Dinner hosted by Mr. David Marmel

From 2pm until 5pm we were in rehearsals preparing for prelims and how to maneuver the state costumes that were big. It was a great opportunity to see what the other delegates had brought to represent their home states. Georgia was a basket full of peaches, Alaska an igloo, Missouri was Snow White, and I went as a flapper from the Roaring Twenties in Chicago. That evening we had dinner in Mr.Marmel's suite and were presented our personalized Vera Bradley bag and 30th Anniversary Yearbook. This was our first chance to see our photos and ads in the program. I was thrilled about the Vera Bradley bag. Not only is it red, but also paisley two of my favorites. Yeah! Just another piece to make everything so surreal. Following a nice evening we had more rehearsals to prepare for the upcoming preliminary competition. The first photo is with Mrs.Minnesota-Holly at Mr.Marmel's Dinner, The next photo is at late rehearsals as Mrs.America Andrea Preuss answers questions about being Mrs.America and what to expect if chosen, and then where I was presented my Mrs.Illinois bag and yearbook by Mr.Marmel.

Susan G. Komen Seminar

Friday, September 1st...reality starts to hit when it is actually the month that the new Mrs.America will be crowned. It all flew by so quickly I just wanted to slow everything down and make it last. This morning start out with the Susan G. Komen seminar. Not only was the presentation helpful to me as a women's health advocate, but Mrs. Pennsylvania Jill shared information that was also important. Mrs.America Andrea Preuss has been a Susan G. Komen volunteer for several years and shared a very touching story with us. I can't imagine anyone being able to sit through the informational video and not shed a tear. It is such a touching story with a very real and urgent message. Following the seminar we participated in a scavenger hunt on the Loews property. People were jumping in the pool with their clothes on, running in heels (me), and car-jacking a golf cart. It was crazy and hot! The above photos are: with Mrs.America Andrea Preuss at the Susan G. Komen seminar, the next is sitting in the lobby with Batsheva and Mrs.Arizona-Diane waiting for the scavenger hunt to begin, several of the delegates at the SGK seminar, and then the last is my team for the scavenger hunt Mrs.West Virginia Giget and Mrs.Kentucky-Shawn.

The Official Carol Wior Swimsuit Photo Shoot

The morning of Friday, September1st was the official swimsuit photo shoot in our Carol Wior swimwear. Excuse me for a moment....SCREAMMMMM!! All I could do was keep pinching myself and reminding myself to take it all in because this was really happening. I didn't care if it was 6:15am and kind of chilly.Each year I have looked at the swimsuit photo and thought I want to be there in that moment and now I am. Like many other moments in life it went so quickly. First we shot the official photo then we did a few with t-shirts from sponsors such as NV. We also donned a pink t-shirt with Tucson and a cowboy across the front. The first photo captures a real behind the scenes look. It's tough to change while dangling your legs in a pool..Oh and don't mess up your hair. In the group shot you'll find me in the front row 4th from the right. We are in alphabetical order, so find you favorite girl!

El Charro Mexican Restaurant

That evening we made our way to El Charro mexican restaurant and reunited with the rest of the Mrs.America delegates. I was thrilled, I love mexican fare!! It was an adorable little restaurant with authentic dishes and lots of charm. In the above photo at the table I had stopped for a quick pic with some of "my girls". L to R: Mrs.North Dakota-Sharon, Mrs. South Carolina-Jennifer, Mrs. Indiana-Brielle, Mrs. Illinois, Mrs. Kentucky-Shawn, Mrs. Pennsylvania-Jill, and Mrs. Rhode Island-Barrie. This was a great opportunity to relax and enjoy each other before our families started to arrive. The other photo was taken upon returning to the Loew's Ventana Canyon Resort. A family from Illinois found me and I had the chance to visit with them and catch a photo. It was so exciting when I would meet someone from Illinois and particularly amazing if they knew where my hometown is located.

Journey to Mount Lemon

The afternoon of Thursday, August 31st had us traveling by bus up Mount Lemon. A group of delegates were selected to make the trip to Mt Lemon for the shoot. WOW!! It is a very odd feeling to be in a huge bus looking straight down a cliff at 9,000 ft elevation. I'm glad I wasn't driving...didn't need that added pressure. We were instructed to bring a sweater so I wore long sleeves thinking I would be warm. It helped, but it was amazing how cool it was at the very top. I think I could have wore pants and been just fine. Quite a switch from the high 90's down in Tucson. This was another great opportunity for some photos. The first shot is with our producer, Peter just before loading the ski lift to go back down the mountain. Another photo is of the scenic view we had coming down Mt Lemon. I knew there was no way I could really capture the incredible expanse, but wanted to share the beauty as much as possible. The large group shot is a perfect example of how we really were. Always laughing and enjoying the opportunity before us. The other photo is of myself and Mrs.Montana-Cherith as we were coming up the mountain, getting ready to jump off and enjoy the view. She revealed a fear of heights and was a little unsettled about the ski lift. I was so proud of her, she jumped right on and did an amazing job! There had been a fire on Mt Lemon several years ago and there were still charred trees everywhere. It was really interesting to see how the vegetation comes back and the mountain is restored.

Shopping at La Encantada

After the breakfast at North we stepped out into the beautiful shopping area of La Encantada. This outdoor mall is beautiful! Mrs.Montana-Cherith and I pulled out our map and set our course. We took advantage of the certificates given to us from La Encantada stores such as Everything but Water, Coldwater Creek, and Cache. I found several things at BeBe and then purchased my all-time favorite sunglasses...simple black Chanel with rhinestones. It wouldn't be the Mrs.America pageant without a little bling! The pageant photographer Don Seidman took individuals of everyone while at the site. Following my individual shot I took advantage of the fountain and made a wish. Can you guess what it was?...you may be surprised. The last photo is with one of my favorites girls! Mrs. New Hampshire-Jessica was such a fun and real person to send time with. We stepped onto the bus at the exact time we were due back. What a fun way to spend the morning!

Breakfast at North

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This day proved to be very full of activities! We started out with a wonderful breakfast at North. They had prepared a yummy buffet with so much to choose from. Again just look at my plate...it took a lot of food to keep us going. Across the table from me was my Midwest buddy, Mrs.Missouri-Lanie. Beside Lanie is Mrs.Washington-Patricia, Mrs.Virginia-Erica, then rounding the table is Mrs.Nevada-Victoria, and then the smiling blonde beside me is Mrs. New Mexico-Shannen. Mrs. New Mexico has lived in Illinois and still has family here, so we had lots to visit about. It is refreshing to be that far from home and meet someone who knows exactly where and what you are referring to. The group photo in front of North: Mrs.Alaska-Michelle, Mrs. Florida-Evie (also my roomie), Mrs.Virginia-Erica, Mrs.Nebraska-Jennifer, Mrs. Connecticut-Billie Jo, Mrs.Minnesota-Holly, and myself. The other photo is of several of the ladies following breakfast and just waiting for the "shopping" at La Encantada.

It must have been quite a day!

The day started out with a small group of delegates traveling to the Hyundai dealership for the shoot to be later edited into the telecast. The new Mrs.America will receive a Hyundai Entourage. Along with Andrea Preuss, Mrs.America 2006, we highlighted all of the great features the Entourage has to offer. Then it was back to the resort. It must have been an exhausting day because all I have in my journal is that I was spent and would write about the day later. The above photos are just a couple from the day of activities. Mrs. Florida-Evie, Mrs.Idaho-Liz, Mrs.Hawaii-Peblz, Mrs.Indiana-Brielle, Mrs.Georgia, and myself at the dealership. The next photo is a real behind the scenes look at a rehearsal. Our time was divided between learning the opening number and the patterns for competition. The dancing was very enjoyable for me. LOVED IT!!

Bar-B-Que at the Corral

This evening was much more relaxed... it had to be we were eating ribs! Provided with the perfect setting to watch the beautiful sunset we all took a minute to appreciate where we were and what we were a part of. Again a great opportunity to wear the Tony Lama boots and cowboy hat provided to us through the Mrs.America organization. Following the Bar-B-Que several of us met at the pool area and had a wonderful time sharing stories and laughing. Mrs.New York-Lidia, was full of hilarious anecdotes and funny life experiences. We all needed that release!

Our Gift Exchange

We were all so eager to share our contestant gifts with each other that everyday someone asked Batsheva "when are we exchanging gifts?". We had a pretty free morning this day and an afternoon full of rehearsal so we used part of our rehearsal time for the exchange. My gift was a small zippered bag that was personalized with each state titleholder's name, a little rhinestone, and lined with material that was red, white, and blue and the design was a repeated pattern of all of the state names. My very talented mother-in-law, Peggy and her friend, Jan, placed the lining and the embroidery personalization on each bag. It makes for a great make-up or sunglasses bag. I was so proud of what we had designed and created! The gifts were everything from a state pin to chocolates personalized with our individual photos. I think I could have eaten waaayy to may "spuds". They are these amazing treats of marshmallow center, chocolate, and coconut appropriately from Mrs.Idaho-Liz. The first photo is where we were autographing a memories poster from Mrs.Minnesota-Holly. So now we each have a Mrs.America poster with all of the Class of 2006 signatures. A very special keepsake! The next photo is with Mrs.Alabama-Monica during the gift exchange. What a beauty! She was in my personal Top Ten selection. The last photo is of Mrs.Indiana-Brielle, myself, Mrs.Idaho-Liz, Mrs.Hawaii-Peblz, and Mrs.Georgia-Robin prior to digging in and opening our goodies.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Following the morning at Old Tucson Studios we traveled to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. We were divided into groups and some of the ladies toured were allowed "behind the scenes". Mrs.Connecticut-Billie Jo, was super excited to show us a snake skin she had been given by the staff. It was still intact and quite long. Needless to say Billie Jo has a love of reptiles. Upon arriving we toured the area in 2 groups and shopped while the "behind the scenes" girls enjoyed the rest of the museum. The first photo was taken at a beautiful location at the Desert Museum. The next photo is while we were still at Old Tucson Studios where we were treated to an ice cream treat. It is always a good day for me when chocolate ice cream is involved. The next photo is with Mrs.Idaho-Liz, we had just purchased silver and turquoise bracelets. The last photo is with Mrs.Kentucky-Shawn in front of one of the giant saguaro cactus. That evening it was back to the resort for dinner and rehearsals.

Old Tucson Studios, Mon. Aug. 28th

The Old Tucson Studios promised a morning of entertainment...little did I know I would be part of the show. Upon arriving at the Studio we paused for photos and a large group shot. We were also taped as a group saying "Welcome back to the Mrs.America pageant in Tucson, Arizona!" and several other little soundbites that could be used later in the editing process. Walking into the property was literally like going back in time to the old west. The mountains in the background and the buildings looked so real. The movie Tombstone was filmed at this location. As we were taking our seats for a show they took volunteers for an activity. I had visited a little with one of the dancers on the way in the studios and she remembered I have a dance background. I was thrilled when she asked me to join them.
Off we went to learn how to Can-Can dance. Can't say that I had ever done that, anyway we changed into costume and began to learn the routine. I as surprised at how fast the tempo was and how quickly we all learned the dance. I absolutely loved it!! It was so energizing and fun. I don't know how those girls dance that all day long every day for the shows. That is some cardio workout. Then we enjoyed a wonderful meal on site and had time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Photos L to R: I took advantage of a photo op with a "real cowboy", I enjoyed the great food with Mrs.Montana-Cherith, Mrs.Arizona-Diane, and Mrs.Kentucky-Shawn...don't believe we don't eat just look at our plates, the next photo is of the entire group in front of the studio, and the last photo is of the Mrs.America ladies after we had danced the Can-Can.

Tucson Sidewinders Baseball Game

We had rehearsals with Frit and Frat during the afternoon of the 27th. Those two are so much fun! I loved my years of teaching and coaching dance, but I had forgot how challenging and rewarding it is to go through the process of learning. Later that afternoon we departed for the Tucson Sidewinders minor league baseball game. Once there we were escorted directly to the field to sing the national anthem. We were so lucky to have Mrs.North Carolina-Staci W. in our class to help us sound more polished and professional. I was so proud of how well we did! Most of us did not consider ourselves singers. Mrs.Arizona- Diane then threw out the starting pitch. Following this we were escorted to a Mrs.America Press Box where we enjoyed ballpark fare. Photos in order: On the Mrs.America bus with Mrs.Nebraska-Jennifer departing the resort, posing for a photo op with Mrs.Georgia-Robin, Mrs.Kentucky-Shawn, Mrs.Wisconsin- Shannon, Mrs.Minnesota- Holly, and myself prior to leaving for the game, this next photo was in the press box...we had a great view! The last photo is while we were on the field waiting to sing the national anthem.

Mayor's Brunch

The Mayor's Brunch was the morning of Sunday, August 27th. This was morning we presented our state gifts to Mayor Walkup of Tucson, Arizona. As the evening prior, each delegate introduced herself and the reason for her gift choice. We in turn were presented with an appreciation plaque for our accomplishments and contributions. The first photo is of Mrs. New Jersey- Christina, myself, and Mrs.Mississippi-Kristi at our table for the brunch. The next photo is after the brunch with Mrs.Idaho-Liz, we were waiting for our individual interview shoot to begin. You'll notice I am emailing friends and family trying to catch up on things at home. I was sending daily updates for my website, but that never quite worked out. The blog is definitely the way to go. The last photo is of my presenting the Illinois state gift to Mayor Walkup.

President's Dinner

Saturday started out with SLEEPING IN!!! I had a free morning since my interview shoot was scheduled for another day. I rested, fit in a workout, went to BA-Da-Bing tanning. Yeah, I know the sun is great in Arizona, but do you know how hot it is? I spent some time sunning, but became overheated very quickly. Thank goodness the pool was close by. The afternoon was reserved for rehearsals with Frit and Frat. That evening we enjoyed the President's Dinner hosted in the Ventana Room. We had an amazing meal and all of the ladies were so beautiful! The gown I chose is from the Fall 2006 Diva Collection for Alyce Designs and one of the generous prizes from my state title. How often in "real life" do we have the opportunity to dine in evening gowns...? In the first photo Mrs.Missouri-Lanie B. and I were taking advantage of a photo opportunity together. The next photo I am presenting my state gift to Mr. Mike Dominguez, Director of Marketing for the Ventana Canyon Resort. Each year the delegates bring two gifts to Mrs.America, one for the host city's mayor and the other for another dignitary. I chose to take a gift certificate from Eli's Cheesecake in Chicago. I thought maybe he and his wife could order from the catalog and enjoy it together. The final photo is during dessert with the ladies from my table. The ladies in the photo are L-R: Mrs.Georgia, Mrs.Washington, Mrs.North Dakota, Mrs.California, Mrs.Hawaii, Mrs.Delaware, Mrs.Wyoming, and Mrs. Missouri. This is one of those events where I would look around the room and think "I am really at the President's Dinner". I know we were all excited and honored to be at this event.

Aug 25th, Fox Theater Red Carpet Event

The evening of the 25th we were transported in our "Mrs.America" bus to the fabulous Fox Theater for a viewing of Breakfast At Tiffany's. This may sound crazy, but I had never actually watched this movie from beginning to end. Sure I had seen bits and pieces, but never the whole thing. I was quite surprised at some of the social issues they addressed. Turns out it has some of my favorite old tunes in it. Anyway, we arrived to the real "red carpet" reception with a crowd and photographers. They were most excited to see their hometown girl, Mrs.Arizona Diane Tucker. Much to my surprise there was a lovely family from Illinois in the crowd cheering for me! I even had the opportunity to stop and speak with them for a few minutes. Upstairs we were treated to a reception and had a little time to visit with each other. We then were invited on stage to introduce ourselves and then ushered to our special seating. After the trail ride, barrel racing, and this beautiful evening I was exhausted. The bus ride back to the Ventana Canyon Resort was always much quieter following a full day of activities. Photos L to R: The marquee as we arrived at the Fox Theater, Making my "red carpet" entrance, and enjoying the reception with Mrs.Arkansas-Kim N., Mrs. Tennessee-Tracy P., and Mrs.Missouri-Lanie B.