Hello all!

I am back from Vegas and what an experience! I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed that I did not come home with the crown, but I did have an absolutely fantastic time. I have never worked with so many amazing young women and would not trade this experience for anything. Even the crew backstage and the choreographers were so much fun to work with! It was a pleasure to work with the people backstage because they have worked with so many other amazing artists like Beyonce, Usher, U2, and Michael Jackson to name a few. What a rush to be able to perform on at Planet Hollywood! It is something I will never forget.

I wish I could start at the beginning of my trip, but I think I might be sitting here for a few days if I tried to write down everything that happened! But I will try to get in as much as possible.

The first few days were very intense. It was the first time that I was all of the girls for more than just a few seconds and was actually able to start to talk to them and get to know all of them. I cannot say enough good things about the contestants, I have so many wonderful memories and stories! When I left for Vegas, some people came up to me and told me to watch out because some of the girls would be mean or try to sabotage my wardrobe or what have you, but I did not run into any of that. The girls were more than happy to lend their stuff to anyone who needed it or offer words of encouragement during less than excited moments. This program has so much integrity and that was absolutely evident at Miss America.

One of the highlights of my trip was going to see Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian Hotel! WHAT A SHOW! I learned later that the theater was built to have Phantom performed there, so you can imagine what the production was like. The huge chandelier was enough to take your breath away when you walked in the door. LOVED IT. I highly recommend taking in the show if you are even in Vegas. The rest of the week was filled with rehearsals for the opening number and going over what would happen each prelim night. Those were long days, but fun nonetheless. TLC was also filming throughout the 10 days we were there. I was disappointed with the one hour special though. I wish they had put less about the swimsuit on the show, but I am sure they were looking for ratings.

I was pretty nervous throughout the week leading up to prelim nights, but everything went by so fast after it started! All in all, I wouldn't change anything I did, I enjoyed every minute and feel I did the best I could. Thanks to everyone who helped me get this far especially, Robert Towle, Audrey Findlen, John Hatcher, Janet Ross, Valerie Clemens and all those I know I am forgetting, but you know who you are and I thank you too! I'll keep you updated on the rest of my year and am looking forward to being the best Miss Maine I can be.