Home for the Holidays

Hello Friends,

I hope you are all keeping warm and enjoying the holiday season! I apologize for my lack of blogging--it's been a busy month! Knowing that you are all busy with family and the holiday season, I will keep my update short!

Since coming home from college on December 10th, I have been in full-blown preparation mode, and enjoying every minute of it!

I picked up my talent music which was recorded locally here in Vermont! I was very fortunate enough to meet Brian McCarthy, who completely rearranged my music and served as director/producer and musician for my talent song! He did an incredible job, and teamed up with Lane Gibson who has an incredible studio space. Lane was so generous to donate his space and time to help put my music track together! It was such a neat experience to see the behind the scenes work that goes into recording a track. I have to give a huge thank you to Kate Whalen who provided the vocals for my song! The world works in mysterious ways--while at an appearance for the American Heart Association, I met Kate who sang at the event. As soon as she opened her mouth, I knew her voice was perfect for my song! I am so glad she was willing to lend me her talented voice for my talent track. Below are Brian and Lane's websites--if you need any help with music, these are your men!

www.myspace.com/brianmccarthymusic

www.lanegibson.com

On Tuesday, December 14th--Sue and I had a full day of Miss Vermont work together. We went over details for Contestant Development Day---make sure to sign up for the January 2nd event! It is going to be a very fun and informative day. If you attended last year, you will be seeing a completely different set of workshops-I'm very impressed with the hard work of the Miss Vermont Board. While in Sue's studio, we did a great deal of walking practice and discussed the upcoming weeks. After lunch we headed to visit with Dr. Palm in Colchester who was kind to sponsor a great teeth-whitening kit for me. I was so impressed with their facility and the friendly atmosphere. I hope to see Dr. Palm again soon--what a great personality! He has a great smile too!

After leaving the dentist office, Sue and I headed to meet with our newest sponsor, MD Cosmetic. I had a great time with all of the ladies at MD Cosmetic! I received a facial, make-over and laser-hair removal. I was generously given so many incredible products that will definitely come in handy during my year as Miss Vermont and beyond. Thank you MD Cosmetic!

I've been spending a lot of time in the dance studio, cleaning up my dance. I will be heading to NYC on January 7th, to work with Shea Sullivan for the final time before Vegas! I'm looking forward to the trip, because I will get a chance to re-connect with Rachel Ann Cole, Miss Vermont 2007! I can't wait to catch up and share stories about our Miss Vermont adventures.

On December 19th, I headed over to the University Mall to help with Channel 5 News' "Toys for Kids" Program, where we had a collection site in the middle of the mall. I am always so impressed with the strong sense of community we have here in Vermont, and to see so many people donating toys was heartwarming. I don't think there are many gifts more precious than bringing a smile to a child's face, and that is exactly what this program aims to due each holiday season. Thank you for your participation!

Each day I've been working out at Poulin Performance--what an incredible facility! Such friendly trainers and a great work-out environment. Special thanks to Chris and Evita for their guidance and allowing me to use their gym.

Next week I will be driving down to South Carolina with my mom and step-dad. We will be taking advantage of our 17 hour drive, by preparing for my Miss America interview and listening to some great books on tape. I'm very thankful for my parents willingness to drive me down to SC. I will be picking up my Miss America wardrobe, and shopping for my Vegas appearance clothing. I cannot wait to see my extraordinary gown designer, Gregory Ellenburg! He has been such a wonderful friend during my year, and I'm very thankful for all of his help and support.

I have a few great appearances coming up, but I'll fill you in on those soon! I also have some pictures that I need to upload to my computer, so be on the look out for those as well.

I would love to invite you all to my send-off party! I will be showing off my wardrobe, performing my talent, and sharing the stage with other special members of the Miss Vermont family who will be performing, including Miss Vermont's Outstanding Teen, Sarah Cramton. It will be held on January 9th, 2010 at Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington from 2--4pm. It is open to the public so please invite your friends!

I feel incredibly blessed and humbled to be representing such a wonderful state. Vermont has given me so many things to be thankful for, and I am filled with such warmth and happiness this holiday season because of you all. Thank you for your support and for believing in me.

I wish you all a very happy holiday season! What a gift this year has been. Please eat a Christmas cookie or two for me! mmm....cookies.

Stay warm, Vermont!

~Laura

Hi Friends!

I just wanted to write-in to say hello and wish you all wonderful week! I am about to experience one of the busiest weeks as a student--most of these updates show how busy I've been as Miss Vermont--but this one will give you a little glimpse into my life as Laura Hall--college senior.

Tomorrow I have to wrap up my student government work for the semester--I have to send out the minutes from tonight's meeting to our campus community, and I have to have winter student-leader training set up so that everything will fall into place smoothly when I am away in Vegas and beyond! My Student Government friends have been telling me that they'll miss me when I'm Miss America--(nothing wrong with positive thinking, right?)--but they are an amazing group of individuals and I know that they will continue to led our school in a positive direction.

On Tuesday I have a 10-page paper and a group project due--I start class at 10 am and usually get out of class around 4pm. Later that evening I will drive down to Framingham, MA to work with my trainer, Katie Boyd! www.missfitco.com

On Wednesday I have a 5 page paper due. I have a meeting with my academic dean to handle my minimum of two-weeks absence from 2nd semester courses, then I will be having dinner with the President of Assumption College.

Thursday is study day--the day before exams begin. I have arranged with my professors to have all of my exams earlier so my plan is to jam-pack all of my exams in to Thursday and Friday so that I can drive home and dedicate all of my energy 110% to Miss Vermont/Miss America work!

On Friday morning I have a meeting with the Board of Trustees of Assumption College (this is part of my work as Senate Speaker for SGA) and in the late afternoon I will be in the recording to studio in Vermont, where my Miss America music track is being recorded by local musicians. I am very excited to see this process unfold! Thanks to Brian McCarthy for arranging the music, musicians and studio time!

I am trying to confirm that I am able to hold a fundraiser for CMN--so more details when I receive that confirmation. But in the meantime, I would love if you could send this link to your friends, and donate any amount to the Children's Miracle Network. This organization has touched my heart and I am hoping to give back by raising funds throughout my year as Miss Vermont!

http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=53139AE53D5BEA&e=91ED+0+152

I will be checking my facebook and e-mail regularly, so feel free to send questions/comments/or methods to avoid insanity during this big academic crunch time!

To all of those college students out there--good luck on exams!

Enjoy the holiday season!

~Laura