Hi Friends!

I have decided to take a break from working on my "quest for justice" paper for my political science class so that I can share with you the incredible week I just had! If I could get graded on my procrastination, I know I would have an A+! But, no worries, everything always get completed...maybe my professor will grade me on this blog instead. What do you think Professor Sorenson?!

Well, because I do have a bit of homework tonight, I will make this blog brief. Or at least try.

Last Monday, my dad and I traveled to Framingham, MA to work with personal trainer, Katie Boyd. Katie is a former pageant gal, and has recently become a wonderful sponsor for me. Check out her website! www.missfitco.com. Katie is also the personal trainer for my friend Nydelis, who recently won Miss Vermont USA. It's exciting to have her helping the Vermont titleholders get in great shape!

On Wednesday, my dad served as my traveling companion, as we took the 3 hour drive up to Manchester, VT. (My dad lives only 15 minutes from where I attend college, so he's been a wonderful help getting me up to Vermont every week. Thanks Dad! I love you.) I was honored to be asked to model in a charity fashion show which was raising funds for dance scholarships for the Manchester Ballet. Dance has been an important part of my life, and I know how expensive training can be. I am thankful for my parents for supporting my love of dance, and I was so happy to be involved in a fundraiser that will allow other young women be able to afford dance lessons. Manchester is filled with so many incredible designer stores! Every single outfit I wore in the fashion show, I loved! I wish I could have brought all of the clothes home...I'm still considering driving to Manchester to purchase some of the outfits. I wore clothing from many stores, including: Ann Taylor, Theory, Tsi, Kenneth Cole, BCBG, Robin Lane, and more! It was a great event, and I had the opportunity to meet Claudia Voight, mother of Miss CT 2006 Heidi Voight, who is going to be the co-director for the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization! She's wonderful. I may be jumping ahead, but Sue Lackey, who has been my interim director since September, officially sent in the paperwork to become Executive Director. We should be hearing from Nationals soon. Sue has been building an extraordinary board! If approved, she and Claudia will be teaming up to make our state program stronger than ever. I am thankful for their help, love and support.

On Friday, I drove home to Burlington, VT, and mentally prepared for a busy, busy Saturday!

My Saturday morning began with a mock interview in Essex, Vermont. I had an amazing panel who gave me wonderful feedback. Interview is my favorite portion of the competition, and each week I can see my improvement. I am so excited for my Miss America interview! January is coming so soon! I cannot wait!

After my mock interview, my mom and I rushed over to the Double Tree Hotel where the Festival of Sweets was taking place. Now, this was my type of appearance! haha, being surrounded in a room filled with cakes, cookies and chocolate! Yum! Free samples...talk about a belly ache! (so worth it!) I had the privilege of being a celebrity judge for the cake decorating contest. Students from the New England Culinary Institute creating wedding cakes, and novelty cakes based on Christmas songs. I was blown away by the talent that these students had. I felt like I was on one of those shows seen on the Food Network! It was so hard to judge. After scoring the cakes, I was asked to present the awards. My favorite cake, which was a light blue convertible with Santa driving, won.

Presenting an award

With the creator of this incredible cake!

These cakes are so beautiful, I don't know if I would want to cut into them!

Happy Hippo---this cake made me hungry!

After the cake contest, Mom and I filled out some paperwork at my Nonni's house, and then headed over to meet with Brian McCarthy. Brian has been kind enough to rearrange my talent music for Miss America. He is organizing a local band to record the music--this is a huge relief, as recording can be expensive! I'm excited to have Vermonters performing my talent song!

Later that evening I attended "On Stage with Heart" which was a charity event for the American Heart Association. I was asked to speak about my family's experience with heart issues, and I performed my self-choreographed dance to "Almost like being in love." It was such a fun evening, filled with incredible talent! The highlight of the evening was running into my childhood dance teacher, Angie Nulty! Angie is allowing me to have a key to her studio so I can go in and practice my routine any time I need! She is so generous and I am so glad to have her back in my life!

With two of the youngest performers of the evening: Rowan and Jackson! Sorry the photo is horizontal, my mom e-mailed this photo to me and I couldn't figure out how to rearrange it! haha, just tilt your head a little to the left. Ok, just tilt it a little more. There you go.

With Kim Dubrul--my wonderful motivational coach, Lauren Maloney from Fox News (Host of the evening) and Caisil-who invited me to perform.

What a great evening!

Sunday morning, my dad, brother and I drove the 4 hours back to Massachusetts. I had to leave Vermont earlier than usual because I was asked to speak with the Assumption College Alumni Board. It's hard to believe that this May, I will be able to join the Alumni Council, as I graduate in May. I met with my advisor, and I found out that I already have enough credits to graduate this May...I keep picturing myself receiving my diploma as Miss America. What a great news story that would be! Especially since education is such a valued component of our organization. I've been working hard Vermont, I'm hoping this is our year. The Alumni Board was a great opportunity to practice my interview skills--I was asked a variety of questions, and had a great time meeting new friends.

Well, I should be getting back to my homework! I have 3 classes tomorrow, and then I'm off to Seattle, Washington! I have never been west of Ohio, I am so excited! I will be staying with my Aunt and Uncle, as I meet with my hair and makeup artist for Miss America. I can't wait to update you all on that trip.

This year has been an incredible adventure. I am so thankful for each and every opportunity.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

~Laura