Miss America: Day 3

Sunday: Rehearsals went very well. Our choreographers are very professional and fun to work with; they are relaxed and laid back but get us where we need to be and what we need to be doing. I am enjoying the rehearsals and hope you will enjoy the production.
After a quick workout in the fitness center, it was time for a photo shoot for the Children's Miracle Network.
As a special treat, we attended a private showing of the movie Dreamgirls. CMT filmed us getting off our bus, going into the Brenden Theater, having refreshments, posing Dreamgirl style, and then interviewed us afterward as to our opinions of the movie. I really enjoyed it and had a fun time --- but the costuming really caught my eye and my ears enjoyed the powerful vocals. I give it a two thumbs up and hope that you will see it also!
Last fall, before the movie premiered, my state preparation team dubbed me their Dream Girl!
It is hard to believe that on Day 4 we will be serenaded by the gondoliers while we ride through the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. We have been advised that the dessert reception will be fabulous. And of course, a photo and autograph session will complete the evening.
One week from today we will rehearse for the last time. I have found the Miss America experience to be very enjoyable, far from tense, and each moment to be fun....and the contestants and all workers are truly wonderful.

Miss America Day 2: Fashion Show Mall

At rehearsals today, Nicole (Miss MN) and my CMT roommate, Hilary (Miss Az) took a break while wearing the matching black jackets. The choreographer and producer announced that we are doing well in learning our production formations for opening number and swimsuit --- and tomorrow's rehearsals will be shortened...meaning we get an added hour of rest (or preparation time) in the morning and some free time in the afternoon!
Many of us had interviews with the local Fox news affiliate. I hope it is carried on the Fox stations in Montana.
We have two lovely ladies serving as our floor hostesses. The hostesses are from Atlantic City and are assisted by ladies from the Las Vegas area. They keep us well taken care of, informed, and on time.
There was a great turnout of enthusiastic onlookers at the Fashion Show Mall. As last year, we 'rose up' in the glass elevator platform in true fashion panache. It was fun to walk the 80' runway. I felt stylish in my new silk top from Cache, the black slacks from Sarah's, and the gold earring from the Red Hanger.
Pictured here is Taryn, my roommate from Mississippi, and the two state representatives that Montana is always between---- in alphabetical order of course-- Missouri and Nebraska. I signed many, many autorgraphs and greeted many nice people.
Tonight we also enjoyed a special VIP reception and dinner. We were seated at tables for our region. This was a great way to learn more about the fabulous ladies from the northwest.
We are having fun and enjoying one of the greatest adventures of our lives; Las Vegas is treating us as shining stars.
Thanks for the many messages and cards. Each means a great deal to me and puts a smile on my face!

Red Carpet ~ Las Vegas Style

What a busy week it has been leading up to the arrival in Las Vegas. Sunday was the send-off party at the Shrine Auditorium. On Wednesday, two presentations were done for the students and staff at Elder Grove Elementary School.
Picking up last minute essential, finalizing wardrobe, and packing consumed lots of time. Friday morning, with scarlet tagged "Montana-Aladdin Hotel-Las Vegas" luggage in tow, I was off to Las Vegas via Denver - and of course a 40 minute delay in departure from the terminal.
Arriving at the hotel, roommate Taryn (Miss Mississippi and also a member of the Alpha Group) and I filled the extra clothing racks in our room and then prepared for the Red Carpet Welcoming event.
Las Vegas Mayor, Oscar Goodman, presented each of us with a red rose. Each contestant is amazing, poised, fit, trim, beautiful, talented, and intelligent. Each represents her state honorably.
At an orientation meeting, we meet the staff of MAO, the security team, our hostesses, and representatives from the Children's Miracle Network. The Quality of Life finalists were announced; they are Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia. A highlight was the preview of the CMT Pageant School that was taped this past September in Santa Monica, CA. Tune your television to CMT on Friday, January 26 for this show. Also check your TV schedule for airing of information on CMT this week.
Tomorrow is a surprise day! Through the leadership of Miss NY, we have comfy, black, hooded jackets to wear at rehearsal. Each jacket is bedazzled with our name, MAO Class of 2007, and our state's name. Collectively, we had one designed for Jennifer Berry, Miss America 2006. Competition wardrobe will be checked-in with the hostesses and rehearsals will begin.
We are looking forward to the debut at the Fashion Show Mall and autograph session.
Las Vegas has welcomed us royally!
Thank you for your support and assistance.

Have Fun & Best Wishes!

While Christie is representing Montana in Las Vegas at Miss America, she will be calling in her daily reports. We wish our Dream Girl the best of luck in this wonderful adventure!
75 Miss Montana cheering supporters will be in attendance and proudly waving with their hand-fans by Bella Graphics.

Wibaux School Presentations & Visit

Music Makes the Difference ~ Right Choices/Right Now
1. High School students and staff during the singing of the national anthem.
2. Body Language: Students spelling "Montana" for the state song.
3. A lovely noon meal was prepared by the Wibaux lunchroom staff. Freshly baked rolls are ready to devour.
These photos were taken at the Wibaux School on January 4, 2007.
Thanks to Jeri Dobrowski of Lame Steer Publishing in Beach, ND for sharing these photos.

Touchstone Energy PSA Taping at Wibaux Schools

Interesting opportunities have come my way during my year as Miss Montana. One of them is making commercials. My first commercial (ever) was for the Billings Athletic Club and the first time I heard it on the radio, I initially thought it was an "imposter" using my name. I felt a little silly when I recognized the commercial as it's not often that one hears her own voice on the radio.

The second commerical, a public service announcement, was filmed while at Wibaux, Montana on January 4 -- my first appearance and school presention in the new year.
The Touchstone Energy electric cooperatives of Sheridan Electric, Lower Yellowstone, McCone Electric, Goldenwest, and Southeast Electic help in sponsoring the Miss Montana scholarship, and this is a great trade-off for each us. They arranged use of the elementary school in Wibaux for the setting and used some of their "young talent" in the public service announcement and commercial. Five representatives were there from four of the cooperatives that supply power to over one-third of Montana.
I had a great time and the students who watched found out how much time goes into a 30 second PSA...a lot!
I also gave presentations to the elementary school and high school where the students were very well behaved.
Thanks to Jeri Dobrowski of Lame Steer Publishing in Beach, ND for sharing her photos that are shown here.