Deuces 2011!!

2011 is coming to an end!!!! 

 I'm not going to do one of those touchy feely reflection of the past year posts. All I'm going to say 

is 2011 was filled with lessons, blessings, knockdowns, more lessons, sadness, 

joy, anger, confusion, and more blessings.

Thank you for following my blog this past year. I hope that you will 

continue to follow me on this crazy journey I call life

 as I attempt to conquer 2012!!!

Happy New Year!!

source

That's What's Up Thursday

Being a librarian that's cool enough

to rock Bookworm socks -

now that's what's up! :)

Mission Accomplished

Our goal each Christmas is to make The Princess

smile so much her face hurts! My parents

always made Christmas such a wonderful

day for my siblings & I and I want to do the same

for my daughter.

These two pictures tell me that Tom & I

can say we accomplished our goal.

Hope you had a wonderful holiday!!

It's The Holidays....

New Release Tuesday & A Giveaway!

The first time I saw Kelly Clarkson on American Idol I was blown away! The woman can S-A-N-G (not sing) her face off! Her voice is so soulful and I love most of the music she puts out.

Anyway, I was watching VH1 Divas Celebrate Soul on Sunday night and Kelly performed this song. I knew instantly that I needed to feature it as this week's new release!

After watching the video, head over to SkinnyRunner - she's featuring a giveaway from Stella & Dot (the jewelry is gorgeous!!!!). Take a chance & enter!

2011 Reflections

I'm so incredibly boring right now....I've been trying to come up with witty fun things to blog about and I've been coming up dry as the Sahara Desert! I don't want to just slap a post on this thing just for the sake of saying I blogged today but I know I need to get my shit together!

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I want to talk about a thread I stumbled upon this morning when I was on siouxcountry. The thread is entitled 2011 Reflections: Did You Meet Your Competition, Fitness, and Health Goals? I didn't post a reply in the thread to the questions that were asked but thought I would do it here.


Did you meet your competition, fitness, and health goals?


I set out at the beginning of this year with the goal to place in the top 5 of each of the shows I competed in. I am happy to say that I did accomplish that. I did have the unspoken goal of winning my class & overall at the NPC Terminator that was here in Tucson in July but I fell short of accomplishing this particular goal. I also wanted to compete at a particular weight and I was always a few (5) pounds away from that goal each time I stepped on stage.


What/who did you find helped you the most in meeting your goals?


I have said time & time again that I have the best team of supporters that make it possible for me to compete. My husband & trainer Tom is incredible - not only on the homefront but also in the gym. My parents who watch The Princess when we travel for shows. My friends like Chelsea and the Bobettes who fill my life with positivity, laughter, and perspective. Last but definitely not least, The Boss! There is NO way that I could have stepped on stage time & time again without her direction, guidance, brutal honesty, sense of humor, and friendship.

If you did not meet your goals, what will you change to be sure you achieve your goals? What stopped you from meeting those goals? How will you avoid that pitfall in the future?


I believe next year's competition season will see a fiercer, more competitive Tenecia. My desire for improvement is off the charts and I want to blow everyone's mind, including my own when I step on stage. I am going to be more dedicated to my workouts especially during this off-season. I'm going to REALLY give running a shot and stop saying that I am. I'm also going to be 115% on my dieting - no nibbles, no cheats, no sips, nada but what's on the plan.

What about you? Did you meet your 2011 competition, fitness, or health goals?

New Release Tuesday

Uh oh....I'm really starting to develop a "thing" for Pitbull :)

Extreme or Dedicated?

Today, I read a blog post by Pauline Nordin that was featured on the Muscle & Fitness hers website. The post is entitled "How I Got Buff" and I just want to briefly talk about my reaction to the post.

source

My initial reaction to the article was "Damn, that woman is extreme!!" Pauline lists 32 things she did to build her physique and achieve such a high level of muscularity. She writes that she didn't stop her training when she had a cold or was sick. She states that she never missed a workout for many years and never did "lighter" workouts when she felt worn out. She talks about being a steroid free weight trainer and applying "ultra intensity" to her workouts to compete with those that used steroids.

After getting over my initial reaction and rereading the items that Pauline lists, I realized that she is not extreme...more like dedicated. I also realized that many of the items she listed, I and other competitors have done. We have given up partying and drinking alcohol. We've eaten the same 6-8 meals, day in and day out, without missing a single meal. We've planned out every workout down to the smallest detail, analyzed workouts after they've been completed, and walked out of the gym vowing to return the next day to give 115%. We've dedicated ourselves to molding & shaping a physique that is a work of art.

First, I felt like a slacker after reading all of the things I used to do but am not currently but you know what? Everyone needs some downtime and I'm enjoying mine. However, this post is a reminder of the Tenecia I need to be after my "break" is over. I think the picture in Becca's Cat Mom Guilt post says it best.....

I'm Weak

Here's something that I wasn't prepared for.....weakness. I'm not talking about my weakness for baked goods, Smirnoff's fluffed marshmallow vodka, or carne asada fries.

I'm talking about being physically weak in the gym.

Last week, I decided to get serious about my off-season workouts and headed to the gym for my first "heavy" back workout. I was so surprised about how hard it was for me to lift weights I thought would be "light". I struggled with admitting that I'm not as strong as I thought I was. I struggled with thoughts of wanting to quit and walking out of the gym.

source

Then I realized weakness is temporary. Pain is temporary. This off-season is going to be about gaining strength and making improvements. This off-season is about beast mode, baby!

New Release Tuesday

I heard this on the radio last night...ummm....it was just another reminder of why I insist Jennifer Lopez should stop trying to make music and find another hobby ;)

#fitmascansuckit

We all know that I'm in lazyville off-season so I've had no set workout plans. It's actually nice to wake up, decide to blow off the gym, and promptly fall back asleep but this can't last forever...boo! I knew that I needed to get back to the gym so last Monday I decided to man up and do the Eighth Week of Fitmas challenge Donloree had posted. 

The challenge was a squatting challenge where you could select from the different workout options that were listed or possibly create your own. I decided to try this challenge because I need to work on my hammies & glutes during the off-season and this seemed like the perfect way to kick that off. 

I decided to go with a combo of Workout Option #1 & Option #2 and it looked like this:

Lying leg curl

50 x 6

65 x 6

80 x 6

Hack squat

90 x 12    4 sets

Leg press

180 x 20   4 sets

Bulgarian split squat

20 x 15 per leg   3 sets

Deadlifts *(neither option listed this but I decided to throw it in there)

95 x 12

115 x 10

135 x 10

155 x 8

I ended the workout with 10 minutes on the Arc Trainer followed by 5 minutes of stretching. 

I knew that I was going to be sore the next couple of days but I had NO idea how sore!!!! I told Donloree that there was a point on Wednesday while I was at work that I admitted defeat, stopped taking the stairs, and just used the elevator :)

Head over to Bikini or Bust for past Fitmas challenges - they're a nice way to add flavor to your workouts & DOMS to your life!

Wiggle Wednesday

Since I didn't post a new release yesterday, today I'm posting a song you can wiggle your behind to.

Bottom line, no one can touch Jessie J. She's a rare talent - love her voice - love her style - love everything about her!!!

C'mon....I know you want to dance....just do it.... :)

Ramblin' & What Not!

Last Saturday, Tom filmed me giving an update on what's on the schedule for next year, feedback from the judges, etc. It's a 9 minute rambling session....view at your own risk! :)

Exhibit B

And because the pictures from the show's photographer

weren't enough....

We have Exhibit B - cue the video.

I would like to point out that the song playing

in the background is completely

appropriate for a figure competition, don't you think?? :)

Oh...and they totally mispronounced my name...

totally ruined my moment to shine ;)

Wrong Again

So Tom is always giving me crap about the fact that I always

look down when I'm walking.

I've explained to him numerous times that I only look down

because I'm a klutz and I'm trying to make sure

I don't trip over anything.

After finals of Border States, he scolded me because he

said I looked down the entire time of my 

individual presentation.

I called him a liar, told him that I knew I looked up at the crowd,

and he should stop exaggerating.

From the show's photographer


In every single photo of my individual presentation, 
I'm looking down at the ground!!!


I hate it when my husband's right
and I'm wrong! 

I Need Answers

Over the past couple of weeks, I have come up with several questions that I require answers to. I have yet to come up with the answers on my own, so if you do have an answer - please leave it in the comments section!!!!

1)  Why does Cafe a La C'Art make my inner fat girl so happy??? The Sonoran brisket sandwich, a chocolate chip cookie, and the current book that I'm reading are the makings of a perfect lunch. This cafe is about a 5 minute walk from the library that I work at and I just know that if I'm not careful, I will eat here at least 3 times a week. If that happens, how will I fit into my date jeans?!?

2) Is it ever wrong to drink your dinner versus eating it? I'm not saying I'm a boozer but I would be a big fat liar if I said I wasn't happy that I can have "Big Kids Juice" now that prep is over. Sometimes, I would rather chug sip my dinner versus chew it. #cheers

3) Explain to me why there isn't a place in Tucson that sells super-size cupcakes. I'm tired of spending $3.00 on a cupcake that I consume in one bite. Wait....maybe most people don't shovel whole cupcakes into their mouths....whatever....that's not the point! Somebody needs to give their cupcakes steroids so my cupcake craving can subside!

4) What's the deal with Lululemon?!?!?! I went to the showroom they have here in Tucson because I had heard so much talk about their workout pants & how fabulous they were. Is it just me or is it kinda crazy that I have to go up a size in order to purchase a pant that I will be wearing while trying to go down a pant size?? Oh, and why is everything so frickin' expensive?!?! I saw the cutest shirt and bag but when I checked the price tags, I almost screamed. However, don't get me wrong - if I save enough of my allowance, I'm totally going back for them :)

5) Is there anything wrong with inhaling enjoying an almond croissant from Frogs Bakery while waiting at a red light?? If you say yes, then shame on you!!! There is nothing wrong with refusing to wait to enjoy the freshly baked goodness that is filled with a simple rum infused syrup and topped with almond cream & almonds. #stopjudgingme

Recap of Border States

Tom and I left Tucson on Thursday afternoon after sending The Princess off to school, straightening up the house, and packing up the last of our stuff. We were heading to Yuma to stay overnight with my sister-in-law Crystal. It was nice to stop at her place, hang out, and just rest a little bit before finishing the last leg of our drive. One thing I can tell you about road trips while getting ready for a show - lots of eating cold food out of Ziploc bags. Oh....and quite a few potty breaks...it's amazing how my hatred for public restrooms disappears days before a show :)

Meal #3 out of a Ziploc?  Don't mind if I do

On Friday, we stopped at the Viejas Outlets in Alpine, CA. I love that we weren't in a rush to get to San Diego and could stop because I whined made a comment about needing to stop at the Coach & Nike outlets. Tom, being a very smart man, stopped at the outlets after purchasing a bag of large Hass avocados from a roadside booth for $5. It's the little things that make us happy....avocados for him....$4.79 Nike running shorts for me!

We reached the hotel about 2 hours before the athlete's meeting so I had time to start laying my stuff out for the next day and have another coat of tanner applied. The Doubletree Hotel that we stayed at was gorgeous! Did you know that when you check into a Doubletree, they give you a free freshly baked chocolate chip cookie?? Yea, I almost flipped out when the man at the counter tried to hand me the cookie...I wanted to scream "Damn it, man!!! I'm one day out from my show! Get that f#%king thing away from me!!!" but I didn't and Tom saved everyone from an awkward violent encounter by quickly grabbing the cookies and hiding them :)

source
Our room looked similar to this.

The athlete's meeting went well, a bit slow, but it was a smooth process. I had a chance to stop at my friend Kayla's room and pick her up so we hung out at the meeting together. Kayla and I meet last November at the check in for a NPC show we were doing so we both commented on how differently we were behaving at the CA check in versus the AZ check in :)

Show day arrived and I took a quick walk on the treadmill in the fitness center before having my first meal. A check of the physique by Tom was met with a thumbs up despite an inner nagging feeling that I was still holding water from my period and I was too soft. I threw on my suit, grabbed my bag, and we were off!

Figure was at the beginning of the show so it was time to hit the stage before I knew it. As we lined up, I got a little jittery but walked out & hit my poses!

After pre-judging, Tom & I went to grab some lunch and headed back to the hotel for a nap. Finals seemed to take F-O-R-E-V-E-R but the plus side was meeting Rosalind Vanterpool!! By the time figure awards were being given out it was almost 10:00 pm and I just wanted to eat! I wasn't shocked by receiving 5th place but I do wish I had done better. 

Me (5th) and Kayla (1st)

My post-show meal was a black & bleu cheeseburger and beer from the Tilted Kilt - it was freakin' awesome! The next morning, I finally ate the free chocolate chip cookie and we went exploring San Diego a bit. We had an incredible breakfast at Old Townhouse, waffle ice cream sandwich sundae (cookie dough ice cream sandwiched between two hot belgian waffles topped with melted Nutella, whipped cream, roasted almonds, and a cherry) from Lighthouse Ice Cream, and beers & football at The Arizona Cafe. I think I might love San Diego & Ocean Beach :)

I ate the free cookie!!!

I'm going to save the commentary about my feelings about the judges' feedback, competing in 3 shows this year, and what's next on the agenda for another post. My pictures from the show's photographer can be found here and I will be posting additional pictures on my facebook. I'm off to eat another piece of chocolate and have a glass of bubbly....don't judge me.... :)

Meeting One of the Greats

Have you ever had a moment where you wished you were like the folks on the Real World or Dirty Soap (which is my new fav show...we'll talk about that later) and had cameras following you around to capture every waking moment in your daily life?? Well, I had one of those moments last Saturday at my show.

The NPC Border States show was held in conjunction with the Border States Pro show so I knew that I might spot a couple of ladies I admire while at the venue. The list of pros competing at this show was quite impressive...I'm talkin' Teresa Anthony, Krissy Chin, Natalie Waples. However, the way the venue is set up it's not really "easy" to run into a pro and get your picture taken with them. Throughout the course of the day, I did spot some of the pros while they were walking from one area to another...they are so TINY in person...seriously...I look like Gigantor compared to them...lol!!

Finals had started and figure was scheduled to be at the end of the night. I had been laying down in the "get ready" room for quite some time reading my book & listening to my ipod. I decided to get up and walk around the expo area a bit just to kill some time. As I was walking into the expo, I walked by a woman that looked like the twin of one of my favorite figure pros. I stared at her for a few moments as I walked by and then proceeded to one of the tables where they were selling protein bars. After mindlessly wandering the expo for about 10 minutes, I decided to go back to the "get ready" room and finish reading. As I'm walking back to the room, I pass the twin again and suddenly, through my hunger & thirst I realize I'm not staring at a twin. ROSALIND VANTERPOOL IS STANDING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!!!!!!

I decided to walk over to her & introduce myself. I was a little hesitant because she was competing and I didn't want to intrude or bug her before she went on stage. She was incredibly kind and friendly. She even smiled as I babbled on about her being one of the competitors I admire & being a huge fan (I forgot to tell her about featuring her on "That's What's Up Thursday"...ugh...) We talked at length about competing and how to keep from being discouraged when you don't do as well as you would like. She gave me some really great advice and I walked away from that conversation with a greater respect for her as a woman and competitor.

I was so giddy that I was standing next to her!

I'm so glad I had the courage to walk over and speak to her. If I hadn't, I know I would be kicking myself right now :)

The Conclusion

NPC Border States - Class E - 5th place!

I'll be back in a few days with a proper show recap but for now

I'm gettin' drunk off pancakes! 

*watch the video & then it will all make sense :)

Here's What I Got!

This is one of the pics Tom took of me this morning at pre-judging.

It doesn't look I'll be placing higher than 4th or 5th place

but you know what, I'll take it!!

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and the

light has a brownie in its hand...lol :)

I'll be back later with placing info - I'm

going to rest & play Word Mole on my phone!

Switching Modes...

I have to thank my incredibly supportive friend Chelsea for the picture below. She posted it on my facebook a few days ago and it's perfect for the way that I'm feeling this morning! It's almost time to head out the door to the venue and get show day started! I'm a bit fearful, a tad nervous, and a whole lotta hungry :) but I'm flipping the switch and......

Let's get it!!!

Almost Time!!

I received a surprise this week and the picture will explain exactly what I'm talking about....

"My period will now be called Shark Week"

Yep....that bitch Aunt Flo decided to make an appearance EARLY and I'm so frickin' bloated, I'm going to start calling myself "Sponge Tenecia Square Pants" (that was lame...I know...blame the depletion...lol). I'm trying not to freak out about the fact that things do not appear to be progressing as they should be but I'm worried, bottom line.

On a more positive note, two of my Figure idols have confirmed that they will be competing this weekend at the Border States Pro show that is being held in conjunction with the NPC Border States show that I am doing. I told Tom he better take pics like a stalker!!! (that was a joke, San Diego Police Department. I swear my husband & I aren't stalkers!!) The two ladies I'm talking about are none other than:

IFBB Pro Teresa Anthony

IFBB Pro Krissy Chin

Last night as I was struggling through my final cardio session, my ipod decided to play the two best songs that could have served as this prep's wrap-up! 

I'm done with prep...it's time to rest and wait for show time...yyyeeeaaahhh bbuuddddyy!!!!

New Release Tuesday

I've expressed this feeling before but it seems like the appropriate time to share it again - I have a girl crush on Sara Bareilles! I love that her music and her "yes, I'm heartbroken but you're an butthead" attitude.

I also love that la tienda (the store) that she's dancing in looks like the stores in south Tucson where I grew up!

Oh...and the ending of the video is PRICELESS!! :)

Get In My Belly!

I love food....I have a mad passionate love affair going on with it. In case you're confused, I'm not talking about non-prep food...I do not have a love affair going on with ground turkey, egg whites, asparagus, and spinach right now! I eat it but I don't LOVE it....not like I love carne asada fries, apple pancakes from Bobo's, empanadas (and just about every other baked good) from Le Cave's, and Peanut Buster Parfaits (extra hot fudge & peanuts, please!) from Dairy Queen.

Anyway, here are the foods I'm dreaming about & lusting after. My tastebuds are screaming for a tasty treat and any one of these will do!


Gingerbread Bagels - Candy Corn Sugar Cookies
http://gingerbreadbagels.com/2011/10/23/candy-corn-soft-sugar-cookies/

Cookies & Cups - Butterfinger Krispie Treats
http://cookiesandcups.com/butterfinger-krispie-treats/

Sugar Cooking - Pretzel Cookies with Chocolate & Peanut Butter Chips
http://sugarcooking.blogspot.com/2010/07/pretzel-cookies-with-chocolate-peanut.html

Pioneer Woman - Fry Bread!!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/10/indian-fry-bread-and-indian-tacos/
*When I was 12, my aunt Margaret (who is Tohono O'odham) taught me how to make fry bread. I haven't made them in a few years and reading this recipe took me back to the fun time I spent learning to make them with my aunt!

The Life & Lessons of Rachel Wilkerson - Butterscotch Pumpkin Cookies
http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/2009/10/29/butterscotch-pumpkin-cookies/

And since we're on the topic of food if you have any recommendations for places to grub while in San Diego, please share them in the comments area! Thanks!!!

Holy Bad Blogger, Batman!!

Let's all agree that it's a bit ridiculous that I haven't written a post in a week - completely unacceptable but let's forget about the past and I'll pinky-promise to do better :)

Last week was our anniversary and since it was so close to the show, Tommy & I had initially decided that we would hold off "date night" until after the show. Little did he know that I had already booked a hotel and reservation at a foo-foo (yes, that's a word..lol) restaurant in Scottsdale. I told him Saturday morning about our plans and off we went. The food at Tanzy was delicious and I enjoyed every bite of my off-plan meal! I had the risotto, a glass of bubbly, and a few bites of the chocolate cheesecake they gave us as a gift for our anniversary. It was wonderful & I did not regret having the meal at all! Tommy and I had a lot of fun & it was nice to spend a lovely evening together without worrying about "can I eat that?" or "there's laundry in the dryer that needs to be folded".

Work has been super busy but I'm still lovin' every minute of it! I have been assigned a mentor and she has been a Business Librarian for many years. She has been training me on the various business resources we have in our library system in addition to inviting me to workshops in the community where she is a presenter. Yesterday was my first day as the presenter for our Information Power for Small Business workshop. I was soooo nervous - I hate to speak in front of groups - ugh! But all went well and all of the participants were very complimentary in their evaluations!

It's peak week and that can be one of the hardest weeks of a prep for me. I catch myself saying "I'm not going to make it!" or "I can't keep this up!" but I know that I CAN & WILL!!! Since I am more familiar with my worksite and how the daily schedule works, it will be easier for me to get my meals-water-workouts done during the work day. It's going to be a long week but I'm going to keep my eyes on the prize...... BORDER STATES IN SAN DIEGO!!!!

And I leave you with this....this is my pretend "This is so yummy even though this is the 4th time I'm eating it today" look.... :)

New Release Tuesday

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!!!!!

7 Years & Counting!!

Tomorrow Tom and I will celebrate 7 years of marriage! It's crazy to think that I've kept him around this long....the man is just a thorn in my side! I'M KIDDING!!! We have been through a lot in the past 7 years but marriage is an adventure and there's no one I would rather have by my side than him!

Morning after he proposed

Rehearsal dinner

Reception

Day after our wedding! We look so young!!

Goin' on a date :)

Surprise party I threw for him to celebrate him completing
the Tucson Fire 22 week academy!

Ana C. Photography 2010

Lee Byrd Photography 2010

NPC Terminator 7/16/11