Prayer to the Diet Gods

I am saying a prayer to the Diet Gods for a cheat day. I need said cheat day so I may indulge in the Margarita Mac-N-Cheese featured on the What Megan's Making blog!

That.is.all.

My Stick Turned Purple!

I'm ridiculously excited!! My stick turned purple on Thursday! Wait....not that stick...lol!!! This one:

Purple means that I'm in ketosis! Ketosis basically means that my body is using fat as energy. And I feel like I've been fighting for that damn purple stick for the past 3 weeks! Plus, I was starting to run out of sticks to pee on :)

Check in went fairly well on Saturday. I stepped on the scale and was happy to see that I had dropped 2 lbs. For some reason, I feel like I'm really having to fight (like Manny Pacquiao!) for weight loss this prep. I've been telling my body, "I'm short on time so let's get the weight loss ball rolling" :) I will admit that I am happy that my bootay seems to be tightening up....woo hoo for less ass sagginess!! Last week, I shared with you about my mom and the wonderful gift she gave me. Well, there's more to the story. I called Tom that night (he was on shift at the fire station) to share with him what my mom had done and he proceeded to tell me that in his underwear drawer was an envelope of money he's been putting aside for my suit! He was surprised I hadn't seen it since I put away his underwear...lol...but once again, I was blessed! I know how hard he works for the money he brings home and I'm so grateful that he's willing to go without so I can have a beautiful suit. I've decided to go with a Tamee Marie suit that is similar to this one and she is going to send me fabric swatches so I can make a final decision about color. I'll let you know what I decide.

Lastly, I follow the blog Itzy's Kitchen (written by friends Mandi & Erica) and Erica posted about Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins last week. I'm always looking for great breakfast ideas for The Princess and I decided to make these muffins. I made a few changes to the recipe (which you can also find on the Quaker Oats website) such as using whole wheat flour instead of all purpose flour and Bestlife buttery spread made with olive oil instead of margarine/butter. The muffins turned out beautifully (after I dropped the first batch in the oven...don't ask...I told you I was a klutz!) and The Princess gave them a thumbs up. I definitely recommend this recipe!

Here's to a great week, everyone!

That's What's Up Thursday

When I look at this woman, I am pretty much speechless. Her physique is OUT OF THIS WORLD!!

IFBB Fitness Pro Trish Warren - now that's what's up!

Bawlin' Like A Baby

My mom & I after I received my Masters degree

Before I tell you why I spent the better part of the afternoon bawlin' like a baby, let me share with you the fact that I DON'T cry. I lack emotions...lol...just kidding....but very rarely do I cry.

Anyway, my mom sent me a text late this morning asking me when I was going to take lunch today. I explained to her what my plans were and she told me she wanted to swing by my work after I got back from lunch. We picked a time and that was that.

My mom showed up to my work, lookin' all cute (can you believe she's 50?!?! Like they say, "Black don't crack!" LOL!) and carrying a vase of flowers & two cards. I can hear you saying "Awwww!!!" from over here :) She handed me both and off we went. I took her on a tour of my office (she called it cute) and introduced her to some of my co-workers and friends. After chit-chatting for awhile, she decided to take off. After walking her out, I felt like I had just finished show and tell. It was fun having my mom see where I've spent the last 7 years earning a paycheck :)

Fast forward to about 15 minutes after my mom has left and I'm opening one of the two cards she had given me. The first card was a really sweet "No special occasion for this card" card - in it my mom writes for me to pick something cute. I'm a bit confused but proceed to open the second card. As I open the second card and realize what's in it, I instantly start crying. I'm talkin' "my dog just got hit by a car and someone just told me I looked fat in these pants" cry. The second envelope contained a money order for $400!!!!!

MY MOM GAVE ME $400 TO BUY A NEW COMPETITION SUIT!!!!

Do you understand why I was bawling?!?!? I had told my mom that I wanted to purchase a new custom-made suit but I just didn't know about taking that money out of our budget. When I realize what she has given me, I instantly pick of the phone and call her. Of course when she answers, I'm bawlin' and gasping for air. All I could say was, "Ma!" and then I would start crying again. Over my tears, my mom told me that she wanted me to get a suit without worrying about where the money was coming from. She told me to pick something that I loved and I'm mumbling "It's too much...it's too much...Mom, I can't take this money." Her response was, "I'm your mother. I love you. It's my job to take care of you and I want you to get yourself a suit". Enter more tears and my ridiculous stammering of "I love you too. I can't believe you did this!"

Yep....that's why I was bawlin' like a baby then and why I'm teary now. My mom blessed me more than I can say. I'm so thankful and it feels like saying "Thank You!" is just not enough. She has this way of knowing what's in my heart and handing it to me with her little "I'm the best gift giver ever" smile.

And if you're reading this Mom, thank you times a gazillion. I'm lucky that you're, not only my mom, but my best friend. Thank you for taking care of me once again. It's more than I deserve.

New Release Tuesday

Today's new release was a recommendation from Lisa! It's definitely being added to my ipod! Thanks for the new music, Lisa!

Enjoy!!

Adios Cooties & Show Advice

I am proud to announce that I am now cooties-free! Can I get a "woot woot"?!?! :) I had a crazy weekend filled with drama and jammie jams (my friend hosted a sleepover complete with Just Dance 2 and vodka tonics!). It was a lot of fun but a new week has begun...back to the real world!

My check-in over the weekend was mediocre. I just wasn't feelin' my progress pics nor the number on the scale but....it is what it is. My diet has been tweaked a bit (welcome back, egg whites) and workouts modified. I will be doing a lot more plyometrics and I would like you all to cross your fingers that I don't break my neck or pull a muscle. I am so uncoordinated and klutzy that it's a joke among my friends & family :)

I was on hardbody.com (great site!) this morning and read a blog entry by IFBB Bikini Pro Shelsea Montes entitled "Six Pack Montes' Packing List for the New Kids on the Block". I've done two shows so I guess I'm not technically a "new kid on the block" but I'm always interested in what items I should have in my show bag that I don't. Shelsea compiled a great list but there were a few things I would add and they are:

• Jan Tana Glaze - It's not too thick or slippery and gives you the right amount of "glisten"
• Pillow & sleeping bag - Shows are a lot of "hurry up & wait". It helps to have something soft to rest on while you're waiting for your moment to shine.
• Entertainment - My ipod, magazines, and books help keep me entertained while backstage
• Travel size bottle of Listerine - Not being able to drink any liquids + not being able to chew gum = hot stanky breath. Fix it by swishing with some Listerine.
• Deoderant - By the time finals was over, I was so happy to swipe some Dove on my pits. I knew I needed it too because Tom said to me, "I love you but you smell soooo bad!" :)
• Change of clothes -When prejudging and finals were over, I just wanted to put my "real" clothes on. Plus, it saved me a trip back to the hotel and I could go straight to the restaurant to grub! :)

For those of you that have competed before, what things do you bring with you? And those who will be competing for the first time, anything you plan on bringing that hasn't been mentioned?

I Heart My Ipod

As I said yesterday, I have cooties! That’s right….I’m sick and not very happy! It’s hard to stay motivated when you feel like garbage but I’m doin’ my best. I’m hopeful that the remaining time in my prep will be smooth sailing because these last few weeks have just been brutal!

Anyway, I was on the treadmill this morning….walking at an incline with my mouth open (hey, I needed to breathe somehow) and my stuffy nose…and I thought to myself, “Please let my ipod pick really great songs today because I’m not sure I can make it!” My ipod must have sensed my desperation because it gave me a kick ass cardio playlist that I want to share with you.

Evacuate the Dancefloor - Cascada
What’s My Name – Rihanna feat. Drake
We Made It – Busta Rhymes feat. Linkin Park
My Time – Fabolous feat Jeremih
Club Can’t Handle Me – Flo Rida
Just Dance – Lady Gaga
Izzo/In the End – Jay Z & Linkin Park
Can’t Stop – Ozomatli
Misery Business – Paramore
Letting Go (Dutty Love) –Sean Kingston
Another One Bites the Dust – Queen
Dirt Off Your Shoulder/Lying From You – Jay Z & Linkin Park
Stonger – Kanye West
Won’t Back Down - Eminem

Not too shabby, right? I was so focused on my music that time just flew right by and who doesn’t love that?? I’m going to try and hit the gym at lunch – I feel weak & squishy – the only way to cure that is to throw some weight around :)

Cooties!!

That's right - I'm down with the sickness this week - ugh.

New Release Tuesday

I'm not a huge Enrique fan but this is a great song for cardio....plus it makes me want to put on my goin' out clothes and dance til I'm exhausted :)

What do you guys think?

The Nothing!!

When I was in the 3rd grade, the librarian at my school recommended what would become one of my all-time favorite books. She introduced me to The Neverending Story. In the book, The Nothing is taking over Fantastica. The Nothing is a darkness that destroys everything in its path.

Guess what took over my prep last week?

That's right....The Nothing!

Last week SUCKED so badly I can't even describe how sh!tty it was. I don't want to dwell on it...I just want this next week to be better....period. I don't have time to waste and I can't have The Nothing trying to erase my excitement, focus, or hard work.

A bright spot in my week that I would like to share with you is the fact that I went on a date with my hubby to see Wicked! My mom gave me the tickets for Christmas and I have been anxiously waiting to go!! It was, in a word, PHENOMENAL!!! I'm not kidding. It was so frickin' good. I wanted to just sit in my seat and wait for the next performance!! I definitely recommend seeing it if the opportunity presents itself.

I leave you with a photo I would like to call "You Can't Make Me Leave! I Want to See the Show Again!" :)

That's What's Up Thursday

This man is so supa' fine...I salivate just lookin' at him.

Tom's out (sorry, babe!) and he's in!

Mike Green from the Washington Capitals

aka my new piece of man meat- now that's what's up :)

Love of Reading

Here's something y'all may not know about me....I'm a HUGE bookworm! I'm not lying - I live for reading! Don't believe me?!?! My dream job is to be a public librarian. Still don't believe me?!?! I have a Masters in Library Science! On the days that I'm feeling agitated or stressed out, I cruise over to the library and walk up & down the aisles....just enjoying the feel & smell of books. Yes, books have a special smell that soothes my soul! Laugh if you want but books and I have had a lllllooooooooonnnngggg loving relationship. I owned every Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys book when I was younger and my dad would take me on dates to the bookstore! :)

Anyway, I kinda...ok...REALLY...hate that during prep it seems like my reading time vanishes. Books by my favorite authors will be published and I won't be able to read them for weeks because I'm too busy cooking chicken, doing deadlifts, or speed-walking on my treadmill. Not this prep! Nope, I'm not havin' it!!!

Enter the newest addition to my library:

I have been waiting for MONTHS for this book to come out! I have a crush on the main character Joe Pike...the man has blue eyes & tattoos...kinda like my hubs :) I rushed to the bookstore at lunch yesterday to buy the book and didn't even wait to get back to my desk to start reading it (I started it at the first red light I reached!). I'm such a happy girl that it's kinda ridiculous.

So, that's how I'm spending my Wednesday night...curled up in my bed, wearing comfy clothes, and enjoying Robert Crais' incredible writing! Does anyone else have a love of reading?? Please tell me I'm not the only one!!! :)

New Release Tuesday

I am in LOVE with this song!!! The beat, Lupe's voice, the chorus....it's all so yummy to my ears!

Add it to your playlist!!!

Just What I Need

It's a new week...more prepping to do...and as you may or may not know, this can be tedious & boring. I always look for different forms of motivation so that when my focus is slipping, I can turn to a picture-quote-video to help me "get my mind right".

This video, Passion for Bodybuilding, was shared on siouxcountry and I instantly fell in love with it. I've watched it numerous times since then and also shared it with Tom (it was fun to hear him point out the different bodybuilders by name with such glee in his voice!).

So, I'm watching it again as I start week 2 and thought I would share it with you. I hope that it gives you that kick in the bootay that you need today or any day in the future.

Happy Monday!

Down But Not Out

As I'm sure most of you know, there was a horrific shooting here in Tucson yesterday morning. I was having breakfast with Tom, the Princess, my mom, and dad when the television at the restaurant flashed a news bulletin about what had taken place. I cannot comprehend how someone can believe that shooting other individuals, including a small child, is the way to voice your opposition to their beliefs/values/political views. It is also heartbreaking to me that I have to explain to my child why someone decided to take the life of another. She's nine and this is a lesson I wish she didn't have to learn!

This event has also caused me to put into perspective the work that Tom does. When there are shootings, stabbings, fires, car crashes, etc...he & the other brave folks of the Tucson Fire Department put their lives on the line to help those in need. The first responders to yesterday's shooting put aside their concern for their personal safety and rushed into the "lion's den" to help the victims. I have always said that I don't worry much when Tom's goes off to work because Tucson is a relatively safe community and it's more small town than big city. Despite that fact, I always make it a point to tell my husband to "be safe" when he kisses me goodbye on his way out the door to work. But now I find myself worrying...and I don't like it....all because some asshole decided to use violence to make a point.

Anyway, I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer but Tucson is my home (no matter how often I say I hate it and want to move...lol) and I needed to express a little of how I'm feeling about what took place. I'm a mixture of anger, sadness, and despair.

Please keep our community in your thoughts and prayers. We're broken and we need everyone's love & assistance while we grieve and try to heal.

Week 1 is in the books!!

I survived week 1 of prep....whew!! It was touch & go for a second there...lol!! It always takes me a few days to get back into it but the week went pretty smoothly. I only had dreams about Sonoran hot dogs and Popeye's biscuits twice :)

Yesterday, I really wanted a candy bar and was sitting at my desk contemplating if I should go to the gas station and get one. My phone beeped and I saw that I had a facebook message from Chelsea. She shared with me a motivational quote she had seen on someone's blog. The quote said, "Go ahead and have a cheat. The other competitors will thank you." Isn't that so true?!?! I only hurt myself and give my competition the advantage when I eat something I shouldn't. I'm definitely going to repeat this to myself anytime I want a cookie instead of a chicken breast!

As far as food goes, there's nothing exciting to report. My protein & veggies meals were very BORING but I did discover Frank's Red Hot Wing Sauce (Buffalo) this week and fell in love!! And guess what?? My mom sent me a text the other night and asked what I wanted from Costco and I replied, "FRANK'S!!". Looks like Frank's & I will have a close relationship this prep :)


So, here's a pic from this morning. It was frickin' cold (acccording to AZ standards) and I had just crawled out of bed...can't you see the excitement on my face...lol. The plan is to lean out (of course) while also bringing down some of my muscularity (boo! hiss!!). It's too soon to tell but I'm hoping I have a kick ass package to present on April 16!!!

I have a carbup today and tomorrow...bring on the sweet potatoes with cajun seasoning...woo hoo!!

How was your week?

That's What's Up Thursday

Whether she's competing in figure or bikini, her body is always ON POINT!!

Jessica Putnam - now that's what's up!

I Am Not My Hair

It's been less than a week since I cut my hair and can I just say that I did not expect me to have such a huge reaction to my going bald??

I've always said that it's just hair and it will grow back...and if it doesn't, there's always wigs! I said this when I dyed my hair bright red. I said this when I shaved only the right side of my head (I was going for a Fantasia look...trust me, it was cute!). I said this Friday night before Tom shaved my head. However, there are a lot of people who don't feel that way. I've received mixed reviews (mostly negative) about my new 'do. An older gentleman at Verizon asked me if I was a model. He told me that he was happily married but wanted to let me know that I was an incredibly beautiful bald woman. A close friend gasped when they saw me and asked why I chose to cut my hair. They asked, "Did you do it so you could be the center of attention?" A co-worker described my look as "interesting" and stated that they couldn't wait until my hair grew back.

I'm pretty tough but I would be a liar if I said that peoples' comments didn't hurt my feelings a bit. It's hair...or lack thereof....it's not a huge deal...or at least, I didn't think it was.

I'm more than a Rihanna inspired 'do...more than a wig...more than extensions...more than a bald head...as India.Arie says, "I am not my hair. I am not this skin. I am not your expections, no."

New Release Tuesday

My cardio playlist needed some new blood so I went hunting on youtube :) I found this song by Flo Rida feat Akon...the video is a little ridiculous but the song did make me dance a lil bit while on the Arc Trainer today...lol....

Enjoy!

Ready, Set, Go!!

I'm starting prep today and I'm excited to see what this competition season has in store for me! I heard the song below and the chorus is exactly how I feel about competing this year. I've decided that it's my theme song :)



Right now I plan on competing in two shows.....the Orange County Muscle Classic on April 16 and the NPC Terminator Championships on July 16. I'm ready to put in the work and come home with top 5 placings at both shows....LET'S GET IT!!!!

Hola 2011!

It's officially 2011....how crazy is that?!?!? I'm hopeful about what this year has in store for me....but I always feel that way at the start of a new year....lol!!

I talked about wanting to sport a new hairdo this year and guess what?? I am!

Don't worry, you're not seeing things! I cut off all my hair!!! This picture was taken last night at a wedding we attended. I love seeing my man all dressed up...so handsome! Anyway, I'm channeling my inner Amber Rose....I'm still adjusting to seeing my peanut head with no hair on top of it but you know what....I like it! I've gone short before but not this short. When I sent my mom a pic message right after I cut it, her response was "I think I like it on you."...nothing but the truth from my mom :)

Anybody else do something "crazy" to usher in the new year?