Every now and then you come across people who want to beat you up and slow you down. One busy day, the week after I was crowned I was running around to appearances, interviews, and meetings (not to mention finalizing my senior thesis on Biblical and Quaranic Interpretations of a Woman's Right to Vote and Hold Office). During one of those crazy days I zoomed onto campus in my Miss Vermont T-shirt to grab my mail from our campus mailroom and a wrap from our student center. I saw several friends and peers while on this ten minute jaunt in between Miss Vermont meetings. I have since heard that a peer of mine was blabbing to a group of friends that I was arrogant after having been crowned...his only evidence...because I was wearing my Miss Vermont T-shirt "all around campus". Luckily I have the confidence (mistake it for arrogance if you are unsure of the difference) to laugh something like that off.

What reminded me of this little story was a blog post I read this evening. The blog entry was a response to the "Strolling of the Heifers" parade I went to in Brattleboro a few weeks ago. The portion of the blog which pertains to me had a photo of me waving to the crowd and the caption read...

"Hey look, it’s Miss Vermont, Ashley Wheeler, sitting on a bale of hay! She looked a lot better when she was crowned.
Sometimes I wonder if these girls know the hardships of the job – I may be off base, but it looks like it’s taking a toll on her.
From her own blog, “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.”
I mean, I wouldn’t really like to go for a hay ride all dressed up. Would you? And is it just me or is it really stupid to wear white when you know you’re going to be sitting in a rusty trailer filled with a bunch of hay? Apparently, she didn’t know.
Really though, can a parade really be called a parade without at least one beauty queen swiveling her forearm like the real Queen?"

I know I will not be able (or want) to respond to every negative thing written, said, or thought about me...and why would I? I don't want to give the negativity any more focus then it has already. However, tonight when I saw that blog I thought I am going to say something just this once. I think it is important to all little girls who look up to young women such as myself to know that there are bitter and sad people in this world who like to poke fun at others and try to make accomplished people feel bad for the goals they have reached and for going after the goals they aspire to achieve.

In direct response to the words in the aforementined blog I will say that I had a great time at the Strolling of the Heifers. I met a lot of wonderfully friendly and giving people-- people like Charlie Robb who graciously gave of his time and resources to pull me behind his John Deere tractor and so fitting of Vermont made a thrown for me out of hay barrels. I had never met Charlie Robb before that day but I am glad I did. His gracious and altruistic demeanor epitomizes a true Vermonter. I arrived in Brattleboro fully prepared to walk the parade route in my black pants and white jacket to celebate the importance of agriculture in this state. I was lucky to have "a rusty old trailer filled with a bunch of hay." That's Vermont folks and that is the state I am proud to represent.

On the day in question I went to the parade that morning after being in Barre for a parade the night before and sped to Saint Johnsbury for the Relay for Life walk just after. I did three appearances in three different corners of the state in 24 hours. I do "know the hardships of [this] job" and so far the only hardship I have come across while holding this job is hearing false, negative, ramble about an organization and position that is many times misunderstood.

Today i received an e-mail from a mother whose daughter I met and shared a few minutes with after the parade in Brattleboro that day. She was requesting an autograph card and thanking me for being such a positive role model for her daughter. That is what this year is about and that is why I am proud to be the "Beauty queen swiveling [my] arm like the real Queen."

To the author of this post I hope you find validation in your own life so you can stop seeking it from trying to take it away from others. I also encourage you to learn about the history of the Miss America Organization. Hopefully then you will realize that the young women who join in the pursuit of becoming the next Miss America do so for personal and professional development, scholarships for education, and to have a voice to advocate for a cause that is close to her heart. When I read your post only 54 people had also done so. That is 54 people who may have walked away from reading it with a negative impression about the Miss Vermont Schoalrship Organization...that is why I felt compelled this evening to respond.

As always thank you to everyone who is a true friend and has always supported me in all my endeavors. There are many more great times and memories to come. Stay close.

Love and Blessings,
Ashley

Strawberry Shortcake

I just came from the Vermont Children's Theatre fundraising Auction. It was an appearance I was proud to be part of as I realize the importance of volunteer based art organizations like the VCT. I was in the 1995 VCT production of Annie and fell in love with the stage. I was only 9 and had a small orphan part (I was the orphan who hid in the linen basket from Ms. Hannigan). However small my role was that expereince was instrumental to introuding me to theater. I plugged for the auction this morning on my hometown radio station WGMT. The kind Steve Nichols interviewed me about the auction and my reign.

I have been trying to eat really well and have succeeded for the most part. Tonight however, I feel guity because I just pigged out on homemade strawberry shortcake. I am not sure why I writing about this, but a blog is meant to share thoughts right? Well, my thoughts at the moment are about guilt in pigging out on Stawberry shortcake.

Thursday I will be singing the Anthem and registering voters at Thunder Road. Thursday is the coveted Governor's Cup and I have been asked to sing. I am honored to be a part of this great annual Vermont event. Hopefully I will see you at the races!

Saturday I will be in Fall River, Massachussetts for the Miss Massachussetts Scholarship Pageant. I am excited to see another production and meet some other 2008 titleholders.

As always you can track my official schedule at www.missvermont.org. Our new webiste will be launched in August so keep checking.

XOXO
Ashley

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

Per my sister's suggestion, it is time to add another entry. It has been long since I last updated, I know, and I apoligize. Two weeks ago I graduated from Saint Michael's College and then took a one week sun and beach holiday with my girlfriends.

I returned from our Florida R&R trip one day earlier then the other ladies. I flew in last Friday night and drove to the Northeast kingdom. The next morning I judged company auditions for the Dance Workshop of Lyndonville. Judging company auditions is a job I take seriously. The Dance Workshop (my true alma mater) is an asset to the young dancers in the community. Under the direction of Sonia Deveroux and Kay Welch young men and women learn true grace, poise, and confidence. I was proud to return to the studio on Saturday!

Sunday was a big day. I stayed in Burlington with my mother and two grandmothers on Saturday night. We rose with the sun (maybe before?) to get to the waterfront in Burlington for the Vermont City Marathon. It was my fifth year taking part in the VCM. This year their were 8,000 runners and at least as many spectators. I sang the National Anthem and ran the last leg of the marathon for my relay team: "The NEK Queens". I did not nail the anthem. I hate walking off a stage feeling that i did not sing my best. I started on too high a key and had to compensate on the big notes. Oh Well. It will be better next time. Running the final leg was awesome. I had a blast. I did not push mytself to run a fast race pace. To be honest, I just enjoyed the 5.8 miles. I looked around at the other runners, the supportive spectators (many with signs of encourage, water hoses, and orange slices), and the incredible scenery of the great state of Vermont. My leg was along the bikepath on the waterfront. What a view! I crossed the finish line with my crown on my head. My mother met me outside the finish area with bobby pins and my crown so i could run the last half mile with the crown on. The thousands of spectators on the waterfront were very responsive. :)

This week I have started working with my personal trainer to get in shape for Miss America. I have over 7 months to become Miss America. I look forward to ever grueling step.

The biggest news and shoutout of the week goes to Shelley Martin and Able Toll at Quality Suzuki in Saint Johnsbury. Under the generous direction of Shelley and Able, Quality Suzuki, is partnering with the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization by donating a new Suzuki SX4 crossover vehicle for my reign. I was flattered and honored to receive this incredibly generous sponsorship. The car is being decaled as i write and I can't wait to start driving it. One thing is for sure, with all the decals on the car, if I am on the road...you won't miss me!

All My Best,
Ashley

p.s. I enjoy reading your responses. Thanks for all the support!

Crazy/Beautiful Week

I thought "beauty sleep" was a comical excuse for wanting to call it a night. This morning however, while dabbing a pound of concealer under my eyes, I realized "beauty sleep" does in fact exist and I am not getting it. Thank God for under eye concealer.

A little re-cap...This week has been a blast. Besides Sunday's interview with WCAX which I wrote about in last week's post, I was honored to be interviewed on Lana and Nolan in the morning on Star 92.9, as well as taped and conducted live interviews with WKOL 100.5, WOKO 98.9, WIRY 1340, WGMT 97.7, and KIX 105.5. Tomorrow morning I will be on live on WLFE from 7am to 8am co-hosting with Paul Beaudry. Other than interviews, I was humbled to sing the National Anthem at the March of Dimes, March for Babies on the Waterfront in Burlington on Saturday morning and greet walkers at the March for Babies in Lyndonville this morning. What an incredible and altruistic organization! I hope to partner with them throughout the year. Their work is so admirable. Last night I was a guest at the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Pageant. I was blown away at their level of Scholarship and their caliber of production. During the opening number I thought for a moment I was at Miss America. The talent and poise of all the ladies competing for the title of Miss NH 2008 was incredible. The evening concluded by the crowning of Natalie Shaw. Congratulations Natalie! It was at Miss NH 2008, I realized how special this job is. I was reminded just how hard young women all around the nation work to even compete for their state title. It was humbling to sit in the audience with a crown on my head knowing that I am one of only 52 women going to Miss America.

The most challanging moment of the week came on Friday morning. I had been at my first photo shoot on Thursday night in St. Albans and had to be back in St. Albans at 7:15am on Friday. Friday was also the day the final edition of my senior thesis was due. After my photo shoot I returned home to Burlington. I revised my thesis for the final time and made it to bed at about 1am. At 5:45am I was up with the sun to primp and get to St. Albans for a radio interview. When I arrived at my destination (coffee in hand!) the building I was suppossed to be at was locked and empty. Long story short, there was a bit of misscommunication and the show was actually being brodcast only 4 miles from my house in Burlington. This was the first moment of my reign that my lack of sleep and emotional nature were ready to overtake my tear ducts. My first thought was that such challanges would happen throughout my year and if I handled a frustrating situation with a smile now, I would be more likely to handle the next frustrating situation the same way. To make lemonade out of lemons I found the local high school and introduced myself to the guidance office, left my contact information, and offered to hold a voter registration drive in the Fall. Even though that offer could have been made via phone or e-mail, I felt better about making the 60 mile round trip.

My greatest moment of the week came this morning after the March for Babies registration. I went to my hometown church, the United Methodist Church of Lyndonville. They are the most supportive and loving community and I am blessed to have them. I was honored to serve communion to my church family at the kind request of Paster Barb. It was truly an honor. Barb's sermon this morning was called "Home Alone" and Barb spoke about how the disciples must have felt after Jesus left them in body and they only had the spirit to guide them. The point was that the spirit is enough to achieve anything. One facet of her sermon talked about how timing is everything and that God has a plan...we just have to ride the wave. I could not have scripted a better message for me to hear this morning. I do feel as though everything happens for a reason and that this year is the perfect year for me to have this title because I can give so much of myself to the organization and the state in which I was born and raised.

My total miles for week one equal 663!
This week's shout out must go to my mother who graciously drove me to and from Derry, New Hampshire last night (after working a full day). I would not have been able to go without her. And I certainly would have needed more concealer without the nap I took on the car ride down. I love you Mom and with Mother's Day upon us I think this is the perfect time to tell you that I am who I am and do what I do because of the gracious, generous, and loving example you have set for me.

All My Best,
Ashley

Liz!

Aunt Liz. Thanks for all the love and support over the years and seeing me through this one especially.

A Night to Remember!

I have packed suitcases, dress bags, and of course a crown and sash sitting on the floor behind my desk as I write, begging to be unpacked, but I want to stop amidst the hubbub of the last 24 hours to share with you my experience. I have competed for Miss Vermont three times. Every expereince has taught me something about myself and helped me grow. However, out of the three years I have been to Miss Vermont pageant weekend, this was my favorite. I don't say that because I won, quite to the contrary. Last night standing backstage before the awards were announced I reflected on what an incredible group of women I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with. I knew any one of us would do this state a great honor by spending the year as Miss Vermont 2008. That is why this weekend was so special!
When my name was called as the winner, I was in shock. I always thought I would cry if it ever happened but instead of tears the most emotion I could express was a giant smile and pump of my fists. From that moment on this is a brief overview of the last 24 hours. -Rachel Ann Cole puts the Miss Vermont 2008 crown on my head...official pictures taken...I briefly meet and thank the judges...pictures and hugs with friends and family...pack up (while reading 14 text messages and 9 voicemails!...guess good news really does travel fast!)...drive from Barre to the Sheraton...stay up talking with mom and dad...few hours of sleep...get up this morning for my first television interview with WCAX...brunch meeting with the MVO board...mom and dad escort me to St.Albans for my first official appearance (The Vermont Maple Festival)....and now you are up to speed. I am back at Saint Michael's campus to unpack.
At the Maple Festival today it hit me just how great this year is going to be. I met sweet little girls whose mouths gaped at my crown. I also met a gracious family from Fairfield who were generous enough to allow me to ride in their horse drawn carriage when my convertible did not show up...THANK YOU JEWETT FAMILY! And to be honest I was more proud to be riding with a true Vermont family being pulled behind their beautiful horses than in a car anyway.
The list of people I have to thank is enormous and I hope you all know you are not off the hook yet because I will be relying on you all heavily this year as I travel the state looking for sponsors, promoting my platform, and networking for the Miss Vermont Organization. I dedicate my crowning to those who were there in body and spirit last night. I love you all. Mom and Dad...you are my rock. Grammy Fay & Grammy Ruth...my strengths are a combination of the example you have set...I love you. JAAKKS (Kevin as the double K)...you are my NEK loves...my life! Harry and Claire...what a lucky lady I am to have a second family like you...the cookie dough is now consumed and what a treat it was! Sonia, Kay, Jackie, Irene...my dancing ladies to whom I would not be Miss Vermont without your grace and the confidence you instilled in me. Angie and Allison...my smc mentors...your support is above and beyond...your generousity teaches me true beauty! Erica, Shelley, Rene, Mrs. Percy, Lauren, Lana, Sue Mills...I am so honored you shared that night with me! Fellow contestants...you each amazed me and I hope you know how much your graciousness last night meant to me. And to those who were unable to attend last night but always love and support me...my gorgeous sister Amanda and my South Carolina Family...the Wheeler Family...the smc gals (thanks to Jill o, Andz, Tracy, Kara, & Aimee for driving to my appearance today!)...Frannie...my Australia crew...and the many others who have helped shaped me...I APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO.
I hope you stay tuned as I update this blog throughout my year. I am so excited to get going. MARK THE DATE...I will be singing the National Anthem and running in the Vermont City Marathon on May 25th in Burlington! As well, I look forward to be a guest at the Miss New Hampshire 2008 crowning this coming weekend!

XOXO
Ashley Wheeler
Miss Vermont 2008! (YAY!)