August 9, 2009 Italian Festival Parade

I had so much fun at the Italian Festival Parade on Sunday. I was invited by Debbie Vanwinkle to be the Grand Marshall in the parade. It was an honor to be a part of parade and to support my community in the Italian Festival. We took my dad's Solstice, and he drove me in the parade. It was one of the hottest days of the summer, but there were still alot of people who came to watch the parade. The Harding High School Marching Band and the majorettes lead the way :) It brought back so many high school band memories. I was a majorette in high school, so I definitely miss those days! My good friend Dan's little niece was adorable. She was in the parade as "Future Little Miss Queen" and rode in her mini car. A big thank you to Debbie for thinking of me and having me as Grand Marshall, as well as everyone responsible for the Italian Festival.

August 3, 2009

So things have been busy with work and various Miss Ohio USA events, but the fall semester is right around the corner. I am so excited to go back to school. I had to take the Spring semester off from school because I was gone for Miss USA for 3 weeks, and there's no way I could have missed 3 weeks of school!! :) I am ready to focus on school and graduation, and I look forward to being on campus again. I'm taking 17 credits this semester so it's definitely going to be challenging.

The summer is almost over, and it went by so fast! After Miss USA, it seemed like everything slowed down for a moment. It was nice to be able to spend alot of time with my family and friends and relax. A very special person came to see me all the way from California, and it meant the world to me. I live my life everyday by his words he wrote me in a letter--"You must always be willing to push the limits of who you are. There is a whole new world that opens up when you are willing to take chances." I have plans to visit California during Thanksgiving break, and I am so excited to see a new and beautiful place. I will take lots of pictures and post them!!

I have a event tomorrow in Grove City for the National Night Out fundraiser. I'm very excited to see all the kids in the community!

Miss Ohio USA 2010 is right around the corner--October 9th and 10th, live in Portsmouth, Ohio!! If anyone has any questions about the pageant, please feel free to email me or facebook me!

Love,
Tash xo

Miss USA 2009

Me and Linds at dinner with our dramatic 1940s make-up from the photo shoot!

Another Fadil shot from photo shoot :) Sooo much fun!
Me and Linds

Getting my make-up and hair done :)

Me and Dad

Me and Alec at the Best Buddies Event

Project Sunshine

Me and Linds in the theater during rehearsal

I got to hold the MBA trophy--They picked the 4 best basketball states--Go Cavs!!!

Me and Penny-My wonderful supervisor during Miss USA--Love her!

OHIO + MICHIGAN= BEST FRIENDS!

Glamour photo from photo shoot with Fadil
My best friend Sammy and Me :)

The night of the Final show-We went out and had so much fun on my last night in Vegas!

Me and Melissa, my beautiful director :)

Me and Linds saying goodbye :(

Making cards for Project Sunshine, one of my favorite things we did!!

Miss USA was Live April 19th on NBC!

Hey everyone! I have been so busy with work at the hospital, but I am finally free to write about Miss USA. Being at Miss USA was an experience I will never forget. I am truly blessed and so grateful that I was able to represent Ohio. I met so many wonderful girls, and we made memories that will last forever.

When I arrived at the Planet Hollywood, the day was filled with registration, fittings, photo shoots, video taping, and interviews. It was definitely a long 3 weeks of hard work and dedication! A typical day was waking up at 4 am, getting ready with full hair and make-up by 6 am for breakfast, rehearsals for 6 hours, events at night, and then back to our room to sleep for MAYBE 4 hours!! My roomie, Lindsey (Miss Michigan) and I had the most amazing time together. Who would have thought that Ohio and Michigan would be best friends, considering our football teams are rivals! Each and every morning, Linds and I put music on to get ready for our day together. We prayed and stayed positive, and it wouldn't have been the same without her by my side. I love you Linds!

The hardest part of being in Vegas for 3 weeks was being away from family and friends. We had one "Family and Friends" day where we were able to visit and spend time with family for most of the day. It was so nice to see my parents, sister, grandma, and best friends. I turned 22 in Vegas, which was so much fun! My dad gave me $100..I put all $100 on black on the Roulette table, and I won!!! :)

Although I did not place or make top 15, or even win, I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I have been given throughout my year as Miss Ohio USA. I left Vegas being proud to represent my state and proud of myself. When my papa passed away this past January, my mom got me a heart-shaped necklace with his thumbprint engraved on it. I wore the necklace every single day at Miss USA, and it gave me strength. Everytime I felt weak, upset, or stressed, I thought of my Papa, and I felt him watching over me the entire time. I miss him so much, and I wish he would have made it to see me at Miss USA, but I know he was there in spirit.

Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support. Thank you Melissa for being there for me and believing in me. And to my pageant sis, Kelsey, Miss Ohio Teen USA---Top 15!! You go girl! You were absolutely beautiful! xoxo

Love,
Natasha

Brooke & Andy's Fairytale Wedding <3 May 23, 2009

Fairytale Ending!

Brooke and Andy tied the knot on May 23, 2009! I had the most amazing weekend out in Plymouth, Ohio, Brooke's hometown. I met Brooke two years ago when we both did Miss Ohio USA. It was our first time competing, and instantly we became the best of friends. There are some bonds that can never be broken, and there are people you know will be in your life forever--and Brooke is someone who I will forever be best friends with. She is a beautiful and amazing person, and the day she married her prince was a day I will never forget.

I was so happy when she had asked me to be her Maid of Honor. Samantha and I drove 3 hours to Plymouth, Ohio for the wedding that weekend. It was quite the road trip!! haha Sam and I sort of got lost in cow country!! :) That night after the rehearsal, Sam, Brooke, and I threw on our carhartts and hopped on the 4-wheeler!! Let's just say that riding 4-wheelers at night in the spooky woods was the scariest thing Ive ever done but soooo much fun--3 best friends riding four wheelers all night before the big day--priceless moments! :)

Brooke was the most beautiful bride in the entire world--She looked like a princess. After the ceremony, Brooke and Andy took off in a horse and carriage and rode away in the sunset. Sam and I followed closely behind in the big Sierra truck just in case we had to pick them up and take them to the reception!

The night was amazing--full of tears of joy, laughter, fireworks, and a beautiful sunset. :) I love you Brooke!

Benefit Dinner for Lil' Jon :) May 8, 2009

I was honored when Tim Littell and Emily Timko asked me to attend a Benefit Spaghetti Dinner for Lil' Jon. Tim Littell is the 7th grade Basketball coach at Labrae Middle School, and one of his players (Lil' Jon) was having growth problems. The doctors discovered a tumor around his pituitary gland that prevented Lil' Jon from growing. The doctors were able to remove the majority of the tumor, and he is doing great and recovering well. He has to be monitored every month for the next few years to be sure the remaining tumor does not grow. There was dinner and then a dance for all of the kids. There was a magician, facepainting, and even a DJ!!! I wasn't able to stay the whole time because I had to leave for Relay for Life, but I had the best time! Lil'Jon is truly an inspiration, and I admire his strength. It was an honor to meet such an amazing, courageous, and strong young boy who has been through so much and appreciates life. Stay strong Lil' Jon! You're awesome!

Pep Rally-Send Off at CHS! :) March 30, 2009

The Champion High School Majorettes :) Beautiful girls!

Mrs. Magiassos and Me :) My high school calculus teacher!

Hey everyone! I have been super busy preparing for my journey to Miss USA! :) I leave this coming friday, April 3rd. I am soooo excited and proud to represent OHIO!!! This past monday, my high school (Champion High School) had a pep rally send off for me before I leave for Vegas. It was an honor to go back to my high school and have the support of so many wonderful people who have been behind me every step of the way. When I arrived, the majorettes were twirling as the band played the fight song as the students gathered in the auditorium. I was a majorette in high school, and I also was a member of the band so it was so nice to have them there.

Three of my high school teachers spoke--Mr. Fisher, my physics and chemistry teacher; Mrs. Magiassos, my algebra and calculus teacher; and Mr. Peacock, my pre-calculus teacher :) They all pushed me to believe in myself and helped me grow as a person, and their words were so inspirational and meant the world to me. Thank you for everything!

Ohio State Representative Tom Letson presented me with a proclamation. A representative from Congressman Tim Ryan's Office presented me with a resolution as well. It was an honor to meet them. With Ohio's strong leadership, we will get through the hard times our families are facing. Thank you for all of your support!

After the pep rally, I signed autographs for some of the students and had a short interview with Channel 27 news. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else but CHS for my send off before Miss USA. The students were awesome, and I look forward to visiting again after Miss USA. :)

A special thanks to A.C. and Champion High School for all of your support! Go Flashes!!!

To the band, Mr. C and the Champion Majorettes--Thank you!! I'll never forget all the memories from years of being in the band and a majorette :)

MISS USA is Live on NBC--April 19th @ 7 pm !!! Go Ohio!!! :)

Miss USA Headshot by Debra Knoske! :)

One of my headshots taken at my photo shoot with the amazing Debra Knoske--
I leave for Miss USA in 4 weeks!! I am staying very busy preparing, and I am so excited to spend 2 1/2 weeks in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino! I will write more soon and keep everyone updated :) Mark your calendars--Miss USA is live on NBC on April 19th!