Monday, January 9, 2006

Stacie proudly spent her last day before departing for Miss America promoting the organization and its upcoming live telecast on January 21^st.  The morning began early with a special guest appearance on Mix 93.3 “Rocket & Teresa’s” radio morning show.  Stacie had a great time hanging out with the gang and was excited to meet the people behind her favorite morning show!  She then had a telephone interview with the Northland’s Dispatch Tribune – the article is set to run on January 18^th.  Finally, Stacie had a guest appearance on Metro Sports “Talk,” an evening sports show on Time Warner Cable.  This will be featured in tomorrow evening’s program at 6:00 pm on Channel 30(Kansas City).  If possible, check it out! 

For more information on both of these programs, visit www.mix93.com and www.kcmetrosports.com.

Tuesday, January 10 – Day 1 –

Hello Missouri Fans!!

After an easy non-stop flight I arrived in Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon!  I was greeted by a Miss California volunteer and Shannon, Miss District of Columbia.  We had a great time visiting on the way to the Sheraton Universal!

After checking in to our fantastic hotel (we have our own rooms until we get to Vegas!) we had a welcome meeting where I had the opportunity to meet all 52 ladies.  It is really neat to finally meet everyone after just seeing pictures for the last 6 months!  We had a great dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios City Walk and got back to the hotel around 10:00 last night.

I was pleasantly surprised to have already received flowers – as I arrived at the hotel John Moskal, a judge this summer at Miss Missouri (and L.A. resident), was there to greet me with white roses!  I am having a great time and really look forward to sharing this experience with everyone via my Travelogue. 

It was a long day and a short night, as I had to get up at 5:30 am today for breakfast at 6:15!  I’ll write again tonight and tell you all about Day 2’s adventures J  It’s only 1:30 and I have already changed my clothes 3 times.  Plan to watch the Jay Leno Show on Thursday night, as we will all be in the audience and check back soon!

Love,

Stacie

Wednesday, January 11 – Day 2 –

  I am anxiously anticipating my comfy Sheraton bed tonight, but I wanted to take some time to fill you in on today’s exciting events!

 After breakfast at 6:15 a.m. we had our first three-hour rehearsal with Barry, the choreographer.  We already have the opening number complete, and it’s going to be awesome!  To answer a question I’m sure many of you have – there will be a runway (albeit much shorter and narrower), and there will also be a very neat circular runway that will run from stage right to left. 

 We then took our rock star buses to downtown L.A. where we met Hollywood’s honorary Mayor.  I had a true “celebrity” moment when we got off the bus – there were tons of photographers and camera crews there, plus a crowd of fans taking our pictures, too! 

 After returning to the hotel we had lunch and an hour to relax (is that possible at Miss America??) and get ready for the Television Critics’ Association events this evening.  We traveled to the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena for CMT’s official event promoting the Miss America Pageant and took an official group photo with James Denton – yes, James Denton – followed by an on-stage appearance at the event.  From there we traveled to the Twin Palms restaurant for the TCA Party.  We had a fabulous dinner and mingled with the press/media present for interviews, photo ops, and general promotion opportunities.  Sugarland was on hand to perform for 30 minutes, and they were the best group I have EVER listened to live!  I got my picture taken with them, and I also got to personally visit with the plumber (Mr. Denton) himself J  He is extremely genuine, funny, and committed to making this year’s telecast one to remember. 

 We got back to the hotel tonight at 11:00 p.m., and tomorrow morning I will leave with 33 other contestants to get the BackLot Tour of Universal Studios.  Until tomorrow…

Sending sun from Cali,

 Stacie

Thursday, January 12 –  Day 3

After getting some much needed rest last night I am feeling rejuvenated!  I have just finished a great workout and am excited to tell you all about today…

After sleeping in (until 7:15!), 34 of us went to Universal Studios.  We got a BackLot Tour, which included seeing the end of Wisteria Lane, where Desperate Housewives is filmed!  The cast was actually on the set filming while we were there, but of course we weren’t allowed to get close enough to see any stars.  We also got to ride The Mummy, which is California’s fastest roller-coaster!  I’m not afraid to admit that I hate coasters, but I decided to ride after hearing there were no loops or big drops…..no one mentioned to tell me that it went backwards until I was on the ride!  I held Miss Maine’s hand and screamed like a baby, but I ended up riding it twice it was such a thrill.  A film crew from Extra followed us around, and clips from our adventures will be on the show tomorrow evening if you want to check it out.

We traveled back to the hotel for rehearsal where we learned part of the swimsuit production for the final telecast.  To last year’s Miss Missouri contestants – I am once again dancing on-stage in my swimsuit!  It’s quite reminiscent of this summer. J 

This afternoon we loaded the bus to travel to the NBC Studios in Burbank to view a taping of the Jay Leno Show!  I enjoy watching Jay with my family whenever I’m home, so it was an incredible experience for me to see how it all happens in person.   The guests were Emma Thompson, Jeff Daniels, and Sugarland, and Jay was hilarious!  He acknowledged us being there during his monologue, as did both Emma and Jeff, and we took a group picture with him that can be found on Yahoo! News.  Thanks to everyone who tuned in to the show tonight.  I’m still waiting for it to air here in L.A. at 11:30 pm.  

Dinner was at Universal Studios CityWalk and it was delicious, but the best part was getting back to the hotel a little after 8:00 pm.  Thanks for everyone’s continued support – it means so much to me, and I can’t wait to see everyone who is coming out to Vegas!  Until tomorrow…

Wish you were here,

Stacie

Friday, January 13 – Day 4 –

 Things didn’t slow down on our last day in L.A!  Breakfast was once again at 6:15 a.m. followed by a four-hour rehearsal with our choreographer, Barry.  We finished the swimsuit production and practiced our swimsuit walking patterns.  After lunch, I was able to complete my close-up interview with the production crew – we are all being interviewed for “clips” to be used during the telecast for those who make the top 10.

 We then traveled to the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank, where we were able to visit with the kids during their after-school program.  I was in the arts and crafts room where I met Mary, an 8-year-old, who was doing a school project on the State of Missouri!  I left her with an autographed photo – a neat addition I bet none of her classmates will have J

 We raced back to the hotel and quickly changed in to our cocktail gowns to travel to the heart of Beverly Hills, specifically the private home of Kate Edelman Johnson.  Mrs. Johnson & Phyllis George (Miss America 1971) were the hosts of this amazing party, in which five other Miss America’s were in attendance – Jean Bartel (1943), Lee Meriwether (1955), Tawny Godin (1976), Carolyn Sapp (1992), Deidre Downs (2005).  We arrived on a red carpet to a gorgeous home, an amazing view, and fabulous food!  I felt so special to be in the company of such inspirational women.

 As I sit in my room one final night before leaving bright and early tomorrow for Vegas, I can’t help but reflect back upon my experiences here in L.A.  We have been treated like queens and welcomed by the media, and I have nothing but positive things to share with everyone about our time here.   While I’m sad to leave, I can’t wait for the excitement that awaits us in Vegas!

 It’s road trip time… J

 Have a great weekend,

On the red carpet waiting to enter the private residence of Kate Edelman Johnson

 Stacie

There were pink roses waiting for me at the Aladdin!

With Audra, Miss New Hampshire, heading towards Vegas

Saturday, January 14 – Day 5 -

 Ladies and gentleman, we are officially in Vegas!  I must begin by apologizing for the lack of interesting photos for today – we weren’t allowed to have personal cameras at the arrival ceremony…

 After breakfast we boarded our fabulous buses and hit the road!  The travel time was approximately six hours including one long break to get lunch.  Camera crews from CMT Insider hung out on the buses to interview everyone, and my bus watched the movie Miracle.  You can imagine everyone’s anticipation as we came upon the Vegas Strip!

 I think I speak for everyone when I say we were in awe as we pulled up to the Aladdin.  There were hundreds of people waiting outside to greet us and, of course, a red carpet and lots of cameras.  This seems to be the trend here at Miss America… J  We took a picture with city, county, and state officials in attendance and were each introduced to the crowd.  A special thanks to Tracy Greenup, Miss Columbia Board member, for being there to support me!

 We checked in to our rooms (Miss Virgin Islands is my roomie!), met our hostesses (mine is June), and had a fabulous dinner at the Aladdin’s buffet.  Just what I need after all that hard work preparing for swimsuit, right??  We also had our fittings this evening to make sure our swimsuits and dresses look perfect for competition.  Our dressing room is very spacious, but I think we were all surprised to find that it is a tent set up outside behind the theater.  It’s so nice to have so much room!  We’ve got a really fun day ahead of us tomorrow, and I promise to have more exciting photos!

 Spread the word about Miss America on CMT, January 21^st –

 Stacie

Signing autographs with Susan, Miss Indiana, at the mall

With Crystal, the hometown girl (Miss Nevada), at the Venetian!

Relaxing on the Gondolas with Shannon, Miss DC

Sunday, January 15 –  Day 6 -  

I can’t believe there is just one more day before preliminary competition begins!  We had a full day of rehearsals in the Aladdin ballroom, and the production numbers are looking great.  We also got to see the theatre and the stage, which looks amazing!  I can’t wait to begin practicing on it tomorrow. 

We hopped on a bus this afternoon and headed to our event at the mall.  It was SO cool and, once again, made us feel like divas!  We all lined up in a clear “room,” which was actually an elevator, and they slowly raised us up in to the actual mall where hundreds of people were waiting to greet us.  The event was set up like a fashion show, and we each walked the runway during the ceremony as Deidre introduced us.  We then signed autographs for fans until it was time to go.

After that we headed over to Planet Hollywood for a delicious dinner and some dancing.  We then went to the Venetian hotel for gondola rides!  There was dessert waiting for us, and we were serenaded by our guides as we relaxed on the waterway, right inside the hotel.  It was the perfect ending to another great day! 

I’m back in my hotel room and will admit I am exhausted tonight.  I am very anxious to see my family tomorrow evening, as we all have four hours of free time to spend with them.  I also finally get to practice my dance tomorrow during lunch!  I’ve attached some really fun pictures – check it out!

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Love from Vegas,

Stacie

Monday, January 16 – Day 7 –

Today’s theme was rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!  We began at 8:30 a.m., took a break for lunch, and continued until 6:00 pm.  I had an opportunity to practice my dance at lunch today, which was wonderful considering I start off preliminary competitions with talent tomorrow.  We have completed all of our production numbers and rehearsed each walking pattern – the show is going to be great!

After rehearsal we had free time to spend with our parents and/or state directors.  I went to dinner with my mom, dad, Andy (boyfriend), and two family friends, Melody and Madison Chambers.  They all arrived today and were also able to attend our open rehearsals.  After dinner we walked around the Aladdin’s shopping complex and took some pictures.  Just to note, Madison is one of my dance students and like a little sister to me, and Andy and I have been together for almost 6 years.  It is such a blessing to have such close friends here to support me! 

I ended the evening with a tanning session at The Tan Factory.  They have been so kind to donate free tanning services to all of the contestants, and about 20 of us went to visit them this evening.  Thank you!!!  I get to sleep in tomorrow (kind of) but begin with my official talent rehearsal.  I can’t believe I will be dancing tomorrow on THE Miss America stage J  I’ll give you a play-by-play of Tuesday’s preliminary!

Writing to you straight from the Aladdin –

Stacie

Here is an AP photo of Stacie!     http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/060117/482/nvjh10201170045

Tuesday, January 17 – Day 8 –

 The Miss America 2006 Preliminary competitions have finally begun!

 My day began with my talent rehearsal, which went really well.  I ran through it twice and had the rest of the morning to relax.  At 1:30 I met with Troy who did my hair for this evening’s show.  Thank you so much, Troy, for making me feel fabulous and ready to take the Miss America stage!  We then had a general rehearsal to run the entire show followed by a couple hours to get ready. 

 We were back in the dressing room by 7:15 to prepare for the show, which started right on-time at 8:00 pm!  The crowd was really great for the first night, and I saw my “Missouri” section right away J  I had to race off the stage right after the opening number, because I began the first competition, which is talent.  I was told I had 4 minutes to change, so it was literally a race to get ready. 

 All in all, I had a great time onstage!  My talent went really well, and I had a lot of fun performing for everyone.  It was an honor to get to dance on the Miss America stage and to finally interact with the 7 judges.  After talent I got to relax the rest of the evening until the final awards – congratulations to Erika Powell, Miss South Carolina, and Julia Bachison, Miss Utah, for their preliminary talent and swimsuit wins, respectively!  They deserved every bit of the recognition!

 I don’t have to report for rehearsal tomorrow until noon!!!  I just have on-stage question tomorrow night, so I am going to get some good rest.  It was absolutely wonderful to see so many Missouri fans at visitation this evening.  I only wish I had more time to visit with everyone!  Thank you, thank you for coming to Vegas – I couldn’t do it without your support.  Also, thanks to the Miss Missouri Board for their beautiful red roses, to Kim for the lovely pink roses, and to the Miss Columbia Board for the basket of fruit – I LOVE the pineapple J  Check back tomorrow for more scoop…

 Just 4 days to go –

 Stacie

Wednesday, January 18 –  Day 9 –

 It was night 2 of the preliminary competitions…

 I must first share with everyone that I slept in until 10 a.m. yesterday, and it was fantastic!!!  I reported to rehearsal at noon, had my hair done by Troy at 1:30, and then had a quick rehearsal for on-stage question before getting ready for the evening.  As a side note, Howie Mandel popped in to rehearsal today to surprise us all!  We also voted for Miss Congeniality this afternoon.

 I feel o.k. bragging about my hair today, because I had nothing to do with the “making” of it!  J  Troy out-did himself – in 45 minutes he literally took my hair and made a sculpture out of it.  I can’t wait to see what he will do tonight for evening gown.  Thank you, Troy!

 Since I was only doing on-stage question this evening I came off after the opening number and had a final chance to look over my platform information.  The question was based on my platform, and to tell you the truth I don’t even remember exactly what was asked.  It dealt with how to motivate kids to exercise even when they don’t want to.  So, of course, I said we need to focus on telling kids what they CAN do (like going outside for activity) instead of what they shouldn’t be doing (like watching TV), and that the most important thing I can do as an individual is lead by example.  It was the fastest 20 seconds of my life, and I’m glad it’s over. J  Following your on-stage question they go on to play your one-minute CMT profile for the crowd.  After on-stage questions the rest of the night was a breeze– congratulations to Jennifer Berry, Miss Oklahoma, and Kristi Glakas, Miss Virginia, for their preliminary talent and swimsuit wins, respectively!

 Thursday night I have swimsuit and evening gown.  I am so excited for these phases of competition I just about can’t stand it!!!  My mom will be my escort, and she is excited but somewhat anxious about walking down the 13 or so steps on-stage with me.  Thanks for everyone’s continued support – Missouri fans are the best!

 Can’t wait for tomorrow night –

 Stacie

Preparing for evening gown competition

With Brooke, Miss NC, in our evening gowns

At visitation with my mom's cousin, Jerry

Visiting with Kevin

With members of the Miss Columbia Board and their awesome sign!

Posing with Andy and Kim, my close friend from Pennsylvania who traveled all this way with her mom to support me.

Thursday, January 19 –  Day 10



 

Preliminary competitions have officially come to an end!

Today ran very similar to the last two days – rehearsal, hair with Troy, and preparation for the show.  Kathy Lee Gifford also stopped by the dressing room today to film footage for her show!  We have begun working on the patterns for the live television show, so Friday will be a full day of rehearsals.

Tonight I did swimsuit and evening gown – my favorite night!  I competed in swimsuit first and had a great time.  I felt great but just wished it had lasted longer!  I then competed in evening gown, and my mom escorted me on-stage.  Once again, we both had a great time J  Congratulations to Dustin Leigh Konzelman, Miss California, and Shannon Schambeau, Miss District of Columbia, on their preliminary talent and swimsuit awards, respectively.

I had so much fun tonight and am getting very anxious for my interview tomorrow morning!  It will be an early morning as I am the very first interview on Friday morning.  Better get to bed!

2 days left in Vegas…

Sending my love,

Stacie 

After my interview...I did my best!

Friday, January 20 –  Day 11

Well, I had my interview this morning!

It began at 8:00 am sharp, and my interview felt great!  It went by SO fast that I actually thought they had cut it too short when they told me the time was up.  It is truly a fabulous panel of preliminary judges, and while the interview was challenging I felt completely in control during the entire interview – that’s the first time in my life I have ever felt that way. 

After interview I entered rehearsals in the theatre, and we rehearsed from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in preparation for Saturday night’s live show.  It was a super long day, and I only got 4 hours of sleep the night before.  However, the show is going to look great, and we have our final dress rehearsal Saturday morning.

Tonight we went to a private reception at the Aladdin ballroom and signed autographs.  I then had free time with my family and with the Miss Missouri fans.  A special thanks to Jamie and Ashley for making the trip to Vegas to support me!  I had so much fun hanging out with you this evening.  Thank you so much for making it an enjoyable evening for me!  Also, THANK YOU to everyone who has sent their love and support to me here in Vegas.  I am completely overwhelmed by the cards, flowers, and gifts, and am truly touched in a unique way by each and every message you send!  Thank you for making this a positive experience for me and for standing behind me as I represent Missouri J 

All the preparation over the past 7 months has been totally worth every effort.  I know I did my best and am pleased with my performance regardless of what happens tomorrow. One last reminder….don’t forget to tune in tomorrow evening to CMT at 7:00 pm!!!

I can’t wait!  One last post coming tomorrow…

Lots of love back at ya,

Stacie  

My parents with Deidre Downs, Miss America 2005


Me and Phil at visitation

Saturday, January 21 –  Final Wrap-Up

 Well, I am back in Kansas City trying to restore some form of order to my life after 2 weeks of fun and frenzy!  In addition to unpacking, laundry, writing Thank You’s, and preparing for my upcoming appearances, I have also been under the weather since Monday night!  Many of the girls fell ill while at Miss America, and, lucky for me, it waited to strike until after I got home.  It’s off to the doctor tomorrow morning to try and get well before Saturday’s Missouri Girls appearance.

 I could write a book about my experiences over the last 12 days at Miss America, but in an attempt to keep it short I will just say that it was unbelievably amazing!  It was a wonderful adventure and 2 weeks that I will certainly never forget.  When I think of how many thousands of ladies would give anything to be in my shoes, I realize how lucky I was to be one of 52 to be a part of the 2006 Miss America Experience! 

 One of my most memorable moments was standing on-stage Saturday morning during rehearsal when they played the pre-show montage of the Miss America’s being crowned over the years.  I had goosebumps from head to toe!  I extend my sincerest congratulations to our new Miss America, Jennifer Berry!  I am so excited to have you represent us this year – make us proud!! 

 I owe so many thanks to everyone who supported me before, during, and after the pageant as well as to the many people who made sure I was prepared to do my best in Las Vegas!  Each of you had a place in my heart as I walked the Miss America stage, and none of it would have been possible without the time and efforts of the Miss Missouri Board.  Thank you to everyone who sent me cards, flowers, gifts, etc (over 50 in total!) – they are all being placed in a scrapbook…when I one day find the time J  Also, thank you to the large cheering section I had in Vegas – sorry your seats stunk!  I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends!

 I cannot wait to see what the next 5 months as Miss Missouri holds for me!  I have a busy schedule ahead and will live my year of service to the fullest until I place that crown on the new Miss Missouri come June J  Here are a few fun pictures to share with you that were taken throughout the week….

 Always,

 Stacie