Final Preparation

Well, it is almost here! I will be flying out of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Sunday afternoon for Tucson Arizona! The past few weeks have been the most hectic I have ever experienced and it's not over yet, but I feel ready to go out there and represent my state!
I am planning to post a new blog each day that I am there, but it may not be possible due to schedule issues. I know that according to our last correspondence from the National office, we will have some long days, starting at 7am and ending around 11 in the evening. My family will be coming out on August 30 right before the preliminaries begin. I will be so happy to have them safely there!

I want to say a big thank you to some very special people who have helped me get ready for Nationals and most importantly given me constant support and encouragement.
To my beautiful family...How could I ever make this without you? I love you all so much for your support. This has been a huge committment for our family. I know you realize how much DARLA means to me and knowing you are a part of this means everything to me.
Friends and Family...You are all awesome! Thanks for all you do to make my life so special.
Newberry College and the Publications/Alumni office...Thank you so much for the ad page sponsorship! I know that any student coming into your program will get years of great memories, an unbelievable education and a fantastic start to their career, whatever it may be. I am proud to say I am a Newberry College alum!
Dr. Daley and his entire staff...You guys are amazing! Thanks for giving me a beautiful smile! If everyone knew how fabulous your office was, no one would ever worry about going to a dentist again!
Genesis...I tell everyone how fantastic all of you are in Florence, SC! I can see why so many previous Mrs. South Carolina America ladies continue to see all of you. Your willingness to help people look and feel their best is so obvious from the moment you walk into your salon. What all of you do in that office is so much more than just skin and beauty on the outside. It is obvious that you bring out the best in people from the inside!
Kathy Cobb Communications...You have helped me throughout the journey to Mrs. America and through the process I have found a new friend.
Lancome Cosmetics/Belk...The fragrance you have provided for delegate gifts is great! Thank you for taking the time to make each of your customers feel special. Your continued service to helping me look good in Lancome makeup is greatly appreciated. I tell everyone to come visit your counter because of your service and smiles!
Barbara Graham, Mrs. SC America 2007... Your friendship is so special to me and throughout this process you have been a great person to talk with. Thank you for sponsoring the jewelry bags for delegates. They are beautiful and will be an actual gift that I know they will enjoy for years to come.
Representative Walt McLeod and Mrs. Rosemary...Once again you are always there for the people of Newberry County! The pins and booklets you provided for the delegate gift bags are great and give all of those ladies a peek into our beautiful state of South Carolina.
Stokes Trainor, Griffin Pools and Spas, Debra Smith/Newberry Opera House...Thank you for your financial sponsorship and helping make my trip to Tucson Arizona a reality for me and my family!
Brandi/Salon V...As always you make my hair look amazing. Your color and cut are going to help me feel my best on stage. Thanks for taking the time to show me cool things I can do with my hair, especially if I'm having a "bad hair day".
Jonathan and Heather Carter/ Carter Studios...Your photos are always amazing! They have won me a state photogenic award. Let's see what will happen in Arizona! Thanks for making the photo shoot so much fun!
Mike Goff...Your "crown and gown" shot will travel with me during this year as I have many opportunities to visit with people in our state and autograph those photos.
CATZ Formal Wear / Tammy Newton...How do I begin to thank you for all you have done to help? You always have a smile when I arrive in your shop and you take the time to help me find just the right dresses. I thank you so much for that and all that you do for the girls! I will think of you as I wear all of the dresses throughout my reign and in Arizona.
Elegant Image / Teresa Phibbs... Visiting your shop in my home county of Newberry is a treat! I want to thank you for the beautiful gowns that will travel with me to Arizona. You went above and beyond to make sure I was able to get the gowns that I really loved. Sully really appreciated that too!
Jamie Ingram and Dr. Ed Bull...Back in Shape Gym and Lake Murray Chiropractic have changed my life! Your guidance and training during the past months have given me not only a great eating routine, but a body that feels fit! No matter what happens in Arizona, I know that I feel better today than I have in my entire life thanks to your training and support!
Wayne and Mary Ellisor, First Impressions...You are always there to help with anything! Thanks for keeping me looking good and helping my family during this road to Nationals. I am happy to know you will be there cheering me on! I think back to the start of this and how you went the extra mile to make sure I had the gown I truly wanted. You are there to assist, be a listening ear, make me laugh and encourage. For that I am truly thankful!
And to Rhonda Woods, Director of the Mrs. SC America pageant...How can I ever thank you enough for all you have done to help me prepare for this national pageant? You are an amazing person who is so organized and helpful, all to give me an opportunity to enjoy this journey and have fun in the process. Your friendship will forever be treasured along after this pageant is over!

So...I am going to Arizona with no expectations except this...
I will do my personal best to make sure that I represent our state well. I truly want to win the title of Mrs. America, if God has this in His plan. But no matter what happens I know that I am representing the best state of the United States and will proudly and humbly respresent my little town of Pomaria.