Monday, September 20, 2010

Kaiser Permanente: Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program

On September 16, 2010, I went to the Kaiser Corporate Walk/Run. The run attracts participants with all different levels of fitness (joggers, walkers, and competitive runners). The event was designed to promote health, wellness, and fitness among metro Atlanta companies and their employees. The race attracts more than 15,000 participants who represent over 400 metro Atlanta companies. The event is a 5k or (3.1 miles) and starts and ends at Turner Field and features a Company Picnic also known as "The World's Largest Office Party".


Kroger Grand Re-Opening


Thank you Kroger (on State Bridge Road, Alpharetta) for being one of my sponsors. I loved being able to help with your Grand Re-Opening on August 29th.


LaLona's Send Off Party

Over the years, I have been to several friends' send-off parties.  I always sit back in awe thinking what it must be like to be leaving for a national competition in just a few short days, and how great that woman must feel to have so many special friends, family members, and sponsors supporting her.  It was an honor and a pleasure to be that woman last night.  I want to thank all of you who came out to show your support. I felt embraced and energized by your presence and your words of encouragement.  I hope to represent you well at Mrs. America!

3-year old Brendan
My parents Linda and Richard, husband Dan, and sons Brendan and Hadley











1-year old Hadley




My husband Dan


Pam Gillespie, the official photographer of the Mrs. Georgia Pagent
Spnsor, Vein Innovations, Louis Prevosti MD.,FACS
Deborah Knight,
Co-director of the Rollins Center for Language & Learning,
with her husband David Knight
David and Angie Humphries and Family, local distributors of Advocare

Jennifer and Geoffrey Frost of Robert Frost Salon
Caitlyn, Griffin, and Fletcher Edwards, friends who kept my
boys while I was at Mrs. America

Friends Brian and Carol Campa
Friends Angie and Jay Douglas

Family Friends Jennifer Hecker and Danielle Bahr



Sponsor, Vein Innovations, Louis Prevosti MD., FACS

 Sponsor, Karen, from Big Peach Running Company



Friend Garth Andrus and my husband Dan

 Garth Andrus and me


Manager, Peggy Johnson

Kim and Mark Campbell, another great couple that helped with
my boys while I was at Mrs. America

Angie's Daughter




Sponsor, Paul Rodgers, from IQ Fitness


Jorge Esteban of
Pageant Ready and Rick.




Thursday, September 9, 2010

Mrs. America - The final moments!

Late last night, I returned from one of the most incredible experiences of my lifetime. At Mrs. America, I met 50 of our nation's most phenomenal women who are daily exercising their talents as they serve in their families, jobs, and communities. Whether she be a doctor, attorney, fitness trainer, teacher, parole officer, or stay at home mom, each and woman was incredibly impressive. It was not just their careers or accolades, but their sweet spirits that made them so endearing and inspiring. I was honored to be among them and hope to continue my friendship with them for many years to come.

Here are a few pictures from the final days!


Aunt Bessie and Uncle Phil arrived on Saturday night. It was great to see some familiar faces!

Whoops! Watch the dress! This is my dancing team - Team 2!

Mrs. Hawaii and I became great friends over the week!

Mrs. Indiana won Most Photogenic!

Our choreographers Frit and Frat

Costume rehearsal - more (complete) costume pictures to come later!

Mom, Dad, and Dan arrived on Sunday. I was soooo excited to see them!

Monday morning MENC meeting - Mrs. District of Columbia became a great friend of mine!


Mrs. Wisconsin and I shared the same make-up and hair artists. We LOVE Gary and Jamie!



My eyes after Jamie performed her magic!
 
A fun look for rehearsals!

At least I was not alone! I think about 40 girls had their hair in rollers or curls that day!

My director, Carl, and I after preliminary competition night.

Mr. and Mrs. Georgia

My family!
My sister-in-laws Lisa and Loni arrived in time for Prelims. I am so glad they came!

Mrs. America 2009

This was taken backstage after Finals. We all (Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) have the same directors, Carl and Faith.

Love, love, that husband of mine.

My directors, Carl and Faith

Rosalie, a former Mrs. Arizona and one of my bridesmaids!