That's What's Up Thursday

photo credit

I would kill for my glutes to look like her's. I would

definitely hit the gym all day err day to hit my back pose

and it look like this.

Basically what I'm saying is when I (as a figure competitor) grow up - 

I want to be the Tootsie Roll colored version of this!!!

IFBB Figure Pro & 2012 Ms. Figure Olympia Erin Stern - 

now that's what's up!!

It Finally Happened!!

photo credit

For the past 5 plus years, Tom and I have talked about going to Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, NV. Each year it seems that is doesn't work out for us to attend for any number of reasons and each year we look at each other and say "Next year we'll be there!"

This year, Tom turned 30 (I know...his expiration date is fast approaching...I kid..I kid..I'm two years older than him so I can't really say anything...lol) and I planned to give him a trip to Olympia as a gift. Accommodations were taken care of, the sitter for The Princess was handled, and all the other little things were falling into place...right up until the moment he decided that I should compete in a November show! I was adamant that I did not want to be prepping while in Vegas for Olympia weekend. We both know how we like to do Vegas and I can tell you it is NOT conducive to prep! With heavy hearts we decided to scrap the plans to attend this year's Olympia and focus on getting me ready for my last show of the year.

Eeeekkk!! I'm going to Olympia!!!

Our plans changed, however, when we ran into the owner of our gym and he gave us two free tickets to the Olympia. We knew it would be a scramble to make it work but we said it was obvious that the powers that be wanted us to attend! Expedia hooked it up with a reasonable room rate at the Riviera, Budget practically gave us our rental car for free (being a Costco member has some definite perks), and pay day just happened to fall on the day we were leaving :)

We made it!!

I have a crap ton of pictures from the weekend and so many things I want to tell you guys about! But, it's late and I have to get up at 4:45 am to own my morning cardio session so I'll have to wait to tell you about the incredible experience I had.

Before I go, let me tell you this. I have never been so overwhelmed, giddy, in awe, and motivated in my life. It was quite the experience to see so many competitors that I look up to in person versus in a magazine or on a computer screen!

Taking a breather at the Expo!

This past weekend was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so thankful to everyone (my husband, Frank, my in-laws) who made it happen.

Wow!! What else can I say besides that?!?

Wordless Thursday :)

I know most bloggers do a "Wordless Wednesday" post but I can't do what everyone else does, can I?!?! :) With that in mind, I present to you my version of "Wordless Thursday"!

The "O", Haircuts, and Progress Pics!

2011 OLYMPIA!!!! It's over...it's a wrap...it's in the books...so let me share my thoughts about this year's "O" with you....

source

Erin Stern looked A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!! When I saw her walk out on stage, I was just blown away not only by her physique but also by her quiet confidence. She looked comfortable and in her element. I am extremely disappointed that she did not walk away with the title. I'm not a Nicole Wilkins hater (I'm a fan actually) but I just feel like Erin is the definition/picture of "figure".

source

source

I was also disappointed that  Teresa Anthony and Alicia Harris didn't place higher but finishing in the Top 6 at Olympia is not too shabby :)

I spent last night jumping between the live webcast and Siouxcountry. It's always fun to "talk" with the other members of the forum during shows and this show was no exception. Quite of a few of us stated that if Phil Heath did not win the Mr. Olympia title, we were going to riot. I may or may not have threatened to eat everything in my refrigerator, starting with the mayo, if he didn't win!. Well, there were no riots because Phil Heath is the 2011 Mr. Olympia!!!!! Let us take a few moments to leer gaze at him and his yumminess....

source

source

source

Dear Phil Heath, I love you and want to touch you. 

Kai looked awesome this weekend and I'm pleased that he was awarded 3rd place (even though I had him in 2nd and Jay in 3rd). 

It's now 6 weeks out from Border States! This past week went well...I managed to get all of my cardio sessions completed except for one....it was a pm cardio session....that night I changed into my workout clothes, sat down on the bed, then laid down on the bed, and you know the rest of that story! :) I've upped my water intake and there are a few extra trips to the restroom during the work day & in the middle of the night. I keep walking into the foot of the bed while making my 2:00 am potty break and have the bruise on my thigh to prove it!

Even at the hair salon, I'm a faithful member of Jug Nation :)

 No huge changes to the plan right now....just keeping an eye on things and we'll see what next weekend's pictures look like. For now, this is what I'm working with......

The Princess, my mom, and I went to get our hair cut yesterday. The Princess had asked me about bangs earlier in the week and I suspected that once she got in the chair she was going to ask the stylist to give her bangs. Sure enough, the word "bangs" was mentioned and the next thing I knew Nana (my mom) was telling The Princess she could have them! Just as an fyi, when Nana is around I do not exist and am not in charge....lol....

Here's how I feel about The Princess getting bangs.....

Here's how The Princess looks with her new 'do.....

I will admit....she looks cute....but I swear if she asks about dying her hair, I'm running away! :)

That's What's Up Thursday - Olympia Edition!!

It's Olympia weekend and 

these are some of 

the ladies that I will be cheering for!!

I will also be cheering on Phil "The Gift" Heath (hello, chocolatey muscley goodness!) 

as well as Kai "The Predator" Greene.

Let the games begin!

Being glued to my computer (all weekend!) to watch all of the live action on bodybuilding.com - 

now that's what's up!!! :)

My "O" Face

That's right....Mr. Olympia is on!!! Some would consider me a terrible Tucsonan because I'm watching the "O" on live webcast (muchas gracias, bodybuilding.com!) instead of the U of A versus Cal game. Umm....hello....Phil Heath or Nick Foles?? I'll take the chocolatey muscular goodness of Phil "The Gift" Heath, thank you very much!!

I let my hubby know that if Phil Heath and Erin Stern don't win tonight, I will be throwing a temper tantrum (I am not afraid to throw clean laundry on the floor or not feed the fish)! Not really but I would love to see both of them take home the title of Mr. and Ms. Olympia.

We shall see...