The Pageant Has Begun!!

I arrived in Toronto on Saturday evening and got settled into what was going to be my home for the next week, Novotel Toronto Centre. When I arrived in my hotel room I noticed the one king size bed and 2 cots. My two roommates were not expected until early Sunday morning so once unpacking and getting settled in I wrote them a welcome note and crawled into bed.

Sunday

Our morning began with hair, makeup, photo shoots, and video recordings. By the time everything was done and all the girls had gotten something to eat it was off to our rooms to bond with our roomies.  We had a few hours to relax in our room which was nice as it gave us time to get to know our roommates.

Roomies

 I must say, going into this pageant my biggest fear was being stuck in a room with a not nice girl. The moment the 3 of us (I’ll refer to us as the Trio) walked into our room, we bonded. Our personalities sink perfectly together! I honestly could not have asked for better girls to room with. Julie Nieuwhof from Prince Edward Island and Cassandra Tracy from British Columbia, are two of the sweetest and kind-hearted girls I’ve ever met. I honestly LOVE rooming with them; they’re girls I feel I can confine in and trust throughout this journey.

Monday

Monday was a very busy day. We started our day off with a wake up at 5 to get ready and on the road for Breakfast Television at 6. From Breakfast Television we did a tour on Hippo Tours. Hippo Tours took us around the city and INTO Lake Ontario, right by The Ontario Place and the Molson Amphitheatre. While on the bus I did a radio interview with AM 800, a local radio station from back home. After Hippo Tours we went out to eat at Omonia restaurant. It was delicious Greek restaurant.

Long Ride

After lunch we took a very slow, long bus ride to our next destination, School of Professional Make Up. On our way there many of the contestants took a much needed power nap.  Once at the school, we were taught a basic way to do a smoky eye, and had the opportunity to ask any questions we had regarding make up.

MTV

Our next appearance was at MTV, where we were the guest audience for the show. It was very interesting to be able to see how things worked at the studio.  The group got split into two groups for the last part of the night. The first group went to Toronto Academy of Acting while the other group ate dinner.

Toronto Academy of Acting

I was part of the second group who attended the acting school. Going into the seminar I thought it would be advice on how to behave in for the media etc, but boy was I wrong! Our seminar was held by Chris Healey and he talked to us about nerves, dreams, and how to make our dreams come true. He was a complete down to earth realist who was extremely blunt. He told us how the real world was, no sugar coating. The environment was so intense and all the attention was drawn into everything Mr. Healey had to say.  The girls who were in my group and I, grew a bond together tonight. Mr. Healey did not permit any girl in the group to shy away from the challenges of our seminar. He challenged us, asked us questions and made us dig deep into out answers. He made us be real with one another which caused emotions to arise. One emotion led to another and by the end of the seminar every single girl was either in tears or very close. The bond our group shared tonight was amazing, every girl shared a part of themselves with 20 something other girls, and the environment was safe.

Friendship

Never did I ever imagine that by the second day I would feel so close to some of the girls here. By the end of the week I can only imagine how strong of a bond the girls in this pageant will share. This experience has been absolutely amazing and I cannot wait for the week to continue!

Hey Everyone!

My internet has been and still is out of service! :( I will have a complete update on my week of the pageant coming up asap. Sorry for the slacking on the blog/pageant week.

xo

Chelsae

Blog Challenge #2: My Home Town Maple Ridge, British Columbia.

posted by Cassandratracy on July 20, 2009

First off I'd like to tell you a little about me...

-I am 19 years old and yes, a natural blonde.

-My eyes are two different colours, blue/green

-I am a Scout, a Rover, a Beaver Leader, and a youth area commissioner

-My dad died of cancer in 2006

-I can give you a "thumbs up" with my toes

-AND I have an awesome blog at www.cassandratracy.onsugar.com

A Quaint Little Town with Character Galore.

Maple Ridge may be small but it's my hometown and I love it. Here's just a few of the reasons that Maple Ridge is a lovely destination to visit on your next trip to Vancouver.  We have a a New Spirit Square, a theatre, mountians, lakes, and so much more to offer.

Nature

From the dikes to our parks Maple Ridge has lots of nature to enjoy. You can hike through the UBC research forest, kayak or waterski on one of our many lakes, or even camp in Golden Ears Park next to the mountains. If you enjoy cycling or horseback riding you should definitely check out the dikes. Not only are the functional but they also overlook kilometres of peaceful marshland where no matter what the weather you can always spot a majestic crane.

Shopping

Maple Ridge is full of unique stores full of personality. One of my favourite shops is Sweet. It's décor is as cute as its cupcakes. The soft pink walls house delicate and delicious cupcakes and marvelous wedding cakes. You can order everything from Fondant to to a sunflower cake.

Careers

I have had the amazing opportunity to work at a variety of workplaces to of my favourites are Maple Meadows Chiropractic and Wedding Design Studio.

You have check ups on your teeth right, so why not your back? Maple Meadows Chiropractic gets you back on track. Located right next to the West Coast Express which takes you to downtown Vancouver, Maple Meadows Chiropractic is a calm place to receive your adjustments.

Wedding Design Studio is one of Vancouver's Premier Wedding Decorators. There is an amazing array of colours to choose from, helping to make every wedding unique. You receive personal attention and you're own consultation where you get to help create your vision in the hands on studio. They make your dreams come alive because the first day of the rest of your life should be perfect.

Introduction

Born and raised in the diverse town of Prince George I, Morgan Langer, have become an expert on almost every aspect of the city. Having had the opportunity to travel and live in another country for a year, I realized how amazing, interesting, and special small towns/cities such as Prince George are. I currently live with my mother, father, and younger brother in one of the many new neighbourhoods around town. Prince George over the last 10 years has expaned more than ever before. Today I will be giving you the full 360 degree tour of the city's food,culture and history,attactions, and all of the little interesting facts an average person would not know about PG.

Please visit my blog (www.morganlanger.onsugar.com) for more interesting posts about me and my journey as Miss Teen Prince George World 2009.

Fabulous Foods

As I mentioned before Prince George is a very diverse town in every way, and this diversity most definitely applies to the cuisine found here. Personally I have three favorite restraunts that are all very different, authentic, and small. These are some of the best kept secrets in town. At the top of the list is Amigos Taco Shop. This restraunt has been in business for over 20 years and is still in the same location as it stared. Renovations have been done, but the feel service, and prices remain the same. Nothing can beat the chicken fajitas and frozen yogurt from this place. If I do recall correctly you can have the fajitas, a drink and a frozen yogurt for just under 12 dollars. Unbeatable! Please visit at 229 Brunswick Street Prince George, BC V2L 2B4 or call at (250) 562-8226 

Click the link below to see actual reviews

(http://chefmoz.org/cgi-bin/detail.pl ID=Canada%2FBC%2FPrince_George%2FAmigo's_Taco_Shop1027458095&num_results=30)

Quite different from the mexican restraunt above, the Meteora Travenra a greek restraunt is second on my list of favorites. I had always liked greek food, but when I went to this restraunt, I started to LOVE it. This place is humble and has a great atmosphere. The service is great and prices are reasonable. When you are in this restraunt it really feels like you could be in Greece, except when you look out the windows :). Owned and run by a greek family this restraunt is as authentic as it gets. Located at 1238 5th Avenue Prince George, BC V2L 3L2. Phone Number - (250) 564-3005 Check out this link to see for yourself 

(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g154938-d706797-Reviews-Meteora_Taverna-Prince_George_British_Columbia.html)

And last but NOT least is Tandoori. Tandoori is again on the other end of the spectrum for the style of restraunt. Only open for lunch and dinner only this location serves east indian food that is to die for. For me personally, I would recommend the butter chicken, with one vegetable samosa and a chai tea. You cant go wrong here no matter what you order. Found at 1063 5th Avenue Prince      George, BC V2L 5K7. Phone: (250) 561-0809

Brief History

The origins of Prince George can be traced to the fur trading post of Fort George, established in 1807 by Simon Fraser. The post was centered in the homeland of the Lheidli T'Enneh First Nation. Agricultural settlement around Fort George began about 1906 when it was realized that the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway would pass near the fur post. The railway arrived in 1914 and construction of the railway townsite commenced. The City of Prince George was incorporated on March 6, 1915. 

Bored? Here are some attractions in Prince George that will make the time fly

The Two Rivers Art Gallery

Modern art fans will enjoy The Two Rivers Gallery, located in a beautiful building exhibiting a variety of art and exhibits from across Canada. (http://www.tworiversartgallery.com/) One can spend hours of time fascinated by the wonderful creations inside.

Noah's Ark

Noah's Ark is an exciting place for animal lovers and families to visit.  There are many different farm and exotic animals, winter sleigh rides and summer hayrides are available. When I was younger I would host every single one of my birthday parties out here and had a blast each time. They are very family friendly and I would highly recommend this to anyone with kids. Please visit this link for complete information on prices and availability.(www.noahsark.ca)

Events and Festivals

Traditional Pow Wow

The Prince George Native Friendship Centre hosts its Annual Traditional Pow Wow each summer at Carrie Jane Gray Park.  The Pow Wow features bannock (a deep-fried bread), traditional food and dances by men and women in customary clothing.  Dances to drumming include the Fancy Shawl (Butterfly Dance), the Men's Fancy Dance (the Courting Dance), the Grass Dancers (the Shape Changers), and the Jingle Dress dances. I have attended this festival for the past few years and it is quite an experience , it really shows some of the traditional culture in Prince George.

Farmer's Market

The Prince George Farmers' Market is an excellent place to buy and peruse local arts and crafts, produce, baked goods and other items across many outdoor booths during the summer.  The market, at the Prince George Courthouse (3rd Ave. and George St.) happens every Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. between May and October.  The indoor winter market is hosted every third Saturday of the month at St. Michael's Church (5th Ave. and Victoria) from mid-October until April. You can buy a wide variety of knitted crafts, jams, and vegetables along with much more at this event. This is a MUST.

University of Northern British Columbia

Charles Jago Northern Sports Center 

The 145,150 square foot facility sits at the entrance of the UNBC campus. From general memberships to rental space for minor sport groups, to training opportunities for high-performance athletes, the NSC brings together fitness and sport development. This facility is complete with a full size indoor running track, and two soccer fields. I have trained at this building many times before and am very impressed at the services. Click on this link to view an information page on the center. (http://www.unbc.ca/nsc/)

Special Mention

MR.PG- Prince George's Mascot

Conclusion and Overview

Prince George in my eyes and many others is a very special town. The reasons that it is considered special to so many people are as follows: it has the small town feel but yet is growing very fast, it is the largest city in Northern British Columbia, it is where the Nechako and Fraser rivers meet, it is a very very generous community not only with money donations but also with time and care. The people of Prince George are very proud and love to help. You should really take the time to visit and enjoy the events and attractions listed above because, being born and raised in this ever changing town, I am a very qualified travel guide. 

Above- Ariel view of one of Prince Georges most beautiful areas

Once again thank you for tuning into my blog, 

                                                                   Morgan

Why this picture?

 I chose this picture as it signified power and togetherness to me. Two things that I believe are crucial to make the world a better place. I believe that by looking at this picture is shows the power youth can have if they work together. It is a simple picture that says a lot. I chose to add a simple slogan into the middle of the picture. I believe that this picture combined with the slogan showcases what Free the Children is all about. Free the Children is an excellent charity that encourages people of all ages to make a difference. I’m proud to say I have helped contribute to such a wonderful charity.