Before I get way too behind...

Hi Vermont!

Knowing that tomorrow is going to be a very busy and eventful day, I figured that it's time for me to catch you all up on the fun I have be having since I last blogged.

Last Friday (Septemer 18th), I arrived at the Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts, where I met up with Sue Lackey, to begin a long, informative and fun weekend at the New England States Conference! After settling into our hotel room, we headed downstairs for dinner with some fabulous company! Sarah Cramton and her mother, along with my sweetheart and first-runner up Caroline Bright, joined us for dinner. It was great to catch up with my fellow Vermonters, and later that night, we had some more wonderful residents of our state join us! Sonah Lee, Katie Levasseur, Jeanelle Achee (non-finalist talent award winner) and Brittany Rhodes (MVOT '05) all traveled down the Massachusetts to participate in the weekend festivities.

Saturday started bright and early, with registration beginning at 7:45 am. All of the Miss and Teen titleholders gathered together to go over a brief dinner show rehearsal and then headed right over to another room for an autograph signing. Although this was a New England States Conference, it was wonderful to see so many MAO supporters from other states travel to attend the conference. I made two friends from Ohio who are both local titleholders, I met the EDs of the Miss Philadelphia program, and a former Miss Kentucky who I really made a great connection with! I also had the opportunity to catch up with two of my Miss Vermont judges, and our emcee Dana, who gave two excellent presentations during the weekend. What I love about New England, is that all six states really have a bond. We root and cheer for each other and treat each other like the neighbors we are. When Valerie Clemens said that Miss America 2010 was attending this conference, I believe her. All of my New England Miss America sisters are wonderful representatives and role models. It was so great to spend the weekend with them!

Other highlights of the day was trying on many of Tony Bowls' beautiful gowns! (Meeting him was pretty great too!) Before dinner, all of the state titleholders walked the runway and then worked the crowd in one of his beautiful creations. The fashion show was a success, but the behind-the-scenes preparation for the show was hilarious--at least for me. I learned a very valuable lesson: always pack safety pins! Thank goodness I was able to borrow some double-sided tape, otherwise we may have had a pageant scandal on our hands. The dress I borrowed was not exactly the right size, and fit a little too loose in an area where I am not well endowed (enough said)--luckily, I was able to grab Sue's attention (the frantic flailing of my arms did the trick) and she came to my rescue! Sue has extraordinary skills with tape and she was even able to find some safety pins--which came in handy again later in the night when the Velcro that holds my sash together broke off. When the fashion show began, I was the first to hit the runway, and I felt like a star. I'm hoping that no one had a clue about the chaos that occurred backstage. Something that I'm learning to embrace is the imperfections that make each day filled with perfect memories. It's easy to feel frustrated if something doesn't fit right, or doesn't turn out the way you were envisioning--but you can't let that stop you and you can't let that hold you back. Embrace it. Laugh with it. Learn from it. Grow from it. And share these funny stories with others! (hence, why I'm sharing some silly moments in my blog--these things make me laugh and they keep me real. I'm Laura Hall and sometimes I can be a mess.)

Rick Brinkley, who has worked with the judging aspect of Miss America for years, spoke with the audience and really reinforced some important messages that I hope to keep with me while in Vegas and throughout my year as Miss Vermont. Another speaker who really inspired me was Patricia Miller--co-founder of Vera Bradley--who began her business with a $250 investment. Dream big, and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. I was so impressed with all of the guest speakers and presenters throughout the conference, but there are two people who really left an impression with me.

Sam Haskell, President of the Board, attended our conference and shared some stories from his book "Promises I made my Mother." Sam was so interesting to listen to, he is a wonderful story-teller, and I am so impressed with all he has accomplished. He is such a great role model and has done wonderful wonderful wonderful things for our organization! Something that I didn't realize was that he is a volunteer. He does not get paid to be the President of the Board, and for the first time in years, our organization is in the black! woohoo! I have a copy of his book and I cannot wait to start reading.

The other guest speaker who is just always a delight to be around is our very own Miss America, Katie Stam. I really enjoy spending time with Katie because the more I get to know her and realize how real and down-to-Earth she is, the more that I am able to see that I am highly capable to be the next Miss America. I think that speaks a lot about Katie, because it is one of my personal goals to help young girls from my state realize that they too are more than capable to be Miss Vermont one day. Katie is everything I want in a Miss America, and I'm proud to call her my friend and role model.

On Sunday, I somehow caught a cold out of nowhere. I felt a bit under the weather, but I tried to stay in the moment and enjoy the opportunities that I was experiencing by being at the conference. I definitely walked away from my conference experience with a stronger sense of motivation and more defined personal goals for myself. I am very goal-oriented and am working very hard to achieve each goal I have set for myself. I can already scratch one thing off my list!

Saturday evening, each titleholder was asked to perform in the dinner show. I found out about this opportunity in August, and when I was asked what I was going to perform, I said I was going to sing. For those of you who don't know me as well, my talent is dancing, and I will be dancing at Miss America. But for the conference, I felt a need to sing, and I'm going to share the story that I shared with the audience on Saturday evening before I performed. (I can't remember exactly what I said, but it went a little something like this:)

"I was crowned Miss Vermont during the very last weekend in June, and after you become a state titleholder, you immediately receive a stack of paperwork that seems unending. As I was going through my paperwork, page by page, line by line, question by question, there was one question that really stuck out to me. The question read--'what is one thing that is out of character for you that you would like to try?'--when I read that question, I immediately knew my answer. To sing in front of a large audience. I have performed on stage for years, yet I have never sang a solo in front of an audience. And so when I was asked to perform for you all tonight, I knew I had to sing. What better time for me to try something new and to break out of my comfort zone than during my year as Miss Vermont where I am continuously learning and growing as a person? My personal platform revolves around youth empowerment, and who am I to tell young girls to follow their dreams, take a risk, and try something new, if I'm not willing to lead by example? And even though I know that my knees will be shaking and I have no idea what will end up coming out of my mouth, at least I can say I tried. So, although I will be dancing on the Miss America stage, for the first time in my life, I will be singing for you all..."

So, I sang for the first time. I scratched that off my list, and I feel comforted knowing that I accomplished what I set out to do. Something that I laugh about is that my vocal performance did not sound the same way that it did in the shower, but at least I tried! My voice cracked, my knees shaked, but I sang. And even though that goal is scratched off my list--I'm not going to give up. I'm going to take some voice lessons, improve my technique and increase my confidence...I can't end my vocal career with the icky sound of a cracked voice can I? Nope. I'm going to improve!

The day after I was crowned Miss Vermont, I was told that your year is what you make of it. Each Miss Vermont has her own year, and I am doing all that I can to make sure this year is one that I am proud of and one that I grow from. I owe it to my state, I owe it to all my supporters, I owe it to all the Miss Vermont volunteers, I owe it to all of my family who have sacrificed so much for my dreams, and I owe it to Laura Hall. I'm giving this year everything I have in me, knowing that holding this title is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it's an opportunity that is going to make a huge impact on my life. I am grateful every single day. Even when I'm tired, or feeling sick. I am so very grateful for the smiles I witness, the stories of inspiration and hope that I hear, and the continuous exposure to everyday miracles. Before I go to bed, I always, regardless of what happened that day, say thank you. So now that I'm getting ready to go to bed, I just have one last thing to say to all of you who take the time to read my blog:

Thank you.

Miss VT in NYC!

What an incredible weekend I just had, Vermont!

I woke up at 3:30am on Saturday morning to make it to the airport in time for my 6am flight to New York City! My mom and step-dad joined me on this journey and I am so thankful for their support and great sense of direction—without them traveling with me, I know that wouldn’t make it far out of the JFK airport. Coming from Vermont, where our biggest city of Burlington only has, what, 30-something thousand people?—the city is bit overwhelming, but it’s exciting! We traveled all over the city, and it seemed like we took every form of transportation that day except for boat. I had my first subway experience, and it wasn’t all that bad--except for the fact that the line we thought we were traveling on switched halfway through (luckily there are plenty of cabs in the city!) We did so much walking throughout the day that when I ordered a BBQ pulled-pork sandwich with fries at the Hard-Rock Café, I did not feel guilty!

The purpose of the NY trip was to learn the choreography for my talent routine that I will perform at Miss America! I met with my incredible choreographer, Shea, and her assistant Lael, for five hours and had an absolute blast! I love my dance and cannot wait to perform it on stage! (after I work on perfecting it of course!) I head back to NYC in December, and I’m already excited to see the Christmas lights and decorations that the city has to offer.

Our first mission when we arrived in the city was to purchase a pair of dance shoes—but not just any dance shoe…I went to La Duca where I got a pair of shoes from a store that the majority of Broadway stars purchase their shoes from! I am very happy with my purchase, I feel like I could be on Broadway when I wear these shoes, and what is even more impressive is that I did not get a single blister after dancing in them for the first time!

After that mission was accomplished, my parents and I wandered around the city, mostly the Times Square area, and we saw Radio City Music Hall which was in the process of being set up for the MTV VMAs. (It’s weird to think that just 24hours later, the controversy with Taylor Swift and Kayne West occurred. And while I’m talking about the VMAs—I definitely did not get inspired by any of Lady Gaga’s outfit choices, so no worries about my Miss America wardrobe! haha)

While in the city, we got stuck on the side of the street while a parade passed by, twice. Two parades in the same area in one day. I also almost got sideswiped by several couples wearing “Dash for the Diamond” T-shirts—which apparently was a NYC version of the “Amazing Race” where couples were racing to win the diamond engagement ring of their dreams. Gotta love NYC!

I really had a great trip to New York. I love all of the fashion, lights, and tall buildings. But, at the end of the very long and exhausting day, I was really happy to breathe in the crisp fresh Vermont air and sleep in my own bed at home. What a day!

On Sunday, I attended the final day of the “Miles for Wishes” event sponsored by the Make-A-Wish-Foundation. Over the course of 2 days, Vermont participants walked/ran 20 miles in order to raise money for the wonderful charity. I had the privilege of standing at the finish line, where I got to cheer on the runners and present them with a medallion as they crossed the line. I have a hard enough time running 3 miles—I was so proud of everyone who spent their weekend devoted to this charity and conquering some major mileage. The Make-A-Wish-Foundation of Vermont will be celebrating their 500th wish on October 17th. That’s absolutely incredible! I hope to partner with this organization throughout my year. I was truly inspired.

I am currently back at school, writing from my on-campus apartment. On Friday I head down to Framingham, Massachusetts (only a half hour away from my college) to attend the New England MAO Conference. It will be wonderful to reunite with my New England Miss America sisters, and Miss America Katie Stam! I also look forward to seeing several of the wonderful young women who participated in Miss Vermont this year! I recently looked over the itinerary and this weekend is going to be filled with many exciting opportunities and information! Can’t wait!

I had my first spinning class today, and that really wiped me out. Time for bed!

Have a wonderful week, friends!

~Laura

I just had to include this photo of my Grandpa and me! Grandpa--you are such a major role model in my life. Thank you for telling me I look like Miss America!

Productive Friday!

After spending the night battling allergies, tossing and turning, and unable to get a full dose of shut-eye, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I was able to accomplish today while running on only a couple hours of sleep. Today was jam-packed, but after being at college for a couple weeks, I knew I had to make the most of my long weekend here in Vermont. I love being home, and I'm so glad that I will be in Vermont on a regular basis again. My college courses are conveniently set up so that I have classes Tuesday--Thursday, leaving me with a full 4 days in the Green Mountain State each week. It's a four hour commute from college to home, but it's so worth it! I'm so thankful that Assumption College is so supportive of me, and I'm proud to be participating in a program that emphasizes the importance of education. Being a full-time senior in college where I also hold an executive position in the Student Government, while being Miss Vermont has made each and every day so busy, but it's so exciting and meaningful! I'm so thankful for all of the wonderful opportunities and experiences that I'm having this year, and I'm putting my all in everything I do. (So I don't mind losing a few hours of sleep here and there)

But back to today! I woke up around 6:30am, got ready and met up with my Nonni, who generously volunteered to be my traveling companion all day (Thanks Nonni!) We started by meeting up with one of my new sponsors, Michelle O'Brien, who is giving me electrolysis treatments (this may be a little bit of too much detail, but I'm never going to have to shave my armpits again! This makes me jump up and down with excitement!) I went into my appointment not knowing what to expect. While in the waiting room I read an informational brochure which made my stomach start to turn when I found out that these procedures use needles (for some reason I thought lasers were used). But as soon as I met Michelle she made me feel very relaxed and answered all of my questions. When the treatment started, I was amazed to find that there was no discomfort--it was a really easy treatment, especially since Michelle and I just chatted the entire time! She's going to Vegas soon for a conference--so I can't wait to hear about her experience in Miss America's host city.

At 10:45am, I headed to downtown Burlington to meet up with Cynthea at Cynthea's Spa. Cynthea is such a wonderful sponsor! Today she shaped my eyebrows beautifully (which with my eyebrows is no easy task!) and then I had my makeup done right outside on Church Street while shoppers were passing by. I served as a demonstration for Cynthea's promotional event that she had going on today. Anyone who was interested was able to get a free 5-minute makeover. Cynthea was willing to donate her time to help Vermonters know how to get a healthy, natural glow in 5 minutes or less. It was a neat experience and a great event. Cynthea can be found on Facebook and Twitter--you should definitely check out her pages!

After looking fabulous with my makeover, I hit a bit of frustration when my Nonni and I encountered some issues with modern-day technology. To make a long story short, we had to travel to several locations to print up some flyers and tickets for our big fundraiser that's happening in two weeks! brief description below:

Miss Vermont Calcutta: September 26th, at the RVA in Winooski. 6pm cocktail hour, 7pm all-you-can-eat dinner, 8pm the Calcutta begins! Tickets are $100/couple. Tons of prizes will be given away, and every 10th ball pulled will automatically win a prize! Prizes include an overnight hotel stay, restaurant gift certificates, golf bag and greens fees, and much much more! Grand Prize--minimum of $2,000 CASH prize. For every 30 tickets sold, the grand prize increases by $1,000. (SPREAD THE WORD!) Two raffles will occur during the night: 1 ball will be raffled off after 50 balls are pulled out of the game, and 1 ball will be raffled off to be guaranteed to be in the Top 10 remaining balls. Live entertainment, and the best part is that the proceeds of the event will be going to The Children's Miracle Network and the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization. E-mail me at missvermont09@yahoo.com for ticket information!

In the afternoon I headed over to Eternity Web to meet with the company that sponsors the Miss Vermont wesite. I will be in charge of updating our website for the time-being, and it was great to meet with John to learn how to update the site! I hope to be able to start making changes to the site this week!

Wow, I just looked at the time and I really gotta hit the hay. I have so much more that I'd love to share about today, but I really need to rest up for tomorrow! I will be getting up at 3:45am tomorrow to catch a plane to New York City. My mom , stepdad Mike and I will be spending the day in the Big Apple and will be returning back to Vermont before the clock strikes midnight. I've never taken a plane to a destination and back home in one day before--it's weird to think that I'll be walking on a plane without having to check any luggage! But back tomorrow, why am I going to NYC? I'm going to learn my MISS AMERICA TALENT ROUTINE! I am so excited to finally learn the dance that will be the most important solo performance of my life! I absolutely love my talent song, and I know that the dance will be wonderful, I can already feel it! I have an incredible choreographer, and what better place to learn a Broadway jazz routine than right in Broadway?!


aww, I love the city!

Have a wonderful and safe weekend! The weather channel says that it's going to rain in NY tomorrow, but I'm staying positive and dreaming of sunshine!

Warmly,

~Laura

Photos from the Year!

Hello Vermont!

I have finally figured out how to upload some photos (I know, it took me long enough!)--here are some highlights from my year so far...more to come!