It seems the holidays roll around more and more quickly each year... Or maybe I'm just
getting older! The past year was mostly filled with pageant activity. Most notably, two wonderful trips to Las Vegas! The first to Planet Hollywood resort for Miss USA 2010.
Rims Fakih of Michigan was crowned at the conclusion of wonderful live NBC telecast and week of fabulous events! My sister
and brother-in-law, Jeanne & Gary Poggensee, were given the honor of serving as "judges" for the "Dress Rehearsal" prior
to the main event! My brother, Kevin, happened to be working in Vegas that week, so we had a chance for a nice visit. We had
such a good time that I really didn't want it to end...
Ximena Navarrete
Miss Universe 2010
Of course, the end came, but it turned out to be more of an intermission! At
the end of Miss USA, it was announced that the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant would be held
at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas! Thus, we pageant-types were re-convene in the
desert in August.... The arrival of contestants representing more than 80 countries around the world made the sizzling Nevada
sand even hotter! Ximena Navarette claimed the crown for Mexico in a lavish
event where Mom & I enjoyed visiting with old friends such as Miss Universe Organization President,
Paula Shugart; Vice President, Rachel Frimer and amazing MUO staff members such as Esther Swan, Roston Ogata, Colin Hornett,
Tom Lew and others. We were also thrilled to meet a new member of the MUO family, Kamie Crawford, Miss Teen-USA 2010, who
has since become a dear friend! We truly enjoyed the entire event -- especially the enthusiasm of foreign pageant fans,
particularly those of Mexico and the Philliipines, who truly added to the glamour and energy of the pageant!
In September, we made our way to Medford, Oregon to celebrate the wedding of Tami Farrell & Buddy Wyrick. Mom and I met
Tami soon after she was crowned Miss Teen-USA 2003 and were so proud to support her as she graciously became Miss California-USA
2009! We know great things lay ahead for Tami & Buddy, both personally and professionally. It was an honor to be
included among their wonderful families and warm friends as they exchanges vows. We were surprised to find Los Angeles
Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa and former Miss USA, Lu Parker, charmingly sharing our flight back to LA!
With Tami & Buddy
The annual General Hospital Fan Weekend was another event we enjoyed
last Summer! The Carolyn Hennesy/ Derk Cheetwood ("Diane" & "Max") luncheon and the Brandon Barash ("Johnny
Zacchara") gathering were awesome! Debby and John O' Connor of http://yournumberonefan.com were amazing hosts once again!
The "GH" Gang
Rick and me!
I was so happy that Rick Hearst (aka Rick Herbst) could stop by Carolyn & Derk's event even though he
now plays "Whip Jones" on "The Bold & The Beautiful!" It's always a treat to see him! I am lucky though as the Herbst
family invites Mom & I to attend various plays and charity events in which their family is involved. A highlight for me
was seeing Rick and his sons, Nick and Cameron perform in "Grease!," choreographed by Rick wife, Donna! What a talented
family!
Rick and his boys
in "Grease"
What will 2011 bring? Who knows! Mom & I plan to attend Miss America 2011 (90th Anniversary Event) to
be telecast live on ABC-TV on January 15! We also look forward to reuniting with old skating buddies when the 25th
AnniversaryStars on Ice tour (http://starsonice.com) moves through Southern California in February!... and we can wait to cheer on our dear friend Sarah Chapman, Miss Nevada-USA
2011 at the Miss USA pageant's 60th Anniversary edition in the Spring as it is broadcast live on NBC!
Sarah Chapman
Miss Nevada-USA 2011
Miss NV-USA 2011
Sarah Chapman
We wish you all a year filled with love, fun & excitement!
