The end of August...

The pageant was over. I was the new Miss California International 2008. As much as I wanted to just curl up in bed and sleep for weeks there was no time to waste! On Monday morning after the pageant, Stevi - Mrs. CA Int'l, her wonderful husband Michael, and I hopped in our cars and headed to the happiest place on Earth! You guessed it, we went to Disneyland for 2 days of fun and excitement with Mickey and the gang! Monday and Tuesday were spent pigging out on cotton candy, ice cream, and riding all the fabulous rides. On Wednesday Stevi and I headed to my dream spot, another BEAUTIFUL horse show in the sunny San Diego. I got to relax and ride my horses all weekend. On Friday evening I had the honor of attending Miss Teen USA in Pasadena and watching all of the lovely ladies compete for the title. Everyone on stage was so glamorous and poised. They all did an incredible job of representing their states. After the pageant I attended the Coronation Banquet with Stevi McShane, Rebekah Negrete, Gaspar Cruz, and many other friends where I was able to meet so many beautiful and influential individuals including Miss Teen USA 2006 - Katie Blair, Miss USA 2007 - Rachel Smith, and Miss Universe 2007 - Riyo Mori. When the evening was finished it was time to drive back to San Diego and become an Equestrian once again.

Is this all a dream?

The last 6 months have the most exciting and action packed months of my life! In June, my sister, Jill, qualified for the Pan American games in Equestrian Show Jumping which meant I got the joy of spending 2 weeks of July in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil supporting her. After spending an amazing time in Brazil with my family and all the great natives that so graciously welcomed us into their country, it was time to fly home and prepare for the Miss California International 2008 pageant. After a very interesting 9 hour car ride from Sacramento to Palm Springs I arrived at the pageant and had a relaxing evening with my 2 road trip partners, Stevi McShane and Breia Boswell. Thursday afternoon we had orientation where I had the pleasure of meeting the AMAZING director and producer of the pageant, Eddie Peterson and Dennis Cooke. Thursday night we were whisked away in sponsored limousines to a lovely dinner and street fair in downtown Palm Springs. Friday was action packed with interviews all morning, a talent show in the early evening, and an aeriel tram ride up to a restaurant overlooking all of Palm Desert. Saturday morning was full of nonstop rehearsals brought to a closure with the preliminary phase of competition. On stage, the Miss contestants were escorted by a wonderful group of Marines who donated their time and did an amazing job helping each young lady feel comfortable and perform her best. Sunday afternoon was the final pageant when the new Miss, Teen, and Mrs. California for 2008 were crowned. As they called the new Miss Teen California, Breia Boswell, I was ecstatic and SO proud of my local sister-titleholder. When the time came for the new Miss California to be crowned I found myself standing onstage with a court named and 7 girls left wondering if that crown would be theirs. ......And the new Miss California is... Jan Humphrey. I did not know what to say. I was so excited for my year with Breia along with my new mentors and sources of inspiration, Eddie and Dennis. But wait, my local director, not to mention new best friend was still on stage waiting to hear how she would end up in the grand scheme of the weekend. When Stevi McShane won the title of Mrs. California International 2008 I was in disbelief that all three of us were going to be able to share our year together.

To my family and friends, Thank you for being such wonderful troopers and supporters. I LOVE you all!!

Tiffany Tollett, Thank you for helping me find just the right evening gown, fun fashion and opening number outfit. Your goosebumps haven't failed us yet!

Gaspar Cruz. O Gaspar. What would I do without you? You kept me relaxed and laughing ALL weekend not to mention did a GORGEOUS job with my hair and make-up! I love you!

Carolee Munger and Susana May, you are two women that I look up to with such respect and cannot wait to get to know better throughout our year together.

Dennis Cooke. Dennis Dennis Dennis! You have no idea what you have gotten yourself into asking me to recruit girls for the pageant! Be ready for next year! You are soo energetic and whenever I am down you are the first person to call because you are always so positive about life!

Eddie Peterson, well it is no secret that from the minute I met you you became an instant role model and mentor. In case it isn't obvious though, just look for the tears streaming down my cheek when someone asks me about you and I get extremely choked up! You are the best! EDIIIIEEEEEEEEE!

Breia and Stevi, you girls are crazy, fun, wild, and sooooooo entertaining. You guys keep me in stitches and I can't wait to spend a whole year with you!