I competed in the Mrs. New York United States 2008 pageant last weekend and it was a truly wonderful experience. We were treated like queens the whole weekend.
The pageant weekend started with sign in where I got a chance to meet some of the staff and was greeted by Sheila Strassburg (the director) and Lori, Mrs. New York United States 2007. Much to my surprise I was named 1st alternative to the photogenic award and my picture was on the back cover of the program book. The winner of the photogenic award was Segal Magori – Goldstien (stunning in person as well) and I tied with Sheila McKinney for 1st alternative.
After getting to go back to my room for a bit to freshen up I headed down to a wonderful dinner where all the contestants were given one of many little gifts we would be treated to this weekend. All of the contestants along with the director and the reigning queen introduced themselves. All of the contestants were amazing and had such inspiring stories as to why they entered the pageant. I of course managed to spill Italian dressing all over my gift as well as the table. The carrot cake at the end of the meal was delicious!! Lori also gave each contestant a beautiful cap that said queen on it.
Next was practice for the pageant. We all were told we would be dancing and introducing our self to "One" from Chorus Line for the opening number. Despite the dance being really easy it still took me over an 1 1/2 hours to finally have Flor tell me why I couldn't seem to get it right. Dancing is so not my thing. lol Angela also scared the pants off me when she stomped so hard I jumped and screamed.
I was given another wonderful gift along with the rest of the women, a beautiful gold pin that said "you make a difference" before we ended for the night. It was still early as we were done at 9PM and I was able to practice a bit more on the stage as well as help some of the other women for a bit.
I also was eager to get back to my room because my best friend Lisa Mulvey had driven in from MA to stay with me for the weekend. I was so excited to see her and I swear she spent more time in her PJ's over the next 2 days then I thought was humanly possible. LOL
The next morning I woke up not sure if I was excited more about the pageant that night or the free Banana, Pecan Pancakes that I was ordering from room service. The free breakfast the pageant provided that I was able to eat in my room was really nice as I could sit in my frog PJ's and just relax before I had to go down to rehearsals.
Rehearsals started at 10 am and were over by noon. The contestants were given a $5 gift card to starbucks which was located right in the hotel. I promptly bought a peppermint mocha with mine. Yummy!
Interviews started at 3:30 and mine was at 4:40. I had my hair and make up done by salon. They did such an amazing job!!
I was a bit nervous going into interviews as I had never experienced a panel style interview before. I am very happy to say that I can not believe 5 minutes could go by that fast! All of the judges were wonderful and went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. They asked questions about what was on my bio as well as "If I could have lunch with any three people who would they be and why?"
I chose Katharine Hepburn (my favorite actress), Oprah (of course)and Eleanor Roosevelt (one of my favorite women in politics). I was even asked about my favorite frog in my frog collection. lol
After interview I had over 2 hours to get ready for the final show. I had my hair and make up changed over for stage and once again the stylists did such a wonderful job. I also made Lisa go over and listen to me practice possible onstage questions.
At 7:20 I arrived in the dressing room and was really excited for the show to begin...
The pageant weekend started with sign in where I got a chance to meet some of the staff and was greeted by Sheila Strassburg (the director) and Lori, Mrs. New York United States 2007. Much to my surprise I was named 1st alternative to the photogenic award and my picture was on the back cover of the program book. The winner of the photogenic award was Segal Magori – Goldstien (stunning in person as well) and I tied with Sheila McKinney for 1st alternative.
After getting to go back to my room for a bit to freshen up I headed down to a wonderful dinner where all the contestants were given one of many little gifts we would be treated to this weekend. All of the contestants along with the director and the reigning queen introduced themselves. All of the contestants were amazing and had such inspiring stories as to why they entered the pageant. I of course managed to spill Italian dressing all over my gift as well as the table. The carrot cake at the end of the meal was delicious!! Lori also gave each contestant a beautiful cap that said queen on it.
Next was practice for the pageant. We all were told we would be dancing and introducing our self to "One" from Chorus Line for the opening number. Despite the dance being really easy it still took me over an 1 1/2 hours to finally have Flor tell me why I couldn't seem to get it right. Dancing is so not my thing. lol Angela also scared the pants off me when she stomped so hard I jumped and screamed.
I was given another wonderful gift along with the rest of the women, a beautiful gold pin that said "you make a difference" before we ended for the night. It was still early as we were done at 9PM and I was able to practice a bit more on the stage as well as help some of the other women for a bit.
I also was eager to get back to my room because my best friend Lisa Mulvey had driven in from MA to stay with me for the weekend. I was so excited to see her and I swear she spent more time in her PJ's over the next 2 days then I thought was humanly possible. LOL
The next morning I woke up not sure if I was excited more about the pageant that night or the free Banana, Pecan Pancakes that I was ordering from room service. The free breakfast the pageant provided that I was able to eat in my room was really nice as I could sit in my frog PJ's and just relax before I had to go down to rehearsals.
Rehearsals started at 10 am and were over by noon. The contestants were given a $5 gift card to starbucks which was located right in the hotel. I promptly bought a peppermint mocha with mine. Yummy!
Interviews started at 3:30 and mine was at 4:40. I had my hair and make up done by salon. They did such an amazing job!!
I was a bit nervous going into interviews as I had never experienced a panel style interview before. I am very happy to say that I can not believe 5 minutes could go by that fast! All of the judges were wonderful and went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. They asked questions about what was on my bio as well as "If I could have lunch with any three people who would they be and why?"
I chose Katharine Hepburn (my favorite actress), Oprah (of course)and Eleanor Roosevelt (one of my favorite women in politics). I was even asked about my favorite frog in my frog collection. lol
After interview I had over 2 hours to get ready for the final show. I had my hair and make up changed over for stage and once again the stylists did such a wonderful job. I also made Lisa go over and listen to me practice possible onstage questions.
At 7:20 I arrived in the dressing room and was really excited for the show to begin...
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