CMT and Santa Monica

Summer has sped by so quickly. My life has been a whirlwind of new adventures. I flew to San Jose in mid-August to work with my vocal coach and to visit friends.
The last week of August was dedicated to preparing for the Miss America/CMT trip to Los Angeles. I relaxed with my family over the Labor Day holiday at the lake. My thanks go to Greg and the staff at BAC, Guccione Salon, Tans and Thingz, and everyone who helped me in any way.
Bright and early on Tuesday, September 5 I flew to LA where I met the most amazing, articulate, talented, beautiful, and sincerest ladies who will represent their state title in Las Vegas this coming January. Each one embodies the ideals of caring and sharing. We are staying at the beautiful Loews Hotel on the beach at Santa Monica. The staff is amazing and each of us has been treated as a star among the stars. We have been pampered and treated royally.
Upon arrival we received a cute workout suit and a gift basket. MAO hosted a welcome dinner and we met the fine people of CMT and MAO.
My roommate is Hilary Griffith, Miss Arizona 2006, and what a great gem she is!
The production crew is also wonderful. We have been placed into groups of seven with the name of a color to distinquish each group. The production crew consists of fabulous and well organized people who make the adventure truly fun and educational. I am looking forward to the interview with Inside Edition.
I am appreciative that we, the contestants, are getting this opportunity to meet each other before we go into competition. This event is premiere in many ways and I am looking forward to seeing my Miss America sisters in Las Vegas.
We will begin our day a bit later tomorrow; I am planning to get my workout done prior to the production rehearsal.
I am sure you will enjoy "Pageant School: Finding Miss America"! Mark your calendars for January 19-29 and set your televison dial on CMT.
My sincerest thoughts are for the people and livestock in Montana that have been affected and devistated by the wildfires this summer and for those who are working hard to contain and put out the fires. It is hard to fathom the acres, timber, homes, and area consumed by the fires.