Just a Peek

March-ing right along ...

2011-03-01T15:29:00.008-05:00

It is March! More than saying something like, "wow, I can't believe time has gone so quickly!" I'd rather just let this picture do the talking for me. And most likely everyone here in the Northeast who is still digging out of their unwanted igloos:

If you're like me it certainly won't feel like it is coming fast enough. Thus, creating the need for distractions. Maybe one of these McDonald's Shamrock Shakes will make you (and me!) feel better ... and if you don't want go to to McDonald's make your own! I know, I know. It doesn't seem believable. But it's me you're talking to, and I definitely don't joke around about treats. Mine may not look this cute tonight, but I'm definitely making one. Although, I may use some Creme de Menthe as suggested by a commenter on the thread. Y'know, for the adult version.

Happy Tuesday!

TGIF!

2011-02-25T16:24:00.003-05:00

I've been working on updating the format of my blog so that it takes on some new life, and new interest for me and from you!

But, it has taken me a while and all I can say is ... I'm about to hop on one of these and head home.

Happy Weekend, y'all!

HI. ATE. US.

2010-11-02T22:14:00.002-04:00

Sound it out. That's what I was on. I got annoyed with the bathing suit creeper but he's laid off and, perhaps sadly, I think of things on a daily basis that I totally want to share with y'all. So, here she blows.

First things first, A.Wheels came and visited me a few weeks ago and while doing so she brought out a jar of magic. It is Bare Escentuals (<-- not a fan, but that's how they spell it) well-rested. It's an under eye concealer that was most probably concocted by (I deleted the comment. I think maybe it wasn't very appropriate.) Here's link">the link ... get some!

Secondly ... hmm ... I don't think its possible for me to catch you up on what I've been doing since I last posted but I promise to not skeeve (sp?) out on you guys again.

Here's the basics that will help drag you up to speed: I'm taking 7 classes. I have an internship 2 days a week. I graduate in slightly over a month. I don't have a job lined up --> undergraduate deja vous. I'm in love with that same stud, Paul. And, well, I hit the 25 year old mark in about a month. Freaky.

Lastly, Elisabeth Baldanza, Miss New York 2007 and the gal that crowned me just got engaged and the proposal was super legit. Check it!

White Satin Bikini

2010-07-14T21:52:00.004-04:00

Dude, I don't mean to be rude, but whoever is continually writing these odd, objectifying comments about me in a white satin bikini, I ask that you please let that image go to rest. The two comments on my last post are not necessary. Nor have the other 32 that have been left in various places.

It's weird. And uncomfortable.

Thanks!

Sweet Disposition

2010-05-11T23:52:00.008-04:00

For my color theory class we had to turn in a written assignment at the beginning of the year, which would then (come to find out) end up being the inspiration for our final project. Below is my inspiration and essential "PR" kit. My future roomies, Matt, Claire, and Carlie, and I all went out for the shoot ... which Claire generously shot. We froze outside but Claire still kicked-tail. I used the pictures on glossy 5x7 cardstock, with recipes on the back. You'll get it once you read, so, enjoy! (I posted this mostly for my mama to see!)

How Did This Sweet Idea Come About?

As Miss New York Leigh-Taylor was a Top 5 finalist at Miss America. But, for her, that wasn’t the magical part. You see, as she stood on stage with the spotlight flooding her vision she felt life in that moment was simply a blur. But then she realized she saw something spectacular. The realization of a dream. A goal met. And almost instantly she reverted back to her childhood-self. She felt like the same little girl that would sit 2 feet away from the television every September to watch the women competing in Miss America and hoping that maybe one day she would have the opportunity to grace the stage just as they had.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So what? Well, here’s what: It all started out as a dreaded final at Parsons School of Design. With the aforementioned story as her inspiration she was told she could do whatever she liked. At first she thought it to be simple; a children’s line. But as her mind continued to churn she realized just what New York needed. A store that embraces the playful whimsy of the chic New York woman. Seemingly paradoxical verbage to some. A dream come true for others. But she wasn’t done yet … she wanted to include some of the sweet Southern charm her mama had passed down and so it was … a boutique with cocktails and desserts a-plenty. Ultimately, she has create the perfect place for women to come enjoy themselves while playing dress-up. Does it get any better than that? We think not. But come see for yourself …

About Leigh-Taylor:

As a child Leigh-Taylor was emphatically encouraged to embrace her quirky playfulness and sweet disposition. Tales of her running over to her neighbor’s backyard jumping on stumps and putting on shows still ease their way into reminiscent conversations around the collaborative dinner table. The world was her stage. Some things never change.

As you can imagine by simply looking at her childish smirk, her hand was ALWAYS in the cookie jar. Literally and figuratively. Of course, growing up in the South with a true Southern belle for a mother there was never a lack of treats. (Which, by the way, her daddy’s belly cannot deny.) So, most would say from a young age she has understood what we call, the sweet things in life.

Leigh-Taylor has carried this sense of fantastical whimsy throughout her 24 years; never denying a kiddie cocktail, maintaining a steady love affair with any and all treats, and rarely capable of saying no to a fabulous accessory.

Finals

2010-04-27T22:26:00.004-04:00

So, I'm getting ready to start finals ... I'm done with my second semester in a little over 2 weeks. Frightening.

So, one of my teachers asked me to evaluate where I am right now. And here's what I jotted down:

Lost, Or Rather Discovered, In Translation

At the beginning of my time at Parsons I knew I would be introduced to a myriad of niches within the Fashion Marketing industry and came to the conclusion that I had to enter with an open mind as to what I would pursue upon matriculation. Yet, at the end of the Fall semester I knew a couple of things: math wasn’t fun in middle school, math still isn’t fun, and public relations fascinates me.

I’ve always loved writing. But while studying theater in undergrad at the University of Virginia I felt more freedom and less limits within the expected structure of language in my papers. Then once I graduated I began writing more freely on my blog, and general short stories.

Throughout this past semester I have realized that, while I love imagery, what inspires me even more-so than images is the art of language. As seen throughout my portfolio I have included relevant articles alongside my essays. I am attracted to images supported by reason, whether it is explained or merely detailed in my own cranium. By unknowingly creating a harmonious marriage between imagery and language I have gracefully stumbled upon a challenging pursuit.

I’ve discovered my ability to translate a language that is not taught, but rather learned through personal passion. And I know this is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to enjoy.

SEEYA.

A Smorgasboard. So, Eat Your Heart Out.

2010-04-14T23:25:00.013-04:00

I'm going to expose a secret of mine. I take after my dear Southern mother in being non-confrontational. Even if people treat me with disrespect I hold my tongue. Believe me, sometimes it's really hard. I could easily be like my dad and spout off all kinds of ridiculous-ness but instead I write emails or blog posts ... and then I just save them. I never send them or post them but they act as an outlet for me to get out a bit of frustration without ruffling feathers or, more importantly, I allow myself to calm down and put things back in perspective before jumping back at people.

But believe me, it's hard.

My mom's bff (and twin) Linda would ask me my perspective on people and their personalities, even as a child, because I had an oddly (almost weird) accurate perception of character. But here's my downfall (and Lisa will tell you this over and over and over again) I believe the best in people. Unfortunately, this often puts me in the compromising position.

L to R: Little Lisa, Moi, Tiffany (Linda's daughter, obvi!), and Miss Linda. Please notice not only the fact that we look exactly like our mothers, but our outfits. All leopard. All black. And, PS, we're wearing the crowns because it was a post-Miss America celebration dinner. Love it! Love them.

Either way, I've got a couple of danglers that won't be posted. But I also have two that will. They ain't bad or nuthin'. Kind of fun, really!

NEXTTTT. So, I've been working on a big social media project in one of my classes for, well, the entire semester. And something I've emphasized throughout the entirety of the presentation is the idea of making a direct and personal connection with the specified consumer/target market (you're thinking, "well duh, idiot." ... I'M NOT DONE YET!) and I want to start emulating the same ideal on my blog! I've had so many people, from so many parts of my life, tell me that they enjoy reading my blog. I love that! So, in an effort to try and make it slightly more interactive I'll post some opinion based questions in an effort to increase interaction! Neat? You betcha! Winky face. (<-- channeling Sarah Palin and her CONTAGIOUS personality. And by contagious I mean as contagious as a 24 hour virus that makes you hang by the pot the whole dang day.)

So, here's the deal, yo. Today Paul passed a big test at slash for work so we went to lunch to celebrate. (P, I'm fairly confident no one at DB reads my blog, if so, sorry! Tell them I made you go.) We started talking about a bespoke men's clothing line my friend started here in the city. They were featured on Daily Candy the other day for their rockin' deal on amazing custom-made suits for men to wear at their wedding. So Paul started talking about how convenient Men's Wearhouse was for he and all of the groomsmen to get their tuxes for his cousin's wedding. Inexpensive, too.

And then he said this: "I mean, it's just for one weekend. It's really not a big deal."

Insert my gaping mouth right here. Just a weekend? No big deal? Go ask a girl planning her wedding if she agrees with that. Chicks dream about this stuff for years. So, this is the question ... what do y'all think? Am I off base thinking that statement was a wee-tad off base?

Either way, I wouldn't tell this lady that:

Or this one for that matter:

I mean, I'm sure he belched or picked his nose afterwards in hopes that I would avert my attention from the train wreck of words that had just escaped his mouth. Which leads me to one more funny ...

When we were home for Easter I was chatting with my mom and dad in the kitchen while Paul showered getting ready for a night on the town and all of the sudden my dad ripped out a filthy long belch. So I looked at my mom and said, "oh my gosh! how have you put up with this/him for so long?" She just shook her head and giggled and then about 5 minutes later, as if on cue, Paul walked into the room while ripping a filthy long belch. My dad looked at me and in his perfect Leigh-Taylor high-pitch girl voice and said, "oh my gosh! how have you put up with this/him for so long?" And, hit the cymbals, please.

But, let's be honest, I'm so amused by that stuff. How could you not be? And, as Paul pointed out he's a catch. And as I'll point out, I know, I know! I. Love. Him.

Alright, off to do some work. Hump day is ova' and onto Thursday we go y'all. It's almost the weekend! (But finals are quickly approaching. Sad face, sad face.)

Well, looks like more work to be done ...

2010-03-23T12:54:00.002-04:00

So, the envelope I got from Kate Shindle that had the bill in it is old and the effective date was just a part of the memo.

So sadly that means the bill is not yet a law ... but, the upside is the following, the bill is pending with the education committee where it has been since January 7, 2009.

The following link will take you to the bill and all of its information: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A00302&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Memo=Y

But this isn't terrible news. It just means you need to write your legislators and encourage them to pass this.

I'm SO Excited.

2010-03-19T09:57:00.004-04:00

And I can't even begin to hide it. Even though I have an interview in an hour and a half I just have to share the news.

The bill that I filed last year as Miss New York sponsored by Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell ... was PASSED!!! It. Is. A. LAW. (Well, on July 1st it is!)

Here's what the official bill states (if read aloud by me, it would have an exclamation at the end of each sentence):

"Section one of the bill adds a new section 815 to the Education Law. The new section establishes a school based service learning based, in large part, on the Maryland program set forth in COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) 13A.03.02.06, requiring students to participate in community service learning programs in order to graduate from high school.

Starting with the 9th grade class in the 2010-2011 school year, students are to complete one of two community service options in order to graduate from high school. The first option, set forth in new Education Law 815(1)(a) and 3(a) , is a 40 hour requirement that complies with guidelines to be issued by the NYS Education Department. The second option, set forth in new Education Law, 815(1)(b) and 3(b), is a locally designed program that has been approved by the NYS Commissioner of Education or the Commissioner's designee. The new requirements will first apply to students who graduate from high school in the spring of 2014."

People often asked me whats I wanted my legacy as Miss New York to be. This is it. A generation of compassionate New Yorkers introduced to service even if it doesn't happen or begin in the home. This will be an impetus to thousands of lives changed. And I'm so happy for my state.

I don't cry often as you know, but my eyes are filled with happy tears.

Have a wonderful Friday, y'all! And, have a glass of wine for me tonight!

PS: Please excuse the absurd amount of exclamation points. I'm on Cloud 9.

I Was Going To ... But I Couldn't

2010-03-03T23:23:00.003-05:00

go to bed.

She's baaaaack. The insanely OCD Leigh-Taylor. The one who not so discreetly stuffs herself into a booth at Orchard88 with WWD's, notebooks, computer, mechanical pencils, extra lead, and various eraser choices. Cramming my not so large brain full of information. Somehow we're creepin' up on midterms and I'm not, defiantly not, okay with that.

BUT, I wanted to share a couple of things. Mostly because Miss America, Caressa Cameron, commented on a previous post (two posts ago to be exact) and it seems she's using this sucker to help wind down her days. And, since she can't share in the wine that I so enjoy (until she comes to NYC and I cook her a home-cooked meal and slip her a brew) I thought I would leave this little surprise for her. Much better than the kind the mice leave. Eh, Katie Martin? But, that is neither here nor there.

Anyways, one of the reasons I can't go to sleep is ... tomorrow is Thursday! At 4pm I will begin my sweaty, 90 minute class, in hopes that Josh Lucas is there to join me in sweating. I saw him again this past Saturday. I woke up and went to the 10am, and as I walked out of the room, right there before my eyes was the man-candy himself. He'd been watching our class through the glass. Better? He asked me how I was. As a bead of sweat fell off my forehead onto his leg I simultaneously stuffed my nasty floor and hand towels into the washing machine. It was romantic. If by romantic I mean he probably cringed and though, "geez, my extremely beautiful girlfriend Rachel McAdams is waiting for me at home. dressed in clothing from the late '40's just like the Notebook and I CANNOT WAIT for the 'after-the-canoe-ride' part of today." (Kind of weird. I don't know how or why I thought of that. But I did. And I don't feel like deleting it.)

Secondly, I'm totally jazzed for the gays in DC that can get married. Way to get it done District! On that political note, Paterson - please step down. You are becoming one disaster after another. And while we have to continue to focus on the shortcomings of your administration and the choices that have been collectively (and personally) made, the state is suffering. None of this ridiculosity is fostering a dialogue, or a progressive community, and for that I am disappointed and somewhat ashamed.

MOOO-ving on. I think my last thing will be this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYL2-h4jypQ

Ok, so he has a mullet. But he has AH-MAZING tone. And the girl that sand the Scientist by Coldplay tonight was also phenom. Katelyn Epperley (sp?). I will post that one tomorrow when it makes its way to youtube.

NIGHT, Y'ALL. Kind of ... I'll probably be reading ... or something.

Light For Haiti

2010-02-26T21:52:00.003-05:00

I really should have written about this sooner, but unfortunately this week has been somewhat sad and insane for me. On that note, I'd like to get you to come see this show. Not to see me (actually, please go to the bathroom when I perform) but to see all of these crazy insane famous starrrrrrs!

It's been an incredibly long week for me and if nothing else I value the ideals of friendship and of life. Please come out and enjoy ... And most importantly, help shine the light of hope for those still suffering in Haiti. Let's change a small piece of the world ....

xo

LT

http://lightforhaiti.net/The_Event.html

KMG.

2010-02-19T11:14:00.007-05:00

Kate Marie sent an email demanding I help fill her (work) time with something on my blog. And, when she sent it yesterday I didn't have much I wanted to write about. Luckily, God took care of that pretty quickly. So here's your treat KMG. Dig in.

Yesterday I did work during the day at Orchard88 as well as coupled with a few rounds of CSI. Here's the thing though, CSI runs a loop. And, most of the time, I've seen every single episode. Which some would say would help me focus more on work. But it actually makes me focus more on the details so when I grow up to be a forensic scientist like them, I'll be detail-oriented and savvy enough to solve all crimes within 24-36 hours. Best when fresh, right?

ANYWAYS, I don't often go to Bikram at 4, I'd rather have it as a book-end on my day. But for some reason yesterday I got antsy and felt the need to go a wee bit earlier. Because of the last minute decision I was running a little later than usual and couldn't take a back row spot. Thus, I swiftly surveyed my options and found a spot in the middle row, in front (and in between so not completely blocking) a handsome man and a pretty gal. As class began I came to learn that Josh had brought his friend Amelia for her first Bikram class. The teacher instructed her to watch the person "Leigh" in front of her. *Sidenote: I go by Leigh in class. Weird, maybe. But Leigh-Taylor is a total mouthful for the teacher when spouting out corrections or very infrequently "way to go"s.

Ok, so Amelia did a really good job for her first class. She only had to sit out a few poses and I don't think she left the room. As I was sitting on the bench in the hallway putting my shoes back on thinking of my swift departure, she joined me. As I told her what a great job she'd done, her friend Josh joined us. He opened his mouth and he could no longer mask his identity. It was HIM:

Don't recognize? Think: Sweet Home Alabama. Reese Witherspoon's love interest with a smooth as honey Southern accent from Little Rock, AR. Got it?

I only knew it was him when he spoke. I told my mom I literally couldn't look at him after that. I was fine before I heard him speak. But I was done for after that. I have never been starstruck, but I've watched that movie so many times ... sigh. And, come to find out, he's dating and just moved in with Rachel McAdams. As if I needed another reason to want to go to yoga at 4 every Thursday here on out.

SO, then I left, slightly flustered, and got on the phone with my dad to ask him a question as I silently contemplated whether to get wine for Claire's then while sweaty or after I showered. I always get the same wine, Bacchus, for $11.99 at september wine & spirits. And what did I find on the ground as I debated the purchase? Two $5 bills and 2 $1s. Truth.

Bought the wine. Done-zo.

And the rest my friends, is history.

Perspective

2010-01-28T20:03:00.009-05:00

In keeping with the theme of reflecting on last year, I want to tell you about this night last year.

I don't think this story has been told on my blog, so I will take the chance to let you know. Last year Kate Marie (Miss DC) worked some recon and decided I needed to meet her boyfriend's brother because she thought we would totally hit it off. She was thinking boyfriend at the time I was thinking friend.

So, on this mission of hers, she strategized a plan where she would bring her crew over to my Halloween party. Ironically I went to high school and college with some of Steve (her boyfriend's) friends. I met Paul whom I made fun of for having a store (slash worse ... online!) purchased costume when he came over ... and then later in the night I tried on my roller blades for him and showed him my skills (non-existent) in my pint sized Manhattan apartment.

We communicated and went on our first date a few weeks later. Most know that the couple of months leading up to Miss America are at the very least insane. Paul works in investment banking ... and his days are always as busy as mine were those couple of months. But in between all of that we found time to hang out. He would literally come over from 1-3am and we would chat, I would giggle, go to sleep and go to 645am Bikram yoga.

I'll never forget the morning of my Miss America send-off party, 5 days before I left for Miss America, when he asked me if there was anything he could do to help. After some thought I said no ... all I had was a lot of laundry. Otherwise that day I was going to 4 hours of mock interviews, tanning, going to the gym, getting a haircut in my apartment by my dear friend Jay, and then Jay and Paul were going to head to the party with me. So he insisted on taking my laundry in my overstuffed pink Vera Bradley duffel home with him. He returned that night with my duffel and stacks of clean laundry.

I was done for.

So the morning I left for Miss America he came over, stuffed a card in my carry-on advising me I couldn't open in until Vegas, walked to Starbucks got me a huge latte, and carried my 3 overweight suitcases down my 4 flights of stairs.

I mean, I really can't make this stuff up people.

He came out to Vegas on Friday morning (after nearly missing his flight because he had unknowingly turned off his phone due to the influx of texts from family and friends about my ss win ... including a photo from his Aunt Karen of me giving him a HUGE thumbs-up) and met my family for the first time at our gala that evening.

His mom, Mrs. Sig, met my parents inadvertently in the lobby of Planet Hollywood before either of us had met the respective family. Embarrassingly enough I'm sure it's not hard to miss MY FACE ON A SWEATSHIRT. (Or my dad's cowboy boots for that matter .... worn with his tuxedo on final night hoping they would be photographed with me as Miss America.)

We danced, he met all of my dear girlfriends, and then all of the contestants were escorted by security and hostesses back to our rooms. Miss CA, Jackie, was my roommate last year. She was also known as my twin. Her boyfriend Robbie was also in attendance and had come that night to the gala. So when we were washing our faces at our sinks ... looking at each other through our parallel mirrors she asked me if Paul was my boyfriend. I reminded her, since we had already discussed this, that Paul and I hardly had any time to talk about that. With a sly little grin on her face she then informed me Paul had told Robbie that he was my boyfriend that night.

All I could think about that night was 1) the amazing over-stuffed cookie box from Mrs Fields that Jacqueline Cook, a former Miss VA had sent me ... that had been torn into by moi ... and I wanted more AND 2) !!!!!!!!!.

I went to bed that night so excited that Paul was my boyfriend. It sounds so silly. But think about it. I was a 23 year old girl head over heels for him. It put everything into perspective. Yes, winning that prelim was awesome, and ultimately being in the 5 was awesome I was legitimately excited about what awaited me at home if I didn't win. In 5 years, or even next year, and actually now, winning ss and placing in the 5 is miniscule in comparison to what I want to achieve and the time I want to spend with all of the people that I love. And that would include Paul and the whole Sigfusson/Bere clan.

PS: Paul is going to be extremely embarrassed I wrote this. I'm in trouble.

A year ago last year ...

2010-01-28T09:13:00.014-05:00

I felt good about myself. And it wasn't because I won swimsuit at Miss America but it was something much bigger and much more joyful than that.

Last night I talked to Ellen Carrington, Miss TN 2008, and really just simply one of my favorites of all time. We talked about how wretched filming the Miss America reality show was but if we hadn't done been involved with it we wouldn't have been nearly as close as we all were last year. Which leads me to my point ...

Last year at Miss America I competed in Swimsuit and Evening Gown on this night, Thursday, the final night of preliminary competition. I had worked incredibly hard to get fit ("Miss America fit"). Not skinny, but fit. When I got to Miss America I felt like I could take down a chick if I needed to.

Either way, that night, I walked backstage after "Baby Wiping" all of the body glue off of myself in order to avoid gown stick-age and it was SILENT. I mean, if you had been backstage before that it was hopping. Girls flipping their hair. Lip gloss flying. But glue spraying. Lats minute advice being given. But everyone was staring at the tv monitor. Ashley Wheeler, Miss Vermont, was singing God Bless America a cappella and no one could avert their eyes. Not even the stage hands (I mean, they're entertained by the likes of CHER! AND GAGA!). It was unbelievable.

So, after competition Art McMaster and Sam Haskell (the men's force behind Miss America, president and CEO's) came up on stage and spoke for, erm, a long time. Case and point: Cullen Jones, the Olympic medalist swimmer, was one of our judges. After the first five minutes of them speaking he packed his laptop up. Put it under his table. Went into his bag and dragged out a huge back of chips and just started vegging. We were all jealous of him. No heels, no sweating, and eating chips.

Naturally I just started chatting with Miss NC, Amanda, and all of a sudden I heard "YORK" called out for Swimsuit. After a supremely quick process of elimination I realized I was the only one there that had a state name ending in York and proceeded to flail my arms. All of that imagining Katie Stam (who ultimately became Miss America, but who had done so well ont he reality show) racing me to the finish line in spinning had paid off. I mean, it's all about envisioning it, right?

Caption: "I hope you just said my name. Otherwise this could get really embarrassing, really fast."

I found my family and got a wee-tad excited!

This is when I saw the Miss New York Board!

But here's the good part I mentioned earlier ... Ashley Wheeler, one of my dearest friends, in and outside of pageantry, was announced the talent winner that evening. Check out the faces behind us on this link ... that's how excited I was standing in front of her. Watching her realize a dream. This is what we did instead of waving to the audience the whole time. And as she reminded me in an email this morning, I had just said (and you can see I am welling up in tears), "Ashley, oh my gosh, you just won talent at MISS AMERICA!"

That night when I got to visitation my brother said that on stage I was visibly more excited about her win than mine. And when I thought about it, it was true. That's why I was so happy that night. Of course I was excited about my win. But my happiness came from walking down the Miss America runway, preliminary awards in hand, with one of my best friends.

Now that's a once in a lifetime experience.

PS: BIG congratulations to Alyse, Miss NY, and preliminary ss winner at Miss A last night!

Type and Erase.

2010-01-25T13:28:00.003-05:00

That's what I've been doing for the past week after I got a bit of a hand slap by none other than JoJo Buffie. But, it's not that I haven't had anything to blog about. It's that there is so much! I haven't posted in so long that I need to get back into the groove. And to do so I think I just have to fast forward life past Christmas and New Year's to now. Cool, JoJo? Cool.

So, I started the blog to keep folks up to date with my whereabouts during my year as Miss New York. Then it just kept going. And a few of y'all kept reading so how about some Miss America awesome-ness?

It's Miss America week in Vegas right now, and it's back to school week for LT. So, I've decided against making the trek to Vegas. Nuts maybe, but to each their own. I shall miss all of the pageantry that ensues but I think I may be taking the bus or train down to DC (pending mass amounts of work due) to see Ashley Wheeler (Miss VT 2k9) and her fiance Michael. We're going to watch the whole sha-bang AND do a blind taste testing of champagnes for their upcoming wedding.

SEE! I'm not completely missing out. Actually, I will get a huge fill from that. She's one of the dearest people I know. Hysterical. Ridiculous. Utterly compassionate. THAT'S what Miss America does for you. You meet f4lyf. Friends for life. (I made that up for you, C-BUFF).

Anyhow, Miss New York is heading to her interview in just an hour. So I sent her an email and I'm sending her massive amounts of good vibes. And you should, too. Interview, I think, is the most important phase of competition. It takes a lot of prep, a lot of studying, a lot of mental goodness. Don't believe me? Check me out before my interview ... not my outfit. My right hand.

Stack o' notecards.

Alright ... back to school! Marketing and Retailing classes tonight. OH LALA. Maybe I'll be dressing some of the gals for Miss America in a couple of years. I mean, I'd be down.

Hey! Drama Queen. Stop Side-Stepping around and VOTE!!

2009-12-08T00:05:00.009-05:00

I was a drama major at UVa (tonight, Nate on Gossip Girl gave a few nods to the drama girls, three cheers for boys with some sense) and I met some of the coolest people while I immersed myself in the daily life of a true artist. Some of my fondest memories are from being the Production Stage Manager of Arms and the Man with Jonathan Green. I mean, I'm not even going to lie. There were times where I may have accidentally (barely) peed in my pants. (Sorry, mom!) But y'all, while George Bernard Shaw is pretty brilliant he gets kind of lame the 3,453rd ime around. Nonetheless, Jonathan kept me attentive (erm, kind of) and giggling the whole way through. And, I bet if you spent any time around him you would tinkle, too.

Jonathan and me celebrating the passage of our Senior Seminar. We performed in prison(!).

Anyways, here's the deal. When we graduated from college Johnathan and a few others from our drama department scooted themselves out to Chicago and started a theater company. And look, y'all ... they're about to win a $25,000 grant from CHASE. But, they need you to vote for them ... so, I've pasted a bit more background and the link below. Please help 'em out. They deserve only good things, and you can help them achieve that! (Also, Scottie grew up just down the road from me. She and her twin sister were dear, dear friends with my roommate from last year Cary. It's a small, small world!)

My friend Scottie is an artistic associate, founding donor, and staff member of Sideshow Theatre Company in Chicago, IL. Sideshow Theatre Company ("Familiar Stories. Unorthodox Methods. Perpetually curious.") is participating in the Chase Community Giving program. This is an incredible grant opportunity: Chase is awarding $25K to 100 small non-profits across the country, all based on the number of votes cast for each company on Facebook.

Just recently, Sideshow was in the top 100. But just barely. They've been working butts off over the past weeks on this project, and the results are showing. IT IS A TIGHT RACE, and even just a handful of votes could mean the difference between a huge grant and no grant at all. There are five days left to vote.

This grant would cover OVER HALF of Sideshow's current annual budget. And it is totally within our reach--they just need your help, now.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. Vote for us! It takes literally 20 seconds and four clicks of a mouse, and you can do it here:
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/1265079
2. Encourage others to vote for us. Check out all those friends you have on Facebook. Five hundred? A thousand? Tell them about Sideshow. Get them as excited about this company as you are. Even just posting it as your Facebook status or Tweeting the link above could mean $25,000 for our little non-profit theatre.

Sideshow has a volunteer staff of eleven people. We're competing against other non-profits ten times our size. We need your help.

Everyone gets 20 votes, and you can only use one vote per company. If you have friends working for other non-profits, vote for them too.

If you want to know more about Sideshow or about the Chase Community Giving program, visit www.sideshowtheatre.org or email Scottie at scottie@sideshowtheatre.org.

THANK YOU, so much, for your help and support of storefront theatre in Chicago. We couldn't do it--and wouldn't want to do it--with out you."

Do it! Do it! Do it!

EWW.

2009-12-03T00:53:00.006-05:00

So, like many New Yorkers around our state, I watched the NY State Senate vote live on the Marriage Equality Bill. I was watching history unfold, hopeful that I would be able to tell my children one day, "I remember when..."

But when they got down to the actual vote discrimination won 38-24.

I sat there with my jaw gaping.

It doesn't make sense to me. As one of the senators eloquently stated, I, and many others could try and defend or rationalize why we believe the right vote is yes ... but the better explanation is, how could you say no?

It doesn't make sense to me. How do we have the right to determine who has the right to be married and who does not? Most defend their opposition to this matter based on religious beliefs. Am I on glue or isn't there a separation of church and state?

It doesn't make sense to me. Don't homosexuals pay taxes just like you and me? And yet we can continue to deny them this right.

It doesn't make sense to me. How long ago was it that blacks were not lawfully recognized as human beings, much less allowed to be married?

It doesn't make sense to me. Our Pledge of Allegiance, first drafted in 1892 as one sentence, began consisting of the following words: "with liberty and justice for all." Are we remaining true to that? Or has this become something we haphazardly recite? Watch this video (it's really good ... thanks, Claire!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viJtojqqUmg&feature=player_embedded#

It is not that I don't respect other people's opinions. I do, I really do. But how can we tell these homosexual couples no. Not all heterosexual couples are married under God, they simply go to City Hall to have their marriage legalized. Marriage, at its truest form, is a legal contract. It started out as a contract based on land, based on family wealth and positioning. And, alas, how many traditional marriages fail yearly? Some people are married 3 or 4 times. We won't even allow homosexuals the opportunity to be married once? Two of my dearest friends, Chip and Scott, have been partners nearly as long as I've been alive. And yet, they still don't enjoy the rights I will one day.

I'm going to allow my favorite founding father to sum up what this all really boils down to:

"I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling in religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises. This results not only from the provision that no law shall be made respecting the establishment or free exercise of religion, but from that also which reserves to the states the powers not delegated to the United States. Certainly, no power to prescribe any religious exercise or to assume authority in religious discipline has been delegated to the General Government. It must rest with the States, as far as it can be in any human authority." Thomas Jefferson

If you feel so inclined (and I hope you do), please write our NY State legislators ... or even better, call them. Here is a website which lists their position as well as their contact information: http://tools.advomatic.com/24/nyequality/totals.

As a sidenote: When referencing marriage and religion I am not stating that it remains merely as a legal contract today. However, I was trying to prove a point. When I am married it will be a commitment made in front of God. And, my dad will probably have to trade some land so someone will take me. But that is neither here nor there.

EQUALITY.

Ketchup With Me. Er, Catch Up With Me.

2009-12-01T19:04:00.009-05:00

Let's be honest, can you believe it's December? I can't. It's so weird. So, so weird. It's almost Christmas. It's almost 2010! I feel like it was yesterday we were all freaking out that our electricity was going to go out when the clock hit midnight in 2000. People literally stocked up on water and other essentials. Remember that? Looking back it seems kind of silly. But then, everyone was making ME freak out.

Rewind.

Let me just say my Thanksgiving was beyond stellar. Regardless of one heart skipping complication at the front end. When they announce in the air that there will be emergency vehicles waiting for your flight on the runway upon your landing because of malfunctions you contemplate what you've done over your lifetime. While mine has been full, there are still a lot of things I want to achieve. As an fyi, I'm not exaggerating, nor am I making a joke of the situation. It was scary and at the top of my list on Thanksgiving blessings were my safety, my life.

I had a stellar time in Virginia with Mike and Lisa. They can always put a smile on my face. As I mentioned before, I was the only child out of the five home for Thanksgiving. So on my birthday cake (as a public protest and over-emphasized statement) Mike had them write that I was the #1 child. Why would that even come to light you ask? Well, every year ... at Thanksgiving actually ... I rank the kids at the dinner table. It began when I was immature and has continued until I ... umm... perhaps I'm still a bit immature. I was never #1. I won't tell you who I had as number 5 either. But, the lines are skewed now. Huh, Natalie, Tracy, Shannon, and Bubby? Let's be honest. I may be weighing heavily on mom and dad's hearts now as I'm still in school, single, and visiting. But as Paul often reminds me, once Bubby and Laura get pregs I will drop several rungs. And fast. So please y'all, let me have my glory while it lasts.

The cake. The #1 is the nearly invisible pink candle.

On Thanksgiving I blessed the food, as I usually do when it's the immediate family, and in true form my dad's cell phone went off right in the middle of grace. Of course, right? At first I got a wee tad antsy (slash wanted to punch him between the eyes) and then I reminded myself, that's one of the quirks I love about my dad. His cell phone is always going off, he can read texts but can't text back (nor can he turn on a computer), and when he answers his phone on the interstate he always slows down by at least 10 mph. It's ridiculous. But so him. I'll let my mom be the one to scold him. He calls me "little Lisa" anyways.

Then early Friday I went to Chicago to see the Sigs, and most of the Bere clan. What a treat! Because most of my siblings were much older as I grew up, and the one who wasn't ignored my existence until I was 16, it's so nice to be around a family with so many cousins the same age that are so close. Though I'm on the peripheral they make me feel so welcome. What a birthday treat it was! The Ritz, fellowship, lots of food, shopping, wine, and more food. Oh and the newest addition to the clan, an adorable baby! A-dorable. AND icing on the cake ... I got to see Carly and Garrett. The newlyweds stayed in Chicago for Thanksgiving so they came to visit. Long overdue, but definitely fabulous!

Speaking of the brother who ignored my existence until age 16 (other than when he threw me off his bunk bed onto his hard wood floor) ... he and Laura sent me a really cute card. On the front it said "Happy-Glad-You-Were-Born-Day." On the inside Bryan referenced the irony of the card. I shall share ...

Before I was born my mom had Bryan all riled up about a sister. He was genuinely excited about having a baby sister being born. But then my mom had a minor freak-out that I might come out a boy (I was a gender surprise, if you will). So she told Bryan about all of the things he could do with a little brother ... he could play baseball, and soccer ... and ... So Bryan got JAZZED about being a big brother to a boy. FF a couple of days and my mom walked in the Turkey Walk, had a doctors appt the next day as a check up (I was supposed to be a mid-December baby) and they literally told her to walk across the street to the hospital and she had me 1.5 hours later. Apparently I wanted out. So, my sister Natalie brought Bryan to the hospital to introduce him to me. He brought a wrapped toy he picked out and everything. But when he realized I was a girl he blew his top. He refused to come in and meet me and proceeded to bang his head up against the white cinder block walls repeatedly. Get it? Happy-You-Were-Born-Day was actually Not-So-Happy-You-Came-Out-As-A-Girl-Day.

But, hey, the joke was funny. And thanks for the Starbucks card Bub and Laura! I used it today!

Whew, did you get all that?

Well, sorry if you didn't. I should probably go pay attention in class now. I probably haven't missed much but I can see Lisa shaking her finger at me.

And PS: It's World AIDS Day. I'm going to read at City Hall around 9pm. I'm going to blog about it tomorrow ... it was one of my favorite appearances last year. I bet it will be one of my better days this year.

Ok, ok. Paying attention NOW.

What a Weekend

2009-11-22T18:24:00.003-05:00

So, the Crabbers made it to the second round of the playoffs in VA. They won the game. But, then again they didn't. Huge controversy down there in the 757. My dad is so proud of his team, as he should be ... check out the controversial overtime play and what happened.

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/highschool/dp-spt-hampton-lake-taylor-football-follow,0,6408042.story

But, while that was all going on ... Paul with help from Claire helped make my 24th birthday uber (with 2 dots over the u... something I'm incapable of doing on here) special. Because surprises aren't my cup of tea they made it a "mystery" birthday.

I met everyone at the secret restaurant, City Winery (perfection), and the gang had gathered. INCLUDING, Elizabeth Lyle who had just gotten in from her Harvard Business School interview (following her interview at Wharton, umm smarty pants!).

And then we went to two of my other favorite spots in town. It really was the best birthday I've had yet.

Tonight it my birthday date night with Paul, so I need to go clean myself up to head out.

Hope y'all had a great weekend!

.

Wow!

2009-11-20T13:58:00.002-05:00

Okay, so Noah Biorkman has had a resounding response of cards and gifts from around the world. But his family has asked that the cards stop. He is now bed bound and his family wants to concentrate on their last moments with him.

Mrs. Sig (Paul's mom) sent me this link:

Noah Biorkman, 5-Year-Old Dying Of Cancer, Celebrates Christmas Early

As I told her, it really is amazing to see how social/viral media can serve as such an impetus, but it's also refreshing to see the good at the heart of humanity.

Way to be amazing and rejoice in the season. As my mom says, (and probably every Christian mother around the world used to remind her children) it's the reason for the season. That's why she bakes a birthday cake for Jesus every Christmas and my whole family (my mom and dad - who that night are Nana and Papaw, all of my brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews ... about 19 of us ... literally!) sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. It's true. It's not about Santa Claus. It's about the birth of Christ, an unbelievably amazing gift from God.

I'm so excited about this Christmas. Not only will I get to go home for an extended time this year (unlike my 4 days including traveling last year) Bryan and Laura get to come to Hampton for Laura's first Christmas with our family! Her first Happy Birthday singing to Jesus. We love you Laura ... and we're so happy you love us even though we're nutty!

Fashion for Action

2009-11-19T15:23:00.005-05:00

2 Things I Love: Fashion and kicking AIDS in the face.

I love other things and people, too. But that is neither here nor there.

Anyways, tonight is the annual Fashion for Action event held by Housing Works. Housing Works is an incredibly rad organization based here in the city that has provided life-saving services such as housing, food, medical, HIV-prevention and job training to more than 20,000 homeless low-income New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS. They have thrift stores around the city as well as a bookstore, that provide the funding to support their work. What's awesome about this is that Housing Works employs many of the people they help get back on track ... I can't even begin to tell you all of the amazing things this organization has done. But I can tell you that it's the nation's largest grassroots AIDS service organization. That says a lot in itself.

Over 150 designers have donated over $1 million worth of merchandise to be sold in their thrift shops around the city ... and to kick it off they're having a VIP preview event as well as a kick-off party. Party? Did someone say PARTY?

Indeed. Indeed, they did!

Last year it was my first event with my partner in crime Kate Shindle. In my next post I'll show you the photos from last year to this year to show our growth. And this year mine will have a glass of champagne toasting to the OUSTING of AIDS. A stain on humanity which we are going to wipe clear.

YOU WITH ME?

I'm Obsessed.

2009-11-18T10:37:00.006-05:00

I grew up with a mother who wore rhinestones to cut the grass. I also grew up being dressed by my mother in smocked dresses through 6th grade. And, alas, I grew up with a signature of bows and ribbons as large as my head in each of my yearbook photos. I was a peanut through middle school, so it wasn't too far fetched. Notice I didn't say it wasn't far fetched.

Anyways, before I left for college my mom took me to the fabric store to get a new supply of bows for my big trip to college. I had a plethora of striped, polka dotted, plain, and even themed bows.

So, when headbands and hair baubles got "big" or "trendy" <-- eek bad word ... I thought to myself how sweet that was. Because for me, they never went out of style. At Miss America I wore a LOT of headbands. Kate and I actually named them and plugged them into my excel chart describing the outfits I would wear to each event. My personal favorite was the "Cleopatra", Paul's was the "Deco". Unfortunately, a few people told me my headband during talent prelims made me look like I was going to play softball. Oddly, I don't think softball players also wear 4 lbs of makeup and a Stephen Yearick gown. Fortunately, the judges thought differently. And more importantly, I did, too. MOOO-ving on.

Yesterday as I was parousing my weekly email from Daily Candy (if you don't get it, you should ... www.dailycandy.com to sign up) I came across a really cute headband company under the Locks and Loaded headline. Then I started thumbing through the New York Nat website and as I looked at her "About Me" I discovered the following:

Nat was a representative for the Miss America Organization and has competed for the title of Miss Michigan two times earning the Miss Michigan Swimsuit Award, the Kaye Lani-Rae Rafko Wilson Community Service Award, and the Miss America State Community Service Award. The MAO has taught her the importance of being a positive role model and has helped her gain valuable public speaking skills.

So I shot Nat an email (like the creepy stranger I am) and congratulated her from one Miss America sister to another on her overwhelming success. She's selling here in the city at Bendels and has been in every mag from Glamour to Seventeen. NEAT-O.

One of my favorites.

CHECK HER CUTE STUFF OUT! www.newyorknat.com

And, the coolest part? She emailed me back stat. And bizarrely enough, she had been at Miss New York the year I won.

Welp while you buy lots of festive hair pretties, I need to go do some work with some background music. Perhaps a choice of "It's a Small World" would be quite fitting.

Waterworks.

2009-11-12T12:46:00.003-05:00

And I'm not referring to the company. I'm referring to my inactive tear ducts. Most of y'all who know me are aware of the fact that I don't cry. I can want to cry, which for most people would mean they do, or I can laugh until I should be crying. But, nay, no tears. Even when I get seriously injured, ie break bones, I start to laugh. Hysterically. It's really weird and I don't know why I'm so emotionally stunted. But I promise, I'm not the Grinch ... and yes, I totally have a red heart.

Either way, today I had a single tear fall from my eye which can only mean an emotional tsunami. If you're reading this you probably read my previous blog as well. Well, yesterday I placed a gingerbread clad card in the mail to Noah sending him lots of love from New York City. Claire sent me a message this morning notifying me she had forwarded my email plea to Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008 (she's doing the logo, website, etc for Kirsten). Not completely random as Kirsten is from Michigan and so is little Noah. Kirsten responded with a note to Claire saying that she lives only 30 minutes away from him and this has been all over the news. The post office in South Lyon, MI has processed over 80,000 cards for Noah.

So, what I'm trying to say through foggy eyes is, if you sent a card ... thank you! You have helped make this a joyful and fulfilled Christmas for this little boy. If you haven't, you still have time. But get it in the mail fast. Let him know there are people around the entire country who are praying for him ... thinking of him ... sending positivity his way. Remind him of the hope, peace, and joy of the season.

Christmas Joy

2009-11-08T16:10:00.005-05:00

So, I got the following email forwarded from a dear friend last night and I can't help but share it and ask that you join in. The story hits really close to home for me, and for my graduating high school class. Let's flood this little boys home with loads of Christmas cards. And after you mail the card, say a prayer for him and for his family. Then (just a suggestion) give your family and friends a hug and let them know how special they are to you.

Below is the email:

Tonight while I was at work, my co-worker Betty posted a note about a very special little boy.

His name is Noah and he is dying of cancer. This 5 year old little boy will not make it till Christmas and so his parents are celebrating early. When asked what he wanted for Christmas all he said he wanted were Christmas cards!

I couldn't help but think of how easily we all get swept up in the hoopla that is the holiday season and especially this year how many of us worry about money and providing expensive material things for each other. What a lesson we should learn from Noah. All he wants is love from people he will never meet. PLEASE!! Let's leave this little guy swimming in cards!!

Just today I was worrying about how I had to take gigs instead of visiting my family. I should be greatful I have a a gift to share, a job, and a father who i will see even if it isn't on Christmas day. Let's all take a moment to send a little bit of joy and celebrate the true meaning of LIFE, not just this season.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS ON AND SEND THOSE CARDS ASAP!!!

Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI 48178

Thank you!!
Jennica

Keep the Faith

2009-11-05T11:47:00.003-05:00

When I hopped on the subway Tuesday instead of finding a gaggle of Latin American accordian and guitar players I heard this 21 year old girl sing really important words. And she sang them really beautifully despite the chaos of the jolting train ...

I found her online so I could share! And, no, not another stalker moment for me ... she gave us slips of paper with some info on how to find her.

Turn it up loud, and let the words sink in ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RebuSb1Ic5E

The Week In Review

2009-11-01T16:03:00.004-05:00

This past week was a test of endurance. And indeed I've crossed the finish line.

While our trip to Virginia was wonderful the athletic endeavors we were cheering at proved to be sub-par. Well, sub-par for the teams we were cheering for. The Crabbers' game was broadcast nationally as a part of the National High School Rival ... I have the name totally incorrect, but I'm fairly confident you get the picture. My dad had me come down to the field and stand by him during his interview. When I say stand by him this is what happened: he caught my attention, I came down the stands, stood by him, they introduced him and said "well, Coach Smith says this is the first time he's ever done this so we'll let him take it from here." My dad then introduced me and proceeded to tell them I was the new offensive coordinator for the team. I have only felt more awkward once in my life and it was when we were on the reality show. I can't tell that story because it's too painful to re-hash. Either way we lost 17-0. The defense played really, really well. Offense, not so much. This week the local news station was covering the game and the three guys apparently told my pops they weren't interviewing him without me. My dad publicly announced my firing. Bahaha. Well, they say you win some and you lose some. That old adage was definitely adhered to in Virginia that weekend ... on many fronts.

Then ... I got to take Paul to Charlottesville! Unfortunately it was raining and Georgia Tech killed us. Fortunately the Lyle family was in town! My mom, Paul, and I all had dinner at Ten with the Lyle clan followed up with drinks at BANG! My favorite. Then off to the Virginian we went. It was such a fun night. And the rain finally ceased for the next day. Fall in Charlottesville really is absolutely gorgeous.

After an unholy amount of work due at the beginning of the week I was finally able to see straight on Thursday. Just in time to rejoice about the hate crime bill signed by President Obama. I'm amped about this step closer towards justice. Also, Paul and I carved a pumpkin to get into the holiday spirit and out of work mode ... even if just for a brief bit.

Paul hard at work.

I found a template online that I thought he would like and this is what we got ...

Then before we knew it Halloween was here! Friday night I dressed up like Falcon Heene, aka Balloon Boy. I must say the balloons were severely annoying approximately .5 seconds into the night, but the tennis shoes were super comfortable in comparison to the heels I wore last night as Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. And I must say, my date Chuck Bass looked quite handsome.

But, that's all I've got for you. Everything else I'm going to keep a secret.

xoxo

Gossip Girl

Omen?

2009-10-23T10:46:00.003-04:00

Let's hope. The Crabs are taking over!

I-64 West, the main interstate through Hampton Roads, just closed because a truck overturned and spilled live crabs across the interstate.

Think I'm joking? See below.

That's My Dad, The COACH.

2009-10-21T23:56:00.009-04:00

I had a t-shirt that said just that when I was about 4 years old. I remember it so distinctly, it had a little cheerleader, with a rainbow behind the big black bold lettering. I saved it and wore it for many years after I should have, but when it finally became a belly shirt Lisa decided it was time for it to hit the trash can. But when I went home this summer she pulled out the t-shirts she's going to have a big quilt made out of ... and I had it saved. I tell you I loved that shirt.

My dad is a high school football coach, and is in his 40th year (I believe) as the head coach at Hampton High School in Virginia. Before that he was an assistant coach for the same team for over 5 years. Yes indeed, he is old enough to have coached for that long. When some of you, and even some of your parents, were mere ideas. BUT, 16 years after he had been a head coach I was born on November 26th. Last night he told me he would never forget that day "in his whole entire life" (which if he hasn't forgotten this after his 68 year life, we're on a good roll, even though it's only been 23 years since I arrived... *I have no idea what that sentence means. But you get the idea). This was the conversation we had:

Me: "Who's coming home for Thanksgiving? Who's going to be eating with us?"
Dad: "Well, it looks like it will be me, you, your mother, Piper, and Star."
Me: "Well what are we doing this Thanksgiving other than being grateful?"
Dad: "have good company with Leigh-Taylor"
Me: "No"
Dad: "eat good"
Me "No"
Dad: "I don't what else is going on?"
SILENCE.
Dad: "OH, Your birthday! ... I'll never forget that day" (wait for it) ...

"You looked like a little something that had been dipped down in a tub of lard."

END SCENE.

After they bathed me and took me home for a little over 24 hours I attended my first Hampton High School football game. At four days old. We won the state championship 2 weeks later. My dad has garnered about 13 of those in his years at Hampton High School. And, he is also the winningest coach in Virginia High School Football History. And he is in the Top 5 winningest coaches in the US. But, you know what? While all of that stuff is pretty cool, I believe the coolest thing is the number of lives he has changed.

When I was getting ready for Miss America I tried to think back on why exactly I am the way I am. Why I feel compelled to help people I see suffering. Why I want to change our society so that our kids have a better future. And while my mom was an obvious influence on me by taking me to Meals on Wheels trips when I was a wee thing, and encouraging me to give back to the community in more overt ways I watched my dad from afar and looking back I realize he had a huge impact on my vision of our world. You see, my dad never drew the line at just being a coach. He has been a mentor, and often a father figure to those students that are playing for him. When you're working in a school similar to his you have the ability to keep kids off the street through sports. Talk about changing a life trajectory.

I so distinctly remember hanging around with my family on a lazy Sunday afternoon, it was definitely late December/early January ... the time of year that is AMAZING. Because you don't have school or work, but you also don't really want to go out and it's perfect because ... there are so many amazing college bowl games on. SO MANY. ALLL DAY. EVERY DAY. We were all sitting around when we heard our cabinets opening and closing, and at first we were so confused. Finally my dad walked into the kitchen to see what in the heck was going on and 4 of his football players had walked into our home, into our kitchen, and started making themselves plates from Christmas leftovers and cookies. They were and are a part of our family.

He's bought them contact lenses to see the black boards in class and they've joined us at our Thanksgiving table, and really, the list could last for pages. Football has been my dad's life and it's been an amazing thing to be a part of. I learned what it took to get a 1st down, pass interference, holding, delay of game, off-sides, that 11 men should be on the field, and what a 4 3 4 defense is pretty early on in my life. I also played field hockey in high school so I could garner the attention of my father with broken hands, bloody noses, and busted lips.

Either way, the Phoebus - Hampton game has been a big one for the last, eh, 12 years or so. Like there are thousands and thousands of people that go and some don't get in big (even with the extra bleachers they install just for the game). I haven't been home for a game since my third year of college. So I'm going down to see my pops bust a move on Phoebus and I absolutely cannot wait. It's going to be just like old times ... no dinner before games because my mom gets too nervous (she can't eat until well after or her tummy gets a littttle rumbly), so Paul and I will eat a hot dog and scream and scream and scream until the clock hits 0:00. And that's when I'll give my dad a big, proud hug.

(About the screaming part; my mom sits in the top of the stands so she can't hear what people in the stands say about my dad ... whenever something bad happens he's always the bad guy and good, he is the good guy... Lisa can't handle hearing bad things about her man so she sits above it ... Either way, she is always one row beneath the camera that records the film my dad watches every Sunday. She is so obnoxiously loud, my father has not been able to listen to the ball games with sound for 26 years. Twenty - six years.)

When I was a little girl I used to complain about going to the store with my dad because people would always stop him and say "COACH ..." and only goodness knew what they would say, but it always seemed to take us longer to get stuff done. Looking back I realize that's because my dad and I both have no sense of time, and I also remember giggling every time someone would walk away because this would be the exchange: "dad, who was that?" "darlin', I have no idea." ... What I'm trying to say is I was always Coach Smith's daughter. And for so long I wanted to break free from that and make my own name. But you know what? I am so proud and even moreso humbled to say:

"That's My Dad, The COACH!"

GO CRABBERS!

Music to the Ears

2009-10-20T22:44:00.001-04:00

... literally.

Please listen to Warm Whispers by Missy Higgins if you want your souls to be soothed.

You can thank me later.

Peace, Love, and Equality. Or, Something Like That.

2009-10-19T23:45:00.008-04:00

My mom came to visit me last Sunday for slightly over 24 hours. She rode up with her bff Linda and stopped by to say "hey!"

Before she came I asked if she would get me a couple packs of Red Bull since they're pretty over-priced here in the city (along with, basically, everything else). As the car pulled up, the trunk popped open, and the bags started falling out I immediately assumed they were all stuffed with my Fall/Winter sweaters and coats. But nay Nancy. Nay. Rather, one of the large bags had 3 12 packs of Red Bull. Yes, 36 Red Bulls. And, wanna know the scary part? Saturday I started to make a dent in the second pack. Scarier part? I drink coffee everyday, too.

Why is that a part of my blog you ask? Because I'm only writing this since I'm still wired from my midterm (coupled with a Red Bull) I had a couple of hours ago. So, I figured this was the perfect time to at least share some things I've been up to since I last checked in ...

As a first year at UVa I was lucky enough to have a 12 person discussion course with Julian Bond in his last year as a professor at the University. Julian Bond helped forge the trail for the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Two Saturdays ago, the evening before the National Equality March on Sunday October 11th, Julian Bond stepped forward and declared that this march was quite similar to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.

And how true! Remembering what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. saw in the potential of our country then, we must also reflect on it now as a complete and utter parallel to our fight for the LGBT community so that they may also experience the same rights as you and me (or me and the person sitting next to me right now if you happen to be gay. this one's for you ;) ):

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and realize the true meaning of it's creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all mean are created equal.'"

"I have a dream that one day my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

** I look forward to the day where my (two) children will not judge others for who they love, rather, they will look for content of character.

"Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring—when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children—black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics - will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

In 1958 an African American woman and Caucasian man were married in DC (because in their home state of Virginia, they couldn't be married because of the Racial Integrity Act). Police officers broke into their home in hopes to catch them having sex, which was also a crime, (the sexual relations) instead Mr. Loving pointed to their Marriage Certificate hanging on the wall. Coming to the realization they were married in another state they were arrested immediately and imprisoned for a year.

YOU GUYS, this was only 50 years ago! Anti - miscegenation laws not yet set into motion. How disgusted does this make you? I only hope we look back and feel the same about our treatment of homosexuals in 50 years.

Hold on ...

Climbing off my soap-box ...

On the heels of the Equality March I attended PFLAG's benefit dinner/auction. If you don't know much about PFLAG you should check out their organization here. They're awesome ... but the long and short of it is they represent the "parents and friends of lesbians and gays" but, really, they are friends (and parents) of the entire LGBT community. Claire helped put this gala together, and I have to say it was absolutely remarkable.

It just so happened that the event was held on the 11th year, to the day, since Matthew Shepard's murder. He was the 21 year old male who was taken from a bar, beaten until unrecognizable, and strung up and left to die on a fence post. Because he was gay. Because he was gay! Do you know what they said when they found him? Most people have heard that he was almost not found because he resembled a scarecrow. But when he was indeed found 18 hours later, they said that the only place on his face and body that was not covered in blood was the skin where his tear had fallen. Can you imagine? And this is all because of his sexuality.

I appreciated the momentum created by the PFLAG event; the money raised at the dinner will send representatives into schools to help counselors better understand how to work with those that are homosexuals, as well as speaking with the students to break the stigma of those that are gay. Really cool work going on here and around the country.

And there are people in my life, across the board, that may not agree with my opinions. They respect them, and understand my rationale. That is the environment conducive towards change ... one of respect.

Re-Evaluation

2009-10-09T14:58:00.004-04:00

In a previous post I alluded to the fact that I allow myself to be consumed by my workload. And, I've got to tell you the amount of work assigned at Parsons is unreal. When they told us during our orientation that we would get a minimal amount of sleep (ie: 4 hours) most nights, if any at all, they really weren't joking. Top that with my OCD tendencies, I keep my face in my books all day.

Integrating myself back into the college community as well as adjusting my mindset has been a slight hurdle. Yet my pitfall has been how I respond to the overwhelming pressures I receive both from the external as well as internally.

When I put my mind to something I put blinders on and I'm determined to achieve the goal. What I've realized is not only do I sacrifice a bit of my sanity, I sometimes lose my consideration of those surrounding me. Totally unacceptable.

I read the following passage this morning and I thought it should be shared; Ephesians 1: 1-2. "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Essentially I like to be completely in control, I strongly dislike surprises, I really like structured schedules, etc. I am so focused on the destination that I forget to enjoy the journey. With that I become slightly impatient and brash. And, along the way, I begin to forget my purpose and God's purpose for me. While I will probably never really enjoy surprises, or completely un-tailored schedules, I want to continually strive to embrace the journey God has had planned for me for ages. And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

Take THAT, AIDS.

2009-10-07T12:46:00.007-04:00

This past weekend I hopped on a bus and headed down to our great nation's capitol to show AIDS what I really thought about it and it's incredibly idiotic mission.

My dear friend Elizabeth Lyle, a real gem, picked me up from the bus stop on Friday evening and we joined Chip and Scottie for some delicious dinner and an inordinate amount of insatiably delish chitter chatter. I had just posted my last blog so of course they wanted to know about that, and my mom, and Paul, and and and.... you get the point. We then ran over to Georgetown (metaphorically, clearly) to see the Hullabahoos. We missed their performance but went to their mixer. BAHAHA. Liz's little brother, who is not so little might I add, Guy is a Hullabahoo. We met some of their new guys and at some point in the evening the following occurred:

Guy: Charlie (aka: Charles-Robert) this is Liz, and Leigh-Taylor. They were Belles.
Charlie: What? Were?
Joe: They graduated in 2007.
Charlie: 2007?
[Leigh-Taylor and Liz giggle, and wince synonymously]
Guy: Yes.
Charlie: Wow. I'm talking to the old girls.

BAHAHAHA. END SCENE.

The next morning was an early one ... but anything to kick AIDS in the face. With the support of some Starbucks we were ready to walk. Shawn Decker, whom I've mentioned on a previous post, is on Team Supersnack with me and this year he received the Courage Award at the walk. He also dressed up in a most iconic way. We walked with Kristi Glakas, Kate Marie, Steve (Paul's brother. Paul slept through the entire event ... in NYC), Pisty, and Caressa Cameron.

That's Team Supersnack. That's "Shawn the Courageous" in the lemon suit. If you can't read it, it says "Life Gave me AIDS." the back says "So, I made LemonAIDS".
Love it.

The walking crew, with Steve behind the camera.

I'm so happy I have unapathetic friends. People who care about those that have been marginalized by such a stupid, stupid disease. Wanna help me kick AIDS in the face again this May? I'm definitely walking it here in NY and I'd love if you wanted too as well.

Umm, PS, I forgot to mention .... We raised, err, over $36,000. BOOOOO-YA, AIDS.

Starting the Month off Right

2009-10-01T22:04:00.004-04:00

As a lot of y'all know, I was on the board for the Miss New York Organization so, specifically, I could help with preparation for the new Miss New York. But per usual within the pageant world people start to point fingers and accuse state organizations of "fixing" the pageant so their "chosen girl" (these words in quotations are some of my favorites on the message boards) wins. It really is quite an odd concept and I'm fairly sure it happens in some states across the country but I have to say ... not here in New York.

The board issued a "Code of Conduct" to battle these accusations and prove to the local boards that this behavior is not tolerated within this state organization. The only problem is, as a board member I wouldn't be allowed to fraternize with any of the gals I competed with. Or, that competed this year. Breakdown: choose between being on the board or maintaining friendships with, in reality, any potential competitor (ie: a girl in the city/state between the ages of 17 - 24).

When I was confronted with the option to remain on the board or to retain these friendships the choice seemed very clear to me. I will of course maintain the untouchable relationships on this board and offer myself in any capacity that they would all want/need. But, I believe in the value of these friendships I have developed - and those that will continue to grow. Today I had lunch with Miss Vermont, Ashley Wheeler and her new fiance Michael. Later today I received this text without having mentioned this situation: "I have learned a lot about friendship in the last year and just want you to know that I value your friendship like we have been friends for life. I think you're an amazing woman and I love you. PS: this is not a mass text." The beginning part was for serious ... the end was a twiddle of an inside joke.

So here it goes:

Dear message boards,

Rip me all you want. I couldn't really say this when I was Miss New York because my mom would have hunted me down (but now she has her pom-poms out). You can continue to call me ugly, overweight, dumb, whatever you'd like ...

But, if you have any self-respect and respect for others please do not question my integrity and that of my best friends. I'll spell it out for you a little bit better ... Claire Buffie didn't manipulate me into a friendship. I've gotten pretty good at being able to tell who is doing that. And her mom doesn't send me a monthly check (though, JoJo, I wouldn't send it back ... jk jk). And no, I didn't help her get ready for Miss NY interview. She did that on her own. But what she does give me is a daily rejuvenation. She can sit and just talk with me. About anything. We can also just sit and not say anything and still feel comfortable. She loves me for who I am, quirks and all. She is selfless beyond recognition. Claire Buffie will be standing at the front of the church when I get married.

Beyond the veil of pageantry I find real life to be ever so becoming.

With Much Respect,

Leigh-Taylor Smith

Homework ... AND AIDS, TOO.

2009-09-11T13:25:00.006-04:00

Apparently with an accumulation of years OCD tendencies take on an exponential growth pattern. Frankly, I think I'm insane. It is only the second week of school and I'm allowing myself to be consumed by my work. But you know what's even weirder? I like it. Scratch that. I LOVE IT. I think this is why I was so overly happy when I was getting ready for Miss America. I was constructively using my energies, to better myself, to help out other people, and barely sleeping. I love the barely sleeping part, too. I feel like I can get so much more done in 19 hours than 12 (I mean, obviously. If I couldn't I would be impaired). I wonder if this will ever subside?

It's odd that I'm like this. My parents weren't the kind that pushed me into doing things I didn't enjoy. Nor did they demand straight A's. I can actually recall them consistently telling me to give it my best shot (this may or may not have been when I came home in tears in fourth grade because I had gotten the first non-100% since 1st grade on my weekly spelling test ... because my teacher thought I capitalized a "c" thus transforming some random word into a proper noun. My mom was so furious as I clearly understood what a proper noun was at that point ... and WENT TO THE TEACHER. True story.) Comparing yourself to others is a totally ill measurement of success though I'm sure you've figured that out aready. And it's true. I was never the smartest. Never the most athletic. Never the most talented. But you can bet I was working as hard as I could to improve.

So, what I'm trying to say is, I put a lot of pressure on myself. I want to make my parents proud. And I want to get better grades than my brother. Kidding, kidding. He's moving to Boston with Laura, and as soon as they begin having children my ranking in the child chain is going to PLUMMET.

And refocusing ... Last year I was a Star Walker, aka I raised $1,000+ for AIDS Walk NY. Though this year my incredibly embarrassing $25 donation amount hasn't changed, no matter the public pleas and emails I've sent. So you can imagine my horror when my mom told me my big sister, Tracy (she's a couple decades older, has two kids, and is WAY hotter than me), tried to donate money to me and Team Supersnack and she COULDN'T. --->

Left, my adorable niece Avery. Center, probably one of the coolest high-schoolers that exists ... my other niece McKenzie. Right, my sister Tracy. End of story.

If you've had the same problem in relation to donations, it was a result of my careless stupidity. You know how I talked about the spelling test? Well they never tested me on my incredibly complicated and uncommon last name ... thus I spelled it wrong on the official website. "SMIH". But the good news is ... IT'S FIXED! My team, Team Supersnack, is already one of the Top FIVE teams of AIDS Walk DC. But naturally we want to be number one. Help a sister, a brother, a mother out.

THE SITE: http://www.aidswalkwashington.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=299353&lis=1&kntae299353=1A4AA0FA13194CB88FAB13C0229D6AAC&team=3370615

AIDS is the Antithesis of Cool

2009-08-26T14:05:00.006-04:00

This past year I got to do a lot of really neat work alongside those fighting against AIDS and everything that comes with the disease, including but certainly not limited to; stigma, medical bills, loss of hope, etc.

Last November I visited an all-male support group within the walls of Arthur Kill State Penitentiary on Staten Island where we chatted. And I mean it. (Chelsea Lately would then extract my "fun fact" from my Miss America talent and made fun of me. Neat.) Looking back, I realize this night was a turning point in my life. Think about the scene like this: little white pageant winner marching into prison to talk about AIDS with a group of incredibly diverse imprisoned men. By the end of our conversation one of the men, Hector, who had been in prison for 25 years and presently suffering from AIDS, stood up and charged me with the responsibility of "being their voice". We broke down walls and somewhere in there they came to believe I had the capability, as well as the capacity, of sharing their stories and rectifying not only society's views of them as prisoners, but also as victims of AIDS. A month later I took a public AIDS test on World AIDS Day in conjunction with my belief that everyone needs to know their status.

Please stay with me. I promise I have even cooler things to talk to you about.

Before I was Miss New York I did some other things that have moved me to help this group we have marginalized within our communities. After my 2nd year of college I worked in South Africa teaching elementary, middle school, and high school students (as well as their families) about AIDS, and the lifelong affects. Upon reflection I realize that I gave these people the tools to literally save their lives. And let's get cheesy, their futures.

That kicked off my "kick AIDS in the face" frenzy. May 2008 I participated in AIDS Walk NY. Thousands upon thousands of New Yorkers participate in the walk, and I have to say, it's a truly remarkable experience. But, the coolest part for me was being able to walk, and raise money with an unbelievable group of young people. There were a little over 30 of us that made up Team Supersnack. The final result? $58,000 raised and one of the top 10 teams involved in the entire thing. I mean, literally Delta, MAC, and Kenneth Cole were some of the others in the ten. Rad, right?

Well, what's not rad is the fact that the AIDS epidemic is continuing to ravage the United States. The rate of infection in our nation's capital is on par with UGANDA. Not okay. Not okay. Not okay. (I'm still saying it in my head, but I'll spare you.)

SO, can you tell where I'm going with this?

I need your help. And so do lots of people around this country. I'm walking in AIDS Walk DC with Team Supersnack and I'd really like it if you helped out this cause. And if I could be a Star Walker again (I raised over $1,000 last time around which in turn earned me a paper crown ... case closed).

My donation page (Sorry, it won't link up! Best to Copy and Paste into your browser!) : http://www.aidswalkwashington.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=299353&lis=0&kntae299353=8FFC6CD9278243C6B45FF0364C9FDDC0&supId=262930957

Also, I've been asked to go to our state's capital, Albany, on World AIDS Day to be the keynote speaker. Let's prove that I'm worthy of this invite, because believe me, I'm psyched to get a handle on this disease.

PS: Finally posted in honor of the late Senator Ted Kennedy whose compassion for those suffering from AIDS was clear and led to the Ryan White CARE Act which, essentially, provided federal funding to help assist those living with AIDS.

Peachy Keen

2009-08-17T23:36:00.001-04:00

That's how I feel about life right now.

When things happen now, I think, "DANG! I should totally blog about that!" But then I realize that I would rather give a friend a hug. Or, let's be honest, have a glass of red wine and kick it with people I haven't been able to spend some q.t. (quality time, that is) with this year. And then next thing I know, I'm nearly a month behind. But, at least it isn't a month. Because, in reality, I think when people get that far off track with something they just let it be thinking it's harder to jump back on the train. Anyways, I want to let you know what I'm going to be doing with my life this year! No more of that ambiguous, fingers-crossed behind my back type thing.

Two Thursdays ago I was accepted into the Fashion Marketing program at Parsons (The New School) for Design here in Manhattan. I'd had that as my goal for a couple of months, but I wanted to tend to Miss NY things, wrap 'em up, and of course, being a slight procrastinator, apply on the last day of rolling applications. I had this gurgly feeling in my stomach that it might be like that awesome Teach For America email I got in 2K7 letting me know they didn't need my help on their "force". Or, whatever incredibly fierce term they use. When I say awesome, I'm not being sarcastic. It took me a while to realize it but in the long run my life has totally panned out as it should have. But, nay, this said "CONGRATULATIONS". At that point, without reading any further, I called my mom who got a little excited, but assured me she had faith in my abilities. FYI: that's what she said before the TFA email. But, I digress.

Anyhow, the news came at a perfect time. I had just settled back here in NYC after some time in VA and I was gearing up to head to Costa Rica with Paul's family. I actually sent my application acceptance letter via Costa Rican fax. My next blog will be about the trip. Here are some tid-bits to keep your eyes on the lookout: horses that go backwards, roads so awesomely gravel-ly they make your license plates hang by a single bolt, and zip-lining through canyons. All done with 7 of the coolest people around. What. A. Blast.

Which makes it easy for you to understand why I didn't want to peel myself out of bed this morning to go to ... SCHOOL! Not Parsons, though. New York Bartending School. I'm not kidding, y'all. I'm going to be a bartender here in NYC. Still think I'm kiddding? Come find me and my stained hands after pouring 8 hours of rails and martinis. Stained because we use fake juice and liquor (obviously, or we'd be wasting dollah dollah bills). It was so much fun. I'll keep you filled in on the week, too. Because goodness knows there will be mucho (see my Spanglish infiltrating after a week of immersion?) to share.

Until then, I hope your Mondays were as blessed as mine.

I'm a lucky girl and believe me, I'm super grateful.

PS: My mom's facebook status yesterday was, "Leigh-Taylor is home!!! hiphiphooray!!!!!". I'm considering going to Paris in the Spring to study for a semester (though Paul wants me to stay until July for an extra excuse to come out for the Tour, but again I digress) ... I was only gone a week. You do the math. Skype, anyone?

Bikinis. WAHHH!

2009-07-24T12:18:00.007-04:00

While I've been home at our beach house accumulating rays (on the days the sunshine decides to participate in the fun) I've worn the same bathing suit every single time. I did it more-so as a precautionary against ridiculous amounts of tan lines. But now when I get in the shower I look like I'm wearing a white triangle top bathing suit. Out. Of. Control.

So, my dad, ever so wise said, "Leighhhh-Tayluhhh (for you, Trip), when was the last time you purchased yourself a new bathing suit?" So, I re-calculated and realized the last one (non pageant related) was a J Crew black and white bathing suit. The culprit of my perma-bikini tan. And then I kept thinking and realized that I indeed wore this swimsuit while on Spring Break in the Bahamas. My senior year of high school. WHAAAAAT?

So, after my yoga class, I bought a new one yesterday! Neat, right? Well, kind of. It gets less neat when you realize what people consider to be a reasonably sized bottom for a bikini. Of course everyone does some killer exercises to prepare for Miss America, but I really have continued to work out post- Miss America. (I'm not going to lie, I ate a lot of Crumbs cupcakes for a little while. But then I pulled myself up by my boot straps and got back to the gym and Bikram.) So when I took a gaggle of bathing suits into the dressing room at Everything But Water yesterday and emerged only twice, and being pleased only once, I realized there is something wack going on with bathing suits. And I'm not the only girl having problems with these Fitting Room stand-offs. Actually, I think most of us are.

We always talk about how models give our young girls a wrong impression of beauty, specifically in relation to body type. Dove has an ongoing campaign with plus-size models in their underpants to prove that stick-thin isn't particularly normal. But honestly, what in the world do swimsuit production companies think when they cut out these teeny pieces of fabric they think are going to cover anyone's rear-end but a toddler wearing a 6x? My body frame is small, but I do have what some people like to call "junk in the trunk" (weird.). I don't know how something like this is fixed (not my rear end, but this issue with teeny bikinis) but it definitely needs to be.

BUT, Betsey Johnson saved the say per usual. Wanna see? This is the one I got!

I'm excited. Partially because I have a weird obsession with polka dots ... hence the awesome (template) background I have. And my sheets.

Dad just busted in here and said "what time does Wonderboy get in today? You better get on the road!" So, being that I'm an obedient child, I have to go! Paul is coming today. And Laura and Bryan. I'm really excited. Like, I couldn't really sleep last night. Then I'm back to NYC on Tuesday co-hosting Tim Morehouse's 31st (HAHAHA ;) !!) birthday party. Here's the Invite:

See some of y'all there... !

And I'm off!

Caffeinated Disaster

2009-07-19T18:02:00.006-04:00

Okay, so you know how in my last post I said life here was less enthralling? I'm not going to put my foot in my mouth, but I did experience something today that has never happened to me before. And I hope never happens again.

Anyone who knows me, even if just peripherally, is totally aware of the fact that I usually have a coffee cup in my hand. Or a Red Bull. Either way, I'm an addict. Though I'm not ashamed. It could be way worse, right? Like hard drugs or something. People say it's an expensive habit to have. And while they are correct, I do have my "cart boyfriend". He works the coffee cart in front of Gracious Home on 23rd and 6th. SO nice. And he's got nose problems, too. He can read me like a book. He knows when I need an extra caffeine boost and gives me a large. He knows I take non-fat milk and 2 Splendas. He's my cart boyfriend. Best part? My coffee costs a buck.

So while I'm in Virginia I'm making new friends at Starbucks but today I stopped by 7/Eleven for a Red Bull on my way to grab a canvas from Michael's. Anyways, I pulled a Red Bull out of one of the tall refrigerated stations lining the side wall. And before I knew it the whole rack of Red Bull was FLYING at me. You know when you pull out a drink and decide you want another brand there is a bit of resistance from the back part of the drink line when you put back in the unwanted drink? Well apparently I broke the plastic front off of the line of Red Bull and that resistance pushed every single can out at me at a speed which I could not control. So there I stood, approximately 12 busted sugar free Red Bull cans lining my feet and an audience of 4. The best part? I just stood there and stared trying to figure out how to fix this total faux-pas. Solution you ask? I jimmy-rigged the front plastic piece, stuck a few cans in there and then the rest went into random drink lines. I paid. I left. Moral of the story ... first pull your can up and then out, not straight out.

The scene looked very similar to this photo.

Anyways, things are still trucking along here in Virginia. Last night we (meaning my mom and dad, and a stray from next door ... seriously, but that's another story) went downtown to go to the block party. We parked in our church parking lot and I had my mom take a picture of my dad and I praying in front of Hampton Baptist. We saw lots of folks we know around Hampton and jammed out with the band playing, Excess Baggage.

I'll have more for you later. I'm still reeling from the disaster down the street. Classic. So classic.

I Mean, Just Wondering

2009-07-16T19:29:00.004-04:00

I was thinking about what has happened in my life in the past three days that would suffice as any sense of legitimacy for you to read about it ... and be interested. And, to be honest, life outside of New York is slightly less enthralling. But I suppose that's part of the reason why I'm home. I mean, my current front yard is also synonymous with "beach", so I guess I can handle that. That's a pretty big difference from Delancey and Allen.

First things first ... I don't have to have sinoplasty! This = glorious news. I went to the ENT on Wednesday and my septum is only slightly deviated, meaning I could have sinoplasty to fix my sinuses but it isn't necessary (I like the "unnecessary" part). He did however say that he could saw off the calcium deposits I've acquired on the bridge of my nose, as well as straighten it out a bit. But y'all, that is rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is the fancy medical word for a true nose job. Friends, not happening. SO I'm having a procedure done next week that will help out my nose bleeds (I've got some trifling-ly large blood vessels hanging out). Yada. Yada. Yada.

SO, I'm learning how to cook. And I've got to tell you how big of a deal this is. Here is a comment to give you a bit of an idea; the first night I donned the apron I was asked via Graham Bell's fancy creation if I burnt down the kitchen (answer: no). Please note that I wasn't asked if I burnt the food, or if it was edible. He asked if I burnt the kitchen down. Get. It. Outta. Here. Anyways, I've cooked for myself, my mom, and my pops for the last four consecutive evenings, and no one's gotten sick from the following:

Evening #2: Fried Chicken, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Fresh Green Beans
Evening #3: Meatloaf, Raspberry Vinegar Pasta (it's full of yummy vegetables)
Evening #4: Baked Chicken (a whole one ... including gizzard pulling-outage), Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob

I'm rackin' up for the reportoire.

Next cool thing on the agenda: IT'S SHAWN DECKER'S 34th Birthday!!! Okay, y'all who don't know him, I'm just going to apologize. Not because I'm writing about him and you don't know him. But because you don't know him. You don't have the rad-ness he exudes in your life. Even if it's just on the peripheral. Shawn was diagnosed with HIV when he was 11 years old, which means he's been living with this stupid disease for 2/3 of his life. Scratch that. He's been kicking AIDS in the face for 2/3 of his life. Last year I joined the New York AIDS Walk team with he and others that have an intense disdain for one of the lamest diseases ever ... we raised $58,000 or so and now we're taking our case to the nation's capitol. Why? Because of the alarming infection rate in DC. It's on par with Uganda's infection rate. NOT OKAY. So, in honor of Shawn I'm going to finally get my act together and join the Supersnack team so on October 3rd we can take it to AIDS.

Oh, and hey, if anyone wants to send me back to South Africa for a summer or four to help families with AIDS. Or orphans with AIDS. I'm not averse to the idea.

Another One Bit The Dust

2009-07-13T23:06:00.003-04:00

So, this weekend I headed off to the institution that imparted handfuls of knowledge upon me, and plenty of life experience; The University of Virginia. My mom was heading out to Charlottesville for the wedding of a gal I grew up with at Hampton Baptist. So, I decided to take advantage of the outing and met up with some of my favorite people at the University. Most who know me are very aware of how much I enjoy food, thus, when I go back to Charlottesville I view it as an opportunity to catch up on lost time with the food that helped shape me (literally) during my collegiate years. So I had the following: Bang, White Spot, Bodo's, and Arch's. And evening attendance at: The Virginian, Coupe's, and Buddhist. Don't be jealous, I'm scared to put on pants.

The next day we went to Miss DC to cheer on Kate Marie in her last evening of service. Let's just say ... We. Are. So. Happy. And I was really proud of her. AND we got to see Bubby and Laura which is always a baller moment.

Then Lisa so kindly peeled me out of bed this morning to hit the road around 545am so we would miss traffic heading out of DC. We then ran errands (lame, lame, I know ...)

While I'm in Hampton I'm also learning how to cook. Can you imagine? Tonight I had my first lesson and I'm able to do the following: steam crab legs, bake salmon, roast red potatoes, and grill some legit vegetables. Next on the list: fried chicken. A required staple for acceptance as a Southern woman. I've got the best teacher, though ... Colonel Sanders takes a backseat in comparison to what my mother can whip up. It's just universally known that Lisa is the JAM at cooking fried chicken.

But here's why I'm really home ... I'm getting a nose job. BAHAHA. Okay, kind of. Not the exterior. But I'm getting my sinuses "roto-rootered" in the words of Faith Ossmann. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow who will gage it's state of un-awesomeness since the most recent breakage. Then he'll tell me if he has to re-break it this time around. I'm keeping my eyes on the prize: Breathing. Less sinus headaches. AND, perhaps even less nosebleeds. Then Paul won't have to stick a vaseline coated q-tip up my nose anymore. All great things.

I'll keep you updated. This could be good. Like wearing sunglasses indoors because of two black eyes and a nose cast good.

PS: As I'm writing this my father just picked up the Cosmopolitan mag I picked up at the grocer today *because my sorority sister BRENNA MCGUIRE is jamming out on page 132!* and it says "125 Sex Moves" on the cover. He quips, "125 Sex Moves? Who do they have writing this? Hell, they're 8 behind! It's 133". And people wonder why I say everything that comes to mind.

Au Revoir Miss New York crown.

2009-07-08T19:29:00.005-04:00

I'm not Miss New York anymore. Before you get all bleary eyed for me ... don't. Phenomenal year? Check. Did I almost lose my sanity? Check. Am I on the Miss New York board and prep team? Check. So, drop the tissues and read along.

I've just typed and deleted several times. Toeing the line made of eggshells. (I know, I felt like combining two old adages, play along, please).

I so enjoyed watching the ladies compete for my job, continually encouraging the girls to remember why they were there ... and suggesting that it should be their platforms because if it isn't the year will be long. Very long. Anyways, I loved being there and being a part of it. But when I was dragging my suitcase and hanging bag up the hill towards The Egg 30 minutes before the show started on Thursday night without a ride, I was gleaming that I would soon be able to have Paul carry my bags on vacay. BAHAHA. Kidding. I carry my own. I had to learn how to maximize the amount of luggage I could get up and down my FOURTH floor walk up. Though, my super Dave is pretty rad, when he sees me struggling he's throwing me AND the bags over his shoulder.

That Friday morning I drove to Manhattan dropped off a lot of clothes at my apartment, and then jetted to the airport to meet Paul who was flying in from Sweden, so we could then board a flight to go to my dear friend Carly's wedding in Richmond, VA. Run-on? Don't care. We. Had. A. Blast. What a gorgeous wedding it was! I got to see many of the beautiful Belles and other collegiate buds. But, the 6am flight departure to NYC came a weee-tad early. The 420am wake-up call ... even earlier. We hit the streets in our mini-cooper, thanks to zipcar, and arrived safely before the show.

Giving up my crown was pretty bittersweet. I have worked really hard to obtain this goal. But, on the flip side, I am ready to blaze a new trail for myself. This part of my life will not define me by any means. When I'm 40 I hope no one introduces me as former Miss New York, 3rd runner up to Miss America at a cocktail party. I hope I'm Leigh-Taylor Smith. And there to define myself in that time and space. Well, hopefully by 40 my last name will be different ... but you never know ...

Congratulations to Alyse Zwick, Miss New York 2009.

And, hey, congratulations to my Miss Arlington sister Caressa Cameron for snatching the title of Miss Virginia 2009. The last 3 out of 4 Miss Virginia's have been Miss Arlington. Wanna know who dropped the ball? ME!

On that note, next time I write ... (slash kind of this time) I'll be leading a normal life! Or, far from normal knowing me. But either way, stay tuned!

The Finale.

2009-06-22T01:23:00.003-04:00

I'm probably not making this any easier on myself by prowling through the videos of the 2008 titleholders being crowned on TLC.com and currently watching a dvd of Miss America. But at the same time, it's kind of like I'm being surrounded by the gals that are going through the same thing. So, here it goes ...

(I just stared at a blinking cursor for about 5 minutes.) Last year right about this time I was one of the lucky 52 ladies crowned a state representative in the Miss America Organization. But, it didn't just happen. I started competing in the Miss America Organization 4 years ago. I won some, and lost the big one. Twice. Perhaps losing isn't the best choice of words (sorry, mom!). Rather, I participated in complete self-improvement course, and took in a lot of scholarship dough being third runner up two years in a row at Miss Virginia. I pulled myself up by the boot straps and moved to a box, or er I mean a studio, in NYC.

I won Miss Brooklyn (which the Miss America girls thought was fairly hysterical based on stereotypes given to the big BK). And I got heat because I was actually from Manhattan "by way of Virginia". Then I won Miss New York. And man did the storm begin. "THE GIRL FROM VIRGINIA!" I've learned to take that in stride and I'm proud to say I have totally learned how to deal with criticism of all kinds. But, ps, it still isn't nice! Several people both here in NY and in Virginia (slash a LOT) have asked "do you secretly wish you were Miss Virginia?". My answer has not wavered one bit. No. God had totally different plans for me. I grew a lot in Virginia. But I blossomed here in New York. And there have been many, many people that have pushed me forward in this process. And I take pride in knowing I've given all of myself to this job. But this job is much bigger than me. It is not defined by power or prominence, but rather by people. So please allow me to give them a shout out ...

Tom Whitfield. You have played such an instrumental role in my journey towards allowing myself to feel comfortable in my own skin. What an unbelievable feeling it is. Just keep those coffee cups coming. ;)

Tim Morehouse. I'm so happy to be able to call you a friend. Not because of your status as a silver medal Olympic fencer, though that is cool, too. But because of your determination, insane work ethic, and consistent ideal of putting others before yourself. Thank you for taking me under your wing.

\
Tim on the left, Jason on the right. Both Olympians. Both fabulous.

Wendi Gruninger, phone calls, phone calls. Thank you for your love, friendship, and belief in me to do whatever I set my mind to.

Chip and Scottie, I love you both so much. Phone calls at midnight, break ups and new discoveries, y'all are always on the other line. You two will remain my big brothers far beyond pageantry. But, please, for Pete's sake, lock Abigail up. I kid. I kid.

Fake smiles don't look like any of us. But, okayyy. Maybe you two like good. xoxoxo

Pi Phis and Belles alike. WOOOOOHOOOO!! I love all of you from the bottom of my heart. Carly, Liz, and Allie: LALA4LYF.

Miss NY girls that have been with me each step of the way. You girls know who you are and I thank you for your support on this journey. But please know, you will be my friends far beyond Miss NY. XOXO

Ashley Wheeler. Thank you for always being on the other end of the line. I will never forget our New Year's Eve pep talk as I cabbed it uptown. Those memories will continue to accumulate. I just know it. I'm sending positive mental vibes and virtual hugs your way as you give up your crown this week.

Ellen Carrington. Although I'm really sad you said I've lost my Southern accent, I still love yours. Thank you for being genuinely interested in what is going on in my life. The good, the bad, the ugly. Give Grant a hug for me, and come visit SOON! (You too, Emily. Or you're dead meat!)

Kate Marie. Girl. Thank you for pitching Paul to me like some kind of product. But also, please thank your boss for the amount of time he allows you to be on gchat. Seriously. Those talks were a source of sustainability for me throughout my year. Thank you, thank you, thank you. But, I see you soon anyways. So, I'll give you a hug in person.

To the whole Miss NY board, each of you has played an immeasurable role in my success. I cannot begin to thank EACH of you enough. But, the program, my speech, and thank you letters will all be made public this week. Lots of love to each of you.

KATE. Holy crow. Read the program. And listen to my farewell. But, hey, basically, thanks for changing my life. And life trajectory.

My Paul. You're crazy for sticking around through all of this. But because you did, and for many, many other reasons I'm crazy for you. Thank you for always holding me accountable and being there for it all. Not just for the fun times at Miss America but everything in between. Because those are the moments that really matter. I am 110% sure I won the boyfriend lottery.

Sorry ladies, hands off. He's mine.

Bryan, Laura, Shannon, Tracy, and Natalie. I just started to tear up as I wrote this part. I hope each of you knows how much I look up to you. The examples you set in your daily lives has encouraged me to strive to better myself on a consistent basis. Bubby, I meant what I said in the Miss America program book.

Mom and Dad. Thank you for allowing me to dream the wildest of dreams, and to sincerely believe in them with me. I've never felt like there was anything I couldn't do and that is a direct reflection of how I was raised. I can't wait to spend a big chunk of July with you. Thank you for not giving me away when I was 4 and running around everywhere.

Mom and Pops.

Finally, everyone at Hampton Baptist, thank you for insuring that I knew who got me here. There are many people here that did. But we all know this is all part of a larger plan for my life. I thank each of you for allowing me to realize that someone much bigger than me is molding me into the woman I should, and will become.

PS: Some more but I'm pooped. Have a good day on your far side, P. :)

Bubby.

2009-06-17T11:55:00.008-04:00

That's what I've called my big brother Bryan since I could talk. Apparently I had trouble pronouncing his name. I'm not sure though, I think my mom wanted me to call my brother by a cute nickname. You know how moms do that sometimes? Obviously by naming my first baby doll (stay with me here... let's put those phonetics to use...) OH-BA-DIE-YUH. I'm not even kidding. At that point my mom was probably more concerned I would soon be living in a padded white room, not that I would one day compete at Miss America.

Bub and me at my graduation shin-dig.

When Bubby and I were little we used to drive to my grandparent's house on Christmas morning everyyyy year. It was about a 7-8 hour drive and I would read the entire way (my mom called me a nerd at that dinner the other night with Paul, Steve, and Kate Marie. I was not amused.) and my brother used to play whatever hand-held electronic game playing thing had come out that year or before. When we would stop for gas my generous father would allow us one choice snack. Obviously we went for candy (as if our stockings hadn't been packed full that morning). It was like clock work. My brother would always ask me for a taste of mine. I would give. I would then ask for a taste of his. Denied. I got the point when I turned, uh, 13. But when I was 15 or 16 I assumed he had gotten over his Indian giving. No dice.

Anyways, we grew up and became friends. Actually, I adore him. And even cooler: his wife Laura. We all like to play, and Laura and I make up songs such as one titled "Home". We will give you a personal rendition if you catch us together.

This morning Bubby sent me a link: http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/36225342.html. He thought I would find it "amusing". And I did, it is pretty amusing. But it's also clearly well thought through. Perhaps brimming on true intellectual capabilities. Although society is changing women still feel like they need a man to complete them. Or maybe they have to work overtime because they don't have one. To fill that "void" in their life. Or society's severe perspective on beauty. Cough, cough, rather perceived beauty.

This isn't all so different from how the year has been for us as state contestants. I know we aren't considered "celebrities" at their true definition. But, we do go through a lot of the scrutiny that they face. But we're also representative of real women, from the real world. Women who care about changing our communities for the better, that are focused on scholarship, that work towards physical fitness. But we're not perfect.

And neither are fairy tales.

Lawng Aylahnd.

2009-06-17T11:05:00.004-04:00

Phonetics. They're weird. Was that acceptable?* Come to think of it, I wonder who qualifies to write the phonetic suggestions for words. And definitions. And synonyms.

Moving beyond my wandering mind right about ... now. I went to visit Big Al's Gym. They were the generous folks that gave the scholarship for the Miss New York Swimsuit Preliminary winners last year. So, I went for the membership drive on Monday night to hang out, sign some autographs, and cause some general calamity. But, nay, the calamity was not caused by me. It was actually caused by the insane children in their natural habitat. The play haven built by the likes of McDonalds. But cooler because of it's cleanliness. There was this one little rugrat that had just turned 2, just had stitches taken out of his face, and just ran around screaming. Throwing himself on the ground when he felt necessary and playing with all of the big kids. Physically. He was worthy of the term baller. And you know I don't just throw that word around like pennies. I also must point out, 10 minutes in there was worth a lifetime of birth control.

Anyways, I think the event was successful. I did a radio spot about the gym. Actually, the guys from the radio asked if I was into "freestyle". So I said, I respect people that can freestyle but I myself am pathetic. I was really confused when they started laughing in my face (though, not the first or last time that will happen to me). Apparently freestyle refers to 80's music. Am I the last one to be clued in on this?

Finally I met an awesome couple, and the woman makes jewelry. Her name is Aggy and she's Polish, and hysterical. She gave me a set of earrings, necklace, and bracelet of my choice. AND threw in an extra necklace because I had tried it on. They're beautiful! I'm going to rock 'em at Miss NY.

John Giglio accompanied me during my last two visits to Big Al's and I have the greatest time with him. He is hysterical. And through our 8 hours spent together over my two trips to Big Al's we realized we have the following in common: Bambi freaked us out (his mom took him back to the movie theater a second time because he was so hysterical the first go round, had him watch while Bambi's mom was still alive and ran him out before she was shot, hahahaha), clowns freaked me out/still freak him out, the entire concept of Willy Wonka freaked us out, and we both adore peanut butter. There were more but my tired brain is incapacitated from filling out these monotonous RJR reports.

*Yes, I realize that is not phonetically correct for the words Long and Island. I was pretending I had the accent. And if I did, that would be my attempt at phonetically creating the proper pronunciation.

Have you ever been to Corning, NY?

2009-06-16T16:26:00.001-04:00

I have!

But, before I tell you all about my adventure to the glass blowing capitol of the world, I did something pretty fun before that too.

My mom came to visit! And on top of that, Kate Marie (Miss DC) came up to surprise her boyfriend Steve. Which means, I got to hang out with both of these rad women on Thursday. ALL DAY! That night we all went out to din, and Paul came too. So do you want to hear the funny thing about all of this? Well, I think it's funny. You may not. Steve and Paul are brothers. Not like, good guy friend brothers, but they share a mother and father type brothers. And about that I do not lie.

Anyways, I got up the next morning and started my journey to (Cary, my roommate, is currently singing broadway showtunes and commercial jingles at the top of his lungs in the shower. If some of these sentences do not make sense it is because I am halfway laughing. Internally.) Corning, NY. Or to be more accurate, the village of Painted Post. Soon after my arrival the Mayor of Painted Post, Sandy, Miss Finger Lakes, Lorna, and a CMN representative, Sarah, all picked me up and took me on a tour of Painted Post. We then headed off to an awesome family run restaurant where everyone seemed to know everyone. Then the Colonial Days pageant. Starting teeny, going to Miss. I love being on the other side of things. It means I can relax! But these girls were pretty awesome.

Just hanging out with the ladies at the Colonial Days Pageant.

But get this ... after I left the pageant I got to go to .... drum roll please .... WAL MART! I really like Wal Mart. Specifically their America's Choice sparkling Peach and Black Cherry Water. So I bought two cases FOR ONLY $2. That's how much my ATM charges me to take money out of my account. Cloud 9.

After a quick rest we headed to the Colonial Days Parade. On the contract it said that approximately 20,000 - 30,000 people head out to this parade. And not to think people were exaggerating, but y'all, this is a small town. An awesome man, Greg, drove me in a smokin' silver Mercedes convertible and as we turned the corner the contract was verified. At least 20,000 people there. As we passed the grand-stand I was definitely called out for not having shoes on. Kind of like the reverse of a "show me your shoes" parade.

I also visited a whiffle ball tournament that, by word, goes on day and night for 3 days. Lots of food, bats, and beer. I stopped by to say hey to all of the people participating. And one of the men admitted to having cut the article out of the paper that prefaced my visit to the village. In my bathing suit. In his wallet.

With that said, I hopped back in the car and began my trek back to Manhattan. Apparently I was speeding because I got pulled over for that. Un-luckily, I was also on my phone talking to Ken my business manager after my appearance. In true stealth form I quickly pulled out my crown and banner into the passenger seat of my car. Inconspicuous for the girl who only wears her crown and sash at pageants and parades. Unfortunately, Officer Jason Fletcher still gave me a ticket. Notice I made that a non-plural ticket. It was for the cell phone. Not my speed. (Thank the Lord.) I'm having it sent to Ken Nelson's home address. Kidding, kidding.

Back home it was for an early Sunday morning winding up paperwork and loose ends as Miss New York. It's insane this is almost over.

Wah wah wee wah.

PS: Lisa, I forgot to tell you about the ticket. Though I was not hiding it. Like that one time I hid something and you found out after Bryan and Dad and didn't think I loved you the most anymore. But I did. And I do. Promise.

I know my phone is ringing in five minutes.

While I'm At It ...

2009-06-10T15:17:00.007-04:00

"Just about every other school in Virginia likes to bash UVA kids for being 'pretentious' and 'snobs.' In other words, they get called out for thinking they're better than everyone else. Well, if you went to the school in Virginia with the most stringent admissions requirements, best overall athletic program, most beautiful campus and coeds, most successful and famous alumni, the most storied social scene, was founded by Thomas Jefferson, and all that happened to be in what was voted the #1 city to live in America, well...you'd think you were the too."

And no, I didn't write that. Actually, ESPN's review of college campuses did. It fills my heart with glee. Okay, okay, I am joking. Seriously. But we are also known to produce really proud alumni and I'm going to explain (at least partially) why ... and I'm going to venture to say it doesn't have much to do with what was recognized by ESPN. Though I did hear people were shaking it down with Katie Couric at Reunions last weekend ...

We have a place on Grounds (that's what we call our campus) at UVa called the Madison House. It's essentially a house where volunteer organizations can call "home base". I have been searching online for about 30 minutes for an image I saw from the Fall of my second year where the line to the Madison House stretched sooooo far. There were literally thousands of students in line wanting to volunteer. Everywhere I turned I had friends that were heading up organizations within the Mad House; I even got to meet some of their little sisters from Big Siblings. Dorfy anyone? (Sidenote: Dorfy was Carly Brown's wee one. She was not know to have the greatest manners ever, but she really was sweet. Until she came up to me and said "You're LT? GGGGurrlll. You look 14. How tall you be?". I wish, just wish I could voice record it for you).

That makes a University special.

But you know what else does? These girls.

Many a Pi Phi sister that showed up to Miss America. But that isn't even all of them!

These girls flew in from around the country to cheer me on, and obviously play in Vegas together, too. But how cool? But then I look back. And I'm not surprised. You see, the sense of community that is encouraged at the University of Virginia is, in my opinion, unparalleled. And I would specifically give a thumbs-up to Pi Phis. Every Belles concert there were a load of Pi Phis. And at the same end, I tried to go to any event scheduled to support my sisters.

Okay, by this point you're wondering why I'm talking about this? Please continue. Or continue to stare at my hot sorority sisters. Either one.

My mom, Kate Marie, and I grabbed dinner before our Beauties for Boobies event on Friday night and literally as soon as we walked over there (about 5 minutes before the event started) Shah BAM ... UVa awesomeness. Of course the dudes were there first. They weren't leting one minute of the grey goose open bar pass, understandably so. But you better believe the girls were there shortly after. It literally warmed my heart. They go above and beyond to not only support friends, but to support a good cause. So guys, thank you. And hey, you should think your friends for being awesome too. Sometimes it's just good to hear.

Know what I've realized throughout this crazy year? No matter how busy and non-communicative I have been with close friends from school, they're still around. And they still care. And believe me, we are going to play come July!

Did that make sense? I hope so. This blinking cursor may become my only visual for the next few days.

PS: I also think UVa is special for a couple of other reasons including, but not limited to: it's honor policy, the ideal of student self-governance ...

I know, I know ...

2009-06-10T12:18:00.015-04:00

I haven't written in a while. But, I mean, come on ... my year's almost over. Cut me some slack! I've been here, there, and everywhere.

Last week I had several meetings working towards getting a rockin' non-profit based in NYC into our schools here. One year ago, there is no way I would be able to help with this and speak with the people that can make it happen. It is a perfect way for me to begin transitioning out of my role as Miss NY and into a life of normalcy. Though, my mom continues to remind me, my life is never even close to reflective of normal. (But, aren't most moms supposed to say stuff life that?)

Next on the list was our Beauties for Boobies fundraiser in DC. I've got to say, through adversity and beyond, Miss America girls define this organization through their continual strive for progress, for justice, and for change. At the heart of this we are incredibly determined women, and when we set our minds to something we can most certainly get it done. Why am I saying this? Because we took it to breast cancer's face this weekend.

Here are some photos of our fundraiser ... sadly Tara didn't arrive until the mere end due to some insane traffic ... happily Kate Marie and I are both scary when drunk people try to tell us they're not going to hand over the dough. All in the name of Susan G. Komen. All in the name of Susan G. Komen

Kate Marie (DC), Tara (VA), Leigh-Taylor (NY)

With Chip and Scott, my favorite men around. They were my local ED's as Miss Arlington 2007. Then Tara's ED's before she won Miss VA! We keep it in the family :)

Then, mere hours later I peeled myself out of my brother's uber comfortable bed. Contrary to what that my have sounded like, my brother and I were not snugging. In fact, my brother gave me my first public hug at Christmas 4 years ago. And that happens once a year. He loves me, but does not feel the need to touch me. ANYWAYS, Lisa and I drove into DC, parked really far away from our "meeting" spot, and finally spotted Kate Marie and her 10 ft long legs on the corner of 7th and Independence. After Tara arrived in her baller tall pink socks we were off. And if you think I just left this 5k to pictures you'd be wrong. I definitely video-taped. Please enjoy the footage.

If you squint you can definitely see the pink banner representing the starting line. We were in the middle of the pack. That. Is. Awesome.

Just remember this as the "before".

Please watch in order ... And turn your computer sideways. Sorry.

After: Lisa threw each of us over her back and drug us home.

Those videos took far too long to upload. I can no longer think of anything clever to write. Enjoy!

1,100 Miles

2009-06-02T18:02:00.006-04:00

... in the last 4 days. Once my year as Miss New York comes to an end I won't know what to do with all my navigational energies. But, until then, I will be doing a lot of driving.

Last Thursday night I went out to Long Island to visit the sponsor for my Miss New York Preliminary Swimsuit Scholarship, Big Al's, and hung out at their gym for a bit. I felt slightly over dressed for the sweaty environment in my peep toes and summer-y dress. But, hey. You do what you gotta do. The only lame thing about my trip was it took me over 2.5 hours to get to the gym (for what would normally be a 30 minute trip) and it wasn't even rush hour! Oh, NY, how I love thee.

The next day I left bright and early for Voorheesville, NY. For some reason 'Voorheesville' had me imagining it's residents as characters from "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas", like Cindy Lou Hoo. Anyways, Voorheesville is right out side of Albany. And while their residents didn't look like all the Hoos in Hooville they were really, really fun. I gave four presentations that morning and officially brought my RJR: Right Decisions, Right Now crusade to an end. Shelby, my fabu traveling companion that met me in Voorheesville for the day, took me out to lunch to celebrate!

Though, we didn't have too long for that ... that night I judged Mr. Voorheesville! 9 high school boys were the contestants ... holy cow. I couldn't help but giggle the entire time. The money raised by the competition was going towards summer camp scholarships for the students, funding for their women's volleyball summer team camp, and SADD. The boys were hyserical. But they were also seriously talented. And gentlemen to the nth degree (is that how you write it , mom? I'm assuming no). The win went to Max Schuster who was absolutely adorable. One of the judges told me he is such a gentlemen, a favorite around the school. So, congrats! I hopped in the car and made it back to the city around 1am.

This student forgot paper so I signed his shoe ... I made him promise me that his mother wouldn't be mad ... But, I'm expecting an email any day now.

Then the adventure to the South began. Whoever thought doing construction on a Saturday, specifically on anything ending in "95", is not the brightest crayon in the box. Actually, I would assume they're downright unintelligent. Thankfully I was only a few minutes late to ... drum roll ... CARLY'S BACHELORETTE PARTY! Carly, also known as Anne Carlton Brown, was both a Pi Phi and a Virginia Belle with me. She's also got a personality larger than Texas, the most hysterical laughter, and a brain that could kick Einstein in the face. We were insta-friends. But, the eternal question is, "when did we become friends?". Belles, any suggestions? Bahahaha. The maid of honor, Ashley Gibb, orchestrated a really awesome scavenger hunt around Richmond that included advice from women about how to sustain a marriage. Then we all went Downtown to continue the festivities. I am so freakin' excited for her. I can't stand it! She gets hitched the last weekend of June.

With the bride to be!

Then I drove to Hampton early Sunday morning to give my mom and dad a quick squeeze, say hi to our pups Piper and Star, and smell the ocean. They escorted me to and from Alana's wedding ... Can I just say when she walked down the aisle people's mouths literally dropped. I know I like to sometimes over-dramatize things for some flava, but I'm being completely serious. I will include a photo. It was absolutely beautiful. The WHOLE thing! It's such an awesome thing to watch people fall in love and see how it completely uplifts them. Eww, tingly!

The blushing bride, and a whole load of Pi Phis!

After waking up on Monday morning with Piper, my little rugrat, crawling all over me and giving me kisses I loaded up my car and headed back towards the big city! I sure missed it.

These next 3 weeks as Miss New York I'm fairly busy. It's so unbelievable that it's been a year since this all began. What a glorious year!

Beauties for Boobies

2009-05-28T22:32:00.003-04:00

That's my team name for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I'm running the race in Washington, DC next Saturday with Kate Marie, Miss DC, and Tara, Miss VA. There are a few others on our team, too. And we're pumped!

Please, please support our efforts. We really want to continue making a dent right until the end of our year. Help send us out with a BANG. Here's my donation page: http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/GlobalRaceForTheCure/GlobalRace?px=5382274&pg=personal&fr_id=1140&et=SRQfCkwnedLX6h1zLiXN6Q..&s_tafId=19070

EEK! Long, I know. But unfortunately I can't get the link thing to work.

We're also holding a fundraiser on Friday night, June 5th, at Midtown (1219 Connecticut Avenue) from 8-11pm. They're matching door donations (suggested $5) and 10% of bar sales.

My Wonderfully Wild Wednesday.

2009-05-28T13:07:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I popped out of bed fairly early to take the train to the Upper East Side's prestigious Regis High School. An all boys institution responsible for inspiring the name of the one and only Regis Philbin. I was warned prior to my presentation that the 275 boys I would be speaking to are incredibly intelligent. Over 1,000 boys apply during their 8th grade year and go through a series of written and oral tests which widdle the classes down to approximately 150 students. So, I upped the ante a bit on my RJR and braces myself for the deeply intellectual questions I would be asked. And so, I will now share them with you ... (okay, maybe only the funny ones, but still ...)

Right out of the gates I was asked:

1. "So, you said 52 states competed at Miss America. If I was taught correctly there are only 50 states. Am I incorrect?" Okay, so clearly this was said with a bit of a condescension in tone.

My response: "Perhaps I should have phrased it as 50 states and 2 territories. District of Columbia and Virgin Islands are included in the Miss America competition. Now, just recently, Puerto Rico was added. " I also used the phrase, "before you get a little too big for your britches" but I can't remember where ...

2. "Is Miss Congeniality your favorite movie?"

My response: "While I appreciate the humor in the movie I would like to think of myself as more of an intellectual." (Subtext: Mean Girls is my favorite movie.)

But, in all seriousness, these guys were so respectful and incredibly attentive. I sincerely appreciated their candor.

Then I hopped over to Starbucks for a short meeting with a dear friend of a dear friend who I am going to help with getting more access into schools with her non-profit. More details to be talked about later ... but until things are in place I don't want to jinx myself!

Trained it home, quick nap, plugged in the curlers and started the beautification process for Jerry Nadler's Congressional Gala which I was invited to attend. Spoiler: by the end of this event my heart was full. I was going to wear a long beautiful blue gown but due to some water spillage I threw on a trusty Betsey Johnson cocktail dress and high-tailed it out of my apartment. As soon as I walked in I was beyond relieved that I didn't wear the gown. Everyone else was in a power-suit. Or, a black sheath. Thus I thanked God for my clumsiness.

Two minutes after my arrival I met Jack Gallagher, Lord only knows what he does, but he said he attended these events nearly every night. And for some glorious reason he took to me. After making me promise that when I finally agree to marry someone that I have to make sure he signs everything over to me. I laughed, and he did not. He was instrumental in introducing me to those I met while at the event. Jerry Nadler, who was very gracious, is a Congressman who defends our Constitution on Capitol Hill, as well as fights for the equal and civil rights of all Americans. When he spoke I wanted to cheer. The whole time. One of the notable things he said in reference to gay marriage was, "we are allowed to disagree, but not to deny." YES.

Anyways, I met Jerry Nadler, Charles Schumer, Tom DiNapoli, and as for the others, they have stories.

I once again saw Governor Paterson who this time said, "Yes, I remember you. And, I've heard a bit about you since I last saw you. Where are you from originally?" "I'm originally from Virginia." "Okay, that's right. And people have given you a bit of a hard time, no? Well if in 1998 Miss Italy was from the Dominican Republic you can surely represent the state of New York. And if anyone says anything about it, tell them I endorse you." My insides are still smiling.

Secondly, I met Bill Clinton. In his speech he said, "Finally the rest of the country is beginning to follow suit of New York City. A place where people come from everywhere, and that's what makes us great."

You guys. This is a good sign at the beginning of the end of my year. But, now I've got to get myself in gear to head off to an appearance which I will gladly blog for you later.

Interview Posted

2009-05-24T14:59:00.002-04:00

There is a site posting interviews with several of the contestants that competed in Miss America 2009. I just sent in my answers and was posted. You should check out not only my interview but several others given by my sisters in the Miss America class of 2009.

http://pageant-interviews.tripod.com/id85.html

Appreciation for Absurdity.

2009-05-23T21:31:00.007-04:00

Okay, so most people that know me know I have no shame. My roommate, Cary, and I enjoy people watching out our windows. We live at a big intersection here in NYC - hence the consta- screaming traffic cops outside our windows screaming at people.

Yesterday we saw a really good one, he yelled, I scrambled and got my camera so we could have documentation of our hysteria in the house. A physical documentation of memories if you will. Welllll, tonight I'm home alone, staring out my window leading the glamorous life of Miss NY. While I was doing so I spotted an overly zealous couple across the street making out. Since I was alone of course I needed a photo. Obviously ... ? SO, I got out my camera, zoomed on in and snapped. But I totally forgot the flash was on due to the nighttime conditions. They saw the flash and saw me in my lit up window.

Ummmmm. I'm embarrassed. I think I'm writing this like most people start laughing when they fall and start looking around for someone to laugh with them. Will you laugh with me?

PS: Last night our casserole was really good. Paul definitely helped me. The only slight problem was we "eyed" the sherry. But, all in all it was fairly fabulous. There is potential the bologna sandwiches will never exist.

Now I'm closing my window and off to hide in my bedroom before that couple comes back to egg my window.

Dinner.

2009-05-22T15:39:00.004-04:00

I know I said my next post was going to be about my out of control faces, but I've been looking at photos all day. And, I'd rather blog about this. Double and, I'm unsure as to why I'm giving an explanation (to a hypothetical questioning).

Paul (if I were talking to my mom I would have to say my Paul, in contrast to Paul Brown the Miss NY ED) has the swine flu. Kidding. But, he is feeling pretty under the weather. So tonight I'm going to make dinner and then we're going to watch Planet Earth. It's like his birthday. Or better. Because otherwise, I'm not a fan of Planet Earth, slash I refuse to watch it unless it's a party and people are talking and music is on. Refusal in the most non-bratty way possible. And we still have approximately 3/4 of The Notebook left. Anyways, last time I tried to make dinner I attempted Lisa Smith's Chicken and Broccoli casserole. In her words it is "very easy". Okay. So, I cut the recipe in half and before I even put it in the oven Paul said, "do you think that's a little watery?". Hmm. Yes, yes it was. I forgot to halve the chicken broth. My mom said I could "eye it". HA.

Round Two. Tonight. His mom's Chicken and Mushroom Casserole. The long and short of the email chain included these words ... "foolproof", "no pressure", and of course I used the words "pizza joint and speed dial" in the same sentence.

Perhaps I will redeem myself. If not I may never have children. Otherwise, they're eating bologna and cheese sandwiches for 18 years (cough, cough. Lisa Smith literally fed us those in elementary school).

I'm BAAACK.

2009-05-21T22:22:00.002-04:00

Lots and lots of stuff is going on. Let's make that verabge past, present, and future. My schedule is slammin'!

I hope you're okay if I just go back to last Tuesday the 12th and take you quickly through the happenings from then on. Neat? Good.

Last Tuesday Carbo picked me up curbside at what would be an incredibly reasonable hour in comparison to the mornings that would be approaching (reminiscent of Miss America reality show "off-days" bahahaha). We shot off to St Therese of Lisieux in Brooklyn so I could do an RJR presentation. When we pulled up to the school two boys were waiting outside to escort me in. I was automatically sold. This group of students was super attentive, but even cooler, I got a performance of a song they had been preparing to present at a Memorial Day event. Not included in this blog, but in the next, I will complete a slideshow of absurd faces I make while speaking. Whenever someone takes photos of me during my presentations I look like a circus freak. Now I get why my 11th grade AP English teacher told me he was thoroughly entertained while sitting across from me in a classroom setting.

After my gig in Brooklyn I went to LaGuardia and headed off to Atlanta to see Faith. Oh. And the Miss NY dentist sponsor. That was my last blog. If you want to see how that went please see below. Important sidenote regardless if you read the blog below ... I will not be put back into headgear. And for that, I am beyond grateful. PS: Faith and her family are out of control. So much fun to be around. And so is the food.

My flight track record as Miss New York is extremely poor. And Thursday only strengthened this assertion. After a tricky game of "is she going to make it? NO!", "is she going to make it? BARELY!", and "is she going to make it? YES!" about 5x over I did indeed make it back just in time to head off to prison.

Before Miss America I went to Arthur Kill Prison on Staten Island and met with an all male HIV-Support group, as well as a couple of prisoners who were in the alternative lifestyle support group, and just talked. It's certainly right at the top of my all-time favorite gigs. Every year the prison has a Volunteer Recognition Dinner, and this year they asked me to be their keynote speaker. Jim Smith, the ED of Miss Staten Island, who lovingly refers to me as "cuz", is a counselor at the prison. In the middle of the awards presentation I heard a strained "Leigh-Taylor!" with a waving arm and an open door. Jim was calling me over to see someone ... It was one of the HIV prisoners! I trekked through the grass in my heels and through the fence gave him a fist pound and asked how he was. He had been in the hospital, but he said that ended up being convenient because he got to watch me at Miss America. He told me he was so proud and said that he could tell when he first met me that my inner beauty, my heart, was the most attractive thing about me. Wow. That is why I am Miss New York. Those raw moments. I have the tingles just thinking about it! It was special to be able to share that evening with Paul and Linda both.

FF to Sunday and I headed up to Watertown where I stayed with former Miss NY Jessica Lynch Renzi and her whole crew. Including two swoon-worthy little boys; Eugene and Timmy. A-DORABLE. After some dishing I headed off to bed so I could be at my first school on Monday morning at 7:30 am!

I would tell you about all the schools and tv spot but let me just give you some numbers. I went to 7 schools. One tv spot. 36 hours. Insanity. But awesome! Thank you to my host Nancy who took me out and about every day! Taking pictures, showing me around all of Watertown (and Sackets Harbor!! gor-geous), fetching children, and grabbing my cough drops during my final coughing fit!

And thank goodness for beautiful weather on my drive home. Windows down, baller music, and an iced coffee. Perfection.

Finally, today I went to a preschool in Newark to read to a group of students. I had such a blast. The teachers told me to keep my crown in my box until the end of my time there and then we could all take a look at it. So, I told them if they paid close attention to the readings they could look at the surprise in my box. Umm. Bad move. When I got it out they were BUMMED. They thought it was candy. Remember how I was talking about the constant humbling moments? Case and point people.

I mean honestly, could they be any cuter?

Until next time ...

From the Dentist's Chair in Atlanta

2009-05-13T10:01:00.003-04:00

I'm seriously sitting in the dentist chair in Atlanta at the Miss NY teeth beautifying sponsor. They're checking on the process of my Invisalign-ing teeth. If you haven't heard of Invisalign please let me explain. They are like clear retainers and you get mulitple sets of them for each phase in movement of your pearly whites. If you've ever had braces (Kate Marie!! Steve gets his off in mere days! Just a reminder ...) it is like having them tightened every ten days or so (or however often you change your sets). So what I'm saying is ... I have a high tolerance for pain and for this, that was a good thing.

Anyhow, onto super exciting things. I know my blog has pseudo- turned into a gay rights haven (and don't get me wrong, I'm super down with that but it may be overkill at a point). BUT come on people, the NY State Assembly has passed the bill that will legalize gay marriage in NY State! Now onto Senate the bill goes ... Keep your fingers crossed that it passes through them, and if so we know Governor Paterson will sign it since he's the one that initially introduced it!!

I <3 NY!

Okay, I should get off of here. Apparently my teeth are too crowded. I need more help. Did I mention I had braces? Twice. And rubber bands. And headgear (with a denim band. So stylish).

Super News!

2009-05-11T17:46:00.004-04:00

Roxana Saberi, a former Miss North Dakota and Top 10-er at Miss America (ironically, the year Kate Shindle won), has been released from an Iranian prison today. At the end of January Roxana was initially detained after an accusation of purchasing a bottle of wine, as well as working as a journalist without proper press credentials. She was then brought up on espionage charges. After the trial she was sentenced to 8 years in prison. As most probably know, there was an international human rights uproar. After a successful appeal Roxana's sentence has been knocked down to a "two year jail term suspended for five years" according to IRNA, Iran's state run news agency.

She will soon be back stateside. Roxana we all echo the sentiments of Hillary Clinton, we are so very happy for you and your family. Welcome home, Roxana!

Shout Out

2009-05-07T08:57:00.004-04:00

My mom sent me an enthusiastic text on Saturday night, and this is what it said (truly word for word, typo for typo): "Go to www.outcomebuffalo.com. The gays are appreciating your support and they have your blog out for everyone toread." I. love. her.

So, go here to read what they had to say about me. This site is awesome for all kinds of news, I've already stacked it into my bookmarks. And no, not because I go to read this article over and over, but because they tell us important things that are happening on the national, statewide, and local scenes. Such as Maine just passing the Gay Marriage Bill, being the 5th state to do so! (Insert cheering here)

For the record Buffalo Gay newspaper people, I'm totally down with you and your work, too. The gays and the straights alike. Just like Tiny Tim said in "A Christmas Carol" (I was a theater major, and avid youth group-er, cut me some slack ...) "God Bless us Every One".

PS: How my mother found this, I have no idea. I asked her and she simply evaded the questioning. Oh dear, Lisa and modern technology. (She just got a blackberry. I cannot lie.)

I wasn't going to, but ...

2009-05-06T22:48:00.002-04:00

This issue has continued to find it's way into mainstream media and I have finally decided to respond. Wait, let me back track, I'm referring to Miss CA USA and her opinions on gay marriage and beyond.

My first comment to all of those so quick to judge her, is that unless you are in the position you have no idea what it feels like to answer a random question on live television in front of millions of people ... that are judging you. While I don't think she actually answered Perez Hilton's question (as he wasn't calling for her personal opinion on gay marriage itself), and I think it could have been stated more eloquently, the girl stood up for what she believed in. While many of us may not agree with her stance on "opposite marriage" (?) we have to give the girl some credit on a couple of different levels. Obviously she knew Perez Hilton wouldn' t agree with her answer, nor would many in the audience (think of how many gay men are instrumental in pageantry), she still stated exactly what she believed in. And for that, I respect her. Just as I hope people would respect my stance. Secondly, she knew that answer could potentially lose her the crown. Something she had worked incredibly hard for, and she still stuck to her guns. Thus, I have to give an extreme amount of credit to her character.

ANNNDDD, while she has been riding out her 15 minutes of fame for a litttle too long. She may be smarter than we think. I mean, isn't one of the reasons people compete is to network, and become recognizable? Everyone knows about Carrie Prejean. I was out this weekend and a friend from college walked up to me and said, "hey! I know you compete, what is your opinion on this?".

But, moving on to the newest issue in relation to Miss Carrie Prejean. Breast implants. Okay people. Honestly? You're going to chastise her for admitting that the Miss CA USA organization paid for her breast augmentation surgery? Miss USA is a beauty contest, yes. But, just like the 347, 254 other women that had breast augmentation in 2007 , Carrie has said that she thought long and hard about the surgery and decided it was a good option for her. Women in and out of pageantry have plastic surgery in order to feel more comfortable with their bodies. For personal reasons. She was not the only girl (nor will she be the last) standing on that Miss USA stage with breast implants and before people get all high and mighty, there were gals on the Miss America stage with breast implants, too. But who cares?! Why is that any of our business?

I know as titleholders we put ourselves out into the public eye. But, why does that mean we have to judge her? She's obviously passionate about what she believes in. And shouldn't we all be? Perhaps if there were more of us that support gay marriage directing our passion towards something constructive like lobbying state legislators, instead of bashing Miss CA USA we could get some things done.

Focus your energies people. Stop flapping your lips, spewing out negativity, and start to ooze optimism through your actions. Please?

Pig Flu

2009-05-01T22:57:00.002-04:00

No longer denoted the "Swine Flu" by the Obama administration, rather H1N1. Either way, here in NY I've seen people bouncing around the subways with hospital facemasks on. We all know the media has hyped this an extraordinary amount. But, to be safe, go to the following website if you're curious about the symptoms. Or, if you're concerned you have it. Or, just because I'm suggesting it.

www.doihaveswineflu.org

Hope you're all in the clear!

Night, y'all.

"Are you a dresser?"

2009-05-01T13:52:00.011-04:00

Sometimes my life makes me giggle. Upon reflection, mostly. Yesterday I planned my day around the "no hot water from 9-12" letter we had stuffed underneath our door the night prior. So, when I got home from the gym I had given them some cushion time to turn the hot water back on. I bet you can tell where this is going. Bird bath + poor shaving job attributed partially to goosebumps + shampooing head under the faucet = me on my way to participate in a fashion show with real models. My life is so glamorous (insert loud obnoxious laugh here).

Linda Carbo chaperoned me to the event. She does curbside pick-up. I've been so spoiled by her. (When I won Miss NY Paul and she came up to take a photo with me and she said, "meet your new mom and dad for the year." SO true ... and it's been such a blessing).

Anyways, she got a little fidgety and noticed they needed some help around there. Next thing I know Carbo is up and stuffing 150 gift bags. They herded us up to run through the show. We all grabbed our shoes, and as I was stuffing my foot into my shoe one of the models came up to me and said, "excuse me, are you a dresser? can you help me find my shoes?". SCREEEEECH. Wow. Apparently I looked really out of place. I don't blame her though. I was approximately 4 feet shorter than every other model there.

Then we were off to hair and makeup and this was the scene:

These people were for real! Orchestrating people to and fro in such an organized manner. Headsets and all!

After a little hurry up and wait action, we grabbed our gear and hit the red carpet. Never did I think while eating rolls of cookie dough in a scene set in the Pi Phi living room by strewn about papers, laptops, and paints - gaggling at America's Next Top Model, that I would one day be hanging out with two on the read carpet. They're both on my left. (Umm, and obviously I wasn't joking about being so much shorter than everyone ... the proof is right below)

After the red carpet we trucked backstage and changed into our gowns for the show ... I got to wear a gorgeous black Catherine Malandrino. If we didn't have to take them off immediately so they could be included in the auction I would have most likely run as fast as I could off the stage and out the door.

Backstage with Tim ...

Christian Siriano, a previous winner of Project Runway, kicked off the show with a creation he put on a model, designed by a St. Judes patient. It was gorgeous. The whole bit of it. And, then it was our turn. I must say, I was pretty nervous with going out there. I knew where Naomi Watts was sitting. Where Shannon Doherty was sitting. Yada, yada, yada. AND, Carrie Bradshaw was repeatedly falling in my head. But, off I went.

The show went very smoothly. And, the best part? No falls! Oh, and on that note, sorry for the video post with quite a few nasty expletives. I didn't realize it was riddled with all of that "trash" as Lisa would call it.

Anyhow, after the show I headed back out to boogie/hang with the boys. Scott, Tim, and Jason were all there. (If you're Tim's teacher ... this is where he was when he was skipping his first class with you) I gave a bit of a fist pump for success.

Many, many thanks to Scott for asking me to participate in this amazing event. St Judes does some truly incredible things, and I am so happy I could be involved with Design Cares 2009. Perhaps next year I will be the one sitting by the runway verbally harrassing the models (cough, cough, Scott).

PS: My brother saw a picture of me with my makeup done and this was his literal response (thank God for automatically saved g-chats):

Bryan: you look scaryoh, yeah. kind of creepy.

was this a halloween theme?

Umm, no, it wasn't Halloween ... actually inspired by the looks of the 20's. This is one of the many reasons why my feet will always remain on the ground.

Today is the Day!

2009-04-30T11:20:00.003-04:00

Most of you have probably seen my previous post about the St. Judes Fashion show I'm going to be in tonight ... But I don't know if most of you have seen what I've been nightmaring (I know it's not technically a verb, or word at all, but work with me people) about this week. Please click (or copy and paste into your browser) this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqYGoQsLPWg to see the inner workings of my functioning, yet sleeping brain.

Please, please shoot a prayer up for me so I don't face-plant like that. My legs are already jello from Bikram .... I'm going to have to do some serious stretching to get myself back into the game.

But, nevertheless, I'm super excited!

Check in tomorrow to see how everything falls into place. I mean, goes.

Workshop Weekend

2009-04-29T17:06:00.009-04:00

Last Friday I got up at the crack of dawn, put on my face (game face that is), and headed out to Long Island to do a couple of RJR presentations. The students were really responsive, well-behaved, and eager. Which was awesome. Well, awesome other than when I got a nose-bleed in between my second and third class and the kids followed me out into the hall and to the bathroom still asking for autographs. Eww. I don't care if Santa Claus is in the hall, I'm not getting NEAR his nose-bleed.

Anyhow, after the success of the presentations I made my way back into the city and packed my leopard carry on full of various half-outfits, shoes, and cocktail dresses. After an intensely sweaty struggle down the four flights of stairs and several block walk I made it into my air-conditioned zipcar and prepared myself for the drive to Albany. Scooting down into my seat I was amped to be able to drive with the windows down, music loud, and iced coffee in hand. Unfortunately, it ended up taking 5 hours to get there and not 2 hours and 45 minutes. Fortunately the Miss NY Board of Directors was there and ready to meet me with hilarious open arms. They are ree.donk.u.lous. Don't believe me? See below.

Note that the ED is shooting me in the head. I'm only slightly concerned, Erin.

Late night, early morning, quick trip to the gym ... and voila! Workshop began. The girls filmed their up close and personals for the Miss NY video. Last year I divulged my secret obsession with mayonnaise. I think I also said I had scared off a couple of first-dates that way. I don't know how accurate that was ... I'm sure they were frightened on more levels than just that one. This year I didn't let loose any secrets as such, but I did drop some gems in there. That evening we had a formal reception which the Mayor came to, he's pretty hysterical and the girls loved him.

The evening came to a close and a twilight zone lingered on the other end for Linda Carbo and me.

As the contestants got up and headed to talent previews I definitely went to a bowling alley to participate in a live interview during a bowling tournament. Apparently every Sunday morning 10,000 people in Albany watch this bowling show. Who woulda thunk?! Anyhow, we've got a winner for the most awkward moment of my year ... and here she goes ...

Interviewer (a former PBA member): His shots seem to continue to become more erotic.

Silence.

ME: Do you mean erratic?

Interviewer: Yes! Yes! Oh my gosh, it gets 10 times hotter when Miss NY joins the bowling show!

cricket. cricket. cricket. (As a harnessed snicker reverberates in my head.)

After that I headed back to the theater and listened to Kate talk about interview. Talk about a throw-back. I joined her on stage for a bit and I found myself tearing up a bit. It was weird. Since I don't cry and all. (I think my mom used to think I was somewhat heartless as a teenager). But I felt as if I had time-warped to last year, looking at each of those girls realizing one would soon take my job. The excitement, nervosity, and enthusiasm on their end is unparalleled. I started to become retrospective and consider if I had done what I had wanted with my year; for the Miss NY Organization, as a representation of my state (all of you haters out there, my state = New York), and as a blueprint of who my family and friends have encouraged me to become, and most importantly for those I promised, through my platform, to push towards progress.

Then I got to speak to the girls about my job and the reality show. I wanted to make it crystal clear that this is a job. An honest to goodness difficult job. Not that just requires a smile and a sharpie but literally requires blood, sweat, and tears (and paperwork. lots of it.). I went on for a while and Kate finally said, "hey! tell them about some of the fun things you've done." I don't think I came off too negative, but I think it's incredibly important to understand the role you will undertake for a year.

And in that disposition I hopped into my car and zipped back to the city, following the bright lights home.

PS: I'm sure you wanted to know about the girls competing. Here's the deal, all 22 are capable of taking my job over. The decision will lie in the hands of 5 strangers at the end of the stage. They're ready to work hard for this goal over the next 2 months ... June 28th we'll see who takes the cake! (Sike, I'll be the one eating the cake. They'll be denying it for another year! muhahaha)

Return to Normalcy.

2009-04-27T15:26:00.005-04:00

My mom sent up a package last week with a dress she repaired for me, and of course, guess what else was in the box? Articles! (Between you and me, I think she's fairly excited that I actually take a gander at all of these ripped out pages of magazines ... much less post some cool finds on here, so humor us!)

This batch was really good. I wish I could sit on some of these neat things for a drought, but I can't. I just can't run the risk of them a) running out or b) being discontinued before I find the time/remember to post. So, enjoy!

1. I'm a sucker for earrings. Scratch that. I'm a sucker for all jewels. Particularly the sparkly stuff. (Another thing I inherited from my mother, it wasn't just her face!) So, when I saw these studs I got really excited. See, there is a fine line between faux and Chinatown. Obviously there is nothing wrong with Chinatown - every single pashmina I own (minus the one Bryan bought for me in India) originally hailed from Chinatown. But with the jewelry you run the risk of turning green in two wears. So I'm fairly stoked that Kate Spade has whipped out some faux sparklers, and in all kinds of colors nonetheless! Not to mention the neat price tag at $45.

Bahh! In the words of Chip Brown, they're FAAAABULOUS!

2. I've always loved the black and white silhouette cut-outs of children. I think they're so elegant, but can also be super rad if done in bright colors. Anyhow, I really want one. Of something. Maybe even Piper. Technically she's my child even though I pawned her off on Mike and Lisa upon arrival in the Big Apple. Either way, take a look. Here's the website, too.

That's a teeny pair of scissors, fo' sho!

3. Lastly, my mother also gave me the love of makeup.

Quick side story: My mother uses a certain makeup product on a daily basis (she would shoot me if i divulged specifics, but, let's just say that she is making me go to the funeral home to make sure they use it as well before putting her in the ground. if only I were kidding) . But, her favorite kind is extremely specific. The company stopped carrying them so she wrote them and days later she had a box full of the discontinued item at our doorstep.

Anyhow, makeup can be expensive, but there are some drugstore brands that are awesome. According to Kristofer Buckle a professional makeup artist, these are the top 10 buys:

a. Johnson & Johnson Lavender Baby Oil, $5 (for a fresh, summery glow!)
b. Maybelline NY Colossal Volum' Express Mascara, $8
c. Max Factor Color Genius Mineral Bronzer in Sun Kissed, $9 ("Not heavily pigmented, so you can really layer it on without turning the color of a penny.") Needed/I recommend to college aged girls nationwide.
d. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Lip Gloss in Dulce de Leche, $11 (goes with all skin tones)
e. Dove Deep Moisture Foaming Cloths, $7
f. New York Color Cheek Blush in Riverside Rose, $2
g. Max Factor Lipfinity 3D in Midori Glam, $9
h. Cover Girl Eye Enhancers kit in Shimmering Onyx, $4 (think: hot, not-harsh, smoky eye)
i. Alcon Naphcon A Eye Drops, $9 ("They make you feel like you've slept hours, even when you haven't.")
j. L'Oreal Paris True Match Blendable Makeup, $11
k. Burt's Beeswax Lip Balm, $3

I already know which ones I want. And I'm going to buy them today even though I will be unemployed in one week. But, hey! I still have a job now, don't I?

Now that was a blog I felt comfortable writing. :)

Another Victory! Though, not mine ...

2009-04-27T00:27:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I don't blog much about things completely outside my realm of understanding often, slash ever, but here I go ... partially because I promised a new blog to a "hunk" (according to the Miss NY BOD, though I wouldn't cry the contrary) currently overseas.

This weekend was a great weekend. I went to the Miss NY workshop in Albany to watch the 22 gals competing for my job (eek, only two months left!) meet, greet, and get down to business. All the while I was nose-bleeding and going on the news in Albany for a bowling tournament. Talk about now knowing what was going on.

But, while I was there two big things were going on.

#1. Foxfield in Charlottesville, VA. Probably the most absurd horse-race ever. Think: hot, port-a-potties, lots of pastel sundresses and bow ties, girls hand-cuffed in the back of large police vans, over-served college students and a ton of alum.

I missed you guys a lot. But next year ... I'm there. Charmin to-go roll in hand. And I know where Paul will be when I'm there ...

#2. Little 500. See, I don't know much about midwest collegiate tradition but I'm learning. Slowly but surely. Paul rode in this bike race for the last two years and his team, the Cutters, were victorious both years. If it weren't so late I would do some research to verify exactly what I'm dishing out, but I'm assuming no one will really call me out if I'm wrong, and I really have tried to listen to all of the historically ground-breaking things the Cutters have achieved. But, in totality, all I know is they're fairly ridiculous and beat lots of frats to win this race. So Paul, en route to Sweden, stopped in Indiana to watch his sister Sarah ride in the women's race on Friday (who was apparently pretty baller) and to watch most of the men's race on Saturday.

Anyways, the Cutters won the Little 5 for the third year in a row. A freaking out Paul called me from JFK pre- flight to gay Paris speaking in a higher tone than Kate Shindle can sing. And that says a lot.

I'm going to leave it to this newspaper article to give you the particulars. But I was really excited for them. Even though I have no idea what any of this actually means, other than AWESOME.

Ok. Night, y'all. I'll give you the insight on what I actually participated in this weekend tomorrow. But, a promise is a promise.

Sidenote: The women's race went to Pi Phi. Again, obviously I have nothing to do with this other than the fact that I have some super-serious athletic sisters (thank God I didn't get coerced into doing something like this at UVa, I would have been a debacle).

Platform Victory. VICTORY!

2009-04-23T10:59:00.003-04:00

Okay, so, people have asked me if I was super bummed out about being so close to becoming Miss America but not taking it home. My response, even that evening, was no, not really. I believe there are a lot of pros and cons about becoming Miss America. But before you say, well why did you go then? Don't get me wrong, by the time I got to Miss America I wanted it really badly. But, I was scared too. I obviously have strong opinions and I certainly know what I want and what I expect of people. I also know the power and responsibility that comes with the job if utilized properly. But I wanted it so badly for one reason. My platform.

This past September 11th I, along with about 60 other youth, met with Usher to discuss what our societal goals were for community service/volunteerism. After that, we attended the discussion with Senator Obama and Senator McCain focusing on service efforts here in our country. The next day, I attended the Service Nation Summit - speakers included Hillary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jon Bon Jovi, and Ted Kennedy. I also spoke alongside several other youth reading the Declaration of Youth Service - I stated, just as Martin Luther King Jr. did, that anyone can be great because anyone can serve. (my platform in it's sheer entirety right there ladies and gentlemen). I also spoke that night at the reception. It was an exhilarating couple of days. The growing excitement of the election loomed and we we were all encouraged by the two Senators views on service and how it would be implemented when one stepped into office.

Please FF to Tuesday April 22. A victorious day for me, and for our country. Our President signed the Service Act. (!!!!!!!) Here is a brief summary:

Among other things, the Serve America Act increases national service positions from 75,000 to 250,000, and creates targeted service corps to address issues related to education, health, poverty, veterans, and clean energy; creates incentives and programs to boost community and faith-based volunteering by Americans of all ages; and establishes a “Social Innovation Fund” to seed the best ideas and strategies for solving chronic societal problems (a detailed summary can be found at http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/09_0331_recovery_summary.pdf).)

To make the day even better, I was invited to be a part of New York Cares kick-off for their campaign 50,000 for NYC. When I arrived I was introduced to the other speakers. One in particular grabbed my attention. Valerie is a senior in high school and has been a New York Cares volunteer for three years. She has done some really amazing things. But the most notable thing she said was "I go to school, I work a part time job, and I still find time to volunteer. If I can, you can too." It's true. Doesn't it seems like we always just want some "down time"? Put your down time to some good and change the landscape of your community.

I congratulated each of the 250 volunteers at the orientation for taking the initiative to be there, and on being the first 250 of the 50,000 volunteers that NYCares will mobilize this year. If you live in New York and aren't a member of NYCares, you should be. Sign up! It's easy and the orientations are painless. If you're already a member, kudos to you! (I said something similar on my Video Blog for their website, I can't wait to see how awkward I look!)

This was a HUGE day for me. As un-well as I felt my spirits were lifted and my hopes super high for our country. We can do big things, people. Because it's the small actions that matter.

So, Tuesday night I cracked open a Red Bull and "cheers-ed" our nation, our state, and our city. And thanked God that I was still Miss New York.

PS: I also interviewed with NBC Mobile on Tuesday. Did someone say Miss CA USA? Gay marriage rights? Roxana Saberi? I did. But, only after I did a celebratory dance for President Obama and the pen in his hand.

Oops ... I Did It Again.

2009-04-22T15:42:00.009-04:00

I think I kind of fell off the train, but only briefly. Promise. See, I've been feeling pretty under the weather lately and continuous nose bleeds make it difficult to type. Eww. Gross. BUT! Alas, Tim Morehouse, ever the genius, pointed out that red things and I go hand in hand (mano y mano ... name that movie). Nose bleeds, red wine, Red Bull, and the Hampton Crabbers.

Monday night was neat. I traipsed through the rain, boarded the M15 (I took the bus!! sidenote: I don't take the bus a lot. not because I don't like it or the people, but I hate having to figure out how the metrocard goes in the payment slot. I ALWAYS MESS IT UP. then I get embarrassed.) and headed to Gracie Mansion. Like, Gracie Mansion the Mayor of NYC's house. Though, he is only the second Mayor to not live there during his political tenure, it's still technically his home. Anyways, they were honoring the Public Art placed in Public schools around NYC. As a creative arts major I understand how important it is to surround ourselves, and particularly our future generations with art. It was so nice to be able to mingle and meet those that created the art, and those that have welcomed it into their schools - seeing the impact it has had on their students universally.

Immediately after the Mayor spoke I was rushed to a side hall and was able to meet him! Okay, so it was for approximately 58 seconds. This is how it played out: He said " Miss New York? You're famous!", I replied, "no sir, not as famous as you!" his response: "I'm old, just wait, you'll be more famous. Promise.".

Mayor Bloomberg promised I was going to be more famous than he. I hope I also assume some of his wealth as I shoot to ungodly amounts of fame. Until then, I'll keep twiddling my thumbs/busting my ass and hoping for the best.

After Gracie Mansion we shuttled off (in torrential downpours, just to reiterate) to Symphony Space to watch (and have a minor, yet thrilling role) in Mr. Broadway! Ok y'all. Absurd. Completely absurd in the GREATEST way imaginable. Think a theater full of gay men, a handful of theater buffs, Tovah Feldsuh as the Mistress of Cermonies, judges: Ana Gasteyer (SNL Wicked), Beth Leavel (Drowsy Chaperone, Young Frankenstein), Charles Busch (The Allergist's Wife, The Third Story), and Seth Rudetsky (Rhapsody in Seth, Chatterbox, The Ritz). So, essentially this place was LOADED.

They competed in swimsuit, talent, and evening wear (suits) with an onstage question. Obviously their talents were amazing. AND THEIR SWIMSUIT BODIES. Please, words cannot explain. Only pictures. Please see below.

It's true! And they didn't even use makeup artistry for those abs. (I saw them backstage ;)

After all was said and done Mr. Hair won the title of Mr. Broadway. The title really was well-deserved. Here is a sound byte from his on-stage question: How do you feel/respond to the criticism of all of the nudity in Hair? " ... (somewhat paraphrased, but honestly ... it was this good!) "Why are people so worried about nudity on stage? Shouldn't we be more worried about war and guns onstage?". Yes, yes we should. And that is why this occurred:

Then I schlepped home through the pouring rain, crown in tow. 'Twas an eve for the books, that is fo' sho!

Miss USA #2

2009-04-19T22:49:00.003-04:00

Okay, so to be frank - we were pretty awesome at the predictions.

But, I need time to process the sequence of events, and the results. I may not even write about it. I will just include some photos from our little soiree at Melanie's. The company was the highlight, fo' sho!

On a similar note to where I will be taking my next blog post (if I do post about the pageant, still not sure if I feel comfortable) ...

I know this is a bit overdue but ... three cheers for Governor Patterson introducing legislation in support of gay marriage. I have had the opportunity to meet with the Governor twice. The first time was when he spoke at the National Press Club in Washington,DC about the status of our economy in July. Genius. Two months later, we all needed a sneak peek to that conference. The second time I spoke with him was when I was invited to attend the State of the State Address in Albany.

I am proud that he supports what I hope to be the essence of our country, outlined and maintained by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ratified by the UN in 1948.

The first section of the Preamble simply stating:

"Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world..."

Jamming out with the Governor at the National Press Club.

Miss USA

2009-04-19T15:19:00.003-04:00

Tonight Miss USA comes to us live from Vegas. Sounds familiar, eh?

Well, a few of the ladies competing for Miss New York and I will be shacking up and watching the live telecast. We'll try and slip our predictions on here as the night grows old ... let's see how accurate we are on the OTHER side of things.

I know I'm less than awesome. Hope they can carry some dead -weight.

xo

Answer to your Questions about St. Jude re Donations!

2009-04-19T14:48:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to you, as a Model of Hope, in hopes of securing your support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As a Model of Hope, I will be participating in DESIGN CARES 2009, a benefit fashion event that will take place on April 30, 2009 at The Armory, Lexington Avenue at 26th Street, NYC, by walking the runway.

How you can help?

* You can sponsor my runway walk at an amount of your choosing. Simply go to www.stjude.org/designcares and on the ticket purchase page use the "additional gift" space and note my name in the "referred by" space OR make a check out to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with my name noted.

* You can purchase tickets to attend the fashion show at www.stjude.org/designcares On the ticket purchase page note my name in the "referred by" space.

A little bit about Design Cares:

DESIGN CARES was launched in 2007 as a way for the fashion and design industry to come together in support of the fight against childhood cancer and other catastrophic childhood illnesses. The event raised over $500,000 in two years and our goal is to match that amount in 2009. DESIGN CARES 2009 is a collaborative effort of many designers and with the added support of models, stylists, and celebrities, it truly is a Kaleidoscope of fashion industry professionals coming together to keep the dreams alive for children with cancer.

DESIGN CARES will feature one-of-a-kind couture evening gowns from the world’s leading designers:

DESIGNERS: Adrienne Landau ● Alberto Ferretti ● Angel Sanchez ● B. Michael ● Badgley Mischka ● Carlos Alberto ● Carolina Herrera ● Catherine Malandrino ● Chado Ralph Rucci ● Christian Cota ● Christian Siriano ● David Meister ● Diane von Furstenberg ● Domenico Vacco ● Edwin D’Angelo ● Gucci ● J. Gerard ● J. Mendel ● John Galliano ● JonValdi Couture ● Karl Lagerfeld ● Luca Luca ● Maggie Norris Couture ● Marc Jacobs Collection ● Matthew Williamson ● Michael Kors ● Narcisco Rodriguez ● Neil Bieff ● Nicole Miller ● Reem Acra ● Valentino ● Vera Wang ● Versace ● Yigal Azrouel ● Zuhair Murad and others.

Guests also enjoy music, dancing, a dance performance, restaurant tastings, cocktails, and dazzling goodie bags. VIP guests also have seating for the fashion show and access to the VIP gifting suites. Please come out and support my walk down the runway in one of these amazing gowns!

A little info about St. Jude:

When St. Jude first opened in 1962, only 4 percent of the children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, lived to see adulthood. Today, thanks to the research done at St. Jude, the long-term survival rate for ALL has reached 94 percent. What a wonderful gift of hope that represents to children around the world! Hope for long lives filled with love, laughter, friends, family and opportunity. Hope that was simply not there 45 years ago.

Our patients and their families come to us during the darkest hours of their lives expecting the very worst. But time and time again, parents have described the feeling of hope they experience when they walk through the doors at St. Jude. No family is ever asked to pay for treatment at St. Jude and no child is ever turned away because of an inability to pay - thanks to the generosity of people like you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 212-239-3239. They can also take your ticket order or donation over the phone - don't forget to mention your "Model of Hope".

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Leigh-Taylor Smith

The Blog Scavenger

2009-04-17T19:56:00.001-04:00

Ok. I cannot help but pass this site along.

www.edatingdiaries.wordpress.com

Hysterics. This girl is for real. Check it out!

Wednesday's Festivities!

2009-04-17T11:37:00.001-04:00

This past Wednesday I went to the Sacred Heart school on the UES (Upper East Side for all of you non-New Yorkers) to give a couple of my RJR presentations. Do you remember when I wrote about how I was a little timid about giving the Cum Laude speech at Hampton Roads Academy a couple of weeks ago? Well, this was an all girls school that Gossip Girl must base some of their characters/school off of. If anything can revert me to feeling like an awkward, slightly insecure 14 year old this is it. Times 10.

But, insecurities aside I gave my first presentation and these girls were AH-MAZING. I always open up to questions following the presentation, encouraging an open dialogue about smoking, underage drinking, and drug abuse. Often times I get a few questions about smoking and drinking but then they usually start to head to me about my year as Miss New York. The girls at this school were so open with me about their personal conflicts, situations with friends, etc. This was one of the first times I felt like I was really making an impact - as a peer, as a mentor. Sweet success.

Then later that evening I met up with Tim Morehouse, Olympic Silver Medalist Fencer. Or, something like that. More like friend, now. And we walked the red carpet at the Conde Nast "Hot List" party. I always love to go play with Tim (who encourages me whole-heartedly to attend birthday soirees for Olympians in the midst of near death illness - check out his facebook pic, those are my glasses that I wore out. Yeah, that bad). Whoa! Run-on. And I'm not even going to apologize.

Scott Buccheit, Kryptonyte Juice, LT, and Tim.

Anyhow, we met up with Scott Buccheit who always makes me giggle ... and Katrina Bowden from 30 Rock was there ... and Kat DeLuna ... and Melissa Haro SI Swimsuit Model ... Wah wah wee wah. The name-dropping continues and is beginning to make me cringe.

Truthfully, it's nice to just be able to kick back and relax with friends. And that is why this whole "networking" deal as Miss New York is awesome. Not necessarily the career advantages (hey! don't get me wrong, I like those, too) ... but the really neat friends I've made this year. I hope you have a single tear streaming down your face for me. Because that got really emo.

Oh My! You have a lot to catch up on ...

2009-04-16T14:27:00.021-04:00

Sorry for being a lazy nugget but my days have been quite packed! There's so much to tell you that I'm feeling slightly intimidated by the upcoming length of this blog post. In an effort to alleviate that anxiety and to give your eyes a break I'm going to split these up into seemingly shorter segments. With me? Neat.

Friday morning Paul, the zip (zipcar - my rad car sponsor as Miss New York!), and I loaded up and made the journey down South. Somehow I had been convinced to rent the BMW 5 series. I mean, obviously (?). As we pulled out from in front of my apartment building and squeezed by a truck, hit the sideview mirror on the back of the truck and began our journey we had only gray skies ahead. (I'm also not joking about hitting the side view mirror, fortunately there was no physical damage).

Anyhow, after hours looking at either nothing or this:

we finally made it to Hampton, VA to enjoy Easter weekend with the family. We played on Friday night as a fam - and then Saturday we headed to Colonial Williamsburg. When younger my grandparents would always get us seasons passes to Busch Gardens/Water Country for Christmas - but of course, as a compromise, my mom would take us on in depth explorations of Colonial Williamsburg at it's finest. From Bruton Parish, to the Wythe Candy Store (my favorite, obviously) this is where I honed my adoration for history. And for Felicity, the red-headed American Girl doll. But that's another blog entry in itself. Despite the rainy weather we enjoyed ourselves.

We weren't really locked up, if you were concerned.

After trekking through Colonial Williamsburg we played at the outlets. And then ate dinner at our beach house. Lisa coooked up some delicious treats - fried chicken, homemade mac and cheese, "backyard beans", and rolls. But, the best part was the ending. Please See Below.

And if that wasn't the icing on top (yes, pun intended), the whole fam gathered 'round for an intense game of Cranium. I have some insanely hilarious videos for you to watch below. You may not be in stitches like us, but hopefully you'll at least get a little giggle out of the sheer absurdity of it all. We're a competitive bunch but we actually made it through the game without any yelling, thrown fists, or tears. All in all, it was a success with the win going to Mike and Lisa. The 'rents.

He was humming "It's a Small World". Not joking.

Laura. Waterbed.

The next morning Jesus resurrected, LT was allowed to drink Starbucks again, and the family packed it up and went to Hampton Baptist Church. Assumedly my 23rd Easter there. I always love seeing the warm and familiar faces of those that I grew up with. What a blessing each of them is and has been in my life.

After a delicious, delicious Easter dinner we hit the road back to NYC. I think if people put a camera in our car they would think we were weird. But, obviously that has never stopped me. Thank goodness for an Easter basket full of chocolate goo-filled items.

Speaking of goo ... I'm YOUR goo.

What I'm Doing Tomorrow. By Picture.

2009-04-09T11:49:00.005-04:00

Or, er, graffiti. My brother Bryan married one of the coolest chicks in town. Super smart (most likely smarter than my brother and I combined), hysterical, kind-hearted, beautiful, AND she likes to play with me, too! But what most don't know about her is she is a STELLAR facebook graffiti artist.

Laura drew this picture on my Facebook wall in sheer anticipation of our arrival into Hampton, VA tomorrow.

She signed Bryan's name, too. But I'm fairly confident she should take all of the credit for this one.

Second Times a Charm?

2009-04-09T00:02:00.002-04:00

Ok guys. Here we go. I've been promised that I will not ... WILL NOT, get bumped from this one. If I do, I'm going to egg someone's brownstone or something. (Kidding, people, kidding. I've never done that before.)

Here's what I'm talking about --------->

I'm one of the Models of Hope for this slammin' cause. As most of you know I'm fairly obsessed with children but I also have a personal tie to this cause. One of my good friends was diagnosed with cancer our junior year of high school. Ever positive and radiant she handled herself with an admirable sense of grace and confidence as she battled the disease. Unfortunately we lost Stacy to cancer our first year of college.

I've donated my hair to Locks of Love 3 times to date (this time around it's slowly making it's way back) . It's always a test in humility, but the first time I thought, "ugh, this bob is really un-cute on my round face ..." then, I nearly hit myself. My gosh, my hair grows back. Often times these children will go through rounds and rounds of chemotherapy to attack their cancer losing every bit of hair they have. To give them some sense of comfort or confidence, through donating hair to be made into a wig is the least I can do.

SO, now that I've talked about that ... I'm a Model of Hope in this event. Here are the deets:

"St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive
Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and
medical communities around the world. Our patients and their families come to us during the darkest hours of their lives expecting the very worst. But time and time again, parents have described the feeling of hope they experience when they walk through the doors at St. Jude. No family is ever asked to pay for treatment at St. Jude and no child is ever turned away because of an inability to pay - thanks to the generosity of people like you."

I'm so excited about this opportunity. But, here's the thing: you can sponsor me as a model ... If you do, I'll model like I did at Miss A. Scratch that. I 'll walk like a supermodel. Slash really, really try. Don't donate for me though. Donate for Stacy. Donate for the child that is suffering but overcoming this disease in a valiant way. Donate for those you know who have beaten, or lost the battle to this disease. This will be epic.

Humbly yours.

LT

PS: Don't disappoint me. ;)

Fat Lady, is that you? OMG, are Pigs Flying?

2009-04-07T16:31:00.007-04:00

Indeed, indeed! Vermont has legalized gay marriage.

The only thing better than this is the fact that I'm celebrating Jesus' resurrection in Hampton with my family. Nothing trumps Jesus (I mean honestly, we sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and blow out candles on Christmas Eve ... and this is not my attempt at a joke either).

But come on! Vermont, Iowa ... my hat is off to you. Hopefully the rest of our nation is starting to get the idea that civil liberties shouldn't be limited to those that are in love with the opposite sex. As I said in an article at the beginning of the year, I know I don't want to be judged for who I fall in love with, nor do I want to be restricted in my rights in conjunction with that - so what gives me the right to do just that? Nada.

I love this. LOVE it.

PS: Heterosexual married couples experience over 1,138 rights that homosexuals are denied. For reals.

PPS: Hey, Wall- Street-ers and politicians alike, wanna boost the economy? By allowing same-sex marriage there would be 2 billion flowing into the wedding industry alone. Neat, eh?

Tune In!

2009-04-07T11:18:00.001-04:00

I forgot to let you all know that I will be chatting live on Pageant Radio. Don't believe it exists? Try me.

12-1220!

xo

Hey, you! Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks!

2009-04-06T13:58:00.018-04:00

Kidding, kidding. I got a hot dog, just like the ones my mom fed me every single Friday night in the Fall from the moment I could chew without choking until I got shipped off to college. You know, at my dad's football games. This is him. I've always been "Coach Smith's daughter". Finally when I went to Miss America there were about four weeks in there where he said people called him MY DAD. Talk about victory.

Anyways, back to the point. Saturday morning I went to the Yankees v Cubs exhibition game at the new Yankee Stadium. First of all I want to applaud the 4 train for getting us there in record time. Who knew you could get to the Bronx from midtown in, uh, 15-20 minutes? If you live in the Bronx and that isn't normal, sorry (the F train really stinks too if it makes you feel any better), but I was impressed nonetheless. The game was many things; one being fun. It was also windy. Really, really windy. And I had to deal with a couple of Cubs fans who weren't too thrilled with the 10-1 outcome (hence we didn't see the end of the game). Crippling defeat is never worn very well. Again, joking. I'm talking smack like I'm some sort of avid baseball fan which I'm most certainly not. I think it's just because I don't have a team though ... maybe sooner than later I'll be recruited to wear the red and blue. If so, that's ok, because then I can switch it out for both seasons -- the Giants wear those colors, too!

The new Yankee Stadium!

Then I hurried home, cleaned my room (cough, cough, MOM!), and eagerly anticipated the arrival of Ashley Wheeler, Miss Vermont. Ashley and I got really close on the reality show, kept in touch before Miss A, and then have obviously done so since. There are so many good stories behind our friendship but here is one:

We ate a lot on the reality show due to the endless cookies, cakes, and ... chocolate covered strawberries. It was another one of those nights we were stuffing our mugs at 2am, after filming for hourssss, and I DARED Ashley to fit as many chocolate covered strawberries in her mouth at once. Ironically, the new Miss America, Katie Stam, was sitting there as well. And oddly, Ashley took me up on the dare. She proceeded to choke on a strawberry, ask for the Heimlich (but I kept laughing ... I knew she had a good diaphragm to push that stuff back up - I mean she won talent, y'all), and it came back up just in time for the current Miss America, Kirsten Haglund to sit down beside her. Of course she just popped in another one and we carried along our merry way. Obviously she is the jam. End of story.

So she came to NYC and we had SO MUCH fun playing. We had a couple of other ladies over on Saturday night. Talked, and laughed, and caused some general calamity. Really, really good time. Thank you, lady friends.

Sunday Ash and I explored (SoHo, Chinatown ...) then she caught her flight to Aussie to see her beau. Leaving me with a gorgeous day outside and time to play! Here comes the tragedy of the weekend ...

I went rollerblading with Paul. (The night I met Paul, Halloween, he had come over to my house with some other people and the rest of the story will remain a mystery ... perhaps due to some discrepancy ... but one thing we can all agree on is I definitely slipped on my 'blades to show him my skills ... through my pint sized apartment.) It was SOO pretty, yet SOO dangerous. 3 minutes on rollerblades is plenty of time for me to break my neck. And I did. Kind of. But, I actually broke my butt. I think I really did. Too bad I can't get a pink cast, that's all I've ever wanted out of a broken bone.

Fun and cute rollerblading. vs.

Me rollerblading. Less cute. More pain.

After my spill and more 'blading, we stopped by the grocer, cooked up some dinner and watched Ocean's Thirteen. Paul made potatoes and ate a carton of strawberries. I made some chicken fajitas. It was good. And I was content.

Great ending to a wonderful weekend.

Now I'm just enjoying the rain!

Praise the Lord!!

2009-04-03T14:30:00.002-04:00

Equality. That whole "All men created equal ..." may finally hold some meaning. Thank you, Iowa.

I'd like to think of this issue as a parallel to the case of Loving v Virginia. Looking back and understanding the Civil Rights Movement was just ending 40 years ago is almost defeating. We may have come a long way, but we certainly have a long, long way to go.

I'm getting the tingles just thinking about this excitement!

And yes, I said praise the Lord!

Lisa Smith's Articles

2009-04-02T12:39:00.000-04:00

When I got home this past Thursday night guess what I had PILED up on my nightstand? You guessed it ... newspaper/magazine articles collected by the one and only Lisa Smith.

So I've decided I'm going to put some of my favorite finds of hers on my blog. She has pretty impeccable taste, and I'd like to think I have a secure sense of style myself. With that said, here is your first treat!

These Gold plated Bangles with Swarovski crystals are awesome AND they're inexpensive ...

Cute right? Go check them out here. You should actually explore the entire website. It's awesome. Some definite good finds. And, if your man friend is looking for some ideas just tell him he should start reading my blog. I'll put him on the right path.

I'll have another one for you next week from little Lisa ... until then, au revoir!

PS 8 - Staten Island

2009-04-02T11:22:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I went to Staten Island's PS 8 to hang out with the kids, and tell them to make right decisions. Each state contestant for Miss America has the opportunity to give the "Right Decisions, Right Now" program in schools across her state. Ironically, this program is sponsored by RJ Reynolds. Why ironic? Because the main focus is to discourage teens from smoking, underage drinking, and drug use. I mean really? RJ Reynolds? Wow, talk about trying to make yourselves feel better.

The students at this school were absolutely adorable. They were a younger crowd than what I've been seeing so it was refreshing to see their zealous little eyeballs darting around the room trying to figure out what the heck I was wearing on my head.

This is one of the first grade classes during their "reading club". The President, of the club would choose a student to sit in the "author's chair" and read a book to the class. Here we are thumbs - upping reading!

With little kids there is naturally a PHENOMENAL commentary. Here are just a few:

Girl 1: You look like a princess. (it's weird, crowns give off that impression.)
Girl 2: You are so pretty!
Girl 3: You are REALLY beautiful!
Girl 4: You're GORGEOUS!! You're EVEN MORE gorgeous than ME!!!!!

My crown got a smooch (and a tug) from one of the students. So cute!

We walked into the next classroom and the bell was only moments away ... these kids looked like they were about to pop off the running block. And this dialogue ensued:

Teacher: Everyone say hi to Miss New York!
Student: My mom is making jelly tonight!!!!!!!!!

And, alas, every single class asked me how old I was. One kid guessed 18. I suppose I should feel honored, but for some reason I just don't ... haha.

But, the greatest moment of my appearance yesterday was the end. I returned to the office to thank the principal Lisa Esposito for allowing me to visit with her students. Since the bell was getting ready to ring she asked if I would like to say something over the PA system. Since I'm naturally a very shy person I was a bit nervous. HA. Got you. Are you still awake? Keep reading. I of course said yes! But then we plotted ... Since it was April Fool's Day I made the following announcement, " Thank you so much for having me here today, what a great group of students you are! Since it is a special day I would like to announce that you have NO HOMEWORK tonight. Have a great afternoon!!". Note that I did not say April Fool's at the end. The principal was dying ... and I was lacing up my running shoes. I was scared those teachers were going to come after me!

Lisa Esposito, resident trouble-maker/Principal at PS 8, me, and the Vice Principal.

I hope everyone's Thursday is everything you dreamed of and more. It's almost the weekend people!

Tired ... BUT

2009-03-31T23:33:00.002-04:00

So, tonight ended up being a super hectic night and I didn't even make it to one of the events I was supposed to attend. But I just wanted to say ... Great job, Tim! We were so impressed.

Story to be told when I'm not halfway conscious.

xo

Weekend Excitement (Part Deux)

2009-03-31T13:34:00.003-04:00

I'm Baaaaaaaaack!

So, after sleeping in (WAY in, hurray!) I headed over to the W in Union Square for my Dressed to Kilt fitting. Up to the 18th floor penthouse I went, and before I knew it I was trying on a gaggle of mini-kilts. One even had pictures of blondie plastered on the front. Lucky for me, and the eyes of all of those that would have had to experience the potential rear-end exposure, they said I looked too "sweet" to go so raw. They put me in a really cute black sweater dress with a cut out back, black tights, and purple wellies. AWESOME. Originally I was going to be walking down the runway with Mister Universe, but since he had decided he was ripping his clothes off they didn't want to deal with any issues with the MAO. As I gathered my items to head out to the gym Kellie Pickler came in for her fitting. She was absolutely adorable. She apparently competed in a MAO preliminary in North Carolina. I mean really people, who didn't? From Kellie Pickler to Sarah Palin we've got it all.

Fastforward through my day to Monday afternoon ... I sadly got a call from one of the organizers saying they had over-booked and were wondering if I would just come as a VIP guest. Translation: I was bumped for super-hot Scottish models. Dude, I still got to see Sean Connery! Anyhow, I told Tim that I was studying the list of models to see who else got bumped ... and I must say, three of the people that didn't end up modeling were: Susan Lucci, Cameron Matheson, and Brendan Fraser. Tim so aptly reminded me they may have cancelled, but I just wanted him to stroke my ego ... even if just briefly.

But, either way, we had a ball! We made it just in time to walk the red carpet and then made our way into the big room to watch the fashion show. I'm actually really happy I wasn't in it now. These girls looked SLAMMIN' in all sorts of mini skirts and couture gowns. I was supposed to be wearing a black turtleneck dress and wellies. Could you imagine what I would have felt like talking with Kellie Pickler in her couture gown and Ed Westwick looking fabulously devil-ish? Negative. I do not even want to go to that mental place.

The models did a phenomenal job and I am so happy to have been there to support the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wounded Warriors Organization, and the Erskine Hospital in Scotland. You know, we have lots of folks over there fighting for our freedoms, I have a friend who just returned and one who will be leaving shortly. Remember to keep them in your prayers, drop them a note (to foreign lands), or even thank them when you see them on the streets here. We should all be so grateful for the personal risk they expose themselves to on a daily basis.

Now that I just climbed off my soap-box I'm going to send some emails out.

PS: Check back soon for the pictures. Tim took them with his camera and for some reason every time I try to steal them they end up being tinyyyy. And believe me, you want to see these people AND the clothes. :)

Weekend Excitement! (Part I)

2009-03-31T12:42:00.006-04:00

Yesss! Three cheers for a busy but brilliant past few days. I left NYC and headed back to VA on Thursday evening after work to give the Cum Laude induction speech at Hampton Roads Academy, my alma mater. I was so excited about this opportunity but slightly intimidated, too. I mean honestly, how scary is it when you have 450 adolescents staring at you, waiting for something entertaining AND brilliant to leak out of your mouth ... and just waiting to judge.

This was definitely not here when I graduated. But cool nonetheless.

After much thought I decided to speak about failure. One thing I've learned over the past three years is how to appreciate my failures, sincerely. Or, perceived failures that is. People told me in high school that I couldn't get into UVa. I did. And I graduated on the Dean's List. I lost Miss Virginia twice. The first year I spent the rest of my summer in South Africa helping those with AIDS. The second year I packed my bags and myself up and moved to NYC on my own. Those are just a few on my laundry list of "failures". But, you see, all of these things gave me the opportunity to be where I am today. To cross paths with the people in my life now that have encouraged me to become the woman that I am, to go to Miss America as Miss New York - how cool was that?! And, most importantly, this organization gave me the opportunity to be shaken out. Rather than being built up into someone else, working for their expectations, I met myself for the first time. Head on. I don't know if I would have had that opportunity elsewhere.

So this was my challenge to them: allow your dreams to be beaten up and dragged around a bit. That's what is going to make them intensely real, make them tangible. We all want great things, but once they leave your imagination and meet an incredibly harsh reality there is no doubt they will be tested. Are you willing to protect your dreams? Each of you is capable of achieving great things. Respond to your failures with that greatness.

It was cool to be able to go back to HRA and see the great change that has gone on there. The physical atmostphere is so different (umm, jeans and t-shirts and hoodies and flip-flops? I mean, I know it's Friday but still!), but the vibe is the same. The eternal strive for excellence, the buzz of competition, and high standards are still in place. Also, my mom got to come watch me which was neat (again Paul, that is for you). Other than Miss America my family hasn't been able to see what a typical appearance would be for me, and don't you know she was right there in the third row smiling away. Rock star status, Lisa.

Then we headed over to Charlottesville to see the Virginia Belles Spring Concert. Y'all, it was UNbelievable. The alum just sat in the front row with their mouths gaping. And, you know how I put the link up last week so you could buy their cd? Well, I definitely got one on Friday night and I refuse to listen to anything else. SO good. You really should buy it. REALLY. It was so awesome to see so many of the alums back in town. So many of them are about to get hitched, or engaged. Holy. Cow. That is all I have to say about that. (!!)

No fear, I was back on a plane on Saturday for a 6am departure (3am wake-up call from the rooster herself, Lisa) to drive to Sullivan County for some pageantry! Linda Carbo and I had a marvelous time making our way there. The interstate leads you pretty close ... but to get there exactly you have to take the most insane winding roads for about 15 minutes. I'm glad I wasn't in Paul Brown's car with Erin Kennedy and Ken Nelson. Apparently Ken "was feeling extremely car-sick, just like he did when he was a boy." ACK!

We were extremely grateful to see this sign. So, fun, BEGIN!

I got to MC Miss Sullivan County Outstanding Teen, Miss Sullivan County, and Miss Southeast New York that evening. What an outstanding group of young ladies and women. They never cease to amaze me! Congratulations to Miss Sullivan County, Felicia Ramos. Miss Southeast New York, Melanie Hildebrant, and Miss Sullivan County Outstanding Teen, Nusrat Ephita! Felicia and Melanie I will see you guys in just over 3 weeks in Albany for workshop!

So, if you didn't think we were insane already, we decided we wanted to sleep in our own beds. Thus we scooted out of there at about 1045. I fell asleep in the back seat for a while (to the sweet melodies of the Virginia Belles ... you should buy it!) .... Then jumped up was we approached the Lincoln Tunnel. Just in time to sit in Saturday evening city traffic. Then we found a straggler right around Whole Foods at 1:30 am. He got in the car with us and we drove him home. He was pretty cute, too! And that is where this story ends.

I'm writing another one with more adventures very soon. So hold your horses!

Kate Shindle is Baller

2009-03-25T10:44:00.005-04:00

When I was a freshman in high school I went to a reception where Kate Shindle was the main attraction as she traveled through Virginia with Cabaret. I met her for approximately 2 minutes, immediately went home, cut her picture out of the Playbill and stuck it in my personal Webster's Dictionary beside the word cool.

Please fast forward 8 years. You will find me at the Miss New York orientation with Kate Shindle at the front of the room telling us her expectations for whomever should win the title. I dug her style. She was a wine-drinking, notably intelligent, and supremely confident woman. I felt pretty out of my league when I met with the team that Monday night after my win to plot out my year.

All that I have talked to about my Miss America experience know that preparing for it was the most beneficial journey (not a word to be used loosely) of my life thus far. As I said humbly (I would say honestly, too - but Kate would shoot me since I should always be speaking the truth) in my interview at Miss America, often times you see committees trying to build their girls into someone else or have them meet their standardized expectations. I was beyond blessed in the fact that I was shaken down and out, and discovered my true self through this process. Casting aside what others wanted or expected me to be, but finding what mattered most to me, what defined me, and remaining true to that. Kate brought the sides of myself I didn't want to, or failed to, recognize to my attention. She pushed me hard. Really hard. But we also had a lot of fun. Her humor is unparalleled and ridiculously non-pc. Which obviously, for those who know me, was right up my alley.

Was that enough smoke up your skirt, Kate? Kidding, kidding. I mean every word. And if I was even more self-consumed I would continue to make this post about me. But nay, you're wayyyy cooler.

Anyhow, Kate and I don't get to see each other quite as often as we did before (ie about two-six hours a day on average) BUT I did get to see her kick tail at Birdland this week. This woman has the most insane set of pipes EVER. Other than laughing at every joke she made in an off-beat far, too loud laugh I couldn't help but squeal in excitement every time she nailed the end of a torch song. If you didn't get to see her, I'm really sorry. There aren't any youtube videos up yet but when there is I will direct you there like a herd of cattle. Prepare to be amazed. Like an insane fan I got a picture with her afterwards. But since she is a good foot taller (ok, almost) than me it looks kind of odd. Next time we're sitting down and get one I'll add it.

Oh yeah, and in the name of Kate Shindle and Leigh-Taylor Smith please look up "baller" on Urban Dictionary. Or just click here.

Anticipation Abounds!

2009-03-24T14:19:00.000-04:00

I'm starting to get really excited about a couple of things ...

This Thursday evening I'm flying back to Virginia, the original homeland, and Friday I will be giving the Cum Laude induction speech at Hampton Roads Academy. If you're not familiar with the term Cum Laude - it is an honor awarded to those who have distinguished themselves academically at their respective institution, aka really smart people. I'm looking forward to going back to HRA to see it's internal growth, meet lots of new teachers, hug those that remain, and maybe even see some little country day schoolers running around now! What a difference 6 years makes ... WHAT?! SIX YEARS? I'm pretty freaked out about how long it has been since I graduated. But enough of that. I'm stoked to impart some fairly impenetrable knowledge on these guys. I've thought a lot about what I will speak to them about and I think I've figured out a universal, applicable, and immensely important lesson. Or, at least I think so. We'll see if they keep two, one, or zero eyes open during my speech. After speaking in Manhattan schools I don't miss too much these days ... I'm a hawk!

Friday night is ... The Virginia Belles Spring Concert! Sadly, I have outgrown my a-cappella participation days BUT I've never been to just watch the Belles perform. And for this, I am excited! All I know is I heard a couple of songs on their new cd and it's unbelievable. I was kind of sad, I mean, not because they're good ... but I think they may be better now than we were before. So here, you should TOTALLY buy their new cd called acaBELLEa here.

Lastly, but way not leastly (laugh ... harder ...) on Sunday I am going to be fitted for my kilt/runway outfit for the Dressed to Kilt Fashion Show. Sir Sean Connery invited me to be a part of this event and model in the fashion show with celebrities ... once again I've slipped in through the cracks! But the scary part arrived in an email I received today:

" We encourage you to think about your big walk down the runway. Dressed to Kilt is a very exciting and rowdy event, so have a fun on the catwalk – impromptu dances, back flips and crowd involvement are all encouraged! Props will also be provided to you for your runway walk, including crowns and swords. And don’t forget to entertain the judges sitting by."

Umm. Back flips?! Dancing?! Neither of which I am capable of. Opening number at Miss America kind of pushed me to the limit on the whole "LT attempting to dance" thing. See now THAT is worth the price of the ticket to the event ... and it's for charity! Check it out (and make sure you look at the models, too ... there are some cool ones! Perhaps Ed Westwick will merely look at me...). If you come, I'll do a cartwheel down the runway or something ...

Wow. I = excited.

STOMP.

2009-03-22T17:14:00.001-04:00

So this weekend my brother Bryan and his wife Laura were up here visiting me in the Big Apple for the first time since I moved to the Lower East Side at the beginning of September, AND for the last time before they move to Cardiff, Wales for at least a year! About two hours after Miss America was over my family met up in the hotel (my mom, dad, and all 5 children and ... even a couple spouses, too!) and Bryan announced they would be relocating. They love to travel and cause some general calamity around the world, so we're all super excited for them. But selfishly of course we're a bit sad to see them go. Thus their visit this weekend was going to have to be extra neat (for you, Paul).

My roommate Dustin, whom I met at the age of 7 making my debut as Ollie Herdmann in the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" with the Hurrah Players, is now a STAR here in NYC. He's in the Off Broadway show STOMP and has been for a couple of years now. He started off on tour and then made his way to NYC to perform at the Orpheum Theater. And get this, I still hadn't seen him perform! We kept saying "after Miss America ... after Miss America..." but I've been back for two months and STILL hadn't seen him perform. Enter perfect timing.

Bryan, Laura, Paul, and I made it a night! We went to dinner and then went to the Orpheum. Can I just say I always knew Dustin was a stud but still, I had NO idea exactly how amazing he was at what he does. His humor on-stage is so real, so relatable, and so many of his faces were ones I've seen him make since we were kids. But even past that, his skill in terms of rhythm and relaying his sense of interested intensity was beyond transcending. I dorkily (word, anyone? if not, it is now.) said, "wow" after every number. I was so impressed with his talent. And he lives in my house! But the coolest thing is, while he wants to stick around and do this for a while, he ultimately wants to become a history teacher. He has a genuine grasp on reality and has remained grounded throughout this whole process.

Dustin, Laura, and Bryan after the show.

With the NYC cast of STOMP, Dustin my roommate is just to the left of me!

Dustin, I am so proud to call you my friend. Slash big brother. Slash roommate. You're ridiculous.

PS: Cary, you're a star too you know!

Voy Forums ... Sigh

2009-03-20T13:57:00.001-04:00

Okay, so for those who are unaware the land of pageantry can sometimes take a turn for the, uhh, how do I put it? Vicious? Yes, I suppose that is the most appropriate word. But most of it is done in anonymity, behind the cover of a "username" on voy forum message boards. Thankfully the Miss New York Organization has an awesome ED, Erin Kennedy, who sent out the following email to all involved with the Miss NY Organization:

Dear Friends, Contestants and Supporters of Miss NY,

It is with a heavy heart that I must address this situation with you. Please know that I am not pointing fingers or making accusations to anyone. In fact, it is my sincerest wish that no one on this distribution list is a part of the issue. However, I feel that I can no longer stand aside without addressing the Voy Forum.

I am as guilty as many of reading this board because I feel that it keeps me in the know and sometimes alerts me to issues of which I was not aware. But when I begin receiving several calls per week from contestants who are contemplating a complete withdrawal from our state system because of the nasty and hurtful things being said, I need to act.

The forum could be a GREAT place to announce who won which local, sell old pageant gear and connect to old friends but it is WRONG to insult the very girls who keep our organization alive. I am sure many of your agree that the things being said are hurtful, disgusting and infantile.

So, since I am assuming that we are all a part of the solution, I ask you to join me in the following: Either stop visiting the message board or, at the very least, refuse to dignify nasty statements. I don’t know who the moderator is but I sent an email today. If you are this person, please delete items that insult others. If you know this person, please encourage him or her to more closely moderate the vile things being posted. It isn’t funny and it isn’t ok.

And to our lovely and amazing contestants, please do not allow yourself to be dragged down by trash talk.

If each of us makes a pledge to keep this board clean and encourages others to do so as well, we can do a tremendous amount to stop the damage that is currently being done. I don’t want to lose contestants to silly, petty behavior. I hope you’ll join me in working to eliminate this unnecessary distraction.

Best Regards,

Erin

P.S. I have sent this to all of the email addresses I have, if I missed someone it is simply because I do not have contact information or I left them off accidentally. I can assure you, it was not intentional

--
Erin Kennedy
Executive Director
Miss New York Organization

E-Mail: Erin@missnyorg.com
Phone: 347-256-3499
Website: www.missnyorg.com

I have seen some really nasty stuff written on these boards. And the worst part is, these are women that are doing extraordinary things. Working their tails off representing their communities and their states. Representing the very people that write these things on the message boards. If you feel so strongly about making a comment on the boards write your name beside it, otherwise, it's a pretty cowardly move. Because, as Miss America contestants the first thing we were told by Sam Haskell and Art McMaster was, "Own what you say". So shouldn't you, too?

Thank you, Erin!

Oh, Mom.

2009-03-20T11:42:00.000-04:00

So, most who know me are aware that my mom and I are bff's. But not in the cheesy way, but more like the "she's still my mom and tells me what to do sometimes but we're friends". I tell her everything. And if I don't talk to her via some form of modern technology during the day she usually thinks I've been kidnapped. But, at the same time she is the one who has driven home the importance of stating my independence.

Phew. Did I paint an ok picture? Also, if you want to see what I will look like in 30 years, just look to my right. That's Miss Lisa, my mom.

Well, I don't know if your moms do this but mine often saves up papers and magazines when she's busy. When things slow down she rummages through them. Then EVERY time she sees something that even only relates to me in a peripheral manner she cuts it out. Starts a pile. Sends me the pile.

This past week she sent me a pile including Ann Landers articles from 1999 (one was submitted by a 24 year old male virgin wondering if there were any virgins left for him. thanks, mom). BUT, one of the things she sent me was really rad AND it's only from November 2008. It says:

"People who volunteer are 42% more likely than people who don't to say they are 'very happy' with their lives --

1. Think local. Browse nearby opportunities at www.volunteermatch.org, where you can select projects according to your zipcode and area interest.

2. Think global. Log onto www.volunteerabroad.com, where projects range from saving leatherback turtles in Costa Rica to teaching English to Burmese refugees in Thailand.

3. Think together. Meet other volunteers at www.change.org, where thousands connect online to support established organizations or start their own grassroots campaign."

Y'all these websites are awesome. They hook you up with organizations where YOU would feel comfortable. Whether you're changing your own community or helping those in neighboring nations, you can do no wrong. Volunteering changes lives. So, what are you waiting for? Log on!

This one you hit on the head mom. Thanks for the articles, keep 'em coming!

Uh Oh!

2009-03-19T16:22:00.000-04:00

They figured me out! Can we all laugh on the count of three? 1 ... 2 ... 3 ...

Wahoowah!!

2009-03-19T13:54:00.000-04:00

I was pretty amped when LaToya, the Miss NY PR Director, relayed to me that UVa's alumni magazine had requested an interview with me. With me? Haha. Man, I thought that was just saved up for Tina Fey and her awesome alum-ness. Or, the Barber twins. Or really any of the other frighteningly intelligent people I went to undergrad with. So when the article came out yesterday I was excited to see the angle ... I think she was able to capture my non-pageanty side. She even included the "headband" image. Kate, you'd be proud.

Check it out!

Right Decisions, Right Now. Want a Pencil?

2009-03-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

As Miss New York I get to go into schools and talk to students about making Right Decisions. Insert teenage eye-rolling here.

In my opinion there is little you can do to prepare for these presentations. (Note: RJ Reynolds, I know all of the statistics, etc. I didn't mean I haven't studied it ... but ... sometimes it needs a jolt!) I think it is so much more important to read the room and then find your starting point or else you risk not even beginning with them on board. Some classrooms are excited, and willing to listen to the information I have to give. Others, not so much. But I must say my most recent school, Robert Wagner in Manhattan this past Friday March 13th, was AWESOME.

This situation was unique because I wasn't speaking to a co-ed auditorium full of various ages, rather, I spoke with a girls-only after school group. These girls were awesome! After my presentation we shared stories, asked questions, and ate some cupcakes. One of the girls shared this link with us: www.girlshealth.gov. You should check it out, whether you're a mom, a teacher, or an adolescent - this site is pretty fabulous!

xo

LT

The Promised Video

2009-03-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

Enjoy!

Charity : Water

2009-03-11T15:23:00.000-04:00

Here's the lowdown on Charity: Water. "charity: water is a non profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. We give 100% of the money raised to direct project costs, funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest need." Wait for it .... "Just $20 can give one person in a developing nation clean water for 20 years."

That's the real deal. When 100% of the money raised is going straight to creating a tangible change I'm there. So, I suited up and headed over to the Chelsea Market to see the photographic exhibition and the well they built right there in the center of it all. All money thrown into the well is going to be matched ... x3. So, if you're a New Yorker you should definitely head over to Chelsea Market, get a killer pastry from Amy's Bread and throw some money into the well. And if you're not you should go here and donate.

Throwing some change into the well ... you should, too!

I attended the event with Tim Morehouse, my Olympian frenemy ... to be expounded upon later, Joey Dente, and Jourdan Lawlor. We were able to meet up with the founder of Charity : Water, Scott Harrison, and hear about some of the things he's got coming up. One thing is for sure, he's doing some incredible things globally and and most importantly, he knows how to keep people excited about it. There were about 1,200 people in attendance!

Me, Scott Harrison, Tim Morehouse, and Jourdan Lawlor

Oky Doky. Off to bed to get some sleep. Will write some more for you soon!

xo

LT

There She Is ...

2009-03-09T10:35:00.000-04:00

I'm baaaaaaaack!

What. A. Weekend.

I got to spend the weekend with some of the most unbelievable women around, and as I said in my earlier post, ladies that will most definitely be friends forever.

It was a whirlwind of a weekend, celebrating the homecoming of our new Miss America (the first time she's been home since that fateful weekend at the end of January!). She has traveled across the US with only her two suitcases she packed for Las Vegas departing January 14. They kept her super busy all weekend leaving us only a few moments with her. We were really busy, too. But one of the Indiana hosts quickly observed that if he wanted to find us he just had to look for the food. Scary but true. I'm posting a video somehow, somewhere that will make you giggle. Think 12 passenger van, Wendy's drive through, 11 state titleholders after Miss America.

Friday night we were able to participate in the Miss America "Talent Show" AND we saw the new Miss Indiana crowned. Congratulations, Megan! We were then whisked off to a reception that evening at a former Miss Indiana's home, put on in honor of Katie by all former Miss Indianas. They had it beautifully catered, but somehow we all ended up around the chex mix that incorporated candy corn. It was BALLER.

Saturday we were up and at 'em early, making an appearance at a boutique, flower shop, and then a delicious lunch. Thank goodness we ate protein, we would soon find out that we would need the stamina ... between 650 and 700 people attended the autograph signing and they were allowed 2 autographs a piece, but some asked for more. And believe me, you can't tell a little girl dressed up as Cinderella no! Too cute. After slight hand paralysis, we fixed ourselves up and headed over to the Renaissance Hotel to have an intimate celebration for Katie. The Miss Indiana Organization is made up of so many outstanding individuals. We were all so impressed by your selflessness and support. So, thank you!

After a brief delay in the airport (slightly reminiscent of my 9 hour delay leaving Miss America), I got back to NYC and headed to the two preliminaries held in NYC on Sunday evening. Congratulations to our new titleholders, Claire Buffie, Amanda Mason, Danielle Roundtree, and Inga Schlingmann. I can't wait for Miss New York, it's going to be a tough competition!

During the first preliminary Bethlene, Miss New York 2006, asked me what my most memorable moment had been as Miss NY. It really is impossible for me to dwindle it down to just one, but there was a day that changed me. So, in an effort to back track so you know what I've been up to, I'm going to close with this story ...

On December 1st, World AIDS Day, I drove up to Albany with Kate Shindle. That morning I went to the AIDS Council of Northeastern NY and took a public AIDS test. After living in South Africa for two summers, and doing HIV/AIDS education for one, I understand the sheer reality of this epidemic. That it is literally wiping out villages. But you see, it's not just in Africa. It has taken our communities into it's grips. It is imperative that everyone knows their status. It doesn't matter where you come from, or who you are. AIDS does not discriminate. After I took my test we headed over to City Hall where we had a press-conference. I met the Mayor of Albany and after telling him what we had been up to that morning he said, what an idea! I'm doing it next year (tip to Miss New York 2009- take it with him!). Then we ran into the Albany health reporter, told her our story, and immediately after the press conference she went straight back to the AIDS Council of Northeastern NY and took an AIDS test on camera!

After lunch we hopped in the car and drove back to the city. I then made my way down to City Hall where Housing Works had set up 5 podiums with a microphone, binder, and flashlight. For 24 hours people read the names of those from New York City that had died of AIDS. The binders were made up of pages and pages of names and were about 12" thick. As I began to turn the page I heard someone from another podium say, "Bryan Smith". That's my brother's name. I froze. We are losing our brothers, mothers, and children to this disease. It's unacceptable. So, on that note, I think you should join my AIDS Walk NY team and help me kick AIDS in the face!

Talk soon!

LT

Finally!

2009-03-05T12:20:00.000-05:00

Hello All (or none, perhaps)!

I was originally going to blog for Zipcar, my car sponsor for the year. Not only to keep everyone up to date with what I've been doing but also to get Zipcar AND the places I go some publicity, too. But, alas, it didn't pan out and here I am. A real live blogger.

I will not refer to this year as "my year" but as our year, because believe me, far more people than I have been instrumental to date and beyond. With that said our year has been all kinds of things, but most importantly an unbelievable blessing. Let me say that it will be difficult to fully explain all that I have done so far, therefore I'm going to give a cliff-notes version to get you up to speed.

Winning Miss New York has been a challenge within itself. Most don't know the MAO eligibility rules, and many that do still want to openly discuss the shame of a girl originally from VA representing NY (Ellis Island, anyone? melting pot?). Yet, I will continue to use my year to turn the spotlight onto those who need it much more than me. That's why I continued to compete. My platform is what did, and continues, to drive me. I am not a carpet bagger. I am not a crown chaser. Rather, I am an activist. I am a leader. And I am a dreamer. Ultimately, isn't that what our Miss States should be?

My platform morphed itself from just being the general encouragement of volunteerism into one that focuses on disadvantaged children. But not necessarily serving them, but asking THEM to serve. You see, it's engaging our youth of all all backgrounds that will help move our communities forward. They will begin to feel as if they are becoming the solution, and no longer the problem. Thus they stop looking for pity and take charge of their own communities, and their own futures as well. In an effort to educate myself as thoroughly as possible I spent time meeting with Sean Strub (the man behind the Denver Principles), David Thorpe (Director of Communications- Housing Works), Ethan Zohn (winner of Survivor Africa and avid philanthropist), I watched as Senators Obama and McCain discussed volunteerism within our country on September 11th (and was introduced by Bon Jovi, his hand is soft, and YES he is the hottest dad alive), visited an all male HIV Support Group at Arthur Kill State Penitentiary, visited Crossroads- a juvenile detention center in Brooklyn, took a public AIDS test on World AIDS day in Albany, and the list continues! Along with being Miss New York I also hold a full-time job with an interior design firm, Scott Sanders LLC. So needless to say my weeks are jam packed. But so very worth it.

But, for me, the most exciting thing that has happened is in reference to policy change. As I said earlier, I think all representatives should not only champion a cause, but should be an activist. In keeping with this I currently have a bill, sponsored by Danny O'Donnell, on the floor of the NY State Senate that would require all New York State Public High School Students to complete mandatory community service in order to graduate. On December 7th I traveled to Albany for the State of the State Address where I also lobbied and advocated for this bill, #A.302!

Along with many other things/appearances I've done so far I have also done some introspective thinking provoked by Ellen Carrington, Miss Tennessee (!) while we were in LA filming Countdown to the Crown. The first night we were on the Queen Mary Ellen told a table of gals that her predecessor had said that a successful year would need to include coming out still loving yourself. We sat around the table and tossed the idea to and fro. We came to the conclusion that many people would rather pick us apart for what they see to be our physical shortcomings rather than focus on the truly breathtaking things we have done, foundations we have started, and lives we have redirected and changed. Skin grows thicker, and determination blossoms, but it doesn't mean the judgment doesn't sting. We're going to create a movement to stop that. Or, er, something like that... :)

Sometime soon I will post a blog with some baller photos of my time spent in Las Vegas at Miss America. That my friends was an experience of a lifetime. And certainly included gals that will be in my wedding. In 12 years. Speaking of those girls, I'm getting ready to head home and pack for my trip to Katie Stam's (Miss America, DUH!) homecoming in IN tomorrow where I get to see a load of them. I'm getting the tingles just thinking about it.

Until next time...

xoxo

Leigh-Taylor