was so honored and it means so much to have their unending love and support behind me!

After everything was all said and done I was so proud to pass on the crown of Miss Columbus Day 2010 to Katie Berry, who I'm sure will do a wonderful job at representing the organization! Also, a huge congrats goes out to Lindsey Petrosh for winning Miss Atlantic County, and the first ever Miss Bonnie Blue's Outstanding Teen Adele Taylor! We have three fabulous titleholders, who are all beautiful and talented young women! I'm so excited to see them at their respective competitions! They are going to be fabulous!

After a late night out celebrating with everyone (and a slight mishap to my beautiful Jetta, which is another story for another time) Sally and I were up bright and very very early on Monday morning to make the trek into NYC for the Columbus Day Parade in NYC. At first, from what I was told, I thought I was going to be in a red Fiat. But when I arrived, I found out that actually, it was a Red Ferrari F1 360 Spider. Not a bad ride huh? Mr. Joe and Mr. Ponti were my drivers for the day, and were so excited to have me in their car! Mr. Joe kept saying how he was the luckiest driver, but it was definitely an adventure to be with them. Then, getting on TV two times, was really cool! I didn't think we were going to get on TV.

Mr. Joe and Mr. Ponti, my drivers for the day!


The engine to the Ferrari, which is what kept me warm! lol


Sally snapping a quick picture in the parade route!


Me, Miss New York, and a great American Hero, Buzz Aldrin in NYC Columbus Day!!


The Columbus Citizens Foundation was so hospitable and gave us breakfast and lunch, which was so delicious! I met some really amazing people, and even got to spend time with the beautiful Miss New York, Alyse Zwick! We had the chance to sit down for lunch together, and we exchanged contact information! We are so close, we have to get in touch more! The "New" states have to stick together! Overall I would say it was quite the adventure!

There is so much going on, and so many decisions to make! So, look out for my next blog post about the restaurant opening at "El Sham," my sponsorship with "Talk of the Walk," and the Megan Kanka Foundation Casino Night!

Also, please pray for my puppy Molly, she is very sick, and we are hoping she pulls through.

Wishing you Health and Happiness!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb --Miley Cyrus

I know it may seem silly that I have Miley Cyrus lyrics here, but this particular song has really become my anthem over the past year, even before Miss New Jersey. I believe that there really is a strong message to be learned from this song!

Things have been busy as walways, and I have been diligently working on figuring out another charity event, as well as putting together the final pieces to my new coloring book. I'm very excited about these things! I've also been very busy with preparations, and of course you can always find me working out at the gym! I also had to have a cavity filled, which was very depressing because this is my first cavity in over 18 years. The doctor had to numb my entire right side, and I couldn't eat much less talk. Then our water pump broke in the house, so no running water, which is always fun!

Saturday, I went to the Miss Columbus Day and Atlantic County rehearsal. I'm so excited for this weekends festivities! Even though I don't want to loose my beautiful sister, Krysten, the show is going to be a great show! It has been such a wonderful year to spend with her. She has been so supportive, and such a great inspiration in my life. She has taught me so much about life, and her ability to embrace every experience is something I truly admire about her! I don't think I could have been any luckier than to have her in my life. She has become my family, and I'm so proud to say that our friendship will certinaly span beyond pageantry!

Then on Monday I'm going to be in the NYC Columbus Day Parade, which will be broadcast LIVE on NBC at 10am! So watch for me!!

Krysten and myself crowned as Miss Atlantic County and Miss Columbus Day 2009
October 12, 2008

She will always be MY Miss Atlantic County!

Monday I did my contestant lottery for Miss America. That was such an intense experience! Waiting to see New Jersey pop-up in the little box was enough to cause an ulcer! I almost lost my spot, when NJ finally popped up in the box because I had only 5 minutes to make the decision, and when I dialed my phone kept cutting out! I was near tears when I finally got through, took a deep breath and selected the #16 spot in the Alpha group! Which means that I do Interview-Monday (PM), Talent-Tuesday, On stage Question-Wednesday, and Swimsuit/Eveningwear-Thursday. I'm really excited about my placement, and so happy things worked out!

getting ready anxious and excited to begin the lottery!


still waiting for New Jersey to be picked...
That's it for now, until next time, stay healthy and stay positive!