Tag Archives: mrs. international pageant

Save Lives California Tobacco Rally

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On Wednesday morning, bright and early, I carpooled with two other folks from the American Heart Association up to the state capitol in Sacramento. We were joining the many other groups that make up the Save Lives California Coalition for a tobacco rally.

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A special session was held to approve a package of six tobacco bills. 

The package included:

  • SBX2-5/ABX2-6, which would add electronic cigarettes to the existing definition of tobacco products;
  • SBX2-6/ABX2-7, which would add hotel lobbies, small businesses, break rooms and tobacco retailers to the list of smoke-free workplaces under state law;
  • SBX2-7/ABX2-8, which would increase the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 years old;
  • SBX2-8/ABX2-9, which would require all schools in the state to be tobacco-free;
  • SBX2-9/ABX2-10, which would allow local jurisdictions across the state to tax tobacco; and
  • SBX2-10/ABX2-11, which would create an annual Board of Equalization tobacco licensing fee program (California Healthline, 7/17).

Cigarette smoke related disease is the most preventable cause of death. The measures above should not only save money to the California health care system, it will also save lives. 

The day started with a press conference in the park. 

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Then we were broken up into groups and we visited the lawmakers on our list asking them to consider supporting the bills, giving them the reasons they should support them, and sharing our personal stories. 

My group included Jang, a heart attack, stroke, survivor, heart, kidney transplant wonderman and three medical students from UCSF: Rachel, Iris and David. 

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It took us a while to get cleared to go into the building.

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But when we did, my group and I visited all of the lawmakers on our list. I thought we did a great job of presenting our case and were received very well. Then Jang and I decided to visit one of our local assemblymen. He hadn’t received a visit from anyone so we were happy we stepped outside the box on that decision. 🙂

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I read this morning that the bills passed the Senate. I hope they will become laws and more control will be placed on the smoking and second hand smoking here in California. 

 

 

And then there is Geoff

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Geoff is such a great guy. So very supportive. What other 25 year old guy would help his mother with her Mrs. pageant? Willingly, for a plate of French Toast?

Geoff has actually been helping me with pageants since he was 12. When I directed my first pageant, he ran the music. I don’t think he ever wants to hear “Man I Feel Like a Woman” ever again because of that experience. After that, we had him and Brandon serve as security, guarding the judging panel with SECURITY printed large on the back of their custom t-shirts.

Since his return to Oklahoma he has helped with the Mrs. Oklahoma International pageant. Last year, flu ran through the pageant. Although he looked fine during rehearsal, Mr. El Reno began to turn green and had to leave before the pageant started. Geoff willingly filled in to escort Mrs. El Reno. It was funny that I didn’t even remember that he had done it until I was going through the photos and saw him. Oh look, there’s Geoff! 🙂

This year, Mrs. Kiowa County’s husband was in the hospital during the pageant. Geoff was more than happy to escort her during the evening gown portion. We had a snafu. He went back to the hotel to get dressed and called me telling me that I had brought the wrong suit jacket. Umm, no I didn’t. He had been working out so much that he grew right out of it!

I made a crazed call to our tuxedo sponsor, Costumes Balloons and Stuff, to see if she could fit him at the last minute. Maxine had already closed the shop but went back to make sure that Geoff was appropriately attired for the pageant. And then, she didn’t even charge me for the suit! Thanks, Maxine!

David’s schedule is never solid and, while I hope that he is able to be at the pageant there is never a guarantee. I am so thankful that Geoff is there to support and help me. It’s just how he is. Loyal, supportive, funny, and NICE. Thanks, Geoff!