Just the Beginning...

Hi everyone!!

First off, I'd like to apologize for my first blog entry being so late. I am not very "computer savvy," and I have not had much time to try! I would also like to begin by thanking everyone that has helped me get to where I am. My family, the Miss Maine board, all of this year's contestants, and everyone I have met along the way; I have learned so much from each and every one of you and I know this is just the beginning of an incredible journey.

I must be honest, no amount of preparation can have you truly prepared for the whirlwind that comes with the crown...... Now I am going to share with you just a couple of things that have been going on during the first month of my being crowned as the new Miss Maine.

The very same week, I had my official headshots taken with Stewart Smith and I had a blast doing them. I really felt like a movie star!

I also took the Dale Carnegie public speaking course and completed the immersion seminar in 3 days. By the end of the training, I already noticed a difference in my comfort level speaking in front of an audience.

I also started my appearances!

I have done thank you tours with Audrey, performed at a dance recital, rode in the Windjammer Parade, spoke at STAR camp, was a guest at the Miss Connecticut pageant, and helped emcee the Beach Baby Contest at Thomas Point Beach.

I have also already started preparations for Miss America!

I have chosen some new music, met with a choreographer in NYC, and have been practicing my interview skills.

Most importantly, I have been able to do some work with Habitat for Humanity (my platform) in Maine. I was lucky enough to meet with some of the affiliates in Portland and even donated a day of work to a Habitat House in Yarmouth, ME with first lady of Maine, Karen Baldacci.

I also got to throw out the first pitch at the Maine Day Red Sox game, it was a blast! What is even more exciting is that there is so much more ahead of me!

Next week I am leaving for Pennsylvania where I will experience "Miss America Bootcamp!" with Valerie. After that I have more appearances coming up followed by a trip to Orlando in August for the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant where I will be cheering on our Outstanding Teen, Erin Buck. I have also coordinated a trip to Georgia in August where I will be getting a tour and visiting the National Headquarters of Habitat for Humanity as well as the Carter Center.

I will keep you posted on everything to come, and I still can't believe this is just the beginning......