Appearances

Hello Vermont!

It's currently 11:30pm (I'm sure it will be much later by the time I finish this post, as I have always been a slow writer), and I have no idea why I'm not taking the opportunity to catch up on some sleep. For the first time in weeks, I get to sleep past 6:30 am tomorrow--as I don't have to leave the house until 9 am tomorrow! I've always considered myself a night-owl, and after my freshmen year of college, I have not had any classes before 10am. Now that I'm Miss Vermont, a drastic switch in my sleep schedule has occurred, which leaves me jumping for joy anytime I can sleep until 8 am! I'm not sure if that makes sense, but it makes me laugh that I now consider "8 am" as "sleeping-in." I guess I'm choosing to stay awake because I've had such a jam-packed week and I'm eager to share!

Waking up at 6 am on Monday morning, my mom and I headed over to meet up with my nonni in South Burlington. Switching vehicles, Nonni drove us down to Natick Massachusetts where we set out on a day full of shopping! The trip was 4 hours down and 4 hours back, and my grandmother drove the entire way--she's not your average grandmother, my nonni is energetic, on-top-of-things and my official organizer! But back to the story--we drove for 8 hours in total, but ended up buying some great items for my upcoming trip to Orlando, Florida! I leave for Orlando on Tuesday and will be there until Sunday, August 16th. While in Florida, I will be cheering on our Outstanding Teen, meeting all of my Miss America sisters, and filming for two days with TLC (I have absolutely no details about what will be filmed, but I'm excited!). The trip to Natick was a great girls trip--the Natick Mall is the biggest mall I've ever been to, filled with so many shops that are not available in Vermont. It was almost overwhelming, but I feel good about my purchases. And although the ride was long, it was productive! I was able to brainstorm for my fundraisers, organize myself by writing out multiple "to-do" lists, and I even had an interview over the phone. I really do enjoy long car rides.

Tuesday, August 4th was such a fun day! Firstly, finishing my Miss America paperwork was a huge plus--but that night was National Night Out in South Burlington--an appearance I have been looking forward to since June! As a young girl, I began attending National Night Out, and to be there as Miss Vermont was fantastic! The night began with a parade, where I was able to ride in a green convertible--very appropriate for Vermont! My driver Mr. Long and his daughter Abi were great hosts to myself and Vermont's Junior Miss 2009, Alex Poirier, who rode on the back of the car with me! The parade was so fun, and it was great to see so many familiar faces throughout the night. I grew up in South Burlington and this was my very first appearance in my hometown. It meant so much to be surrounded by fellow South Burlington residents for the night--their love, support and excitement for my accomplishment was incredible! I met so many sweet and talented children that night. I had the opportunity to speak to the audience about my plans for the year, and I signed many many autographs with my new autograph cards! Thanks Champlain Valley Printing. Also, I got to test out my new car magnets for this parade-Thank you Watson family for your generous donation. The car magnets came out beautifully! The night ended up some beautiful fireworks--it was just such a wonderful appearance. I would relive that night over and over if I could. P.s.--I also met Governor Jim Douglas for the first time as Miss Vermont. We chatted about how we will most likely be seeing each other frequently this year--I can't wait!

Wednesday--I went to the Red Clover Salon and had a great session with Mary! Immediately after being pampered, I headed over to Exercise America where I was prepared to destroy the beautifully styled-hair I just had with an intense workout--instead, over running on the treadmill, David and I decided that we needed a Subway Sandwich...hahah so we ended our workout very quickly and talked about nutrition instead while munching on turkey subs. mmmm. I made up for that work out by running 4 additional miles when I got home.

Today was a busy day as well! My morning started with many many e-mails, then a great session with Exercise America, followed by a trip to Staples where my nonni and I printed a 100 flyers for my bottle drive this weekend. After a quick lunch break, we headed to Church Street to pick up one of my gowns for Orlando from Silver Threads (need something altered? Ask for Mindy--she's fantastic!), then picked up a donation from Kiss the Cook for my upcoming fundraiser, and then headed back to Nonni's house. I answered more e-mails (I'm currently serving as my own business manager) and then took a nice walk around the neighborhood where I handed out the bottle drive flyers. At 6pm I was invited to the Red Clover Salon for their "Expressions of Beauty" event for Vermont teenagers. It was a really neat event, and I was thrilled to be a part of it. I had the opportunity to chat with girls about the meaning of beauty, which led to such an interesting discussion. Thanks Red Clover Salon for inviting me to such a unique event!

FUNDRAISER UPDATES!!
Saturday August 8th--I'm hosting a bottle drive in South Burlington--every can counts!
Monday September 14th--I am hosting a charity golf tournament at Rocky Ridge where the proceeds from the event will go towards the Children's Miracle Network and the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization
Saturday September 26th--Calcutta! I will be hosting a very fun event, with many many prizes donated by such wonderful local Vermont companies. The grand prize for the Calcutta is $2,000. Tickets are $100/couple---more information to come!

Oh my goodness, I'm exhausted! It's 12:15 am now. I have more to write, but I suppose I'll just have to wait to share everything occurring right now! It's been such a busy and exhausting week, but I'm loving it!

Goodnight Vermont,

~Laura