The Longest Blog Post....Miss NH and more

So, it has been a while and I apologize for not keeping up with my blog postings! I have been very busy as of late and am struggling working some down time into my schedule.

First things first, CONGRATULATIONS to all the beautiful contestants at Miss New Hampshire 2009! I was so impressed by this year's competition! Lindsey Graham, a friend of mine took home top honors, over $20,000, and the Miss New Hampshire crown this past weekend! She is such a sweetheart, a stellar role model, and a wonderful choice to represent the state of New Hampshire at Miss America!!! I would also like to note the achievements of several others: my good friend and Miss Lakes Region successor (Miss University 2007 predecessor) Alicia Rossman who was named as third runner-up, Jennifer Clements and Katrina Bernard who took home top ten placements, and Samantha Massahos, who walked away with the non-finalist talent scholarship! So proud of you all!!!!!!

Now, what have I been up to? Well, last weekend I made an appearance at the Dover Home Show to both fund raise for my trip to nationals, and mingle with my fellow Dover Residents. Unfortunately for me, the weather was so delightful that most of New Hampshire's population was crowded onto its tiny coastline and therefore, not present at the usually very popular home show! Nonetheless, I received a significant amount of recognition on the local radio station WOKQ and was featured in Foster's Daily Democrat Newspaper(check it out: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090426/GJNEWS_01/704269867) I also fund raised about $65 and met a great group of local volunteers and visitors.

Next on the agenda: work. Not only have I picked up a new waitressing job at Brothers North in Hampton, NH, but I recently (today, in fact) nabbed a full time marketing position at eCoast Sales Solutions in Rochester, NH! After just one day on the job I am having a great time! Although I am not too knowledgeable about the high-tech industry, I feel this is definitely a wonderful opportunity for me to broaden my horizons :) eCoast is also hiring for multiple sales positions, so if you are interested, send me an email and I can pass your information along!

Continuing with the theme of 'Erika's Personal Life" I feel it is about time to share something else with any of you who may be reading this. My boyfriend, Chris, a 2nd lieutenant in the US army, recently headed to the Middle East for a year long deployment. Although we do not see each other too frequently, I am having a very hard time dealing with his absence...never realizing how hard it is to be more than just "a phone call away". He emailed me today, however, and told me that he is doing well and has developed a new hobby....reading. (Which I, the not-so-closet-geek thinks is just fabulous!!!!) I am doing my best to not dwell on the fact that he is over there, and to be thankful for his selflessness in defending our country and the welfare of others. He has a wonderful family that is very supportive of him and he is very lucky to have them! ( I am thankful for them as well; with my family living so far away, they have done so much for me these past few months and were so welcoming to me over the holidays!)

Check back soon for a pageant preparations update!

Tata for now!

Peace, Love, and a lot of stuff to say...

Erika Lehman