AUGUST 31, 2006
BREAKFAST AT "NORTH" RESTAURANT FOLLOWED BY SHOPPING AT LA ENCANTADA MALL, TRIP TO MT. LEMMON SKI HILL, & DINNER AT EL CHARRO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Today we started out early by taking the bus to the La Encantada outdoor mall, where we ate a wonderful breakfast at "North" restaurant (an upscale modern Italian eatery). They had my favorite caprese (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, & basil) and it was a fantastic way to start our shopping excursion. A few of us (myself included) were selected to film spots for TV, so the camera crew followed us around while we shopped (which was very appropriate as I consider myself an expert on this subject--HA!). After shopping, we headed back to the hotel for lunch and I saw my state directors Faith & Carl Schway for the first time (they arrived late last night). It was great to see a friendly faces! After lunch we went to the Mt. Lemmon ski area. We were at 9,000 feet and the view was SPECTACULAR. We could see all of Tucson, but what was really remarkable was the change in temperature. It was close to 100 degrees at our hotel, but it was easily 30 degrees cooler at the top of the mountain. Luckily we all brought sweaters! We took the chairlift up to the top of the mountain and saw some of the trees that had been burned in a forest fire three years ago. Most of us took a cat nap on the return trip home, and we then headed directly to the famed El Charro restaurant (many former US presidents and other dignitaries have eaten here--supposedly this was where the chimichanga was invented but I'm not 100% sure about that one). The meal was great and when I arrived back in my room, I was greeted by a huge "cookie bouquet" (the cookies are CROWNS!) sent by my dear friend Susan Jackson and her family. What a sweet thing for her to send, both literally & figuratively! I have been so touched by all of your cards, flowers, COOKIES, gifts, and well wishes and please know how much it has meant to me! Win or lose I am already the luckiest girl in the world to have such an incredible support system! I am missing my hubby and baby girl (the report from home is that Ava got into a blue magic marker today, which I actually thought was pretty funny), but Matt will be out here on Sunday and my parents arrive tomorrow. So only a few more days. I am now VERY ready for bed--we've got an early poolside swimsuit photo shoot tomorrow morning (6:15 a.m. to be exact!). So I bid you adieu & goodnight!

PHOTOS:
1) Mrs. NC and I waiting for the bus.
2) Some of us outside "North" restaurant where we ate breakfast.
3) By the Mt. Lemmon ski hill sign--who knew there was skiing in AZ?!?
4) L to R: Mrs. OK, MN, & FL at the top of the mountain.
5) L to R: Mrs. CO, MN, & GA at the charming El Charro restaurant.
6) When I arrived back in my room, I was greetemy dear friend Susan Jackson & family had

AUGUST 30, 2006
DAY OFF FOLLOWED BY EVENING REHEARSAL

Today some of the ladies (Mrs. GA, HI, ID, IL, & IN) headed to the Hyundai dealership to film TV promo spots, while the rest of us got to SLEEP IN! I had both the morning off (since I'd already filmed my TV spot interview), but some of the other ladies finished their interviews. I relaxed in my room, got organized, watched some morning television, and worked on making my earrings for my state costume (I'm gluing rhinestones on some cheap-o earrings I bought at Wal-Mart to match my state costume). We had a short meeting at noon followed by lunch, and then I had the afternoon off as well. I laid out by the pool until the rain clouds rolled in (yes, I said RAIN CLOUDS--it is monsoon season here--who knew?). We had rehearsal from 7-10 and our opening number dance really came together. It was a much needed day!

PHOTOS:
1) With Andrea Preuss, Mrs. America
2) Mrs. TX, NV, NY, and I at rehearsal.
3) Two of the "tall girls," Mrs. Maryland & I (she & Mrs. WV are both 6'1")

AUGUST 29, 2006
GOLF CHALLENGE, GIFT EXCHANGE, REHEARSAL, & BBQ AT HOTEL

First I want to begin today's blog by wishing my parents a Happy 42nd Anniversary! They were high school sweethearts (she was homecoming queen, he was captain of the football team) and are the best role models for a successful marriage that I know. I love you both and can't wait to see you in a few days!

Today began with those of us who were in the golf challenge heading out to the golf course at the Lodge at Ventana Canyon. We were put into three teams, and we named our team (consisting of Mrs. WV, VT, OR, & myself) the "Blonde Bombshells." We participated in three mini contests: closest to the middle of the fairway, closest to the pin, and a putting contest. My team won the first and second contests, and narrowly lost the third one. We won the overall challenge and were awarded 50 points each (the 2nd place team got 25 points each). The course was gorgeous but HOT! I hope my golf cart partner (Mrs. VA Erica Kirwan) wasn't too scared about my driving abilities (just kidding!).

After golf, we had a rehearsal but first did our gift exchange where each contestant brought a small gift representative of her state. My state gift actually had nothing to do with my state but I just thought it was cool...I gave everyone a poster with the Mrs. America logo on top that also said "30th Anniversary - Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Aug. 23-Sept. 6, 2006," which we all autographed (so each contestant got a poster with the 51 signatures of each contestant). These posters were generously provided by the fantastic people at Wholesale Printing Direct (www.wholesaleprintingdirect.com), and the ladies seemed to really like the gift. I know I'll be having mine matted and framed when I get home--it's a great memento of our adventure in Tucson! Another surprise was the arrival of the reigning Mrs. America, Andrea Preuss. What a DOLL! She is so down to earth and REAL (my kind of gal!), and we all enjoyed hearing from her and getting to know her a little bit.

After rehearsal, we had a BBQ provided by Texas Roadhouse which was wonderful (especially the bread w/ cinnamon butter)! We all wore our Tony Lama boots and our cowboy hats. After dinner, we received our opening number dresses, which are really cute! They are a pretty purple color with some beading, with an uneven, jagged hemline that will look really pretty in the evening breeze. After receiving our dresses, some of headed down to the pool amd jacuzzi to unwind. I really enjoyed getting to know some of the ladies in this more relaxed environment. There are some really funny gals here, let me tell you. On my way back to my room, I ran into some of the contestants and TV production people, and Joe (one of our camera guys) had his guitar out. We'd talked about playing earlier, so I sat down and played a few songs and the ladies sang along (thankfully we've got some country music fans in our contestants, YEE HAW!). We had a great time but then I started to lose my voice, which I decided was my cue that it was time for bed. It was a super fun and very busy day! I still can't believe this is all for real and that I am really here competing for the title of MRS. AMERICA!

PHOTOS:
1) Trying to get closest to the middle of the fairway (I got within 5 feet!)
2) The "Blonde Bombshells" winning golf team! Yea!
3) The ladies who participated in the golf challenge.
4) Hangin' out at rehearsal: CO, MD, AZ, MN, MO
5) With Mrs. MO & MS just prior to the gift exchange.
6) Chatting with Mrs. America Andrea Preuss. She is so REAL!
7) Mrs. SC & I check out these gorgeous red & orange desert flowers.
8) No, I don't normally have cheesy photos taken of myself but I thought this was a fun pose!
9) With Mr. Bob Mazza, VP of Marketing for Mrs. America, Inc.
10) In "jail" with Mrs. MD & AZ
11) Playing guitar in the hotel lobby. FUN!

AUGUST 28, 2006
VISIT "OLD TUCSON STUDIOS" & DESERT MUSEUM FOLLOWED BY REHEARSAL

Today we got an early start and headed out to Old Tucson Studios, which is a wild west themed attraction. The movie "Three Amigos" and the TV show "Little House on the Prairie" were filmed here. We watched a stunt show while some of the delegates learned the can can dance. We took a train ride around the park and were "robbed" by bandits looking for gold. After a lunch provided by the theme park, we enjoyed ice cream and then headed to the Desert Museum, which is essentially an outdoor wildlife museum. We saw many different varieties of cactus including the Saguaro cactus (pronounced Sah-WAR-o) which only grows about 1 inch per year (the "arms" of the cactus can take 75 years to grow). Our tour guide showed us otters (who knew?!?), coatchi (which are like a cross between a racoon, possum, & fox...odd little critters), and we even saw scorpions. It was 103 degrees outside which is a bit on the hot side for a girl from the north! We have rehearsal tonight after dinner from 7-10, and then it's off to bed! Another amazing day in the desert!

PHOTOS:
1) Mrs. Idaho & I waiting for the bus.
2) Mrs. Kentucky, Mrs. Wisconsin, & I in the hotel lobby.
3) Waiting to go into "Old Tucson Studios" (Mrs. ID, MS, MN, OR)
4) By the "Welcome Mrs. America" sign as we entered the park.
5) Mrs. Montana & I check out the "Saloon" (where the can can girls performed).
6) Mrs. Arkansas & I try out the can can dancer pose.
7) This is my "I'm scared!" face (luckily we didn't get too close to the scorpions!)
8) Mrs. IA, WI, & I at rehearsal.

AUGUST 27, 2006
MAYOR'S BREAKFAST, REHEARSAL, & SIDEWINDER'S MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAME

This morning we had breakfast with the Mayor of Tucson, the personable Mr. Bob Walkup. We all presented our gifts to him, and in return received a copper plated personalized plaque naming us as honorary citizens of Tucson. My gift (a personalized hockey jersey) was generously donated by the Minnesota Wild hockey team since MN is known as the "State of Hockey." After breakfast, some of us had a few hours to ourselves before rehearsal with Frit & Frat (the other ladies had their TV spot interviews--I already did mine yesterday). After rehearsal, we headed to a Sidewinders minor league baseball game where we were the honored guests. I sat next to Mrs. CO, who I really enjoyed...we have a lot in common and she's really funny as well. After being introduced to the crowd, we were the featured national anthem singers! The National Anthem Project is closely affiliated with Mrs. America, so it was a perfect fit. We were then invited up to the Press Box where we enjoyed hotdogs, hamburgers, potato chips, etc. It was a beautiful evening and as we left we enjoyed a gorgeous desert sunset. Another fantastic day at Mrs. A!

PHOTOS:
1) The ladies in pink & green at the Mayor's Breakfast (L to R: AL, me, CO)
2) With Mrs. NC who led the Sunday morning worship service (she's an ordained minister!)
3) Hanging out in the lobby before boarding the bus.
4) On the field just prior to making our singing debut with the national anthem.
5) In the press box w/ sister queens Shannon (WI) and Robin (GA).
6) Enjoying the sunset with the super cool Mrs. Colorado Marney Duckworth.
7) Boarding the bus--time for bed!

AUGUST 26, 2006
TV INTERVIEWS & PRESIDENT'S DINNER AT HOTEL

Today some of us had short "get-to-know you" type interviews in front of the TV cameras where we answered questions like "What is it like being out here in Tucson for the Mrs. America Pageant?" and "What does Mrs. America mean to you?". These interviews will be cut into the broadcast at varying points and were a lot of fun (except that I kept swatting at the gnats and bugs that were all over us!). I sure hope they edit that out, ha ha! I was in the first group and after I was done, I headed up to get my Nikki Wior swimsuit, hat (from San Diego Hat Co.), and shoes (from Saugus Shoes), which were being handed out to everyone. I was a bit worried about how my swimsuit would fit b/c I have a long torso, but thankfully it fits perfectly and I even got the color I was hoping for--turquoise blue! The colors this year are blue, coral, and a light green. We had a rehearsal with Frit & Frat in the afternoon, followed by the always glamorous President's Dinner that evening. The dinner was top notch...it was held in the Ventana Room, which is one of the top restaurants in the country (5 star), and Mike Dominguez (the GM of the Lowes Resort) made us all feel so welcomed. We presented our state gifts to him and in return he presented us with a Loews CD and spa candle. All of the ladies looked GORGEOUS in beautiful evening gowns--it was like one big fashion show! Thank you to Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's) for the amazing Jovani gown that I wore--I felt like a princess!

A few neat things...I received a small rhinestone crown pin from my great aunt in the mail, which was totally unexpected and touching. I am wearing it as my good luck charm! I am missing my baby girl and hubby very much but luckily they keep us busy so that means less time to think about it. Everyone is really getting along well...this is just such a class act and I am SO enjoying my pageant "sisters" and also the pageant & hotel staff! THIS IS SO FUN!

PHOTOS:
1) Mrs. Arkansas, Mrs. Tennessee, & I at rehearsal.
2) Batsheva, President of Mrs. America, Inc. David Marmel, & I at the President's Dinner
3) Mrs. WI, IA, GA, & I (a.k.a. "Team Schway")
4) The ladies in blue & green
5) Mrs. Arizona & I
6) Mrs. Kansas & I
7) The ladies in print gowns.
8) Mrs. Kentucky & I

AUGUST 25, 2006
HORSEBACK RIDING AT TANQUE VERDE RANCH & WALKING THE RED CARPET AT THE HISTORIC FOX THEATRE/SCREENING OF "BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S"

Today we got up early and headed to the Tanque Verde Ranch where we went on a horseback ride. I grew up on a horse farm, so this was something I was really looking forward to. My horse was a big pinto Quarter horse named Apache, but he was a bit chubby and the ranch hands told me they affectionately call him "A-fat-che". The scenery was amazing--cactus EVERYWHERE and it was like something out of a movie set. We had an old-fashioned cowboy breakfast which we ate outside, and then we hopped back on our noble steeds for the return ride home. I really enjoyed getting to know Mrs. NC a little more--she's a riot and we've shared some good laughs! Mrs. ID is also super funny. I love these gals! The ladies who signed up for the horse racing challenge dueled it out, and the winner was Mrs. OK, who is a doll. We had the afternoon off and Mrs. NV generously loaned us her car so Mrs. IL (a total SWEETHEART) and I decided to go tanning. After dinner, we were taken by bus to the newly renovated historic Fox Theater for a cocktail reception followed by a screening of "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Prior to the movie, we were brought on stage to introduce ourselves. An amazing morning ride followed by an elegant and fun evening!

On a side note, it was a bit of a rough day for me as I found out that my 97-year-old grandmother had passed away, but she had led a very full life and it was definitely her "time" to go. It was just hard to hear that she had passed. Mrs. IL, Julie Rinehart, was with me when I got the news and I will never forget how Julie grabbed my hand while I cried. We said a prayer for my Grandma H and it was one of those moments when you realize what true friends we are making in this process. THANK YOU JULIE! And goodbye Grandma, I love you and can feel your hand on my shoulder as you watch over me...we know you are in a better place.

PHOTOS:
1) Mrs. IL Julie Rinehart and I enjoy our coffee on the bus ride to the ranch.
2) Some of the gorgeous varieties of cactus at the ranch.
3) Having fun w/ Mrs. TX and our new "cowboy" friend.
4) Having breakfast like the cowgirls we are!
5) Mrs. NM and I enjoying the trail ride.
6) Gathering in the lobby prior to leaving for the theatre.
7) Mrs. NV holding the scratch-off lottery tickets I gave her as a thank you for letting us borrow her car (she only won $1.00--bummer)
8) Mrs. IL and I outside the Fox Theatre marquee.
9) The cocktail and dessert reception at the Fox Theatre w/ Mrs. AL, AZ, me, & ID.