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