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?