Friday in Chicago

Friday was my free day. After sleeping in (finally) we had a nice breakfast at Ihop. We then headed off to the big city to go to the Field Museum. They have the largest T-rex named Sue. They also had amazing dioramas of all of the animals you could imagine. We saw an exhibit about the ancient Egyptians and also about the Ancient Americas. The museum was huge and I was very impressed. We met up with the Beltrans so it was fun to go through the day with them.
After going to the museum, I got ready to go to the Miss prelims. My sister queen Mary did a great job and it was exciting to watch the show. It was another fabulous day!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Thursday in Chicago

Thursday was a nerve-racking but thrilling day. I began the day with a make-up session for my interview. My interview began at 10:30 and I definitely had the jitters. I wore a beautiful Jovani suit that my director got me. The judges were all friendly and female. I was excited because two out of the five judges had been American Cancer Society volunteers. It was nice because before interview we all prayed together. (I definitely have prayed a lot this past week!)
I felt like my interview went well, but alas it goes by so fast! After interview I headed into a long day of rehearsals. However, during rehearsal I got to meet the most amazing girls and make friendships that will last forever. I wish that they lived here in California!!
After rehearsal, the time had arrived for prelims. I felt like I did fairly well; we did aerobic wear, fun fashion, and evening gown. I had fun competing and surprisingly, I wasn't that nervous. It was so nice to have all my family and friends there. They are an amazing support system and I love them all so much! I got to go out to dinner with the Beltran family and it was so nice to finally relax!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Wednesday in Chicago

Wednesday in Chicago was without a doubt the busiest day. We were called for rehearsal at 7:00 a.m. for a national t.v. broadcast. A news anchor arrived and got a make-over as a beauty queen. It was very fun, but I must admit- I was exhausted. We rehearsed all day from 7-5- which is why there are no pictures to show. After our long day of rehearsal, we had a very elegant cocktail dinner. We took our official group photo and dinner was delicious. It was a great day, though busy!

Tuesday in Chicago

Yesterday was busy, exhausting, yet a ton of fun. I had breakfast with my sister queen, Mary, which was a nice start to the day. We then got on a bus to visit Gurney Mills Mall. I sat with Miss Teen Maine; she is very sweet girl. Once we got to the mall, we had fun shopping and getting to know each other a little better. I had a wonderful time at lunch at the Rain forest Cafe. There were scuba divers in the tank while we were eating so that was very fun!
We signed autographs- every one's pictures looked great! We then boarded the bus to go back to the hotel. I sat next to Miss Teen Arkansas who is equally as friendly. We had a quick change and then headed off to our rehearsal. We learned all of our "walks" along with our opening number which is called, "Hot, hot, hot".
After that we went to the Navy Pier. We definitely took a lot of pictures with the people of Chicago. I went on the Ferris wheel with the girls and I must say, Chicago is absolutely beautiful. I love the architecture and style of the city. What a fun day!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Monday in Chicago

Today was another fabulous day! I went out to breakfast with my aunt and mom, which was a great start to the day. Afterward, I just relaxed in the hotel and prepared for orientation. I couldn't believe it when I heard a knock on my door and there stood a bellman with a beautiful bouquet of flowers! It was from my director- who is simply the best! What a sweet thing to do; I love them so much!!!
Orientation was the perfect kick off to this pageant week. I got to meet so many beautiful, intelligent and kind young ladies who are equally enthusiastic about their platform- which is fabulous! We all donated our Saint Jude's hospital school supplies. I went with a Disney theme; so all of the supplies I brought were decorated with Mickey. (That was my favorite when I was a kid). We were adorned with gifts: a water bottle, camera, t-shirt, teeth whitener, make-up, facial products, jewelry, magazine, and a book just to name a few! Wow! Mary Richardson, the director of the International system introduced the staff and the reigning Miss Teen International, Jade Kenny, gave a lovely speech about her platform and the commitment involved with the International pageant system. Afterward, all of the contestants got to meet each other and introduce each other. I had the privilege of introducing Miss Teen Arkansas, Brooke. Interestingly enough, we both are ballet dancers! She was very sweet and I also got to sit next to Miss Teen Colorado. All of the contestants seem very sweet and warm; I feel very blessed to be in such a distinguished atmosphere. We went over so much information and discussed the upcoming week in great detail. I'll be sure to update you tomorrow!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Sunday in Chicago

Yesterday was a wonderful day to rest and relax. I went to breakfast with my aunt, mom, director, and sister queen. I must admit, my director has been truly amazing and so supportive. He has been a mentor, teacher, and most importantly, a friend. My sister queen Mary is such a sweetheart and she is one of those people that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed in all situations. Also, I have been staying with my mom and aunt and they both have been so supportive these past few days. Whether it has been prayers, sweet cards, or just hanging out in our room- they are truly the best. They have helped me so much, and there is no doubt that I would not be here without the support of my loved ones.
After breakfast we went and saw the movie, "Hairspray". I love musicals and this one was entertaining and the perfect chance for me to relax and have fun. We did a little shopping afterward and went to a lovely Italian dinner called Maggiano's. After that, I just took some time to "hang out" in the room and take it easy. I love Chicago and the trip has been great so far!

Saturday in Chicago

Saturday was my arrival date in Chicago. We had a wonderful flight- even though we had to leave our house at 4 a.m. Wow! This is my second time in Chicago; and I truly love the city. Everyone is friendly and the weather is surprisingly nice for July. After we arrived at our hotel, I prepared to attend the Mrs. International pageant. It was so nice meeting all of the other contestants; I just can't believe that the time has finally come!! What a thrill and what a blessing. I am constantly telling myself that this is in God's hands and whatever his plan for my life is- I am willing to accept it and follow it.
I had a blast at the Mrs. International pageant. The opening number and entertainment was fabulous and of course the crowning moment was exciting. Seeing my sister queen, Rebekah, win Mrs. International was one of the most inspiring and exciting events of the trip thus far. She will do an amazing job representing the International system and I know she will make a difference with her platform, Foster Adoption Awareness. Great job Rebekah!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Hiking and Flying in California

Yesterday was a fabulous day! I spent a lot of time with my parents and I think that we really enjoyed each other's company. To begin the day, we went for a hike in Arroyo Verde Park- which took two hours. It was really hot outside, but I still enjoyed being out in the great outdoors. I saw all kinds of lizards and butterflies and it was truly a beautiful day. Later that evening, I went for a helicopter flight. My dad is a pilot and going up is always a treat! We flew over the coastline during sunset- it was one of the most gorgeous things that I have ever seen. The water was so crystal blue and I felt so blessed to live in the beautiful state of California. We also flew over Pepperdine, which is where I REALLY want to go to college- the campus looked amazing! We landed on the helopad in LAX airport and then we went in the International terminal for dinner. It was interesting to see so many cultures and I found the experience to be inspiring. It was an out-of-this-world day and I'm so glad that I'm a Californian!!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Baldwin Park Relay

After the Cerritos Relay, my mom and I headed off to the Baldwin Park Relay. Although this one was slightly smaller, there was still the same amount of enthusiasm. Something special about this relay was the amount of children. There were so many and they were all very eager to participate! After meeting some of them, I got on stage to speak. I spoke about cancer prevention and I always share my personal story. I also talked about my experience in my hometown with relay- where our team raised close to $9,000!!!! Yay!
After my speech, I signed autographs for the children- that is always fun! Also, I was asked to do a radio shout out. They told me that they would be playing it all night! I said, "Hi, this is Lauren Cook, Miss Teen California International, and you're listening to DJ Emz's"! That was quite exciting! Too bad I don't live in Baldwin Park- I would have liked to hear it!
This was an awesome Relay and furthermore, an awesome day!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Cerritos Relay

Yesterday I went to two Relays! It was quite the busy day- but it was a blast! And for once, we didn't get lost! :) My mom and I arrived at the Cerritos Relay in about 100 degree weather- but we were ready! Immediately, I could feel the enthusiasm everyone had at this relay and I have never seen so many teens participating in a relay. I got to talk to a lot of them and it was awesome being apart of such a great community event. When we first got there, the teens were all line dancing- so I decided to join in on the fun. Turns out that I'm not the most gifted line dancer- even though I love country music. After my line dancing fiasco, I was ready to speak. I was so glad that I could have the opportunity to reach out to all of those teens and share with them about what they can do to prevent cancer. I shared my personal story, the importance of relay, and what people (teens especially) can do to prevent cancer. This includes: eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, wearing sun protection when outdoors, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. I try to relate to teens by talking about peer pressure and how it can affect their risk for cancer. It was a great Relay- one of my favorites- and I'm so glad that I could talk to so many of my peers about cancer prevention.

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox