Orientation Week!

This is the first chance that I am getting to write after a very relaxing weekend! This was the first time that I have had a weekend free of appearances for Miss SD, although we somehow found a way to fit in a prep meeting. I think that Kati just likes hanging out with us :)We had a few last minute things to organize before the big weekend coming up, and we also got together to watch Arianna on the American Academy of Country Music Awards! She was chosen to sing back up for Taylor Swift during the awards ceremony, and we saw her front and center in the choir! It was so great to watch her and scream at the TV, "I SEE HER!! SHE'S RIGHT THERE!" People in the surrounding condos were probably wondering what was going on, but we were not shy in showing our excitement for Arianna. Great Job girl, you looked great!

Anyway, we'll continue on with the rest of the week! Surprisingly, this week was very quiet! We didn't have any appearances, and I was able to focus on school - two 10 page papers due within two days of each other, so it was a much needed break to say the least! I had workouts with Alexander, I swear he was trying to kill me for eating that pancake at Denny's the week before, and met with Kati and Joe to discuss orientation and my talent gown. We have the dress, but that's about all I can tell you, it's top secret ;) Other than these few things, I really don't have a lot to report back as far as Miss San Diego activities. My new headshot is on the Miss California website, so be sure to check that out along with the pictures of the other beautiful young women that I will be competing against!

In addition to school, I was able to take this past week/weekend, to take in the beautiful city that I live in, and all that it has to offer. I went to a Padres game on Saturday, (they won, so that's always good!) went to the beach on Thursday, roller-bladed on the boardwalk Wednesday, and went shopping in Pacific Beach on Friday! Oh and of course, I got a pedicure with Tierra, our teen, on Sunday before we went to our prep meeting at Kati's house! She got pink with a flower design, and I got red with a design. Very appropriate for a teen and miss! I know, it's a horrible place to live, but someone has to! I am definitely a believer in doing things that make you happy and let you get away from the world, even if it's just for a few minutes or an hour. All of these things help me to relax and get geared up for all that is to come!

Speaking of all that is to come, orientation is this weekend, and I could not be more excited! I am thrilled to be able to meet all of the young women competing and be able to get to know them a lot better than I do now. I am also excited to be reunited with those girls that I have competed with in previous pageants. It really is like a big reunion every time we get together. A sisterhood is formed through the competition and I know that these girls are some of the best friends that I have. We can go for months without speaking, but when we get back together, it's as though we never left! It's hard to believe that this week has come so quickly, but I'm glad it's here! It will also be nice to see Kristy Cavinder, Miss CA 2009, and all of the directors and volunteers that work behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. They are such great people, and it is always a joy to see them.

Well, that's about all I have for today! I know it's not much, but I am sure that I will have much more to report back after this weekend. For now, I have to go figure out a way to fit 10 different outfits, hair supplies, toiletries, jewelry, and of course, shoes, into one, maybe two, duffel bags! There are 10 people driving up to Fresno in our van, so it's going to be a little crowded...We'll have a great time, and I'm sure we'll all know each other a lot better at the end! Although I'm not sure how much more I could know! I'll let you all know how it goes, wish me luck! Until then...

Always,
Saundra Combs
Miss San Diego Cities 2010