happy new year!

Ringing in the New Year is an amazing time to check in with yourself, evaluate how your life has changed and set goals for the future. This time last year, I was looking for a dress to wear to the CAMIE Awards where I was going to accept an award for my performance in the Hallmark movie "The Reading Room." I had never been to an awards ceremony before and had no idea what to expect. I also didn't have very much money and bought my dress from Loehmann's (a discount store). I even got my make-up done at a local mall. I knew nothing of how to be red carpet ready.

I had a day job selling handbags and accessories to afford my rent and bills, and I had no idea that these 3 little words were going to change my life...HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL!!!! The movie premiered on the Disney Channel on January 20, which means that this time last year, the movie wasn't even out yet! That totally blows my mind, especially considering the impact that the film has had on my year and life.

Last year I went from being a broke, struggling, no name actress with a few guest star parts and episodes of "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody"
under my belt to the girl I am now. Since HSM, I've been to Australia and London, attended numerous events and award shows and got to do the hit series Dancing with the Stars.

2006 is the year that my dreams came, but it didn't come without some really hard work. I believe that setting goals is crucial to achieving what you want in life -- and what a better time to do it than the New Year.

I'm still thinking up my resolutions, but I know that I want to read more books, get involved with more charities and keep my house cleaner.
Aside from that, I am just going to try to live each day to the fullest and stay grounded.

I wish you all an exciting, adventurous, successful, prosperous New Year! I hope all your dreams come true.

Monique

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