2007 Ms Plus America
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Sabrina Mathis

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July Diary Entry

Hi all,

This is the first of many diary entries from your new Ms Plus America 2007.  That has a catchy ring to it doesn’t?  Ms. Plus America ßHee hee, that’s me. 

This entry is dedicated to Melissa and all of the MPA staff. Thank you for the vision and thanks for putting up with a nut like me.  I can’t wait to see what the year brings.  This is also dedicated to Nanette Watts (Ms Plus Lifetime as well as other things).  Words cannot express the feeling of gratitude and respect that I have for you.  You will always and forever be my coach, my mentor, my colleague but most importantly, my friend.

Before I begin to tell you my experiences about competing in MPA I must first share with you what let me to this decision.  I thought it would be fun.  I was walking in Wal-Mart once and someone stopped me and asked me if I was a model.  When I said no they told me that I should really consider running for Ms Plus America.  I had never heard of it so I checked it out online.  After thinking about it for two years I finally decided to give it a go. Since Texas has a Texas Plus pageant I knew that I had to win that one first before I could move on to the next level.  That in itself was no easy task because all of the delegates that I competed against were very worthy of the crown.  After being blessed with winning the title of Ms Texas Plus America, I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the power of loving yourself in the body that God has blessed you with and that I was now ready for National competition.  At least I thought I was………

I was so nervous.  This was just my second pageant ever!!!!!  What in the world was I thinking?  I had just competed in my first pageant just three weeks ago and lately my life had been a rollercoaster of events…….. 

Although I was ready for summer vacation, I was interviewing for an elementary principal position.  That same day I was in a car accident and had damaged my shoulder pretty bad.  I remember leaving for the Texas pageant and telling myself that I would not focus on the pain or the possible results of the interview until after the pageant.  This way all of my focus would be on TPA.  Upon returning from the Texas pageant I was offered the job.  Whoo hoo!!  I was blessed enough to win the Texas Plus America pageant and obtain a principal position all in the same week so I was halfway between being in shock and being elated all at the same time. 

The very next day I had a principals meeting.  Two days later I found out that a very close friend of mine (who was on the verge of becoming my fiancé) had died of a heart attack and I had just talked to this person.  I was still struggling with the death of my friend between principal meetings, radio interviews, newspaper interviews and frequent business travel.  I flew out to Colorado for five days for and educational conference only to arrive back to Austin just to drive to Dallas in the same night to be fitted for one of my competition outfits.  The very next day I drove back to Austin for another conference that lasted for four days giving me only two days to rest before driving back to Dallas for the MPA pageant.  I hate to admit it, but I’m a procrastinator so I didn’t pack until the day before it was time for me to leave.  I decided to rest at home for one day and arrive a day early in Dallas to prepare mentally with a little R and R. 

Needless to say, that didn’t happen because once I arrived to Dallas and picked up my outfits I was so pumped for the competition, there was no room for rest.  All the while, I was still thinking about my new job and the death of my friend.  I never told anyone all of the things that were going on with me because I didn’t want to burden anyone else with my problems.  What was I to do?

I prayed that Tuesday night before the beginning of the MPA events and asked God to give me the strength and that I put all things into his hands.  From that point on my only focus was to enjoy being in the moment.

During registration and orientation, I was so nervous.  When I’m nervous I talk a lot so I was on all roll that night.  I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many beautiful and intelligent women from all over the country.  We all came for a purpose and yet everyone was very friendly and loving.  I have made friendships that I will cherish forever.  Each woman had a special gift to give whether it was their beaming personality or their quiet nature that made getting to know them even more precious. I could go on and on about specific people that I have bonded with but we would be here for days.  From past queens to delegates, to newly crowned queens, I could tell you special moments that I have had with each.   I remember thinking to myself, “Just have fun, and so whether I win or whether I win J I can always say that I had fun."

The most memorable part of the pageant for me was the Viva La Diva celebration.  Everyone was so relaxed and beautiful and after a busy week of rehearsals and preliminary competition this was finally our chance to let our hair down.  Now since I’m in school administration I don’t have the opportunity to go out and dance a lot so made it a point to have a good time.  One of my very best TPA (Texas Plus America) friends (Trina) had come to show support and I was overcome with emotion of having her there.  Needless to say we tore the dance floor up and my knee is still hurting from one dance move too manyJ.

Finally the big day had come!!!!!!!!!!!!

The morning of the big event I started to think about everything that was going on in my life and I started to lose my focus a little.  That morning Wonder and Angela each had noticed a change in my personality and each spoke to me at different moments expressing that whatever it was that was on my mind would be there when the pageant was over so there was no point in stressing over it then.  I will always be grateful to them for that because they don’t realize how much of an effect those conversations had on me.  I will cherish them forever.

When it came down the wire, it was exciting.  All of the delegates were pumped and very helpful towards each other.  Entertainment Tonight was filming us so we were all nervous about being on national television.  I was determined to make this a memorable event.  Like I said whether I win or whether I win at least I can say I had fun. 

First let me start with the opening number.  We had practiced so hard for the opening number. Our choreographer was the greatest and she was very patient with all of us.   I was always backstage clowning with the other delegates so that we always came out smiling.  I was totally elated as well as nervous.  I just wanted to make sure that I did all the dance steps on cue without falling on my face.  My two year old niece was in the audience (wearing her own personal tiara that I bought her which she later felt was better worn around her waist rather than on her head. J) and she was just so excited to see her aunt on stage so I wanted to make sure that I did a good job for her.

Well when the music finally started and we all walked out all I kept thinking was, “Don’t fall of the stage, don’t fall off the stage.  You can be off beat but please just don’t fall off the stage.”  Needless to say, I didn’t fall off the stage.

After introducing all of the delegates it was then time to hear the Top 15 finalists that were called in random order.  They started calling names and I was so happy for everyone.  Then something occurred to me.  “Wait a minute…. 1, 2, 3, 4 to 13.  They’ve called 13 people already and my name hadn’t been called yet.  Finalist number 14 had been called and still no Sabrina.  Then it was like my heart decided to stop for a second because at that moment nothing else mattered more than whose name was going to be announced as the last finalist.  I swear 5 seconds felt like an eternity and then I heard my name!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The way I had responded, you would have thought I had won the lottery.  Well at that moment in my mind I had.  I remember looking down at my family and friends seeing looks of excitement as well as relief.  As far as I was concerned I was happy to make it to the finals.  Of course, this meant that it was time for me to BRING IT!!!!!

The toughest part of the competition for me had to be the formal sportswear competition because I had on a formal duster that was floor length and I constantly kept stepping on it.  I had on four inch heels at the time so I was just trying not to go flying off the stage when I walked.  I let that fear go and I WORKED IT!!!!!!!!!

I was really frustrated before the pageant because when I practiced answering interview questions, I would always freeze up.  I decided to stop practicing in that area because I knew that I did better with on the spot questions and answers. During the final question, I told myself, “Sabrina this is your last opportunity to WOW the judges so give it all you got.”  I was so ready to answer the question that I almost opened up the slip of paper that I drew before the MC had the opportunity to read it to me.  I remembered to give it to him just in time though, J  I guess the judges were very happy with my response because this is the area that I received my highest score in. 

When I was standing on stage with Steph D. waiting to hear the 1^st runner up, I was just happy to have made it that far.  For a girl who had only done one pageant before and it was only three weeks prior, I felt that I hadn’t done too badly.  God had blessed me so much that I was just happy to be standing next to Steph in those final moments.  My two year old niece kept waving at me and trying to run up on stage the entire time.  When they announced Steph as being 1^st runner up I remember clapping for her because I was so happy for her.  It wasn’t until a few seconds later that I realized that that meant that I was the new Ms. Plus America.  I remember thinking,” Okay this is when I’m supposed to cry” but I couldn’t.  As a matter of fact I couldn’t stop smiling.  I wanted to jump up and down and run to my parents, but I remembered those heels weren’t made for running or jumping.  All I could say was I can’t believe it.  I just can’t believe it.  God is so amazing!!!!!!!!!

I remember praying at the time that I was being crowned.  I thanked God for such a wonderful opportunity and that when people see me that they see God in me.  I remember closing the prayer saying that this crown is for my students.  I want them to know that no matter whom you are, God still loves you and that he has a path clearly drawn for you.  You just have to be willing to take the first step and he will lead you the rest of the way. 

I watched all of my friends and family jump to their feet when they heard my name announced as Ms Plus America.  Everyone except for my niece.  All of the screaming and cheering had frightened her so she ran to my dad because she wasn’t exactly sure what was going on but she knew that her Paw paw would protect her from whatever it was. LOL!!!!!!!! 

We took so many pictures that night that my feet were screaming for solace and my cheeks had locked into the full smile position.  I was still in shock throughout all of the photos and interviews afterwards so everything was just a blur.

After finally getting back to the dressing room, I was the very last one to leave the room.  I sat down and cried………………I cried so hard because my life had been a whirlwind of events in the past couple of weeks.  I couldn’t explain the type of emotion that I was feeling so all I could do was cry.  I knew that God had been with me throughout this entire process and that he would continue to be with me.  All I could do was thank God.  It brings me to tears now just recalling this event because the emotional rollercoaster that I had been on had finally reached its peak and I was totally consumed by God’s love.  That night I spent time with my family whom has always supported me since day one.  I also went back to the ballroom where the event was held after everyone had cleared out and they had already started breaking down the stage.  I got on my knees and prayed to God for blessing me with the moments that led me up to this point and those that he will bless me with in the future.  I then returned to my room and slept for a total of 3 hours.

Since arriving back from MPA I have been very busy.  Between being a principal and a queen I’m lucky if I get 5-6 hours of sleep a day.  I’ve done quite a few newspaper and radio interviews as well as scheduled public appearances.  My main focus right now is to be the best principal that I can be.  I have a service to provide to my students as well as the community and I want them to have best.

I plan to do as much as I can to promote my platform which is to promote quality public education and community awareness.  I have community service projects and public appearances starting to be scheduled already.  It would be my ultimate desire to sit down with the Governor of Texas as well as the Secretary of Education and discuss some of issues concerning public education and possible educational goals and strategies for the future.

The phone is always ringing with well wishes and congratulations.  My sister and I decided to take a break and we went and saw a movie.  Now of course you know I wore my new crown and sash to the theatre.  Two little girls were admiring my crown and I asked them if they wanted to try it on.  They screamed yes with glee.  Upon placing it on the head of one of the girls, she responded with, “I feel beautiful”.  I told her that she has always been beautiful and she started to cry.  I knew then that this was all worth it.  This crown was not won for me but for her and every girl because all girls deserve to be a princess.

I know it was a lot to read but I wanted to make sure that you got it all.  I’ll try to make it shorter for you guys with the next entry. J  Love you much!!!!!!!!!!

Best wishes,
Sabrina Mathis
Ms Plus America 2007

August Diary Entry

Hi all,

I’m back with another great amount of things to tell you.  It’s me, Sabrina.  By the way, did you know that I am the reigning Ms. Plus America?  Hee, hee.  Just checking.

Anyway, this diary entry is dedicated to my friend MD.  MD knows why. 

Well, where do I begin?  After a whirlwind summer, I immediately had to get started by switching my brain into principal mode.  Being an elementary principal is no easy task.  I still had several people to hire, staff development to plan and meetings to attend.  Once school had actually started, all I could think about is providing for my students.

I was still walking around on cloud nine.  Needless, to say, I put a lot of time in with my crown.  It went with me to meetings, to the movies and a couple of times to the grocery store.  I figured, “I worked for this crown so I’m definitely going to show it off.”

Then the calls started coming in.  Interviews here and appearances there.  I was amazed at how quickly the news got out.  People at my last school district were calling me and congratulating me.  My hometown did a huge story on me as well as the local area papers.  I’ve been on the local radio stations a couple of times as well.  I’m in the local business magazine as the newest principal to the area and reigning Ms. Plus America. My mom keeps wanting me to call Oprah, but I keep telling her that I don’t know the number………………so Oprah if you’re reading this, give me a call!!!! J  Letterman and Leno that includes you too!!!  Better yet all are welcome to callJ

I know, I know you’re probably wondering how I could be a principal, a pageant queen and be so outgoing all at the same time.  I really don’t know.  I just mastered the art of walking and waving at the same time.  We’ll look past last week’s little turn and trip incident.  Just kidding…………J

I really just want everyone to know that I’m still very down to earth.  People who know me would say that I’m very outgoing, intelligent, beautiful, and fearless.  Did I say, beautiful also?  Just checking.  I say that to say that anyone can be a part of Miss Plus America if they have the desire.  Regardless, of what kind of employment you do, it’s all about how you plan and schedule.  So please don’t think that your life just doesn’t have time for it.  Just look at the other reigning queens, podiatry school student and mother, college student, cheerleading coach, and a principal. I don’t know about you, but all of those are pretty strenuous fields.  We just make it happen and so can you!!!!!!

I promised that I would make this entry shorter than the last so I will talk about one of my most memorable appearances.  One of the most memorable appearances that I had this month actually occurred on my campus.  School started for us this past week so I didn’t want to confuse the kids by wearing my crown and sash on the first day.  I really wanted them to focus starting school off on the right foot and getting to know their teachers.  The first week was excellent so on Friday I decided to wear my crown and sash to encourage the students to reach for their dreams and never give up.  Considering, I work for an elementary school, all of the kids were in awe.  They couldn’t believe that their principal was wearing a crown.  To them, I am as known as Ms Principal Lady so they couldn’t believe that she had this huge crown on her head.  Then they realized what the crown meant.  All day long, students were shouting, “Happy Birthday Principal Lady” to me.  For some reason I didn’t think that they got the message J 

During lunch I always like to walk around to all the different tables to sit and talk with my students.  A group of students actually asked me why I was wearing my crown.  I thought to myself.  YES!!!!!!!!!  I finally get to motivate and inspire them.  I told them that I was Ms Plus America and I had just recently one the title this summer.  They asked me what does Ms Plus mean.  I told them that it’s a pageant for women who are fuller figured or plus sized.  One girl said to me, “Oh I thought it meant that you were good so you got a plus because if you’re not good you get a minus.”  I chuckled a little while another student said,” I don’t think you’re a plus at all.  You’re beautiful!!!  Why do you need a pageant to tell you that?”  It’s amazing sometimes how children can often be the teacher and it is we as adults that learn the lesson.  I went to school that day looking to motivate and inspire children, when in fact it was the children who motivated and inspired me.  Hmmm……  Who would have known?

Well, that’s all folks.  Short and sweet and to the point.  I look forward to writing to you guys again.  Now that school has officially got under way,  my calendar has been filling up with appearances and interviews.  I’ll be appearing at the local children’s hospital and Ronald McDonald Houses across Texas.  That doesn’t mean that if Oprah, Letterman, Leno or Tyra calls I won’t be available.  I’ll make sure that I make time for you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best wishes to you all,

Sabrina
Ms Plus America 2007

September Diary Entry

Ms Plus America in the House!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me dedicate this one to my parents.  Without them, I would be nothing. 

Where has the time gone?  Life for me is still in the fast lane and I’m wearing a crown with me the entire way.  Balancing life and being a National titleholder can be quite draining sometimes.  Maybe I should give my crown a rest.  NAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! 

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ

Whew!!!!!

Where do I begin?  Let me first talk about me participating in the “Read Aloud” program.  I’ve been reading books to elementary student groups to promote my platform of “Promoting Quality Education and Community Awareness”.  That in itself is an adventure.  I love it because children are so inquisitive.  During one appearance, I introduced myself as Ms Plus America and the students had a thousand questions before I even opened the book.  My favorite so far has been when a little girl asked, “Do you take a bath in your crown?”  I chuckled a little and said, “No of course not.  I usually take showers with it on”J

I recently participated in a Community Forum to discuss education today and how to help your child be successful with the many challenges and changes children face today.  It was a huge success.  Many people came out and by the end of the night my feet were killing me!!!!!!!!!!!  A parent later contacted me and told me that her daughter really looks up to me.  She said all weekend her daughter had been singing “God Plus America”!!!!!!!!  I don’t about you all but I feel pretty dang special when I have a song named after meJ

Let me be the first one to say that being a national titleholder is hard work and a very big responsibility.  Between managing work and booking appearances, time becomes very valuable.  I honestly believe that God had a purpose in blessing me with becoming Ms Plus America.  Looking back over all of the events leading up to my crowning moment, I’ve realized that I not only want to promote my platform, but I want to be an inspiration to all women as well.  It’s not all about appearance or status.  It makes me feel whole when I can help others.  Holding the crown of Ms Plus America opened the doors for me to be able to reach more women and children at a greater level. 

Well I guess that’s all for now!!!!!  See ya next month with more adventures of Ms Plus America 2007!!!!!!

Hugs

Sabrina M Mathis
Ms Plus America 2007 

PS-Oprah, I missed your call. ßA girl can dream can’t she????? Hee Hee.  You know I can’t leave without making you laugh!!!!

Hello all!

It feels like it's been ages since I last spoke with you guys. Okay so here's the scoop on October. I've been really busy working as a principal this month. I have been able to do some reading time with many of the local children's libraries. So far, my favorite book to read has been, "The Hippo-Not-Amus". The kids really enjoy hearing this story because I always do wacky voices for the different characters. 

We also celebrated Red Ribbon Week this week where we pledged to be drug free. It was an awesome week because one of the major local car dealerships donated red shirts for the ENTIRE SCHOOL!!!!! A local screen printer also donated screen printing on each shirt that stated, "NJES pledges to be DRUG FREE"!!! We had a pep rally that week to celebrate Red Ribbon Week and everyone wore their red shirts. It was amazing. The mayor spoke and the high school brought their cheerleaders, football players, band and their flag corp out to perform. The kids were super excited. I have to admit though, the highlight of the pep rally was when all of the kids started chanting for their principal (that's me) to do the splits. Well being the sport that I am, I did the splits for them and the gym erupted with roars of applause and excitement. After summoning the nurse for assistance in helping me up (just kidding), it all turned out to be a very memorable experience. I later found out that one of my teachers videotaped the WHOLE THING!!!!!!!!!!! All I know is that if that video surfaces on you tube, that is not me and that's the story that I'm sticking to!!!!!!!!!!!! As you can see I love my students and I would do almost anything to make them happy.

For Halloween I allowed my students to dress up as their favorite literary character from their favorite book. I decided to be an angel from the Bible. After work I stopped at the gas station with my costume on and a guy stopped me. He said, "Hey sweetie, I didn't know angels flew so low." I responded to him by saying," I didn't know that either. If you see one, tell them my car needs gas********** Anyway, it took me 30 minutes to come up with that joke and it still aint funny!!!!!!!!!! Keep your eyes open for next month's diary entry. I have a lot of service events planned that I'm sure you guys will love. I've included a picture of me in my angel costume. I didn't realize how crazy I looked until I printed this photo out so it's okay if you laugh.

Kisses and Hugs for now,
Sabrina
Ms Plus America 2007<--------------------------------------That's ME!!!!

Hello all!

I've got a lot to share with you guys. This November was amazing!!!!!!! My school did the most amazing things. As you guys know, my platform is to promote quality public education and community awareness. This month we celebrated Veteran's Day and it was awesome. All the students on my campus received dog tags. We had veterans come out and set up camp for our campus that had military vehicles from as far back as World War II. We also had a fly over of military aircraft from World War II to present day. It was super awesome!!!!!!!

Students and the public were able to view our Hall of Honor which showed photos and assignments of military personnel related to our students and our personnel. They were also able to see uniforms and artifacts donated for display just for our campus. There was even a Purple Heart on display!!!!!!!! You hear about great things like this but it's once in a lifetime that you actually get to see one up close and personal.

We also had para troopers land at our High School stadium which in itself was cool. The greatest thing of all was that we had an actual Blackhawk helicopter land at our campus and the students got to view it and get inside it as well. I'm sure you know I had to get into the pilot seat and pretend that I was captain for awhile. After literally being stuck in the seat for 10 minutes, I decided it was time to take some photos with the military officers that were there. Of course, I had to take pictures with them. It had nothing to do with the fact that they were in uniform and all good looking!!!!!!!!!! It was for the benefit of my country and my students. Needless to say I had to do my duty and it was well worth it. Just look at the pics!!!!!!!!!

We were especially blessed when the Central Texas/Fort Hood H.O.G chapter came out and gunned their motorcycle engines for the kids and rode around the campus for awhile. Now you know I had to get on one of them and that lasted all of 45 seconds before I was scared out of my wits end!!!!!!  I was very proud of being able to provide this opportunity to the community and to my campus to show respect and admiration for our veteran's to let them know that we appreciate them for all that they do. 

I also had the opportunity to make an appearance at the November interest meeting for the Bell County Plus America pageant. There were quite a few women there who were interested in winning the crown and representing Bell County. I also had the opportunity to meet up with Nannette (TX director), Ensie (past national queen), Victoria (Miss TX 2007) and Rachel (Miss Wyoming 2007). It was amazing to see all of them again because I hadn't seen them since winning Nationals. We all met up afterwards and had dinner and recalled events from Nationals. One of the most amazing things about MPA is that you develop lasting friendships with wonderful people from all over. The memories that you create during that week will last a lifetime!!!!!!!!!

Well guys that's all for now.
"God loves you and so do I"
Ms Plus America signing out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi all 

Christmas time is in the air.  Holiday season is everywhere.  I love this time of the year.  I love going to local stores and being in the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping.   

In an effort to help parents out, I worked with my local PTC (same as PTA/PTO)  to start a Parent's Night Out program.  This gave parents an opportunity to finish their holiday shopping while we watched their kids.  I have to say that it was a huge success because we had about 40 kids kids running around our school cafeteria decorating sugar cookies and holiday ornaments.  I have a couple of pictures with me holding a baby from that evening because I just love babies.  They're just so darn cute !!!!!!!!!  One of the kids got sick and threw up because he had eaten too much and had been running around playing with friends.  Of course it wasn't funny that he had gotten sick, but I realized that in all the preparation we had done for that night, we forgot to schedule a custodian to be there for that night.  So guess who had to clean it up?  Let's just say that a principal's job has no boundaries.  I took care of it and got it all cleaned up.  I needed a hug after that. 

I also started a Secret Santa program for single parents. Often during the holiday season, single parents work very hard to make sure that their children have a happy Christmas and neglect to reward themselves.  I visited local businesses in the area and received donations to use as gifts for these parents.  I was able to give out over 75 gifts to parents.  I've included pictures of all the gifts that I collected to give out.  I truly believe in "Paying it Forward"  It's always a blessing to me when I see the impact that helping others can have on the lives of our fellow man.

Oh and by the way, one of my very best friends in the world gave me a much needed digital camera for Christmas.  They got tired of waiting for me to get pics developed from the store in order for me to post them for my diary entries.  So keep an eye out for more pictures in future diary entries !!!!!!!  Thanks dear.  Love ya much!!!!!

 

Well that's all for now.  Happy Holidays and I love you all.
 

 

Best wishes

 

Sabrina M Mathis

Hi all

I've missed you sooooooooo much!!!  Boy do I have a lot to tell you guys.  Where do I start?  Well let me first start with the Texas Pageant Boot Camp that was held February 5th in Dallas.  I made an appearance there along with other reigning queens and Texas/Okalahoma queen hopefuls.  We had so much fun.  I have to admit though that I am glad that I am not competing this year because everyone looked great!!!  I can tell that this year's national pageant is going to be awesome.  I got to see Nanette, Sarah, BJ, Riva, Ensie and Ann.  They are all doing well and still are a barrell of laughs. 

When I got back to Round Rock, I had to go to work that Monday and let me tell you the funniest thing that happened that week.  I promised my students that if they were to raise so much money for the Pennies for Patients (Leukemia patients) drive, I would kiss a pig.  Well I guess my babies didn't forget because that week I had to KISS A PIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I don't know about you guys but what I kissed wasn't a pig.  That thing was a hog!!!!!!!!!!  Her name was Prissy and she was the hairiest thing I had ever seen.  All the kids wanted me to kiss her on the snout but every time I got close to her she would grunt and I would RUN!!!!  I finally decided that a kiss on the back of her head would have to do. After about ten minutes of trying to build up the nerve to kiss her, I finally did and the kids exploded with applause.  Thanks goodness I got that over. 

One week later, I was on the front page of the newspaper kissing Prissy the pig in full color!!!!

Lucky me.

Later in the month, I flew out to Florida to speak at a Black Heritage Celebration and appear in a parade in Blountstown, FL.  Before I tell you all my experience to Florida, let me share a quick story with you.  Some of you may not know that I don't care too much for flying.  I get so nervous that I almost get sick.  Just before getting on the plane, I prayed to God that he would be with me on the flight to and from Florida safely.  I boarded the plane with my crown in hand (I never leave home without it :)!!!!!!!!  I was sitting next to an older gentlman and I apologized to him in advanced because I was pretty sure that I was going to be freaking out once we took off.  He assured me that everything would be okay and I had nothing to worry about because God was with me.  By those words alone, I felt at ease.  Once we got into the air, I noticed that he was writing out something.  He was working on his sermon for church that Sunday.  God sat me next to a preacher !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That just goes to show you, God is there even when you don't know it.  Thanks Tim for calming my nerves.

Let me first say the hospitality in Blountstown was absolutely outstanding.  The city may be small in population, but the warmth and the love that was shown to me was absolutely outstanding.  I have several pics below that show me with local queens, a high school band, and me doing what I do best, acting silly.  I was invited by Ms Plus Florida to make an appearance in their parade and speak at their banquet.  I have to admit that being in the parade was a little embarrassing because my candy throwing skills weren't all that great so I ended up throwing more candy in the street rather than to the parade watchers.  Hee Hee!!!!!!

Later in the evening after the parade, I spoke at the closing banquet.  The title of my speech was, "Friends, Family and Faith."  I'll have to sit down one day and tell you that speech because its pretty powerful. If you are ever in the mood for a relaxing vacation, visit Blountstown, FL.  Tell them Ms Plus America 2007 sent ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had to leave pretty early that Sunday to get back to Texas.  My flight back had a layover in Atlanta.  I had just finished getting some food from Krystal's when I heard a familiar voice.  I turned around and saw a familiar face standing in line.  Is that?  No, that can't be.  I think it is.  That is her!!!  Standing right in front of my eyes was DA BRAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I almost dropped my crown.  Okay well not my crown but I did drop the food I was holding.  Who am I kidding?  I didn't drop my food either, but I almost did.  I walked up to her and asked her if I could take a picture with her.  She said sure and she asked me about my crown.  I told her I was Ms. Plus America and I was on my way back to Texas.  I then quickly pulled out my camera (one of the best Christmas gifts ever) and put my crown and sash on faster than the speed of light.  It was kind of funny because they always tell you not to leave your items unattended but I was too busy trying to get this picture taken.  I was so excited that I asked her bodyguard to hold my purse and her agent to take the picture.  Is that bold or what?  They were pretty cool though.  She herself is very down to earth and I could see myself kicking it with her or if she asked, appearing in her next video.  I think it should be called BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY!!!!!!

It could happen..............

Anyways, I made it back to Texas and had to get back to work because my students are my life.  I am so proud of them.  Being an educator is so rewarding because their happiness and success is what drives me to be the best for them. 

The next weekend I went home to visit my parents because my neice was singing in the church choir that Sunday.  She's only 3 but she is just like her aunt.  Give her a stage and she will perform.  At least that's what I thought.  She got in the choir stand and sang so close into the the mike, she could have ate it.  Then she stopped singing altogether and just stared at us.  Later on when she got home, all she did was sing at the top of her lungs.  THAT'S MY GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!

The next weekend I was in the air again to Atlanta to support Chenese Lewis with her Flawless Calendar premiere party.  Unfortunately, I have to stop there you guys because the party actually happened on March the 2nd so you'll have to wait for the March diary entry!!!!!!!!!

Well that's it for now.  Look for the March entry.  I'll tell you about the Flawless premiere party, the Texas pageant and much more

Live life to the the fullest.  I love you all!!!!!!!

Sabrina M Mathis