Car, Cows, and...Burpees!?

Car, Cows, and...Burpees. The life of Miss Vermont is quite eclectic. One minute I am dressed and made-up for a 12 hour appearance at a charity golf tournament and the next minute I am in a t-shirt and shorts sweating as my trainer pushes me to works my glutes (and work my glutes i have...and my arms...and my hammies...and my abs...etc). A glance at the "Apperances" tab of missvermont.org will give you a good idea of my days. Since my last post, when I am not at an official appearance, I am working with my trainer, meeting with my image and wardrobe consultant, scheduling appearances, calling potential sponsors, and meeting with different organizations that want to partner with the MVSO.

I have had some very productive meetings lately. Last week I met with the Secretary of States Office in Montpelier. They are totally energized about my platform and want to use me to register voters at events they cannot attend. I got some great ideas from them about how to engage even young school children in voting and being politically active. I have also solidified a partnership with Vermont 211. 211 is a United Way organization which serves as an information source for basically anything you need to know. For instance, a call to 211 can answer for you where your nearest foodbank is and what to expect when you get there. 211 compiles requests and helps implement policy change by keeping track of needs Vermonts have. For instance, this winter there was a rise in Vermonters calling about fuel assistance. Those type of statistics can help policy makers see what Vermonters are struggling with. I am happy to spread the word about 211. I joked with the dispaters that if I keep this schedule up soon I will be calling in to ask what day it is (all day Monday I was certain it was Sunday.)

This weekend will be very full. Tomorrow, Friday, I go to Barre for the Car Show Parade. From there I will drive to Brattleboro for Saturday morning's "Strolling of the Heifers" parade. I am not sure exactly what to expect but I am certain cows will be "strolling" down main street. I am contemplating dressing in black and white as to blend in with the heifers. After showing my support for agriculture I will venture to the Northeast Kingdom to help kick-off Saint Johnsbury's Relay for Life. All of this traveling will be done in my new Suzuki SX4 which I pick up from Quality Suzuki tomorrow! I saw the car today and it looks great. A pearly white with green lettering and the new Miss Vermont logo. I could not be more excited.

Today commenced my second week working with my new personal trainer. As I type, I notice I can't lift my arms above my sholders. haha. I love it! I have been very pleased with the training I have done in the last two weeks. I wish I could have more free time to run but at least working with my trainer I am staying on track. I have developed a love/hate relationship with an excercise called "Burpees". A squat, pushup, squat, jump to the sky fluid motion. Today i did 60. Next week my trainer wants 100 in a session. Yikes! Miss America here I come.

This post's shout out has to go to Lonny Ruggles. Lonny is a family friend and has dubbed himself my #1 fan. Today I received "fanmail" from Lonny (it actually said "FANMAIL" all over the envelope and letter.) Lonny cracks me up and gives me the push I need to continue to find the humor in living out of a suitcase and stroll with heifers. ;)

Lovin' Every Minute!
-Ash