Miss America Week Cont.

January 22, 2007 - 2007 Miss America Pageant!

Okay, it's still very much surreal but I am finally starting to feel like I am at Miss America. Our productions and walks are coming together, the camera's are always on (and so must we), and the set is beautiful! It is going to be such an incredible show and I feel so lucky to be a part of this year's production. Without giving too much away, the show will have much more of a viewer geared theme and those at home will feel like we are right there in your living rooms. And those of you coming out for the show - we'll practically be in your laps! I can't wait to get out on the stage!

Yesterday after rehearsals we had some extra time to ourselves before our next event - which was a wonderful luxury that will not last much longer! So when it was time to depart for our next event, we were all relaxed and refreshed. We loaded on the the bus and arrived at the IMAX theater in the Palms Hotel to enjoy a private screening of the new Dreamgirls film - and I must say it is just as good the second time around! I felt a special connection to the story as much of it takes place in Motown :) As we exited the theater, CMT cameras were right around the corner to catch our reactions and reviews!

This morning Tiffany (Miss West Virgina) and I started with our new favorite part of the day - a bagel with cream cheese, a Large Cafe Americano and a USA Today - then headed for our dressing rooms! Rehearsals flew by and Jennifer Berry joined us for awhile as we posed for some individual press photos. Since we are genius contestants and are just flying through all that we have to learn for production we were released early yet again today! Rather than relaxing the whole time, Tiffany and I decided to take a stroll through the Dessert Passage Mall. We ordered room service for dinner and took our time preparing for tonight's appearance . . . Gondola rides at the Venetian Hotel & Casino!

Tonight was amazing. When we pulled up to the Venetian and exited our buses, we stepped onto a Red Carpet complete with cameras, screaming fans and trumpets! The Miss America people really know how to make an entrance! From the breathtaking hotel, the singing Gondoliers, the decadent desserts and the never ending camera flashes . . . we all left feeling like stars. Even Robin Leach from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous joined us! (You know you've made it when . . . :)

Time for my beauty rest now . . . bona sera!