I truly can not believe how fast time is flying! I am getting more and more excited as each day passes. Before I know it, I'll be moving in to my dorm to begin competition week at Miss Louisiana! Since you last heard from me, I've remained busier than ever in my preparations and between school and work I have recently had some very special experiences! I am thrilled to catch you all up to speed and show you what I have been up to the past month!
First, I want to address something that is very important to me- As Miss Louisiana approaches, I realize every day how blessed I am to have such a strong support system that we like to call Team Jamie! Who is Team Jamie, you ask? Well, I shall be delighted to tell you. Team Jamie consists of Yours Truly, my Grandmother Cookie White and my Mother Stacie Lombardino. Small Team? Not so much, actually that is just the traveling team. Team Jamie actually reaches farther than just Louisiana! I would like to take this time to thank my family and friends who reside in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Mississippi,Texas, Florida and South Carolina. We may not get to see each other as often as we like. But none the less, we are family and your encouragement, kind words and support are something I carry in my heart every single day. I am so thankful that I am able to keep close touch with all of you through Facebook, Skype and even this blog! I love you and CAN NOT wait to see you all at Miss Louisiana.
Okay, heading back to Louisiana now- Team Jamie would not be complete with out my brothers and my daddy! I know all you boys are always just dying to be apart of the pageant action right? Thank you for always being so supportive in my life and through out my pageant journey. To the Whites, Timpas, Taylors, Hamanns, Carlos', Vinets and Lombardinos- I am so blessed to have a family as amazing as you. Thank you for being with me every step of the way. Last but not least My Grandfather Bill White, you are the brightest light in my life. Your words and guidance are priceless to me. I thank you for your endless support and love. I am looking forward to hearing all of my family's LOUD voices in the crowd at Miss Louisiana. Lastly, to all of my friends, coworkers and AOII sisters-Thank You all so very much.
Miss Louisiana State Meeting!
Now the fun begins! The first experience I'd like to share with you is my memorable weekend in Monroe at the Miss Louisiana State Meeting. As I mentioned before the traveling Team - Grandma, Mom and I...(just in case you forgot) We double and triple checked all of our packing and paperwork and departed South Louisiana just as the sun came up. After a very anxious car ride we arrived in Monroe!
Excited to finally be walking in the hotel!
Upon checking in, I simply could not pass up this photo opportunity-
So excited to be in the host city of Miss Louisiana!
After freshening up from the long car ride I was ready to head over to film for a Miss Louisiana Commercial and turn in my paperwork once and for all! But first, a brief visit with my INCREDIBLE Director-
Ann Harmon
I have cherished every moment we have had together throughout my reign as Miss Louisiana Jazzland. I am so blessed to be your girl and can not express how much I adore having you in my life. You are an amazing person inside and out and incredibly deserving of the Miss Louisiana Volunteer of the Year Award at State Meeting. This weekend was so special for me and I am so happy I could experience it with you- Love you always!
On that same night there was a wonderful dinner and ceremony led by the Miss Louisiana Board and Miss Louisiana herself Hope Anderson, this was such a lovely opportunity as it was the first time that I got to meet all of my fellow contestants and share time with my sister queens.
It is moments like these that make me so thankful for my involvement in the Miss Louisiana Organization. For this opportunity has brought me together with someone I would have other wise never met. This lovely lady is Miss Spirit of Pineville, Your Miss Louisiana contestant #33 and my AOII sister from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette-Kaylee Beaubouef. It was such a pleasure meeting you and I can not wait to share the Miss Louisiana experience with you.
Now, this next girl is very special. She kept me laughing all weekend long and I simply had a blast getting to know her even more. This is your Miss Holiday in Dixie Outstanding Teen
Chelsey Powell-
Chelsey, I enjoyed every moment with you this weekend I can not wait to watch you compete for the title of Miss Louisiana Outstanding Teen!
I forgot to mention that on this oh so very important weekend I lost my voice. Yes, as you can imagine I sounded very silly announcing myself in the mic for the first time to everyone. Not to worry, it will certainly be in proper working condition for the competition!
The Official 2012 Miss Louisiana Contestants-State Meeting Day!
Oh and by the way, it is with great pleasure to announce that I am Your Miss Louisiana Contestant #1!
Yes, that is correct! I am the first contestant to grace the stage during competition. I know it sounds stressful but I could not be more thrilled!
Time to say hello to a few sweet faces-
Here is Miss Benton who is also Your Miss Contestant #5 Alyson Humphrey. I am so thankful to have you as my sister queen! I can not wait for the fun to begin, see you in a couple of weeks!
And here she is Little Miss Benton's Outstanding Teen Jennings Wilson!
Jennings, I am so happy I met you and your mom. You guys are so great and I love spending time with you. Take care and see you soon Missy, I am looking forward to watching you compete in June!
To the left you have Miss Heart of the Pines-Logan Wallace who is also Your Miss contestant #24, (I think you might know the girl next to Logan by now) there again is Miss Benton-Alyson Humphrey and last but not least is Miss River Cities-Angela Cassels Your Miss Contestant #4! Girls- I am so delighted to have shared this weekend with you, June is truly going to be a blast!
A very special Queen who is beautiful on the inside just as much on the outside! She is Your Miss Louisiana 2011 Hope Anderson-
Hope- It was such a privilege to hear your story and your inspirational words. Congratulations on your success at Miss America. Louisiana could not be any more proud! Looking forward to spending time with you and doing some yoga the week of competition!
Talk about wonderful women- There is an endless number of volunteers and members that make the Miss Louisiana Organization so very special. It was such a great time meeting with Miss Louisiana's Executive Director, Ms. Dewana Little. She is such a sweet and selfless person and this organization is very fortunate to have her.
I will never forget the experience I had that weekend in Monroe, no matter where I finish in the competition, I will walk away knowing I have made friendships that will last a life time. Along with Ms. Dewana, the Miss Louisiana Board is comprised of such devoted volunteers who give the most to their Miss Louisiana contestants. Any girl would be so fortunate to work among such an outstanding team. Throughout the weekend I learned that the Miss Louisiana Organization makes up such a unique family and that includes not only the board members but the directors, contestants and even the contestant's families. Thank You to everyone who made this weekend such a special and successful experience
Not so fast....I have more to share! I told you I have been very busy over the last month so bare with me, we are almost finished I promise!
Buddies Bar and Grill Takes Home the Win!
I have yet to share with you, just who Your Miss Louisiana Jazzland is in the work place- I began my first college part time job as a server for Buddies Bar and Grill in my college town of Hammond. It has been a world wind experience and I am happy to let you know I am now the Marketing Director and Event Coordinator for this lovely restaurant.
We had the amazing opportunity to bring our food to Southeastern's Annual "Chef's Evening" Event-
This was a very special year at Chef's Evening because for the first time not only were the restaurants there to showcase their cuisine, the guests attending this event were able to vote for the Best Restaurant at Chef's Evening.
Here are some of our staff setting up our station before the evening begins!
This is Amy Henderson-(Boss-man's younger sister) and Buddies Bar and Grill Hostess!
She is such a great girl and I bet you didn't know that Amy was a Fleur De Lis Princess many years ago for Miss Louisiana 2008 Blair Abene!
We brought our Famous Grilled Oysters, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Pork Tenderloin and incredible Bread Pudding! I couldn't be more thrilled that Buddies Bar and Grill won Chef's Evening!
The Buddies Crew posing for our victory picture!
So proud of everyone and thank you to all who voted- We greatly appreciate it!
After our win, I had the opportunity to sample so many amazing Louisiana dishes from the other restaurants and meet some wonderful people. This night will always be memorable for me, I love my Buddies Family!
Jazzing it up at Jazz on the Bayou!
I am so fortunate to have been invited to the 20th Annual Jazz on the Bayou. This event was a very Jazzy and Louisiana filled experience. Mr. Ronnie Kole and his wife Ms. Gardner hosted this charity event that benefits Easter Seals, STARC and something I hold close to my heart The Arts in St. Tammany Parish-
What an honor it was to meet the internationally acclaimed Jazz Pianist- Mr. Ronnie Kole who is responsible for this amazing event.
This is one of the official Jazz on the Bayou Posters, which I helped to sell. All proceeds were given to the various organizations.
I was absolutely blown away by Mr. Koles talent- he is such an inspiration!
Had the outstanding privilege to be the presenter and model for the auction.
After modeling this beautiful pearl necklace created by a local jeweler, it sold for just over $400.00!
Me again! Presenting the next item up for auction, a gorgeous piece of work by a local artist, purchased by a very proud LSU fan for close to $ 600.
Looking back at this experience really warms my heart-
After a day of raising proceeds for so many great causes, enjoying Louisiana inspired music and food, having the opportunity to meet guests and speak about my platform; I was inspired by this beautiful young lady, Carrie. She made me giggle so much as she asked question after question, and told me something that I will never forget- "I want to be just like you when I grow up..." It may sound silly but her words were so precious to me and there is no better feeling knowing that someone wanted to be like me... Carrie I am so grateful to have met you- Thank you for being so sweet, I hope to one day see you compete on the stage at Miss Louisiana.
Well...have you all heard enough yet? Okay, okay... I'll give your eyes a break for a few weeks before I update you on my next blog! Special thank you again to everyone who has been with me through out this journey. Each of you truly touch my life.
Much love and Jazz-
Jamie
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