I was told many times by the Queen and Court Committee Members that this entire experience would not truly sink in until the moment I make that first turn onto Colorado Blvd January 1st. They were right. 

The morning started at 1:45 AM for me; I was picked up--sleepless because I figured my grogginess would be more so if I attempted to sleep for even an hour or two beforehand. I was so excited when I hopped into the Tournament Van I practically sprinted to it! As we headed out to Amadeus Spa where we were to get our hair done, we drove up Colorado Blvd and could not believe how packed the streets were. Left and right we saw oceans of sleeping bags with lumps that we assumed were bodies nestled beneath them—in just a few hours, we would be able to see who it was that lay underneath each blanket.

After getting our hair done, we headed back to the Tournament House to get our makeup put on. AS we walked up to the House, I heard Princess Quinn yell out “LOOK! GUYS, IT’S OUR FLOAT!!” I look ahead of me and sure enough, there was our float. It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen and I got a flurry of butterflies in my stomach…Am I really going to be sitting on that? My mind whirred with emotions and I stumbled inside where an incredible breakfast lay waiting for us, a Godsend to our rumbling bellies at the breaking hour of 4:00 AM.

At 6:00 we were called outside to do an interview with KTLA! It was sad to think that this was probably the last time we would have a TV interview =(. But we had a lot of fun, and seeing the street already bustling with people awaiting the Parade’s commencement was exhilarating. As we walked back into the House after being interviewed, a woman called my name out. I looked down and said hi back, noticing a stuffed animal bear in her hands. She told me that she was representing the Girl Scouts from New York, and that they had sent over this bear for me to take a picture with as a momento and tribute to the Girl Scouts everywhere. The woman threw the bear at me over a huge bed of rose bushes—thankfully I caught it! This little pre-parade incident again reminded me of how much this rich tradition means not only to myself, but to the millions of people all around.

The Wrigley Mansion turned into a madhouse as the final hour drew nearer. The committee members scurried around our room, making sure our gowns were set and that we had our emergency kit bags (full of chapstick, handwarmers, candy, and lotion) to take with us on the float. This was really going to happen.

As each princess and I were buckled into our seats, we looked down into the beaming Queen and Court Committees faces and we all began tearing up. We turned to each other and cried, “If you go down, I’ll go down with you!” And of course, the tears inevitably began to well in our eyes.  The moment had arrived, and the float started to move. As we floated down Orange grove, I already saw about 10 of the 150 bright yellow plastic plates with “QUEEN COURTNEY” scrawled on it that my mother had bought and made prior to the parade. It was the perfect indicator for me to know where my friends and family were in the crowd of people along the route. I saw my best friends, my aunts, and even people I didn’t know waving these canary yellow dishes in my face=)!

This entire experience has meant so much to me; truly and whole-heartedly I feel indebted to the Tournament of Roses and to all of the people I have met during this incredible journey.  I knew that this would be a memory I want to hold on to for the rest of my life, so I knew that I had to capture it on my camera.  I stated earlier that I was told how this dream would not become a reality until I made the turn on TV corner. And as I watch the video that I took just as I made this monumental step in my life, I cried. My family was right there in that video as was one of my closest friends’ voices screaming “I LOVE YOU COURT!!” It’s the best short movie I have ever watched and ever will possess. Priceless—that’s an understatement. I truly do apologize to anyone who was offended or disappointed in me taking videos and pictures at that particular moment…I just wanted to capture that instant that I was told to look forward to since the day I was chosen on to the court; that instant that I made my turn to the ocean of parade-goers on Colorado Blvd. Another video that I knew I had to capture was Princess Jasmine’s family. What a supportive group she has; they were all clad in royal blue T-shirts filling up an entire section of the street. It was such a beautiful moment seeing Princess Jasmine smiling and crying tears of joy as she stared into the screaming faces of those who love her. I’m currently burning this video clip onto a dvd for her=). These are only a couple of the many momentous moments I captured on my camera. I wish to share them with everyone, from my eyes on the float, as to how truly exciting and special this day is.

I am enamored, humbled, and grateful for all that I have been given in the past few months. I encourage all those who even have the slightest notion of trying out for Rose Court to give it an attempt. Who knows, you, your daughter, or your granddaughter may be the 96th Rose Queen of the Tournament of Roses!

Queen Courtney

I just got home. I’m finally finished with my Christmas shopping, and all I have to say is: WOW, the mall is absolutely and utterly PACKED! But amidst my claustrophobia, the million different conversations pounding in my eardrums, and the ever-incessant trail of B.O. invading my nostrils, I’m happier than I could ever be. I find myself enamored by the shower of wreaths, glittering ribbons, and twinkling garlands; I find myself entranced by the grove of Christmas lights adorning neighborhood homes and chuckling constantly at the “Ho! Ho! Ho!’ing” Santa Clauses snapping photos with crying babies.  And at the past few events for Rose Court, the princesses and I have had the opportunity to be a part of holiday festivities that brought joy and familial warmth to all in attendance.

A couple of Christmas events that were particularly enjoyable were the Five Acres Christmas Performance and the Treasure Little Children Christmas Party. At Five Acres, we got up on stage and got to sing Christmas carols with some children at Five Acres in front of other parents and children.  What got the princesses and me laughing hysterically is how we forgot words/didn’t know words to some of the carols, and we ended up trying to lip sync along with the children! Haha, Princess Quinn said that the trick is to just mouth the word “watermelon” repetitively?? That, she says, should do the trick (Wish I had known that beforehand…however I don’t think that that tactic would have worked particularly well during “Feliz Navidad” anyways HAHA). After singing the songs, I was able to stay on stage and read a little Christmas story for all of the kids. I volunteer at the Arcadia Public Library in a program called Book Buddies where I read to little children after school. But those children are much different from the ones I met at Five Acres; they have homes, stable families, and constant guidance—the kids at Five Acres do not. Many have rarely been told bedtime stories! For that reason, I felt an even greater sense of gratification and pleasure when reading to them.

At the Treasure Little Children Christmas Party held at the Pasadena Humane Society, the princesses and I were able to join in some Christmas festivities with parents and children from all different backgrounds and upbringings in Pasadena. Many were foster children or kids who live in homes for children.  To see them smile, laugh, and get excited over us being there was so heart-warming—I don’t think that feeling will ever stop.

We also recently attended the Big Ten Luncheon. All I can say is that the room the lunch was held in was absolutely gorgeous! The trees were flawlessly decorated; the lights, the wreaths, the ornaments, and the weaving ribbons cascading down the mirror panels filled the room with such joy. I was particularly interested in this event because it was all about football—the Big 10 teams to be exact.  The people in attendance were fun, spunky, and so enthusiastic about their alma maters. The food was delicious, ESPECIALLY the pumpkin pie dessert!! I think if I had to choose any pie to eat forever and never gain weight, it would undoubtedly be pumpkin pie. As a gift, the princesses and I received these stunning gold rose pendant necklaces, each embellished with our birthstones! We couldn’t believe our eyes when we opened up the boxes! Though the necklace is a hard thing to put at 2nd place, I received one more very special gift at this event. During the MC’s speech, the phone rang.  He paused and said, “What? A phone call….I wonder who it could be…?” Guess who!! IT WAS NONE OTHER THAN FOOTBALL LEGEND JOE PATERNO, COACH OF THE PENN STATE FOOTBALL TEAM!!  The call was put on speaker phone, and we got to hear him talk to the Big ten members and our MC. As if things couldn’t get any better, Mr. Paterno said, “And I’d like to give a special shout out to Queen Courtney! Congratulations, and I look forward to meeting you in Los Angeles for the game!” AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Now, I AM a die-hard USC fan, but any Trojan’s got to admit it, talking to the Legendary Joe Paterno is pretty dang cool! This definitely became one of the highlights of the Rose Court experience, and I am just filled with even more anticipation for the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game coming up!

I would like to wish everyone the most wonderful Christmas and happiest of Holidays (New Year’s especially)! The past two months being on Rose Court have been nothing short of amazing, and I’m so thankful to have been given this opportunity.  I hope that all your wishes come true, and I look forward to seeing you all on the 1st! We’ll be waving to you!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

XOXO,
Queen Courtney
P.S. EAT A LOT, BECAUSE I WILL=)

It’s interesting, I never would have thought that slapping some button up Hawaiian shirts on 7 young girls could completely transform our view of a local supermarket from a facility of mundane occupation to a funzone—but I saw it happen today with my very own eyes.

We drove down to the Lake Avenue Trader Joe’s store and volunteered a few hours as “honorary crew members”. Now, I’ve never had a “real job” before (parents want the focus kept on school haha), so I was definitely excited to get a taste of what it’s like to be an actual employee! The princesses and I got to rotate duties within the store that included bagging groceries, tending the cash register, making/handing out food samples (my favorite!), and casual customer greetings/talking out on the floor. I perfected my “Hi, how are you today?  Would you like to try some Coconut Curry Chicken Sticks? They’re very delicious, and have a great Gyoza sauce to go along with it!”  We were also handing out some decadent Dark Chocolate Covered Gingersnaps with some freshly brewed Gingerbread flavored coffee. (See? I worked on my advertising skills) Mr. Edward (Eddie) Goral is the Trader Joe’s employee who helped each of the Princesses and me learn the ropes of the food bar. He was such a nice man and, I found out that in addition to his kindness, he is an extremely talented artist.  Next time you’re inside the Lake Avenue Trader Joe’s, take a look at the wall above the produce. You will see an absolutely GORGEOUS mural of the Pasadena Tournament House and the bridge  He has a wonderful gift and I couldn’t be more appreciative that he would share his talent with everybody. 

The store manager Mr. Anthony Denny is awesomeee! What a character, let me tell you! He busted out a rap completely off the top of his head about the “Queen & Court Classic” demo/food sample item that we developed. What is the “Queen & Court Classic” you ask? Well, I’m a peanut butter fanatic, and I’ve heard from people about this product called “Better N Peanut Butter.” While I absolutely adoorreee food and all its splendor, I do like to be somewhat health conscious and be wary of staying active/fit. This particular peanut butter contains less fat, 85 % less calories, less sodium, no hydrogenated oils, etc., so I’ve been curious to try it! I said “Hey Anthony, you ever tried it?” He shook his head and said he hadn’t, so he immediately swiped a jar off of the shelf to take to the food demo bar (Did you know that you could ask Trader Joe’s to try something and they will open it for you right then and there to try? Because I didn’t! haha I think that’s pretty neat). We each took a spoonful and MMMMmmmMmMMmm it is DEFINITELY delicious! Doesn’t even taste like most “healthy version” food items! But wait—EPIPHANY! Anthony, Princess Molly, and I thought, “This would taste reallyyyy good if we dipped stuff in it…CHOCOLATE!” So we rushed to the front of the store, got some 71% Cacao Chocolate, broke it up into little squares, and dunked. Ahhhhh if I could cut off a slice of heaven and serve it to you on a silver platter, it would taste just like this divine combination of chocolate and peanut butter! We then dubbed our fledgling creation the “Queen & Court Classic”! Rightfully named, but even more rightfully devoured.

There’s no doubt that I could’ve stayed in the food sampling bar the WHOLE day. It was such a fun and easy way to talk to customers, and of course, eat the yummy samples! The day wouldn’t have nearly been as fun had it not been for all of the Trader Joe’s staff who were nice enough to train/guide us and make sure that we were enjoying our stay at the store—it’s a great philosophy that Trader Joe’s has.  They’re all about hospitality, personability, consumer happiness, and genuine warmth. I could tell that they really try to provide a familial atmosphere for their shoppers and employees, and I LOVE that (which is why Princess Mary and I each picked up a job application. Haha who knows, maybe you’ll see us working there sometime!)

I think that the best feeling in the world comes from being surrounded by this special type of company, and I sincerely wish it for everyone in this rapidly approaching holiday season!

What a crazy week this has been!! From 5:00 am pick-ups to events lasting until
10:30 pm, it has been a whirlwind of events that continue to wow the Princesses and me.  It’s amazing how the Tournament of Roses can take us to events that generate such a wide range of emotions; one event we’ll be screaming with excitement and the next we’ll be silent—reflective and thankful as we count our blessings.

On Monday, I was able to go on the KTLA Channel 5 Morning News with Asha Blake, Michaela Pereira, and Sam Rubin. That was my first time being interviewed and shown LIVE on T.V.   Let me tell you, I was SO NERVOUS! It was even my first time being in Hollywood, believe it or not, so it was so wonderful to actually see these structures, streets, monuments, and facilities I’ve only seen/heard on T.V. To make me even MORE nervous than I already was, I came on the show right after the VICTORIA SECRET SUPERMODEL Miranda Kerr was interviewed! I was sitting in the makeup room getting touched up, and I saw another woman sitting in the chair next to me. Her face was blocked by the hairstylist and makeup artist, so I figured “eh, probably just some random girl that I don’t know.” But then I get into the actual studio where I was waiting on standby, I look over to the news desk to see who was talking—my eyes BUGGED OUT and I said, “That’s Miranda Kerr! The Victoria Secret Supermodel!!!

I thought greeeaaat, I’m on air right after this gorgeous woman! And Miranda is not just “A” woman, but rather “THE” woman who draws the “green-eyed monster” of jealousy out of so many females. As they ushered me into interviewing seat, I had butterflies flying 200 mph in my stomach, so I smiled dumbly at everyone in there—I was definitely awestruck and in shock.  But once Michaela, Asha, and Sam started talking to me, all of my anxiety melted away and I felt so comfortable with them. I ended up having such a great time, and even had the pleasure of seeing Michaela again at the Alhambra City Club luncheon a couple days later.  She even remembered me!!.

The other exciting event that we engaged in this week was flying in the Goodyear Blimp.  That ride was insannee; we took off from this huge launch pad at a 90 degree angle!! The engines whirred, the blimp began to bounce, and then, as if someone had set off a firecracker in the blimp, we shot off 1000 ft into the sky!  It was so gorgeous seeing Southern California from a true bird’s eye. As we flew over Long Beach, Princess Mary and I were even able to see dolphins! This was definitely an experience I will never forget—I even got to stick my head out of the window… with our committee member chaperone and our captain’s liability consent of course!

Today we had the Mayor’s Christmas Party at the Rose Bowl. It was absolutely fantasticcc.  All of the little kids in attendance were so cute and so enthusiastic! The Princesses and I could not have asked for a better crowd. While the food was delicious and the decorations festive, there was a catch to the event: the Royal Court had to SING!! Now, if you’ve ever met our Court, you’d agree with me that we have a pretty talented bunch. We have athletes, intellects, dancers, and artists—but one thing that we undeniably lack is the gift of song. HAHAHA. The committee members can attest to the lack of harmony in our vocal chords.  But we made the most out of it, had a great time, and sang Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with gusto!   We hope that all of you who were there enjoyed the event, because I know that the Princesses and I certainly did!

Big events coming up this week are our trips to the Five Acres Boys and Girls Home and to the USC Norris Cancer Center. Both should be very eye-opening experiences. I look forward to sharing what goes on in the coming days!

Thursday was Thanksgiving, a day of joy, of reciprocating appreciation, and above all, of FOOD!  Ha, Ha… I just wanted to write an entry about Thanksgiving because I think it is the most appropriate of times to give my sincere thanks to the Tournament of Roses for the opportunity it has given the 6 Princesses and me.  It’s hard to believe that only a month ago, the 7 of us were leading normal lives as seniors in high school (except Bridget who’s a college freshman!). We were only a few weeks younger age wise, but light years younger in the aspect of maturity.  You have swept all of us off our feet! We have all been changed and brought forth into a world that places no bounds on our potential; mentally and emotionally, the Rose Court experience is deftly molding us to be even more ambitious and passionate, motivated to do something with our lives once this momentary period of glory concludes. I commend the Tournament for preserving such an incredible tradition that touches the hearts of the Court and the people that we visit.  I have learned so much about myself and others that would have remained undiscovered had the Tournament of Roses not galvanized its emergence.

I wanted to mention one of the most heart-touching events for me: our visit to Scripps Kensington Episcopal Home in Alhambra.  On this day, I had walked in quite amused because our audience was all 80+ years old and dozing (this was one of my first events, mind you, and I didn’t know what to expect!).  But just as I turned towards the Rose Court Committee Members with my frantic “What do I do!?” expression, a lady in an ostentatiously pink-feathered hat widened her blue eyes and prodded the sleeping woman beside her, “Look! The Queen is here! The Princesses and the Queen are here!” Groggy grunts began to fill the room and I saw bald heads roll up in a comically domino-like fashion.  It was so cute to see… and I had never felt so happy to be somewhere. They were all smiling and thankful that we were there to see them; most nursing homes do not receive visitors too often, so we represented something more than just “7 girls in matching outfits”—that’s the most important thing that I have carried with me since that day. 

The next thing that occurred here is quite a memory that I KNOW will stick with me forever. One of the residents, Rod Johnston, called me up to stand next to him.  He had taken each of our biographies and written a personalized song for each individual, and told me that he would be serenading mine to me! “She’s a princess from Arcadia who captains volleyball, and initiated youth philanthropy…whoever could it be but Queen Courtney Lee…” As he held my hand while singing in his soft vibrato, I saw in his eyes genuine sincerity; there was no mistake in the twinkle of his hearty voice or the endearing jiggle of his neck as he attempted to sing with feeling.  I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, smile… it was just the most special moment in the world, and I couldn’t have been more thankful for his invigorating spirit. He spoke then spoke to me, gave me advice and told me how much our visit meant to him. I will always remember Rod Johnston, my first serenade, and the man who helped usher me into this new world of opportunity that the Tournament has so graciously created.  I am wholly and utterly indebted to you all.

Friday was the JC Tournament of Toys Holiday Celebration in Old Town Pasadena; it was great to see everyone there and share in welcoming in the holidays! I genuinely hope everyone had the Happiest Thanksgiving, may you all be merry and enjoy your food! SEE YOU!!

Hey everyone! My name is Courtney Lee, and I’m the 2009 Rose Queen for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. I’m excited to share my experiences on the Rose Court with all of  you, and perhaps provide a bit of insight into our lives as we complete each week. I hope you enjoy it and detect every ounce of appreciation that I know the other 6 princesses and I feel while engaging in this wonderful opportunity.

Never in a million years would I have ever guessed that an event as monumental as this would happen to me. What began as my “Southern California girl’s whimsically inspired decision to tryout,” quickly transformed into one of the most impactful experiences I think I will ever have! I still remember the first tryout day; my friend Cara and I rushed home from volleyball practice, our hair was sweaty and nasty, our makeup was barely salvageable.  But we still said, “Let’s do this!” That mentality of confidence didn’t hold for long though, because the moment we walked up to the Tournament House, we saw hundreds of Pasadena’s most gorgeous, intelligent, and community-involved girls. “Ohh great…this’ll be one fat chance!”—I think that’s what most of us thought, at least that’s what I was definitely thinking! But each letter in the mail rolled in week after week with invitation to the next round; my excitement peaked higher and higher. Questions were fired and nerves were rattled; simultaneously the numbers began to whittle down from the 1125 to 250, then to 75, then to 34, and then finally…to 7.

Court Announcement Day was so special for each of the Princesses and me because not only was it the day that we all received possibly the best news of our life up to date, but it was the day that we met each other.  As cheese-ball as it sounds, I know that the Queen and Court Committee Members have a keen eye for not only physical beauty, but for intellectual, individual, and emotional beauty. Princess Mary Gaule, Princess Lauren Valenzuela, Princess Molly Novell, Princess Bridget McDonald, Princess Jasmine Jenkins, and Princess Quinn Young encompass all of the core values that Pasadena represents, and I cannot be luckier to have a more supportive family of sisters whom I can share these chaotic weeks with. 

Our first day together after the Court announcement was insannnee. Immediately we were thrown into speech training and etiquette training; we couldn’t even believe how fast everything was going! (We also couldn’t believe how “impolitely” we’d been eating all of our lives!) It’s what the Tournament of Roses called “Tournament Time”: Always ahead of schedule, always ready, and always prepared for the worst—it’s taken us a while to get used to it haha, and I still don’t think we’re accustomed to it all the way yet. The next day we were whisked away to Macy’s in Sherman Oaks to get our season’s wardrobe (which is custom tailored), and then to MAC to receive our own personalized makeup consultation (and not to mention receive free makeup!!). Then, we headed over to Amadeus Spa in Pasadena where we received our makeovers! It was totally America’s Next Top Model status—sans crying and wailing complaints. Most of us got our hair cut shorter (which I desperately needed; my hair had not been cut for at least 5 months!) and dyed/highlighted. I still remember that one of the hairdressers, upon seeing me when I sat down in the swivel chair, had said “Oh thank goodness! Your hair isn’t half as damaged as it looked in your picture!” The picture she was talking about was taken the day of the first tryout…compliments of my “damaged” looking frizz ball goes to volleyball practice.

Since our etiquette, speech, and physical makeover, we’ve been thrust into a whirlwind of events each day that influence us in such a wide variety of aspects.  Some of our most memorable activities to date have been Hillsides Home for Abused Children, Scripps Kensington Episcopal Home, Glendale Adventist Hospital, Huntington Hospital, and Children’s Hospital.  The princesses and I always find special affinities for the people or for the facility that we visit.

For example, Princess Jasmine greatly appreciated our trip to Hillsides because she is interested in pursuing a career in child psychology, so our warming presence for the young girls at that establishment gave Jasmine more of a reason to pursue her interests.  One particular cancer patient at Glendale Adventist had a special impact on all of us.  This woman has been battling cancer for months, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.  She brought tears to our eyes when she spoke of her children, of her waning hope on certain days, and most importantly, of how genuinely happy she was to have us visit her.  She even invited us to come visit her again so that she can teach us how to crochet hats for other patients affected by cancer. The girls and I agreed without hesitation; it’s times like these that reveal how truly inspiring the reciprocating emotions between ourselves and the people we visit can be.

I look forward to keeping you all up to date on the 2009 Royal Court! We are all genuinely enthused to have been chosen and promise to serve as the best role models and ambassadors that we can possibly be. I look forward to all of upcoming functions and am counting down the days until January 1st! =)

-XOXO
Queen Courtney