Merry Christmas Everyone

And a Happy New Year!!!

Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you enjoying the holiday season with friends and loved ones.  As we all take time to celebrate and count our many blessings, I want you to know that I am sincerely grateful for your friendship and support of me as Miss Georgia.  Preparing for Miss America has been the adventure of a lifetime, and I couldn't be more excited about everything from my "Rock Opera" talent selection to my red-carpet ready evening gown.  Whether you have cheered me on, shared advice, been shopping with me, welcomed me into your home, or prepared a young lady to take my job next June, you have made an indelible mark on this organization and on me.  Thank you for being a special part of my journey.

Love,
Christina

TGIF :)

Hello friends,

I promise I haven't forgotten about you! Here's the scoop on my wonderful October as Miss Georgia.

First there was the Miss Coosa Valley Fair pageant in Rome, GA...but this was not just any pageant. It was a day of playing with a "bush baby," the famous monkey from Eddie Murphey's Doctor Doolittle, and a fox. All of this fun continued with a side-saddle camel hump ride (Yes, I was wearing a dress haha), and lots of fair rides and games to follow. Thank goodness I did not experience all of this alone! Some of my fabulous company that day included Briana Jewett (Miss Cobb County), Somer Nix (Miss Coosa Valley Fair), Andrea Pitts (of the Miss Rome board), and my lovely chaperone Wanda Whitten (Miss GA Field Director). Between the monkey removing the bobby pins from my crown and stealing while hanging onto the camel for dear life and whipping on a gown to emcee the pageant that night, this was a day I will never forget! **Thank you Wanda Whitten for being so accommodating all day! :)

Later that week, I made another presentation for the Scoliosis Screening convention at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I always love sharing my personal story with new people, especially the nurses and doctors who don't always get to hear what their patients really go through on an emotional level. **Thank you Charles Chinnis (Miss Cobb County Board) for accompanying me on this adventure...Next time I'll listen to you and not my GPS haha!

Back in Columbus, GA I enjoyed brunch at the Green Island Country Club. Lots of adorable small children dawning their Sunday Best had their pictures taken with me. Having little girls look at me like I am a princess is precious every time I wear this crown. **Thank you Pat Elderidge for being such a fun chaperone! I loved getting to know you.

On a side note, I finally began working on staging my Miss America Talent piece! I am SO excited to be working with the fabulous Thomas Barnette on this...he is truly one of the most creative people (with some surprising hidden talents! haha) I have ever met. **Thank you Thomas for being patient and honest with me! I am SO excited about the way our piece is coming together!

For almost a week, I spent my time overseas! Aboard the Norwegian Star cruise ship, I had the opportunity to work out with THE Jillian Michaels! I was so giddy to meet her in person, and I learned so much from her fitness and nutrition seminars. She is surprisingly petite in "real life," but toned from head to toe and just exudes good health. We need more role models like her! I must say the only thing I struggled with was the food...Imagine biting into what looks like a brownie and tasting rye bread with some sugar-free dark chocolate syrup on top...not exactly my idea of dessert. I'll just say the Bahamas had some tastier options. :) Anyhow, I came back refreshed and excited to try some of Jillian's wellness tips at home.

In Kennesaw, GA I spent an evening with some of the administrators of Kennesaw State University's Bagwell School of Education. In conversations with each of the administrators, alumni, and friends present, I discovered connections I never knew we had. It's a small world after all! **Thank you Debra Day for inviting me to share the evening with my fellow KSU alumni and supporters.

The following day, I had a very special opportunity to speak to a Women's Youth Leadership group on "How to be a Lady." What a tremendous honor it was to be speaking on this! The girls were all middle and high school aged teenagers, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well spoken and open minded they were in the questions that they asked me and in the way that they listened to what I had to say. It is certainly heartening to see girls who take pride in choosing to be a "lady." This was one of my favorite and most empowering appearances as Miss GA yet!**Thank you Kathryn Coffee for being a wonderful chaperone and friend!

That's all for now--Happy Friday everyone!

Love,
Christina
Miss Georgia 2010

Watch some of our favorite memories at Disney!

October Highlights from Georgia

Dear friends,


Life as Miss Georgia continues to be hectic but always fun and rewarding. A little of the inside scoop...
About a week ago, I made a trip down to Vidalia, GA for the Miss Southern Heartland Triple Crown Pageant. This was an especially memorable appearance for me, because I became Miss GA after an amazing year as Miss Southern Heartland. Stacy, Gene, Rich, Chad, and Jessie Wagner make up a family and board that have changed my life forever. Not only did they bend over backwards to support me all the way to Miss GA, but they were there every step of the way to help me, advise me, and introduce me to some of my newest and dearest friends. **You guys are one amazing family, and I am so lucky to have had the chance to know you and work with you on my final quest for the Miss GA crown. Thank you for realizing my potential and doing everything you could to help me reach it. I love you!!!

The following morning, I drove up to Atlanta to be a "Celebrity Judge" in the show "Pageant: The Musical." I had no idea what to expect, but I can tell you I never once stopped smiling and laughing the whole night. It was HILARIOUS. **Thank you, Pageant Atlanta for inviting me to be a part of your show!

...........................................................................................................






Later on, I visited the lovely town of Sandersville to attend Family Eye Care's "Touch the Crown Tea Party." I had the pleasure of driving my little sister queen, Camille Sims, and our chaperone, Ms. Alice Surber for what turned out to be a real treat! Dr. Kreslyn Odum and the Eye Girls really know how to throw a party! Everything there was covered in chocolate, and there were princess accessories for all the girls to wear as well as adorable keepsakes. **Thank you, Dr. Kreslyn for letting me be a part of your fantastic tea party! You are one of the kindest and most generous people I've ever met! And thank you to Ms. Alice and Camille for spending the day with me! I had so much fun on our road trip, and I hope you did too!
.................................................................................................

     

The next day, I had the opportunity to speak at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Scoliosis Screening Conference. There were school nurses, physicians, and volunteers present; and I was able to share my personal story of overcoming scoliosis with them. These are the people who screen children throughout our state in public schools, and I feel confident that I expressed to them the importance of early detection. **Thank you, Mary Lou Oliver for facilitating this event and for allowing me to share my story!

.........................................................................................................

Saturday, I attended the Miss Capital City pageant where they had quite the show and esteemed panel of judges! One of them was one of my favorite Miss Americas, Kirsten Haglund. She is as beautiful and elegant as ever, and I'm so happy she's a Georgia girl now. Also, among all of the visiting local titleholders, I had a surprise visit from Miss Montana! Kacie is such a sweetheart, and I can't wait for her next trip to GA! **Thank you to the Miss Capital City board for allowing me to be a part of your pageant, and Congratulations on your new queens!

.....................................................................................................


The next morning, I met with Matthew Abraham and Morgan Harrell for a makeup session. How amazing it is to be working on my "Miss America look!" I got several new ideas and even more encouragement and inspiration from our meeting. **Thank you Matthew and Morgan for believing in me!!
.....................................................................................................


Later on that day, I headed to Athens for a UGA Soccer Game! Not only did they beat Vanderbilt, but I got to see my dear friend and their #1 player, Nicole, rock it out! **Go Dawgs!


Thank you for reading!
Love always,
Christina
Miss Georgia 2010

Do you remember, 21st night of September?

Hello dear friends!

It is officially Fall today--my favorite season! I am loving all the cool things I've been able to do and places I've been able to visit this month when, for the first time, I am not a student! Here's a glimpse into my September so far...

On the 2nd, I made my way down to Columbus, GA where I had the opportunity to speak live on two radio stations in support of the Children's Miracle Network Radiothon. Later on that day, I was interviewed by CCGTV about the upcoming Fair Pageant in Columbus. I had never been into a radio station studio before, and it was so much fun, though surprisingly not sound-proof! Good thing I wasn't yelling like the guy next door. **Thank you, Jennifer Joyner for making the Radiothon a fantastic experience!

 

That weekend, I made a very special visit to Dalton, GA for the Raisin Hope Ride. Saul Raisin is quite the inspirational young man, as he survived and overcame a brain injury while cycling, and he now puts his efforts into raising funds for patients with brain injuries in Atlanta. He is even donating $4,000 of the proceeds from that day to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta! **Thanks so much, Saul, for your kindness and inspiration!

The following weekend, I set up a tent at the "East Cobber Festival" in Marietta, GA where I handed out informative Scoliosis brochures, stickers, pins, and cupcakes--anything to draw interest from children! It certainly didn't hurt that I was stationed directly beside the Animal Rescue tent filled with adorable Husky/German Shepherd puppies. It was over 100 degrees, but still, so much fun and totally worth it!

Just last weekend, I emceed Cherokee County's Fair Pageant in Canton, GA. That was as "Americana" as it gets--ferris wheel, funnel cakes, cotton candy, babies and toddlers in pretty dresses, and lots of tiaras to go around. I had a terrific time, and it was so nice to spend some time with my first Miss GA board family. **Claudia Snyder, Robin White, Michelle Winters, Cindi Brooks, Erin Grizzle--I love you guys!! Thanks for a wonderful day! 

This past Monday was the Miss America Lottery! I went to Greg and Galen's house to draw for my placement in the Miss America Pageant, and I am officially Alpha #8! That means: Talent Tuesday, On-stage Question Wednesday, and Swimsuit/Evening Gown Thursday! I'm feelin' good! 

Happy Fall to you all!

Love,

Christina

Miss GA 2010

August 31st

It is official…I am 22 years old! This is the first birthday it seems that I do not have some sort of coming of age to celebrate, but I do have quite the handful of memories and blessings to be thankful for! The cake and flowers from my little sisters and Michael for starters made me feel instantly at-home even though I was in Orlando. :) **Thank you guys! I love you!

Lots and lots of catching up to do, so I’ll try and be brief…

I spent a fantastic day at April Brinson Slaughenhoup’s Grand Opening of “Crowning Moments.” If you have a little girl who has ever dreamed of being a princess, this is her dream store! I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I would have loved to be a little girl again so I could shop and play there—SUCH a neat place! **Congratulations April on your huge success, and thank you to the whole family for allowing me to be a part of the festivities!

After celebrating at “Crowning Moments,” I headed over to BodyBe1 to meet Roland (my trainer) for the first time. I was SO nervous after all I had heard about his training and food restrictions (I love to eat haha), but he ended up being the sweetest and most encouraging guy! He will be keeping tabs on my measurements and body fat percentage as I follow his workout routine, but he says I'm not allowed to “diet” until October! Yes sir!

The next day, I visited Greg and Galen’s house to help judge Camille’s final mock interview prior to Miss America’s Outstanding Teen! She was absolutely incredible and so at ease no matter what we asked her. It’s no wonder she did such a phenomenal job—**CONGRATULATIONS Camille on winning 2nd runner-up in MAOT! You were at the top of your game every night and shined like you always do. I couldn’t be a more proud sister queen!

Later on that week, I had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for Aflac’s Convention at the Cobb Galleria Center. **Thank you, Oz, for setting that up!

Of course, all of last week I spent time in Orlando supporting Camille in MAOT and getting to know all 52 of the other Miss America contestants! We had several opportunities to be filmed in promotion of the Miss America Pageant, and a couple of these included me performing my own 60 second cooking show (you'll see it in October) and our fun-filled day at Disney World's Magic Kingdom!The week was truly a blast thanks to several people. Theresa and Charles Patton were there for me from the moment I arrived in Orlando to take me shopping and out to lunch whenever I had some free time. **Thank you Theresa and Charles for taking care of me and also for the sweet birthday gifts! I love you guys!

The week also wouldn’t have been the same without Rodney Hullender’s talent and generosity. **Thank you SO much, Rodney, for styling my hair every day in Orlando! You are the sweetest, and I’m so lucky to call you my friend!

Lastly, two of my favorite people came to Orlando for the final night of competition…Greg and Galen! **You guys never fail to make me laugh until I’m in tears, and I cherish all the time we spend together!

After a week of Teen Pageant-ing; Greg, Galen, and I boarded a flight for Atlanta to visit Sherri Hill, Keith Pittman, and Joy Little of “Lasting Impressions” at the Mart. I am beyond excited about the new gowns we have selected for Las Vegas!! **Thank you Keith and Lasting Impressions for always going above and beyond to make me look and feel my best!

That’s all for now, folks!

Love,

Christina

Friday the 13th

Happy Friday the 13th!!

.

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind—LOTS going on in Miss GA-land! After I finished my photo shoot with Matt and Meredith Boyd, I began a week of preparation for the Miss Cobb County Pageant. For those of you who may not know, the Miss Cobb Board is the reason I began competing 5 years ago, and they have been a huge addition to my family and an even bigger blessing in my life ever since. Just as is tradition for the Miss Cobb folks after a night of rehearsal, we all congregated at the Marietta Diner on Wednesday night for some much needed catching up. The Diner is famous for its cakes, so don’t be alarmed-- I didn’t finish it all by myself! J **To the Miss Cobb County Board and supporters, I love each and every one of you so much!!

. 

Thursday, August 5^th was Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day. I spent my Miracle Treat Day at DQ in Columbus, GA where I greeted customers and delivered Blizzards and Icees to the children at Columbus Regional Hospital. The hospital volunteers were able to pack up 512 DQ treats for the patients—LOTS of smiles in the hospital that day! **Thank you to everyone who participated in DQ Miracle Treat Day and especially Jennifer Joyner (Children’s Miracle Network coordinator for Columbus Regional) and Miss Columbus, Cassie Lee who helped me all day!

. 

Friday, I had my FIRST voice lesson on my Miss America talent selection! It was so exciting to finally work on my new music—still a surprise!

. 

Later that evening, I had the privilege of attending dinner with the Miss Cobb Board and the 2011 judges at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse—compliments of Terry Chandler. It was SO much fun, and I enjoyed once again being in the presence of some of my dearest friends. Casy looked fabulous as always on her last evening as Miss Cobb, and I remember so well the bittersweet emotions of letting that special title go. **Thank you Terry for a fantastic dinner and everyone who attended!

. 

Saturday was the big night—Miss Cobb 2011! That afternoon, I had my hair styled by Michael at Julio Cesar Salon and Spa in Buckhead. **Thank you to the crew at Julio Cesar!!

.

I had an incredible evening at the pageant and performed my Miss GA talent selection once more. **Congratulations to my new Miss Cobb County sister, Briana Jewett!! You are beautiful inside and out, and I am so excited to watch you grow this year. You have an amazing support team on your side!

. 

Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending my Outstanding Teen, Camille Sims’ MAOT Send-Off Party. She was absolutely stunning as ever, and I can’t wait to watch her rock the MAOT stage! **GOOD LUCK, CAMILLE! I just know you will do Georgia (and America) proud! ;)

. 

A couple days ago, I did a photo shoot for Kennesaw State University’s paper “The Sentinel.” **Thank you Noel Madali for a wonderful time (despite the heat) on KSU’s beautiful campus!

. 

I’ve got a full day of traveling and fun tomorrow, so that’s all for now! If you’re near Columbus, GA (August 14^th), be sure and stop by the new Crowning Moments store! Bring your little princesses too, and I’ll be there from 11-2.

. 

Love,

Christina

Hello August!

Dear friends,

The last couple of weeks have been a blast and quite eventful, so get ready!

.

First, I visited Lasting Impressions in Columbus, GA to pick up a few additions to my appearance wardrobe. I have always loved working with Keith, Miss Joy, and Mr./Mrs. Scott at the shop; this has just been more than I could have ever imagined. Cathy has been altering a few dresses at a time, so I add a few more to my wardrobe whenever I'm in town. It feels like Christmas! I have never before said to a man, "Oh, I'll just wear this gown for both of those appearances." and have his response be, "No, no, there's no need to wear the same dress twice!" I officially want to be Miss GA forever. **Thank you a million times, Keith, Joy, Cathy, and Mark for making me look and feel fantastic! You are THE BEST!

.

On Thursday, I met Julio of Julio Cesar's Salon and Spa in Atlanta. We discussed some ideas for my hair, and now I have an excellent stylist nearby who can help me style my hair for appearances! He has already done my highlights and lowlights, and I love his work! **Thank you so much, Julio!!

.

The next day, my Miss Southern Heartland Director, Stacy Wagner, took me with her to visit our dear friend and hair stylist, Rodney Hullender (Splash Salon in Chattanooga, TN). The appointment was made for her, but she was SO kind to let Rodney work miracles with my hair that afternoon. My hair has never been so full and thick in my life! **Rodney and Stacy, you are beyond amazing to me, and I'm so blessed to call you my friends.

.

Sunday was a very special day, as I got to design my Miss America "Dream Dress." I visited Keith at Lasting Impressions; and between myself, Snooky, Alta, Shana, Greg, Galen, and Joy-- we put my vision to paper. I CAN'T WAIT to see how it turns out! **Thanks again to Keith and the Miss GA crew for spending the day with me and sharing your creative ideas!

.

Tuesday, I visited Dale Carnegie of Atlanta, Georgia about the scholarship they have awarded me. I am absolultely thrilled to be participating in their program, and I had so much fun getting to know some of the crew! **Thank you so much Don David and Wendy Johnson! This experience will be life-changing!

.

Wednesday, I met with Meredith Boyd to practice our makeup and hair ideas for my Miss Georgia photo shoot. Meredith prepared SO well, and she nailed the look I wanted to portray in my photos! Last night we did the shoot, and I am very excited to see how the pictures turned out! Of course it wouldn't have been the same without my personal stylists and entertainers of the evening, Greg and Galen. It's a good thing we were on the final look when I started tearing up from laughing so hard. **Thank you Matt and Meredith for a fabulous shoot and FUN experience! Also, thank you Miss Alice Surber and Kathryn Coffee for letting me borrow your beautiful Christmas props for my Miss GA Christmas Card pictures!
.

Thursday, I had lunch at Marlow's Tavern (yum!) with Debra Day (Director of Development at Kennesaw State University's Bagwell College of Education). She was truly delightful and informative to me on recent developments at KSU where I will be pursuing my degree in Early Childhood Education. **Thank you, Debra, for a wonderful afternoon and delicious veggie burger! :)

.

More exciting news...my ARTISTRY products came in! I am so excited to be using Artistry Skin Care. **Thank you so much, Susan McGary!
.

Lastly, this past weekend I was invited to perform at the Miss Warner Robins Pageant. This was my first trip to Warner Robins, GA; and it was such a neat place! Therisa and Charles Patton accompanied me on this trip, and they are the sweetest couple ever. We had a delicious dinner with the judges, and the pageant was so much fun. I loved getting to know some of the contestants backstage and getting to know Marcy Waugh, director of the pageant. She was also very sweet to me, and her new queens are lucky to be working with her! Congratulations to the new Miss Warner Robins, Mandy Best! **Therisa and Charles Patton: Thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality! Marcy: Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your pageant! I had so much fun getting to know you, and I wish you a wonderful year!

.

That's all for now, my friends!

Love always,

Christina

Miss GA 2010

Saturday, July 17th

 

Hello friends!

Another busy week for Miss Georgia--Here we go!
.

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend a McDonald's Grand Opening in Evans, GA. I know you're thinking, "Miss GA opening a McDonald's??" But you would not believe how neat this experience really was! Janie, the manager of this particular McDonald's (in addition to 7 other franchises), was SO hospitable and welcoming to me. She took me and my chaperone, Lynn Huff, for a tour behind the counter and showed us how all of the equipment was operated. Everything was so state-of-the-art, and the food is virtually handled completely by machines and never touched! (Good news if you're a McDonald's fan like I am.) I even got to hand out orders in the drive-through along with my autographed headshots to several excited children in the back seats. The store had my picture posted throughout, and my appearance had been very well advertised. People all over Evans came to "Have lunch with Miss GA." Lynn entertained me with stories of past Miss GA's she has helped through the years, and one little girl even brought her Disney Princess Autograph book for me to sign. She was quite excited to hear that I still aspire to perform as a Disney Princess someday. **Thank you so much, Lynn and Janie!!

.

Right after I left McDonald's that afternoon, I drove back up to Atlanta to catch a flight up to Pittsburgh. I made it just in time to see my grandfather blow out the candles on his 90th birthday cake! It was so wonderful getting to see my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents (some of whom I hadn't seen in ten years!) Grandpa didn't make it to the Miss GA Pageant this year; so I donned my crown and banner for him and performed my Miss GA talent selection. I can never seem to get out of singing for family when we all get together, but it was so worth it to see him smiling all night long.
.

Tuesday, I enjoyed a fantastic lunch date with my Miss Southern Heartland Director, Stacy Wagner. She took me to Bahama Breeze, and we had so much fun just chatting and enjoying our delicious seafood. It was so good to have a couple hours just to relax and reminisce about our big win! **Thank you Stacy for being so kind and supportive of me always! I love you!

.

After lunch, I went to visit Susan McGary on the Miss Cobb Board about my new Artistry sponsorship! Susan did a full skin analysis for me, and she has already given me some fantastic products. If you have never tried Artistry, it is absolutely wonderful--one of the only skin care lines that has ever worked for me, AND it smells good! **Thank you so much, Susan!!

.
Later that night, I went to see Phantom of the Opera at the Fabulous Fox Theatre! I know this is not Miss GA related, but it is my favorite show EVER.

.

Thursday, I went to the Marietta Square for an interview and pictures with the Marietta Daily Journal. There I was joined by Jamie, Casy, Michaela, and Briana--all members of the Top 10 and all Cobb County girls! I can't wait to see how the article turns out, and Chuck Fallis (of the Miss Cobb Board) deserves major kudos for arranging the whole thing! **Thank you, Chuck!
.

Dad also had surgery that morning; and when he woke up, he asked my mom, "Am I gonna get a visit from Miss GA?" Sure enough, I put on the crown and banner and made a surprise hospital visit with my sisters! Mom and Dad just laughed when we walked in the door, but some of the doctors actually had me go visit other patients in the ICU. Good thing I brought plenty of headshots and a sharpie! That turned out to be a wonderful evening--I brought smiles to several faces, and my daddy is doing SO well! Nothing but good news!

.

Friday, I visited Lasting Impressions in Columbus, GA to find some dresses for future appearances, namely the week I will spend in Orlando for Miss America's Outstanding Teen. Keith Pittman went above and beyond, as always, to make me feel like a queen. I found several new cocktail and daytime dresses to wear throughout my year and in Orlando. Shana even visited to see my beautiful new wardrobe during her lunch break. **Shana, thank you for taking time out to watch my "fashion show!"** I am so thrilled about all these fabulous dresses, and I can't wait to wear them all over this state! **Keith, you are the BEST. I can never thank you enough for being so generous and fun to be around.
.

Today, I made another fun trip to Evans, GA to emcee their Hometown Beauty Pageant. This time was even more fun than the last, however; because I had such a wonderful traveling companion--Alice Surber (of the Miss Cobb Board). **Thank you so much, Miss Alice for spending the day with me and chatting with me the whole way there and back! Love you!** This pageant was so much fun, because it comprised young girls ages 0-10. The baby contestants looked like little cupcakes in their colorful, poofy pageant dresses, and I got to hold each of them for their "photo session with Miss GA." One little girl even squeezed onto me when her mom tried to take her back! If you know how much I love children, you know how precious and special this was for me. I even won a special emcee award with my name engraved on a microphone! Tonia Deas, who booked me for this event, really went all out to make me and all the young girls feel special all afternoon. **Thank you, Tonia!

.

Thank you for reading, and a good weekend to all!

Love,
Christina

http://www.christinamccauley.com/

A Week In The Life

Hello friends!

The last few days have been quite eventful but even more enjoyable. I have never driven so much in my life, but I still find myself thinking about how much I love my job! Last Wednesday, I drove down to Sandersville, GA where I had my eye exam at Family Eye Care. Dr. Kreslyn and the nurses there were SO sweet to me and my wonderful escort, Michael. They provided me with two new pairs of glasses (some dark brown D&G rims and some fun, red Anne Kleins) and a new pair of dark purple Michael Kors sunglasses! They even gave Michael a pair of Costas! **Thank you, Dr. Kreslyn!!

Thursday, I ventured back to Columbus and posed for pictures with some new Kias (no, I didn't get to keep all of them haha) at KIA AUTOSPORT. I am still loving my Sorento!

Later that day, I drove to Albany for the Marine Base's Independence Day Celebration--my first official appearance as Miss GA! It was so exciting to see so many people there celebrating the birth of our great country. I was seated right beside the Marine recruiters, so I did my best to smile and bring teenage boys with potential to the table. I also thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the desire of every recruit who approached the table to show off his strength on the pull-up bar. Meanwhile, hundreds of children and adults approached me for an autographed photo. I will never tire of hearing young girls ask me if I'm a real princess. :) My chaperone for the evening was Scott Kavanaugh. I know this particular appearance was nothing new for him, but he made it so much fun for me! **Thanks for spending the evening with me and being so welcoming (and entertaining!), Scott!

Friday morning I went to Greg and Galen's house, and we headed off to South Carolina to meet with Greg Ellenburg and to watch the Miss South Carolina pageant. Greg+Galen=SO MUCH FUN! I enjoyed our car ride chats so much, and we listened to opera almost the whole way home! I had a wonderful time putting images and ideas about "the gown" together. Miss South Carolina was also lots of fun--even had front row seats! I loved getting to see the judges which included our very own Snooky and fellow Miss Georgia, Danica Tisdale. They did a great job!

Winding down the week, I went to Columbus to meet with Shana, Alta, Snooky, and Greg about my talent selection for Miss America...and I believe we have found the One!! However, it is top secret, because I want it to be a big surprise when the time comes!

Pictures to come!

Love,

Christina

An Empire State of Mind

Hello friends!

It has been quite a busy Tuesday-- a busy week for that matter! I just returned from my "home base" gym and smoothie shop here in Marietta, so I'm feelin' good! *Thank you Fitness 19 and Smoothie Express for making my day, every day!!
.

Lately, I've been brainstorming ideas for some upcoming CMN fundraising events. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share! I have done everything from washing cars to teaching a ballroom dancing class, so I am open to any fun, creative ways to help CMN.
.

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the Miss New York Pageant! We peaches were certainly well represented in the Big Apple! Faren, Jackie, Alyse, and Kandice were beautiful as always! As far as my travels are concerned, Mom and I ended up flying into Hartford, CT and driving up to Albany...lots of bonding time on the road, and we didn't even get lost! I met a few people with the Miss NY board, and they were all so wonderful to us! Most exciting was running into TWO Miss Americas, Kirsten Haglund and Kate Shindle! Kate wanted me to give everyone in Cobb County a shout-out--she still remembers how much fun it was to judge Miss Cobb the year Kandice won. :)

.

Moving forward, I have my FIRST official Miss Georgia appearance this Friday at the Marine base in Albany! I hear these men look forward to this appearance every year, and I am SO thrilled to sing for them and spend some time with them especially this special holiday weekend. I will keep you all posted with pics when I return. Until then, have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

.

With love,
Christina

It has been exactly a week now...

Today marks one week as your Miss Georgia! I wish I could say I'm fully rested and that things have calmed down, but that would simply be untrue! Haha I have just returned from a night at Snooky's home where Mrs. Bias showed me my new room--It is absolutely beautiful! I also had the pleasure of meeting their sons, Ben and Brandon, and Brandon's sweet wife, Megan. We all went out to a Thai restaurant for dinner, and though I am half Filipino, this was actually my first Thai experience! I'm sure they never would have guessed, because I am the least picky eater out there, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Shana visited for a little bit, and we discussed my talent selection for Miss America!! It is still amazing to me that I'm really preparing for the big MA. We have narrowed it down to a few options, and I am just SO excited to make the big decision and then practice, practice, practice!

Today, I met with a friend of mine and my mom's who helps manage my personal website. We are working on updating it, so it will look more "official" soon. He also introduced me to the world of Twitter! If you like to "tweet," then feel free to follow me! My username is "MissGA2010." *Thanks, Charles!

In the morning, I will be catching a flight to NEW YORK to watch the Miss New York Finals! I went to High School with Faren and Alyse (the reigning Miss NY) and competed here in GA with Jackie, so I have a couple girls to cheer for! How neat would it be to go to Miss America with an old friend! The only thing I'm worried about is flying up to NY, because my mom and I will be flying Standby. That means we just have to hope the seats stay open, so we can catch the flight--Say a quick prayer that it all works out for us!

That's all for now folks!

My first weekend as Miss Georgia 2010

Hello Everyone!

I thought it would be neat to keep a blog going throughout my year as Miss Georgia 2010 so that I could share my experiences with you and maintain a fun record for myself. Here goes!

First of all, I am still on Cloud 9 and totally excited about the year ahead! Saturday night is a bit of a blur--I remember it in pieces, the most exciting of which being when I was the 5th and final contestant called into the Top 5. Talk about nerve wracking! I remember holding Jamie's hands and praying not to hear my name first (no offense, Jamie haha). Most of all, I remember how happy my fellow contestants were for me. I never thought I would cry after being crowned, but the energy and love I felt as they all stormed the stage to hug and congratulate me was just overwhelming. Katie, my little sister who competed in the Outstanding Teen pageant, was among the first to "attack" me, tears streaming down her face and a just-won-the-lottery smile. Morgan and Matthew touched up my running mascara before Camille and I climbed into the beautiful white limo which took us to the reception. Between my offstage interviews with some Columbus papers and my speech at the reception, I must apologize for letting my overwhelming excitement interfere with any attempt at eloquence--I only hope that everyone in attendance grasped the sincerity in my many thanks to all of you who have supported me and loved me throughout my 4-year journey to becoming Miss GA. This was a dream I have worked tirelessly toward, and I could not have realized it alone! Even if we have never met, if you have helped any Miss GA/Miss America contestant along her journey, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are the reason this program exists and continues to be one of the most special and classic American traditions.

I spent that night at the Marriott with Shana in a gorgeous 2-story suite. After meeting with the judges (who were a LOT less intimidating in shorts and T-shirts), we got a solid four hours of sleep! I was too hyped on adrenaline anyhow, so I was up and smiling as this dream turned into reality at my contract signing the next morning. Mom, Dad, Stacy (my Miss Southern Heartland Director), Jim (my Field Director), Shana, Alta, Snooky, and Greg were all present as I "signed my life away" as Greg put it--and I couldn't have been more excited to do so!

That day, Billy (Miss GA media coordinator) took me to my Channel 9 News interview--that was so much fun! And we went on to Tate's house where I stayed the night. Miss Tate was beyond sweet to me, and I got to celebrate her son-in-law's birthday and Father's day with her two precious granddaughters! She had a "Queen Room" ready for me and everything!

Monday morning, Tate took me to the Kia Autosport Dealership where I received my NEW KIA SORENTO! It is absolutely gorgeous, and I am starting to get used to driving it around! I love, love, love this car, so if you're looking for a new SUV, go Georgia-made and get a Sorento! :)

I got to go home that day, and I was greeted by a "Welcome Home Christina, Miss Georgia 2010" sign upon entering my neighborhood! Isn't my dad the best! My family and I went to our favorite local Mexican restaurant and caught up on all the juicy details of my exciting time away.

Tuesday morning, I met Emily (Miss GA 2009) at the most adorable French restaurant in Marietta, Douceur de France. Yum! She was SO sweet to sit and speak with me about her year as Miss GA and experience at Miss America, imparting all kinds of advice and pageant wisdom to me. I have some big shoes to fill, but I am thrilled at the opportunity I have to serve and represent our wonderful state!

After breakfast, I partook in my first workout as Miss GA 2010 and climbed Kennesaw Mountain with my boyfriend Michael. He is the most dedicated person I know to exercise and nutrition, so I thankfully have a very strong support system in this area!

Here's to a promising year as your Miss GA 2010!