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!

There's only now, There's only here.
Give into love or live in fear.
No other path, no other way.
No day but today.
-Rent

Getting "crowned" by the famous Bert Parks statue!

In front of Kathy Nejat's (Miss NJ 1997) shoes in the Sheraton Atlantic City

I'm so sorry for the delay in getting my blog post up from the weekend! Unfortunately my camera died, and I thought Sally gave me my camera back after the pageant on Sunday, but when I went home it wasn't there! Thank goodness she had it, but I haven't been able to upload any of the photos from my events!


(Sorry for the crooked crown) but at the NJEA with the American Heart Association!

Let's see where to begin...well on Friday I was a part of the NJEA Convention where I was a part of the American Heart Association and the invited speaker for the NJEA Higher Education Luncheon. It was fabulous to work with the ladies and Kevin of the American Heart Association because we were able to hand out literature on taking care of your body and living healthy lifestyles. Thank you especially Nan and Robin for your help! It was great to work with you! I look forward to working with the organization on different events down the road.

With the women of the American Heart Association!

Signing autographs at the booth

I just love the "thumbs-up" he was a hoot!

At the NJEA Higher Education Luncheon, I was treated to a delicious lunch and met with various New Jersey college professors. I spoke to them about my college experience, and how it has catapulted me into so many wonderful opportunities, as well as enriched my life. It also was a pleasure to meet Howard Parish and Steve Smetsky.

Speaking at the Higher Education Luncheon

with Howard Parish

(My Invitations just came in for my send-off, and they look beautiful! I'm getting so excited! Plus we just booked our DJ!!)

Saturday, Sally and myself attended the AIDS/ Hyacinth Foundation Gala, which was such an honor to be a part of. I sang an opening song, and had the honor of meeting State Senator Joseph Vitale and State Senator Loretta Weinberg who were honored with the first Ricky Jacobs Awards. It was so great to hear that the Foundation achieved their goal of $75,000 for the event! Truly remarkable!

with State Senator Joseph Vitale!

With State Senator Loretta Weinberg

With the incomparable, Fidel Garcia, thank you for all of your help!!

Also, even though I wasn't able to attend the Miss Gloucester County Pageant, I want to Congratulate all the women, and the new Miss GC 2010, Kaitlin Davis! Also, Happy 39th Wedding Anniversary to Silvia and Lou! I am so sorry I was not able to take part in the festivities.

Sunday I headed to the Miss Queen City/Miss Union County Pageant! I want to thank Sherri Ryan and Timeka Whitehead or having me be a part of the event and crown their new titleholders! Also congratulations to the all the beautiful girls, especially to Miss Queen City 2010 Nychole Hunt and Miss Union County 2010 Nicole Washington! Two very beautiful girls, and I'm very excited to see them at Miss New Jersey this year!

With Nicole Washington and Nychole Hunt!

Wheew..ok well, that was just this weekend! This week is just as crazy and I have so many pictures to share! Can't wait to share with you Goya Foods, Americanism Day, and the Duxiana Beds Charity Event!

Wishing you health and happiness!

"Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can."
-Lowell Thomas

with Sebastian (owner's baby boy) at the Hillsborough Diner

An oldie but a goodie, from the Columbus Day Parade that was just e-mailed to me

I haven't seen Sally in awhile, so I am sorry that I don't have a silly stories to tell. But, for those of you who have been following me status' on Facebook, it might have seemed like I was going to breakdown because of the NY Giants. Well, we know they are doing terribly, and I can't figure out what happened, but nonetheless, I was just a bit over-loaded with some things that had to get done, but I am good now, and we are back on track! Thank you for your concerns!

So over the past week and half not much as happened in the way of appearances, but I have been very busy on other fronts. Starting with organizing my 5K Race that will be on December 6th. We have been very busy organizing sponsors and donations. The Mercer County Park venue is going to be great, and myself and the Race Director, Lynn Kuderka have been very busy organizing the location. We are so excited to have set a photographer and a DJ for the event, and we hope that everyone will come out to support this great cause! Don't forget we are also having a One Mile Fun Run for the children!

Register at this Website
www.therunningcompany.net

Since Rosanna has returned home from Italy we have been very busy organizing my send off to Miss America, so it's full speed ahead, invitations will be mailed shortly! It is going to be such a fabulous night, and I am just so thrilled that things are falling into place! Mark our Calendars, January 2nd, Sheraton Crown Ballroom, Atlantic City!

Finally, the final sketches are coming in for my new version of the Coloring Book, and because I've gotten such a positive response about the cookbook, I am looking to find a sponsor who would be willing to make this a really great cookbook!

Yesterday, I went to Trenton to visit the Mon Cheri showroom to look for some new dresses, and Trenton is only about a 35 minute trip, and thanks to google maps, it turned into a 1 hour and 45 min trip. My mother and myself were so aggravated, because she said "oh don't bring the GPS, we don't need it, we know where we are going" well as it turns out...no we didn't! (my mother and myself are really, really good with directions, so we can be very confident with where we are going) And once we got there, I knew EXACTLY where I was, and there were 1 billion easier ways to get there, because I worked right near there when I was with 101.5 FM Radio!

So all I have to say is that the city of Trenton needs to learn to fix their roadsigns because they are TERRIBLE!! I think that might be something I mention to our new Governor, Chris Christie?? Maybe the Governor will actually know who Miss New Jersey is now?!

Then last night, I was invited to be interview by students at Salem Community College for one of their assignments. I really enjoyed talking with the students because they had some really great questions that really challenged me! I appreciate their enthusiasm, so a big SHOUT OUT to Mr. Clark's Tuesday night Journalism Class! Thank you all again! Also, thank you to Barb Lynch (Miss Salem County ED) for inviting me to join them!
Receiving my gift from Mr. Clark!

Thanks again everyone!

Talking with a few of the students, and signing autographs

So now, I'm preparing for my trip to the NJEA Convention in Atlantic City this Friday, as well as the Hyacinth Foundation Fundraiser on Saturday night. I'm looking forward to both events, and I'm sure that I will return with many stories!

Wishing you good health and happiness!
GO YANKEES!!