It's hard to believe that almost a month has passed since I was crowned Ms. United States 2008 and it still feels so brand new! I mean, it feels like it just happened...as in last night! Well needless to say, the days and weeks after the pageant flew by, especially since I had a 1 week vacation visiting with family immediately following my crowning in California. But now, I'd like to take a little flashback to about 3 weeks ago when this whole dream was just materializing...Let me just say that everything about traveling to Vegas for the national pageant was "drama!" I couldn't weigh my luggage, but figured it was definitely "overweight," and I would just pay the extra fee.....I didn't know that it was 45 lbs overweight at 95 lbs!! I flung my luggage (Bertha) open and took 25 lbs worth of random items out and stuck them in my carry- ons and in my sister's luggage. To make matters worse, we lost our flight and had to get another 2 hours later, plus I have a fear of flying...a terrible fear. So, I was just not a happy camper. When we finally arrive in Vegas, it was almost as if all the drama never happened- we took a relaxing limo ride to the Orleans Hotel where were were waited on hand and foot. Oh, traveling with me were my grandmother and sister...two of my biggest fans!
I have posted a collage of pics to illustrate (in short) the pageant weekend...To see a "play by play" with tons of pics from my camera , see the Calendar page of the Ms. United States website.Once the official photographer's pics arrive, I will be sure to post them (no one was allowed to take pics of the pageant, so these are what I have for now).
I had an amazing time, especially getting to know all the girls and make friends from around the country! Meeting fans, signing autographs, and taking in the sights was a blast!
We all bonded in a special way because we shared so much in common, and really helped one another out during the pageant week. From getting sick to heels breaking, swimsuit problems, 6 hour rehearsals and more...we survived it all together, and that's what made it a special journey we will never forget!
The event above was our very first taste of competition- The "Supermodel with Style Contest." This event was sponsored by Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. I got 1-st runner up in my division :)Stay tuned for my next post in a few days- I will discuss what went down at the actual pageant competition, what went through my head...and what happened backstage!
With Love,
Graziella Baratta
Ms. United States 2008
