Burbank Relay

This past weekend my mom and I went to the Burbank Relay for Life. It was huge! I guess that it was only their fourth year, but it was amazing! They had so many teams, and each one had a very unique theme. It was a beautiful day and my mom and I thoroughly enjoyed being there. I really wanted to speak, but when we got there, they had a band playing. It can be tricky to coordinate schedules! I have made it a recent goal of mine to work even harder at reaching out to teens especially. If I were to win Miss Teen International, I would like to speak so much more on my platform than I already have. If given the title, I would work on becoming a spokeswoman for Relay for Life. I know that sounds like a crazy dream, but anything is possible! I have been in awe this past year of how many teens, adults, and children that I see at Relay for Life. In fact, 1 out of every 100 Americans participates in the program- that's fabulous! However, I think we can do even better! I feel so blessed to feel so passionately about my platform and I am positive that even after my reign is over, I will still be actively involved with relay.
I must admit, I'm getting pretty nervous about the pageant. I sometimes feel intimated and the whole experience can seem overwhelming at times. Yet I find myself peaceful because I am now drawing closer to God than I ever have before. I can only do my best and I always remind myself that it is in God's hands. If this is His plan for my life, then I will gladly accept it. However, if not, then I must do my best to understand and know that God will always provide. He always does! I'm excited too though, not just nervous and I know that this will be the experience of a lifetime!
Also, I've decided I want to get back into sewing blankets now that it's summer. I used to go to the convalescent hospitals and deliver blankets and I miss it! I also want to go to some children's hospitals and donate blankets to them. My head has been cooking with ideas lately about how I want to help in my community now that school is out. I'm ready to get busier than ever!
Sorry that I went off on tangent- but I couldn't help myself! I love to write!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Sacramento Relay

Last weekend my mom and I drove all the way up to Sacramento for a Relay for Life. Though it was not fun getting up at 4:00 in the morning and driving 12 hours round trip; I still had a great time talking with my mom on the drive up and back. She told me so many stories about when she was my age- and I must say, it is quite entertaining. We get along great! The relay was a bit of a disappointment. Some relays are called "babies" because they are just starting out in their community. There's not always as much of a turn-out, but the important thing is that it is getting started. We also went to the capitol; which was gorgeous! Even though I've lived in California my whole life, I had never seen it before. I was hoping to see our governor, but I think Mr. Schwarzenegger was busy. Heehee! What a great day!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Photo Shoot

Yesterday was a blast! I got together with my sister queens, Rebekah and Mary, along with my fabulous director, Eddie. We had a great time catching up and we also had a lot of fun with our photo shoot. We went to this deserted gas station built in the 1800's- it was definitely an experience! It was pretty funny too; a man came out of nowhere on a horse and we took pictures with the horse!! I must say, I have never gotten on a horse in high heels! heehee. I really enjoyed yesterday- great people, great fun- it was just simply a great day.

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Santa Clarita Relay

Last weekend I went to the Santa Clarita relay. It was definitely a "relay day" since it was my second one in a day! Now, I must say- this relay was absolutely HUGE!! It was crazy. Last year, they raised over $450,000- so it would be interesting to see how much they raised this year. Best of all, the theme of this relay was "mission delivery", which is something at every relay. Basically, it offers information about the American Cancer Society along with facts about cancer prevention. They had so much merchandise; whether it be breast cancer awareness products or relay gear. I was so excited because I got a Relay for Life licence plate cover and some other great stuff. This was an amazing relay- two thumbs up!!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Moorpark Relay

Last weekend, I visited the Moorpark relay. I saw so many old friends there, and I was so glad to see them at the relay. It was a wonderful turnout and they had the best mission delivery booth I have seen thus far. They had so much information pertaining to the American Cancer Society; especially CAN, which is a program that works with Congress. CAN helps to pass laws that help prevent cancer- which is awesome! It was so sad during the survivor lap- there were three little girls walking the lap who were cancer survivors. It brougt tears to my eyes, along with everyone else. These relays have helped me feel all the more grateful for God's many blessings. I pray that he watches over all of the cancer survivors and I am praying for a cure!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

ASB Banquet

The other night we had our ASB Banquet. It was a wonderful celebration to remember all of the hard work that our leadership class did for Foothill and we also welcomed incoming members. I have been secretary the past year, however, I have occasionally stepped in as vice president. It has been a very busy year in ASB, but I have loved the experience. We've planned great dances and school functions. Also, our class has raised over $14,000 for the school this past year. All of the students take ASB very seriously and we have a weekly meeting with parliamentary procedure. (Lucky me, I get to take the minutes)heehee! I have also made a lot of friends throughout the year that I probably would not have met otherwise. Next year, I will be club director in ASB- which will be a challenge- because I am in charge of every club on campus! Wow- that's no pressure!! I LOVE ASB!!!

Against Drinking

About a week ago I did a video interview about teenage drinking. I was very glad to have this opportunity because I have seen the harmful affects of drinking first hand. I have lost two family members due to alcohol, and it has been extremely painful for both sides of my family. I also saw alcohol becoming more prevalent this past year in high school. At first, when teachers warned about peer pressure, I could never really relate because I had never been in an environment where that would be present. However, I now realize that their advice was extremely important. I had a best friend who had always been close to me and we always had so much fun together going to basketball games, dances, and school events. I hung out with her all the time and we told each other everything. We were both ballet dancers and we had a lot in common. I remember at the beginning of our freshman year we promised each other that we wouldn't drink or smoke. I have kept my promise, but she didn't. It was terrible to see her behaving differently and to watch so many other friends doing the same. I felt so out of place and I could never really understand why they couldn't have fun without drinking or smoking. Overtime, I found myself drifting apart from her and by the middle of the year we weren't talking anymore. Now we don't even say hello and it is heart breaking for me. She still has a ton of friends and I have had to start all over. There have been days where I have had to sit by myself and that was so difficult- especially for a teenager. However, I stand by my morals and I would never betray the promise I made to myself my freshman year. I realized my opinion to an even greater extent when we were assigned in English class to speak about one of our beliefs. I spoke about how I would not drink under the legal age and I shared with the class my family experience. This took a lot of courage and I found myself struggling to be so open about something that many probably would disagree with. However, I was surprised by how many agreed with me. I found out that my old friend was making fun of me for talking about under age drinking, but I will always be loyal to my beliefs. This has been a challenging year for me, but I know that it has made me a stronger person because of it. All that I can do is try to set a good example for my peers and follow my values. Be true to yourself!!