That's What's Up Thursday

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One of my co-workers (hey Joni!) recommended that I feature this woman

as this week's motivation. She was on the cover of the

February issue of Runner's World magazine

and at first glance,

 I knew I hated loved her!

She's beautiful, fit, and looks like she could

whoop some ass if she needed to.

Runner, soccer, and lacrosse player Lauren Rudge- now that's what's up!!

New Release Tuesday

I am not a BeNasty...I mean Beyonce...fan. There are very few of her songs that I like and I'm saying it now, this is NOT one of them.

I feel like it's all over the place....I don't know....my ears are not in love with it...they vote "Hot Mess!!"

That's just my opinion....take a listen....you might feel differently!

Off To A Bumpy Start

I'm going to be completely honest...today did NOT feel like the first day of my new prep. I just wasn't feeling excited or motivated about the weeks ahead. I felt a bit of sadness and fear about the path I have chosen to take...part of it has to do with the changes to my workouts but that's another post for another day....

I know what things motivate me so off I went in search of blog posts, videos, and quotes to help me get me get in the right state of mind.

Here's what I found -

This video is incredible. That's all that needs to be said. Watch it and tell me that you don't want to go do something extraordinary when it's over!!



Kari of Figure World gives a simple answer when asked what pushes her to train during those times when she really doesn't want to. She simply says, "I want to win!" My definition of "winning" means improving each time I step on stage. I want to know that I did everything in my power to do better, be better.

The quote by Will Smith at the end of this blog post is the mindset I want  NEED to have.

Kelly drew a line in the sand and basically told her readers to put up or shut up. She challenged us to stop doubting our ability and just go for it. Stop saying "I hope" or "I wish" and start saying "I WILL".

I also re-read my own post from a couple of months ago....Invictus and Maino....still can't beat those two sources of motivation!

I know I can do this...I will do better....I will be better....can I get an "Amen!!"?? :)

This Is How It Went Down - Part 2!!

I was so excited when I saw the girls that made up Class E. They had muscles!!! In my last two shows, everyone was a stick (or at least looked like a stick when big o' beastly me stood next to them!). The class was stacked and that made me a very happy girl!! While there were only 4 of us in the class, I think it was a very competitive one.

Two of the girls, Whitney (pink suit) & Jill (blue suit), have competed at a national level and I'm proud to say that I felt like I gave them some great competition! After our turn on stage, I grabbed my stuff and we headed out to lunch. Once we had eaten, we went back to the hotel where I took off my hair (lol), did a quick blog post, and then laid down until it was time to go back to the auditorium.

Figure was at the end of the schedule so I had a lot of time to hang out, talk with the other competitors, and watch the show (they provided a tv in the main hallway so we could watch what was taking place on stage - really cool!). The guest poser was Jay Cutler and I bumped into him, literally, while he was backstage. It was like bumping into a brick wall!!! Other folks that I recognized that were at the show include Sonia Gonzales (she's a tiny thing!), Felicia Romero (gorgeous!), and Gina Aliotti (shorter than I thought she would be but so frickin' built!!).

Since we had such a small class, we didn't leave the stage when we were done with our individual presentations. We lined up and they presented us with our trophies! Was I disappointed to get 4th? Let's be honest, I wanted that top spot but I was happy with who I competed against. You know your competition is good when the winner of your class wins overall!! My goal was to come home with a top 5 placing and technically, I did that :)

My post-show meal was New York Cheesecake pancakes from IHOP - so delicious! The next morning, we headed out to Los Angeles to visit my baby brother. On the way there, we stopped at a hamburger place called Goodfellas Hamburgers (thank you, Tom's Droid). The food was fan-fricking-tastic! We shared this dish called the D.U.I. It was french fries topped with chili, carne asada, pastrami, and cheese....yeah...tasty!!

I was so happy to see The Princess when we picked her up afterschool. She instantly grabbed my trophy and held onto it for the rest of the day. As we were driving home she said, "Mom, I crossed my fingers that you would come home with a trophy and you did!" - thank goodness I didn't let her down! :) I also came home to a care package from Genie containing some serious treats - cookies & peanut butter fudge - holla!!

I emailed the women's head judge for feedback and heard back from her within 24 hours. This was just another moment where Lindsay Productions & their staff proved they are serious about the business they're in. The feedback was all very positive. They loved my hair, suit, and presentation. I was told I had great poise and a stunning physique. HOWEVER, I'm too muscular for the direction that figure is going in right now so if I want to continue to compete in this division, I have to drop some overall size.

I took a couple of days to think about it and I've decided that I am willing to drop some of my muscle. Hear me out! I know that I'm blessed genetically with the ability to put on muscle easily (Tom hates me for it!) so I'm not worried about getting the muscle back. I want to be able to look back at this time in my life and say that I did everything I could (including sacrificing size & muscle) to be successful.

That's where I'm at right now. Monday marks the start of my prep for the July 16 NPC Terminator in Tucson. Chelsea and Ana will also be competing at this show. It's going to be a lot of fun but I know the weeks leading up to that day may not be so fun....but isn't that what prep is all about...lol....

I have more photos from the weekend on facebook. If we're not friends already, send me a request if you so desire!

Happy Saturday!

This Is How It Went Down!

I have to start this post off  by saying that the Orange County Muscle Classic was such a well-run and organized show! From the moment I arrived at the auditorium, it was obvious to me that Lindsay Productions does not play around when they put on a show!

Since Tom and I had "mapped out" a route from our hotel to the auditorium the day before, the morning of the show was pretty calm and low-key. I made sure to do the majority of my getting ready (hair, makeup, lashes, etc) at the hotel because a friend of mine let me know that there wasn't a large amount of space backstage.

The athlete's meeting started promptly at 8:00 (just as the schedule stated - loved that!) - it was informative, short, and straight to the point. I paid for my NPC card, got measured (I now possess an official NPC Height card), checked in & received my competitor number (#41 baby!!), and paid for pictures all within 35 minutes. The process was so smooth that I was sure I was doing something wrong...you ever get that feeling that something is too good to be true....well....in this case it wasn't! :)

Once I found a spot for my stuff in the dressing room, I decided to walk around. I was standing at the base of the stairs that lead backstage talking to one of the men working security (he told me that I was going to win...damn him for being wrong...lmao!) when this photographer stopped in front of me and said "Smile". Without thinking, I did and he took my picture. He also took a picture of me and the security guy. It turns out that the photographer was Ron "Yogi" Avidan from Hardbody.com and the pictures he took are online! I guess that's what happens when you let strangers take your picture! :)

After I did some "exploring" and chatted with Tom once he found his seat, I went backstage to put my feet up. Since the dressing room was so small, I found a spot in the hallway. I put down my yoga mat, pillow, and wrapped myself in my blanket that my mom crocheted for me. I listened to my ipod & read my book until it was time to pump up. When it was time to get ready, I took out the puppy and doll I had brought with me as good luck charms (they represent my kiddos!). It was time for carbs, glaze, Bikini Bite, and pumping up!! Next thing I know, the expeditor was calling for Class E and it was my time to rock the stage!!!

I'll stop here and finish up my recap in my next post. If you want to see more of my gallery of pictures that were taken by the show's photographer, you can find them here.

I'm off to enjoy a chocolate candy bar....don't worry, Melissa....I'm having an extra one just for you :)

That's What's Up Thursday

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When I'm 39 years old, I want my body to look like her's.

I also want to be able to do one-arm pushups, straddle holds, and side splits.

Scratch that...I want all of those things right now at 30!!!!

IFBB Fitness Pro Adela Garcia - now that's what's up!!

The Suit Story I Promised You

I'm stepping away from the candy & tortillas just long enough to type the first part of my weekend/show recap!

How are you??? It may sound silly but I've missed you guys! Thank you all for your incredible comments on my posts from Saturday & Sunday! It feels good to hold that trophy in my hand!! :)

So,  remember me talking about the suit I was ordering from Tamee Marie?? I'm sure you recall my slightly agitated post last week about some suit drama that I was having. Well, I'm ready to spill the beans about that.

I had emailed Tamee several weeks before my show to double-check the balance owed and the date that money needed to be submitted to her. I received a reply from her stating the dollar amount I needed pay and she informed me that my suit would be shipped on 4/5.  As you can see from the picture above, I happily sent off my last payment and waited for my suit.

I received an email on 4/6 from Tamee stating that my suit should be ready to ship on Saturday (4/9) and that she would keep me posted. At this point, I'm starting to get a little concerned because I'm not sure that I will have enough time to try on the suit, send it back to her if it needs alterations, and receive it back before leaving for Anaheim.  I emailed her back and asked her if she sent it on Saturday when would I receive it because I was worried that it would not arrive before I left town. She told me I would have it by Tuesday at the latest and while I was a tad annoyed that it would be cutting it so close, I said ok.

It is now Monday, April 11 and I receive a notification from USPS that a shipping label for a package has been created for me. I'm like, "What?!?! It's Monday - the suit should be getting here today!!!" Poor Tom!! I'm pretty sure he thought I was going to punch holes in the wall or something.  Let me stop here and say that at this point, I have yet to receive any "update" from Tamee about what's going on. She's not contacted me to let me know that  the suit didn't ship on Saturday as planned or anything.

I am LIVID!!! I'm like "What the frick is going on?!?!?"  I'm telling Tom that based on the "Track & Confirm" info, the label has been created but nothing has been shipped! Talk about stressed out!!!

Needless to say, the suit was shipped Express Monday night. Tom spent half the day Tuesday trying to find it once it reached Tucson so one of us could pick it up but no luck. I get home that night, realize I have no suit, and go into the room to cry in the dark for 2 hours.

On Wednesday we finally find the package at one of the post offices and make arrangements for them to hold it so I can pick it up. I'm happy that the suit is minutes away but still worried that it may not fit.

The suit fit perfectly and while I wanted to hate it (because I was still angry about the whole shipping thing), I fell in LOVE with the suit. It was beautiful on stage and I received a ton of compliments on it!

I'm a bit disappointed about the communication between Tamee & I. I know that its partly my fault because I was upset and knew I would not conduct myself in the appropriate manner so I didn't try to get in contact with her.  I am, however, hurt that she has not apologized or said anything to me about why the shipping of my suit was delayed. As I have been known to say, "It is what it is..."

The lesson that I learned is that I should have done a better job of reading the policies on Tamee's website about ordering & payment (there was a section about paying by check and how that affects receipt of your suit that I didn't read completely). I also learned that my mom and Tom can spring into action at a moment's notice. My mom fixed the bottoms of my back-up suit in less than a day and Tom tried to move heaven & Earth to get that package into my hands!! They always take such GREAT care of me!!

Whew!!! Typing that was exhausting!!! I think I need another dark chocolate Peep for some energy so I can finish my work and start the next part of my recap ;)

New Release Tuesday

New prep = need for new music for my "Workout" playlist!!

Pandora found this song for us while we were driving to CA and I made it a point to write down the name of it. I can definitely picture myself doing a lil dance on the treadmill during morning cardio to its beat.

C'mon...join me....shake your bootay :)

The End Result

Glazed Like A Krispy Kreme Doughnut!!

Stick A Fork In It

It's one day away.

Holy crap....I just got queasy & peed my pants....

Tom and I spent the day "exploring" Anaheim...that just means we did a practice drive to the venue to see how long it will take tomorrow...went to an outdoor mall near Disneyland where I spent way too much on AWESOME accessories (but I needed wanted them...lol!)....had lunch or should I say Tom had pizza, wings, and fries while I watched him (what a jerk! I'm kidding!!!)...quick stop at Big Lots to pick up some forgotten items....and now we're loungin' at the hotel watching a movie....

We took these pictures this morning to send off to The Boss to make sure the body was coming together like it needed to. I guess you can say I have no shame because these were taken in our hotel's parking lot while guests were parking their cars (as you can see in the background of the front pose pic...he he) and the cleaning staff were walking around :) Also, here's the suit...I hate to say it but....I love it!

I'm scared....I'm nervous...I want to do well & not disappoint everyone....so yeah....that's where I'm at. Tom said to me, "You've put in the work. Put yourself on cruise control and rock the hell outta that stage tomorrow."

Here's me practicing "rockin' it"....

Tomorrow the practice is over and it will be time for the real thing.

Let's see what I can do!

Let's Have A Quickie!

A quickie update....that is... :)

Greetings from California! Tom and I made the drive to Anaheim today - our first official road trip! The trip took longer than anticipated because I had to stop & pee every 2 seconds...lol! We enjoyed good music, random conversation, food & snacks (boiled chicken, rice cakes, & asparagus for me....McDonald's, Carl's Jr, Sour Patch Kids, and sunflower seeds for him), and a surprise phone call from The Princess.

I'm waiting for my 2nd coat of tanner to dry so while I wait, I figured this would be a perfect time to update you!

This peak week did NOT go as smoothly as I would have liked. I'm sure you recall my angry suit post - that anger & stress dominated the first part of my week - it was really hard to stay focused on my work, family, cardio, and workouts. But I was incredibly happy that I could let the anger & stress go yesterday morning. I'll give you all of the details in my show recap/review.

Tom helped me make it through my last workout yesterday morning- he kept a close eye on me at the gym because he knows how I am & when the plan says "60% - 70% intensity", I will do 90%. I made it a point to bring my show shoes with me to the gym so I could use the super-size mirrors in the aerobics room to practice posing. Here's a pic that Tom took -

When I finished my last cardio session last night, I walked into the house and shouted "Cardio for this prep is DONE!!!" That was an incredible feeling - no more cardio for the next few days - can I get a "Holla!"??!? :)

I'm exhausted but full of excitement - I'm going to attempt to get some sleep!

I hope your day was a good one!

Wednesday's Wake Yo Butt Up :)

Wake up!!! It's Hump Day!!! That means the weekend is almost here :)

I wanted to share this song with you...I heard it on the radio the other day and became obsessed with it.

My ears are in love.

It Might Get Ugly

I'm heated.

I'm pissed.

I'm so angry that I can literally feel the blood boiling inside my body.

That can't be good....especially this week, right???!?!

I'm having some issues with my suit...my beautiful suit that I've been longing for since I placed my order for it in February....

I will go into the whole sordid story next week. I plan on doing a whole prep and show recap and review.

As I'm literally saying more curse words than any person should say, my Blackberry notifies me that I have a new email. I open the email, read, and begin to cackle like one of the hyenas from The Lion King. It was just what I needed to take my focus off of my anger, lift my spirits, and remind me that somehow it WILL all work out!

Here are some excerpts from the email -

Dear Twilight Fans,
Please realize that because vampires are dead and have no blood pumping through them, they can never get an erection. Enjoy fantasizing about that.
Sincerely,
Logic

Dear Batman,
What was your power again?
Sincerely,
Superman

Dear Ugly People,
You're welcome.
Sincerely,
Alcohol

Dear iPhone,
Please stop spellchecking all of my rude words into nice words. You piece of shut.
Sincerely,
Every iPhone User

If it didn't make you cackle like a hyena, I hope it at least made you smirk :)

And So It Begins!

Peak week!!!

It's finally here!! I can hardly believe it. It really does feel like it was just the other day that I was sharing my 2011 competition plans with you guys! Now I'm just a few days out from the Cali show....crazy....just crazy!!!

Today has been productive and exhausting. The morning started off with me making Tom and The Princess some breakfast while I enjoyed water...I didn't eat when they did because I had fasted cardio to do. After Tom finished his food, he was able to take my progress pictures and send them off to The Boss. I feel pretty good about them but am still keeping my fingers crossed that my hammies show up :)

After taking the pictures, I was off to the gym for a leg workout. I ran into my father-in-law while I was there and he helped pass the time while I was doing cardio by telling me some pretty funny stories. I left the gym and hit up a couple of stores for asparagus and post-show goodies (Queso Ruffles, Snickers eggs, and Rocky Road candy bars...holla!!). I felt kind of bad for the people at the stores because I had that "I Just Killed It In The Gym" funk goin' on...oh well!

I was able to get a pedicure and manicure from my favorite nail salon, so I can cross that off of my list of things to do for this week!

I know the next few days are going to FLY by, so I'm going to do my best to keep you guys updated on what's going on.

I found the following quote/question today and it made me really think...

"If you could travel back in time to the present moment,

what would you do differently?"

*Robert Brault*

I want my answer to always be an enthusiastic "NOTHING!"

What about you?

Let Me Explain...

I've been meaning to do a "real" post all week but it's been so crazy! So much to do and so little time! :)

Let's start with YOU - thank you all so much for your compliments, words of encouragement, and positivity on the photos I posted at the beginning of this week! I really do appreciate it! You have been so wonderful this prep and I want to thank you for that from the bottom of my heart!
I've been making lists and schedules of all of the things that need to be taken care of before we leave for Cali next Thursday. I need to get a pedicure & manicure....start my tanner....pack everyone's bags...find some place to eat after the show (I think this might be the most important thing...lol!)...you get the idea!

I was stressing out a bit because I wanted needed to get waxed this week and the aesthetician that I normally go to is on vacation until next Wendesday. That wasn't going to work because I need to start my tanner next Wednesday so I was on the hunt for another option. I happened to see a flier in the breakroom at my work for a place called SweetCheeks and decided to check it out. I called for an appointment, explained why I urgently needed to get an appointment, and they were able to fit me in last night. Kelly is phenomenal!! She was so friendly and efficient. The pain was minimal (anyone who says a Brazilian does not hurt is a big fat liar!) and I didn't feel uncomfortable at any point during my appointment (despite it being my first time going there). I'm definitely going to go back!!! If any of you are ever in Tucson and need to have some waxing done, I highly recommend her!!

Anyway, tomorrow is the start of peak week!!! I can't believe it's actually here and I'm excited for the changes that will be taking place.

I'm off to do some laundry, cleaning, and hopefully some napping!

Have a wonderful Saturday!!!

That's What's Up Thursday

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I needed something to snap me outta my funk today

and remind me what the point of all of this is.

Then I saw this picture and remembered

the point is be a BEAST like this woman!!!

I've been watching her workout videos on youtube

and she does not play around when she's in the gym!

 Love that!!

If my body looked like her's, I would totally go to the gym

in booty shorts and a mini-top! :)

Ms. Olympia Erin Stern - now that's what's up!!!

New Release Tuesday

One word describes how I feel about this song..... LOVE!!! After the first time I heard it, I kept singing Ne-Yo's verse over and over. The song has a great beat and makes you dance without realizing it. Definitely recommend that you got to itunes and get this one!!! Enjoy!!

Houston...We Have A Problem!!

What could my problem possibly be, you ask??

I'm hurt.

Yep, I hurt myself. I pulled something in my back sometime Wednesday and I have been miserable ever since. I reek of Icy Hot (such a sexy smell...lol) and I'm moving funny. This is definitely NOT what I needed right now but I'm in beast mode so I'm not letting it hold me back. I only missed one cardio session (Thurs morning) but was still able to finish my week out strong.

Check in went well yesterday. I was am freaking out a bit because I'm not dropping weight like I feel I should be. I want to come in as lean as possible but I get the feeling my body is going to fight me on that :)

 I need to bring my right shoulder up a bit...I'm lopsided :)

There are a few tweaks that have been made to my diet and some additional cardio added to the mix - nothing I can't handle - thank goodness!

So this is wig I'm going to wear for the show. It's more hair than I'm used to (of course!!) but I think it softens up my face and gives me just the right amount of "girly". What do you think? I'm still going to take the other wig with me just in case I change my mind at the last minute. I also need to fix the bangs...the whole "in my eye" thing is going to drive me nuts! :)

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I needed to get out of the house yesterday - I felt like a hamster frantically running in one of those balls - there's only so much laundry and cleaning I can take :) So, I treated myself to a movie and saw the Lincoln Lawyer. I'm a huge Michael Connelly fan and the movie is based on the book of the same name. Now, I never pictured the main character Mickey Haller as a pretty boy but let's just say, I didn't mind seeing Matthew McConaughey on the big screen for almost 2 hours! I stand by my opinion that the book will always be better than the movie but The Lincoln Lawyer was still worth the money! You should definitely go see it.

Two weeks....that's all the time I have left to prepare for competition. I'm tired, a bit bitchy crabby, and scared!

There's so much to do and so little time! I have to stay focused and remain in "LET'S GIT IT!!" mode.

I leave you with this....

"If you stay focused and right on track, you will get to where you want to be."
*Michelle C. Ustaszeski*