New Release Tuesday

I love the message of this song! Fantasia is doin' it!!

Gettin' Back At It...Again!!

I hope that y’all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving! Mine was wonderful with a touch of sadness. It’s definitely hard to lose a loved one right before the holidays but we were able to spend some time with those closest to us and enjoy some yummy food!

There was no guilt accompanied with my food consumption! I thoroughly enjoyed every morsel and I feel no shame in saying that! I am back to “healthier” eating habits today but I can’t make any promises in the coming weeks..lol…I’ve been reading way too many baking blogs!!!

I’m not sure how many of you are members of siouxcountry.com (if you’re not, fix it! You need to be! Best site ever!!) but Meriza DeGuzman (hello, hotness!) posted a circuit for tonin’ up & gettin’ lean. Since my dream team (love them!) has decided that I don’t need to add any more size during the off-season, my goal is to maintain my level of muscularity while staying as lean as I am able. How can I accomplish this…..drumroll please….Meriza’s Circuit Training Plan! I did the portion of the circuit that concentrates on glutes and hammies today and no joke, I walked out of the gym with jello legs! I'm definitely going to be sore tomorrow!! Here’s what it looked like:

Superset #1

Leg Press
set 1: 140 lbs x 250 lb
set 2: 180 lbs x 20
set 3: 230 lbs x 15
set 4: 270 lbs x 10

Lying hamstring curls
set 1-4: 50 lbs x 15

Superset #2

Leg press
set 1-4: 270 lbs x 10

Stiff-legged deadlifts
set 1: 65 lbs x 15
set 2: 75 lbs x 15
set 3: 85 lbs x 15
set 4: 95 lbs x 15

Superset #3

Leg press
set 1-4: 270 lbs x 10

Walking lunges w/dumbbells
set 1-4: 25lbs x 12 steps each leg

Goblet squat w/kettlebell
set 1-3: 26.4 x 12
*I added this last exercise since I had a little time left in my workout

Eating has been on point today – I’m following a plan but it’s not as restrictive as a prep plan. Woo hoo!! :)

My weight is up a little higher than I would like but I’m not going to stress over it. I’ve also made the decision to put away the scale and not weigh myself unless it’s for check-in. I’m going to focus on how my clothes fit versus the numbers I see on the scale (even if I would like to weigh the same & look just like Courtney West or Erin Stern! LOL!). My date jeans still fit so I think I’m doing ok… :)

For The Off-Season....

I'm Making Myself....BETTER!!!

What are you doing??

Moment of Reflection

Last night there was an unexpected death on my husband's side of the family. It is always hard for me when Tom is hurting and last night was no exception. As I sat with him and other members of his family discussing the life of his incredible great-grandmother, I realized what a blessing family can be. The stories about his great-grandmother were testaments of her faith, her love of family, and her willingness to help those in need.

Loss causes you to take a moment and reflect on your life and I am doing just that. Today is Thanksgiving and I will be sure to thank those that I love, squeeze them tight, and also tell them that I love them. My list of what I'm thankful for is simple but I would like to share it with you.

I am THANKFUL for:

• Hearing the Princess call me "Mom"
• Hearing the Princess laugh - the sound is like music to my ears
• Every day of health that the Princess has been blessed with
• The ability to fight with Tom one moment and cuddle with him on the couch the next
• Every day that Tom is able to come home from work to the Princess & I unharmed and in one piece!
• Love
• Family who stand by you no matter what they think of you & the decisions you make
• My body & health
• True friends
• Tom's mom creating the phrase "What the $hit?!?!" - sometimes it's the perfect thing to say! :)

I hope that you have a wonderful day with your family and/or friends! Remember to give GENUINE thanks for all that you have received!

First Day Back!

Yesterday was my first "official" day back to the gym. I was excited and nervous at the same time to get my lift on :) Excited because I missed being at the gym and pushing my body. Nervous because my workouts will be different than I'm used to AND I knew I was going to run into people who would ask me about the show! Everything was fine...answered the whole "How did your show go?" question with relative ease and enjoyed my shoulders with a little bit of chest workout! The workout consisted of:

One arm lateral raises (with dumbbells)
4 sets of 20 reps

Seated Arnold press
1 set of 25 reps, 1 set of 22 reps, 1 set of 20 reps

Superset:
LifeFitness Fly machine
4 sets of 20 reps
Pushups
4 sets of 12

Sky Pulls (with kettlebells)
5 sets of 15

One arm shoulder press (with dumbbells)
1 set of 18 reps, 1 set of 15 reps, 1 set of 12 reps

I'm sore today and I love it! Is that weird?? LOL! Today was a cardio only day...I knocked that out by doing 45 minutes on the Stair Stepper. The time went quickly because I was so focused on the novela (spanish soap opera) that was playing on the tv in front of me...as I've said before....don't judge me...I love my stories! :)

Tomorrow night I'm supposed to workout with a close friend and I have a KILLER back workout for us to do! Can't wait!!

Have a great night!!

New Release Tuesday

I really enjoyed Keri Hilson's last cd. She's confident without being arrogant and sassy without being bitchy. I'm lovin' this new song - I hope you do too!

Speak On It!!

I have been blessed this year by finding a friend in Genie Sammons. Genie has been so helpful & supportive of my attempt to become a figure competitor this past year. She took me under her wing and guided me with tough love, laughter, wisdom, and kindess.

I, along with countless others, have a tendency to pick myself apart. I have been doing a ridiculous amount of tearing me down in these weeks following my show. Yesterday, my mom gave me a reality check about my obsession with my weight and food.

I say all of that to share with you a piece that Genie wrote over the weekend. It's powerful and the message is ON POINT!!

Change of Thought by Genie Sammons 2010

We are not fat
We are not off season
We are not gross

We are enjoying life and improving on body parts that need improvement.
We are healthy and strong and beautiful.
We are working towards our goals.
We are working towards our health.
We work hard because we are worth it and we deserve it.

We love us.

Photo Shoot With Ana C.!!!!

Happy Friday!! It only feels like it took frickin’ FOREVER to get here…lol!! I had posted about my photo shoot a couple of days ago but the post disappeared & I can’t figure out why!! Anyway…if this is your second time reading this, I apologize!!

Do you remember awhile back I mentioned that I would be doing a photo shoot around the time of my show?? Well, I have pictures to share from the shoot!!!

I categorize myself as an awkward, goofy, klutzy, not comfortable in her own skin kind of girl but I have to tell you, I don’t see that when I look at these pictures. Ana has the magic touch and transformed me into…I don’t know…someone completely opposite of who I actually am!!

If you are ever in the Phoenix area and need to have pictures taken, you HAVE to contact her. You can find info about her rates, portfolio, and her goals as your photographer on her website. She also has a great blog entitled Fit, Fun and Delish! that you should check out as well!

Add Some Excitement To Your Life...

Let's be honest...for those of us who drink protein shakes on a regular basis....they can get old! Often times, they're nothing more than protein powder and water (or milk depending on your tastebuds!)...especially if you're competing and you have to keep a close eye on your food intake numbers!

Well, I read a great list of suggestions for adding some spice to your protein shakes while visiting the Fitness & Spice website. The suggestions are simple yet made me go, "Duh! Why didn't I think of that?!?!"

If you have few minutes and are interested in viewing the list, you can find it here.

That's What's Up Thursday

She has the 3 B's - beauty, boobs, and brawn! I have a HUGE girl crush on her!!!

Serena Williams - now that's what's up!!

PSA - Must See!

Rachel Wilkerson was brave enough to talk about a topic that is often ignored on her blog earlier this week. Rachel addressed the topic of TRA or T-Rex Arms. I encourage you to view the video posted on her blog and share it with others - together we all can have tickets to the gun show (watch the video and then you'll get it!).

TRA PSA

Stick A Fork In It!

Yep....stick a fork in it....it's a wrap...over...done with....el fin! My week of excess, that is! As of today, I'm back on the "good girl" wagon! :)

Last week was A LOT of fun!! I ate like there was no tomorrow....case in point, I went to an awesome restaurant that just opened in town....it's called May's Counter....they serve chicken & waffles....the food was so tasty that I not only took a picture of it to send to my friends but I also did my "This is so yummy!" wiggle as I was eating....shall I go on???

So, no more of that gluttonous behavior.....today marks the start of healthy eating and gym dates. I wasn't really feeling the gym today but I knew I wanted to do some type of cardio/workout....enter the one workout that I have loved & hated for the past 10 years....Tae Bo!!!

I couldn't find my vhs tapes...don't even say a word....I saved those bad boys because the workouts were that awesome....so last week I picked up the "This is Tae Bo" dvd at Wal-Mart. This particular dvd is different that the original Tae Bo workouts that I was used to doing but it kicked my butt nonetheless! Don't believe me??? Take a look at me when I finished....

Loved it!! I think I'm going to try and do this workout at least 2 times a week. Which bring me to the whole what am I going to do with my off-season question. I have no idea!!! I think I might be too muscular for figure and since the NPC is now introducing the Women's Physique Division, I'm wondering if this is where I should focus my attention. On the other hand, I really love figure and I feel like I could be successful at it but I know I would have to make some serious physical changes in order to do so. It's a lot to think about but I have time....I think... :)

I'm off to scour the internet for healthy but tasty recipes....if you have any recommendations or favorite blogs/websites that you go to, please share!!!

Project Tasteless Challenge #4

This week's Project Tasteless Challenge is right up my alley....it involves booze!!! And we all know that I LOVE TO DRANK!!!!!! I've missed out on the last two challenges due to prepping for my figure competition but I'm all in for this week's challenge! The task - create a drink you would serve for your favorite holiday.

For those of you that aren’t from the good o’ state of Arizona, we are known here for our extreme heat. It’s the kind of heat that melts your hair grease when you walk 200 feet from your car to your office (happens to me all of the time). It’s the kind of heat that makes you say, “It’s cooling down next week” when you see the 7 day forecast and it’s going to be 104 degrees versus 114 degrees. It’s the kind of heat that makes you play games like “Bet you $5 that my skin will be hotter than your’s after standing outside for 3 minutes since I’m the color of a Tootsie Roll and you’re not”.

I am aware of the fact that people will want to say that a dry heat is better than the heat + humidity of, let’s say, Florida but I have one thing to say to those individuals. Shut the heck up because you have no clue what you’re talking about!!! Being in a state that is HOT AS HELL is not a prize - we don't feel special because our skin boils when we go outdoors!!!

Now, it is very common for the meteorologists (I have no frickin’ clue why I can’t just call them “weathermen” but they want to be bougie so whatevs!) of local news stations to have contests where people try to guess the first day that the temperature will reach 100 degrees. It’s a stupid contest to have but you know what….don’t judge us….it’s what we do in the Southwest!!!

So, while those of you who live outside of this state may not celebrate the “Holy Crap! It’s April and We’ve Hit 100 Degrees” holiday – we Arizonans do and we like to have a beverage called a Michelada to commerate this joyous event. This drink is part healthy (Clamato) and part you’re about to get trashed (beer & other booze!!) so when you’re drinking them instead of a protein shakes don’t blame me.

Let this serve as your official notification that this drink is for big kids. If you want a creamy, frothy, pretty, minty holiday cocktail that you drink out of a fancy sippy cup, this drink is way outta your league!

Here’s what you need:

Ice
¼ Clamato
½ Dos Equis Lager

*if you even consider using a light beer, I will travel to where you are and put my size 10 in your ass!
2 shots of Vodka

*this number is for beginners...if you're a professional like me, you may have 3-4 shots

Juice of a lime
2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
3 dashes of Tabasco
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
Pinch of celery salt

*please note that I have large man hands so my “pinch” may not be the same as your’s*


So you'll start with....

Then add this....

And Clamato plus this....

Add a bit of this....

Don't forget....

Which should result in a glass that looks like this....

Now...excuse me while I taste test this holiday beverage....you know...for contest purposes....

*cigar is optional!*

F%*k You Friday

F%*k You Friday has returned!!! Hold your applause!! I know…I know…it’s been a few weeks but I’M BACK!!! And I’m ready to start callin’ out folks!!!

So, let’s start with a certain group of individuals who, despite knowing that I should have been in the top 5, insisted on robbing me!!!!!!!! F%*K YOU!!!! If I didn’t have home training, I would have walked on stage and snatched one of those trophies. But I am a lady and my mother taught me better, so I gave you my fake smile and went to eat my feelings at Chili’s! Mofos!

Moving on….f%*k you to my co-worker who scratches the wall every single frickin’ time she walks down the hall. I’m not kidding! She intentionally runs her nails along the wall as she’s walking EVERY single time she walks to the copier, fax machine, printer…you catch my drift. To her I would like to say, if you don’t stop putting your nails on the wall I will be forced to put my size 10 in your ass. Thanks and have a nice day.

Lastly, I would like to say f%*k you to Walgreen’s. If you didn't already know, these stores are the Spawn of Satan. It’s obvious that they knew that I am trying to eat clean and they deliberately sabotaged me by putting their Halloween candy on sale for 75% off. Hello, I’m a woman who lives on a budget so you throw up a sign that says “SALE! 75% OFF!” and you know my black ass is going to buy 15 bags of flippin’ candy without thinking twice!

P.S. My mom taught me to never waste food so that’s why I’m puffy and rummaging through bags of candy like a scavenger. Thanks a lot, Walgreen’s.

That's What's Up Thursday

What can I say?!?! I want to be like her when I grow up!

Stacy Wright - now that's what's up!

Show Pics!!

New Release Tuesday

Rihanna (or Ri-Ri as I like to call her) is lookin' so fantastic these days. I love the bright red hair that she's rockin'. I haven't been a fan of the last few singles she's released but I love this one! I just wanna shake my bootay (just like she does in this performance!!) when I hear it!

Oh na na....what's my name...what's my name... :)

The 411

Hi!!!! Yes, I'm alive!!! I survived the show and the eating frenzy I went on...lol!!!

The show was a TON of fun - I met a lot of great competitors including this guy who competed as a super heavyweight in bodybuilding - he was MASSIVE!!! Last show I didn't talk to many of the other folks who were there so I made it a point to chat up anyone in close proximity to me. Now that I think about it, I probably got on people's nerves...lol!! I was able to meet up with two girls from the world's best website Siouxcountry.com which was really cool. I also met Felicia Romero and her boyfriend Damian. They own AZ Pro Physiques and were backstage with some members of their team who were competing. Felicia is much shorter than I thought she would be but she's just as gorgeous in person as she is in photos. Her body is AMAZING and she was so down-to-Earth!!

So, I didn't place in the top 5 *picture me screaming at the top of my lungs* At this point, I don't know exactly where I placed - there were 12 girls in my class. I was measured at 5'7" at the athlete's check-in on Friday night so I was placed in E class for the show. Anyway, I will be completely honest when I say that I felt pretty confident when they lined up our class and I saw my competition. I felt so strongly that I was going to go home with a trophy at the end of the night that I would have put money on it! When I didn't get first call-outs, my heart broke. I could see my husband's face in the audience and the look on his face made me want to cry. We had both worked so hard and I felt terrible - it was like I had let him down.

Now, don't get me wrong - I didn't do the show just because I wanted a trophy. But those of us who have competed in anything, know that it feels pretty damn good to have a trophy in your hand as documentation of your blood, sweat, and tears. I didn't want the trophy only for myself but also for Tom who helped me kill it in the gym and picked up the slack at home, Genie who helped me with my diet this year, the owner of my gym who sponsored me, my family who supported me, the list goes on and on.

On a lighter note, I had a mishap with my bottoms during pre-judging! Right as I walking on stage, my Bikini Bite decided to stop working. So my bottoms looked like they were being eaten by my butt and I tried to discretely fix them but was completely unsuccessful. Crap like that only happens to me...lol!!

My post-show chow down took place at Chili's. It was a Jalapeno Smokehouse Burger with a 23 oz Fat Tire beer...oh yeah...that was AFTER I ate an order of Texas Cheese Fries! Sunday I had a photo shoot with another great photographer who will be competing in the near future. She was so much fun to work with and I can't wait to see her on stage. I'm excited to see the results of the shoot. I'll share those with you guys as soon I receive them...with her permission, of course!! After my photo shoot, we ate at a great little restaurant that made my tummy smile by serving me two buttermilk pancakes the size of my plate and thick crispy bacon. I was so fat & happy it was kinda ridiculous! LOL!!!

I'm back to eating clean which is not as fun as my post-show eating but I really want to stay as close to show weight as possible. It's not a lie when I say that I felt mighty fly rockin' my "date jeans" on Saturday night and I want to be able to put those jeans on at anytime! I'm taking this week off from the gym & cardio but will be hittin' it hard starting next week. Not really sure about future shows...I definitely want to compete again...I'm just not sure when...

Whew...that's a lengthy recap....I do have pictures to share but my computer is being a jerk right now so I'll post those as soon as I can....

Thank you guys for your support, kind words, and encouragement throughout this process....it meant more to me than you know!!

SHOW DAY!!

Last coat of tanner was done at 10:00 pm last night...I was able to get to bed about 10:30 and woke up just a bit ago. I feel rested, anxious, giddy, nervous, inadequate, thirsty, hungry, and eager to step on stage :)

Here goes nuthin'....!!!!!

Where Did The Week Go?!?!?

I've been a terrible blogger this week!!! I apologize!!! I wanted to take time out each day to share what was going on but there never seemed like there was any time to do so!!! I made it a point to carry my to-do list with me because I didn't want to forget to do anything...lol! I rewarded myself on Wednesday after I finished my last cardio session with a pedicure - my feet never felt so happy. It was really nice to just sit, catch my breath, and do absolutely nothing.

I had my pictures taken by a local photographer yesterday. I was pretty nervous because I've always felt awkward in my own skin so the idea of posing and what not scared the hell outta me! Luckily, Tom went with me and kept me from taking myself too seriously. I'll talk more about the photo shoot and provide some contact info for the photographer another day. He emailed me one of the shots from yesterday - it's Tom and I - not too shabby!

I'm almost packed up....there are a couple of stores I need to go to so I can pick up a few last minute things...then we'll be on the road!!

Wish me luck! I'll post if I can!!

Making A Quick Appearance

Today has been CRAZY busy!!! I don't really have time to write a proper post so I'm going to share two pics with you.....the first is a visual of what I saw almost every time I ate today :) and the second is me trying to figure out if I really want to go through with my waxing appointment or not!!

What A Doozy!!!

This past weekend was busy busy busy!!! It was so busy that I didn’t get to try out my recipe for the Project Tasteless challenge – I’m really bummed about that! I may still experiment with it next week just to see how it would have turned out – I’ll keep you posted. Guess who dropped a gallon of milk in the walkway by the registers at Wal-Mart on Saturday?? Yep, me! And then after I checked out and walked to my car, I realized I didn’t have my keys. I had left them at the register. UGH!!!

Anyway, my parents turned 50 last week (can you believe that their birthdays are a day apart??) and my sister & I decided to have a surprise party for them! The party was a success – everyone enjoyed the food and company – and our parents didn’t kill us for going against their wishes and making a big deal about their birthdays! :) But I was exhausted by the end of the night! Add to that, the Princess wanted to go trick-or-treating and I still had cardio to do! Needless to say, I was DRAINED by the time I crawled in bed. Then guess what happened?? That’s right….I couldn’t sleep…go figure! But it gets even better!! When I did finally fall asleep, I kept dreaming about Big Macs and chocolate-covered pretzels! Torture…lol….

So, peak week is here!!!!!!!!!!! So many things to get done this week – every time I think of something that I need to do, I write it down with the day of the week it needs to be done by. Lord knows I’m a little forgetful these days! :)

I received the thumbs up on my suit bottoms so my mom will be putting the finishing touches on those this week. I have a list of outfits I think I want to use for my photo shoot but I still haven’t been to the store – hopefully, I can do that tomorrow night after work.

Let’s see….what else? Only 5 more cardio sessions and 3 lifting sessions left!!! I’m eagerly waiting for Wednesday night when the treadmill reads 60:00 because that means I can stick a fork in cardio!!! Woo hoo!!!

I leave you with a few of my progress pics from this past weekend…excuse my squinting…gotta love the AZ sun in your eyes :)

*Not sure what's going on with my crazy straight fingers! :)