Greetings!
The month of October has flown by so quickly! I can't believe that tomorrow is Halloween and that November will begin! October has been the busiest month of my reign thus far.
The first of the month I traveled to St. Petersburg to attend a playoff soccer game between FC Tampa Bay and the NSC Minnesota Stars. The FC Tampa Bay fans were loads of fun as they showed their support for the team. I had a great time taking pictures and speaking with people in the crowd. Thank you to Bill and Kim Doniel for being my chaperones for the evening!
The very first week of the month, I traveled to New York City, to meet with designers, Stephen and Shawn Yearick, as well as Jovani. My visits with them were very successful as I was able to find exactly what I needed...but you'll have to wait till Miss America to know anything about it ;-) Hehe.
As soon as I returned from New York I went straight to work. On the 12th, I spoke at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School. I visited the preschool, kindergarten, and first grade students. During my visit I taught the students about the importance of protecting the world around us. To teach them about how beautiful our world is, I brought miniature pots for planting. They had so much fun getting their hands dirty in the soil! I also left with each classroom a caterpillar to watch through it's life cycle and become butterflies.
The following day, I had a meeting with MetroPlan Orlando which is the metropolitan planning organization for Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties in Central Florida. The organization was created by federal law, state statutes, and progressive regional thinking to address the communities transportation needs now and in the future. I arranged to meet with MetroPlan to learn more about the air quality needs for central Florida. Due to the fact that air quality is directly related to transportation, MetroPlan created the Clean Air Team, that works to educate others about the importance of protecting the air we breathe.
After making my appearance at the last day of the Convention, on Sunday the 16th, I traveled to Plant City to attend the Homecoming for our new Miss America's Oustanding Teen Elizabeth Fechtel. Many people were in attendance and it was great to reconnect with everyone! I was so excited for our new Miss Florida's Oustanding Teen, Rachel Strever, who had her official crowning at this party. She was beaming!
The next morning, October 17th, I traveled to Gainesville to participate as a judge and special guest at the University of Florida's Mr. and Miss AASU pageant. AASU stands for Asian American Student Union. During the pageant I judged the contestants in evening wear, talent, national costume, and onstage question. It was fun to be on the other side of competition as a judge! It was much more difficult than I ever imagined! You want all of the contestants to do well and you wish that you could crown them all. At the pageant, I was brought on stage to speak about my year as Miss Florida and to perform.
The next 3 days were devoted to an appearance at the Orlando Southern Women's Convention. I was there on behalf of Artistry by Amway. Each day, I had the opportunity to speak on their main stage. I took the time to share with the audience the benefits of the Miss America Organization, my duties as Miss Florida, and the importance of my platform. I was also able to perform a few of my favorite songs. The rest of the time I spent at the Artistry booth signing autographs and promoting Artistry. I also had the unique opportunity of petting a penguin!
The next morning, October 17th, I traveled to Gainesville to participate as a judge and special guest at the University of Florida's Mr. and Miss AASU pageant. AASU stands for Asian American Student Union. During the pageant I judged the contestants in evening wear, talent, national costume, and onstage question. It was fun to be on the other side of competition as a judge! It was much more difficult than I ever imagined! You want all of the contestants to do well and you wish that you could crown them all. At the pageant, I was brought on stage to speak about my year as Miss Florida and to perform.
The following afternoon I took a tour of Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville. Shands is a Children's Miracle Network Hospital. It was great to learn what CMNH has done and continues to do for Shands. My absolute favorite part of the tour was being able to interact with the children who are patients there.
I was Orlando bound the next day. I was there for two days to work on a few Miss America preparations which included talent practice with David Gilbert. Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, was in town for a Children's Miracle Network appearance, so I was able to take her out to lunch! She is a such a delightful young woman! We laughed as we shared stories with each other.
That weeked, October 21-23, I was in Jacksonville to work with Artistry again for Jacksonville's Southern Women's Convention. My duties were just as they were at the Orlando convention. I had fun spending time with the ladies of Artistry!
After a great weekend in Jacksonville, I traveled south to Miami. I made a stop in Port St. Lucie to meet with my vocal coach to practice my talent for Miss America. Once I was in Miami, I was able to relax for the rest of the evening.
The next morning, a makeup artist came to Mary's house to do my makeup for a photo shoot that I was having with Elizabeth K. Sanchez at Deering Estates. Deering Estates is a beautiful location in Miami. My wardrobe for the photoshoot was provided by Ann Marie Griffin. I had a blast having my pictures taken! Below are a few photos that were taken from my camera.
The following day, Mary and I visited Ann Marie at her store to choose more apparell for my appearances. I am so thankful for Ann Marie's kindness and gift of beautiful clothing to ensure that look fabulous everywhere I go! :-)That night I attended a Toastmaster's meeting where they gave me the opportunity to have a mock interview to better my public speaking skills.
I was Orlando bound the next morning to make appearances at my college, the University of Central Florida, and my high School, Bishop Moore Catholic. It was homecoming weekend for both and the greatest part about it all is that both schools' colors are black and gold! Friday, the 28th, I attended the UCF Spirit Splash which is a tradition in which all the students can jump into the school's famous reflection pond to kick off the weekend. It was absolute madness as there were thousands of students in attendance filled with school spirit! They cheered so loud when the found out that Miss Florida was a student at their school and it made me feel so proud be a UCF Knight!
That night I opened my high school's football game with the National Anthem. I am proud to say that it was a big win for us that night!
Yesterday, was the UCF Homecoming parade and I got to be a part of it! I have always loved parades!
Right after the parade I was in my car and traveling to Broward County to attend the Miss Broward County Pageant.
I am now in Miami for a few days to work on Miss America preparations! Tomorrow is Halloween...Mary and I will be dressed up for the trick or treaters that will be ringing the door bell for some candy...hahaha. Can't wait!
Until next time!
Kristina
