Happy New Year

Hello Everyone,

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holday! It is my prayer that you will all have a blessed and happy new year!!!!

A lot has happened since I last blogged.

I have completed my first simester in the school of Education. I am happy to report that I made the President's List with a 3.86 GPA. This is indeed a blessing - I had 21 hours!!!

I am sorry to say however, that my Christmas was not the best. On Sunday night (December 21st) we received a call from my Grandfather telling us that my uncle had shot himself. We quickly hurried and got our clothes together and went to Athens, GA where we would spend most of the week of Christmas. You hear about things like this happening - but you never believe or dream they will happen to your family. Only those who have experienced a suiside can understand the helpless felling you feel. Todd was laid to rest on Friday, December 26th. As for Christmas, at least I was able to be with my parents, my brother and my grandparents.

Let me take this time to say a special word of thanks to all who sent cards, called or said a prayer during this sad time. May bless you all! You are truly special people.

Now for some more good news! I have had the most amazing month of service as Miss Greater Pee Dee. I sang at the Lila Doyle Christmas Party in Seneca, SC; participated in 5 Christmas parades, toured the Children's hospital in Florence, SC; attended the Red Kettle Kick off for the Salvation Army (I also rang bells for three days); attended the Miss Walhira Pageant in Walhalla, SC; and even spoke to the Darlington County Council (This is just a few of many events). Yes it has been very busy - but most rewarding!!!!

I am happy to say that I have decided on some of my Miss South Carolina Wardrobe!!!!! I have the greatest LED's ever!!!! They have been so positive and patient through this process. I am really excited about my new swim suit. Guess you will have to wait and see it in May. Now, I just have to get the body to look as good as the suit!!!!!!!!! I have already started my training and look forward to seeing the end result.

I attended Youth Balst Winter Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. for 4 days. This is an event that I attended when I was in high school. Now that I am older, I volunteer my time to help in any way I can. This is truly one of my favorite events of the year. The name says it all "BLAST". This year was no different. The speakers were wonderful and music was so uplifting. This year we had a special group called "3-D" who performed creative moments. WOW!!!!! They were awesome!

This past week I attended the Red Cross Blood Drive at Magnolia Mall in Florence, SC. I was honored to be present with channel 13 sport's announcer, Matt Lincoln, for the drive. It was so much fun helping register people, and even getting the chance to be on TV while donating blood. Frannie even came out and donated blood with me (told you I had some great LEDs).

Tomorrow I begin my second semister. I have classes all day on Monday and Wednesday. I guess I need to close for now and get to bed.

I look forward to blogging again real soon. So until then - May God Bless You!