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!!

"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!