"Countdown to the Crown"

Well, I survived the three weeks in LA and I am even sad that it is over! I can't reveal much about what happened while we were filming, but I can say that I met 51 of the most intelligent, driven, fun, beautiful young woman in the United States. While everyone was slightly saddened to spend three weeks away from home, it was a perfect opportunity for the state titleholders to bond with one and other. The days were long and it was sometimes difficult to sleep due to where we were located. I can honestly say that I did not like where we were staying... However, now that I am home thinking back on it, I say to myself: WOW I can't even believe that we lived there for three weeks!! You will know what I mean when you see where we filmed...

During the three weeks, we had a few “off”days where we made appearances around the LA area. After getting into the swing of our filming schedule, we took a day to enjoy the LA sunshine while taking a tour of the Warner Bros. Studio. When we arrived at Warner Bros. We watched a short film that outlined the history of Warner Bros. Next we split into groups and were on our way to see the sights! My group got to visit the set of “Ghost Whisperer” where we met Jamie Kennedy, sit on the original “Friends” couch in “Central Perk”, and strolled through fake snow. We ate lunch at the Warner Bros cafeteria and then went to the Warner Bros costume museum. The museum had costumes and memorabilia from Warner Bros movies including Heath Ledger's Jokers costumes from “The Dark Knight”, Johnny Depp's costumes from “Sweeney Todd” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, and costumes from “The Departed”.



After leaving Warner Bros, we were all excited because we were going to be featured on the Ellen Show! When it was time for us to be featured, we gathered outside with Miss America 2008 – Kirsten Haglund, where we sang “a tooney for Mr. George Clooney” trying to coax him out of his office. Unfortunately, he did not show, but we had fun... especially when Mario Lopez came outside to say hello!

The next day was very busy. We woke up and boarded the Miss America bus early for a quick appearance on the KTLA Morning Show where we were all formally introduced on-air. From KTLA, we headed to to breakfast at IHOP in LA. Not only did we get to eat unlimited amount of pancakes, but we also got to flip, stack, and create them!.(I was very proud of the crown-shaped pancake that I made!) Media was present at IHOP so it was a great way to promote MAO and MAO's involvement with “National Pancake Day” for CMN in February. We left IHOP stuffed to the brim and made our way to the Los Angeles Zoo! We spent a few hours scoping out animals including koala bears, giraffes, kangaroos, and apes. Upon leaving the zoo, we had the opportunity to return to our hotel where we had a few hours to rest for tonight's activities. Next we headed to the Manhattan Beach pier just in time to catch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. It was my first view of the Pacific and it was magnificent! I made sure to take a lot of photos and bask in the moment. Before we knew it, it was dark and time for dinner. I couldn't believe when we arrived at our dinner location to find that we were having dinner on the rooftop of “Shade” Restaurant! It was a chilly night in California, but we kept warm with pashminas and space heaters. The food was delicious (dessert included smores. Mmm...) the scenery was gorgeous, the staff was accommodating, and the company of the other contestants was very memorable.



On Sunday, we got to rest until a lunch appearance at Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. The location was gorgeous and so were the yachts located there! We had lunch and changed into comfortable clothing for the Los Angeles Angels baseball game. I don't know many people who can say that they have been to a baseball game with 52 beauty queens, but it was quite an experience. I had such a great time getting to know the girls better in such a casual setting. Even though it wasn't a Red Sox game, I enjoyed it very much... GO SOX!



Following another long week of shooting and missing home, on Saturday, October 4th, we were fortunate enough to visit the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. I know that I am not speaking for myself when I say that it was exactly what we needed at the end of this trip. At time, filming the reality show was stressful and tiring... but seeing how much genuine joy we brought to the children at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles made me realize why I love being Miss Massachusetts. This year is a year of service. It allows me to interact with and help others in ways that I could never have imagined. It allows me to act as a community builder throughout Massachusetts, touching people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities... and that is an honor.


Filming the Reality Series in Los Angeles was definitely a learning experience... I enjoyed representing Massachusetts there and can't wait to represent our state at Miss America!

~Ohh, I've missed you, Massachusetts and I am glad to be back!

Love, Alicia