Bon Voyage!

My send off party this weekend was so incredibly fun.  It was great to have some of my friends who normally don't see that side of me experience the pageant world.  I don't have too many pictures to share with you because I spent a majority of my time there modeling my interview wear, evening gown and talent outfit.  I also got a chance to perform my talent which felt so amazing. 

I want to take a moment to thank the many people who took the time to make me, Joelle and my princesses feel so very special this weekend.  A very special thanks to Julie Bocciolatt and Stephanie Leek for hosting the fabulous party, complete with high heel cupcakes and all!  And my best friend from home, Mary Beth, and her boyfriend for making the long drive up.  I will never forget how great you guys are and how important you made me feel.

Here is a look at a couple shots from the party!

 

Myself and my beautiful court of ladies, (LTR, FTB) Julia, Vern, Joelle and me

 The gorgeous cake that I couldn't eat LOL thanks mom!

 

Me cutting the cake

In other fun news, I went to an appearance at the Buffalo Historical Society with Kristina (Ferris) Blackford and I sold 50/50 tickets.  Thank you for having me, I had so much fun!

  

It's hard to believe Miss NY is so close.  There is still time to vote for your favorite contestant so please, please do!  Follow this link to Miss NY and vote for Miss Thousand Islands!!  Also, please follow me on Twitter at @LonnaLu and instagram at lonnamccary to see all the latest Miss NY updates.  Check out #MissNY2013 as well so see posts from other contestants and friends at the pageant.  I love you all and I am so excited to represent this gorgeous region of New York.  

My Crazy Life

Since I blogged last, I have been traveling a bit and and working A LOT.  I was lucky enough to be able to go down to Virginia and watch my boyfriend graduate from Marine Corps Officers' Basic School.  I have known that my boyfriend was a Marine and that he would lead people into battle but it wasn't until I saw him in uniform, on stage, with his brothers that I truly understood the magnitude of what he has accomplished.  I am so proud of him, I was moved to tears (although I tried to hide them).  You're so awesome babe.

As soon as I came home I started my new job at Local Edge in Buffalo.  I am working as a digital analyst.  Basically I help companies optimize their presence on the local listings sections of Google, Bing and Yahoo.  I never imagined I would be working in the digital marketing field, at all, but I have to say, I truly enjoy it.  It has only been a week but I really like what I do and my co-workers are awesome.

This past Saturday I was honored to attend Stella "Swift"s 10th birthday party!  I praise the lord that she is now in the double digits, she has had a tough road.  If you are not familiar with Stella, please refer to this blog post of mine.  We had tons of fun singing karaoke in her decked out Taylor Swift bedroom and yard games.  Thank you for having me Stella!

I wanted to give a quick thank you to everyone who donated to my 50/50 raffle, and also announce the winner.  Drumroll please...Lynne Cullinan!  Lynne is a mother of five and a New York State Correctional officer. I would also like to give a big thank you to my friend Corey Cruppi who has volunteered to travel to Staten Island and represent Miss TI in the Mr. New York pageant.  The Mr. New York pageant is so much fun and definitely more enjoyable if you have someone to root for! =)

As for Miss New York prep,  I have been practicing my talent with my coach and I have truly enjoyed finding my own voice in such a strong song.  I found that I truly enjoyed what I was doing more when I wasn't trying to fit my voice to the song, but instead fitting the song around my voice.  I am so excited to perform it! =)  Other than talent, I have been physically preparing myself by doing what I do best; running.  Running is obviously amazing cardio, but it also helps me clear my mind after a long day.  Mentally, I have been filling my head with as much current event material as possible.  I pretty much live off of NPR radio.  Emotionally, I have been trying to keep as calm as possible. Constantly centering myself, letting go of the little things and reading my bible and devotional.  The prep is definitely not over but I feel better now than ever.  I am so happy and blessed to have so many people in my life who have helped me get to this point.  I am confident that I will be going to Miss New York as the very best version of myself.

"Werk" shop

I had a great time at workshop this past weekend.  Besides getting to meet the girls I didn't already know, I got to spend some QT with my teen Joelle and really got to know her better.  Fun fact: Joelle and I are both children of servicemen :-)

We also got to work with the fabulous Kent Parham, choreographer extraordinaire and Justin Popovics, nutritionist, pageant trainer and the fiercest diva you will ever meet.  We got to model in swimsuit, work on our walks, perform our talents and get valuable feedback on all of the above.

Here are some shots from the weekend:

 Joelle and Myself, Day 1, making a pit-stop for diner food.  

Us upstate girls love a good, greasy spoon.

 Day 2, taking a break at workshop to pose for Shelb.

 Posing for our class picture, are you getting excited yet?  One of these 24 women will be competing for the title of Miss America!!

After that exciting whirlwind of a weekend I came home and relaxed for about an hour before going back to work. THEN, got an amazing phone call that informed me of an impending job offer.  I had interviewed with a company called Local Edge because a former Miss TI, Kristina Blackford, works there and suggested it to me.  It had been so long since I interviewed that I was starting to think I must have not gotten the position but I finally got a call!  I am so very excited to be starting what I call a "big girl" job in a few weeks.

Today though, I will be heading back to Watertown for the Armed Forces Parade tomorrow morning.  I am very excited, not only because I haven't been in a parade in 7 years but also because I am honored to celebrate this special day with the men and women who dedicate their lives to our country.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

God Bless,

Lonna

Come Sail Away...

I had the most AMAZING trip to Watertown this past Thursday.  About a month ago, my director was approached by the Clayton Antique Boat Museum because they needed a new spokesperson.  They thought, who better to represent the antique speed boat "Miss Thousand Islands II" than Miss Thousand Islands herself?  Good thinking. 

I met up with Mike Folsom and the crew at the museum on Thursday afternoon.  We were afraid that the weather was about to take a turn for the worst but it ended up being more gorgeous than we could have imagined.  Here are some quick Iphone shots of how the day went:

I know, tough life.  I had a ridiculous amount of fun and I even got to keep those awesome genuine Zebrawood sunglasses thanks to Nautique Optix.

As if all of this wasn't cool enough, one of the shots from the shoot will be on a billboard in the Watertown area!!  Oh, and I will be on posters sold at the museum!! =)

As soon as the official shot for the posters/billboards are released, y'all will be the first to know!! EEEEE!  Excited!

Until next time,

Lonna

A Touch of Grace

Almost immediately after winning Miss TI, I met an amazing woman by the name of Kathy Lettiere.  Kathy owns a gown shop in Watertown, NY called A Touch of Grace specializing in prom, pageantry, bridal.  She sells gifts and accessories as well.  Kathy immediately treated me like I was her own daughter.  I was draped in some of the most gorgeous gowns I had only seen in magazines and online.  For example:

 

Coming from a blue collar family, I have had to work very hard for everything I have.  Choosing pageantry as a hobby didn't make it easy on my parents but they gave me everything they could and hey, it's the girl not the gown right?  

Still, it was hard not to fantasize about frocks from Tony Bowls, Jovani, Sherri Hill, etc.  Wearing a gown by one of these famous designers was quickly becoming a dead dream to me.  This is my last year of a ten year pageant career, there aren't enough pennies left for me to pinch.

I was grateful when I heard that A Touch of Grace would help outfit me in a gorgeous gown and give me a discount, but I almost cried when I heard that Kathy was willing to do more for me.  I will be the first Miss Thousand Islands to have my entire evening gown sponsored for her.  I am convinced that God sends people into our lives for a reason, Kathy is truly an angel.  She gives so much back to the community and I am beyond grateful for this amazing gift that she has provided me.  I can only hope that someday I can return the favor.

Thank you Kathy for being amazing, I look forward to a lifelong friendship.  It warms my heart to know that someday you will be the one fitting me with a gorgeous white gown. =)  Thank you for your devotion to the Miss Thousand Islands organization and the Watertown area.

I can't wait for the world to see what we have come up with for Miss New York!!

Spring is in the Air!

Hey everyone, are you as excited about 80 degree weather as I am?  I live on Lake Erie so when it's bad weather it is REALLY bad weather but when it is good it is oooooh so good.  For example..

This is where I live, that is myself with Jesse Ladoue, Miss NY International.  I know, tough life.

Anywho,  I am still processing for a job with the Department of Homeland Security.  I was hoping it would be an easier process seeing as I used to work for them in the past.  Oh well, good things come to those who wait right?

I have also been crazy busy working the past month or so.  Paying off my school loans for six years of college is going to be quite delightful so I am now working 3 jobs.  I waitress at two local places and I also work at The Tanning Bed which is actually great because I get to tan for free, no sponsor needed. ;-)

Some exciting news: my evening gown came in!!!  Did you hear me scream?  I am so excited to wear it on stage.  I won't tell you what it looks like but I will tell you that A) It is very classy.  A much different feel than my earthy look last year.  I feel like a lady and SO beautiful.  As soon as it zipped up it just felt like my gown, and now it is!  B) Me and my teen will be wearing the same color.  Oh how sweet, I just heard a collective "awwww."  C) It is so gorgeous and has TONS of re-wear value.  You may be asking yourself, "But Lonna, this is your last year, where will you wear an evening gown again?"  Lucky for me I am dating a Marine so every year I get to wear an evening gown to the Marine Corps Ball in November.  I am VERY psyched for this year's ensemble. 

Speaking of competition wear, I had the pleasure of shopping for the rest of my talent costume with the beautiful Kristina Blackford (Ferris) yesterday.  Being all "grown up" most of my friends have moved from the area and accepted jobs elsewhere, leaving me all alone in Western NY.  I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Kristina better.  I met Kristina the day I won Miss Buffalo, a day I met many people.  I had no idea at that time how sweet, hilarious, and beautiful inside and out that she was.  I am excited to say that we truly hit it off and have SO much in common.  To top is off, my talent costume is almost complete, just searching for the perfect shoe now, a journey I will always be on.

Speaking of talent,  I am stoked to perform at workshop.  I am hoping everyone enjoys hearing me as much as I enjoy singing this particular song.  I ended up going with a choice that Shelby found almost the day after I took the Miss TI title.  Similar to my attitude last year, it took me awhile to fully be sold on it but once I fell for the song, it really became a part of me.  Again, I can't waste any surprises but this song is very me and the style in which it will be performed is sooooo fun and unique.  Y'all are going to love it. :-D

In other news, I have been presented with a very cool opportunity in the Watertown area.  Until I know dates and details, I will leave you with a cliffhanger on this one as well.  What I will tell you is that this particular opportunity will really help promote the pageant which is very important to me.  I realize that although Shelby, Sue, Gary and many others treat me like Kate Middleton, I really am just a strand in the tapestry of this amazing organization.  Years from now I hope that I will be remembered as Miss Thousand Islands 2013, but more importantly I hope that my actions will help grow our local to be even more amazing than it already is.

One last bit of news to share with you is that I am traveling next week.  I LOVE plane rides and I am very excited to go visit my boyfriend Aaron in Quantico, VA next Thursday.  I also get to see my friend Shoshana (his friend's wife) which is awesome.  Not many girls understand what it is like to be with a Marine so it is nice to spend time with someone who does.  Stoked for a weekend off with good friends...and Nascar.  I am not even getting into that but part of my outfit for next weekend involves a Realtree (camo) cowboy hat.

Oh one last thing, if you run into my favorite Marine Officer, tell him Happy Birthday. =)

 

That is Aaron and I after my first MAO pageant.  I am lucky to have someone who puts up with me the way he does.  I love you babe, Happy Birthday!

And to the rest of you, I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that you get some sun! 

Making time

Where do I start on what an incredible weekend I had?  First off,  have I told you my friend Mallory Hagan is Miss America right?  Yeah, I probably did mention that a couple times.  Well anyway, a tradition in the Miss America Organization is to have a big homecoming party/weekend/extravaganza in the home-state of the lucky lady who wins the title each year.

My journey to homecoming started on Friday in Binghamton, NY.  I met three members of my Miss TI family and we started our drive down to Staten Island.  Along the way, we chatted about current events, BQ's, glitter and even squeezed in a mock interview.  After we got to the hotel, we freshened up and met up with more Miss TI family for a lovely dinner at Max's Es-ca

 After a great dinner we headed back to the hotel and up to the gorgeous venue "Above" located in right in the Hilton Garden Inn we were staying at.  We then hit the BQ jackpot and ran into not only ten Miss America State titleholders but Miss America herself!!

 Miss Virginia and Myself, not only is she a major sweetheart, she is also from the city my daddy lives in and also knows how to work the camera better than I do.

 Miss Wyoming and I, much better picture.  She a sweet girl.

 Miss South Carolina, she's only 7 feet tall.

Mallory, otherwise known as Miss America

 Oh yeah, I also met Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap.  

Quite possibly my favorite Miss A ever!  So talented AND hilarious!

It was truly great getting to talk to Mallory in a more intimate setting, as a friend and not a fan.  I had no idea that night how crazy the rest of her weekend would be.

The next day the "family" and I took a nice trip to the a mall in New Jersey and picked up some essentials we needed to look our best for the "Here She Is" event that night.

I'd say we did a pretty good job ;-)  Shelby and I

Before the event, we picked up some swag from Pink and Pepper

Thanks P&P!!  Love my bag, tank top, sunglasses and keychain.  I use them all!

After the show, we attended an amazing after party.  Unfortunately I don't have too many pictures from the event due to me feeling awful from such a long day.  I will not torture you with the ones I do have.  Not a pretty sight. 

After a long trip back home, I spent exactly one hour in my house before heading out to Fredonia to judge a local singing competition at Applebee's.

I had tons of fun AND remembered my autograph pad!  Judging might become a weekly event for me, which would be awesome.  I will keep you updated on that.

All and all I had a long, fun, eventful and tiring weekend.  When I got home, I will be honest with you, I really just wanted to sleep.  But when I was asked last minute to judge, I remembered the wise words of Mallory Hagan, ones that have stuck with me, "you make time."  Mallory was referring to time with friends but really it applies to everything that matters to you.  Sometimes life is hard and overwhelming and you feel that there are just not enough hours in the day.  When you start feeling that way, make time.  Make time for things that matter to you, coffee with a friend, homework, a charity, a blog, the gym and YOURSELF.

Some things never change.  I am happy that Mallory hasn't, below is a picture from December and one from this past Friday.  More importantly, I am ecstatic that she still makes time for little ol' me. =)

Stay classy,

Lonna