THIS WEEKEND YOGA TIME!!

Tomorrow is the start of my Yoga Retreat! Hannelore, my Yoga Teacher has invited Rama Jyoti Vernon to New Hampshire for a retreat. Rama is the founder of Unity of Yoga, International Yoga College, and the Co-Founder of Yoga Journal Magazine. She has been a devoted leader of peace missions in the USSR, Middle East, China and Central America. Her unique approach developed over years through study with great yoga masters and self-reflection. I will keep you posted! Wish me luck.......I am so excited to meet her!

As it gets colder.....

Thank your lucky stars if you have a house with heat or a living space with heat. This year it got cold really fast and for some it may not be a big deal but for those with out shelter it is something that is hard to deal with. Hunger and homelessness isn't something that just happens on Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and all other holidays that we collect food baskets for. Hunger and Homelessness happens every day to children, teenagers, adults, seniors, mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles all around America and the World. Two years ago I participated in a 24 hour retreat with my church on the UNH campus called City Reach. We went to Boston and had a tour of Boston from someone who was Homeless. My tour guide was Larry. He was homeless for 7 years and was on his way to recovery. He showed us the door step he called home and slept on at night during his time of homelessness. It was a door step to a store that had an indent...he said it helped keep the wind out. (It really didn't) After our hour long tour Larry had tears in his eyes and pointed to a building in the distance with the light one and said- "That's where I live now. I have been off the streets for 6 months."

After he gave us the tour that night we all went inside and all of the students slept inside the church...yes, inside the church on pews and the church floor. There was only a door and a wall that separated us from the homeless. On our way into the church there were 20+ people gathered together with blankets on the steps of the church. When I went to sleep I could hear them coughing and moaning from the cold. It was a tough night.

The next day we walked around boston with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in back packs and handed them out to anyone who looked hungry. We also invited people into the Cathedral to have a warm meal and pick up some warm clothes for the winter. City Reach was a good experience and I still have the cross that symbolizes Common Cathedral. There is a church service held outside every Sunday by the fountain for the homeless. It is an experience I will never forget.

Tonight in the Exeter area the temperature is 39 degrees. It's cold out...and many Americans are sleeping outside tonight. I am thankful for many things.

Dinner

For those of you who read my blog...you must know about the Garden at the Timberland Company. There is a team of employees who planted the garden, maintain the garden, and harvest. The produce is sold by donation at Timberland and the money goes to the NH Food Bank. Tonight my family ate brussel sprouts and eggplant from the garden! I am not a big fan of brussel sprouts but they were pretty good! It was good to know that my dinner supported the Food Bank.

Today

Be present

Don't compare yourself to others

Chants from yoga:

I'm positive, energetic, enthusiastic

Awake and ready

Go Apple Picking and support your local farmers! My parents went last weekend to Applecrest and the apples are delishhhh!

What you can do with apples: make homemade apple sauce (my moms is the best), make apple pie, apple crisp, put apples on top of ice cream, or dip them in some caramel!

Operation Frontline in Rockingham County!

I am excited to say that I will be attending an Operation Frontline Curriculum and Classroom Management Training session next week. I volunteered through the NH Food Bank to help out with OFL classes in the Rockingham County. Becca Story, a good friend at the Food Bank and RD said she would be glad to have me on board again with OFL Classes. A few years ago I helped at a class in Somersworth and last year I was a teacher in Derry at the Upper Room. This year I will be the volunteer chef. I will be teaching the cooking portion of the class. The OFL program is a 6 week nutrition and cooking class for those who are living on a low income budget. This class helps kids, adults, and families make healthy choices on a low income budget. I am excited to teach at the New Outlook Teen Center in Exeter I will be working with Teens in the town I attended High School. Check back in November to see how classes are going!

Pulaski Fishing Trip

I went on a fishing trip with my dad and some of his friends this weekend. My dad has been going to Pulaski NY to fish for Salmon for 20 years now. He always brings home pictures and stories I remember the pictures from when I was a kid. This year I didn't have school and I was invited! I thought I would be the only girl because he goes with his two friends and one brings his son and the other brings his nephew. Lucky for me....Matt (the nephew) brought his girlfriend! We had an interesting 7 hour road trip with Brian and Matt. Brian is a Broker for my dad so they are work buddies and Matt goes to Rodger Williams. So as we were driving through New York we saw a horse and buggy.....no joke on the highway! We saw a cranberry bog and farmers harvesting the cranberries. We saw an amish family selling baked goods on the side of the road. We saw a lot of things! One thing I did realize as we were driving is to try not to complain about my life because no matter what, someone else will always have it worse. Driving through NY really made me think. Some people are living in caving houses, houses with out windows, houses that are falling apart, houses that need a lot of work etc. It was very sad.

Moving on.....the entire drive down was nice and when we got there it started to RAIN! So we bought rain jackets, and went fishing anyway. That night my dad and I both caught a Salmon! My dad had to show me how to catch one because these salmon are big and put up a nice fight. I learned a lot of lingo while fishing on the lake. When you catch a fish you yell "FISH ON" and immediately everyone is alert. "Coming up/Coming down" basically means get out of my way Mr.! It's what you say when your fish is swiming on your line away from you. You need to follow the fish and keep it in control. If you move to quick you will lose it and if you let the fish swim near any rocks....you will most likely lose it too. It takes a lot of practice to get it all right. The salmon I caught was huuuuge I could barely pick it up. The picture is Hilarious and I am waiting for my dad to send it so I can post it up! It was a ton of fun and I'm glad my dad took me!

Alumni Homecoming 2009!!!

Now that I am an alumni of course I have to go to the UNH Football Homecoming game!!!! I am so excited to see my friends again. Some of my friends are still living near by and I get to see them but others have moved away. I am excited to get together with them and see how everyone is doing in LIFE AFTER COLLEGE!!! I know that so far I am doing well.....I am also excited to see all of my younger college friends. At school I was an RA so I know a lot of students who are a year younger than me and just from being on campus and involved in many activities I know this weekend will be a lot of fun!

Miss NH Local Competitions!

Congratulations to all the young women who have the chance to compete for Miss NH 2010! I have been fishing, taking yoga classes, working amongst other things and haven't been able to compete in all the locals this year. I have had a lot of fun in the locals I have competed in this summer! Congratulations:

Miss Bedford: Sarah Mousseau

Miss Deerfield Fair: Elysha Greenberg

Miss Greater Derry: Krystal Muccioli

Miss Hooksett: Rebecca Rendina

Miss Kingston: Janine Mitchell

Miss Lakes Region: Erica Millett

Miss Londonderry: Alyssa McLaughlin (my first room mate at Miss NH a while back!!!)

Miss Manadonock Region: Asheley Chaput

Miss Seacoast: Adria Farr

Miss Strafford County: Lissa Silk

Miss Stratham Fair: Regan Hartley

Miss University: Margo Reola

Miss Weirs Beach: Megan Lyman

Miss Winnipesaukee: Jenn Clements

New England States Miss America Conference Day 2

With Sam Haskell the author of "Promises I Made My Mother". He was a speaker at the Conference and has a truly amazing story. A story that started with a dream. To have the Cheer man come to his house.........the story made me cry! It reminded me about my dream to sing with Shania Twain using a sign, and his dream to meet the Cheer Man with his sign. His story also proves the point that good things happen to good people and things can happen when you least expect them. His house was chosen randomly. To really understand I think you will have to read the book! All in all he is an amazing man, with an amazing story, who gives back to the community, and who truly makes a difference. Also, a wonderful speaker who paints an image which makes him unforgettable. It was such an honor to meet him.

With Carry and David of Regalia after purchasing the sexiest interview get up of all time and the classiest gown I've ever put on. They spent a lot of time with me and are two men who have great advice and won't force you into a gown that isn't you. I liked that about them. They also were fun to talk to in general. We were lucky to have them at the NE States Conference they are really in the business because they love it and are happy with what they do!
With Designer Trisha Tidd from Togatae Designs check her out on facebook: Togatae Designs
With my make up artist Kriss! I was her face model at her class at the conference! It was so much fun and such an honor to be her model. Here is some info from her Facebook Site:

Featured on Inside Edition, Access Hollywood..featured in the Los Angeles Times, Allure, The NY Times...Makeup Artist Kriss Soterion is known for her artistry for Presidential Candidates, celebrity News and Media personalities..she is the queen of makeup metamorphasis...

Yoga School

I had my first yoga class the other day and learned so much. There are 10 students ranging from 22-66 years old. The class is so diverse which makes it so much fun! Every woman has a different background and is there for a different reason but we all share one thing in common. Through yoga we want to form a community, learn about balance, create energy, and use the mind, body, and spirit to change our lives and the lives of others. Some want to learn yoga so they can teach (aka me) and others want to learn yoga so they can have a daily practice on their own with an understanding of what they are doing. Hannelore, my Yoga Teacher made us a delicious lunch, something I have never had before it was called Kitcheree: rice with mung-dal beans and veggies...very good! We were in class from 9am-5:45pm it was a long day but I could have stayed there all week. We all grew stronger as a group and I can't wait for our next class....until then I'll be practicing my Mountain, warrior, and half moon.

New England States Miss America Conference

Rick Brinkley, Miss America's National Judges Coordinator
With Bill Haggerty one of the best producers in the Miss America Program! Bill has an amazing sense of humor and worked in the education system for many years. The teacher side of him comes out all the time and we all love him very much. He worked very hard with the NE committee to put the event on. Thanks for helping put the show together Bill, it truly was a meaningful weekend for many young women and adults. We will win Miss America some day for you, I promise!

With Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948. She is the very first Miss America I ever met! I graduated high school with her grandson and he was able to set up a time for us to meet my Freshman year of college, 4 years ago! I met her at Panera Bread in Portsmouth for lunch and tea. She is full of life experience, knowledge, and is still stunning. 4 years ago she gave me a picture of her with 5 tips on the back (sorry I can't give her secrets away) I have carried this picture in my jewlery box to every local and state competition I have been in for 4 years. I told her that this weekend at the conference and she said.....oh dear you shouldn't bring it with you to your next one. I am taking her advice! I will read it before I leave my house for Miss Rockingham County and keep it home. Thank you for all your support Bebe.

With Brenda Keith (Miss NH ED) and Lissa Silk (Miss Strafford County). Brenda is like a second mother to all of the Miss NH Contestants. She devotes her time and energy to the program and to all of us so we can one day be as successful as she is. Did you know she was a race car driver???? She said that was her sport when she was younger and she loved it. Now when she goes on vacation she gets the fast cars because she loves being behind the wheel-it's part of her vacation. She is also full of life experience and I am eager to learn more about her. She was at the conference this weekend and was around to make sure everyone from NH was having a good time. She got to sit with Bebe, Sam, a former Miss Indiana, the owner of Vera Bradley, the director of Miss MA, and other distinguished guests. It was a great opportunity for everyone to network!

I MET MISS AMERICA!!!

The big moment! Katie Stam, Miss America 2009 is the second Miss America I have crossed paths with. She is 23 and has one more semester of school left and is my role model. When she spoke at the conference I didn't want her to stop. I wanted her to keep speaking. She was refreshing, enlightening, polished, elegant, and the face of the Miss America Organization that says I am worthy, I am brave, I am strong, and I can do this. She told great stories and brought tears to my eyes. I was sitting so close to her while she spoke she is a true inspiration and gave me the extra boost that I can do anything. Thank you Katie for taking a picture with me and for making a difference in my life. You are a wonderful Miss America.

The Grand Total of the GABS Summer 2009

Kelsey and I have had a lot of bake sales this summer.  We made a lot of chocolate chip cookies, cup cakes, banana bread, and so much more!  We want to thank everyone who made our bake sales possible because we had a team of over 20 bakers who baked a difference for the entire summer.  It was a community effort to come together and raise money for SOS AND the NH Food Bank in a huge time of need.  We partnered with 4 local businesses Sweet Dreams Bakery, Saint Anthony's Bakery, Shaws, and Sams Club.  With out the support of local businesses we wouldn't have been as successful as we were.  It was helpful for the bakeries to donate treats for us to sell and it was helpful for the corporations to donate gift cards so we could buy baking items!  It really was a team effort and we all raised over $600 together to help feed people in our state and across America.  We went 50/50 and donated half to SOS and half to the NH Food Bank.  It was a successful summer and we all had fun.  

Thank You - Great American Bake Sale‏

From:	Bomberg, Jessica (jbomberg@strength.org)
Sent:	Tue 9/01/09 8:30 PM
To:	a_ross15@hotmail.com

Dear Alicia,

Thank you so much for participating in Great American Bake Sale. Congratulations to you and your team, Kelsey McDonald and Alicia Rossman's Bake Sale, for raising $320 and contributing to more than $1.2 million raised this year so far! We appreciate your team’s efforts in helping end childhood hunger. More than 12 million American children are at risk of hunger, but your efforts will help ensure that they get the nutritious food they need to learn, grow and thrive.

Thank you again for your support and we hope you’ll join us for another great bake sale next year.

Sincerely,
Jessica

Jessica Bomberg
Great American Bake Sale Coordinator
Share Our Strength
1730 M St, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202-478-6506
www.GreatAmericanBakeSale.org

Only 1 more week until I am no longer Miss Lakes Region

There is only one more week left of Alicia Rossman Miss Lakes Region 2009. I had such a great year with Wayne and Debbie my directors! I really felt great this year at Miss New Hampshire and was thrilled to be in the top 5. I couldn't have done it with out their help. I have competed for 4 years now and have won probably over $40,000 now....I have to get the exact tally. The program has helped me tremendously in terms of scholarship and also it has helped me be a better person in society. I have learned how to represent myself with class and will never forget all of the lessons I have learned from the program. I will also never forget all of the volunteers who have touched my life in some way or another. There are hundreds of volunteers for the Miss NH program and I really am thankful for all of their support.

It has been a long and hard 4 years...competing isn't easy. It takes dedication, respect, and drive. I only have one more year left to make it happen. I have decided to give it one more shot! I would really be thankful for the opportunity to volunteer for an entire year to not only work on my platform but really reach out to the entire New Hampshire community at events across the state. It would be an honor and I am going to try my best to make it happen. The first step started on September 1st! My work outs.....begin again. I have a great trainer and know I will be in top shape by November 28th, my first competition. I have a list of goals and count downs for the 28th, but I can't give away all my secrets! Well I guess one more- I want to work on my platform once a week!

Ok....and I can't wait for the New England States Conference. It will be a great opportunity to network with professionals from all over America who have a common interest! I can't wait for the hair seminar! I need a new doo. There are going to be so many special guests like Mary Morin, Kriss Soterion, Dana Rosengard, MISS AMERICA, Rick Brinkley..........people I can't wait to see! It's going to be an exciting weekend.

No School

This was the first time I haven't been in school since I was about 3 or 4. It feels GREAT....the only problem is, is my job with the whole grains council is almost over. I am a project manager and am assigned projects. My projects for the summer are almost over. I have applied to just about every hospital in New Hampshire and am crossing my fingers. I am also looking into pharmaceutical sales. Thanks to the Miss New Hampshire Program I have a few contacts in the pharmaceutical sales field so I was lucky enough to talk with someone to get some advice. I am working on getting my Personal Trainers Certificate through ACSM and Yoga School starts September 27th! I am very excited for Yoga to start and also a bit anxious about a lot of things. Life is just starting for me.......and it's a little scary. I no longer have health insurance for the first time in my life and I'm nervous about everything! I know I will find a job because I am a hard worker and I know it will take some time but it would be nice just to have something certain and concrete for now. My friends and I all got together last night and we still feel like college kids. There were about 10+ of us and about 5 of them are taking one more semester of classes because they didn't want to graduate and the other half really has no idea what they want to do. Life is a big decision. We are all happy we have degrees but it's the next step that is most important.

Do I get a masters? If I get a masters what will my focus be? Do I know what I want to do for the rest of my life? Do I have enough money to get an apartment? Do I have enough money to pay my car payments? My school loan payments kick in in January will I have the money to pay for that? If my job doesn't have benefits why would I want to pay $400/month for health insurance? Is it worth it? Can I pay for gas? Can I pay for food (not ramen noodles....I mean like vegetables, fruits, whole grains- you know- the good stuff?) Should I join the peace corps? What about Teach for America? Are there any jobs that will pay for me to go back to school? What about oil changes every 3 months? What about going to the bar with friends or out to dinner? Bottom line........life is way to expensive how does anyone afford it? Luckily I can live at home for a while until I figure things out.

In the news

http://www.misswinni.org/2009-winners.htm

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090713/GJNEWS02/707139947

http://www.derrynews.com/local/local_story_175122941.html

http://photos.northofboston.com/gallery/8103297_aF48Z/4/528236728_Fr7j8#528236728_Fr7j8

Country Fest Gillette Stadium Miss NH Fundraiser

Holy Cow! I got to see Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, and Kenny LIVE while volunteering at the Freeport Fryer! I had so much fun at the concert and was able to help raise money for the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program at the same time!

Littleton Food Drive and Variety Show

Friday August 14th was a whirlwind day full of excitement. I was invited to the Littleton Senior Center to perform in their Variety Show. The show raises money for the NH Food bank. Last year they collected one ton of food and they are well on their way to reaching that amount again this year. I was honored to be a part of such a great event and will cherish my memories of the caring people of Littleton NH. PS I was able to visit their famous penny candy store---it has been in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest penny candy counter!

I concluded my day by partaking in Life’s a Jungle Fashion Show Extravaganza which raised funds for the Seacoast Hospice Center. It was a blast! By pulling together and sharing our time and talent with others we made a difference.

GABS at the Lollipop Festival

Kelsay and I had a Great American Bake Sale at the Exeter Rec for the Lollipop Festival. There were about 160 kids and they all had a lot of fun!

Miss NH MB Tractor Golf Tourni 2009 Laconia Country Club

Monday August 10th was the Miss NH Golf Tournament! There were about 10 title holders there and we had so much fun. Last year the event raised over $20,000 and it is one of our biggest fund raisers. Marc really puts on a good tournament and all of the participants have a fun time. Erica and I were on the Vegas Hole where the golfers could double their money if they bet and got their ball on the green. We raised somewhere around $1,000 just on this hole!! We had so much fun with the golfers!

WMUR and Miss NH Team 5K Cigna Race

In picture to the right: Jenn Saucier, Chantel McCabe, Me, Jamie Staton, Krystal Muccioli, Brittany Dube, Kat Howland. Picture to the left is Danielle Cowan and Lauren Debaie

http://www.wmur.com/video/20396908/

I haven't run competitively since High School. When Jamie Staton, the Sports Anchor for WMUR news 9 (http://www.wmur.com/wmurnewsteam/825803/detail.html)

asked if I wanted to run in the race I was really excited. It was a good opportunity for the Miss NH Program to give back to WMUR. Jamie Staton is the Host for the Miss NH Scholarship Program and we have so much fun with him! We had a beautiful day to run and we all had a ton of fun! Our WMUR team even came in 7th for Co-Ed Teams! Lauryn Debaie, Jamie and I were in the top 5 for our team too!

7. WMUR-TV

20:29 22:41 24:01 24:12 29:15 = 2:00:38

Daniel Velchev, Scott Pellerin, Lauryn Debaie, Jamie Staton, Alicia Rossman

Thank you to Cindy Conley the Public Relations Director for the Miss NH

Scholarship Program for holding all our belongings during the race! See her in the movie wearing the pink back pack!

NH Food Bank at it's lowest level in 25 years

http://www.wmur.com/video/20162180/index.html

Support the NH Food Bank

Greetings Friend of OFL and the Food Bank,

Thank you for the support you have show over the years. If you haven’t had an opportunity to get your fix great seasonal foods (and even if you have), here is your chance. Please join us Monday August 24^th to enjoy four courses of great tasting locally produced food artfully prepared by the Recipe for Success Culinary Job training students and chef instructor Jayson McCarter. The NHFB Recipe for Success program and Operation Frontline has teamed up with the New Hampshire Farm to Restaurant Connection and the NH Dept of Agriculture to our first Growers Dinner at the Capitol Center for the Arts. For only $50 per person ($30 of which is tax deductible) you can enjoy the best of what the season has to offer in NH and support our programs. Cocktail hour runs 6-6:45pm and dinner will be at 7pm. Tickets are available as pre-purchase only so be sure to get yours early! All proceeds will benefit the Recipe For Success programs: Culinary Job Training program, Production Garden, Fresh Rescue, and Operation Frontline.

For More information, please see attached flyer or contact Helen Costello Recipe for Success Program Manager hcostello@nhfoodbank.org or 669 9725 X 145.

Thank you again for your continued support of our programs!

Best,

Becca Story

National Anthem

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090726-NEWS-307269970


Singing the National Anthem at the Miss Stratham Fair Program.

surfin! and bickram yoga

Holy cow am I sore! I have done two days of Bickram Yoga and then yesterday I went surfing. If you are looking for an absolutely amazing work out I would suggest trying out Bickram Yoga. I can't believe how much I improved in just two days of class and am really excited to go again this afternoon. It is so refreshing and is a way to release stress, get rid of toxins, and feel good about yourself. Surfing is also totally relaxing. I had a lesson with 2 of my girlfriends and we had a blast! I wanted to buy a board when I was in high school but it never happened. I had so much fun!

WOKQ and John Deere What's Your Talent Competition August 8th

Tomorrow I will be competing at John Deere Rosencrantz in Kensington New Hampshire at the What's Your Talent Competition. I am really excited to perform the show starts at 2:30 for anyone interested in coming! For more info: http://wokq.com/Article.asp?id=1387748&spid=21338

Katrina Rossi's Runway Gala

Janine and I want to thank everyone who made Katrina's Runway Gala possible. It took a lot of planning to pull the show off and we were so happy with the show. It was a huge turn out we had plenty of food and desserts and it really meant a lot to Katrina. Thank you for everyone who brought a food item and for everyone who came. We raised $100 in donations that was contributed to the Children's Miracle Network Platform. We wish Katrina luck in her journey at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Competition.

Kelsey and I have raised over $500 for the New Hampshire Food Bank

Kelsey and I have been baking up a storm this summer. We have raised over $500 for the New Hampshire Food Bank and Share Our Strength! Thank you so much to all of our bakers!

Judd, Sundae, Lois, Cheryl, Kristen, Stephanie, Judy, Dori, Janet, Chantel, Patty, and Lauren.

A special thank you goes out to Sweet Dreams Bakery, Saint Anthony's Bakery, Shaw's and Sam's Club for their generous donations.

Another special thank you to the Stratham Fair, Vickey Avery, and the Exeter Rec for letting us host our bake sales.

Kelsey and I would both also like to thank our mothers for helping at our Bake Sale. My mom was a TROOPER and sat in the rain with me all day Friday at the Stratham Fair and then because we had more to sell she sat with me all day Saturday as well. She's a great mom!

Dover teen wins Miss Stratham Fair title | SeacoastOnline.com

Dover teen wins Miss Stratham Fair title | SeacoastOnline.com

Stratham Fair Great American Bake Sale

Come enjoy the Stratham Fair and stop by my stand to grab a baked good to help end childhood hunger! I have been going to the fair since I was a kid and love everything about it! I am looking for bakers and volunteers so if anyone wants to help out I would be so grateful! My bake sale is this Friday the 24th! It is the same day as the Miss Stratham Fair Pageant as well. I will be moving my stand to the show around 5pm. I hope to see you there!