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!