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!