^{May, 2006}
2006 California Contract Cities
Association Conference


Joining the WGC delegation to perform at the City of Lakewood family dinner on Friday night of the conference were: (left to right) Casey Simpson, 2005 Nashville Star finalist and daughter of Jack Simpson, and 2005 Nashville Star winner and recording artist Erika Jo.

The California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) held its annual conference in Indian Wells, California, from May 17 through 21, and WGC and all member companies were represented. In 2005 WGC companies worked for 53 of the 71 contract cities.

Those attending the CCCA events included: Willdan President & CEO Dick Kopecky, MuniFinancial President & CEO Frank Tripepi, Arroyo Geotechnical President & CEO Ross Khiabani, American Homeland Solutions President & CEO Ken Bayless and WGC President & CEO Win Westfall. Others in attendance included: Jack Simpson, Bill Pagett, Dave Hunt, Lisa Penna, Cheryl Lopez, Al Warot, Elroy Kiepke, Steve Steinbrecher, Paul Whitelaw, Brian Jewett, Mark Risco, Vic Thies, Francesca Fuentes, Ken Rukavina, and Brad McKinney.

^{April, 2006}

Hey Hey Hey! I know I haven’t written in this Diary in a very long time! I am so sorry. Things have been kind of hectic. Well, right off the bat, I’ll tell you what I have been up to. In October of last year, I moved to Nashville. None of this would have been possible without my parents! So thank you mommy and daddy, I love you very much! My mother and I loaded up my car with all my stuff and hit the road. We made it all the way to Oklahoma in 22 hours. Yeah, I must say that we were very proud of ourselves that we were able to make it that far without stopping. We stopped in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma because my grandparents live there, so we thought we would hang out and relax with them for a bit. A couple days later, we hit the road again and continued our journey to Nashville! We had an absolute Blast! Something my mom and I will always treasure.

I settled into my new home and started working on my music right away. I have the best roommate in the world! If you’ve watched Nashville Star 3 last season, then you should know her. I live with Miss Jenny Farrell. We’re having so much fun living together! (Girls, I think you can agree with me when I say this, living with another girl that has very cute clothes is awesome!) We both are always joking about how we've doubled our closet size, ha ha. It's like living with one of my big sisters. I appreciate her so much for taking me in!

I went home to California in November for Thanksgiving. My family and I went up to Northern California to Clear Lake in Lake County to hang out with my Nan! This past Thanksgiving and all other Holidays thus far, were the first without my Pop who passed away last February when I was on the show, (I miss and love you pop!). We had a big feast and we all ended up feeling like stuffed turkeys. We then drove back home and I stayed till Christmas and also stayed for New Years. I spent the holidays with my family and friends and I had an awesome time. I think ya'll can agree with me when I say that it’s a constant food fest, haha. I felt like all I did was eat! Luckily, I didn’t gain any weight…aha. I hope all of you had a GREAT holiday season because I certainly did!

Well…now I’m back in Nashville... I was originally going to come back in January, but Life happens and I wasn’t able to come back until March 5th. So I guess you can say I recently just got back. I’m just startin’ to get my feet wet again, and that takes time when you leave Nashville for the amount of time that I did. I have been trying to keep myself busy. I’ve started working on writing songs. It's hard at times, but I really would like to write my own songs and be a singer/songwriter. Also, I have been practicing the guitar. I can play guitar but not like Keith Urban, haha. I would really love to be able to play well enough so that I can play on stage when I perform. We’re going to make it happen, I just know it! I am craving the opportunities that are still to come my way! I am really excited to be out here and can’t wait to start a new life out here. I live and breathe music everyday. Out here it’s very different...it’s all you think about. You really do LIVE it! I’m so EXCITED! I’m learning more and more everyday about who I really am as a person, I finally realize that I am growing into that person that I have always dreamt of becoming my entire life! I know that with the support of my family, friends and all you fans out there, that I am going to make it happen! Thank you so much for every kind of support and encouragement that you the fans have given me. I can’t even put into words how much I appreciate it!

As you know, this season of Nashville Star 4 has already started. I have had the opportunity to meet all of the contestants and have become friends with them. They are very talented people and I wish them the best in their careers.

Ya'll know last season’s winner…Erika Jo! Well, JoJo and I are still like sisters and we hang out all the time. We also watch this years show religiously…it’s one of our favorite show! I can say that we love them all! As of right now, Casey Rivers, Chris Young, Matt Mason and Nicole Jamrose are the few remaining on the show and will go on tour together. These four people are all very down to earth, kind, very sweet, very talented and I think they are all deserving of winning the show! So be sure to tune into the show these next two weeks to see who wins this season’s of Nashville Star 4!

I am going to be posting my thoughts about the upcoming shows! So I'll talk to ya'll soon! Thanks again for all the support! I promise that I will post to my Diary soon!

Love ya,
*~Casey~*
 

^{July, 2005}

Well, let me first start off by saying WOW!!! I hadn’t really realized that it’s been so long since my last journal. All I can say is that I am very sorry that I haven't been keeping up. So where do I begin?

One of the most important things for me right now, is to make sure you know that I appreciated all your support and love that you have given me through my wonderful journey on Nashville Star. Without you, I couldn't do what I love doing…so a great BIG thank you! To my KZLA family, thanks for always supporting me and for taking the time to speak to me on the radio…I think it’s pretty cool! You’re the best and it really does mean a lot to me! To all the other radio stations who took the time to interview me through the course of the show, thank you! Now, to all the Nashville Star Contestants; Erika Jo; Jenny; Jason; Jody; Tamika; Josh; Justin; Jayron and Christy... YOU GUYS ROCK! I absolutely love each and every one of you! The Nashville Star experience wouldn't have been the same without any of you...I had a blast becoming friends and now family with all of you. I know that all of you will become big Super Stars! A special note to Erika Jo…I know that you won like ages ago but Congratulations sis. Your doing an awesome job and the album rocks, you kicked some major booty on it. I know we don't get to talk as much like we use to, but your always in my thoughts and prayers and I love ya! You go girl! To the Nashville star crew…you guys were awesome. You made everything one big party and it was so much fun! Thank you for all your hard work day in and day out. To my family, thank you so much for everything you've done for me and all your support. It really means a lot to me. A special note to my mom and dad! Well, what can I say…you guys have never given up on me and I know that we’re in this together…thank you. I know you two are my biggest fans and I could never thank you enough or ever put into words of how grateful I am for all the things you guys have done for me. You two are like my back bone through everything and I love you so much! Thanks again mom and dad! Well, I know that I have probably left some people out, and if so, I do apologize. Thank you all for your support! Well guys, it’s been a long tough road and thank you for hanging in there with me through this journey. Hopefully you'll still hang in there and we’ll all do this together and succeed in the end.

So enough of the thank you's...I bet you’re probably wondering what’s been going on in my life…right? Well since the show, I have been living with Ms. Jenny Farrell from the show in Nashville. Living out there has been really fun, but at the same time it’s so different from the lifestyle that I'm use to in Cerritos, California. I'm not gonna start comparing or anything like that…but it’s very beautiful out there. All you see is green rolling hills with tons of cows, which is so awesome because I love cows. I don't know if many of you knew this, but cows are my favorite animal. I don't even eat beef because of that! haha. Anyway, living out there with Jenny has been a blast. I didn't really have any friends until Jenny introduced me to her group of friends…so now I actually know a few people in Nashville. We love to go hang out with our friends at our favorite joint in town, and might I add…the best Texas Bar-Ba-Q joint in town, which just so happens to be Judge Beans. So for all you folks who live in Nashville and haven't been or those of you just passing through Nashville, make sure you stop by and check it out! To my friends in Nashville, you know who you are, thank you for being so nice to me and making me feel like I'm part of the gang!

Jenny has also introduced me to a couple of connections in Nashville…thanks Jen. Jenny is like my big sis…she has the cutest little dog that I now have the privilege to live with…his name is Paco! So Jenny, thank you for all you've done for me and for taking me in to your arms as a little sister!

In June, I came back home to California to perform a few shows and spend time with my family. But before I got busy with my music, I had to make a quick trip to Arizona to visit our older sister, Jacki with my sister Samantha and her son Tyler.
We don’t call her Jacki, her nickname is "Cookie" and as long as I can remember, that's the only thing I've ever called her). Cookie and her husband Mike have two Kids…Eric and Dani. Cookie didn't know I was coming. I thought it would be cool to surprise her. The best part was…she had asked me to come with Samantha and Tyler and I Told her I couldn't because I was going to be very busy. So needless to say, she was very surprised! We had a blast hanging out. Going to the water park was one of my favorite things! We stayed in Arizona for about a week. Everyday was packed with fun stuff for the kids, and of course I was in on all of the fun stuff since I'm like a big kid…haha. We didn't get to see my brother-in-law Mike very much, since he was working. But hey man, someone's gotta pay the bills! haha…I love you guys!

The month of July was busy. One of my favorites was the 4th of July. It was a blast... I had two performances on that day, which was tough because I was sick with a bad sore throat, but I pulled it off and it was still fun because at the end of the day, I got to hang out with my family, which was very rewarding. When I'm not busy with my music, I just hang out with my friends and family. I mostly hang out with my sister Samantha and her son (my nephew) Tyler! My days are full of fun when the Tyler dudes hangin out with me. That little boy never stops…sometimes I call him the Energy bunny!

Here is my Mom and I in the heart of New York!

My Mom and Dad in New York.

New York Police Department gathered at the World Trade Center for a meeting...they really are Hero's!

This photo speaks for itself!

In Memorium of all those who died helping our nation on 9-11

Pier 17 in New York.

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Here is my Mom and I in the heart of New York!

I recently returned from a trip to New York with my Parents. I mean I literally just got back. I have never been so it was really fun. At first I wasn't sure if I was gonna like it because there were so many people and cars. If you think L.A traffic is bad, it’s has nothing on New York. A tip for those of you who are thinking of visiting New York... don't rent a car... trust me... you'll just get lost and the money that you spend to rent that car, you can pay a taxi to take you right where you need to go.
It was actually pretty cool. My mom booked a hotel right in Time Square which is where all the shops are and where MTV is located and a whole bunch of other things. Our first day, we just walked around and bought some goodies to bring back home. Friday, we went to the World Trade Center site. Just seeing that was something else. I guess you don't really think about what happened on that day (9/11) until you actually see it, (Ground Zero). When we were standing there by the fence looking down at this huge hole in the ground, this sudden feeling just comes over you and you then realize how lucky you are to be alive. You realize how grateful you are to your country. There's just this feeling of emptiness when you’re just standing there thinking about all that went on during that day. Even though it was a few years ago, it feels as though it just happened. You know, a lot of us go through the day and not even think about the men and women who are over seas fighting for our Country... but man I’ll tell you, when you go and see something like this site, everything just clicks. I was standing there and it was fresh in my mind again why we are over seas right now. I pray for every single solider that's over there…you guys are doing an amazing job and I appreciate what you are doing for me and our Country!

On a happier note…later that same day we went to Pier 17, which is kind of like the Fisherman's Wharf. It’s a pretty cool place to check out, of course I'm saying this cause there's tons of shops and there's a mall! Oh yeah I was in heaven. My parents and I went on this boat called the Shark! It’s a huge speed boat that goes pretty fast down the Hudson River. It took us around the harbor and right in front of the Statue of Liberty. It was so much fun! Dad sat at the edge of the boat and got all wet. There was this little girl right behind him and I think she got the worse seat on the boat. She was drenched. It was so funny! We were all just laughing and having a good time. After our ride we went and ate at a seafood restaurant and then went back to out hotel and went to bed. Saturday was our last full day in New York so we wanted to make sure that we saw a Broadway play. We went and bought our tickets to see Chicago. We then headed to Central Park and walked around. It was cool because throughout the entire park because we recognized certain areas that we have seen in movies. (Tons of movies have been filmed there!). I never realized how big this park was. It was pretty cool, it had lakes and restaurants and it even has a Zoo. After walking around all day, we decided to make a pit stop and eat. So we ate at the Tavern on the Green. I've heard that that's where all the celebrities go to eat. I think we have one here in LA too! Pretty cool! It was a very beautiful restaurant. So, after we filled our tummies, we then headed back to the hotel to get ready for the play. I've been to plays and musicals before at the Performing Arts Center here in Cerritos. I was in a musical my senior year in High school. It was the "Little Shop of Horrors". I was a Doo-Wop Girl and it was a blast! I've always wanted to go to a Musical Play on Broadway in New York. Oh my, it was so much fun! Everyone in the musical did such a great job and if I ever have an opportunity to see another musical, it’s gonna have to top Chicago because as of right now, I think Chicago's the best Musical out there!
Well, Sunday it was time to go come back home and we had a 7:00 a.m. flight. All in all, New York was pretty fun.

The latest news…last night I sang the National Anthem at the Dodgers! It was a pretty big rush! I've sang the Anthem quite a few times in my life and I've sang it at a few other venues, but I've never sang at a major league baseball game. I was nervous only because I am use to singing it without music and over there, you sing it with an organist. But once they gave me the microphone and told me to sing, I was fine. That was another one of the highlights for this summer!

So now before my return to Nashville in August, my parents, my sister Samantha, nephew Tyler and I are heading off to Maui for our family vacation. I can’t wait. It's definitely time for a vacation!

Well guys, I know this was a lot to take in and I hope I didn't write too much. Sorry once again and I promise that I will write soon because I don’t want to have to type this much ever again! haha...just kidding. Hope all is well with all of you and take care.

God Bless
*~Casey~*

P.S. I am looking forward to returning to Nashville and catching up with all of you!
NOTE: Pictures soon to follow! :)
 

Another event that I did a few months ago was the Vision Ride. I was honored in singing the National Anthem. The Vision Ride’s goals are to increase awareness about blindness and vision loss, raise much-needed funds for programs that serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired. After singing, I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Judd and also had a photo taken with him! He was pretty cool.

St. Luke’s Festivals was just a few weeks ago. I had a nice time performing. They treated me very special! After my show, my friend Kelly and I took off for some rides which made us very sick. We downed a large pizza before we went on the rides…never again. That's one of my favorite places to perform! Thank you everyone for always taking good care of me!

Well, if you guys have been on the website recently you saw my banner telling you about the upcoming Japan tour. Sadly I'm not able to do this tour because of band and personal issues. It’s a bummer because I was really excited about going on tour. Japan would have been a very exciting experience. I couldn't wait to come back home and say "Hey I sung for the troops," but I know right now it’s for the best. I'm not saying it’s never going to happen because one never knows what’s around the corner. As my mom always says “things always happen for a reason and this wasn’t the right time”. I guess she is right but I sure would like to do the tour sometime in the near future. Anyways, I just got done eating my mama's cookin’, and now my sister Samantha is rushing me out the door because we’re going to go rent movies! I promise I will try and write more often. Please take a look at my calendar for upcoming events.