Making time

Where do I start on what an incredible weekend I had?  First off,  have I told you my friend Mallory Hagan is Miss America right?  Yeah, I probably did mention that a couple times.  Well anyway, a tradition in the Miss America Organization is to have a big homecoming party/weekend/extravaganza in the home-state of the lucky lady who wins the title each year.

My journey to homecoming started on Friday in Binghamton, NY.  I met three members of my Miss TI family and we started our drive down to Staten Island.  Along the way, we chatted about current events, BQ's, glitter and even squeezed in a mock interview.  After we got to the hotel, we freshened up and met up with more Miss TI family for a lovely dinner at Max's Es-ca

 After a great dinner we headed back to the hotel and up to the gorgeous venue "Above" located in right in the Hilton Garden Inn we were staying at.  We then hit the BQ jackpot and ran into not only ten Miss America State titleholders but Miss America herself!!

 Miss Virginia and Myself, not only is she a major sweetheart, she is also from the city my daddy lives in and also knows how to work the camera better than I do.

 Miss Wyoming and I, much better picture.  She a sweet girl.

 Miss South Carolina, she's only 7 feet tall.

Mallory, otherwise known as Miss America

 Oh yeah, I also met Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap.  

Quite possibly my favorite Miss A ever!  So talented AND hilarious!

It was truly great getting to talk to Mallory in a more intimate setting, as a friend and not a fan.  I had no idea that night how crazy the rest of her weekend would be.

The next day the "family" and I took a nice trip to the a mall in New Jersey and picked up some essentials we needed to look our best for the "Here She Is" event that night.

I'd say we did a pretty good job ;-)  Shelby and I

Before the event, we picked up some swag from Pink and Pepper

Thanks P&P!!  Love my bag, tank top, sunglasses and keychain.  I use them all!

After the show, we attended an amazing after party.  Unfortunately I don't have too many pictures from the event due to me feeling awful from such a long day.  I will not torture you with the ones I do have.  Not a pretty sight. 

After a long trip back home, I spent exactly one hour in my house before heading out to Fredonia to judge a local singing competition at Applebee's.

I had tons of fun AND remembered my autograph pad!  Judging might become a weekly event for me, which would be awesome.  I will keep you updated on that.

All and all I had a long, fun, eventful and tiring weekend.  When I got home, I will be honest with you, I really just wanted to sleep.  But when I was asked last minute to judge, I remembered the wise words of Mallory Hagan, ones that have stuck with me, "you make time."  Mallory was referring to time with friends but really it applies to everything that matters to you.  Sometimes life is hard and overwhelming and you feel that there are just not enough hours in the day.  When you start feeling that way, make time.  Make time for things that matter to you, coffee with a friend, homework, a charity, a blog, the gym and YOURSELF.

Some things never change.  I am happy that Mallory hasn't, below is a picture from December and one from this past Friday.  More importantly, I am ecstatic that she still makes time for little ol' me. =)

Stay classy,

Lonna