Siiiiiiiiiigh!! Sadly, I’m making my way back to the west side of the USA. I say “sadly” because the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is the most gorgeous land I’ve ever stepped foot upon. WOW! It is a real life paradise. I didn’t know such natural beauty existed in the world. The water is clear and clean, the shoreline is immaculate. I could hear the sound that results from the combination of waves crashing and a gentle breeze blowing when my window was open. It is so peaceful and warm…the perfect mixture of sunshine and intoxicating air. Need I say more? It’s official: I must one day own a villa on the beach. :)
I also had the opportunity to learn a little French while spending time in St. Martin. People asked many interesting questions, and I was even able to communicate with most French speaking people I met at least a little. I’m so proud of myself! Maybe if I were dropped off there for about a month or so, I could actually learn the language. Hint, hint…anybody who’d like me to learn French is more than welcome to send me back. ;) One of these days, I’m going to write a blog in French!
Last night I attended the Miss Caribbean Hibiscus (or Miss Caraïbes Hibiscus if you speak French) Pageant, and it was an amazing production! The program flowed seamlessly, without error. It was truly the best pageant production I have ever had the pleasure to experience. This pageant was interesting because it is an international pageant, so the contestants had the task of representing their countries with a traditional costume. There was also an evening gown and swimwear competition. The young ladies are all absolutely gorgeous, but unfortunately only one could be crowned. The new Miss Caribbean Hibiscus is Miss Caraçao! Congratulations!
I have had many wonderful adventures as Miss Black USA, but this trip has certainly been one of the highlights of my reign. :)
Monday, December 3, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
My Trip to New York City (Written Nov. 28)
Hola!
Right now I’m sitting idly on a plane heading back to Los Angeles from New York. Such a long plane ride: 6 hours! Anyway, this long trek across the country isn’t going to overshadow the wonderful time I had in New York. :) Today, I taped two interviews focusing on the country’s fight against diabetes. The first interview I taped was at the JDRF Headquarters and will air on the CBS New York Early Show on Dec. 2. The second interview was for a special on Good Morning America Now entitled, “The Fight Against Diabetes” and will air on the ABC News Now network on Friday morning at 9am EST. For those who can't watch, it will also be available on the web at http://abcnews.go.com/abcnewsnow/gmanow. I am on all the video segments under the "Dealing with Diabetes" heading except the "Complications with Diabetes" segment. These will be my very first major television appearances, and I’m excited!
While in New York at the JDRF National Headquarters, I also taped the “Bag of Hope” video that will be distributed to children diagnosed with type I diabetes next year. I hope my message can serve as an inspiration and as encouragement to young people affected by diabetes. I wish I could have received more positive messages about diabetes when I was first diagnosed because being diagnosed with diabetes makes for a difficult time in a young person’s life. Hopefully, this message will be the encouragement that at least one young person needs to feel “normal” and to gain resolve in such an emotionally strenuous time.
Mañana, I’m off to St. Maarten/St. Martin to judge the Miss Caribbean Hibiscus pageant. I’m excited about that too! I’ve never been to an island before. Once I re-pack my suitcase I’m going to meet the sandman. Hope to have sweet dreams, and I hope you do too! :) God loves you (He REALLY does)!!
-Miss Black USA
Right now I’m sitting idly on a plane heading back to Los Angeles from New York. Such a long plane ride: 6 hours! Anyway, this long trek across the country isn’t going to overshadow the wonderful time I had in New York. :) Today, I taped two interviews focusing on the country’s fight against diabetes. The first interview I taped was at the JDRF Headquarters and will air on the CBS New York Early Show on Dec. 2. The second interview was for a special on Good Morning America Now entitled, “The Fight Against Diabetes” and will air on the ABC News Now network on Friday morning at 9am EST. For those who can't watch, it will also be available on the web at http://abcnews.go.com/abcnewsnow/gmanow. I am on all the video segments under the "Dealing with Diabetes" heading except the "Complications with Diabetes" segment. These will be my very first major television appearances, and I’m excited!
While in New York at the JDRF National Headquarters, I also taped the “Bag of Hope” video that will be distributed to children diagnosed with type I diabetes next year. I hope my message can serve as an inspiration and as encouragement to young people affected by diabetes. I wish I could have received more positive messages about diabetes when I was first diagnosed because being diagnosed with diabetes makes for a difficult time in a young person’s life. Hopefully, this message will be the encouragement that at least one young person needs to feel “normal” and to gain resolve in such an emotionally strenuous time.
Mañana, I’m off to St. Maarten/St. Martin to judge the Miss Caribbean Hibiscus pageant. I’m excited about that too! I’ve never been to an island before. Once I re-pack my suitcase I’m going to meet the sandman. Hope to have sweet dreams, and I hope you do too! :) God loves you (He REALLY does)!!
-Miss Black USA
My Trip to New York City
Hola!
Right now I’m sitting idly on a plane heading back to Los Angeles from New York. Such a long plane ride: 6 hours! Anyway, this long trek across the country isn’t going to overshadow the wonderful time I had in New York. :) Today, I taped two interviews focusing on the country’s fight against diabetes. The first interview I taped was at the JDRF Headquarters and will air on the CBS Early Show on Dec. 2. The second interview was for a special on Good Morning America Now entitled, “The Fight Against Diabetes” and will air on ABC on Friday morning at 9am EST. These will be my very first major television appearances, and I’m excited!
While in New York at the JDRF National Headquarters, I also taped the “Bag of Hope” video that will be distributed to children diagnosed with type I diabetes next year. I hope my message can serve as an inspiration and encouragement to young people affected by diabetes. I wish I could have received more positive messages about diabetes when I was first diagnosed because being diagnosed with diabetes makes for a difficult time in a young person’s life. Hopefully, this message will be the encouragement that at least one young person needs to feel “normal” and to gain resolve in such an emotionally strenuous time.
Mañana, I’m off to St. Martin to judge the Miss Caribbean Hibiscus pageant. I’m excited about that too! I’ve never been to an island before. Once I re-pack my suitcase I’m going to meet the sandman. Hope to have sweet dreams, and I hope you do too! :) God loves you (He REALLY does)!!
-Miss Black USA
Right now I’m sitting idly on a plane heading back to Los Angeles from New York. Such a long plane ride: 6 hours! Anyway, this long trek across the country isn’t going to overshadow the wonderful time I had in New York. :) Today, I taped two interviews focusing on the country’s fight against diabetes. The first interview I taped was at the JDRF Headquarters and will air on the CBS Early Show on Dec. 2. The second interview was for a special on Good Morning America Now entitled, “The Fight Against Diabetes” and will air on ABC on Friday morning at 9am EST. These will be my very first major television appearances, and I’m excited!
While in New York at the JDRF National Headquarters, I also taped the “Bag of Hope” video that will be distributed to children diagnosed with type I diabetes next year. I hope my message can serve as an inspiration and encouragement to young people affected by diabetes. I wish I could have received more positive messages about diabetes when I was first diagnosed because being diagnosed with diabetes makes for a difficult time in a young person’s life. Hopefully, this message will be the encouragement that at least one young person needs to feel “normal” and to gain resolve in such an emotionally strenuous time.
Mañana, I’m off to St. Martin to judge the Miss Caribbean Hibiscus pageant. I’m excited about that too! I’ve never been to an island before. Once I re-pack my suitcase I’m going to meet the sandman. Hope to have sweet dreams, and I hope you do too! :) God loves you (He REALLY does)!!
-Miss Black USA
Thursday, November 29, 2007
My Story In Honor Of National Diabetes Awareness Month
I was 14 years old, and it was February 10, 1999 (funny how you remember dates that change your life). Less than a week earlier, I had been almost 20 pounds heavier and living a “normal” life like any other teenager. Four days earlier, I had suddenly begun to suffer from many symptoms that were previously unfamiliar to me such as frequent urination, fatigue, extreme thirst and hunger, and weight loss. I was active and in great shape from dancing and cheerleading at least 6 hours a day at least 5 days a week. I had no clue what was happening to me. On the day that I woke up and was physically unable to get out of bed without assistance to prepare for school, I told my mother that there was a huge problem. She took me to a physician who then suggested that we go to the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL. On that day I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. My life changed forever. Surprisingly, the change was overwhelmingly positive, although not immediate.
Did you know: Halle Berry has diabetes? When I was diagnosed, that piece of information made a HUGE difference in the way I viewed my future and my life. I had always admired her for her talent and beauty, so she served as a role model to me and millions of other young girls in the world. Knowing that she suffered from the disease made me feel more comfortable and accepting of diabetes. Seeing people who are admired and accomplished who also suffer from the disease makes children feel that diabetes is more acceptable to have and helps them to know that success and a “normal” life are still possible.
Fast forward 8.5 years: Although I am not a “celebrity”, I have been named a celebrity advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This month to help celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month, I will travel to reach people in an effort to increase awareness of this disease. This is such a great honor. I never would have thought that I would have the opportunity to reach out to people to spread the message and mission of JDRF. I can’t express how inspired I am by JDRF and its incredible push to provide research for the purpose of finding a cure for Type I Diabetes! I’m very hopeful and confident that one day, this goal will be reached and we will all be able to imagine and return to a life without diabetes. :)
Did you know: Halle Berry has diabetes? When I was diagnosed, that piece of information made a HUGE difference in the way I viewed my future and my life. I had always admired her for her talent and beauty, so she served as a role model to me and millions of other young girls in the world. Knowing that she suffered from the disease made me feel more comfortable and accepting of diabetes. Seeing people who are admired and accomplished who also suffer from the disease makes children feel that diabetes is more acceptable to have and helps them to know that success and a “normal” life are still possible.
Fast forward 8.5 years: Although I am not a “celebrity”, I have been named a celebrity advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This month to help celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month, I will travel to reach people in an effort to increase awareness of this disease. This is such a great honor. I never would have thought that I would have the opportunity to reach out to people to spread the message and mission of JDRF. I can’t express how inspired I am by JDRF and its incredible push to provide research for the purpose of finding a cure for Type I Diabetes! I’m very hopeful and confident that one day, this goal will be reached and we will all be able to imagine and return to a life without diabetes. :)
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Some Things For Which I'm Thankful
In honor of Thanksgiving Day, I have decided to list the things I’m thankful for (in no particular order EXCEPT for God because He’ll ALWAYS be FIRST in my life):
GOD
Family
Good friends
Kindness of strangers
Generosity
Bright colors
Most fruits
Football
Cell phones (most times)
People who helped me move out (and who will also help me move in)
The ability to learn
Good music
Good health
Good food
Confidence
Sutures
Books
Forgiveness
Internet
Cameras
Experience
Oprah
Mentors
"America’s Next Top Model" nights of bonding/cooking with my friends
People who understand me
Independence
The ability to dream BIG
Rest
Peace
Free time
Juice
Private jokes
Babies
Laughing loudly
Kitties
Squirrels
Dreams
Stars
Parks
Beautiful landscapes
GOD
Family
Good friends
Kindness of strangers
Generosity
Bright colors
Most fruits
Football
Cell phones (most times)
People who helped me move out (and who will also help me move in)
The ability to learn
Good music
Good health
Good food
Confidence
Sutures
Books
Forgiveness
Internet
Cameras
Experience
Oprah
Mentors
"America’s Next Top Model" nights of bonding/cooking with my friends
People who understand me
Independence
The ability to dream BIG
Rest
Peace
Free time
Juice
Private jokes
Babies
Laughing loudly
Kitties
Squirrels
Dreams
Stars
Parks
Beautiful landscapes
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Diez y Ocho de Noviembre :)
Alsamadeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!!
I found a new love over the weekend!! I tasted Bolthouse Farm's "Green Goodness" for the first time, and it was absolutely fantastic! It made me feel better and smarter (I have no scientific proof of that). :) I finished a whole bottle in one study session.
Yesterday, I studied a little and worked out for the first time in a long time, a lot longer than I'd like to admit. ;) I'm on my way back to being fit, though! I also went to see a movie last night, during which I fell asleep. I didn't find it to be very entertaining, but the critics seem to like it. They say it'll be an "instant classic." I'm thoroughly confused about that particular critic's choice of words. Maybe I accidentally saw the wrong movie? Anyway, I'm still enjoying my time in sunny California. I sure would love to take this weather with me wherever I travel!
At 6am tomorrow I have a telephone interview with a Tennessee radio station.... I don't know how chipper and alert I'll be by then, but we'll see how it goes. :)
Happy Sunday! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and boy, am I thankful for that holiday!! Next challenge: preparing the perfect gumbo (and surviving prolonged family time). :)
God Bless,
Miss Black USA
I found a new love over the weekend!! I tasted Bolthouse Farm's "Green Goodness" for the first time, and it was absolutely fantastic! It made me feel better and smarter (I have no scientific proof of that). :) I finished a whole bottle in one study session.
Yesterday, I studied a little and worked out for the first time in a long time, a lot longer than I'd like to admit. ;) I'm on my way back to being fit, though! I also went to see a movie last night, during which I fell asleep. I didn't find it to be very entertaining, but the critics seem to like it. They say it'll be an "instant classic." I'm thoroughly confused about that particular critic's choice of words. Maybe I accidentally saw the wrong movie? Anyway, I'm still enjoying my time in sunny California. I sure would love to take this weather with me wherever I travel!
At 6am tomorrow I have a telephone interview with a Tennessee radio station.... I don't know how chipper and alert I'll be by then, but we'll see how it goes. :)
Happy Sunday! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and boy, am I thankful for that holiday!! Next challenge: preparing the perfect gumbo (and surviving prolonged family time). :)
God Bless,
Miss Black USA
November 13
Hey! :) I'm so glad to finally be able to communicate with you as you view the newly launched Miss Black USA website! I've got lots of exciting experiences to share with you.... :)
Last weekend I attended the Miss Black North Carolina USA Scholarship Pageant as a special guest and performed my talent. The competition was intense and pretty amazing. All the young women were extraordinarily beautiful and talented.
Congratulations, Audrey, Miss Black North Carolina USA 2008!!
In addition, I've been moving out of my apartment...eeeeeeek! These last few weeks have been trying. I've been traveling a lot and moving all at the same time, but I did it with the help of some of my beloved, caring friends. :) I owe them a housewarming party with lots of goodies. While I'm out of town, I’m going to learn how to make carrot cake from scratch with the help of a recipe that a former classmate (and Soror) of mine shared with me. I hope to have it perfected by the time that I return…I can’t wait!
I learned a lot from this moving experience. The most important thing I learned is that this is the very last time I will attempt to move without professional movers. Clearly, there’s a reason people start moving businesses. Moving is not fun, and nobody likes to do it, so I'm sure movers make lots of money! Although I faced a lot of difficulty during this arduous task, it’s finally done. Hoorayyyyyyy!
As advised by my mentor, I’m working on assembling a list of my life goals and preparing them in paragraph form. This method will allow me to include how I plan to reach these goals. It’s a thought provoking exercise. If you’ve never done it before, I would suggest doing so. I’ve already been enlightened by merely listing and planning for just a few goals.
Wow, I’ve got soooooo much to say. I have to catch you up on my experiences as Miss Black USA. For now, though, I’m on my way to having some much needed fun in the sun. ;) God loves you!
Miss Black USA
Last weekend I attended the Miss Black North Carolina USA Scholarship Pageant as a special guest and performed my talent. The competition was intense and pretty amazing. All the young women were extraordinarily beautiful and talented.
Congratulations, Audrey, Miss Black North Carolina USA 2008!!
In addition, I've been moving out of my apartment...eeeeeeek! These last few weeks have been trying. I've been traveling a lot and moving all at the same time, but I did it with the help of some of my beloved, caring friends. :) I owe them a housewarming party with lots of goodies. While I'm out of town, I’m going to learn how to make carrot cake from scratch with the help of a recipe that a former classmate (and Soror) of mine shared with me. I hope to have it perfected by the time that I return…I can’t wait!
I learned a lot from this moving experience. The most important thing I learned is that this is the very last time I will attempt to move without professional movers. Clearly, there’s a reason people start moving businesses. Moving is not fun, and nobody likes to do it, so I'm sure movers make lots of money! Although I faced a lot of difficulty during this arduous task, it’s finally done. Hoorayyyyyyy!
As advised by my mentor, I’m working on assembling a list of my life goals and preparing them in paragraph form. This method will allow me to include how I plan to reach these goals. It’s a thought provoking exercise. If you’ve never done it before, I would suggest doing so. I’ve already been enlightened by merely listing and planning for just a few goals.
Wow, I’ve got soooooo much to say. I have to catch you up on my experiences as Miss Black USA. For now, though, I’m on my way to having some much needed fun in the sun. ;) God loves you!
Miss Black USA
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