Miss Georgia 2010: January 2011

Dearest friends,

Upon returning home from ten of the most phenomenal days of my life, I have a million things on my mind and thank-you's in my heart. Above all, I feel incredibly blessed, honored, and loved. So many people have given so much of their time and resources to help me along my journey to Miss America, and this dream of mine never could have been realized without each of you.

First, I want to thank my family. No one has been through the "thick" of this experience like you have. Thank you for loving me even when I was not so lovable, supporting me when I didn't think I could try any harder, being there for me every single second of the way, and waiting for me with hugs and proud smiles when all was said and done. Of course this includes you Michael, also the best personal trainer and chef ever!

Snooky, Shana, and Alta: Thank you for giving of your time, sincere advice, and help with all of my preparation. Your support and encouragement has kept me strong and confident along the way, and I couldn't ask for a better team.

Greg and Galen: I can't imagine the past few months without you guys. Every single shopping trip, mock interview, inside joke, and moment we have shared together has sprinkled the fun all over this amazing journey. Thank you for helping me to be my best, but mostly for being my friends.

Chris and Sommer: Thank you for truly believing in me. You have taken every opportunity to offer your help and support to me, and that has meant the world. Thank you for making so much of my preparation possible and for making me feel like a queen every day.

Thomas: Thank you for being such an incredible teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. The change (or should I say, improvement) that has taken place in my mental/attitudinal process because of you has made my outward presentation shine more than ever. I have never been so proud and excited to step on stage and "work it!"

Chuck: Thank you for giving so generously of your time and thoughts. It's going to be hard for me not to drive out to the OK Cafe every Wednesday for our weekly prep date!

Matt and Meredith: I love my pictures, love knowing how to do my makeup, and love you both so much. Thank you for making me look and feel more beautiful than ever at Miss America!

Rodney: I meant when I said that "you are good for my soul." Yes, you rock at making my hair look fabulous, but you are so much fun just to be around. Thank you for coming to Vegas with me!

Keith, Joy, Cathy, and Mark: Thank you guys for helping me put together my best wardrobe ever. We said it before, and I'll say it again, I wouldn't trade my gown for any I saw in Vegas!

On another note, I am disheartened by the negativity and lack of support for my incredible prep team, particularly on the infamous message boards. Anonymity is no excuse for crass, thoughtless, and ignorant accusations and childish name-calling. As a contestant and state titleholder, I recognize that I'm in a position to be criticized. However, the volunteers who are the selfless heart of this organization, who give everything they can because they believe in MAO while expecting nothing in return, deserve gratitude and respect. Throughout my Miss Georgia experience, I have never once felt uncomfortable with a decision about my preparation for Miss America. No one has ever forced me to wear or do something I didn't love, and I have received the advice and help of everyone who offered it to me with an open mind. I have never been happier with my talent selection, wardrobe, and modeling preparation. This experience was everything I wanted it to be, because I was true to myself, to my style, and to my vision of what my Miss America experience would be. At the end of the day, some people prefer apples to oranges; and I was the very best that I have ever been. Please think before you criticize someone who is doing the best that he/she can to help our titleholders. Let's keep in mind that these are volunteers without whom this organization could not exist.

As Sam Haskell said in Vegas, "A parent has higher odds of having a son to play in the Super Bowl than a daughter to compete for Miss America." Please know the gratitude that my family and I feel for everyone involved in this system. You have taught me to dream, to work tirelessly, to promote worthwhile causes, and to believe in myself. You have changed my life forever. Thank you for believing in Miss America, and thank you for believing in me.

Love always,
Christina
Miss Georgia 2010

Countdown Till Miss America!!!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Life after Miss America

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Preliminary Competitions Begin!