Angela's Birthday Bash!

What a beautiful day today was! There was not a cloud in the sky and I was able to reunite with friends that I hadn't seen in a while.

My director, Angela Harwell celebrated her birthday today. She had a big birthday bash and the theme of the party was "All That Glitters is Gold," but the truly special part of her party was that it was a "party with purpose." She had three of her most beloved charities come and share their causes at the party. The three charities that were there were Queen for a Day, Share the Care, and the Fatone Family Foundation. I was pleased to meet the women that had come to volunteer their time for these causes and share in celebrating Angela's birthday.

I was able to speak with one of the women from the Share The Care board about their wonderful cause. I was intrigued by the organization because of it's relevance to my C.A.R.E. program. She shared her experiences at Share The Care with me and also gave me the opportunity to share my experiences while working and volunteering with the elderly.

Share The Care's Mission Statement:

"ShareTheCaregiving™, Inc. seeks to improve the "quality of life" of persons who are seriously ill, disabled, or experiencing the challenges of aging, and to reduce stress, depression, isolation and economic hardship often suffered by their family caregivers."

www.sharethecare.org

I had not seen Jackie in over a month so I was so excited to reunite with her at Angela's party! Doesn't she look fabulous?

I was also able to reunite with my good friends Carry and David (Owners of Regalia). I always love seeing them!

I went to church this afternoon and there was such a wonderful message that I received from the sermon today that I would like to share...

Our faith is the greatest gift ever given to us. When times are rough and we are going through hardships...We must never lose faith. Our faith is what gets us through the hardest times in our lives. We must always remember to open our hearts to all the wonderful things that come our way and to always be thankful for our many blessings.

Monday is my final day of summer classes! I leave for Miss Florida in two weeks! Ahhh! I can hardly contain my excitement!

Xoxoxox

Kristina

Busy Busy Busy!

Hello Friends!

I am sorry that I have not posted a blog in a while! I have been so busy! I am finally in my last week of summer classes but as all students know, the last few weeks are always the busiest.

About two weeks ago I attended my sister's eighth grade graduation banquet as well as her graduation ceremony where she made her valedictory address which moved us all to tears. Yes I said it...My sister graduated at the top of her class! How awesome is that? She worked so hard and I am so proud of her! The graduation ceremony was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, where I also graduated from eighth grade back in 2001! I can't believe that it has been eight years!

I was able to reunite with many of my former teachers during the graduation banquet. I was especially excited to see my middle school science teacher, Mrs. Bisogno. She was the teacher who helped me while I competed in science fairs. A little tidbit about me...I competed in science fairs from fifth to eighth grade. I placed at the school science fair every year, placed twice at the regional science fair, and I even placed at state! My experiences in science fairs were very rewarding and I could not have done it all without Mrs. Bisogno!

With Samantha at her graduation banquet

With Mrs. Bisogno

I also have been busy with Miss Florida preparations. I leave in less than 3 weeks! I have been preparing all year round and I cannot believe that the week that I have been dreaming about for many many months is right around the corner! Every night, when I'm lying in my bed, I am overcome with so much gratitude for the experience to compete at the Miss Florida Pageant. It is truly an honor to be one of the local titleholders of such a remarkable system.

I will keep you posted!

God Bless,

Kristina

Coincidental or Providential?

Today I held my last youth group meeting.  It was truly a bittersweet moment.  Working with the youth of my parish has taught me so much about the youth of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and also about myself.  The experience also helped me to gain a closer relationship with God. 

Our discussion today was about "coincidental" moments.  I for one, do not believe in coincidence.  I believe that everything happens for a reason.  I was once told that "coincidences are God's way of being anonymous" and this quote has stuck with me.  

For those of you that don't know, the STA parish has been working for years on creating a youth group.  I was originally asked in August 2008 to take on the position as youth director.  The youth director was to direct the youth groups for 2 different parishes (STA and Holy Redeemer).  As a full time student I knew that it would have been too much to take on, considering that the position was for 2 parishes.  My heart yearned to work with the youth of STA but I knew that I simply couldn't take on the work load of 2 youth groups. I prayed for days and came to my conclusion.  Reluctantly, I declined the position.

Five months went by, and the opportunity came again.  January 2009, I was offered the position of youth director for ONLY St. Thomas Aquinas parish.  My heart rejoiced and I grabbed a hold of the opportunity.  

These past five months that I have been able to share with my youth group have been some of the most rewarding months of my life.  My school schedule played perfectly with our meeting times and the youth group grew to be a big hit!  

So was it coincidental that the opportunity to be STA's youth director came back to me again?  Or was it providential?  In my heart...I know that it was meant to be.  

My youth group has truly touched my heart and I know that the light of God shown through each and every single person.  They have inspired me and continue to inspire me.

Summer school still continues and preparations for Miss Florida continue to be in full force! Tomorrow night is my sister's eighth grade graduation.  I am proud to say that she is the class valedictorian and tomorrow she will be giving her valedictory address!  I just need a full box of tissues and I am ready to go!  There are no words to describe how proud I am of her...She never ceases to amaze me.

Until another day!

God Bless,

Kristina

Beauty and the Beast Cast Party!

Last Saturday, May 23rd, we had our Beauty and the Beast Cast Party.  After every show at St. Thomas Aquinas School, the director hosts a party to celebrate the cast and crew for all of their hard work throughout the rehearsals and shows.  The director and I awarded every single member of the cast with medals.  The kids felt so proud of their accomplishment!  After awarding everyone with a medal and a disc filled with pictures from the show, special awards were handed out.  Six trophies were awarded to six members of the cast, chosen by the director and I, who showcased outstanding work ethic and showmanship.  Congratulations to Alexa Critchfield, Maria Grace, Sasha Daily, Cortney Taylor, Olivia Pardesi, and Nick Askey!

As for other aspects of my life...I am busy with summer school and preparations for Miss Florida Week.  There are only 38 days left till I leave for St. Petersburg!  I can hardly wait!

Stay tuned for updates!

Love,

Kristina

Joey Fatone Fundraiser

Last night, May 17, 2009, my director, Angela, her best friend, Lori, Miss Lakeland, and I attended the Joey Fatone fundraiser for the Fatone Family Music Therapy Program from Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando.  Joey is working to raise money to start this Music Therapy Program.

"Studies have shown that music therapy can reduce nausea and vomiting from cancer treatments, aid in relaxation, decrease pain and help both patients and families adjust to the cancer experience."  

It was very heartwarming to see how many people supported Joey and his cause.

Graduation and Orientation Oh My!

What a busy weekend this past weekend was!  Not only was it was the Miss Florida Orientation but it was also my brother's graduation from high school.  

Saturday morning I was up at 5:00 to get ready for my brother's Baccalaureate Mass at the Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine.  The service was absolutely beautiful.  The Bishop of Orlando, Thomas Wenski, officiated the mass and his words of wisdom to the graduates during his sermon were truly inspiring.  Below is a photo of my brother, sister and I after the mass.  

 After pictures were taken, my family and I drove home to pick up all of our luggage for my sister and my big weekend in St. Petersburg for the Miss Florida and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen orientation.  Oh, did I mention that my little sister, Samantha, is Miss City Beautiful's Outstanding Teen?  This is her first pageant experience and I am so excited that I am going to share my Miss Florida pageant week experience with her!

Once our luggage was loaded into our big red Excursion, we went on our way to the University of Central Florida Arena for my brother's Commencement Ceremony.  Once Pomp and Circumstance began to play, my eyes began to well up with tears.  I am so proud of my brother and I was so glad that most of my family was able to attend the ceremony as well!

Right after the ceremony, my mom, sister, best friend, Heather, and I hopped into our car and headed on our way to St. Petersburg.  We arrived just in time for the Miss Florida and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Salute Dinner.  The theme was "Dancing with the Stars" (One of my favorite shows).  Too bad Mark Ballas (One of the professional dancers from the show) wasn't there to escort me to dinner.  Hehe. 

All 46 Miss Florida Contestants

With Courtney Sexton (Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen 2008) and Samantha

The next day was filled with seminars and meetings.  We had our official lottery for our placement in the Miss Florida competition line up.  I chose number 11 and my sister chose number 9 in the teen line up.  

So paperwork is in and placement has been chosen...only 7 more weeks to go!   I cannot wait till Miss Florida week is finally here!

Much Love,

Kristina

Beauty and the Beast

This past weekend flew by so quickly!  Beauty and the Beast opened last friday, May 1st and today we had our last performance.  We sold out of tickets every single night.  The kids had an absolute blast while performing for the large audiences and when they saw the standing ovation they received every single night, you could tell they felt so proud!  Many people enjoyed the play so much that they came all three nights!

With Nick Askey (The Beast)

With Marisa Chanin (Lumiere)

With my little sister, Samantha (Belle)

My four-year-old cousin, Danielle (youngest member of the cast) with Samantha

Putting makeup on before the show!

Sunday night, the cast presented me with flowers and gifts.  I was brought to tears when a letter was read to me expressing their gratitude for all of my hard work and dedication.  Gifts were also presented to my mom (The Director) and Mrs. Chanin (Stage Manager).  I have always believed that life is not about what it holds for you, but rather what you bring to it.  Working as assistant director and choreographer was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  Every single member of the cast and every volunteer has truly touched my heart.  I sincerely hope that everyone learned a lot from this experience and that they will carry with them the memories they have made for the rest of their lives.

Much Love,

Kristina