Perspective

Traveling from Nashvile to Orlando, I was not in Kansas anymore.

I had my official photoshoot in Nashville, which was a blast. You can check out the sneak peaks on our facebook page or on my fan page. I then traveled to Orlando for Miss Americas Outstanding Teen, where I met all of the contestants who will be competing in January with me. It was an amazing experience to watch todays youth thrive in such a worth while organization. I was so impressed with the talent, poise, and causes of these young women. What a bright future we have ahead of us. I am so very proud of my OUTSTANDING Teen for receiving a full ride scholarship to Troy University. Caitlyn did such a great job and had a wonderful experience.

The Miss contestants went to Disney World to shoot a commercial for the upcoming Miss America pageant. Disney World is a ghost town at 7a.m. by the way. It was an interesting experience but we were able to ride 5 rides in an hour. When have you heard of that happening?! We were loving it and Miss America even came to hang out with us for awhile.  The Miss Florida Organization hosted a get together where we were able to really converse with eachother and have a relaxing evening. The food and entertainment were incredible. Regalia hosted our first dinner as the Miss America Class of 2012. I had a great time meeting with all of the girls.

When I returned back to Kansas, I found out that a dear friend of mine is going throuh something I would NOT wish on anyone. Her grandson (Ross only 3 years old) was diagnosed at Christmas with Leukemia. Warrior Ross has been fighting for his precious life for 8 months and has had a bone marrow translpant. He is now fighting GVHD and losing air through his lungs and veins. This little boy needs a miracle as well as MANY prayers for his strength and health. Please also pray for his family to be strong and be able to be there for him. I don't know how you get through something as tragic as this, but I find it hard not to view my life differently after hearing this. I sometimes feel stressed, sad, or even upset with litttle things. This puts life in perspective for me. I am so thankful to God for my health and my family's health. Instead of reading this and feeling sad. I want you to feel motivated to do something productive today with your life in honor of Ross and his family.

I hope you are all well!

Carissa