Better Late Than Never!

Two years of post-secondary education down, many more to go. After a busy, albeit successful, spring semester, I certainly welcome a little vacation time! Still, it’s amazing how anxious I can become after a lecture/exam/assignment-free week. My first few days at home were filled with lots of reading, working out, playing with foster kittens (they’re so cute!), and dealing with guilt over the fact that I seem to have no imminent deadlines to meet. Luckily, I started an online class on Tuesday soooo, problem fixed! (Nerd)

With a bit more time on my hands, I’ve decided to start a blog. My intention is not only to keep everyone up to date on my Collegiate America appearances and performances, but to create a log for myself so that I’ll be able to look back and remember all of the incredible experiences I had during my reign (and all of the incredible people I have to thank!).

So, here’s blog post number one! It’s unfortunate that I’m getting such a late start. I’ve kept a Twitter page the last few months (@Collegiate2011), tweeting about my experiences, but it’s tough to say everything I’d like to in 140 characters or less and I need a place for pictures! The past few months have been busy with appearances, fashion shows, TV and radio interviews, emceeing, singing, and of course an incredible trip to San Antonio for the Miss High School America Pageant! My most recent appearance involved a fashion show fundraiser for Christine Blake Designs. I modeled a few of Christine’s original dresses as well as some jewelry by Cookie Lee, and I had a blast! If you’re interested in having Christine design a special occasion dress for you, check out the Christine Blake LLC page on Facebook! The dresses are super affordable and absolutely gorgeous. I’ll post a picture that was taken before the show began. Models included Daisy Blake (Miss Little Maine), Kristy Huff (Miss Maine Collegiate), Sammi Clark (Miss Maine High School), BreAnna Beal (Ms. Eastern Maine), Christine Blake (Mrs. Maine United States), and Marybeth Noonan (Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen).  I always love it when titleholders from various systems come together for an event. I think it’s so important that we all support one another, WHICH leads me to another point! It’s pageant season (but then, when isn’t it?) and I have some girls to congratulate! First, congratulations to our new Miss Hawaii Collegiate Alyssandra Baniqued and Miss Hawaii High Angelica Reyes as well as Miss Wyoming Collegiate 2010, Allie DeSantis who was recently named Ohio’s Perfect Miss! I also want to congratulate my Outstanding Teen sister, Megan Lyman, who recently placed 1^st RU at Miss New Hampshire! I’m sure that I’ll have plenty more messages of good luck and congratulations over the next few months as my friends, sister, and sister queens compete for various titles! 

Now, it’s time to do a little bit of reading, catch up on an online lecture, and perhaps practice “Taylor the Latte Boy” a few times. I’ll be emceeing and performing at the Truly Talented Kids show this weekend at the Schoolhouse Arts Center. I’m so happy to have been asked to be a part of this year’s production! I’ll take any chance I can to perform AND show off one of my fabulous cocktail dresses from The Royal We :)

That’s it for now!

Shannon