Shamrock Shuffle? Shamrock Run!

This was the world's largest 8k run! 30,000 runners took part in the race. I'll admit the song, "I will survive," went through my head at one point. "At first I was afraid , I was petrified..." I didn't know so many people could fit into one space!It was nutty running shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other people,dodging in and out of foot traffic. It looked like a mass exodus of Chicago. It was great way to see the city which was great for Michelle who came in for the race. She says the crowds kept us from being able to really open up and run. I say, it is the reason I finished in a relatively small amount of pain. Actually, it was a lot of fun and a gorgeous day outside. And with 30 thousand runners, we helped raise millions of dollars for cancer research and other organizations. I can't wait to get the pictures developed!

What Was I Thinking??

A few months ago I signed up for Chicago's Shamrock Shuffle which raises money for cancer research among other charities. An 8k race also seemed like a good way to test out my conditioning. But see here in Chicago, it's a long cold winter and I just don't get outside to run much, if at all, until it hits 50 degrees. (Still waiting!)My new treads are cute and seem to be doing their job, I just hope my legs will do the same. Luckily, I have a best friend of mine, Michelle, coming in town from Nashville for the race. She is one of those gals who can just go out and run seven miles or so and not think twice about it. She can also eat whatever she wants and still stay in shape. So together we shall go for a run...or perhaps a leisurely jog all for a good cause.

The Governor Gets Involved.

Governor Rod Blagojevich is declaring April 3rd Save Abandoned Babies Day in Illinois! It's a day dedicated to public awareness of Illinois' Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act and its goal: to prevent the deaths of newborn infants by providing parents with a safe mechanism for anonymously relinquishing a newborn baby.
April 3rd marks the anniversary of the first baby to be safely relinquished under the Act in April of 2002. It is also a day to celebrate the lives of twenty-nine additional infants who were relinquished legally while remembering the twenty-three babies found dead and the twenty-two babies abandoned in unsafe places since the Act was signed into Illinois law in 2001.
This year the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation is sponsoring a Poster Contest in celebration of Safe Haven Day. Chicago high school students have been asked to participate. Winners and cash prizes will be awarded to the student winners along with matching cash awards for the art departments of their schools by Mrs. Illinois at a Press Conference at the Thompson Center. The contest asked students to create art defining the Safe Haven Act. Local artist and illustrator, DJ Hancock, and mosaic artist, Valerie Fuqua are serving as judges along with members of the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation. Mr. Hancock and Ms. Fuqua are creating their own artwork celebrating the Safe Haven Act, to be hung alongside the student winners' submissions.
For more information you can check out www.saveabandonedbabies.com

Photos, Decisions, and Offices Oh My!

This week I had a couple of photo sessions with the official state crown and banner. Karen DeWert did my make-up which was fabulous because she has a knack for knowing how to bring out your best. I wish I could meet with her everyday! First I met with photographer Dan Duverney who has such positive energy. I love him also because he understands great lighting! Then I met with Diane from the Model Image Center. She is so elegant and tasteful. Diane has been a successful model and so she is not only talented in front of the camera but also behind it. My husband stopped by to jump in some of the shots which was really sweet as it was in the middle of a crazy day for him. Now I must go through all of the pictures and pick my favorites. Glenn will post some of them on the Mrs. Illinois United States website in the next couple of weeks.

Right now, I am able to blog from my new office! The original office I had set up made way for our son's nursery. So, over the last month my husband has been busy researching furniture and such for my new space. He found the prettiest desk for me and had people come out and install phone and internet lines. He even found a wireless keyboard and mouse for me! I am not a techno person AT ALL, so it would never have gotten done otherwise. It's great because this will serve as command central for my year as Mrs. Illinois US. I'm already lining up wardrobe for the trip to Vegas. Thanks honey!

This weekend Mrs. Kentucky US and Mrs. Ohio US will be crowned. I welcome you both into the family Glenn holds so close to his heart. You are lucky ladies as he is an amazing director. Congratulations!

Mrs. United States Visits the Windy City.

How lucky are we to have Mrs. United States, Shannon Devine, visit us for the weekend? Not only is Shannon gorgeous, but she is also hilarious. She kept us laughing the entire time. Contestants from Ohio and Indiana were invited in as well to meet her. Unfortunately, mother nature changed many plans last minute for some of them. Saturday night we had a great dinner at Vivo (Thanks Glenn!)and an outstanding brunch at the top of the Hancock (great choice Lisa!) on Sunday. They are making me hungry now just thinking about it. Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend.

Hitting the Ground Running and Reading.

Friday morning I found myself in the halls of Nelson Elementary School as part of their community literacy day. It was so quiet inside, you would never know there were more than 500 children in the classrooms. I had the chance to read books to four classes. They are such bright minds so hard at work. I fell in love with every single one of them. Students were able to ask questions afterward. They had so many questions that ranged from who I thought would win America Idol to who I thought would win the next Presidential election. Mini reporters! I have some adorable pictures with some of the children, but must make sure their parents allow the pictures to be published. So until then, I post a picture of the school.

The Journey Begins!

On March 1st I became Mrs. Illinois United States. WOW! What fun night we all had. Everyone had a chance to celebrate at Bice. Glenn Fox and Mrs. Illinois United States 2006, Lisa Niewolny, coordinated every detail. The food was outstanding and so was everyone who came out to enjoy the evening. It was wonderful to meet Mrs. Indiana United States 2006 Debbie Sinekowski and Ms. Galaxy 2006 Jo-EL Lacey. Both are lovely women!

I must thank my wonderful husband John for being such a guiding force behind me. He has always been positive about whatever I set my mind to and this was no exception. John has been a wonderful motivator. And although our 15 month old son, John II, couldn’t be there to usher in this next year (he was already asleep by 7pm) I thank him for being my beautiful little man who is so full of love and smiles.

Today is my first appearance. I will be reading to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders at Viola Nelson School in Nile, Illinois. It’s part of their community literacy day and honors a student who lost their life in an accident this past summer.

I am looking forward to this weekend when Mrs. United States, Shannon Devine, will join us for a couple of days. We have a lot planned for her. That is the great thing about Chicago, there is never a shortage of things to do and places to see.
Time to get ready to read!! I will post picture in the next couple of days from all the festivities